Mental Health Alliance – Monthly Meetings

These Mental Health Alliance meetings (online or in person) are open to all groups in MK keen to get involved in the Alliance to work collaborative on the mental health and wellbeing related matters and projects. For joining details, email networks@communityactionmk.org. The Mental Health Alliance is being delivered with co-production and open-learning at it’s heart. You can access our notes and resources on the shared space here. See the schedule of monthly meetings here. Email us at networks@communityactionmk.org if you would like to join.

Community Action: MK AGM
19th October at The Ridgeway Centre

Join us at our Annual General Meeting to find out about our work and network with other VCSE organisations and stakeholders under this year’s theme of “Navigating Change – Working Together”. Find out more and register here.

Forever Colours Children’s Hospice Boat Party
12th October 2023, 7pm.

Forever Colours Children’s Hospice are hosting a boat party to raise funds for their charity. Forever Colours Children’s Hospice in Buckinghamshire, provides essential care and unwavering support to over 130 babies, children, and young people who bravely face life-limiting or life-threatening conditions. Your support will help the charity continue on their vital mission.

Find out more and book here.

SAVE THE DATE: MK Climate Network Event

When: Saturday 14th October 2.30-5.3-PM

Where: The Summerlin Centrein Woburn Sands (138 Station Rd, MK17 8SG)

This will be a great opportunity to connect with local organisations working on climate change and environmental projects, and a chance to come together to start planning collective local action. Register here.

Open Day: Hearing Loss Equipment

When: 23rd November

Where: Silbury Boulevard, Central Milton Keynes (by appointment only)
In partnership with Sarabec, SARC, Sensory Advice Resource Centre, are offering appointments for one to one demonstrations of equipment to support people with hearing loss. Morning and afternoon appointments available, but book early to avoid disappointment To book an appointment, please contact SARC on 01908 401135 (or SMS/Text 07803 452617) or email:  sarcmk@bid.org.ukFind out more from the flyer  here.

Preparing for Pregnancy (Preconception) Awareness Event
Wednesday 1 November, 6pm-8pm, The Rufus Centre, Steppingley Road, Flitwick MK45 1AH.

Bedfordshire, Luton & Milton Keynes (BLMK) Integrated Care Board (ICB), Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire are holding this event to support improving outcomes for women and birthing people who are thinking about starting a family, or extending their current family.

Please contact info@healthwatch-centralbedfordshire.org.uk or call direct on 0300 303 8554 to book your place. All travel costs will be reimbursed and every attendee will receive a £15 gift voucher for taking part

Mind BLMK Young Persons Sanctuary

FREE. Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays 4pm – 10pm, ResoLUTiONs Hub, 89 Castle Street, Luton, LU1 3AJ.

Mind BLMK have launched a new Young Person’s Sanctuary in Luton alongside CAMHS to support young people aged 14 – 17 who are struggling with their mental health or experiencing a mental health crisis. The Young Person’s Crisis Service offers a safe, welcoming, and non-judgmental environment. The YPS will involve Youth Mental Health workers assessing the young person’s needs and offering one-to-one support, to enable them to begin the process of improving their mental health and well-being and to provide clarity on services and pathways available in the area. Find out more here.

Conference: Creating collaborations to strengthen VCSE and health and care commissioning (NAVCA)
Monday 30 October 2023 10:30-15:30 at Bayes Business School, London

The National Health Service (NHS) and local governments regularly commission VCSE organisations to deliver health and care services. Whilst this offers considerable opportunities, it can often be challenging for VCSE organisations and commissioners alike.

This one-day conference aims to strength collaborative relationships between VCSE and health and care commissioners through sharing insights and learning from research, policy and practice. Together, the hope is to help shape the future of VCSE and health and care commissioning relationships.

This event is free to attend, and a travel bursary scheme is available for VCSE organisations, but places must be booked in advance. Register here.

Locality Convention
When: Tuesday 7 November 2023 9:30 to 21:00 | Wednesday 8 November 2023 9:00 to 14:30
Where: Marriott Bristol City Centre

Locality’s annual Convention brings together people who believe in the power of community and whose ambitious work is transforming our communities. As a sector, we keep showing the resilience, flexibility, and empathy our communities need in these difficult times. This is our chance to connect, reflect on challenges and solutions, and amplify our voices on a national platform. Find out more here.