Engaging with candidates this election

Manifestos from all major parties have now been launched ahead of the General Election on Thursday 4^th July. Health is a clear priority for all parties and there is a focus on NHS waiting lists and appointments. We need your help to make sure Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is included in these priorities.

We want to ensure the next Government commits to making significant improvements in the diagnosis, care, and support for everyone living with IBD. Now, we need your help to make sure this message is heard.

There will be opportunities to speak to your parliamentary candidates in the run up to the election – whether they come to your doorstep or attend an election hustings event where you live. Here are some questions you can ask them about what they will do to support people with IBD:

• Did you know 1 in 123 people in the constituency have Crohn's or Colitis? Your candidates may not have heard of IBD, or the serious impact these conditions can have on people’s health, wellbeing and everyday life.

• How will your party make sure people with long-term health conditions, like those living with Crohn's and Colitis, get the support they need? Tell them about how living with IBD has affected your education, career or finances. 

• If elected, what will you do to bring down waiting times and improve NHS services for people with Inflammatory Bowel Disease? Delays to diagnosis and under-resourced IBD services have a severe impact on the physical and mental health of those with Crohn's and Colitis. The next government needs to make sure that people with Crohn's and Colitis get the right tests at the right time for a diagnosis within weeks, not years, and have access to better care and treatment when they need it.  
• As health is devolved, if you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, ask your candidate: what can you do to raise awareness about these issues? 

If you speak to any candidates about Crohn’s and Colitis, please let us know how you got on by emailing campaigns@crohnsandcolitis.org.uk. 

To receive more information about how to get involved in making a difference for everyone living with Crohn's and Colitis, sign up to our campaigns network today.