Andrew joined Crohn’s and Colitis UK for a meeting with the Minister for Disabled People, Justin Tomlinson MP, this week to discuss support for those with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
Andrew, who works closely with Crohn’s and Colitis UK, organised the meeting to allow the charity to discuss their concerns direct with the Minister regarding access to work and benefits for those with IBD.
Crohn’s and Colitis UK are a respected UK-wide charity that provides support, education, research funding and a powerful voice for everyone whose life is affected by Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
Andrew says, “I’m really glad that we were able to have this meeting and I would like to thank Justin for taking the time to meet with me and Crohn’s and Colitis UK to discuss their concerns. Crohn’s & Colitis UK offer excellent support to those who are living with Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis and champion awareness of both of these, as well as Inflammatory Bowel Disease more generally.
Last year I hosted the charity in Parliament for the launch of the ‘My Crohn’s and Colitis Care’ guide, which helps support patients to work in partnership with their healthcare services in order to get the best quality care. There is a lot more to be done to raise awareness and improve access to appropriate care but I look forward to continuing to work with Crohn’s and Colitis UK as we move forward.”
Andy McGuinness, Policy and Public Affairs Officer at Crohn’s and Colitis UK, added, “The meeting with the Minister for Disabled People was a good opportunity for Crohn’s and Colitis UK to discuss the barriers for people living with very severe Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), in accessing disability benefits like Personal Independence Payments (PIP). We are extremely grateful to Andrew Percy for setting up the meeting with the Minister and for his ongoing support to the 300,000 people living with IBD across the UK.
The meeting with the Minister was fruitful and will enable Crohn’s and Colitis UK to better engage with the Department of Work and Pensions on supporting those living with IBD to get assistance to stay in work and continue the fight to improve access to benefits when they are needed.”
Andrew is also working with Crohn’s & Colitis UK to help raise awareness of World IBD Day on Thursday 19th May. More information is available here:
https://www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/get-involved/world-ibd-day
