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Refugee Community Event

Networking event: with focus on Support to local refugee communities in Milton Keynes

In collaboration with Eden Project Communities as part of their Month of Community and with support from a number of local VCSE organisations, Community Action: MK  is delighted to host a special networking and community event dedicated to the Refugee Community. The event will be on Wednesday 28th June, hosted at the wonderful space at the YMCA in Central Milton Keynes. The aim is to bring together the local Voluntary sector and identify how best to connect with and support our refugee communities in Milton Keynes.

The event will feature presentations from local organisations that have been working closely with and providing support to our local refugee communities in Milton Keynes, including those from Afghanistan and Ukraine. We are delighted to be joined by the Ukraine Appeal charity, who have been galvanising support for the local Ukrainian community in the City, and from the Volunteers at The Mead Centre in Newport Pagnell, who have been supporting the Afghan women and their families staying in one of the local holding hotels in Milton Keynes. We also hope to be joined by a local team from the British Red Cross, who have been a life-line for many refugee and asylum seekers coming to our region to seek safety and support.

They will be sharing their first hand experiences of providing support to those that seek sanctuary in Milton Keynes and will support some of the refugee community members to talk at the event and share their lived experience stories too. 

We know that there are many more local voluntary organisations (as well public and health sector agencies) that have been providing services and activities tailored to meeting the needs of our local refugee communities. We hope to shine the light on their work too as well as enable networking and collaboration within the wider VCSE sector and other sectors in the City.

There will be a workshop and a discussion of how our local VCSE sector and other key agencies can work together in a joined up way to provide the best possible support to our local refugee communities and give them the chance to rebuild their lives, share their culture and enable them to thrive in our City. 

There will also be the opportunity for the local refugee community members to join us on the day and engage with the local charities and services to find out about their services and volunteering opportunities etc. 

And finally, a very special part of the event will be delivered by the local charity, Middle Eastern Cultural Group, and their special live performance of the “Broken Wings“play. 

Based on real life experiences, the performance follows the journey of a teenage girl fleeing conflict and eventually arriving in the UK. Drawing attention to the trauma refugee children have experienced through their journeys and the challenges they face in their new life in the UK.

More details about the event and its programme will be updated in this blog and through our newsletter, and social media.

You can follow us on @ComactMK/ facebook.com/CommunityActionMK.

We hope to see you there!

Reserve your spot here!
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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 Could you be a Technology volunteer for BucksVision?

Could you be a Technology volunteer for BucksVision?

Digital Technology Volunteer

Technology can make life easier if you have hearing or sight problems, but knowing where to start is not always easy, this is where BucksVision need your help.

BucksVision offer 1-2-1 and group support to blind and partially sighted people to demonstrate how products, such as tablets and smartphones can help. 

Blog Post 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
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Volunteering with BucksVision

BucksVision are searching for a volunteer to take on the role of Wolverton Social Club, Group Leader:

BucksVision supports people with sight loss across Milton Keynes and Buckinghamshire, and they’re in need of a Volunteer to help run their Wolverton social group, who meet fortnightly, Tuesdays 2pm – 4pm.

The role will involve working with an existing team of volunteers, organising the annual schedule of entertainment & activities, helping to set up the social group venue, organising volunteer meetings and generally leading the group.

Full training and support will be provided, no experience needed.

If you think this role could be right for you, please email: volunteering@bucksvision.co.uk

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The Big Help Out

The Big Help Out is taking place on the 8th May, a day of national volunteering, where you’ll be given the chance to lend a hand, and make change happen!

Marking the King’s Coronation, The Big Help Out will be an opportunity to try volunteering and make a difference in your community. 

Want to get involved?

If you’re a group or organisation, you can register your volunteering opportunities. You can find a Comms toolkit here.

Or are you keen to volunteer? No matter how much time you have to spare, there’s a whole host of diverse ways to lend a hand.

For all the details: The Big Help Out | Home

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— Comments Off on Our March 2023 Networking Event

Our March 2023 Networking Event

Community Action MK Networking Event

– for the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Sector

It was great to get together!

Thank you to Steve and his Team at the Water Eaton Chuch Centre, who were great hosts (we recommend using the space as a venue! ) and special thanks to the lovely volunteers from the Centre, who helped out with refreshments:

If you have any questions or want to grab hold of any contacts, or follow up on anything you heard at the event, please contact us at networks@communityactionmk.org.

See some of the photos from the event – with huge thanks to all the stallholders!

If you have any questions or want to grab hold of any contacts, or follow up on anything you heard at the event, please contact us at networks@communityactionmk.org.

Thank you!

Blog Post Shaping Decision Making and Policy Strengthening Groups