Weekly Bulletin for the Voluntary and Community Sector in Milton Keynes

Could your group do with a hand?

Ricoh UK are looking to connect with a charity within the Milton Keynes area to host some volunteering for a team. Contact James Knox by email.

Vicki Reisinger has a team of 50 people from Network Rail looking for a group to help. Contact her directly via email.


What better way to enjoy a Tuesday afternoon in the summer holidays?

Bring all the family to enjoy afternoon tea, sandwiches and cake created from unwanted food from MK Community Fridge in the beautiful setting of The Secret Garden.

Would you like to acquire the skills and confidence to speak effectively in any situation?

Giving you these skills is the purpose of a course that will be run by a local organisation, Bletchley Speakers Club.

This is a five session course, led by experienced professional speakers in an informal and supportive environment, allowing you every chance to watch, learn, practice and grow.

The course is absolutely free, it is suitable for everyone who wants to improve their public speaking and will be of particular benefit to those with little or no experience of public speaking. Each session covers a separate aspect of public speaking, so it is not necessary to attend every session to benefit from the course.

The first session is on September 25th, with further sessions held on October 10th , October 24th,  November 14th  and November 28th.

Each session will  start at 7.30 pm and run until 9.30pm

The course will be held in the charming location of Rectory Cottages. Rectory Cottages address is 49 Church Green Road, Bletchley, MK3 6BJ.

To reserve a place  or to find out more,  contact Tom Ferrett tomferrett@btinternet.com on 07814 417260

Bletchley Speakers Club is a member of the national association of Speakers Clubs. For more information, visit www.bletcheyspeakers.co.uk


Pedalling Culture Updates

Motus Dance – Pedalling the Tracks Volunteer call out / Blazing Saddles Volunteer call out /  Live Mapping Performance Walk and Map Launch – Groundwork presents: A to B in MK / Pedalling Culture Social, all welcome!
Pedalling Culture Champion Volunteer Info Sheet 2818
Pedalling Culture Champion Volunteer Info Sheet 2818 (1)

Young People Talking About  Mental Health & YiS 2018 AGM

Friday September 21, 2018 3-5pm

Join YiS for a panel discussion with young people talking about their mental health experiences and views. There will be an opportunity for the audience to ask questions and engage.

The panel discussion will be followed by the YiS Youth Counselling Service 2018 AGM, including a review of 2017/18, a look back at the recently finished Outreach Project and a look at the months ahead.

There will also be a chance to get some nibbles and network afterwards.

A full copy of the formal notice for the AGM is available online.

Reserve your place here.


Applications are now open for the Winifred Tumim Memorial Prize for best practice in charity governance.

To apply complete the online application form by Friday 7 September.


Celebrating involvement in healthcare community grants 2018 – apply now!

Are you a voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE) group that has done some amazing patient, service-user or carer involvement work, that’s improved healthcare services?
If so, the NHS wants to hear about it. In fact, it wants everyone to hear about it – and wants to provide the support to make this happen.
NHS England will be awarding grants of up to £2,500 to a number of projects that showcase good practice around patient and citizen involvement in healthcare.
Applications should explain how you have involved patients and citizens in a healthcare project, and how you plan to use the grant to share and showcase your work in a creative way.
The grants can only be awarded to a voluntary organisation. To read the community grants guidelines and to check that your organisation and project is eligible, visit this webpage. The application deadline is 20 September 2018 and you can apply here.

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The World Bike Girl Speaking Event, Milton Keynes
Fri 17th August, Doors open 6.30pm, Event begins 7pm to 8.30 pm.
Coffee included in price of ticket.
Price: £10