Write to Your MP: Help Keep People's Voices at the Heart of Health and Care

Why write to your MP?

MPs represent the people who live in their constituency. They can:

• Raise concerns in Parliament
• Ask questions of Government ministers
• Support changes to proposed legislation
• Speak up on behalf of local residents

Hearing directly from constituents helps MPs understand what matters to the people they represent.

Why independence matters

People often share sensitive experiences about health and social care with us because they know we are independent.

An independent Healthwatch can:

• Listen without being part of the organisations delivering services
• Gather honest feedback from local people
• Highlight issues that need attention
• Share the views of people whose voices are often less heard
• Help decision-makers understand what is working well and what needs to improve

Many people tell us they value having an organisation that is separate from the NHS and local authorities.

How to contact your MP

Step 1: Find your MP

Visit the UK Parliament website and enter your postcode to find out who your MP is and how to contact them.

Step 2: Write your message

Your message does not need to be long.

Explain:

• Why independent patient voices matter to you
• Why you value Healthwatch Shropshire's work
• Any personal experience you have of using Healthwatch services or benefiting from changes made because people's voices were heard
• Why you believe independent public feedback should continue to be part of health and social care

Step 3: Include your details

MPs can only respond to people who live in their constituency, so remember to include:

• Your full name
• Your address
• Your postcode

Step 4: Send your letter or email

You can:

• Email your MP directly
• Write a letter
• Use online services such as WriteToThem to send your message

Example message to your MP

Dear [MP Name],

I am writing as a constituent to ask for your support in protecting independent patient voices in health and social care.

Healthwatch Shropshire provides an important service by listening to people's experiences and ensuring that decision-makers hear what is working well and where improvements are needed.

I believe it is important that local people continue to have access to an independent organisation that can gather feedback, represent community views, and support people to have their voices heard.

Please consider the importance of maintaining an independent patient voice as the Health Bill progresses through Parliament.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my views.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Address]
[Postcode]

You can also download the template below and personalise it to send to you MP.

Every voice makes a difference

Writing to your MP only takes a few minutes, but it can help ensure that local people's experiences continue to shape health and social care services in the future.

Thank you for supporting Healthwatch Shropshire and helping to ensure that people's voices remain at the heart of health and social care.