As I am sure you are aware the next general election will take place on Thursday 4 July 2024, when you can cast your vote and help shape the future direction of the country.

In the run-up to this election you may have an opportunity to engage with the candidates vying for support in your constituency. As they seek to secure your vote and their future, you can ensure that they are aware of EB and of the needs of the EB community. In doing so we hope to secure their future support.

To help guide any conversations you may have with election candidates in your constituency, we have listed our key local government asks...

 

1. Improved awareness/understanding of EB amongst GPs so that they can diagnose it and refer patients to the specialist EB healthcare that is currently available through the NHS.
2. Financial support for the EB community (particularly those who do not qualify for free prescriptions) to ensure they can purchase basic but vitally important treatments, including dressings.
3. Improved access to mental health support locally for EB patients/carers; 55% of EB patients/carers surveyed* stated that EB has had a high or moderate impact on their mental health, yet only 3/10 had been offered NHS mental health support.
4. Improved access to free podiatry services locally which are so important to ensure EB patients’ continued mobility; 70% of EB patients/carers surveyed* said their everyday mobility/physical exercise is impacted by EB.
5. Access to free genetic testing locally for anyone with a family history of EB to support them with family planning decisions.

 

You can find details of the election candidates in your local area on the Who Can I Vote For? website.

Thank you for your ongoing support as we aim to ensure that the next government, whoever that may be, prioritises the needs of the EB community.

 

*2023 EB Insights Study