health

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome awareness month 2026

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Online talk: Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome awareness month 2026

Time: 1400-1500
Date: Thursday 14 May 2026
Location: Online via MS Teams
Further information: Promoting Ehlers Danlos Awareness month or email ParliAble@parliament.uk

Did you know? Although at least 1 in 500 people in the UK are diagnosed with Ehlers‑Danlos Syndrome (EDS) or Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD), many more remain undiagnosed due to low awareness among the public and healthcare professionals.

To mark International EDS Awareness Month, Gabrielle Fleming partners with ParliAble to share her experience of living with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome – a hidden disability.

“For years, I lived with symptoms I couldn’t explain while trying to build my career. By sharing my experience, I hope others feel seen and supported, and know that with the right adjustments, chronic conditions don’t have to define or limit us.”

The session will cover:

  • Introduction to EDS
  • Gabrielle’s personal story
  • Workplace adjustments and how you can support colleagues with EDS/HSD
  • Resources for further information and support
  • Q&A

Everyone is welcome – whether you’re affected personally, supporting a colleague, friend or family member, or simply curious to learn more.

About EDS
Ehlers‑Danlos Syndromes are a group of genetic connective tissue disorders often associated with hypermobility (‘double‑jointedness’). Symptoms typically appear in childhood, but issues like chronic pain, fatigue, and mobility challenges may develop later in life. Experiences vary widely from mild to significantly disabling.

Members’ Office Management Call – 29 April 2026

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The guest speakers on this call will be from IPSA.

There will also be the regular weekly updates from the Parliamentary Digital Service, the Parliamentary Security Department, the Human Resources Team, IPSA, and the House of Commons Library.

Time: 1100
Date: Wednesday 29 April 2026
Location: online via MS Teams
How to join: email MMSST@parliament.uk citing your role and the member you work for, and ask to be added to the mailing list and receive an invitation to the weekly call

*** Please note that this call is only for those in an office management role within an MP’s office.

Members’ Office Management Call – 8 April 2026

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This week’s guest speakers on the MOM call will be Dementia UK. Find out about supporting constituents affected by the condition, and how to access free, bespoke training sessions for your team, delivered by dementia specialist Admiral Nurses.

Digital will also provide an update on their Enabling Members value stream.

There will also be the regular weekly updates from the Parliamentary Digital Service, the Parliamentary Security Department, the Human Resources Team, IPSA, and the House of Commons Library.

Time: 1100
Date: Wednesday 8 April 2026
Location: online via MS Teams
How to join: email MMSST@parliament.uk citing your role and the member you work for, and ask to be added to the mailing list and receive an invitation to the weekly call

*** Please note that this call is only for those in an office management role within an MP’s office.

MPs’ Staff Survey of Well-being 2026

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CLOSING TODAY!

The Wellness Working Group undertakes an anonymous survey of MPs staff to better understand the pressures and effects that our jobs have on our wellbeing.  We are delighted that Dr Weinberg from Salford University has agreed to run the survey again for us this year.  The survey is completely anonymous and a chance to be able to help us enact change and to help us all obtain better work places and practices.

Please click here to complete the survey.

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The more people who respond to the survey, the greater the representative nature of the results, but please remember you are under no pressure to participate and you may change your mind about taking part.

Parliamentary Working Through Cancer Network

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The new Working Through Cancer Network was featured this week on page 47 of The House magazine. (The House | If you have cancer, Parliament can be a hard place to work – our new network will help change that)

A cross-party group of staffers, is hosting a small, informal launch on Thursday 12 March (drop in 9.30–11am) in the Jubilee Room. It will be a chance for both Members and their staff to hear first-hand experiences and understand what we are hoping to achieve.

1 in 2 of us will be affected by cancer – yet many people in Parliament are still working through it quietly and alone. 

We hope the network will :

  • offer practical support
  • develop resources and information
  • provide a safe, confidential space for anyone in our parliamentary community who is affected, directly or as a loved one’s carer through a buddying system.

Our immediate focus is to:

  • Encourage colleagues to join
  • Help line managers recognise the value of the network
  • Equip supporters to champion it more widely

What we’re asking today is simple:

  • Add the Network’s Launch event to your diary right away!
  • Share this invite with colleagues and WhatsApp groups so people know where to turn before they need it.
  • Come along to support us and find out more…
  • If you can’t attend, let us know that you support the network and would like to hear more.

For more information or to support, please email robertsg@parliament.uk

A Short Introduction to Autism, Dyslexia and ADHD

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An event hosted by the Wellness Working Group

Time: 1400-1500
Date: Wednesday 28 January 2026
Location: Online via Teams

Please join Kate Golding, Jo Rees and Sarah Hussey for a short introduction to autism, dyslexia and ADHD where you will enter the world of neurodivergence.

We are experts by lived experience as well as by profession and we will raise awareness and share our knowledge which we hope will enhance your working, and in some instances, home life.

The three conditions are interconnected and we hope to exemplify a cultural shift away from focusing on impairments which need fixing, to empowerment and a strengths based approach.

Please email mpsstaff-wwg@parliament.uk to receive the link to the meeting.

Structure of the NHS in England (ICBs, trusts, etc) – Caseworker Discussion Forum

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Time: 1030 – 1130
Date: Thursday 12 February 2026
Location: Online via MS Teams
Information and booking: https://parliament.learningpool.com/course/view.php?id=1953

With Tom Powell, Manjit Gheera and Rachael Harker from the Commons Library.

House Services Fair 2025

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Start: 10:00 on Tuesday 9 December 2025
Finish: 17:00 on Wednesday 10 December 2025
Location: House of Commons

The House Administration is delighted to be bringing back the House Services Fair this year, showcasing the services and support available from the House Administration.

The House Administration is delighted to be bringing back the House Services Fair this year, showcasing the services and support available from the House Administration. 

  • Visit stalls in the Portcullis House Atrium to learn about the wide range of support, services, and facilities available to you. 
  • Take part in a special programme of talks and Q&A sessions
  • Enjoy exclusive tours

Please note there is no booking required to visit the stalls. However, booking will be required for talks and tours. The full programme and information on how to book will be available closer to the event.

The House Services Fair is for Members and Members’ staff of the House of Commons, and colleagues from the House of Commons Administration and Joint Departments.  

For full details, please see here: https://parlinet.parliament.uk/events/2025/december/House_Services_Fair/

Join MMSST for Coffee and Chat: Flourish and Nourish

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A celebration of nutrition and wellbeing.
Communications and Administration Network

Food is our fuel, but do we truly understand what nourishes us best? Do you know your food facts? Join us at Flourish and Nourish for a food quiz to test your nutritional knowledge! Your brain, body, and tastebuds will thank you as we explore ways to nourish, flourish and thrive during the colder months.

Agatha Wiseman (our Quiz Master), will be available to talk about the range of wellbeing services available to help you to look after your health and wellbeing as we approach the winter months.

  • Come in person on Thursday 30th Oct 1:30pm – 2:45pm, the Attlee Suite, Portcullis House – Light refreshments will be provided.
  • Come and connect with us virtually on Thursday 6 November, 1:30pm -2:30pm via Teams

Email MMSST@parliament.uk for the link