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Helen Gravestock

@helengravestock.bsky.social
1.1K followers 1.2K following 42 posts

Director of Policy, Communications and Voice @younglivesvscancer - the UKs leading charity for children and young people with cancer and their families. Mum of two. Coffee fuelled

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Reposted by Helen Gravestock
Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · 27/06/2025
PIP is essential for young people with cancer, both those facing it now and everyone who will face it in the future. The upcoming PIP changes still risk those in the future not receiving this vital support. We cannot let that happen – email your MP now: ow.ly/xxlA50Whmo3
A quote card with a photo of Helen Gravestock, Director of Policy, Communications and Voice. The quote says: "Whilst the UK Government's change in approach to keep PIP in place for those currently claiming is welcomed for young people facing cancer now, the changes still risk young people diagnosed with cancer in the future not receiving this vital financial support. A two-tier benefits system is not right or fair and we cannot let this happen. No young person chooses to get cancer, and be met with the spiralling unavoidable costs that it brings. We encourage everyone to contact their MP and ask them to vote against the changes to PIP to protect young people with cancer."
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Helen Gravestock @helengravestock.bsky.social · 29/04/2025
⏱️ Just a few hours left to have your say on the Cancer Plan for England 👇🏽 Check out the handy guide below for details on how
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Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · 28/04/2025
THEY DID IT. A huge congratulations to our London Marathon runners for crossing the finish line yesterday. We’re so proud of Team Young Lives for coming together to support children and young people with cancer. 👏
A woman is running the London Marathon wearing a Young Lives vs Cancer vest. She's holding her fist up in the air and is smiling.A man is running the London Marathon in a Young Lives vs Cancer vest. He's holding his left fist up. Behind them there are other people running.A woman is running the London Marathon in a Young Lives vs Cancer vest. She's holding both arms up and is looking straight ahead, smiling.Three people are posing together in a park. They're all wearing Young Lives vs Cancer running vests and are smiling.
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JoeBurnsMCR @joeburnsmcr.bsky.social · 25/04/2025
Been at the London Marathon running show today seeing our amazing @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social runners, and also the London Marathon LEGEND that is Yimmy! (If you've run the marathon, there's a decent chance you know the name)
An expo board featuring facts about Young Lives Vs Cancer, the names of all our runners this year, and some Polaroids of runners stuck to the wallA door covered in Polaroid photos of Young Lives Vs Cancer runnersThe legend that is David Yin (Yimmy) chatting with some runners and showing off his many, many marathon medalsThe queue forms around the Young Lives Vs Cancer stand for David Yim (Yimmy) as he arrived
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Helen Gravestock @helengravestock.bsky.social · 25/04/2025
Love this! 🧡 Good luck Alex, Jasper, Ben and Jim! You can do it! Thanks for running for @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social
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Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · 22/04/2025
Thanks to @sharonbarbourbbc.bsky.social and BBC Look North for sharing Jake's story this Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Month #TYACAM
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Rachel Kirby-Rider @rachelkr.bsky.social · 22/04/2025
Are you a senior Children’s or TYA cancer nurse with significant experience leading services at PTC, Shared Care, Community, Cancer Network or Research setting? @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social is looking for a new Trustee with your expertise. www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk/support-us/g...
younglivesvscancer.org.uk
Join our Team Young Lives Board of Trustees
As a Trustee you will play a vital role in helping Young Lives vs Cancer to thrive so that failies do not face cancer alone.
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Helen Gravestock @helengravestock.bsky.social · 16/04/2025
📣 If you’ve found an Under 16 Cancer Patient Experience Survey on your doormat recently, make sure to make your voice heard 📣 Share your experiences and help shape future services 👇🏽
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Helen Gravestock @helengravestock.bsky.social · 15/04/2025
Loving this ‘Tumour Humour’ poem from Aagoon 👇🏽 #TYACAM #WorldArtDay
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Helen Gravestock @helengravestock.bsky.social · 14/04/2025
Great to spend the day with these guys exploring how we can best work together to build a better future for children and young people with cancer. Refreshing to part of a project where organisations genuinely put brand and ego aside in pursuit of collaborative change
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Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · 08/04/2025
Emma Wood, Voice Manager at Young Lives vs Cancer talks about how we bring young people with lived experience of cancer and their families into our work and decision-making, and how you can get involved. Read more: ow.ly/oTmu50VwjQk
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What is 'Voice' at Young Lives vs Cancer?
Emma Wood, Voice Manager talks about the crucial work of bringing young people with lived experience into our work.
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Rod Mitchell @rodtmitchell.bsky.social · 05/04/2025
👨 Are you a young man (>16yrs): ✅ diagnosed with cancer aged 11-25?   We would love to hear your views on a new resource, designed to help young males with #cancer with their #fertility & #FertilityPreservation. If you can help or want to learn more please get in touch 👇
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Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · 01/04/2025
This April, we're joining other cancer charities to raise awareness of the unique set of challenges facing young people with cancer during Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Month. Help us amplify their voices this #TYACAM. Read more 👉 ow.ly/Q5SQ50Vs5MS
Black and plum graphic. Text reads: Over 50% of those diagnosed with cancer as a teenager or young adult say they need help dealing with their sadness, anger and frustration. Young Lives vs Cancer logo in top right corner.
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Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · 04/04/2025
Our friends at It's Never You are campaigning for better financial support for parents of seriously ill children. Sign their petition today to show your support for #HughsLaw 👉 bit.ly/3QZmbXb
The It's Never You logo. The words 'it's never' are in black and 'you' is in orange. An orange line drawing of a butterfly flies above the words
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Rachel Kirby-Rider @rachelkr.bsky.social · 01/04/2025
Really proud to be working in collaboration with other CYP cancer charities this #TYACAM. Coming together and working in genuine partnership we better amplify the voice of young cancer patients and highlight their support needs. We're #BetterTogether
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Ashley Ball-Gamble @ashleyballgamble.bsky.social · 28/03/2025
We’re working to change the system around children and young people with cancer - help us to understand the system better so we know what needs to happen: join us for one of our free online workshops ⬇️
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Helen Gravestock @helengravestock.bsky.social · 28/03/2025
We're hosting a series of workshops to deepen our understanding of the system around CYP with cancer & their families These are open to everyone - in particular YP, practitioners & thought leaders in system thinking 👇 @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social @cclguk.bsky.social @frankfletcher.bsky.social
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Cancer Research UK @cancerresearchuk.org · 27/03/2025
Nic, a brain tumour survivor, is dedicated to helping other young people through our Involvement Network and Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People Insights Panel 💪  Passionate about making a difference? Join our Involvement Network and help us beat cancer: cruk.ink/3DKedOG
Photo of Nic and his parents outside a hospital. There is a text overlay which reads, "My experience shaped who I am today, and whole I wouldn't wish this journey on anyone, I wouldn't change what it has taught me and the experience I can use to help others."
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Clare Laxton @ladylaxton.bsky.social · 27/03/2025
So excited that the launch of Hawkins Laxton & Co has been featured in @prweekuk.bsky.social Check out our new consultancy and all the services we offer here 👇 www.hawkinslaxton.com
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Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · 27/03/2025
Do you have lived experience of cancer? We’re created a short survey to find out more about how you use social media, so that we can share relevant content on the channels that work for you. Answer our short survey. It will only take 3 minutes: ow.ly/EbAy50VneqT
A graphic image with white text on a plum background. It reads: 'Do you have lived experience of cancer? Take our social media survey'. The Young Lives vs Cancer logo is sitting above the text, and the Bluesky logo below.
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Helen Gravestock @helengravestock.bsky.social · 26/03/2025
Another missed opportunity to support the needs of young cancer patients & their families Read our response to today’s Spring Statement below👇🏽 @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social will continue to amplify voices of children & young people with cancer until a Young Cancer Patient Travel Fund is here
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Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · 25/03/2025
It’s day two of #CCLG2025! We were blown away by how many people stopped to see us yesterday. Thank you to everyone who chatted about the psychosocial challenges faced by the families we support. If you’re here and haven’t had chance to see us yet, we’re at stand 12 👋
A section of our conference stand. A white background with the title: Cancer is more than medical: what psychosocial challenges are children and young people with cancer facing? Write your thoughts below. 

  

Cancer professionals have written their answers in different coloured pens. Examples include anxiety, being behind at school, fitting in, additional costs, cost of living, feeling different to friends/peers and vulnerability Our stand at CCLG conference. The background is mainly plum coloured with orange, blue and green accents. There is a white rectangle with handwriting on one of the panels. At the front is a table with a Young Lives vs Cancer table cloth. Sonia, a woman, is sat at the table smiling at the camera. On the table are leaflets and books.
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AYPH @ayph.bsky.social · 25/03/2025
New research published by @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social looks at the experiences of children and young people with cancer and their families as they navigate the process of claiming disability benefits following their diagnosis.  www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk/support-us/c...
younglivesvscancer.org.uk
The cost of waiting
Children and young people with cancer and their families need a better benefits system
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Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · 25/03/2025
We’re excited to present our sector research at #CCLG2025. Starting at 1.15pm in hall 8, we’ll be sharing our North Star Vision and Collective Impact Initiative, followed by our oral abstract exploring the long term wellbeing of young cancer survivors at 1.45pm 👇
A presentation cover slide with a lilac background. Text says Exploring the long-term wellbeing of young cancer survivors.  Rich Hughes - Policy, Evidence & Research Manager, Young Lives vs Cancer. March 2025.A presentation cover slide with a yellow background. Text says 'North star vision and collective impact initiative. CCLG conference 2025 lunch time showcase. Roseanna Thomasoo - Associate Director: Leaning & Systemic Design, Young Lives vs Cancer. Rich Hughes - Policy, Evidence & Research Manager, Young Lives vs Cancer
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Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · 24/03/2025
We’ll be presenting our spotlight talk at 1:15 on Tuesday at #CCLG2025. Come along to hear more about our research into long term wellbeing, our North Star Vision and Collective Impact Initiative.
A graphic image of our conference schedule. The text reads: 'Find us during the conference: All day - exhibition stand 12. Monday 5.30-7 - Poster showcase (Hall 3). Tuesday 11.30-12.45 - Introduction to our online bereavement group (Hall 4). Tuesday 1.15-1.30 - Spotlight Talk: North Star Vision & Collective Impact Initiative (Hall 8). Tuesday 1.45 - Oral abstract: Exploring the long-term wellbeing of young cancer survivors (Hall 8).
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Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · 24/03/2025
We’re here at #CCLG2025 conference and looking forward to sharing our work and discussing important topics with professionals working in children and young people’s cancer.
Our Young Lives vs Cancer stand at the conference. There is a table with tote bags, storybooks and other goods, and there are two staff members standing behind it, smiling. Behind them there are posters with information about Young Lives vs Cancer's mission.
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Helen Gravestock @helengravestock.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
Feeling good that today I gave my 3rd blood donation 🙌🏽 I got well looked after, had a nice chat with the nurses, had a chance to sit down and got access to all the snacks! 1 hour out of your day can make a big difference. To find out how to become a donor go to: www.blood.co.uk
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Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
If you’ve been affected by sarcoma, please take @sarcomauk.bsky.social's National Sarcoma Survey. The findings will help them better understand the challenges young people and families face, so they can push for better care, support, and treatments. Take the survey: www.myonlinesurvey.co.uk/scuk25/
A photo of a man and a child taking an online survey together, using a tablet. There is graphic text that reads: 'National Sarcoma Survey 2025'.
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Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · 17/03/2025
Our social workers see firsthand the financial impact of traveling to treatment on the families we support. They know why UK Government should include a Young Cancer Patient Travel Fund in the Spring Statement. Email your MP and ask them to support our call 👉 bit.ly/3Fw6yEb
Five Young Lives vs Cancer Social Workers stand in front of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. They are holding placards and signs that show statistics about how much children and young people with cancer and their families spend on travelling to treatment. One says: £250 spent travelling to treatment every month.
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Helen Gravestock @helengravestock.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
Absolutely loved spending time with this lovely lot alongside @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social colleagues today. Our Voice Board share their experiences to shape our organisational decision making - I learn so much every time I see them! Thank you Voice Board for an excellent, energising day!
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Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
📢 Join us! Our research team is hosting a webinar on Friday 28 March sharing our latest research on how the benefits system works for children and young people with cancer and their families. Register now: ow.ly/xZwo50VkT0j
Graphic with text reads: The Cost of Waiting. Image on the right shows graphic image of a clock and a pound sign
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Helen Gravestock @helengravestock.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
Beautiful morning to be travelling to Birmingham to spend the day with the wonderful @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social Voice Board - a group of young people and parents who work alongside our Board of Trustees to shape our organisational strategy #YoungCancerVoices
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Helen Gravestock @helengravestock.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
“Today was an opportunity to truly transform the welfare benefits system so it works for children and young people with cancer and their families. We’re concerned UK Government’s reforms could make it even more difficult for young people with cancer to access the crucial financial support they need”
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Helen Gravestock @helengravestock.bsky.social · 14/03/2025
I’ve emailed my MP asking them to help make a Young Cancer Patient Travel Fund a reality. Too many children and young people struggle with the costs to get to their cancer treatment. It's not right. Will you join me and email your MP too? bit.ly/3XGhKnG
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Helen Gravestock @helengravestock.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
Fab to meet with colleagues from across the CYP Cancer sector today for our debut CYP Cancer Taskforce Charities sub group! Great to discuss how together we can help ensure the awaited Cancer Plan meets the needs of young cancer patients aged 0-25
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Ashley Ball-Gamble @ashleyballgamble.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
Great first meeting of the CYP Cancer Taskforce charities sub-group, exploring how we can inform and support the work of the Taskforce and cancer plan. Lots of enthusiasm for how we move forward, ideas for next steps, and shared priorities across both children and teenagers and young adults 1/2
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UK Charity News @uk-charity.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
Young Ambassadors from The Brain Tumour Charity took their mission to Parliament! What challenges should MPs prioritize for brain tumour awareness? #BrainTumourAwareness www.thebraintumourcharity.org/news/…
thebraintumourcharity.org
Carrying hope into Parliament: The Young Ambassador’s mission
Our Young Ambassadors visited Parliament to meet with two Labour MPs to discuss the brain tumour community challenges. Read more here!
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Helen Gravestock @helengravestock.bsky.social · 10/03/2025
When a young person is diagnosed with cancer they often have to stop work immediately for treatment - it is so important they get the sick pay they need Great to support Farid to hand in a petition to 10 Downing alongside @progressivechange.bsky.social making the case for better sick pay 👇🏽
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Helen Gravestock @helengravestock.bsky.social · 09/03/2025
Want to make your voice heard and create positive change for children & young people with cancer & their families? Our Voice Hub brings together opportunities to get involved in work across @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social & the wider cancer system If you’re affected by CYP cancer check it out👇🏽
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Helen Gravestock @helengravestock.bsky.social · 05/03/2025
Waiting 7 months & £5k of costs…why does claiming disability benefits have to be so stressful?! Sadly that’s the reality for many families @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social supports. Read our new research report ‘The Cost of Waiting’ to learn how we think the system needs to change #CancerCosts
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Helen Gravestock @helengravestock.bsky.social · 20/01/2025
Feeling grateful for a timely Wellbeing & Development day today - a day to focus on yourself for all staff at @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social Managed a post school-run meander on Hengistbury Head before the rain kicked and caught up on @thirdsector.co.uk podcast 🧡
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Ashley Ball-Gamble @ashleyballgamble.bsky.social · 13/01/2025
Looking forward to “book club” later! Who’s ready? @rachelkr.bsky.social @helengravestock.bsky.social @rthomasoo.bsky.social @frankfletcher.bsky.social
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Helen Gravestock @helengravestock.bsky.social · 20/12/2024
Cancer is the biggest killer by disease of people under 25 in the UK - unfortunately, every week 10 CYP die from cancer. This weeks announcement for hospice funding is a key step in ensuring CYP continue to have access to the support and care they need at home or at a hospice tinyurl.com/y5tfkjxt
tinyurl.com
Young Lives vs Cancer responds to increase in funding for children's hospices
Young Lives vs Cancer responds to announcement of increased funding for children's hospices
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Helen Gravestock @helengravestock.bsky.social · 16/12/2024
“We are deeply concerned about the missed opportunities to support children and young people with cancer and their families” Read my blog in response to the Scottish Government Budget 2025/26: www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk/media-centre... @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social
younglivesvscancer.org.uk
Our response to the Scottish Government Budget 2025/26
We're disappointed at the missed opportunities to support children and young people with cancer in the Scottish Budget.
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Helen Gravestock @helengravestock.bsky.social · 04/12/2024
Ready to present on research exploring the psychosocial needs of young cancer patients and their families to inform UK system change this morning at the AYA Cancer Global Accord with @rthomasoo.bsky.social
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Helen Gravestock @helengravestock.bsky.social · 03/12/2024
Young people with cancer have unique needs and require tailored support - beyond just clinical care A refreshing address to the Global Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Congress from the Australian Minister for Health this morning here in Melbourne
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Helen Gravestock @helengravestock.bsky.social · 03/12/2024
Great to be at the Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Congress this week 🌏 Looking forward to listening to and learning from colleagues from across the world - all working to improve outcomes for young people with cancer #AYACancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social
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WonkComms @wonkcomms.bsky.social · 21/11/2024
We've added some more communicators to our starter pack! Hi @alexisdarby.bsky.social @chrishewson.bsky.social @mmdesilva.bsky.social @nickbuxton.bsky.social @funsizesuze.bsky.social @mattkertman.bsky.social @kmacsthoughts.bsky.social @aasthauprety.bsky.social Pls repost! go.bsky.app/PW3rfE2
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Helen Gravestock @helengravestock.bsky.social · 21/11/2024
This year @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social launched its new strategy tinyurl.com/mrxt4z34 striving for system change Our 4 Long Term Ambitions 1.Continue to be a major service provider 2.Shape the system 3.Create & share system evidence & information 4.Develop & enhance resources Check it out👇
tinyurl.com
The time is now: our 2024/27 strategy
We want a better future for children and young people with cancer. Today we’re sharing our 2024/27 strategy, The time is now, which lays out how we as Young Lives vs Cancer will contribute to making i...
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Helen Gravestock @helengravestock.bsky.social · 20/11/2024
Super lovely evening with the one and only @ladylaxton.bsky.social Catching up on all things comms and campaigning 🧡
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