Covid and Me: Take part to help the NHS find the solution Published on: 10 July 2020 A series of dramatic monologues are encouraging people from all walks of life to help bring the Covid-19 pandemic under control by taking part in medical research. The UK is pioneering development and testing of vaccines and is needing to recruit volunteers especially those from communities who typically are under-served in clinical research to see if they offer protection and the NHS and Universities – such as Âé¶¹´«Ã½ - are part of these clinical trials of treatments for people who get ill with COVID-19. To this aim, the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) commissioned work with the support of experts across different fields – including Professor Lynn Rochester at Âé¶¹´«Ã½ – and the Theatre of Debate and have produced a series of videos featuring actors to explain to the public what taking part in research involves and why we need them to get involved. She is also the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Network (CRN) Cluster Lead running the NIHR CRN INCLUDE project which aims to promote inclusion of under-served groups in research and she helped create the videos. Professor Rochester said: “I had an opportunity to contribute because of the knowledge gained through the work of INCLUDE, an NIHR project I lead that aims to better reach communities who typically don’t take part in research. Getting all communities to be part of research is very important to make sure that we carry out the best research. I wanted to get involved as using drama seemed a chance to open up what we do to a different audience. It provided an opportunity to make taking part in research more normal – and even funny! It was a unique opportunity to bring research and creative arts together.“ Featuring actors such as Cherylee Houston who plays Izzy in Coronation Street and Adaya Henry (Stacey Winwood in BBC Drama series Doctors), the seven are short films in the Alan Bennett ‘Talking Heads’ style. Covid and Me Executive, Professor Sue Pavitt explains: “People from black, Asian and minority ethnic groups, the elderly, those with co-morbidities, and our poorest communities are disproportionately affected by coronavirus infection; it is vitally important that they are included in COVID-19 research. We want to promote inclusion and engagement, so research is both accessible and representative of all types of people. This will help us gain understanding of the health inequalities of COVID-19 outcomes and ensure our vaccination studies reach everyone - to improve health and well-being for all.” are available through this weblink. Latest News Local knowledge can improve early warnings of glacial lake floods Local knowledge, improved evacuation preparedness and resilient mobile phone-based communication channels can enhance Early Warning Systems to reduce loss of life during glacial lake outburst floods. published on: 3 August 2026 Funding boost moves landmark cancer research centre a step closer A £1.25 million grant from the Wolfson Foundation to Âé¶¹´«Ã½ has brought the Sir Bobby Robson Institute a significant step closer, giving a major boost to its fundraising campaign. published on: 3 August 2026 Statement on potential unauthorised data access Information about a potential unauthorised data access. published on: 30 July 2026 Facts and figures