Be a Champion
Help us to raise awareness with policymakers and our elected representatives about genetic haemochromatosis.
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As a charity we work with policy-makers and elected representatives to advance the cause of people affected by genetic haemochromatosis.
Write To Your MP or Other Elected Representative
We continue to encourage our members to get involved in writing to their MP (or other elected representatives) to raise awareness of the condition.
How to contact your MP
Here are some tips for grabbing their attention and getting them involved with our work to improve the lives of people affected by genetic haemochromatosis. It really does make a big difference to our work and ability to help people.
Step 1 – find your Member of Parliament
You may already know who your MP is, but if you’re unsure, the Westminster Parliament website has a handy way of finding your MP, checking their voting record and seeing their interests. Simply click this link https://www.parliament.uk/mps-lords-and-offices/mps/ and type in your postcode or location.
Step 2 – tell your story
How have you or a loved one been affected by genetic haemochromatosis?
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Think about how you were diagnosed, what symptoms you had, how it has affected you. Don’t be afraid to share your own story or how haemochromatosis has affected you and your family.
Keep it short and factual, but don’t hold back on explaining the real impact that the condition has had. This is the best way to get an MP’s attention and ensure you get a personalised and helpful response from them.
Step 3 – write to your MP
Politics is for everyone. Anyone can write to their elected representative and ask them to get involved. Here are a few tips to help your letter get noticed – and acted on!
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​Tip 1 – write a letter, don’t send an email
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MPs have teams of people running their offices. Their staff are more likely to sit up and respond to a good old-fashioned letter, handwritten or typed/printed and sent to the MP at Westminster in an envelope with a stamp. Emails are much less effective, so send a real handwritten or printed letter if you can.
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Tip 2 – use a bright coloured envelope
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This is a pro-tip for the passionate letter writer! MPs receive hundreds of letters every week, so you need a way of standing out. Coloured envelopes (A5 or smaller) are a simple way of getting noticed – and they only cost a second class stamp to deliver! You could also write your message in a blank or ‘Thank You’ card to really get their attention!
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Tip 3 – tell your MP your story for added impact
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We all respond to a human story – MPs need to hear just how haemochromatosis affects people day-to-day as they are unlikely to have any direct personal experience of their own. So, tell your MP how you have been affected by genetic haemochromatosis. It doesn’t need to be much or too long; keep it friendly and factual.
Tip 4 – be clear about what you are asking for
Get to the point. Make it easy for the recipient to understand at a glance what you are asking for.
Step 4 – tell us, so we can follow-up
Finally, help us to campaign effectively. Let us know you’ve written to your MP, so we can follow up with them. Let us know by emailing a copy to us at office@huk.org.uk