MY OFFICE is always busy. My staff and I answer the phone; write letters and emails on behalf of constituents; and organise surgeries to meet local people.

Casework ranges from streetlights and overgrown hedges to homelessness and immigration.

It can take the form of writing to the Home Office to expedite urgent visa applications or requesting support from the Council for housing a homeless family.

Since 2015, my office and I have helped over 19,000 constituents with individual problems and responded to thousands of emails and letters. People come to us when they are at the end of their tether.

Another big part of my role as an MP is my work supporting local organisations. Earlier this month, I spoke in a debate on charities and volunteers.

The importance of giving time to charities was instilled in me at a young age: my parents dedicated their time to voluntary work so it seemed natural for me to follow suit.

When I was a civil servant I spent at least a day a week organising an event for a local charity, from buying a bus for Leonard Cheshire to selling cushions by Fine Cell Work.

My friend and Parliamentary colleague, Andrea Leadsom and I were founding trustees of the Northamptonshire Parent Infant Partnership (NorPIP), helping young mothers and their babies with attachment issues.

I also helped set up and run the Benefactors’ Board of the Oxford Hospitals Charity. My experience volunteering provided a great background for being a MP, engaging with staff and service-users on various levels.

We are lucky to have so many hard-working charities in and around Bicester, from the Child Brain Injury Trust (CBIT) to ARCh (Assisted Reading for Children).

Volunteers are the backbone of our communities and should be celebrated for the time and dedication they give to helping others.

On days when I am not in Parliament, I try to visit as many as possible.

This year, for the first time, I have decided to dedicate an entire week to voluntary work in my constituency.

‘Victoria Volunteers’ will run from September 23 to 27.

I am looking forward to getting stuck in and helping as many charities in North Oxfordshire as possible, whether it be making cups of tea for the Salvation Army or helping school children with their reading.

If you run a charity and would like me to come and help out, please do get in touch via victoria.prentis.mp@parliament.uk.