Campaigners fighting for better dental care in Suffolk have launched a crowdfunding appeal to raise money for a new website and publicity materials.
Toothless in England, which includes Toothless in Suffolk, has decided to set up the site because its campaign had 'reached a point where it could no longer just rely on the good will of volunteers'.
The website would help 'increase the effectiveness of their campaigning,' the group said.
READ MORE: Dental campaigners 'encouraged' by Westminster visit
Mark Jones, the group's founder and campaign coordinator, said: “This is vital funding.
"It's needed to develop a website which will assist us in maximising our leverage, increase the campaign’s visibility and maintain pressure on the government and the treasury to ensure that everyone can access a local NHS dentist when they need one."
The campaigners have recently submitted written evidence to the House of Commons Health and Social Care Committee about the lack of NHS dental care and the impact of this on families.
READ MORE: Suffolk: 'Disappointment' at further cuts to NHS dental care
They have been calling for better funding for NHS dentistry and a renegotiated dental contract.
Figures from the Local Government Association in October showed that Suffolk had some of the lowest NHS dentist numbers in the country, with the Mid Suffolk district being the fourth lowest, with just 0.067 dentists per 1,000 people.
READ MORE: Suffolk news
Mr Jones added: “We totally understand that in this current cost-of-living crisis, it will be a struggle for a lot of people who would ordinarily want to contribute, but can’t as any spare money is hard to come by.
"But for those who can help us reach our target without overstretching the budget, we would very much appreciate their help. This will be a game changer and will provide a platform for us to continue building our campaign on.”
READ MORE: Dentaid to visit Haverhill and Sudbury amid NHS care crisis
To give towards the appeal for the new website, visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/toothlessinengland
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