Manchester’s Curry Mile has long been a point of pride for the city. Lined with South Asian and Middle Eastern restaurants, cafes and sweet shops, it’s an area that showcases Manchester’s unique and diverse community. 

Next month, the Curry Mile – also known as Wilmslow Road – will host a new kind of destination. From 24 April to 4 May, Our Future Health is running a mobile clinic on the iconic strip, between Jaffa and Longboon Pharmacy, offering locals a chance to join the UK’s largest health research programme.  

It’s the latest of 16 clinics we’ve opened in the Greater Manchester area. Already, over 84,000 people in the city have joined our health research programme – proof that the city’s community spirit is as strong as ever. 

Tackling health inequalities

Local councillor Rabnawaz Akbar represents the Curry Mile’s constituency of Rusholme. He says the decision to open a clinic there is a boon for residents because it provides an opportunity to improve health inequalities. In Manchester, people from the most disadvantaged areas of the city have a life expectancy that’s eight years shorter than those from the least disadvantaged areas.  

“Manchester’s health inequalities are well recognised – but this gap is preventable,” says Councillor Akbar. “These health inequalities exist in the diverse ward that I represent. That’s why I’m pleased to support Our Future Health, which aligns with the city’s ambition to change this. 

“By building a diverse community of volunteers, Our Future Health will help researchers find ways to prevent, detect and treat disease much earlier. It’s fantastic that local communities can take part on the Curry Mile, and I would urge people to get involved. 

“Signing up is straightforward and doesn’t take long. Let’s improve healthcare for future generations of Mancunians so that they can live healthy lives and reach their full potential.” 

Dr Mohiuddin Miah, a GP in Rusholme, also supports Our Future Health. “As a local GP, much of my time is spent tackling health inequalities in the diverse population I serve,” he says. “This work depends on understanding more about what’s driving health inequalities and then being able to find new ways to prevent and treat disease.

“We need local people of all backgrounds to be involved to get the very best information and improve healthcare for generations to come. I’m hopeful many local residents will get behind it.”

‘Eid is the perfect time to join Our Future Health’

Ahead of the new clinic opening its doors, Our Future Health will be making a splash on the Curry Mile, with brand posters and a chai stall helping to raise awareness of our clinic’s arrival.  

Our Community Engagement Manager, Asya Choudry – born and raised in Manchester – says the next month will provide an opportunity to talk to residents and make them aware of the power of health research. 

“We all know someone affected by illnesses like diabetes, cancer and heart disease. By joining Our Future Health, we can all take a proactive step that helps researchers identify how diseases begin and progress in people from different backgrounds. 

“It’s particularly powerful for my local community. In the past, many studies have been based on only a proportion of the UK population, which explains why some healthcare doesn’t work for everyone. 

“To me, Eid feels like the perfect time to get involved in Our Future Health’s mission and help to change the situation. You’ll be doing something good for you, your friends, and your family – all at once.” 

‘This is something I can do to make a difference’

38-year-old Sehrish Khan joined Our Future Health in November, when we had a clinic at the British Muslim Heritage Centre near Alexandra Park.  

“It’s important to me to contribute to my community and improve the future of healthcare for my kids,” Sehrish says. “If this research benefits those around me, that would be great. This is something I can do to make a difference.” 

“Taking part was very quick, very straightforward, and the staff were very kind.” 

Niklas Klauner, 26, also attended his Our Future Health clinic appointment in Manchester. 

“I was curious to learn about my own health, but it seemed like a good idea to participate and support research into common chronic conditions too,” says Niklas. 

“My dad had cancer when I was younger, so it would be good to help scientists learn about the genetics of diseases like this,” he adds. “I’d love it if Our Future Health helps more people to enjoy a good life as they grow older and not suffer.”