C-GULL Sub study - Healthy Brains, Healthy Futures (HBHF)

Healthy Brains, Healthy Futures is an optional part of the C-GULL study.

As part of C-GULL, we want to understand how babies grow by looking at how the brain, immune system and genes work together.

Sometimes, children experience difficulties with their emotional wellbeing or mental health, and we do not always know why. By learning more about how the brain and body develop in early life, this study aims to improve our understanding of children's health and help support healthier, happier futures.

You can ask the C-GULL team any questions before deciding whether to take part.

Taking part is entirely voluntary. If you decide not to take part, or change your mind later, this won’t affect your care or being part of C-GULL.

If you do decide to take part, we’ll contact you after your baby is born and invite you and your baby to visit our research centre at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital when your baby is between 6-12 weeks old.

During this visit, we’ll ask a few questions about your baby’s health, like if they’ve had any infections or vaccinations.

We’ll also do an MRI scan of your baby’s brain. Your baby will be swaddled and scanned while naturally asleep, and you can stay with them the whole time.

We’ll also take a tiny blood sample — less than a teaspoon. We use a special numbing cream beforehand, so your baby doesn’t feel any pain or discomfort.

Our team will make the visit as comfortable as possible for you and your baby.

For each visit you will receive a gift voucher for your time.

We will see your child at two years old as part of their routine C-GULL visit and collect another small blood sample.

At five years old we will invite your child back to Alder Hey for another scan.

All your information and samples are kept safe and secure and are used only for research.

We will never share your personal details.

By taking part in Healthy Brains, Healthy Futures, you’ll help us discover how children’s brains grow and why some children struggle with emotions or wellbeing.

This knowledge could help improve care and support for children and families in the future.

To find out more, talk to the C-GULL team

Together, we can give children the best start for a brighter future.