1300 090 256
What is the Virtual Social Centre?
The Virtual Social Centre is a simple and easy-to-use online space that keeps seniors virtually connected with their community. We want to offer you the opportunity to have fun, be active in both your mind and body, and meet amazing people from across the country by giving you access to a variety of interactive sessions – to be enjoyed in real time with other like-minded people.
Is there support available?
The Virtual Social Centre is age-friendly and easy to use. We are here to help you through the process every step of the way. Our support team offers assistance remotely, and one of our friendly team members will provide all the training you need to get you using the Virtual Social Centre confidently.
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The VSC programme has had big impact on my modus operandum and I thoroughly enjoy participating. The VSC is the difference between living & existing. Being deaf has made things somewhat difficult. I would like to take this opportunity to thank those responsible for the innovation, creativity and sympathetique which has made this wonderful programme available for those who really are lonely, it will be life changing for many people particularly for those of us who are sitting just waiting for the inevitable. I cannot speak highly enough of the way it is formulated to cater for the sustenance of the physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing of all involved.David
Australian Capital Territory
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“The Virtual Senior Centre has been wonderful for me at this time in my life. I am having health issues and suddenly I am home a lot more than I used to be. Before the Virtual Social Centre I was feeling very isolated and lonely. Being ill has meant that I haven’t been able to go to church, visit friends or be an active part of my community. The Virtual Senior Centre has been a lifeline. I can attend a virtual church group, chat with friends whenever I want, and see the world through the remote streaming sessions.Lorna
Australian Capital Territory
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I really value the Virtual Social Centre. It means I can have a social life from bed, which is important as I have chronic fatigue.Elisabeth
Australian Capital Territory
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I love it. It is fun. I like chatting with the ladies and the hosts are always so kind.Barbara
Australian Capital Territory
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For people who are on their own I think the Virtual Social Centre is fantastic – people are often too old to get out a lot and the Virtual Social Centre brings a social life to you.Pat
Australian Capital Territory
Join the Virtual Social Centre by following these easy steps.
Get in touch
First things first: you need to get in touch with our friendly team either by calling us on 1300 763 583, using our webchat or by filling out the form at the bottom of the page. We will then be able to talk you through any eligibility or requirements, and run you through what exactly the Virtual Social Centre is.
Things you need
The Virtual Social Centre operates on most computers, tablets, and laptops with access to a good and reliable internet connection, a webcam, and a microphone. On a laptop or computer, the latest version of the Google Chrome browser is recommended, but will also work on Mozilla Firefox. Using a dedicated headset with microphone is recommended.
For Apple iOS tablets, the VSC works best on devices that are no older than 2 years. Ensure your iOS tablet is running the latest software; iOS 13.6 or later is required.
Using the VSC on a smart phone is possible, but due to the smaller screen size it’s not recommended.
Register
When you're ready, we will set you up with a registration link and talk you through the registration process. This will require some of your information, such as your name and contact details.
Training
Once you are registered as a member of the Virtual Social Centre, one of our team members will be able to show you how the platform works and provide you with personalised training virtually. Additionally, there is face to face training available in certain locations, please enquire with our support team. You will also be given a User Guide that you can refer to any time you forget how something works. If you have any questions about the functionality of the VSC, you can give us a call on 1300 763 583 and one of our team members will help you out.
Explore
You are ready to enjoy our Virtual Social Centre sessions! You can log in to the platform any time you wish, and join in on any session you like. You will discover and choose to participate in book clubs, exercise classes, games and entertainment, and activities that stimulate your mind. We also offer information sessions on healthy living and technology. So, whether you are wanting to get active, get creative or just get talkative, we have something for you. We are always happy to get ideas and feedback from our participants on what else they would like to see on the Virtual Social Centre – so if you don’t see what you want, just let us know.
Am I eligible?
You may be eligible to join the Virtual Social Centre if you are over the age of 65 (or 50 if you are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander) and would like to meet like-minded individuals while strengthening your body and mind online.
Subscription services are also available to service providers interested in offering a virtual community to their own members. To find out more, please call us on 1300 763 583 or use our webchat.
How much does it cost?
Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible to include this program as a part of your Home Care Package, Commonwealth Home Support Program, Short Term Restorative Care, or other funding. Alternatively, you can join the Virtual Social Centre privately, regardless of your circumstance. To discuss your options, please call us on 1300 763 583 or use our webchat.
Subscriptions can be cancelled at any time, and there are no long-term contracts.
Something for everyone
Our interactive sessions allow like-minded people to gather easily online to do the things they love. Together we can discover and participate in book clubs, exercise classes, games and entertainment, and activities that stimulate your mind. We also offer information sessions on healthy living and technology. Whether you are wanting to get active, get creative or just get talkative, we have something for you.
This is what a week could look like on the Virtual Social Centre.
Sessions on the Virtual Social Centre
The Virtual Social Centre offers a wide variety of sessions that change every week; however, they usually fall into any one of these categories.
Healthy living
From cooking classes and nutrition education to seated exercise programs, we want to help you live a healthy life from the comfort of your home. These sessions are fun but educational, and they focus on equipping you with the knowledge you need to keep your body and mind sharp and fit.
Special interest groups
Whatever it is that you are interested in – books, games, languages, technology, travel – we guarantee you will find a session for it. When we say there’s something for everyone, we mean it.
Everything fun
If you are simply looking for a fun community, look no further. The Virtual Social Centre offers entertainment in the form of trivia sessions, virtual travel experiences, musical bingo, and even informal chats over a cup of tea.
Questions about the Virtual Social Centre
The Virtual Social Centre is a safe and vibrant virtual space where you can actively participate in a range of live and recorded events that cover diverse interests from exercise and movement, book clubs, languages, cooking and healthy eating, bingo, trivia, singing and virtual tours of places all from the comfort of your own home. Check out our sample calendar.
The Virtual Social Centre is open 24/7. Sessions take place daily, year-round online. In each session, all participants can see, hear and speak to each other and the host in real time.
Participants are adults who are at least 65 years old (55 years if Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander) who have a computer, laptop or tablet with webcam, microphone and internet set up in their home. They come from all backgrounds from all around Australia, and are joined by their shared interests and passion in learning and connecting with a a vibrant community.
Our sessions allow like-minded people to gather online to do the things they love. Together we can discover and participate in book clubs, exercise classes, games and entertainment, and activities that stimulate your mind. We also offer information sessions on healthy living and technology. Whether you are wanting to get active, get creative or just get talkative, we have something for you.
The Virtual Social Centre operates on most computers, tablets, or laptops with access to high speed internet, a webcam, and a microphone. On a laptop or computer, the latest version of the Google Chrome browser is recommended, but will also work on Mozilla Firefox. Using a dedicated headset with microphone is recommended.
For Apple iOS tablets, the Virtual Social Centre works best on devices that are no older than 2 years. Ensure your iOS tablet is running the latest software; iOS 13.6 or later is required.
Using the Virtual Social Centre on a smart phone is possible, but due to the smaller screen size is not recommended.
Get in touch with us if you are interested to purchase device. This option is also available.
Once you are registered as a member of the Virtual Social Centre, one of our team members will be able to show you how the platform works and provide you with personalised training virtually.
You will be provided with:
- Let’s Get Started Guide – This clearly provides step by step instructions on how to access the Virtual Social Centre.
- Virtual Social Centre User Guide – This provides you with clear instructions and information about the simple functions of the platform with images that are easy to follow.
- One-hour virtual installation that is completed over the phone where a staff guides you step by step in setting up the Virtual Social Centre for you.
- Ongoing support by the Virtual Social Centre team to ensure you have the best experience and journey on the platform. We are only a phone call or email away!
- Additional training is available if more support is required.
- Call Feros Care on 1300 763 583 or by filling out the form below.
- We will confirm your eligibility and ask you some questions to get you set up.
- You will be provided with a welcome letter with the link to the Virtual Social Centre, username, and temporary password.
- We will then commence your onboarding process.
Got a different question?
Give our customer support team a call on 1300 763 583, use our webchat or send your questions to advisors@feroscare.com.au.
