The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is launching a new campaign calling on people to help shape the future by taking part in research that could one day help the NHS save lives.

Launched to coincide with the 75th anniversary of the NHS, the ‘Shape the Future’ campaign is calling on the public to take part in research and sign up to clinical trials through its Be Part Of Research service, to help find the next breakthrough or innovation that will support the NHS to provide even better care.

This service makes it easy for people – the public and health and care professionals alike – to find and take part in health and care research happening locally and nationally across the UK. It has introduced a new volunteer registry to make it even easier for everyone to be part of improving health treatments and care.

You can support the NIHR Shape the Future campaign by signing up to its Be Part of Research service online or via the NHS App (England only). You will then receive information on studies that match your interests.

The NIHR Shape the Future campaign starts on 1 May and lasts until the end of 2023. The NIHR will look back at improvements in patient care and pioneering techniques, and look ahead to the difference research can continue to make in the future.

Timothy’s story

Timothy Stickland, 66, was diagnosed with myeloma, a type of bone marrow cancer, in March 2015. He took part in an NIHR-supported clinical trial looking at a new combination of chemotherapy drugs to evaluate their effectiveness in treating Myeloma. Results from part of the trial showed some drugs stopped myeloma from coming back.

He said: “My experience in taking part in this trial was and is still very positive, although some of the treatment was quite difficult at first, I was supported by a good team including doctors and research nurses who were available at all times who were able to help me understand what was happening, which made the taking part a lot easier.

“Research is the best way to advance medical treatments and taking part in a research programme may give you access to the newest advances in clinical science. You will have support during any trial by a research specialist or nurse who you can contact to ask questions. You will always be treated for whatever condition you have. Although the results of the clinical trial that you take part in may not always help you, they will be helping those who come after you.”