Hey everyone! Over the next few weeks there will be a number of updates coming your way so please do keep an eye out for them and please to get involved where you can! I know sometimes writing to MPs feels pointless but the more noise we make the more likely we are to make change!
Firstly, I wanted to thank you all for your ongoing support! It really means a lot. The campaign wouldn’t be where it is without you!
Secondly, on 2 March I am holding a photo call / drop in session in Parliament with MPs and Peers! It is so exciting that lots of MPs have confirmed their attendance already but I need your help to ensure that we get even more!
There are two things you can do right now so we can make sure that MPs come along!
1. Tweet your MP. feel free to use the sample tweet right here:
Urgent: [@InsertMPhere], please support @HopeVirgo with her new campaign transforming the face to eating disorders because no one should be dying of an eating disorder in 2022! Will you join her drop in on 2 March to show your support?
2. If you would like to contact your MP directly to ask them to attend please do ( there is an example template below and don't forget to add your home address when contacting your MP).
Thank you so much for all your support!
Daily updates on the campaign can be found over on my Instagram "hopevirgo_" and watch this space for lots of new bits coming up soon!
Letter to your MP - please do personalise as much as you like!
Dear XXX,
I am writing to ask you to attend the Photo Drop-In in support of the work the Hearts Minds and Genes Coaltition are doing on eating disorders. A group chaired by campaigner Hope Virgo, who are campaigning to end the injustices of those affected by eating disorders. You will have received an email about this event with location and timings from hopevirgo@hotmail.com and I would urge you to go along and show your support.
Eating disorders are an urgent issue impacting members of your constituency and millions across the country.
Eating disorders are not new illnesses, but there has been a massive rise in cases during the pandemic. Unacceptable delays before treatment means we are also seeing a rise in avoidable chronic long-term illness and loss of life with life expectancy of those with eating disorders at approximately 50 years of age.
No-one should be condemned to a life of illness, nor should anyone be dying of an eating disorder in 2022.
Those suffering are so often hidden in plain sight amongst all ages, genders races, ethnicities, body shapes and weights, sexual orientations and socio-economic status, affecting every aspect of society.
They are serious, biologically based mental illnesses deserving of equal clinical and research funding to that given to other complex diseases. We want to ensure that no-one with an eating disorder need experience shame or guilt, and everybody should have timely access to specialist services.
Please do show your support for a campaign that can and will save lives.
Yours Sincerely,