“I very much wanted to learn more and see if there was a way that I can support and offer a different perspective that others may not have thought about. When I see how much my contribution inspires other people, it feels like a big deal. We need people to open their minds and see that different perspective.”

Mercy is the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Advisor at Norfolk Community Health and Care and has been helping to steer health and care research as a Public Contributor since 2020.

To read Mercy's story visit our website.

“Research is so important and the NIHR hones in on the absolute bedrock of our health needs by delivering research for better measurable health outcomes, through innovation and improvement. I have a real desire to learn more about health and care research and its impact on society, so I feel very fortunate to join such a wonderful team."

Gareth is a retired accountant from Norwich and has recently been appointed as an Executive Public Contributor.

To read Gareth's story visit our website.

“As a Public Contributor, it's been a great opportunity to be involved and to help to shape the face of research. Research is still so important because it helps to shape the evidence for treating patients and helping to progress medical care."

Vicky is the Medicine Deputy Divisional Operations Director at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. She has helped to drive health and care research as a Public Contributor since 2021.

To read Vicky's story visit our website.

“Beforehand I didn't really understand what research was, but then as soon as I became a Public Contributor and learned more about it, I realised that there's this window to a whole world that I didn't even comprehend.”

Jenny is a Human Resources and Operations Manager at a logistics and warehousing company. She has been helping to guide health and care research as a Public Contributor since 2021.

To read Jenny's story visit our website.

“At its base, the NIHR are working to ensure that people’s lives are made better by medical research. In a world where there is so much despair and unpleasant news, the balance is that there are thousands of people who work every day to improve lives through health and care research.”

Tony has been a Public Contributor in health research for over a decade and has been helping to drive the strategy for the NIHR CRN East of England since its inception in 2014.

To read Tony's story visit our website.

"Having been a carer for many years for a loved one with mental health issues and also struggling with my own physical health issues, I see the importance of getting the input of Public Contributors to help make a difference and improve as much as possible".

Pip runs listening and communication courses for various organisations including the NHS.  She is also a musician who plays in bands and teaches piano, guitar and singing.  As well as this, she has been in the IT industry since the late 1980s and currently helps build ecommerce websites.

"I am passionate about helping the wider community understand research more and the knock on effect this then has on us all in society by possibly funding better treatments - as well as helping us gain an understanding of conditions to support individuals essential needs and thrive as a result."

Alysha is part of the National Collaborative Centre for Mental Health at the Royal College of Psychiatrists advising on equality and equity issues. Alysha also teaches a module for Anglia Ruskin University’s social care course using her lived experience of care to influence students' readiness for placement.

"I feel strongly that research is very important to progress our knowledge of medical science. The more research that is carried out, the more treatments will be discovered, and the more lives will be saved. I’m hoping that by becoming a Public Contributor I will be helping to play a small part in the process. As somebody who suffers from a genetic degenerative kidney condition, I was asked by my consultant many years ago if I would take part in some research. Since that first study I have taken part in various small studies, and encourage others to do so too." 

Victoria works as a Prison Library Development Manager in Kent 3-4 days a week, helping prisoners improve their literacy, and encouraging them to learn new skills that will make them more employable upon release. She has also previously worked as a patient representative on a study into the effects of isometric exercise on blood pressure.