Engagement & Advocacy Theme

At the Manchester Rare Conditions Centre (MRCC), we believe that voices of people living with rare conditions should never go unheard. Through collaborations, storytelling, and advocacy, we amplify the voices of patients, families, and professionals to drive systemic change and ensure rare conditions are seen, understood, and prioritised. 

We partner with leaders like the Whitworth Group and We R Rare to create accessible resources—including educational videos, podcasts, and blogs—that transform complex medical information into hope and clarity for families. We empower patients and caregivers through regular information days, where clinical expertise is translated into practical tools for daily life. Additionally, we champion policy change by uniting healthcare professionals, policymakers, and patient organizations to advocate for equitable care and research funding. 

This work directly advances the UK Rare Disease Strategy’s vision of empowering individuals and families while reinforcing Manchester Foundation Trust’s pledge to put patients at the heart of service design.