A new campaign to encourage people living in and around Greater Manchester to get more involved with local health research opportunities. 
Research for the Future is supported by the NHS’ research arm, the National Institute for Health Research, and enables people with a particular health condition to hear more about research going on into that condition. They can then decide if they would like to find out more or take part.
At present, Research for the Future is looking for people with diabetes; heart conditions, such as high blood pressure or angina; or respiratory conditions, such as asthma or COPD.
If you are over 18, have one of the conditions and live in or around Greater Manchester, visit researchforthefuture.org or text the word research and your name to 81400 to join Research for the Future and help the NHS find new treatments for your condition.
Katherine Grady, programme development manager, explains further: “People with a long-term health condition are often passionate about understanding their condition and are very willing to help researchers learn more about the best ways of treating it. However, it can be difficult to find out what research is going on locally and how to take part.
“When people sign up to Research for the Future, we ask for some basic contact details and the types of research they are interested in – there are lots of opportunities to take part from filling in simple questionnaires to taking part in trials of new treatments. We then let you know what’s going on in your local area so you can get involved if you want to.”
Research has always been at the heart of the NHS. Through research they are able to continually improve treatments and discover the best ways to prevent, diagnose and manage illnesses. It also helps to understand how to best focus NHS resources where they will be most effective.
For further information and to get involved, contact 0161 206 3636, or email: [email protected]