#BePartOfResearch campaign: Our activity

Be Part of Research logo

From Monday 16 to Friday 27 May the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) held a two-week campaign called TrialBlazers. It recognised those who volunteer to take part in health and care research and called on people across the UK to take part in research. At the middle of this campaign was International Clinical Trials Day on 20 May.

As part of this campaign, we highlighted the research we are supporting at the NIHR Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre from the perspective of research participants and staff from South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience.

Our aim was to give an insight into the range of research that people can take part in and to illustrate the importance of participants, researchers and healthcare professionals in ensuring research is accessible and meaningful.

The following examples showcase of our activity across this fortnight:

Jemma’s Story

Jemma, a Service User Research Ambassador for South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, wrote a blog My service user research journey: Jemma's story about how she applied for the role as she felt taking part in psychosis research trials helped with her recovery.

International Clinical Trials Day event

Ryan Jewell, Communications & Engagement Officer at the BRC, spoke to the public and healthcare staff about our research at a successful event at King’s College Hospital on Friday 20 May.

Video of Head of Nursing for Research and Quality Carrie-Ann Black

Carrie-Ann Black, Head of Nursing for Research and Quality for South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, spoke about why service users should take part in research.

Eating disorders research

Research participant Shanel encouraged others to #BePartOfResearch and take part in the EDGI UK study. The study was launched by our BRC and Beat to understand the biology and genetics of eating disorders, and to help develop tests and medication.

Therapy to help those who hear voices

Clinical psychologist Dr Helen Harding spoke about the benefits of taking part in the AVATAR2 trial that is evaluating a therapy to help people who hear distressing voices.

Research into the impact of COVID-19 in Black, Asian and minority communities

We promoted the E-BAME study which aims to understand the impact of COVID-19 and improve mental health within Black, Asian and minority communities.

NIHR campaign poem

The NIHR publicised a campaign poem ‘This is for the TrialBlazers’ written by poet Emily Kate Groves about the importance of taking part in research.

Find out more and #BePartOfResearch

Members of the public can support medical research for a particular condition or disease that they care about, access new treatments or learn more about a condition that affects them.

They can voluteer for a trial by www.bepartofresearch.nihr.ac.uk/trialblazers and searching by location or condition.


Tags: Patient and Carer Involvement and Engagement -

By NIHR Maudsley BRC at 31 May 2022, 13:04 PM


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