During an ‘invaluable’ act of kindness, a charity received the support of the new Watford MP.

Watford MP Dean Russell took part in his first official charity with visit as MP with Small Acts of Kindness, a Hertfordshire-based charity, and explained his commitment to tackling loneliness.

The charity launched five years ago with the goal to distribute gift bags of warm clothes, blankets, information packs and more to help the elderly suffering in the winter.

This year Small Acts of Kindness helped over 7,000 people in time for Christmas, and the team were joined by Mr Russell who helped to hand out the bags to older Watford residents nominated to receive them.

Lynne Misner, the chief executive of Small Acts of Kindness, called it a pleasure to meet Mr Russell as she said: “During the visit, he confirmed his commitment to make tackling loneliness and the negative impact it has on mental and physical wellbeing, a key priority during his term in office.

“We learnt that his mantra is HOPE – Help One Person Every Day.”

Watford Observer:

Lynne Misner (left) and Dean Russell (right)

While the charity provides warmth to those unable to sustain a warm home, Small Acts of Kindness also takes pride in its ability to tackle loneliness within the elderly.

One time during the campaign, the charity gave a man in his early 90s his first chat in “weeks”.

After the distribution of gifts, Mr Russell said: “Firstly I’d like to thank Lynne, the work that she does is invaluable.

“Sadly, some people will spend Christmas feeling lonely or isolated, and Lynne is an excellent example of how each one of us can make a difference and help to brighten someone’s day.

“Loneliness and mental health have long been a passion for me and it’s great to see such incredible work first-hand.

“As the MP for Watford I have a responsibility to ensure such things are championed and this is why I put them in my local manifesto.

“I didn’t make pledges so that I could win the election, I wanted to win so I could deliver on my pledges.”

The chief executive added: “Dean’s interest in older people and the plight they face is most welcoming and we look forward to working with him to help improve the lives of local older people.

“We thank him for taking time out of his weekend, after a hectic first week in Parliament, to meet and talk to older people in Watford who were nominated to receive a Warm in Winter gift bag."