It’s easy to forget that ordinary people have power, but when we all use our voices it can help bring about change, big and small. Here Ceara Chamberlin, Newlife’s Campaign and Public Affairs Manager, explains how we can all play a part.
At Newlife, we’re regularly in contact with MPs, sharing real-life data and experiences from the families we support to highlight the daily struggles they face in securing the right care and support for their children. And of course, MPs want to hear directly from our parent carers too; personal stories are powerful in shaping their understanding of the issues you face. Getting in touch with your MP is also a great way to help them gain insight into the challenges, ask for their support or encourage them to action as part of a Newlife campaign.
Alongside hearing real stories from those directly impacted, charities also play an important role in advocating for change. Charities like Newlife are vital in lobbying the Government on behalf of those we support. You may have recently heard comments from Health Secretary Wes Streeting regarding his aim to “break the culture” of the voluntary sector, particularly when it comes to the role of charities in influencing government policy. Since his comments were made public, the minister has taken a step back, acknowledging that while charities should challenge the government, they must also accept “trade-offs” in doing so.
Many across the sector have strongly disagreed with Streeting’s comments, particularly the notion that advocacy work is seen as a nuisance rather than a help. As a campaign manager for a charity dedicated to supporting disabled children and amplifying their voice, I couldn’t agree more. We exist to support those in greatest need.
Our mission is to ensure that disabled children and their families receive the right support and equipment that they need at the right time, empowering them to live pain-free lives and reach their full potential. In this work, MPs are crucial allies to listen and help improve policy and practice to make a truly positive difference.
MPs are there to represent you, their constituents, in Parliament and to hold the Government to account. They want to know what issues you care about and there are several ways for you to get involved with lobbying your MP:
Finding your MP
It’s easy to find out who your local MP is by searching your postcode on the parliament website.
Each MP’s page will list their contact details, including their parliamentary office address, email and phone number. If you need to discuss a specific local issue, you can contact their constituency office, if there’s one listed.
How to contact your MP
There are different ways to engage with your MP. The most common methods include:
- Emailing your MP
- Requesting an in-person or online meeting.
- Inviting your MP to an event you’re organising.
- Engaging via social media.
You can also contact your MP encouraging them to engage with Newlife by attending our events and meetings to support the key issues that matter to you.
What to say to your MP
Contacting an MP might feel intimidating but remember they’re human too! The key is to keep your communication clear and polite.
MPs want to hear personal stories from their constituents, so make sure that you explain the issue and why it matters to you – this helps your MP understand the urgency and significance of the problem.
Think about the impact the issue is having on you and your family and outline the changes you’d like to see. This will give your MP a clear idea of what action is needed.
MPs receive hundreds of emails each week, so make sure your email is clear, concise and really highlights how they can support you.
Top tips for engaging with an MP
If you do contact your MP, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Don’t be intimidated: They genuinely want to hear from you and care about the issues their constituents face. You are the expert on your own lived experience and everything you face as the parent of a disabled child.
Be personal: If you’re comfortable, share your story. The more personal you can make it, the more your MP will understand why the issue is important to you.
Be specific: Clearly explain the problem and what action you’d like your MP to take and what you would ideally like them to achieve for you.
It can be easy to feel that your individual voice might not make much of an impact and an MP is just another person to speak with as you navigate this journey. But every time you speak up, you contribute to a larger movement. MPs need to hear from a variety of people, those with the lived experience and those who are here to support them.
By sharing your story, not only are you raising awareness about the challenges you face, but you also help to create change. Working together, we can show those in power that it is not just one person’s issue but something that affects many families.
Your voice is powerful and when we come together, we are louder and harder to ignore.
If you need some support in contacting your MP, please contact Campaign and Public Affairs Manager Ceara Chamberlin