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Supporting the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector of Milton Keynes
Welcome to our weekly bulletin for the Milton Keynes Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise sector
Click here for the MK Community Data Tool!
Our News
Open Event 
This week, we shared findings from our research and exciting future plans at our Open Event. In partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, CA: MK have been working on research with minority groups and investigated access to health care. This second phase of research focused on Faith communities across Milton Keynes. 
Whitehouse Drop-In 
 
Next Thursday 1 December 10-12 at Whitehouse Surgery, come and meet Medical Detection Dogs, who train dogs to detect the odour of human disease with the aim of developing faster, more efficient and less invasive diagnostics that lead to better patient outcomes.
You'll have the chance to learn more about their work and volunteer roles. If you're interested in discovering more about MK volunteering opportunities, you can chat to our Volunteering Coordinator at Whitehouse Surgery on the 15 December or MK Central Library on the 29 November and 6 December, all sessions are 10am-12pm.
We look forward to seeing you there!
White Ribbon Event
 
On Friday 25th November, in the evening, we supported Voices of Women MK at a Torchlight Vigil MK Rose in Campbell Park. This gatherning, attended by a number of local groups and residents from across Milton Keynes, marked the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and International White Ribbon Day. Gathering at MK Rose to mark those importanrt dates has give us the opportunity to show solidarity with victims and survivors of violence against women across the world.
Find out more about the work of Voices Of Women MK and how you can get involved here
Spotlight 
The Sustainable Warmth Programme
 
Vulnerable residents across Milton Keynes are struggling with rising energy bills, facing impossible choices to try and keep warm right now and worrying about winters to come. The Sustainable Warmth Programme helps to fund home energy improvements for households struggling with energy bills. Milton Keynes City Council is helping to raise awareness of this government grant - which could see households receiving up to £25,000 of home energy improvements at no cost to them.
 
Residents can apply for the scheme here
Technology HUB | RNIB & BucksVision
 
A new Technology HUB is being unveiled for all related queries lunchin in MK, created in collaboration between RNIB and BucksVision. Would you like to find out more?
When: Friday 9 December - Drop in 11am to 1pm
Where: SARC office, Gloucester House, 399 Silbury Boulevard, Central Milton Keynes, MK9 2AH
Contact: Padma on 07456 202 707
See our dedicated funding page here
Response | The Health Foundation 
Click here to read the Response to UK Government Autumn Statement.

Report | The Health Foundation
Click here to read: How does UK health spending compare across Europe over the past decade?


Autumn Statement | NCVO 
Click here to find out what the Autumn Statement means for charities. 

UK Resilience | UK Government 

Click here to view the EPC UK Resilience Lessons Digest. 

50 for FREE | The Landmarks Trust
Click here to find out about the 50 for FREE stays for Charities in the UK. 
Meet Up | Diabetes UK MK 
The next MK Local Group Meeting is taking place on the 15th December, 7.30pm, at the Centrecom Community Centre MK9 3BJ. They'll be chatting about Christmas eating and hosting a festive quiz, pop by for a mince pie and non-alcoholic mulled wine. Free event with free parking.


Cost of Living | NCVO
Click here to find Cost of Living advice for charities.


Cost of Living | Charity Excellence Framework  
Click here for information on the Charity Sector Cost Of Living Crisis. Information includes the latest Monthly Update And Forecast Of The Impact On Charities. 
Find out how we can support your organisation here
People and voices of MK's voluntary and community sector
We’ve been speaking with groups and organisations from across MK and it’s been great to hear about the work they are doing and what they’re getting up to. We hope this can be a whistle stop tour of some of the amazing work ongoing,
If you would like to record a video about the work you are doing, your impact and how willing volunteers can get involved, send it to us at info@communityactionmk.org and we can upload it to our page here and onto our Youtube channel for the communities in Milton Keynes to learn about your work and what you are doing to help them! 
Click the button below to view our dedicated events page on our website, where you will find both local and national events listed for your interest! (updated weekly)
Visit our Events page here!
December Forum | Arts & Heritage Alliance 
The forum will be a celebration of the artist co-commissions that AHA-MK developed this year with six Milton Keynes communities along with some panel discussions and networking.
When: 7th December 2022, 9:30-13:00
Where: MK Hindu Association Community Centre, Ferry Meadows Cl, Broughton, MK10 9QY

Click here for more information.

Live Stream | The Good Law Project 
The cost of Living Livestream
When: 2nd December 2022, 13:00-14:00.
Where: Online.
Click here for more information.
Opportunity of the Week

Al's Pals 

This week's Volunteer Opportunity comes from Al's Pals, a local cancer support charity.
Read more about this impactful charity, and their volunteer roles here!

Volunteering | YMCA 
Do you want to bring a bit of Christmas cheer to YMCA this year? Join the team this festive season as a Volunteer Christmas Helper. Click here for more details!


Volunteers Needed | Churches Together
Click here to view volunteer opportunities with Churches Together Milton Keynes. 

'Volunteer MK' Facebook Group | Community Action: MK 
We've launched a new Facebook Group, 'Volunteer MK'. This is a community for those who are looking for volunteer roles in Milton Keynes and the charities, organisations and community groups who would like to share their voluntary roles!

Click here for more information.

Do you need volunteers? Then get in touch! We can support you to sign up to our  free volunteering platform or we can advertise your roles free through our newsletter! Email us at support@communityactionmk.org and chat to one of our team members!
Sign up to our volunteering platform here!
Ukraine War & Refugee Response
Supporting the Crisis in Ukraine | Supporting Refugees in Milton Keynes

We are continuing to support the local VCSE groups and organisations in Milton Keynes who are involved in assisting those arriving in the region from Ukraine. If you would like to be involved in the Coordinated Response, please email support@communityactionmk.org. 

We have recently launched a page on our website dedicated to resources and information for people arriving from Ukraine and the hosts and organisations providing support. To view the information please
click here to visit our website. If you would like information or support in relation to the war in Ukraine and supporting people in Milton Keynes, please email support@communityactionmk.org.
Healthy Start | MK Council 
NHS Healthy Start Programme: help to buy milk, fruit and vegetables for eligible families.

Click here for more information.

Warm Homes | Age UK
Age UK Milton Keynes have launched their Warm Homes Programme for elegible people in Milton Keynes. The programme aims to support older people who are living in or at risk of falling into fuel poverty.
Click here for more information.


Warm Hub | The Mead Centre
The Mead Centre have opened up a new Warm Hub in Newport Pagnell.
When: Thursdays 10-3
Where: The Mead Centre, Newport Pagnell.
More information on their
facebook page, here.
Winter Drop-In | Carers MK
Carers MK will be holding Winter drop in sessions for carers in Milton Keynes.
Click here for more.

Webinar | The Health Foundation
Click here to join the webinar: Is the NHS ready for winter? When: 9th December 2022.
 
Sisterhood and Strength | MK Fawcett 
Click here to read an uplfifting blog from the MK Fawcett Society.

Cost of Living Hub | Local Government Association
Click here to find out about Cost of Living Hubs in the Milton Keynes area.

Cost of Living | Citizens Advice 

Click here to read the Cost of Living Data Dashboard from Citizens Advice for November 2022.
Pay Agreement | National Joint Council
The National Joint Council for Local Government Services pay agreement has been confirmed for 2022/23. The pay offer was for a flat rate payment of £1,925 on each scale point with effect from 1 April 2022. Click here for more information.
View our Covid-19 page here for all the latest news and guidance.
If you know of any consultations that are happening, then get in touch here!
Health Inequalities | UK Government 
The Department for Health and Social Care Newsletter for the VCSE, November 2022 Features: Health Inequalities and a focus on older people, Homelessness, stopping the overuse of medication, Maternal Care, Social connections breaking down because of Cost of Living Crisis. Click here to read more.


Mental Health Alliance for Milton Keynes. 
We are are facilitating this network and are always keen for more groups/ organisations to join. Find out more
here

Voices of Women in Milton Keynes. 
Subscribe to their newsletter.

Third Sector and Charities Act Implementation Plan | Charity Finance Group
Follow
this link to the Charity Finance Group website for information on the Charities Act Implementation Plan. 
Consultations
 
In October 2022, Haversham-cum-Little Linford Parish Council submitted its Neighbourhood Plan to Milton Keynes City Council. The Plan is now being published in accordance with Regulation 16 of the Neighbourhood Plans (General) Regulations 2012. This is the final stage to make comments on the Plan.
Comments should be sent to: neighbourhoodplanning@milton-keynes.gov.uk by 5pm on Friday 13 January 2023.
View all national consultations here
Vacancy | Retina UK
Retina UK have an exciting internship opportunity for a blind or partially sighted person to join our communications team. Closing on the 28th November 2022. Click here for more information.


Vacancy | MK:act
MK:act are looking for a new Domestic Abuse Outreach Worker to join  their team.

Click here to view the full job description and person specification. 

Vacancy | Ride High 
Job Vacancy: Ride High are looking for a new Club Leader to join their team! Click here for more information and details on how to apply.
Do you have a voluntary and community sector job role that needs advertising? Then let us know and we can promote it for free right on our website, or right here in our newsletter! Just email your information and job description to info@communityactionmk.org!
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