People in Blackburn are being encouraged to attend a free health event at the library.

The drop-in event, which will include games and stalls is taking place from 11am and 2pm on Saturday 2 March.

The festival is the fifth to be organised by Clinical Research Network Greater Manchester, part of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

The Blackburn event is being held in collaboration with East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust. 

Throughout the event, there will be the opportunity to access free health checks, and take part in a number of research studies which seek to improve health outcomes for people living in the region. 

The studies taking place at the festival have been designed to be straightforward for the community to participate in.

Those from the Pakistani and Bangladeshi backgrounds can provide a saliva sample to be part of the Genes and Health study, and parents can consent to their child having a finger stick blood test to check if they are at risk of developing Type 1 diabetes as part of the ELSA study. 

Three groups of Allied Health Professional researchers will be at the festival to speak with people about their opinions on health and social care research as well as physiotherapy and other health services in Blackburn and Darwen.

Views gathered on the day will contribute to the future direction of services in the bough to ensure they align with the specific needs of the local community.

Susan Neeson, deputy chief operating officer at NIHR Clinical Research Network Greater Manchester, said: “Our health research festivals have been proving a real success over the past year and we are really looking forward to teaming up with our partners in Blackburn and Darwen for this latest instalment. 

“Whether you can pop in for 15 minutes or an hour, attending the event is an engaging way to learn more about research and, if you want to, take part in a study there and then.”

Head of research and innovation at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, Michelle Stephens, added: “Our Health Research Festival is also a great chance to find out about the various health and care services and activities available in Blackburn with Darwen, all in a relaxed environment ideal for a Saturday morning trip out.”