Healthdirect & ARACY Young and Wise Workshop

Young and Wise Roundtable

Healthdirect & ARACY Young and Wise Workshop

ARACY is partnering with Healthdirect to facilitate young people’s participation in the design and testing of a new contraception advice tool — and we want your input to get it right.

Register your interest and help Healthdirect build a new online tool aimed at helping people better understand and explore contraception advice and options.

You can apply if

You live in Australia
Are aged between 16 and 24 years of age
You can provide necessary consent forms, including parental consent if under 18 years old
You’re currently, or planning to be, with someone where there’s a chance of pregnancy.
You have reliable internet connectivity (you will need to use your mic and camera)
You know how to connect to a Microsoft Teams meeting
You are Available for 2 hours at one of these times:
- 6-8 pm 24^th November or
- 6-8 pm 25^th November

What to expect

Format: You’ll take part in a guided and informal discussion with other young people in your age group and a couple of facilitators from the Healthdirect research team. There’s no preparation needed for the workshop.

Participants: Workshop groups will include a mix of people who currently/plan to take part in partnerships or connections where they can cause pregnancy and people who currently/plan to take part in partnerships where they can become pregnant.

Facilitators
Angelica Scott (She/They), researcher at Healthdirect
Paul Hajj (He/They), researcher at Healthdirect
Sarah Lake (She/Her), policy & engagement officer at ARACY

Post-roundtable option
We’ll invite you to record a short video after the session to:

Share feedback on the process
Add anything you didn’t get to say
Share new thoughts that came to you afterwards

Totally optional. You can film on your phone; we’ll provide a prompt and upload link.

Payment for your time
Participants will receive $60 for their time and contribution.

Payments will be made to your Australian bank account via bank transfer (no gift cards).

Register your interest

If you’d like to take part in this research, there are two ways to apply:

Video application via Folktale
Via a form

While we’d love to include everyone, spots to participate in this research are limited. If you’re selected to participate, we’ll reach out with next steps and session details.

To submit your Expression of Interest via video, please create a free Folktale account via the button below. This helps us confirm your submission, follow up safely with next steps, and keep you informed throughout the project.

Use this if you’d prefer to apply via a form

First Name

Last Name

Pronouns (optional)

Date of Birth

State or Territory

Which of the following best describes you? Why are we asking this? Because contraception options, preferences, and information needs can differ depending on whether someone can become pregnant or can get someone else pregnant, this question simply helps us group participants in a way that keeps discussions relevant, inclusive, and comfortable for everyone. Your response won’t be shared outside the project team, and it won’t affect whether you’re selected.

Anything else you’d like us to know about you — for example, if you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, culturally and linguistically diverse, living in a rural or remote area

What matters most to you about contraception or sexual health information for young people?

Please choose your preferred date/time to participate in the workshop:

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ARACY respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. When you interact with us, we may collect certain details to provide our services, such as your name and contact information. This information will only be used for purposes directly related to our business activities and will not be shared with third parties without your consent, except where required by law. By engaging with us, you consent to the collection and use of your information. Please refer to our privacy policy for more details on how we handle your information.

About this research

In the first half of 2025 ARACY held a Young and Wise Roundtable on Sexual Health and Contraception. The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (the Department) welcomed the insights and ideas from young people. The roundtable shaped the policy parameters of a new online tool about contraception the Department was working on with Healthdirect.

Healthdirect is now creating that online tool to provide clear, evidence-based information about contraception. Right now, there’s a lot of conflicting information online about contraception options. Our aim is to make sure all Australians have access to a safe and trustworthy place to find answers and support informed decision-making.

Healthdirect and ARACY are inviting young people aged 16-24 to help shape and refine this tool in two small online workshops.

We’ll explore topics like:

The usefulness of a tool like this
Information most important to you
How it should look and feel
The different ways you might use something like this

Your privacy and safety

Healthdirect and ARACY are committed to creating safe, respectful, and confidential spaces for everyone involved. Some of the topics discussed may be personal, you only need to share what feels comfortable, and you can pause or stop at any time.

Your wellbeing matters. This project is run by Healthdirect in partnership with the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth (ARACY). ARACY will support participants throughout the recruitment process and help with any safeguarding, wellbeing, or follow-up needs that may arise. ARACY also provides a feedback pathway to make sure every participant’s story is treated ethically, respectfully, and in line with their consent.

If anything shared during this EOI process bring up any difficult feelings or concerns, you can reach out to Sarah Lake (sarah.lake@aracy.org.au) or contact a free, confidential support service:

Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800
Headspace – 1800 650 890
13YARN (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people) – 13 92 76
Lifeline – 13 11 14

This project follows ARACY’s Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy (2025) and the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.

Healthdirect and ARACY are committed to creating safe, respectful, and confidential spaces for everyone involved. Some of the topics discussed may be personal; you only need to share what feels comfortable, and you can pause or stop at any time.

Your wellbeing matters. This project is run by Healthdirect in partnership with the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth (ARACY).

ARACY will support participants throughout the recruitment process and help with any safeguarding, wellbeing, or follow-up needs that may arise.

ARACY also provides a feedback pathway to make sure every participant’s story is treated ethically, respectfully, and in line with their consent.

If anything shared during this EOI process brings up any difficult feelings or concerns, you can reach out to Sarah Lake (sarah.lake@aracy.org.au) or contact a free, confidential support service:

Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800
Headspace – 1800 650 890
13YARN (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people) – 13 92 76
Lifeline – 13 11 14

This project follows ARACY’s Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy (2025) and the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.

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