By Syed Kamall, Conservative MEP for London

During these difficult economic times, charities need every bit of help that they can get.

I have been in discussions with companies on how they can help charities and local community projects.

I recently met with Microsoft who told me about their 'Britain Works' programme, Microsoft explained that many small charities are still buying software they need to run their organisation and are not aware that free Microsoft software has been available to charities for some time.

Any registered charity can get up to fifty copies of up to six Microsoft titles (including Windows and Office) every two years.

The scheme is run by the Charity Technology Exchange (www.ctxchange.org), who also offer software from other providers, in return for a small admin charge.

I hope that those charities that wish to use Microsoft software or the other software available from the Charity Technology Exchange will take advantage of this scheme.

Make sure your voice is heard by sending your letter to: letters@wimbledonguardian.co.uk

Click here to go back to the letters page.