To mark World Tuberculosis Day on 24 March, teams from University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and the University of Leicester hosted a family-friendly community event in Belgrave to share information about tuberculosis (TB) and showcase local research.
Titled the World TB Day Community Walk-In, the event took place on 30 March 2026 at Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre. It brought together healthcare professionals, researchers, former patients and members of the public for an engaging afternoon focused on improving understanding of TB and highlighting research taking place in Leicester.
Following a well-attended TB community patient and public involvement (PPI) event led by Dr Natalia Grolmusova in December 2025, the team has continued to strengthen engagement and reduce barriers to research participation, particularly among Leicester’s migrant communities.
In the lead-up to the event, the session was promoted through BRC community networks, social media, Leicester City Council, and a local Punjabi radio interview featuring TB clinicians and a former TB patient. These efforts helped share key public health messages about TB symptoms, screening, and access to care, while also addressing stigma.
On the day, visitors explored a range of interactive stalls. These included demonstrations of TB diagnostic techniques, showcasing both laboratory and imaging approaches. The paediatric team ran a popular “TB in children” station, while TB specialist nurses provided clear, accessible information about both latent and active TB.
The research team also created hands-on activities, allowing visitors of all ages to step into the role of TB researchers trying out consent processes, examining simulated samples, and interpreting chest X-rays. These activities helped bring research to life in an engaging and accessible way.
The event welcomed around 60 members of the public, many of whom actively engaged with the stalls, asked thoughtful questions, and explored how TB research translates into real-world care. Feedback from attendees was very positive, with many highlighting the value of being able to speak with staff in multiple languages and connect directly with the team.
Jo Bell, Public Engagement Coordinator at the NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, said:
“People were genuinely engaged with the team and keen to learn more. It was especially encouraging to see how much attendees valued being able to have conversations in different languages and feel comfortable asking questions. Events like this really show the difference that inclusive, community-focused engagement can make.”
The event highlighted the importance of community engagement in improving understanding of TB and encouraging participation in research. The team continues to build on this work to strengthen connections with local communities and support more inclusive research.
We would like to thank everyone involved in organising and delivering the event, Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre for hosting, and Qiagen for their generous support.
