The Brain Charity

Help researchers learn more about your neurological condition

Every day, scientists and researchers work hard to understand more about neurological conditions.

To do this, they sometimes need help from people who have lived with these conditions themselves.

At The Brain Charity, we’re often contacted by research teams who are looking for volunteers to take part in their studies. These studies can help create better treatments, improve support and make life easier for people in the future.

If you have experience of any of the conditions listed below and would like to help, you can get involved by contacting the researchers directly using the details provided.

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Bell’s palsy

Exploring how physiotherapy influences a patients’ physical, emotional and social wellbeing during their rehabilitation journey of Bell’s palsy.

Participants of this study must meet the following:

• Adults (18+)
• Have a previous or current diagnosis of Bell’s palsy
• Received physiotherapy during their recovery
• Be able to comprehend and read English
• Provide informed consent to participate

Exclusion criteria include:

• Exclusion criteria include:
• Facial paralysis due to central neurological causes
• Severe cognitive impairment
• Other neurological conditions which significantly affect facial function
• Severe mental health conditions

Participants will be asked to complete one online questionnaire taking approx. 20 minutes

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Rare genetic syndromes

The main focus of the research is to decipher profiles and patterns of repetitive behaviours in infants (aged 6-12 months) with rare genetic syndromes, in comparison to infants with no diagnosed rare genetic syndrome. These behaviours will be investigated in conjunction with sensory profiles to try and ascertain any potential mechanistic link biologically.

There are two aspects to the project, a completely remote 10-day behavioural assessment from the child’s own home (parents will upload information on an app), and the other involves an in-person neuroimaging assessment on the University of Birmingham campus. This will be booked for 1.5 hrs to allow for comfort breaks; however, the actual tasks will take no longer than 25 minutes.

Parents/caregivers can take part in either study, or both if they would like to, however there is absolutely no obligation to take part in both aspects. Participants will be reimbursed £25.

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Catheter users

Researchers are inviting adults who use intermittent self-catheterisation to take part in a study exploring experiences of a digital Emotional Wellbeing Programme.

The aim of the study is to understand how this programme fits into daily life, how it affects emotional wellbeing, and what people find helpful or challenging about using it.

Participants will first complete an online consent form and a short questionnaire about themselves.

Participants will then be given access to the Emotional Wellbeing Programme, which can be used at their own pace over around 8-14 weeks using a smartphone, tablet, or computer. This programme involves 10 modules, including focus on socialising, fears and pain, intimacy, movement and confidence.

Participants will receive a brief online introduction to the programme and a short check-in partway through.

After completing the programme, participants will be invited to take part in a one-to-one interview about their experiences of using the programme with a member of the research team. The interview will last around 45-60 minutes and will take place online or by phone, depending on participant preference.

Taking part is entirely voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time. The findings will help improve future emotional wellbeing support for people who self-catheterise.

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Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)

The main focus of this research is to understand the experiences of children with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) in education in the United Kingdom, alongside the resources available to educational professionals who support them. The study aims to capture both professional perspectives and children’s own views of what they enjoy most about school and what they find most challenging.

There are two aspects to the project. Educational professionals will take part in a one-hour online interview and complete short online questionnaires. Children aged 6–11 years with a diagnosis of TSC will take part in a face-to-face or online session with the research team, using a show-and-tell approach to share their favourite and most challenging aspects of school. Parents will be asked to complete a series of online questionnaires. Total participation time is up to 1.5 hours for professionals and up to 2 hours for children and families.

Educational professionals who have supported a pupil with TSC for at least one school term are eligible to take part. Children must be aged 6–11 years, have a diagnosis of TSC, and be enrolled in education in the UK (mainstream, SEND provision, or home education). Participants will receive a thank-you e-voucher (£20 for educational professionals and £25 for children and families). Participation can take place remotely or face to face.

Contact: Cheyenne Contreras, King’s College London, cheyenne.contreras@kcl.ac.uk, Closing date: January 2027

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Angling for mental wellbeing in PTSD

This research aims to explore whether learning to fish in a natural, social setting can improve mental health and wellbeing for adults with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The intervention focuses on building resilience and supporting recovery through small-group angling experiences in a tranquil, rural environment.

Participants of this study must meet the following:

• Adults (18+)
• Military veterans, emergency service personnel (police, ambulance, fire, coastguard, prison staff, search and rescue), or train/tube drivers
• Score above a threshold for PTSD on a screening questionnaire
• Provide informed consent to participate

Exclusion criteria include:

• Individuals who do not meet the PTSD threshold
• Individuals unable to participate in a 2-day, 1-night rural trip
• Severe physical or mental health conditions that would prevent participation

Participants will be invited to a 2-day / 1-night fishing trip in rural Essex, with all equipment, accommodation, and meals provided. Participants will complete three online questionnaires (~20 minutes each) before and after attending the trip.

Contact: Dr Nicholas Cooper, University of Essex, anglingforgood@essex.ac.uk                Closing date: 01/09/2026

If your condition is not listed above, please keep checking this page. Researchers often ask us to help them find people for their studies and we’ll add new opportunities here when they become available.

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If you are a researcher looking to add your study to this list, please visit this page for further details.