Lyme Disease UK contacted 965 political representatives nationwide before the summer recess, to help raise awareness throughout local communities, and keep Lyme disease on the political agenda.
We sent an email and a letter linking to comprehensive information for politicians on Lyme disease, alongside an eye-catching awareness postcard, asking them to take three specific, impactful steps:
- Share tick bite prevention advice with constituents via newsletters, social media, and office noticeboards.
- Write to local school headteachers and outdoor leisure organisations to protect children in rural and green spaces.
- Contact local health leadership to advocate for the RCGP Lyme disease online course for GPs and practice nurses.
Politicians show their support for Lyme patients
We were delighted by the encouraging responses back from numerous offices contacting us to offer their help.
Highlands and Islands MSP and LDUK Ambassador, Cllr Morven-May MacCallum also championed the cause at the Scottish Parliament. Having personal experience with the devastating impact of late-diagnosed Lyme disease, Morven-May is a passionate advocate for early prevention and better medical training and care.
Morven-May MacCallum MSP at Holyrood
This outreach focused on prevention and early symptom awareness. We know that for many in our community, the priority remains improved diagnosis, treatment and ongoing care – and there is still a long way to go.
The focus on prevention is not a replacement for work to improve those issues. However, it is a way to ensure conversations about Lyme disease continue to progress.
Get involved on social media
As part of this outreach, every politician’s office also received our Social Media Toolkit packed with graphics and and social media content, ready to share with their constituents.
Our toolkit also contains templates for individuals, suitable for you to use to help nudge your representatives online!
- Access our toolkit to download the Be Tick Aware graphics.
- Copy one of our pre-written individual supporter posts.
- Post it on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or Bluesky.
- Tag your MP, MSP, MS, or MLA directly in your caption.
- Ask them if they have shared the LDUK materials sent to their office.
- Tag us using #BeTickAware so we can find and amplify your post.
Stories speak louder than statistics!
Your Lyme disease stories have the power to create change. Politicians listen closely when they hear directly from the people who elect them.
Please write to your local politicians, share your patient story, and ask them if they have acted on the briefing that was sent to them by LDUK.
Our Share your story with politicians guide outlines everything you need to know when you reach out. It provides:
- Ready-made email templates tailored to your specific UK region.
- Step-by-step guidance on how to include your own personal experience.
- Advice on booking surgery appointments to speak with your representative face-to-face.
- Direct links to help you find your local representative’s contact details.
Thank you
Thank you in advance for your support in helping us to drive forward important messages on tick bite and Lyme disease prevention to key decision makers and local communities.