Kidney Research launches new project encouraging Rochdale's Bengali population to challenge misconceptions and fears

The charity Kidney Research UK has launched a new project which encourages people in Rochdale to challenge fears and misconceptions around medical research.

The UK’s largest kidney research charity is embarking on a landmark approach to help increase the representation of marginalised groups, with a focus on those most at risk of kidney disease.

Kidney Research’s UK “peer educator” model will encourage members of the Bengali community in Rochdale to dispel any fears about medical research and build trust in the community.

Those living in poorer communities are more likely to develop chronic kidney disease, progress faster towards kidney failure and often die earlier than those from higher economic backgrounds.

The Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic populations are also statistically more likely to progress faster towards kidney failure and less likely to receive a transplant.

Dr Smeeta Sinha, consultant nephrologist at Salford Royal Hospital, part of Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We all understand just how vital research into kidney disease is and the individuals who participate help us to accelerate and transform future treatments.

“Unfortunately, the patient population that we currently recruit rarely reflects the diverse make-up of the kidney community, with the vast majority coming from white and middle-class backgrounds.

“With a patient pool which better reflects the overall kidney population, we can ensure that the future of kidney treatment is applicable and appropriate for all patients.”

Kidney disease affects three million people in the UK and there is currently no cure, but the work done by Kidney Research UK over the past 60 years has made a difference.

Neerja Jain, health equalities programme manager at Kidney Research UK said: “Our peer educator approach has seen great success when educating communities on general and kidney health and dispelling scientific misinformation.

“Not only do we make sure that the people we recruit are representative of the areas we want to engage with, but our volunteers are often well-known members of the community and trusted amongst their peers.

“It is impossible to pin the hesitancy towards research down to a single issue, rather communities often cite a number of historical, cultural and faith-based concerns that prevent them from taking part in vital research.

“Through the Salford Project however, we hope to be able to dismantle these barriers with an evidence-based approach through our trusted and passionate volunteers.”

Anyone wishing to get involved in the project should contact Neerja Jain via email or call/message: 07810 555 844.