East Anglian NHS research organisations have joined together to hold a free public screening of the thought-provoking film ‘People are messy’, written by award winning playwright, Judith Johnson, in Ely, next month.

The event is open to the public and takes place from 9.30am to 4pm on Wednesday June 7 at The Maltings.

The day will kick off with a screening of the hour long film - with free popcorn and refreshments - followed by a discussion about how the story links to health research happening around the country.

There will be a free buffet lunch and the audience will have the opportunity to find out more in the pop-up research village after the film.

The afternoon will see presentations from Cancer Research UK, Arthritis Research UK, the NIHR and NHS with more opportunities to discuss the subjects raised in the film and find out more about research happening in the region.

The event is being held as part of the celebrations surrounding the launch of the National Institute for Health Research’s (NIHR) ‘I Am Research’ campaign, which aims to raise awareness of clinical research taking place around the country.

‘People are messy’ tells the story of several characters who are drawn together through their experiences of Aplastic Anaemia - a rare blood disease which mainly affects teenagers and young people. Their different journeys show how healthcare providers and patients can, and do, work together to improve treatments to help patients to live fuller lives.

A spokesman said: “With hard hitting messages the film includes both tragic and comic moments which highlight challenging subjects, engaging from beginning to end.

“It was produced by the ‘Theatre in Education’ company, Theatre of Debate which has a long track record of commissioning plays related to science, medicine and ethics.”

For free tickets and more information, register here https://public-voices-shaping-health-research-eoe.eventbrite.co.uk/.

Alternatively, you can also call 01603 289670 and leave a message with your name, telephone number and ticket requirements.