It's a dark time for most of us at the moment, and not just meteorologically.

Each December, I labour over a stupid project called the Poetry Advent Calendar, where I try to write, edit and publish a brand new poem for each day of Advent.

Since 2019, I've tried to encourage people to throw a bit of money to charity if they've enjoyed the poetry, and though I've often written poems in support of the refugee community, I've not yet raised any money for them, so this year's Calendar Charity is Asylum Welcome, who do such amazing work across Oxford with some of the most vulnerable, and most demonised, among us.

Times are hard, but please give what you can. It doesn't have to be much - and if you can't afford to give anything (which will be even more people than last year) then at least keep them in your heart, and commit to a kinder, more empathic 2024.

Thanks, as ever.

Owen x