Indoor games and activities sessions run by Leicester Public Involvement team at Green Pastures Church for Black African Community
At the NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, public involvement is a meaningful commitment. Recently, the BRC’s Public Involvement team launched monthly Physical Activity Sessions designed in collaboration with the Afro-Caribbean community at RCCG Green Pastures Church in Leicester. These sessions, held every first Saturday from 3-5 pm, are a blend of recreation and research discussion, fostering a welcoming space for engagement and learning.
Each session begins with 1.5 hours of indoor activities—pool, table tennis, and board games—creating an atmosphere where community members feel comfortable. The final half hour is reserved for conversations with BRC researchers, enabling valuable insights into health topics that directly impact the community.
In November, Clinical Research Practitioner George Hudson introduced the Improving Black Health Outcomes (IBHO) BioResource initiative, inviting attendees to be part of research that investigates health conditions disproportionately affecting Black communities. The session offered a powerful opportunity to learn about research participation and the potential of the BioResource, a rich repository of data and samples from over 200,000 UK participants.
Professor Gerry McCann, who led October’s session, highlighted key concerns such as diabetes and heart failure in Black communities, sharing how community-driven research helps shape studies that reflect the realities and needs of those affected. This model of inclusive engagement not only strengthens trust but ensures that research priorities align with real-world health challenges.
These sessions are a significant step forward in making research more inclusive and accessible, transforming health studies into a collaborative journey toward understanding the links between genes, the environment, and disease.
Dr Ugochi, Project Representatives in the Church shared, “This initiative is a great way for us to come together, enjoy fun activities, and improve our overall health and well-being. We’re excited about the positive impact this will have on our community and research.” If you are interested in attending these sessions or if you have any queries, please email the public involvement team on NIHRLeicesterPPIE@uhl-tr.nhs.uk.
For more on the Improving Black Health Outcomes initiative, please visit: Join the BioResource and Be Part of Research – NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre
To find out about upcoming public involvement opportunities please visit: Upcoming Public Involvement events – NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre