Building trust in research at Tooting Islamic Centre
- patientsinresearch
- Oct 17, 2025
- 1 min read
Community, conversation and confidence at “Visit My Mosque” Open Day
Last weekend, our team was delighted to join the Visit My Mosque Open Day at Tooting Islamic Centre. With a warm welcome from the Centre’s leaders and volunteers, we set up an information stand to talk with worshippers and neighbours about health research and clinical trials—what they are, why they matter, and how our community can shape the future of care.
Health research only works when it reflects the people it aims to serve. Many communities—especially those from ethnically diverse backgrounds—are under-represented in studies. That can lead to gaps in knowledge about how illnesses affect us differently, or which treatments work best. By starting face-to-face conversations in trusted spaces like the mosque, we hope to close those gaps and make research more inclusive, fair and relevant.
Many attendees said they were curious about research but weren’t sure how to get involved and were open to having a conversation about it. The most common themes were: “I’m interested, but I don’t want it to affect my health.”
We talked through these points: trials vary in time commitment; some compare new and standard options; and whatever you’re allocated is explained up front so you can make an informed choice.
