In politics promising politicians should have qualities that are often acquired through skills, life experiences, intelligence, integrity with instinct combined to achieve their goals.

First and foremost , the best quality of a politician is honesty, loving – and will be most effective when admitting that there is a problem and is willing to put differences aside and work together cross- party to deal with this issue.

A good example of this is the late Jo Cox, former Labour MP, who had taken the first steps towards setting up the commission for loneliness before she was murdered in her constituency of Batley and Spen, West Yorkshire late June 2016.

By following her example the Jo Cox Commission on Loneliness will now be chaired cross- party by Seema Kenndy(cons) and Rachel Reeves (Lab); they have launched a campaign to tackle loneliness.

The commission in her memory will work alongside thirteen charities to come up with ideas for change- focusing on groups of people such as new mums, carers and the elderly.

Jo Cox’s sudden death made me realise how much we had in common and shared very similar values and aims. I wanted to make a real difference to people’s lives.

Working as a nurse is very rewarding yet I feel like I could do more, in the capacity of being a local councillor. Many times when out canvassing or visiting local residents I find myself talking to a vulnerable person or someone living alone. Usually they are the ones that spend more time at the doorstep wanting to talk about everything and anything.

As much as I would like to take more time to talk, it can be quite difficult as I have to keep up with the rest of the group who are also door knocking.

So I ask myself how could I reach out to these people and get the help they need?

There is no rule book that tells us what we can and cannot do therefore I contacted a local charity that works across Watford: “Small acts of Kindness” and I asked if I could have a certain number of their bags.

I then set off to some people I could remember who are living alone in my ward and gave them a bag. Each bag contains a blanket, gloves, hats and socks with a few sachets of coffee tea and more essentials.

I have to say I was quite relieved as my act was welcomed and appreciated. It does take guts and confidence to rock up at someone’s house not knowing what to expect. But this was one way I could think of to break the ice.

A simple act of kindness is all it takes to stop and think about someone else living alone or feeling lonely due to the change in their circumstances.

Research tells us more and more elderly people are living more lonely lives than ever. So it is important that given all the cuts happening in the adult social care sector many charities and voluntary organisations are facing challenges in order to survive.

I welcome and I am sure many of you welcome the good cause of this launch of loneliness to recognise that some people really need to talk and start a conversation If you want to know more contact www.jocoxloneliness.org We would like to hear your views please contact bilqees.mauthoor@watford.gov.uk For more information about the local charity please visit www.smallactsofkindness.co.uk

Cllr Bilqees Mauthoor, Watford Borough Council, Watford Labour Party