Festive messages of support from MPs

Mps have have praised the work of charities and volunteers in messages to readers.

Helen Grant, who represents Maidstone and the Weald said: “It can be the most wonderful time of year. For others, Christmas can magnify the starkness of loneliness and for some, the desperation of homelessness. “But each and every year it is a time when many groups and individuals display the best of the human spirit in outreach and kindness. A fine example is the West Kent Befriending Service, who use the simple concept of friendship to overcome isolation. Another super community group I visited recently is the ‘Men’s Shed’ in Staplehurst, bringing local gents together for fellowship and debate.”

She said she was proud of the work Maidstone Borough Council is doing to reduce rough sleeping and the work of charities such as Maidstone Churches Winter Shelter, and the Maidstone Day Centre who provide shelter, food and support through the harshest weeks of the year.

Tracey Crouch, who represents Aylesford, pledged to enjoy a ‘Brexit-free Christmas”, adding: “I hope that readers have had an enjoyable festive period. That being said, I know through the correspondence and meetings I have with constituents that, for many, Christmas is far from an enjoyable time of year.

“Throughout my nine and a half years as the Member of Parliament for Chatham and Aylesford and as the world’s first Loneliness Minister, I have seen first-hand both locally and nationally the impact of loneliness, which becomes so acute at Christmas time. When Parliament returns and we move forward beyond the Brexit impasse of the past few years, I will continue to pressure Government to introduce the policies outlined in the Loneliness Strategy, while working with Ministerial colleagues to ensure that people both young and ol see the benefits of this new One-Nation Government. Starting with improvements to our NHS and social care services.”