The Boroondara Volunteer Resource Centre is promoting this opportunity on behalf of Craig Family Centre.
Volunteer Opportunity: Silver Surfers Teen Mentor
Location: Craig Family Centre, Ashburton
Event: Get Online Week 2026 - Session Times: Wednesday 21 October and Thursday 22 October 2026
Time Commitment: Two-hour session/s, plus a casual one-hour volunteer induction the week prior
About the Role
Are you confident using phones, tablets or computers and enjoy helping other people learn? Craig Family Centre is seeking Teen Mentors to take part in Silver Surfers & Teen Mentors, an intergenerational digital literacy program running during Get Online Week 2026.
The program brings teenagers and older adults together in a relaxed, friendly environment. Teen Mentors will spend time with older community members, helping them use everyday technology, answering questions and building their confidence. This isn't formal classroom teaching. The sessions are designed to be social, conversational and confidence-building, with volunteers working one-on-one or in small groups.
What You'll Do
As a Teen Mentor, you may:
- Help older adults with general phone, tablet and computer use
- Answer everyday technology questions
- Help troubleshoot simple technology issues
- Demonstrate how to use different functions and applications
- Work one-on-one or in small groups
- Encourage participants and build their confidence
- Have conversations and create meaningful intergenerational connections
- Work alongside other Teen Mentors and supporting staff
The emphasis is on patience, encouragement and confidence-building, rather than knowing the answer to every technology question.
What the Sessions Involve
Each Silver Surfers session runs for 2 hours and will include:
- Digital Support: Teen Mentors work one-on-one or in small groups with older adult participants.
- Technology Assistance: Support may include general phone, tablet and computer use, troubleshooting everyday questions and helping participants become more confident using technology.
- Social Connection: Sessions are relaxed and conversational, creating opportunities for older adults and young people to connect.
- Catering: Catering will be provided for participants and volunteers.
- Take-Home Resources: Participants will receive a resource pack containing a folder, notebook, pen and printed guides.
Volunteer Induction
A casual volunteer induction will be held during the week before the event. The induction will run for approximately 1 hour and will cover:
- How the sessions will run
- Working with older adults
- Common technology questions
- What to expect on the day
- Building confidence ahead of the sessions
The induction is intentionally relaxed and social, with tea, coffee and biscuits provided. Its purpose is to help volunteers feel comfortable and connected before the sessions, rather than provide formal technology training.
Skills & Experience
You don't need to be a technology expert to participate. We are looking for young people who:
- Are comfortable using phones, tablets or computers
- Enjoy helping others
- Are patient, friendly and approachable
- Can explain things clearly
- Are willing to work with older adults
- Are comfortable answering questions and learning alongside others
- Enjoy meeting people from different generations
Why Volunteer?
This is a great opportunity to:
- Make a positive difference to older members of the community
- Help someone become more confident with technology
- Develop communication and mentoring skills
- Gain experience supporting community members
- Build meaningful intergenerational connections
- Meet other young volunteers
- Take part in a community program during Get Online Week
The program aims to build older adults' digital confidence while creating meaningful connections between young people and older community members.
About the Program
Silver Surfers & Teen Mentors is an intergenerational digital literacy program run by Craig Family Centre. It forms part of Get Online Week 2026, with two catered sessions held across Wednesday 21 October and Thursday 22 October.
Volunteer Support
Volunteers will be supported by Craig Family Centre staff throughout the program. The project includes a volunteer induction, on-the-day staff support, catering and volunteer recognition following the event.
If you enjoy technology, helping people and meeting people from different generations, we'd love to have you involved!
Express interest