In paid work but still struggling to pay your phone and internet bills?
Would you be interested in telling us about your experience paying your phone and internet bills, and receive $60 cash as a thank you for your time?
The South Australian Council of Social Service (SACOSS) is the peak body for the non-government health and community services sector in SA. As part of our role we conduct research, run campaigns and advocate with and on behalf of people on low incomes.
We’re conducting an independent study looking at the experiences of low income households who have difficulties paying their phone and internet bills and whose main source of income is paid work.
The goal of this current research project is to find ways to improve outcomes for people in paid work who are experiencing cost of living pressures.
How can I participate?
SACOSS will be holding a focus group to discuss experiences of telecommunications affordability with a group of people who are mainly reliant on income from employment, but still have low incomes. The focus group will be in mid-February.
To register your interest, please download this form, answer the few quick questions and return it to greg@sacoss.org.au (or ring Greg [Monday-Thursday] to answer the questions over the phone: 8305 4229).
A SACOSS staff member will contact you afterwards.
Please note that SACOSS is only able to speak to a limited number of people who fit the criteria for the study.
What are the details of the focus group?
The focus group will be conducted at the SACOSS office in Unley at a date to be fixed in mid-late February.
The focus group is a discussion among about 10 people with a facilitator to guide the process. There will be various questions and prompts to discussion, but otherwise the discussion should be fairly free-flowing. The focus group will take about 60 minutes – or perhaps a bit more, but definitely no more than 90 minutes in total.
Following the focus group you will receive $60 cash as a thank you for your time.
How will the group discussion be shared?
The focus group will be recorded, the recording will be transcribed and SACOSS researchers will analyse the discussion and report on the issues raised in a major written report which will be released in June. Words and comments in the discussion group will be quoted in the report, but they will not be attributed to any individual. Your name will not be published anywhere, nor will any other details that could be used to identify you or your household.
Your contact information will only be used by SACOSS to arrange the focus group, and to send a copy of the final report.
Can I change my mind about participating?
Yes, participation is entirely voluntary, but please let us know as early as possible if you can’t make the focus group.
Who can I contact if I have questions about the interview?
If you have any questions about the interview, you can contact the project co-ordinator, Greg Ogle via email at greg@sacoss.org.au or (08) 8305 4229 (Monday – Thursday).