2022 has been the toughest year I can remember for families in Garston and Halewood, with the cost of living crisis causing real hardship. Charities and community groups are also struggling to meet the surging demand from local people desperate for help to feed their families, heat their homes and pay their rent.

This year I’ve donated money to five local community organisations who are making Christmas possible for many of my constituents. Whether it is food hampers, festive events or just that bit of support for my vulnerable constituents, they are making a real difference this Christmas and I am proud to help them do it.

Garston Adventure Playground has been at the heart of the local community for generations, and this year the Venny has, through local schools, given out vouchers to families for a Christmas dinner.

Five Children and Families Trust have seen a rise in new families accessing their services as Christmas has got nearer. They are providing hampers to make sure people have a proper dinner on Christmas Day and have put on a range of free festive events over the last few weeks.

Woodlands Community Centre has also been giving out vouchers to local people for Christmas food. They have been supporting the community with a warm space for people to visit and have recently donated 20 slow cookers to pensioners struggling to afford their energy bills.

Netherley Youth & Community Initiative were getting ready for their community Christmas Fair when I visited them, with 2500 people expected to attend over the day. They are also giving out Christmas hampers to local families and residents.

Torrington Drive Community Association provide year round support for local residents but have seen, like the other groups I visited, rising levels of demand. Their annual Twinkle Twinkle event broke their own attendance record this year but this extra demand  means they are struggling to keep the shelves of their community shop stocked. They are also helping families and residents with food this Christmas.