Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Season's Greetings one and all 🎄

Dear resident

After a particularly busy year – one in which I had the honour of being elected as your MP in Chelsea and Fulham as part of a new Labour government – it’s lovely to look forward to the festive break. I do hope this Christmas will be a wonderful time of relaxation and family celebration for you.

Unfortunately for some, the festive season can be quite challenging. I’m thinking particularly of people who don’t have a roof over their heads or have mental health issues or who feel lonely and isolated.

So I’m looking forward to popping into the Big Christmas Day Lunch organised by H&F Giving and H&F Council for up to 500 older local people who’d otherwise spend the big day on their own. It’s always a joyous occasion.

And throughout the festive season and beyond, wonderful charities across Chelsea and Fulham will be continuing their hugely valuable work in our community. I know how much they welcome donations and volunteers! Here are just three of my favourites.

• The Barons Court Project provides exceptional support to homeless people, and Christmas is a particularly busy time for them. If you’d like to donate or volunteer, please click here.

• Fulham Good Neighbours supports older and Disabled residents in their homes and gardens, in the community, at its centre and online. If you’d like to donate or volunteer, please click here.

• SMART in Chelsea supports people affected by mental illness, offering purposeful activity – and a café open to all. If you’d like to donate or volunteer, please click here.

My thanks also go to all our emergency workers who will be looking after us and keeping us safe during the holidays.

Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your loved ones.