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Supporting the voluntary and community sector of Milton Keynes
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Welcome to the weekly bulletin for the voluntary and community sector of
Milton Keynes.

UPDATED: Apologies, in the last version of the bulletin we shared a Draft Sustainable Construction Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) from Milton Keynes Council which was not ready to be shared publicly. This has now been removed. Please watch this space for the public consultation. 
Thank you for contributing to our letter to the Government
Last week we wrote to the Chancellor to speed up and improve the Government’s financial support for the charity sector. The letter was signed by 55 groups across Milton Keynes. 
Read the letter
What opportunities does the Coronavirus crisis create for charities?
After discussing the eight flaws that the Coronavirus crisis revealed about the charity sector in his last week's blog, Joe takes a deeper look into the potential opportunities it generated and discusses the ways in which charities could make the most of those changes. Read more
How's your Chair?
Chairs and other trustees play an invaluable part in the life of the VCS and deserve our thanks - volunteering at board level takes a special set of skills and knowledge, as well as time and energy. 
The Association of Chairs has produced a handy Self Care for Chairs guide. #ShowYourChairYouCare 
'Suite of Resources' for reducing inequalities re COVID-19 including mental health and isolation
This suite of resources focus on targeted action, engaging those groups, communities and places who are traditionally disadvantaged, and those who are more likely to be disproportionately affected by the pandemic. Read more

Carole Baume joins the Cabinet of MK Council as new VCS Cabinet Member
“I have begun to get to know some of the amazing work which is being done by the voluntary sector in Milton Keynes. We need to keep this vision of what working together can mean as we rebuild our city. This rebuilding will only succeed if it is undertaken as a joint venture. So I look forward very much to working with you". 
See more resources for groups and support for groups during the Covid-19 pandemic on our website
Musica Charity Choir MK invites voluntary groups to celebrate the community spirit of Our Milton Keynes with a photo for the choir’s next video
Musica Charity Choir MK is inviting people to give a shout-out to the city’s key workers and community groups by sending in thank you photos to be used in the choir’s next Virtual Choir video. Read more
What to do if you are feeling unwell this bank holiday
GP surgeries in Milton Keynes will be closed for the holiday weekend, they are opening again on Tuesday 26 May.  Anyone feeling unwell during this time and in urgent need of medical help or advice should use the NHS111 online service https://111.nhs.uk/ or call NHS111. 
Samaritans Milton Keynes
Samaritans Milton Keynes volunteers are still providing confidential emotional support for
people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead
to suicide.
Read more
YiS Young People's Mental Health are raising money to provide mental health and wellbeing support to young people during COVID 19.
Due to a number of planned fundraising events being canceled, we hope you will support us and join in with our virtual raffle.The raffle closes on Friday 29th May at 6 pm. Support here
Local responses to Covid-19: Help out in your area
 
This page is updated on a regular basis as we continue to hear about the amazing work being done in our communities. Please get in touch with us if you would like to update the information of your local area. Read more
See more Information for communities regarding Covid-19 on our website 
Castlethorpe Neighbourhood Plan
Castlethorpe Parish Council submitted the Modifications to the Castlethorpe Neighbourhood Plan to Milton Keynes Council on 27 April, 2020. Milton Keynes Council is now publicising the submitted Modifications  until Friday 17th July 2020.
Read more
Virtual volunteering opportunity with the New Town Heritage Explorers Project
Become a Local Heritage MK Explorer as part of the New Town Heritage Explorers Project to bring the city’s architectural design heritage and social history to life.
You can find out more here.
Right volunteers, right place, right time
When the going gets tough, people roll their sleeves up to help. But how can we make sure the right people are in the right place at the right time? Here are two ways the voluntary sector is tackling that issue.
Read more

Volunteers Week: 1-7 June 2020
Watch this space as we wil be sharing a range of blogs and volunteer case studies throughout next week to show our thanks to the amazing volunteers in Milton Keynes. Get in touch with us if you would like to share any case studies of your volunteers and the role they have been playing!
Are you willing, able and safe to volunteer? Complete the expression of interest form here


Coronavirus Community Support Fund
The Government’s new Coronavirus Community Support Fund opened for applications at 10am on Friday 22nd May. This new funding stream makes available £200m in Government funding that will be aimed primarily at small to medium organisations in England. Read more
Government funding opportunities:
Resourcing Racial Justice Fund

Max. Value: £ 50,000. Grants are available for frontline organisations, grassroots groups and community groups across the UK that are working to redress the impact of the coronavirus/COVID-19 and systemic racism on communities of colour. Read more

See more funding opportunities on the Community Action: MK website
Webinar: Financial management during covid-19 – top tips and scenario planning
27 May | 10.30
This webinar will assist your charity in continuing its valuable work, especially when some charitable services may be needed more than ever. 
Register here
Webinar: Board leadership: Supporting your charity through the next phase of the pandemic 
5 June | 11.00
Explore what role the trustees and chairs will play in the next phase of the pandemic. We will also examine some of the ongoing challenges, as well as opportunities, with the easing of social distancing restrictions. Register here
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