| Since becoming MP for Lewisham Deptford in 1987 I have also been Chair of Deptford First, a small local charity which awards small sums of money to groups and individuals in the Deptford area. |
These payments range from £100-£200 grants to help groups establish an event or project to one-off small payments to individuals in financial difficulty.
Each summer we hold an informal gathering to encourage local groups and charities to come together, celebrate the summer and network with others working in the area. We try to hold the event at a different venue each year and our 2014 host was the Lewisham, Greenwich and Southwark branch of the Samaritans in New Cross.
The tea party, held on Friday 27th June, was a great success and a wonderful opportunity for people to visit the Samaritans and learn more about their work in the local community.
This was my last time hosting the tea party as I am standing down from Parliament at the general election next year, but my successor as Labour Party candidate for Lewisham Deptford, former Brockley councillor Vicky Foxcroft, is keen to take over and keep the event going if she is elected.
I would like to thank everyone for their support over the years and I very much hope that Deptford First will continue to provide assistance to local people in need.
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