The Scrawly Writer

The Scrawly Writer was founded by Michelle Henderson, a former national medical correspondent, out of a recognition that the health and medical research sector often struggles to communicate complex findings in a way that resonates with the public and key stakeholders. Based in Melbourne, Australia, the agency was built on the premise that accurate, compelling storytelling is essential for translating scientific breakthroughs into meaningful public understanding. Henderson’s own experience navigating the intersection of journalism and medicine gave her a clear view of the gaps between researchers, clinicians, and the audiences they need to reach. This founding context—rooted in a desire to bridge understanding—continues to shape the agency’s work today.

Current Focus and Core Philosophy

At its heart, The Scrawly Writer is a media and communications consultancy that specialises in health and medical research. The agency helps individuals and organisations tell their stories and convey their messages with clarity and impact. While the agency’s expertise is firmly anchored in health and science communications, its approach is adaptable to a range of public relations and communications challenges. The Scrawly Writer operates with a journalistic sensibility, prioritising accuracy, narrative structure, and audience engagement over promotional language. This makes them particularly effective for clients who need to explain nuanced research findings, advocate for policy changes, or build public trust in a new medical development. Based in Melbourne, the agency serves clients across Australia and beyond, leveraging a network of media contacts and subject-matter expertise to secure meaningful coverage.

Services and Specialties

The Scrawly Writer offers a suite of services tailored to the unique needs of health and medical organisations. While the agency’s primary focus is on media relations and strategic messaging, its capabilities extend to broader communications support. Below are typical services a client might expect from The Scrawly Writer:

• Media relations and press release development for health research and clinical studies
• Thought leadership content—op-eds, blog posts, and white papers
• Crisis communications for medical institutions and research bodies
• Strategic messaging and key message development for public health campaigns
• Media training for researchers, clinicians, and executive leaders
• Content creation for digital platforms, including social media and newsletters
• Stakeholder communications and internal messaging for health organisations
• Event promotion for conferences, launches, and public health initiatives

These services are delivered with a deep understanding of the regulatory and ethical considerations specific to health communications. The Scrawly Writer’s team is skilled at translating technical jargon into accessible language without sacrificing scientific accuracy—a balance that many agencies struggle to achieve.

Who Benefits from Working with The Scrawly Writer

The Scrawly Writer is best suited for individuals and organisations operating within the health and medical research ecosystem. This includes university research departments, medical institutes, biotech startups, public health agencies, hospitals, and non-profits focused on health advocacy. The agency is also a strong fit for clinicians and researchers who are looking to elevate their personal profiles as thought leaders in their fields. Because the agency is based in Melbourne, it has a natural understanding of the Australian media landscape, but its work often extends to international audiences, especially when a story has global relevance. Clients who value a collaborative, journalistic approach—rather than a traditional press release factory—will find The Scrawly Writer to be a meaningful partner. The agency’s size allows for personalised attention, while its founder’s deep industry connections ensure that campaigns are grounded in real-world media dynamics.