I want to wish Merry Christmas to all readers. Whether you are planning a quiet one or have hoards or relatives descending, I wish you joy, peace, rest, relaxation and quality time with those you love.

My office will be closing for the Christmas period from 19th December to 5th January, and I’d like to thank my incredible team for their excellent efforts to support constituents and stakeholders over the past twelve months. They really are the best team I could hope for and deserve their hard earned break! All emails and messages will be responded to in the New Year. My social media will still be updated over the Christmas period – keep an eye on my Facebook page for the latest.

If you need emergency assistance over the festive period, Tameside Council operate an out of hours service for local emergencies – contact them on 0161 342 2222 if a serious issue not for the police, fire or ambulance services arises.

If you feel that your circumstances are overwhelming and you are in need of emotional support, you can contact Samaritans for free in confidence any time from any phone on 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org. If the telephone isn’t your thing and you would rather text someone for support, Shout is the UK’s first 24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. You can text them on 85258 twenty four hours a day. Remember if you experience a mental health crisis Tameside Accident and Emergency is open 24 hours a day, every day (thank you NHS!).

For a full range of other local and national mental health support services and opening/contact hours please visit here.

As ever, the final words of the year go to the bins… you can find your Christmas bin and recycling collection dates here!