D-CYPHR is designed for families with children aged 0-15. From the beginning, it has been shaped with the input of young people and their parents and we continue to work with young people to know what is going well with the programme and what can be improved.
The Ambassador programme a voluntary public engagement and involvement group that includes both young people and parents. Our Ambassadors are invited to attend community events, join in on monthly online meetings, help us shape our programme and develop our materials. Ambassadors also have the opportunity to feedback on new studies and tell us what they mean to them
A few Ambassadors recently attended the Cambridge Festival Family Weekend and spent time speaking to families about health research, helped out with craft activities and recorded messages for our social media channels about why D-CYPHR is important to them.
As well as supporting us with D-CYPHR, Ambassadors receive participation letters to show their activity for their CV and to showcase their personal development. They also benefit from training and experience with our health research campaign.
We spoke to some of our Ambassadors and asked them why they wanted to champion health research:
What are you most excited about in your role as an Ambassador?
Harriet, Young Ambassador stated:
“I am most excited about helping people with health and making sure young people are involved in research.”
What inspired you to become an Ambassador for D-CYPHR?
Oliver, Young Ambassador said:
“To help children not be sick by studying their DNA and to be a champion of health care for children.”
What advice would you give to someone who wants to become an Ambassador?
Emily, Young Ambassador explained:
“Just go for it, get involved and feel good about helping the kids and adults of tomorrow.”
The Ambassador programme is open to families who have joined D-CYPHR (The DNA, Children + Young People’s Health Resource) as volunteers to support research as participants, but we do consider applications from 16+ young people who are passionate about young health advocacy.
There is also a a primary aged Ambassador group made for young people aged 4–11 years old and their carers. It has a focus on providing a child-friendly space to share feedback and chance to participate in hands-on activities.
How can you get involved?
D-CYPHR, part of the NIHR BioResource and in partnership with the NHS, has over 12,500 young people taking part so far. But we need even more volunteers with and without health conditions so we can better understand childhood health.
All families with children aged 0-15 in the UK can sign up to D-CYPHR online by filling in a health and lifestyle questionnaire and donating a sample of saliva.
Visit the D-CYPHR website to learn more and be a pioneer for health research!