Hear our voice on health

1,200 people with a learning disability are dying prematurely in our health service every single year. This is a scandal that must be stopped.

In the run up to the 2015 General Election, health care and the future of the NHS will be a hot topic of debate. Mencap wants to make sure that health care for people with a learning disability is part of this debate, so the next Government gets the message that they must take action to stop people dying avoidably.

So, what are we asking you to do?

We want you to let the key Health spokespeople in the three main political parties know that this really matters. And that they can do something about it.We know that everyone is busy so we wanted to offer you different ways to take action depending on how much time you have.

Got a minute? Send them a tweet!

Jeremy Hunt: @Jeremy_Hunt
Andy Burnham: @andyburnhammp
Norman Lamb: @normanlamb

Example tweet (don't forget to add their handle!):

People like Paul are failed by NHS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZA9cClHqWA Pls listen & help change this www.hear-my-voice.org.uk/content/im-listening #HearMyVoice

Got 5 minutes? Send them an email!

Jeremy Hunt: mb-sofs@dh.gsi.gov.uk
Andy Burnham: andy.burnham.mp@parliament.uk
Norman Lamb: mscs@dh.gsi.gov.uk

Example email:

Dear Mr Hunt / Mr Burnham / Mr Lamb,
Every year 1,200 people with a learning disability die avoidably in our National Health Service. People like Paul. That is a scandal on the same scale as Mid-Staffordshire NHS Trust every single year.
But this has not provoked the outrage and overhaul of health services that it should, because people with a learning disability continue to face discrimination to such an extent that their lives are simply not valued the same as other people's.
Our health service is failing people with a learning disability. You have the power to change this. As a leading health figure and also a candidate in the 2015 general election, please show you are listening to people with a learning disability, their families and all those who believe everyone has the right to good quality health care.

Got longer? Write them a letter!

Letter

Jeremy Hunt: SW Surrey Conservative Association, 2 Royal Parade, Tilford Road, Hindhead, GU26 6TD
Andy Burnham: 10 Market Street, Leigh, WN7 1DS
Norman Lamb: Unit 4, North Walsham Garden Centre, Nursery Drive, Norwich Road, North Walsham, NR28 0DR

Example letter:

Dear Mr Hunt / Mr Burnham / Mr Lamb,
Every year 1,200 people with a learning disability die avoidably in our National Health Service. People like Paul. That is a scandal on the same scale as Mid-Staffordshire NHS Trust every single year.
But this has not provoked the outrage and overhaul of health services that it should, because people with a learning disability continue to face discrimination to such an extent that their lives are simply not valued the same as other people's.
Our health service is failing people with a learning disability. You have the power to change this. As a senior health figure and also a candidate in the 2015 election, please show you are listening to people with a learning disability, their families and all those who believe everyone has the right to good quality health care.

Got a health story of your own?

If you have a health story of your own (good or bad!), why not share this with your local MP and parliamentary candidates? Click here to get started.

Thank you!