Over 50 MPs, Peers, and their colleagues attended the Overlapping Illness Alliance's drop-in event in Parliament yesterday!
The event raised much needed awareness and understanding of the impact of the illnesses represented by the Alliance's founding members. It provided an opportunity to engage with parliamentarians, highlighting the many overlaps that exist, including the effects of the lack of complimentary health and social care available for people with one or more of the illnesses, alongside the education and economic impact, and stigma, that so many still experience.
Thank you so much to everyone who took the time and energy to contact their MP to invite them to the event. Thanks to you, almost 80% of all MPs received requests to attend the drop-in, directly from their constituents. One MP told us it was the most letters they had received about a single event, so your support really did make a difference!
All those attending identified that this joined up, collaborative approach across illness areas is much-needed and will have greater impact, including in engaging parliamentarians and creating a powerful, united voice.
The event also saw the launch of the Alliance's first resource - a brief guide for parliamentarians - which can be found on the Alliance's website, alongside a list of attendees from yesterday's drop-in.
As a group, we will build on this event with follow up with all attendees and by working collaboratively to identify tangible actions that can be taken to sustain this momentum and awareness in Parliament, further demonstrate the significant impact of these illnesses, and what must be done to improve the lives of those affected by them.
Discussions are also underway regarding welcoming new member organisations and an update on this will be shared, early next year. We very much look forward to growing the Alliance and together, building a fairer future where overlapping illnesses are recognised, respected, and properly treated.
