Youngster.co

In the Age of AI, "Human Connection" is our Most Valuable Asset. As we navigate the rise of AI and automation, a new "digital divide" is emerging. But while technology moves at lightning speed, the fundamental human need for connection and trust remains unchanged. In my recent feature in Shopping Centre News Australia, I discuss how we are bridging this intergenerational gap. We aren’t just teaching seniors how to use a smartphone; we are creating a "trusted place" where generations meet, wisdom is shared, and community resilience is built. In an AI-driven world, shopping centres have a unique opportunity to evolve from mere places of commerce into vital community hubs. I am incredibly proud of the vision shared by our partners at IFM Investors, HMC Capital, Stockland, Mirvac and Retail First Pty Ltd. They recognize that the future of retail isn't just about the latest tech—it’s about using our physical spaces to serve the community in a truly meaningful, human way. Let’s keep the conversation going! I’ll be leading a discussion on: 🎤 From Retail to Community Hub: How Innovative Placemaking and Generational Connections Drive Social Impact in Malls. We will explore how "trusted places" can become the antidote to digital isolation and closing the intergenerational devide. Join me in Melbourne on the 24th of March here: 👉 https://lnkd.in/gFhjSp7U Thank you FuturePlace for this opportunity. #FutureOfRetail #SocialImpact #AI #Intergenerational #Placemaking #YoungsterCo #ISPT #IFM #Stockland #Mirvac #HomeCo #FuturePlace #CommunityResilience

Help your teen find purpose beyond the screen this Christmas. If you’re a busy parent with a teenager glued to their phone, you’re not alone. Many young people feel unmotivated, disconnected, and unsure about their direction, especially in a world full of screens. Our Youngster.co Youth Engagement Programme offers a meaningful pathway forward. Teens aged 16+ use their tech skills to help older Australians in safe, supervised public settings. They learn communication, empathy, professionalism and confidence and after 10 sessions, they also receive a Google Career Certificate scholarship. They must pass onboarding to participate, and once accepted, they’ll be placed at a participating location from February. If they don’t pass onboarding, we refund you in full. And if you have an ageing parent, you can also book one-on-one tech help with a vetted young person (18+) who has passed our screening. It’s a simple way to reduce isolation and help them stay connected. Give your teen a gift that builds skills, confidence and purpose — and support two generations at once. #YouthEmpowerment #TechForGood #ParentingSupport #TeenDevelopment #FutureSkills #DigitalInclusion #IntergenerationalConnection

Exciting news to share! We’ve just been featured in Shopping Centre News, and we’re incredibly proud of how Youngster.co is redefining the role of shopping centres across Australia. Check out the full post below on how we’re building intergenerational connections and creating inclusive, impactful community hubs.

So good to see our tech helpers embracing the Google career certificates. Big thank you to the Google Partnership Program APAC Region for their support and helping us to create more job opportunities for the local youth helping seniors with tech. #ai4humanity #tech4good

Taking intergenerational connection national! 🇦🇺🚀 We are incredibly proud to announce a national partnership with HomeCaring! At Youngster.co, our mission has always been two-fold: create meaningful employment for young people and build digital confidence for seniors and NDIS participants. By partnering with Home Caring locations across NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, and WA, we can now bring this vision to life on a much larger scale. What this partnership means: 🔹 For Home Caring Clients: Access to patient, friendly, local Youngsters who help navigate everything from video calls to online grocery shopping. 🔹 For Our Youngsters: More opportunities to gain life experience, earn income, and learn from the wisdom of their elders. 🔹 For the Community: As a certified social enterprise, 50% of our profits fund free community tech help sessions. A huge thank you to Zoë Poole and the entire Home Caring team for believing in the power of intergenerational connection. We are ready to support your clients with NDIS and Aged Care-aligned digital training. To all Home Caring franchise partners and support coordinators: We can't wait to work with you! #YoungsterCo #HomeCaring #SocialEnterprise #DigitalInclusion #Intergenerational #NDIS #AgedCare #Partnership

There’s still time to help someone you love get confident using rideshare apps 💙

Getting from A to B shouldn’t be a barrier to independence — but for many older Australians, navigating transport apps can feel overwhelming. This June, Youngster.co is focusing on #Rideshare Apps in our #intergenerational tech help sessions. Our trained Youngsters sit with seniors one-on-one, guiding them step-by-step through apps like Uber, DiDi, GoCatch, Shebah Rideshare, and even community transport tools like Transport for NSW or Able Australia. It’s not about selling a service — it’s about building digital confidence for life’s daily needs. These sessions are running across retirement villages and public locations Australia-wide. Sometimes, a little support is all someone needs to reconnect with the world around them. Explore our locations: https://youngster.co or call 1300 77 47 11 #DigitalConfidence #SeniorSupport #TransportAccess #IntergenerationalLearning #YoungsterCo #tech4good