From one conversation to a parliamentary advocate: Sarah’s repair and reuse story
We believe political engagement works best when it's built on common ground and relationships, not one-off asks. When Sarah wanted to raise repair and reuse with her MP, Tulip Siddiq, Hope for the Future helped her root the conversation in something local, the Camden Fixing Factory she runs. The support gave Sarah the confidence to invite Tulip to visit, and the relationship has since grown into a national policy pledge and an ongoing dialogue in Parliament.
What can happen when a constituent has the confidence, knowledge and support to build a relationship with their MP?
Sarah first came to Hope for the Future for support engaging her MP, Tulip Siddiq, on repair and reuse.
Having attended one of our training sessions through The Climate Coalition's Mass Lobby in 2025, Sarah worked one-to-one with our team to prepare for the conversation. We researched Tulip’s interests, priorities and constituency context, helping Sarah identify where there might be common ground.
Rather than beginning with a broad national policy ask, Sarah focused on something rooted firmly in the constituency: the Camden Fixing Factory, a project she runs which helps local people develop practical repair skills.
At The Climate Coalition’s Mass Lobby in Parliament, Sarah met Tulip and invited her to visit the project.
From a first meeting to national political advocacy
What followed demonstrates why we believe effective political engagement is about building relationships, not simply securing one-off meetings.
Tulip subsequently visited the Camden Fixing Factory and agreed to become one of the first 100 MPs to sign the Repair and Reuse Declaration, calling for national policies to help end the UK’s throwaway culture.
The relationship continued.
Tulip later mentioned Sarah and the Fixing Factory by name during a Parliamentary debate while calling for greater climate action ahead of COP30. She invited Sarah and other constituents involved in the Mass Lobby back to Parliament to discuss their climate and nature priorities, and has since attended a Parliamentary Repair Café.
Sarah said:
“Hope for the Future's advice gave me the confidence and knowledge to feel equipped when meeting Tulip. I really appreciate all your guidance and research, which has definitely had a huge impact in turning my MP into a repair advocate!”
Local relationships can create national influence
Sarah’s experience shows what can happen when people are equipped to engage politicians strategically.
A constituent brought local experience to her MP. That first conversation became a constituency visit. The visit led to a national policy commitment. And the relationship has continued into Parliament.
One well-prepared constituent conversation can be the beginning of something much bigger.
That’s why Hope for the Future helps people move beyond simply contacting their politicians to building the relationships that can turn local concern into democratic influence.