Healthy Brains, Healthy Futures is part of the C-GULL program.

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 can feel unsure or unhappy or both, and it's not always easy for us to understand what's behind those feelings.

By learning more about how the brain and body grow, this study can help us understand child wellbeing and mental health and support healthier, happier futures.

The C-Gull team will invite you to take part in the Healthy Brains, Healthy Futures study during one of your pregnancy visits.

You can ask any questions, and your midwife will help.

Taking part is voluntary, and if you don't want to, that's fine.

It 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 6 to 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. There will be time to feed and settle your baby. Your baby will be swaddled and scanned in natural sleep, and ear protection will be applied. You can stay with your baby the whole time.

We'll also take a tiny blood sample, just less than a teaspoon. We use a special cream so your baby doesn't feel any pain.

Our team will make the visit comfortable for you and your baby. You will be reimbursed for your time and travel expenses.

We will see your child at two years old as part of their routine C-GULL visit.

At five years old, they will be invited for another research visit at Alder Hey, which will be similar to the one they had at 6 to 12 weeks.

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.

To find out more, talk to the C-GULL team or visit www.cgullstudy.com.

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