Alison Robinson, Head of Research at WWL
Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (WWL) is inviting local residents across the borough to take part in a major national research study exploring how nutrition and diet can support mental wellbeing and brain health.
The national study, BrainBITE, aims to gather insights from diverse communities to design future diet-focused NHS services.
Alison Robinson, Head of Research at WWL, said: "We know that diet plays a significant role in brain health - and with the right support, changing how we eat may help ease symptoms of stress, low mood, and anxiety.
“By joining this national study, Wigan residents have a direct voice in shaping effective, diet-focused help for the NHS, ensuring local community needs are represented on a national stage."
BrainBITE is a national multi-centre NHS research study sponsored by Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust and funded by The Waterloo Foundation. It is running across participating NHS trusts nationwide and registered on the NHS National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Be Part of Research database.
The 15-minute online survey asks respondents about their diet preferences and what support would motivate them to make positive changes. It is open to anyone aged 14 and over who has personal experience - or cares for someone - living with symptoms such as stress, low mood, sleeplessness, anxiety, or any other mental health, neurodevelopmental, or behavioural condition. As a thank-you for contributing to this national initiative, participants can enter a prize draw to win a £50 voucher. Follow the link complete the survey or use the following web address https://rdashresearch1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0STPs5rL14clmsu?Q_CHL=qr.
The BrainBITE study is part of a broader commitment by WWL to pioneer health research in the borough.
Health research is essential for discovering better treatments, improving patient care, and preventing illness. When local people in Wigan participate in national studies it ensures local representation, drives innovation and empowers patients, giving residents an active role in shaping healthcare services for future generations.
WWL regularly conducts research in areas including orthopaedics, diabetes, respiratory medicine, maternity care, and cardiology. Local residents interested in getting involved in other clinical trials and observational studies can visit the website www.wwl.nhs.uk/research-at-wwl for more information.