The first thing to consider, when thinking about contacting your MP, is whether she is the right option. There are a variety of options to consider, some of which may be better able to help you than your MP, or may be able to help more quickly. MPs are there to help only with those matters for which Parliament or central government is responsible.

If your problem is with services provided by your local council, then one of your local councillors will often be of more direct help than a Member of Parliament. You can use WriteToThem to find out which ward you live in, and the Bolton Council website to find out who the councillors are for your ward. If Julie is your MP and you live in Atherton, you can find your local councillors' details here.

If your problem is of a more general nature or you are uncertain where to go for advice, then you may be able to get advice from Bolton Citizens Advice Bureau, or Leigh Citizens Advice Bureau if you live in Atherton.

Julie is more than willing to help where local procedures have failed or have encountered seemingly intractable problems, but would prefer that the proper first steps are engaged before she becomes involved.

If your problem is not local in nature (such as council tax, or local social services, or day to day problems in schools) but instead concerns central government policies (such as the National Health Service, HM Revenue and Customs who collect the bulk of tax and pay child benefit and tax credits, and the Department of Work and Pensions who deal with issues such as benefits, pensions and national insurance) then you should contact Julie. In the first instance it's always best to contact the office in writing or by email if possible.