You are invited to be a co-researcher in a participatory research project. Charlotte Jones, a PhD student researcher from the University of Tasmania is conducting a research project about how young people and the important adults in their lives think and feel about their futures, in the context of key challenges such as climate change. As part of this research, we are looking to recruit a group of young people to be co-researchers on the project.  

1. What is the purpose of this group?

The purpose of this study is to better understand how young people and the important people in their lives from older generations feel about their futures. It also aims to identify opportunities for intergenerational collaboration.

We also aim to give you the opportunity to have a say in research that affects your life and to learn new social and research skills.

2. How is this advisory group being funded?

This group is funded through an Australian Research Training Program Scholarship and a Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship.

3. Why have I been invited to participate?

You can take part in this participatory research if you are between the ages of 15 – 19 years and live in Tasmania. It is up to you if you would like to be involved - your participation is voluntary.

If you are interested in being a co-researcher you can fill in the expression of interest form here.

Please note that due to the limited number of spaces available, we may not be able to accommodate everyone who completes the form. Our goal is to assemble a group that reflects a broad range of perspectives.

4. What will I be asked to do?

You will be asked to attend a two-day workshop at the Kingborough Community Hub. Each day will run for 6 hours.

Day one on 6th April 10am-4pm will involve activities introducing the young co-researchers to the project, and training for how to conduct interviews.

You will be asked to invite an important person in your life, from an older generation to attend day two of the workshop with you on 7th April 10am-4pm. This person could be a grandparent, mentor, teacher, member of music or sports community, parent / guardian, or other family member. On day two young co-researchers will conduct interviews with this important person, followed by whole-group activities.

You will be able to claim reimbursement for reasonable costs associated with travel to the workshop venue if requested.

5. Are there any possible benefits from participation in this group?

The benefits of participating in this study include:

• Opportunity to be actively involved in finding solutions to problems that affect you

• Develop valuable communication and social research skills.

• Receive a participation certificate from the University of Tasmania upon completing both workshop days.

• Receive a $200 gift voucher of your choice at the end of the workshop.

6. Are there any possible risks from participation in this study?

We will work to make sure the interviews and workshops are respectful, inclusive, and supportive spaces for everyone involved.

If any of the activities or discussions raise any issues or become upsetting and you would like someone to talk with, you can call the Kids Helpline at any time on 1800 55 1800. You can also contact headspace on 1800 650 890. You may also choose to talk to a counsellor or trusted adult at school, or a family member at home.

7. What if I change my mind about participating during or after the workshop?

You are free to stop being involved at any time. Please let Charlotte know if you wish to withdraw. If you wish to withdraw from participating you may also request to have your previous comments excluded from the analysis.

If you would like to withdraw your data after the interview and/or workshop, you can do so until one month after the intergenerational workshop by contacting Charlotte (CA.Jones@utas.edu.au).

8. What will happen to the data when this study is over?

Interviews will be audio recorded and transcribed. Workshops will also be audio recorded and transcribed. In addition, the intergenerational workshop will also be visually recorded for a video summary of the research. If you do not wish to be included in visual recordings, you can indicate this in the consent form.

In the consent form you can choose to be referred to by your own name or be assigned a different name (pseudonym) so you will not be identifiable in any published work. The information will be kept in a private and secure place. All the data generated in the group will be archived for an unspecified amount of time, but for a minimum of 5 years. The data, including recordings and transcripts of these workshops, may be used in future academic publications by members of this research team. The data will not be made available to researchers who are not part of the research team.

9. How will the results of the study be published?

Results from this research project will be published as an academic article and graphical/animated summary.

You will be invited to co-author a research article in the future. You do not have to participate in co-authoring. If you wish to participate in co-authoring, you will be identifiable as a co-author.  You do not have to be a co-author and can still participate as a co-researcher.

If you wish to be notified of the results of this study, please email Charlotte CA.Jones@utas.edu.au

10. What if I have questions about this study?

If you have any queries, concerns or issues with this study, please feel free to contact Charlotte Jones by emailing CA.Jones@utas.edu.au.

This study has been approved by the University of Tasmania Human Research Ethics Committee.  If you have concerns or complaints about the conduct of this study, you can contact the Executive Officer of the HREC (Tasmania) Network on (03) 6226 6254 or email human.ethics@utas.edu.au The Executive Officer is the person nominated to receive complaints from research participants.  You will need to quote H0030056.

11. How can I agree to be involved?

You can indicate your willingness to be involved by completing the expression of interest form. We are seeking to recruit a diverse group of young people in Tasmania. Not everyone who completes the expression of interest form may be chosen to be a co-researcher. You will receive an email from Charlotte if you are selected to participate.

If you are chosen to participate, you can agree to be involved by signing the consent form that you’ll receive at the workshop.