Cllr Bernie O’Neill, Chairman of Forest of Dean Constituency Labour Party said:

“On behalf of the Forest of Dean Constituency Labour Party I would like to pay great respect and thanks to the many voluntary groups, individuals and organisations for all their fantastic work in the run up to Christmas and New Year. There was, and continues to be, a great deal of wonderful generosity and charitable work in the Forest which was clearly evident over the holiday period.

Many donations were collected and hampers created and delivered to many elderly people and underprivileged individuals and families. Christmas lunches were provided for those who would otherwise be alone in places such as the Victoria Centre.

The Salvation Army team at Broadwell undertook an appeal for toys for struggling families to make Christmas much happier for the children who would otherwise have gone without.

Of course, at Christmas 2018 the fantastic work undertaken by the Forest Foodbank must be recognised, particularly at these very harsh times for many families struggling with the introduction of Universal Credit and other effects of the austerity programme. This will also require much support in 2019 as families continue to struggle.

There are many more acts of kindness which could be mentioned but we, in the Forest of Dean Labour Party, would like to thank all who have helped, and continue to help, those facing severe problems in these difficult times.”