Community Action: MK

About SMART

Our vision is to transform our communities so that every person has the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential, participate in and contribute to all aspects of life. We do this by providing safe spaces to work with vulnerable people, empowering them to make positive changes and take control of their lives.

We help adults and young people, families and individuals with complex needs. Our dedicated teams work alongside people affected by drug and alcohol use, and those who find themselves homeless.

Together we help people reach and maintain positive change for the long term.

SMART Allotment Volunteer:

Do you like being outdoors? do you enjoy gardening? If so this is the perfect opportunity for you!

Norman Russell House is a 13-bed service run by SMART CJS and funded by Milton Keynes Council, with referrals accepted directly from them. The project is a supported accommodation facility with 10 bedrooms and 3 move-on flats for people who have previously faced homelessness.

When in SMART’s care practical living skills are taught (like washing, laundry, cooking and budgeting) as well as assistance given with applications and forms for benefits, training, education and employment. Whilst at Norman Russell House, residents also have access to health and mental health care as well as drugs and alcohol support services from community partners to ensure that their recovery and progress is maintained.

We all know the positive benefits of working outdoors has been recognised as a major contributor that promotes positive  mental health and wellbeing.

Our exciting allotment project  at Bradwell  Abbey  aims to engage our residents  at  Norman Russell House with the opportunity to learn about plants and how to grow your own produce.

The idea is they spend 1.5 hours on our allotment space and then half an hour in the communal gardens to give something back to the community. This will be every Wednesday from 2pm.

Interested please email: 

Manpreet.Roopra@smartcjs.org.uk 

SMART Activities Volunteer:

Main purpose of the role: To help residents with engaging in activities that will help improve their wellbeing and mental health. This will also support them in learning essential life skills for when they move into independent accommodation, social skills and re engaging with the local community

To support our activities coordinator with creating or carrying out activities either in the 

property at Norman Russell house or where the activity will be. This could include things such

as cooking, going to the gym, running, playing board games, quiz night, walking, day trips,

gardening and other activities. 

Interested please email: 

Manpreet.Roopra@smartcjs.org.uk 

Find out more about SMART CJS here: http://www.smartcjs.org.uk/