I can’t wait to speak to you all today and share in the spirit of giving

With the news full of our shambolic Government limping confusedly on, barely surviving from day to day, one hardly feels full of faith in “the system”.

But why should we leave it all to them? There is another way, and that is through the decency and generosity of Britons like you (especially you!) the land over. Which is why I’m delighted to be helping out at The Telegraph charity phone-in today, where we’ll be channelling your Christmas spirit of giving into three charities doing great work.

Call in to help the Fire Fighters Charity, which has supported firefighters since the Blitz and needs all the help it can get in an age of rising incivility. We’re also manning the phones for donations to Young Minds, which provides essential support to children struggling with the debilitating effects of poor mental health, and Changing Faces, which helps people cope with the difficulties of having visible scars or facial disfigurement.

It’s exciting to think of Telegraph readers mucking in and doing the good that our confused and inefficient Government can’t. But personally I’m thrilled at the prospect of speaking to as many of you as possible. It’s always a treat to hear from readers of every age group and region, and I always welcome your interesting emails and letters.

Actually chatting to you, albeit briefly, would be a great way to find out what you’re thinking and feeling as Christmas approaches. No early mornings for me (insomniacs have to acclimatise to the day slowly, remember) so if you are able to call in the early afternoon I’d love to hear from you. And don’t hold back on the festive generosity – we’re keen to surpass your record-breaking donations from last year.

To donate, please call 0800 117 118 from 10am to 6pm today.