Last month, we opened our first clinics in Northern Ireland, meaning Our Future Health has now offered appointments to members of the public across all 4 nations in the UK. 

The clinics are located at Boots stores in Belfast, Lisburn and Derry/Londonderry – and we have plans to open many more from mid-2026. 

To mark the occasion, we paid a visit to the clinic in Belfast and caught up with some of the first volunteers there as they attended their Our Future Health appointment. 

‘I was delighted to hear clinics had opened here’

56-year-old nurse lecturer, Oonagh, signed up as a volunteer last year, before our Northern Ireland clinics had opened. “When I found out that they had now opened here, I was absolutely delighted,” she said. 

“This programme is so important because our population is getting older, and with age comes more chronic disease. Contributing to large data sets like this really matters. If we can figure out new ways to improve health span alongside lifespan, that would make a huge difference – both to individuals and the health service.” 

Oonagh also talked about the impact that deprivation can have on health, with people in lower-income areas tending to experience poorer health outcomes.  

“Here in Northern Ireland, there are people living in some quite deprived circumstances, so it’s vital that they’re represented in the Our Future Health data set too. I think it’s brilliant how this programme is working hard to make it as accessible as possible for everyone to take part. 

“Booking my appointment was very easy, the visit itself was quick – about ten minutes in and out – and the staff were lovely. I’d really encourage people to get involved to help future generations.” 

‘Any little bit you can give back in life is worth it’

BT worker Donall, 57, also attended his appointment in Belfast. He shared his personal reasons for feeling motivated to take part in our research programme. 

“My parents both passed away in recent years after going through many procedures for a range of medical conditions,” he said. 

“I spent a lot of time sitting in hospital waiting rooms and doctors’ surgeries with Mum and Dad. If there’s anything I can do to help others and prevent them from having to go through similar experiences, then I’m very happy to do it. 

“Any little bit you can give back in life is worth it, in my view. That’s why for me, taking part today was an easy decision.  

“Everything was well organised, from signing up online and completing the questionnaire to coming in for my appointment. The staff here made me feel like a person, not just another number, and that what I was doing was appreciated.” 

‘Taking part is a small thing that really matters’

Journalist and Q Radio news presenter, Lynda, 63, first heard about Our Future Health on social media.  

“I thought it was a great idea and felt, ‘why not collect that data for the benefit of the population’. When I got a letter recently to say that clinics had now opened in Northern Ireland, I thought, ‘happy days’. It’s great that we’re included now. I also think it’s brilliant that the whole of the UK is involved in this together. 

“A couple of years ago I took part in another health research project at Queen’s University, and it was really rewarding to be involved in that. I think this experience will be similar, especially as it’s going to be ongoing for many years.  

“The more people who join, the more interesting and comprehensive this resource will become. Taking part is a small thing that you can do, but it really matters.”

‘To the people of Northern Ireland – keep coming along!’

Cara is a member of staff at our Boots clinic in Belfast. She helps appointments to run smoothly. 

“I study Biomedical Sciences at Belfast University and want to work in something patient-oriented one day,” she said. “It’s been great meeting all the lovely volunteers, chatting with them, and reassuring anyone who’s a bit nervous about having their blood taken. 

“I’ve recently been learning about how important blood biomarkers are for diagnosing disease. So, the fact that Our Future Health is now in Northern Ireland and building this data set with such a wide range of people is going to be incredibly valuable for research. 

“Everyone who’s come in today has told me how pleased they are to have an appointment and are genuinely interested in the future of healthcare. 

“So, to the wonderful people of Northern Ireland, I’d say ‘keep coming along!’ It’s great to have you joining the Our Future Health mission.”