“Give time for others” is the message promoted by Redbridge’s new mayor Cllr Muhammed Javed as he announced the names of the two charities he will raise money for in the coming year.

Redbridge Carers Support Service (RCSS) and Redbridge MENCAP have been chosen by Cllr Javed.

Regularly visiting the elderly in his spare time, the new mayor knows first-hand how dedicating time and money can improve the quality of a person’s life.

He said: “Through these visits, I have learned just how much an hour’s visit is valued by someone who lives on their own.

“I would like to meet as many people as possible from different walks of life and through this give a message to all of us to think of others and, where possible, give time for others.”

An RCSS project called Give Me a Break, named by Cllr Javed’s grandson, Adil, 12, aims to offer support to people who have given up their livelihood to care for someone.

Director Glynis Donovan said: “We are completely over the moon and feel very privileged.

“Cllr Javed has been around for 30 years and we’ve been running since the late 1980s.

“He is aware of the work we do and is very supportive.

“I think he thought that carers give so much to society so he would give something back.”

Redbridge MENCAP, which provides support for people with mental illness, learning disability and other health issues, will also receive the fundraising support of the mayor and his mayoress, Shamin Ali.

Cllr Javed said: “People with mental illness, learning disability and so forth should be provided with social and leisure activities and opportunities to enjoy and lead a normal life as much as possible.”