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Take part in Health & Care research studies

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Take part in Health & Care research studies

“I came into this project not really sure of how I could help, but as the time went on I saw how badly affected my mental health was/is due to housing. I also knew many ways I’d helped myself when I had struggles, and I loved being able to pass on my solutions to others going through the same.” Sussex women’s mental health community research participant

Taking part in research can be a rewarding experience. People often tell us they enjoy learning more about their health, sharing their knowledge and experiences, meeting new people, and knowing they are helping to improve care and treatments for others in the future.

The Sussex REN helps people from all backgrounds get involved in health and care research. Research needs to reflect everyone’s experiences, not just a few. That’s how we get better care for our families and communities.

There are many ways you and your community can get involved in health and care research, in Sussex and beyond. Discover how you can take part below.

 

BACKGROUND IMAGE FOR PANEL

What is health & care research? 

Health and care research is about finding better ways to keep people healthy and improve the care people get. It looks at what works well and what could be done better, so that patients, families, and communities all benefit. It might explore ways of preventing illness, new medicines or therapies, the way care is given in hospitals, at home or in the community. It involves listening to people’s experiences and trying out new ideas to see what really helps.

Health and care research can be carried out in different places, including in hospitals, community settings and people’s homes. It can be carried out by people who are part of their community, as well as by researchers who work in education and medicine.

What is health and care research - Be Part of Research >

 

A group of people in Crawley discussing community health and research around a table

BACKGROUND IMAGE FOR PANEL

Why take part in research?

Every day, people get support for things like health conditions, mental health, or care needs. The help they receive is often based on research. Research helps us learn what works best so we can improve care and support for everyone.

Over one million people in the UK take part in research each year. By joining a study, you can help find better treatments, new tests, or easier ways to give support. This helps people now and in the future.

Taking part in research can also help you. You might:

  • Learn more about your own health or care needs.
  • Try new types of support or services before they’re widely available.
  • Feel proud that you're helping others, including people in your local community.
  • Enjoy sharing your experiences and help to shape how research is carried out in your community.

You don’t always need to take medicine or have tests to be involved. Some studies just ask you to share your thoughts or experiences.

By taking part, you're helping make care and support better for everyone.

Why taking part matters - Be Part of Research >

How to take part

Find out about health and care research currently taking place in your area / across Sussex and how to get involved.

Follow the links below to sign up to the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Be Part of Research and Join Dementia Research, to find out more and to take part in research that interest you. 

Sussex research opportunities

Below you will find links to further information about local research studies that you may be interested in taking part in.

Sleep attitudes study – the Minder Sleep Survey 

Share your thoughts and attitudes towards sleep habits and memory problems by completing a 15-minute online survey. We are interested in hearing from everyone including, those who have and have not, had experience with sleep and/or memory problems. Follow the link for more information and to answer the questions.

Minder Sleep Survey


National research registries

NIHR Be Part of Research registry

Sign up to the NIHR Be Part of Research registry, a free online service which will match you to research studies that you might be interested and able to take part in. 

Be Part of Research

 

Dementia research

Help beat dementia by taking part in research. Through research can we understand what causes dementia diseases, develop effective treatments and improve the care of those living with dementia. We need more people with and without dementia to take part in vital studies. Join Dementia Research can match you to studies you may be able to take part in, both online, nationally and in your local area. 

Join dementia research