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The incredible team at Little Village HQ are a lifeline for so many families across Tooting. It was inspiring to visit them again and see the amazing support they provide. Right now, they urgently need specific items: toothpaste, brushes, sanitary pads, sleeping bags for babies (0-6 months), and toddler bed sheets. If you are able to help, please drop any donations at their hub on Tooting High Street. Our community's generosity can ensure no family goes without the basics.  As we enter December is is a joy to see the lights come on and the decorations go up as the community around Tooting, Balham, Furzedown and Earlsfield prepare for Christmas. Switch-on events are happening for Christmas lights at the following locations:
Wandsworth Town Festival The Christmas Festival will be a full day of festive fun. There is a market packed with great food and gifts, live performances, and families can visit Santa. Their will also be a charity raffle supporting Wandsworth Foodbank Date: Saturday 6th December Time: 10am to 5pm (switch-on at 4.30pm) Location: Southside Shopping Centre and the Ram Quarter  Local Churches and community groups are also coming together to celebrate the season. Some local favourites are back as well as some exciting new events:
The energy this weekend for the Wandsworth Labour campaign launch was fantastic. A brilliant turnout of local people showed the incredible spirit and determination we have to take the fight to the Tories and secure a better future for our community. It is always inspiring to see so many neighbours and friends ready to stand up for the values we share. Our campaign is built on a proven record of delivery. The Wandsworth Labour council has proudly kept council tax the lowest in the country, a vital support for families struggling through a cost-of-living crisis. This is what Labour in power looks like: competence, compassion, and a focus on putting residents first.   The annual Balham and Tooting Community Association (BATCA) interfaith peace ceremony is always a powerful moment for our community. This week, it was an honour to join so many local people to reflect on the importance of unity and understanding. Here in Tooting, our diversity is one of our greatest strengths, and events like this showcase the incredible spirit that brings us all together.
Our community is defined by its deep-rooted tolerance and mutual respect. Now more than ever, it is vital that we continue this tradition, listen to one another, and build bridges between different faiths and cultures. By continuing to work together, we can ensure that understanding triumphs over discord and build a more peaceful future for everyone. I have written to the CEO of Wandsworth Council and the Department for Business and Trade to highlight the challenges facing our local high street. Tooting Town Centre is a vital hub for our community, but I know a number of shops had left our high street recently. I urged them to provide more support for Tooting, ensuring our local businesses can thrive and continue serving residents across the constituency.   Today, I was thrilled to host local residents at my coffee morning.
Over tea, coffee, and biscuits, we openly discussed what makes our community special. We also focused on practical steps to make it even better for everyone in Tooting. It was inspiring to hear so many thoughtful contributions. I am incredibly grateful to everyone who attended and shared their valuable views and ideas to improve our area. This summer, I am offering young people in the local area a chance to shadow my team and I for a week in Parliament and my local office! If you, or anyone you know, live in the local area and are aged between 18 and 25 with an interest in politics, please fill out an application form here.  Recently, St George's Hospital announced that as many as 83 beds at the hospital are set to close. At a time when this new Labour Government is making progress on reducing the NHS waiting list, this feels as though it is a step in the wrong direction. Like many across our community, I share the deep concerns regarding this development.
In response to this news, I have written directly to Jacqueline Totterdell, Chief Executive of the St George's and Epsom and St Helier hospitals group, to raise my reservations, and I have raised a question directly to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care in Parliament. This question can be found online here. Rest assured, I will continue to monitor developments on this closely and I will always stand up for our NHS. Although there has been improvements to mail deliveries in Tooting, far too many people are still experiencing delays to their post. I met with posties and senior Royal Mail figures today to raise my concerns and find a solution that works for everyone. Royal Mail have agreed to make a concerted effort to reduce delays and ensure six-day service. I will be meeting with them again in a month's time to discuss what progress has been made.  Today marks 9 years since I was first elected as MP for Tooting. It has always been an immense honour to represent the community in which I was born and raised. Thank you to everyone who puts their faith in me to represent our area.
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