Nidderdale Plus is very excited to have been asked to partner with the NHS locally to launch a new research-ready community champions programme across Nidderdale and the Washburn Valley. The aim of the programme is to ensure that under-represented communities get more opportunities to learn about and take part in health research initiatives, whether they are clinical trials, surveys, or other forms of research
The NHS is keen to make sure that research trials and surveys take place using cohorts that are as broadly representative of the general population as possible. This means that the results of any research can be reliable and effective for the general population, as opposed to being skewed to one group or another.
This recent news item about the gender gap when it comes to accurate diagnosis and treatment of heart attacks amongst women, highlights problems arising from research that has historically been skewed more to men than women. It serves as an example of how having under-represented groups in health research is literally costing some people their lives, in the worst case scenario.
We are just beginning the project now and are recruiting organisations and individuals who can act as champions to spread the word about the value of research and how people can get involved. The NHS will be launching a series of new research projects from the summer onwards and we will be able to share these opportunities, through this programme of work, throughout our area.
In the meantime, whilst we locate and train our team of champions, if you are personally interested in taking part in health research, you can sign up to this website, called “Be part of research”. By registering on this site, you will be informed of opportunities to get involved in research projects happening in our region, or nationally.
We hope you sign up to the website, and let us know if you do decide to sign up, by emailing tracey@nidderdaleplus.org.uk. Thank you.
Image used with the permission of: Healthy Life Stock photos by Vecteezy
