Take part in health and care research
Wellbeing Enterprises is working with Runcorn Primary Care Network, North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust, and the NIHR Regional Research Delivery Network to help more people in Halton learn about and take part in health and care research.
Health and care research can involve completing a questionnaire, sharing your experiences, trying a health programme or participating in a clinical study. You do not need any previous research experience.
Find research opportunities
A good place to begin is Be Part of Research, a free NIHR service that helps you find health and care research covering a wide range of conditions and specialities. You can also register with the local Pathway to Research.
Before you take part
Some studies identify potentially eligible participants through their GP practice, so it may not always be possible to apply directly.
Taking part is always voluntary. The research team will explain what is involved before you decide, and choosing not to participate will not affect your care or support.
Research opportunities and recruitment dates may change. Please follow the relevant link or speak to your GP practice for the latest information.
Research opportunities currently available
Some local studies identify potentially eligible participants through their GP practice. This means that people cannot always register for a specific study directly and may instead receive an invitation from their practice.
| Research opportunity | What is it about? | Who can take part? | What would I need to do? | Where and how does it happen? | Find out more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BrainBITE: Shaping diet support for you | A survey about people’s preferences for diet-based support for symptoms such as stress, low mood, sleeplessness or anxiety, as well as other mental health, neurodevelopmental or behavioural conditions. | Anyone aged 14 or over who has experienced these symptoms, or is a loved one, carer or healthcare professional supporting someone who has | Complete a short survey about the types of diet-based support you would prefer. | The survey is completed online and takes around 15 minutes. | https://rdashresearch1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0STPs5rL14clmsu?Q_CHL=qr |
| CORAL – Coenzyme Q10 in heart failure | This study is looking at whether adding coenzyme Q10 to usual care is an effective and cost-effective treatment for people with heart failure managed through their GP. | Runcorn GP practices are inviting patients who may be eligible. | Those invited can contact the study team to express an interest. Participants will complete questionnaires and take three study capsules each day for 12 months. These will contain either coenzyme Q10 or a placebo. | Participation can take place remotely or in person. | CORAL – Coenzyme Q10 in heart failure |
| DANA – MyDESMOND Connect | This study is testing a digital education and self-management programme developed with younger adults living with type 2 diabetes. It includes information, videos and support covering health, wellbeing, relationships, education and employment. | It may be suitable for adults aged 45 or under who were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes before the age of 40. Runcorn GP practices are inviting potentially eligible patients. | Participants will register online, use the MyDESMOND Connect programme and complete questionnaires at the beginning of the study and after 3, 6 and 12 months | The study and programme are delivered remotely online. | DANA | Empower Your Diabetes Management Today |
| DaRe2THINK – preventing strokes in people with atrial fibrillation | This study is exploring whether prescribing a blood-thinning medicine can help prevent strokes in people with atrial fibrillation who are not currently taking one because they have a lower risk score. | Castlefields Health Centre, Grove House Practice and Tower House Practice are contacting patients who may be eligible. | Invited patients can decide whether to provide consent. Participants will either receive a blood thinner or continue without one. The study team will monitor health outcomes using medical records | Participation takes place mainly remotely and by telephone. | DaRe2THINK - DaRe2THINK |
| DISCA – Sleep Buddy | This study is testing whether a new website called Sleep Buddy can help families improve the sleep of children with ADHD. | Parents or carers of children aged 6–12 who have an ADHD diagnosis and experience sleep difficulties may be eligible. Runcorn GP practices are participating and inviting suitable families. | Families will speak to a researcher and complete online questionnaires and a sleep diary. Children may also be asked to complete computer-based attention and memory activities. | The study is delivered remotely through online activities and video or telephone appointments. | Be Part of Research - Trial Details - A study to test whether a new website, Sleep Buddy, developed by doctors and psychologists, can help parents and carers of children aged 6-12 years with a diagnosis of ADHD who are experiencing sleep problems to improve their child’s sleep |
| FluSNIFF-Toddler - coming autumn 2026 | This study will explore whether the nasal flu vaccine currently offered to children aged two and over is also suitable for younger children. | Children aged 12–23 months may be eligible. Runcorn GP practices hope to participate, with Castlefields Health Centre expected to be one of the study locations. | Children will attend two appointments, 28 days apart. They will receive the nasal flu vaccine at one appointment and a saline placebo spray at the other. Parents or carers will also complete questionnaires. | Appointments will take place in person. Local participating sites are being confirmed. | Be Part of Research - Trial Details - FluSNIFF-Toddler |
| REMIND – diabetes screening following gestational diabetes | This study is exploring whether text-message reminders encourage more women who have previously experienced gestational diabetes to attend their recommended annual diabetes screening. | Grove House Practice is participating and will identify and contact patients who may be eligible. | If appropriate, patients will receive text reminders inviting them to book a routine diabetes blood test. | Text messages will be sent by the GP practice. The blood test will take place through the usual healthcare pathway. | Be Part of Research - Trial Details - The effect of text reminders on the uptake of type 2 diabetes screening test after gestational diabetes |
| Join Dementia Research | A national service connecting volunteers with researchers carrying out studies into dementia care, diagnosis and treatment. | UK residents aged 18 or over, including people with or without dementia and carers or supporters. | Register your interest so that you can be matched with potentially suitable studies. It is always your choice whether to participate. | Studies may take place online, nationally or in your local area. | https://www.joindementiaresearch.nihr.ac.uk/ |
