ARDT Engages with the Community at Newcastle Mela 2026

The ARDT team were delighted to attend Newcastle Mela on 31 August 2026 at the Health & Wellbeing Zone, where we spent the day speaking with members of the public about rare diseases, clinical trials and opportunities to get involved in research.

The event provided a fantastic opportunity to connect with people from across the local community in a relaxed and informal setting. Throughout the day, we had a number of positive conversations about rare diseases, the importance of research, and what encourages or prevents individuals from participating in clinical studies.

Visitors to the stand were keen to learn more about how research is helping to improve the lives of people living with rare diseases and how projects such as ours are working to accelerate the development and delivery of new treatments. Many attendees shared their own experiences and perspectives, which provided valuable insights into public awareness of rare diseases and participation in research.

Our interactive activities proved particularly popular. We had a grip strength test and peg test which attracted visitors of all ages and provided a great way to start conversations about health, clinical research and the challenges faced by people living with rare conditions. Many visitors also enjoyed the opportunity to create their own DNA bracelets, sparking discussions about genetics and the role it plays in rare disease diagnosis and treatment.

Events such as Newcastle Mela are an important way for ARDT to engage with communities that may not typically encounter rare disease research through traditional healthcare or university settings. They help us raise awareness, listen to public views, and ensure that our work remains informed by the experiences and priorities of the people we aim to serve.

A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by our stand, took part in our activities, and shared their thoughts with us.