Summary

On Wednesday 26th November, the Overlapping Illness Alliance hosted a parliamentary drop-in event, providing parliamentarians with an opportunity to meet the group's founding members and discuss the importance of collaborating across illness.

We were delighted that over 50 MPs, Peers, and their colleagues attended the event! We would like to thank everyone who took the time and energy to contact their local MP to invite them to the drop-in as, thanks to you, almost 80% of all MPs received requests from their constituents to attend - your support really did make a difference.

The event raised much needed awareness and understanding of the impact of the illnesses represented by the Overlapping Illness Alliance. It gave members the opportunity to engage directly with parliamentarians, highlighting the many overlaps that exist, including the effects of the lack of complimentary health and social care available for people living with one or more of the illness, alongside the educational and economic impact, and stigma, that so many still experience.

All the attendees we spoke with 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.

Next steps

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 moment and awareness within Parliament. In doing so, we will 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.