More than half a million people from across the UK have now signed up to the new ‘research matchmaking service’ from Be Part of Research.
The free online service matches people to health and care research that’s relevant to them - based on their interests and where they live.
Be Part of Research is a UK-wide registry and covers all health conditions, as well as important studies in public health and social care.
It’s designed to make it easier for researchers and people wanting to take part in research to find each other.
A total of 528,389 people are now registered to Be Part of Research. And over 50,000 participants – that’s 1 in 10 – have taken part in research through the service.
You can join them in helping shape the future of treatments and care by signing up on our website or with your NHS login (England and Wales).
How Be Part of Research matches volunteers to studies
When signing up, you choose the areas of health and care research that interest you. We’ll match you to relevant studies based on your age, ethnicity, location and other personal information. You’ll then be sent clear information on how to take part.
For example, you could select to be contacted about studies into heart disease, mental health, or healthy lifestyles. There’s also many opportunities for people receiving care services or their carers.
You also don’t need to have a particular health condition - many studies need what they call ‘healthy volunteers’ to compare results to those with a medical condition. Simply select ‘healthy volunteer’ when creating your account.
Signing up to Be Part of Research is quick and easy via the website. It’s also available directly through the NHS App (England-only) - making registration even easier.
New mum encourages others to sign up
A woman from Reading treated for skin cancer is urging others to sign up to Be Part of Research after it led to her joining a major online cancer trial.
Beatrice Buckley, a 39-year-old mum of two, was matched to the MyMelanoma study through Be Part of Research.
Beatrice, known as Bea, was diagnosed with stage 3 acral melanoma 2 years ago. A rare type of skin cancer, acral melanoma is found on the palms of the hands, the soles of the feet, or under the nails.
She developed a mole on her foot while pregnant with her twin sons, but thought it was a verruca. It wasn’t until she started running again, about 10 months after giving birth, that she noticed the dark spot had grown and was now bleeding. By this stage it was around the size of a 10p coin.
Bea said: “It came back as malignant melanoma. I was really shocked. To be in that position when you've got 15-month-old twins is really awful. And no matter how hard you try, your mind goes to dark places.”
She had 3 surgical procedures and a year of additional targeted therapy to prevent the risk of the cancer coming back. She is now disease-free.
After her treatment, Bea was keen to give something back and take part in research. Using the Be Part of Research service, she was matched to MyMelanoma, which aims to become the largest skin cancer database in the world.
As part of the study, she completed online questionnaires about her lifestyle, health and personal and family cancer history. Her answers will help researchers answer some of the most important questions about the cancer and its treatment.
“Health is the best commodity that we have,” said Bea. “It's our biggest wealth. It's important that we learn more and more about diseases for future generations - to improve their chances if they get diagnosed.”
She is now encouraging others to take part in vital health and care research by signing up to Be Part of Research.
“It’s been a really easy, seamless experience. Life is busy isn’t it? I'm not sure how else people would find out about studies that they would be eligible for.”
- Bea Buckley
A heartfelt thank you to those who have signed up
Be Part of Research is delivered by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), in partnership with the NHS and the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
NIHR Chief Executive Professor Lucy Chappell extended a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has signed up so far.
She said: “Every time someone receives a new drug or treatment, it’s because of the many people who took part in health and care research. Research is key to developing new treatments, finding better ways to manage health conditions and providing better care – keeping people fit and healthy for as long as possible. I would therefore like to thank the half a million Be Part of Research volunteers for their contributions.
“But to ensure that UK research can continue to unlock advances in treatment and care and improve NHS services, social care and public health, we need everyone - from all backgrounds and communities - to sign up to this important service.”
Create your free Be Part of Research account today and make a difference in the treatment and care of tomorrow.
