Holly’s top tips for engaging with your local parliamentarian
Engaging with local parliamentarians can be really important in ensuring the voice of the CF community is heard loud and clear when it comes to the issues that matter to you. In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, you have members of your devolved Governments and MPs in the House of Commons to get in touch with. Whether it’s access to medicines, campaigning for a fairer transplant process, or fighting for free prescription charges in England, the support of politicians across the country can make a real difference in helping to achieve our vision of a life unlimited for everyone affected by CF.
Parliamentarians have a duty to their constituents to make sure their voices are represented in Parliament. They can help in a number of ways, including raising issues with the relevant Government department, asking questions to Ministers, engaging with the media, pledging their support to campaigns on social media, or even speaking at events.
Sometimes you might even discover that your MP has a personal connection to a cause. That’s what happened to our supporter Holly Wheat, whose local MP is Lee Anderson.
Holly, whose 15-month-old daughter Amelia has CF, reached out to thank her MP for attending the recent prescription charges debate at Westminster Hall. “I sent our thanks for attending the Westminster Hall debate on prescription charges and flying the flag for CF families,” Holly explains. “I wasn't aware until that day that Lee’s wife also has cystic fibrosis. I messaged him and thanked him on behalf of all of the CF warriors for standing in our corner and sharing something so close to his heart.”
Holly’s MP replied and asked if he could visit the family to hear more about Amelia and how CF impacts their lives. “It was nerve-wracking having an MP visit,” laughs Holly. “But I knew I wouldn’t get this opportunity again, so I grabbed it! He listened to everything I had to say and wanted to know about us as a family. He said we shouldn’t hesitate to contact him if we needed anything going forward.”
Lee Anderson shared news of their meeting on his social media accounts. The post had hundreds of interactions, raising vital awareness of CF with his followers. He’s also helping out with Holly’s upcoming FeBREWary fundraiser. To have the support of her local MP means a lot to Holly. “It made me feel listened to. Like, CF families matter - and our voice is being heard,” she says.
Holly wouldn’t hesitate to contact her MP again when it comes to raising awareness of the causes she cares about – and would encourage others in the CF community to do the same. “Now I have made that initial connection, I won't hesitate to contact him in the future if there's something that I think could use a little support,” Holly says.
“Our MPs are in a very powerful position in Parliament to speak on behalf of the CF community. Don't be afraid to share your personal story with your local MPs; they're just like us and they want to help their community.”
Top tips for engaging with your local parliamentarian
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If you’re not sure who your local MP is, you can find out at: Find your MP - MPs and Lords - UK Parliament. You can also find your MSP, MLA or MS.
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Setting up a meeting with your parliamentary representative can be one of the most effective ways to raise awareness of CF campaigns. Many parliamentarians hold drop-in surgery sessions - the times and locations of these can usually be found on your MPs website.
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Build up a relationship by email or phone with your parliamentarian or the people who work in their office.
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Share your own personal experiences. This is one of the most powerful ways for them to understand the seriousness of the issue you’re campaigning on and how it impacts your life as a member of their constituency.
Find out more about Holly's FeBREWary fundraiser
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic condition which causes sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system. It affects more than 10,800 people in the UK. One in 25 of us carries the faulty gene that causes it, usually without knowing.
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Campaigning for free prescriptions
Living with cystic fibrosis often requires a huge burden of daily medication essential to stay well. But shockingly around 2,500 adults with CF in England do not qualify for free prescriptions. Find out more about our campaign to change this.