Hi, I’m Mark. I have been volunteering with Quotient Sciences for 8 years and I try and do a couple of clinical studies a year. 

It’s a personal treat to be a volunteer at Quotient, from the screening appointment to the admission day, it feels great to have some ME time!

Whilst at Quotient, it’s a great time to catch up with old friends and even make new ones. The staff are fantastic and even though some studies can feel like an interruption to binge watching Netflix when having bloods and procedures done, you do get used to it in a matter of hours.

There is a variety of food on the menu and its always the highlight of my stay. You get real home-cooked food that is delivered to you with no washing up - plus there is always pudding, so it feels like a treat every day.

You can usually eat in a lounge of your choice or at a table in one of the communal areas, allowing you to have the option of a having a relaxing meal for one with your ‘TV date’ or have a sociable meal with your new friends.

You can play board games, watch TV or a film, read a book or better still a bit of competitive quizzing with the group and they’re just a few of the amazing highlights for me.

I work part time as a taxi driver and a serve as a soldier with the Royal Logistics Corp in Southampton. These part-time roles give me the flexibility to be able to choose the studies that suit me.

I am also a dad of two, with a son in his 20s and a young daughter who is 10 and after my stay, I use the money I receive to help fund regular city breaks and fun surprises with the family!

Doing a trial with Quotient is a no brainer. Receiving payments whilst also contributing towards advancing medical science is a great feeling, whether it’s making new friends catching up on a new book, studying or binge-watching Netflix, I will always keep on coming back to Quotient Sciences year after year.

Take care Quotient Buddies and see you soon… Quick march!

As part of our continued fund raising for our chosen charity, Teenage Cancer Trust, earlier this month a team of determined adventurers from the Quotient Sciences' pharmaceutical science team took part in Gung Ho!

The fun run and obstacle course at Wollaton Park, Nottingham stretched 5km with ten giant obstacles, including a giant ball pit, the Labyrinth maze and the Thriller, Europe’s largest inflatable slide at over five stories high.

Despite some variable weather, all team members completed the course in good time and thoroughly enjoyed the challenge.

In the last 18 months staff at Quotient have raised over £12,000 for the charity through an
eclectic mix of activities from cake making to cycle rides and sky diving!

The 14th May marks the day that the world’s first ever vaccination as a preventative treatment for smallpox was administered by Doctor Edward Jenner, in 1796 in Gloucestershire right here in the UK.

Edward Jenner is remembered as the pioneer of the smallpox vaccination and the father of the science of Immunology.  Smallpox was the most feared and greatest killer of the time.  As deadly as cancer or heart disease today.  It killed 10% of the population, rising to 20% in towns and cities where infection spread easily.  Among children, it accounted for one in three of all deaths.

In 1798, the results of Jenner’s experiment were finally published and Jenner coined the word vaccine from the Latin ‘vacca’ for cow as the original experiment involved a cowpox pustule being injected into a child’s arm.

Today, 220 years since that day, medicines have continued to develop. Clinical trials taking place worldwide have led to treatments and vaccinations for hundreds of conditions, helping to make the world a healthier place.

Leading on from Edward Jenner’s first vaccination 220 years ago, we continue to perform clinical trials along with our superb volunteers looking into ways of improving medicines and helping to find treatments to improve lives worldwide.

Today is World Mental Health Day - we celebrate it as a day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy against social stigma. It was first celebrated in 1992 at the initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health, a global mental health organization with members and contacts in more than 150 countries. On 10th October every year, thousands of supporters come to celebrate this annual awareness program to bring attention to mental illness and its major effects on peoples' life worldwide.

Even today, 26 years on, there is a stigma attached to people’s mental health. A huge step forward has been made this week as a minister for suicide prevention has been appointed in England by the Prime Minister as the British government host the first ever Global Mental Health Summit.

Theresa May said the appointment of Health Minister, Jackie Doyle-Price to the new role will help tackle the stigma surrounding suicide. While suicide rates are falling, 4,500 people take their own lives every year – a shocking figure to read on any day. The appointment comes as ministers and officials from more than 50 countries assemble in London for the summit for today’s meeting.

For me, whilst a huge step forward, this doesn’t go far enough and as a passionate and responsible parent of 4 young children I believe education at a young age is key to not only the prevention of these terrible stories of suicide – but to encourage everyone to talk about their feelings and wellbeing.

I have recently become involved with a charity The Shaw Mind Foundation. Its goal is to significantly reduce suicide across the world within 10 years. They hope to achieve this by developing innovative ways to support children and the next generation to flourish and cope with the emotional demands of modern day life, and by supporting businesses to shape positive mental health and wellbeing in the workplace.

By running to raise funds and awareness for this charity, it has helped me feel stronger with my own metal health – next year I hope to do a sky dive to raise more funds. I feel that my kids will see the difference we can all make – by simply opening up and being honest about how we feel.

While mental health will always be a difficult subject, with continued conversation, the stigma around it will become less and less – as and this reduces hopefully the thousands that suffer in silence will reduce too.

The Bridge - Homelessness to Hope is an amazing charity whom I volunteer with on a weekly basis. I take part in a drop in service, offering hot meals, drinks, warm clothes and basic essentials as well as social interaction to visitors. They also have a mentoring project which was established to support homeless and vulnerably-housed adults with multiple and complex needs. It aims to increase mentees’ confidence, reduce social isolation, improve mental and physical health and access practical help. I get the chance to meet individuals from all walks of life by taking part in this work, from fellow volunteers, to those who utilize the service provided. I truly commend The Bridge and all they do, and feel proud to be part of their worthy cause. This organisation relies solely on generous donations and fundraising to keep its doors and services open - hence why your sponsorship is so important.

I decided to take part in a fundraising event "The Big Sleep" to raise both money and awareness of what many cities' homeless go through every night. Below is a small snippet of my experience sleeping outdoors.

As I tucked myself into my sleeping bag, brutally aware of the cold on my face, I mentally prepared myself for the long night ahead. My body ached from the hard floor. Even with a mat I felt stiff and sore. I was lucky enough to have been lent several thermal layers of clothing from friends, and there is no doubt that this played a massive part in cushioning my experience.

The noise of the group taking part in The Big Sleep died down around midnight. There was just the sound of traffic in the distance and the whistle of the wind. Loneliness crept over me, even though I knew I was fortunate enough not to be alone.

Every hour or so I awoke, a little startled at my whereabouts. I poked my head out of my sleeping bag, checked on Laura, a fellow volunteer beside me, before settling back in. I did a countdown for every hour that passed, telling myself “I am over half way”...”nearly there”...”not long left”. The temperature reached -4 at its lowest.

Around 2:15 am, I realised my sleeping bag and pillow were wet. I was confused. Had it rained? I made an attempt to pull the waterproof cover I had packed over both myself and Laura. The security guard saw me struggling, and came to help. I was muttering how I hadn’t realised we were expecting rain. He responded “This is not rain love, it’s a sheet of ice”.

The support I received for one night from my family, friends and work colleagues was bittersweet. Absolutely great for me, however, also sad. I felt sad thinking of those who don’t have any or very limited support in their day to day struggle to keep warm and fed, and ultimately stay alive, especially during the blisteringly cold weather we have been faced with the last few months.

The Big Sleep has been a truly eye opening experience and one that will stay with me for my lifetime. Not only has this encounter made me more grateful for a roof over my head, but also for the fact I never struggle to make ends meet in terms of a hot meal or drink. I have a strong support system in those closest to me, who I can rely on to bail me out if times get tough. This is a blessing, and a reminder, that so many are not as fortunate.

There is still time to donate and if you decide to do so, please quote Emily Price – The Big Sleep Out in the comment box.

I've just finished my first trial with Quotient Sciences and my second trial overall.  I have to say that the whole process with Quotient was seamless and worked like a Swiss watch. Generally, recruitment are notorious for being a pain in the derriere making promises that do not meet experience.  I'm delighted to say that this was not the case here.  Recruitment is timely and effective from the first phone call, through the screening - which was both professional and a great laugh.  

Those standards were continued throughout the trial.

The study itself was two study periods, so 21 nights overall.  I would encourage anyone considering doing a medical trial to understand themselves; if you're going to struggle with that period of time, do a shorter one to begin with. 

Our study meant that being outside was not an option in the early stages.  However, when that stage was complete, the staff took us out around the park area in Ruddington which I have to say was fantastic.  The park itself is a real treasure and would make most areas of the UK proud - this is right on Quotients doorstep.

The facilities were great in terms of entertainment.  Quizzes, bingo and TV with DVD and a selection of books on offer along with a stable internet connection.  Personally, I viewed it as an office with great productivity made better by virtue of the fact I was being paid for being there!

The food on offer was varied with a menu to choose from for meals.  I particularly enjoyed the old school puddings served with custard which became a mainstay of my diet whilst there. 

I intended on using the incon to fund a few living expenses whilst setting up a business.  However, on returning home my wife had other ideas and we have booked a holiday to enjoy some quality family time together along with soaking up some sun.  Thankfully there's some left which will do the job intended.

 I cannot recommend Quotient Sciences highly enough.  Whether you're a seasoned volunteer or you're considering doing a trial for the first time, this company is totally worth working with.  I will be back after my washout period even though business will be booming; with the cost of living going up ad hoc lump sums of capital are not to be sniffed at.

The time spent with the staff there was great - I appreciated all the time that the volunteer liaison spent with us – it was fun – informative and its clear she loves her job!

I am 57 and now fully retired from my very busy working life. 

As a result, I now have the flexibility and time to volunteer in clinical trials at Quotient… 57 is the new 27!

A work colleague told me about Quotient around 10 years ago. At the time, I was living alone and had lots of ‘time off’ owed to me by my employer. I used the time to attend a clinical trial (20 night stay plus return visits);  and thus began my volunteering journey. I had always intended to do more studies but just never had the available time while I was still in full time employment. Therefore, once the clock had stopped ticking on my work life – I was able to take full advantage of volunteering with Quotient.

I have not done any studies elsewhere – I do not intend to either. I only live 30 minutes’ drive from the clinic, and therefore it is very convenient for me to stay with Quotient.

Why do I take part in clinical trials you may ask…?

For me are the allowances I receive for taking part, top up my pension; I also use the payments to put towards holidays and mini breaks - although I would use it for any luxury treat.

I have recommended Quotient to a number of friends - I am a great advert for doing Quotient’s studies! With a busy social life, walking, bike riding and doing my bit for charity I always find the time to take part in trials and enjoy the guilt free time off!

I have gained so much more whilst volunteering at Quotient. On my last trial earlier this year, I got on very well with another volunteer and we have kept in touch and meet up for coffee when in each other’s locality. We found we had lots in common and really enjoyed each other’s company. Quotient have built a community of like-minded volunteers who ultimately feel strongly about knowing that what we are doing, is contributing to helping our future selves

I do not hide my volunteering from anyone; I do not see any stigma in attending the trials - we need more people volunteering in order to continue making therapy breakthroughs. I feel proud to have played a small part in these discoveries.

A huge part of staying at Quotient is the food. The meals are fine - certainly more than adequate with a great choice of fresh home cooked meals.

The clinic staff do everything possible to help us occupy our time by organising quiz and bingo sessions & new games for the Xbox– these are perfect and a great welcome break in the week.

With a washout period of 3 months, I am happy to wait to see what studies best suit my life’s calendar. I cannot wait to get back to Quotient to try out their summer menu and to meet some new friends. Maybe see you there….

Doing studies at Quotient has taken me around the world - Orlando, New York, Las Vegas & Europe

Hi I’m Jo, I have been taking part in clinical trials with Quotient Sciences since 2010. It’s a great way to meet people from all walks of life - plus the allowance goes a long way to making a difference to your own personal life.

I’m fascinated with the work that has been done to find new medicines to help people with health conditions such as cancer, diabetes and asthma. I like to think that one day, my contribution to clinical trials will help future generations live longer and have a better quality of life.

It’s really easy to find trials on Quotient’s website just by adding your age, gender and whether you are a non-smoker or not. Once inside the clinic, you are allocated a bed in a ward which is not too dissimilar to being in a hospital ward – minus the patients.

Once you arrive at the Unit, you have a general health check - blood pressure, heart rate and a few other simple tests. There are lots of activities to help keep you entertained throughout your stay such as pool tables, games consoles, daily newspapers, table tennis, a dart board, bingo, crafting, movies and weekly quizzes. They have Sky television in all of the lounges too – what more could you ask for.

Time really does fly once you are settled in. The longest study I have done lasted 8 days but there are some that can last  longer depending on how much time you have available. There really is something to suit everybody. The staff, both in screening and the clinic, are lovely and after a while you get to build up a rapport with them. You know you’ve been participating in these trials for a while when they start calling you by your first name (without looking at the board first!)

The days when you are dosing are hectic and you can be confined to your bed area for a while, but this does calm down during the day and you can go back to chilling out, catching up with work or simply doing your own thing.

Nothing is ever too much trouble at Quotient, everyone from the nursing staff, volunteer liaison,  the medical team, the cleaning staff, to the chefs that prepare your meals daily - they are all there to make your stay a pleasant one.

I think in total, I have taken part in around 12 clinical trials over the years (my husband also) and the allowances received have taken us to many places including Orlando, New York, Las Vegas and many city breaks around Europe.

I hope to continue my journey with Quotient – let’s see where it takes me next. Why not apply today and see where your journey takes you.

We found love on a clinical trial - Take that next step, do a study with Quotient Sciences – it really might change your life!

I decided to do a clinical trial purely because I thought it would be a good way to get paid some extra money. I never thought about how good it would be, making new friends and finding time to relax.

On my first day on the trial at Quotient Sciences I got talking to three people who I had never met, who were playing a game of Monopoly. Halfway through the game another person came up and asked if he could join, little did I know that he would turn out to be my soulmate!

We all got talking and throughout the first two-night stay our little gang of five did everything together. We talked lots and got to know each other really well. We left after our first visit with each other’s contact details and I knew I was already looking forward to my next visit to the clinic to see all of my new friends again.

James (the late comer to the monopoly game) at the time was living quite close to me and offered to take me to Quotient Sciences for our second visit. I remember getting in his car for the first time. He put his iPod on shuffle, the first song that came on was slightly awkward; it was Marvin Gaye's “Let’s Get It On”. However we had a good laugh about it! It was amazing how I had only known this guy for a matter of days and how relaxed we were already feeling around each other. We ended up singing like idiots for the rest of the car journey – à la Car Share!!

Going back to Quotient Sciences was great. Our little gang came back together and hung out in the lounge watching TV, playing games and chatting about nonsense. James liked to make fun of me at lunch times because we all had certain times when we were allowed to eat because of the trial schedule. His meal was served 40 minutes after mine. Somehow he always finished before me (I am a slow eater as I like to taste my food, not inhale it!) After the two-night stay we all went our separate ways again until the last visit.

Yet again James picked me up for our final trip to Quotient Sciences , but this time we arrived far too early so we decided to take a walk around Rushcliffe Country Park, which is on Quotient’s doorstep. There was a children’s playground and, as it was so early in the morning there was no one around, we behaved like kids and played on the swings and slides; it was so much fun! However I felt a little sad inside because I knew after this visit all of my new friends, who lived quite far away, would be going their separate ways, and James would be going back to University so I’d be miles away from him and the others.

We made our way to Quotient Sciences slightly covered in mud from playing on a wet playground, but that was fine since we liked to live in our pyjamas whilst on the trial...like I said earlier...nice and relaxing! Over the next two nights our little gang watched films and played pool and table tennis. It felt like we were a little family and I personally hadn't had the chance to have this much fun and relax like this in such a long time. I think I had let life get in the way of things before this but it really is strange and amazing just how much this trial changed my life.

After our final night was over we all said goodbye to the staff, who were absolutely brilliant and so friendly. We said goodbye to each other, having already arranged a night out to meet up in a few weeks’ time. I felt so sad leaving after having such a great time but James soon cheered me up by showing me that he had a big bar of chocolate in his car ready to share now that we were all done and allowed caffeine again!

This adventure happened in August to September 2013. James and I now share a beautiful home in North Yorkshire, we are engaged and are expecting our first baby in May; it’s a girl! Every day since my time at Quotient Sciences I have had fun and laughed and never let life get in the way of anything.

After all these years I am still madly head over heels...’butterflies in the belly’ in love with James. Deciding to do that clinical trial really has changed my whole life and I dread to think how miserable and dull everything could have been if I hadn't taken a chance and applied to Quotient Sciences.

What’s stopping you – have a look online and apply today. It really could change your life.

I first got involved in clinical research after receiving my gold medal in blood donations and wanted to find another way of helping to advance future medicine. I had heard some great feedback about the Quotient Sciences clinic in Nottingham so I decided to take part in studies with them and have done now for many happy years.

Thinking of the many studies I have completed over the 30 plus years I have been taking part in clinical trials, not once have I had any side effects.

If you need time away from your job or general life - a week on a clinical trial can recharge your batteries. With the friendly nurses and volunteers you can either socialise or stay in bed and catch up on lost sleep, taking a rest from your hectic life.

It is easy to make new friends whilst on a study with Quotient. It is also likely you will see them again and again each time you do another trial.

Moreover, you will be able to enjoy great food prepared for you and of course the trial payment.

What's stopping you? Just think, you will help develop new medicines that your grandchildren might need in their future.

Come give it a try and you won't regret it!