— Comments Off on FoodCycle Launching in Fishermead 8 June, could you help by volunteering?

FoodCycle Launching in Fishermead 8 June, could you help by volunteering?

FoodCycle connect communities through free meals and great conversation. Harnessing volunteer power, they utilise food surplus to create warm meals in welcoming spaces. After successfully establishing FoodCycle lunches in Wolverton, they are launching on the 8 June in Fishermead MK6 2SP Thursdays at 7.00pm, and they’re in need of volunteers!

A5-Multi-Volunteer-Leaflets-MK-Aylesbury-PRINTDownload

Taster Session

On the 25th May FoodCycle will be hosting a practise run in Fishermead, where people can join them to help cook, host or just come and join us for the meal. They ask that everyone who intends on coming registers for an account.

To register for an account please visit https://volunteer.foodcycle.org.uk/volunteer-sign-up

In order to sign up to a slot, you just need to:

• Click on ‘Start FoodCycling’ at the top of your volunteer account

• Select East Anglia on the map

• Click on ‘volunteer with FoodCycle Milton Keynes Fishermead’

• Find the right date/role and click ‘sign up’.

You will then receive an automatic email confirmation with all the information you need ahead of the session.

Blog Post Mobilising Communities Strengthening Groups Volunteering
— Comments Off on Willen Hospice are in search of a new trustee

Willen Hospice are in search of a new trustee

Are you looking for an opportunity to support an MK-based charity? Willen Hospice, a charity which provides specialist end of life care to adult patients and support for their families, are looking to add a new member to their Board. Becoming a trustee can be a great way to enhance your CV, build networks, and make a difference in your community.

Read Willen Hospice’s guest blog for more on their rewarding voluntary role:

Blog Post Mobilising Communities Strengthening Groups Volunteering
— Comments Off on Supporting Cancer Research Events in MK

Supporting Cancer Research Events in MK

Milton Keynes Race For Life and Pretty Muddy are taking place this Summer at Willen Lake on 10th and 11th June!

Race for Life events attract large audiences and are vital for Cancer Research UK to continue funding their scientists’ research. Could you volunteer your time to help ensure these uplifting gatherings run smoothly?


“We need more people to help run our events. Come on your own, join in with a friend, or bring your whole family. Everyone is welcome, and we guarantee you’ll end the day smiling
 
Imagine a sports ground with no cheering. It’s the same at a Race for Life without volunteers. We’re looking for enthusiastic and friendly people to bring the magic to over 400 events. Can you help us?
 
Please use this link to search for your local event.

 
We look forward to seeing you on an event site soon!”

The Roles Available:

Start Volunteer

Our start volunteers are instrumental in helping the participants get to the start line. Your role involves helping with the start process including ensuring participants are lining up correctly, moving through to the start at the correct time, and cheering them on as they go through the start gantry. You may also help with set up on the day depending on when you would like to arrive.

Finish Volunteer

Our finish volunteers are the first people our participants see as they cross that finish line. You will greet them with a medal and pat them on the back for a job well done. You can also help with setting up this area including getting the goodies ready to hand out, and packing everything away at the end.

Please note the above roles may be mixed meaning you could start on the start then go over to the finish and help with setting up both areas.

Course Marshal

Our course marshal role includes cheering on and encouraging the participants along the course, handing out refreshments, checking in with the team if issues arise and supporting the event whilst on the course

Obstacle Marshals

Our obstacle marshal role includes cheering on and encouraging participants and most importantly – getting them muddy! You’ll also be on hand to let us know if there are any issues at obstacles so our obstacle manager can come and sort it quickly.

Sign up here!

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— Comments Off on Guest Blog: Volunteering Matters, Volunteer Drivers needed to help their communities

Guest Blog: Volunteering Matters, Volunteer Drivers needed to help their communities

MK Driver’s Service have been awarded funding from Milton Keynes Council to develop and grow the transport service which benefits the local community.  

Milton Keynes are now recruiting for Volunteer Driver’s to join our Local Volunteering Driver’s Service who want to give something back by offering their time to help people who are in need of transport.

We aim to provide a safe and reliable transport service for passengers who may struggle using buses and taxis.  All our drivers are local, friendly, and provide a door to door Community Transport Service, so people can get out and about again, and access medical appointments and/or social activities. The purpose is to help people in maintaining their health, independence and reducing isolation.

The team of drivers are all caring and understanding of the passengers needs and assist passengers if and when required, travelling locally and/or as far as Oxford, Aylesbury, Cambridge, Northampton, Olney, and Bedford.   

All our drivers are DBS checked and receive appropriate training for this volunteering role.  

We would welcome any new interested drivers who would like to offer their time to make a difference to their local community.

If you know of anyone who may be interested in volunteering driving please share this information with them.

If you require flyers/posters to display on your notice boards, please let a member of the staff know and we will send them in the post and/or if you would like to discuss this volunteering role further please contact Heather Oddy Mobile: 07823413241 or Heena Trivedi on 07535086111. There is also an office number 01908 876074.

You can also read more here.

Mobilising Communities Volunteering
— Comments Off on Volunteering with the Ukraine Appeal

Volunteering with the Ukraine Appeal

Are you looking for a flexible volunteering opportunity, where you can help those affected by conflict?

About the Ukraine Appeal

The Ukraine Appeal is an MK-based Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).

Founded in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, they work to provide relief and assistance for the victims of the conflict by:

  • Providing emergency relief, including medical assistance, provision of clean water, shelter and food, and other necessary supplies.
  • Supporting displaced people, host communities, and refugees in neighbouring countries and in the UK.
  • Supporting and delivering projects to help those affected by war rebuild their lives.
  • Helping restore infrastructure in areas damaged as a result of the conflict.

The Ukraine Appeal are currently recruiting for the following roles:

Volunteer Copywriter

Hours: Flexible, approximately 3 hours per week

Location: Remote

Role Description

You’ll be researching and creating clear and engaging copy for a range of communication channels.

  • To create engaging online content for a range of audiences
  • Research and write blogs on topics related to the Ukraine Appeal
  • Connect with local and national organisations and groups to establish opportunities for engaging co-produced digital content

Person Specification

  • Writing experience, either through voluntary or paid work
  • An understanding of the charitable sector
  • An excellent standard of written English
  • Good proof-reading skills

What you will gain from the role  

  • Experience in digital marketing
  • Gaining skills in writing for the web
  • Articles for your writing portfolio

Volunteer Fundraising Officer

Hours: Flexible

Location: Hybrid/Remote, occasional attendance of Milton Keynes’ events.

Role Description

You’ll be helping to raise funds for the Ukraine Appeal, through events and pursuing new partnerships.

  • Researching and approaching new corporate partners and other donors
  • Help create fundraising materials
  • Contribute to the planning and deliver of fundraising events
  • Attend networking events
  • Develop funding proposals

Person Specification

  • Keen to build networks
  • A passionate advocate for refugees and displaced people
  • Excellent communication skills

What you will gain from the role  

  • Experience of working in the charitable sector
  • New networks and relationships
  • Honed fundraising skills

Volunteer Social Media Officer

Hours: Flexible, 3-6 hours per week

Location: Remote

Role Description

You’ll be managing content for Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

  • Producing content for the Ukraine Appeal’s social media feeds
  • Creating engaging images and/or video to accompany social media posts
  • Writing clear and compelling copy
  • Promoting Ukraine Appeal events
  • Monitoring Ukraine Appeal’s feeds, comments and inboxes

Person Specification

  • Creative, with a good eye for for detail and design
  • Excellent communicator
  • Excellent standard of written English

What you will gain from the role  

  • Knowledge of digital tools such as Canva and Bit.ly
  • Experience of Social Media Management
  • Managing digital marketing campaigns

Volunteer Interpreters and Translators

Role Description

We are currently seeking volunteers with a good standard of verbal and written Ukrainian and English to help support Ukrainian refugees living in Milton Keynes. 

The role will involve:

  • Translating written materials remotely
  • Attending sessions at Summerfield School, MK13 8PG

Get-to-know-you meetings for all roles will be held in the week commencing  20thand 27th Feb. Online.

 If you’d like to find out more, please contact volunteering@communityactionmk.org

If your skills are not an exact match for the specifications, we’d still love to hear from you.

Blog Post Mobilising Communities Strengthening Groups Volunteering
— Comments Off on Find a Warm Welcome this Winter

Find a Warm Welcome this Winter

Search our interactive map to view some of the MK warm places, spaces to visit – free of charge – for a warm welcome this Winter. 

You’ll also find places offering communal meals, peer support groups for Carers, and ways to improve your mental and physical wellbeing during what is an extremely difficult time for many.

If you’d like to add your service or warm space, please email camille@communityactionmk.org

See our Cost of Living Support information here

MKFM have also compiled a list of resources and places to turn to if you’re feeling low, read the article here.

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— Comments Off on Technology Hub MK

Technology Hub MK

New Technology Hub for people with visual impairments launching in MK!

Are you looking for support with your technology queries? Do you wish to do your shopping online but would like help with navigating the website? Would you like some help using your smart phone and/or other technological devices. 
Perhaps  you have never used any  technological device but would like to learn to use them. Whatever stage  you are in using technology, there is a new service that might be able to help you.

What is it?

R N I B and Bucks Vision  are launching Technology Hub in Milton Keynes.  Whatever your query on technological devices, one of our volunteer  panel of experts  will be happy to help you.

Blog Post Mobilising Communities