On Thursday 5th September Deptford First held the official launch of its brand-new Community Chest Fund at Deptford Town Hall.

When I was elected MP for Lewisham Deptford in 2015 I also became chair of Deptford First and I am very proud of the work we have been doing to rejuvenate the charity over the last few years.

Cuts to local government funding have taken a massive toll on our community, placing many people in financial hardship. Deptford First hopes to alleviate some of that hardship by working with our partner organisations (currently LRMN, Deptford Reach, 999 Club and Bench Outreach) to provide small grants to those who cannot access help elsewhere.

The event was well attended and our guests heard from our trustees and partner organisations about what we have already achieved and our plans for the future.

You can read more about our work and find out how to donate to the fund on our website.