NIHR Newcastle BRC is based in a wonderfully diverse community in the West End of Newcastle and is part of the UK’s first Health Innovation Neighbourhood, a 29-acre space for research to come together with business, government and people to shape the future of health and ageing.
The BRC collaborated with the Haref Connected Voice and Newcastle Health Research Partnership to deliver the first Summer Health Research Community Open Day inviting local families to find out more about plans for the site, see what research takes place and how to take part. A hot buffet was on offer as well as a visit to the community research bus ‘Monty’ offering a range of health checks such as blood pressure and cholesterol.
Diane Sandford, HAREF and Health Equity Manager said, 'What a great day, it was reassuring and rewarding to see some many members of the community there. The stalls were busy all day; it was engaging, fun, informative and there was a real buzz at the event. Very happy to have been involved and to see the great work and opportunities available within the research teams. Verbal feedback gathered on the day was positive and I think it has helped to break down barriers and will hopefully empower members of the community to think about research and how they can be involved.’
As well as hopefully being an informative event for the local community it was also a great opportunity for partners across the site to network and share ideas.
More about the Health Innovation Neighbourhood
How to get involved in research