— Comments Off on Guest Blog – Alzheimer’s Society

Guest Blog – Alzheimer’s Society

We’ve asked Milton Keynes Alzheimer’s Society this World Alzheimer’s Day (21st September 2023) to write a guest blog to let us know how they can support those in Milton Keynes affected by and living with dementia. Read on to find out more.

Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading dementia charity that offers help and hope to everyone affected by dementia, supporting people with a diagnosis and their loved ones.

What is Dementia?

Dementia is the biggest health and social care challenge we face. There are an estimated 900,000 people living with dementia in the UK, and 700,000 people caring for them. If you are worried about your memory, have a diagnosis or are caring for someone who does; Alzheimer’s Society are here for you. Alzheimer’s Society is a vital source of support and a powerful force for change for everyone affected by dementia. Too many face dementia alone. We want everyone affected by dementia to know that whoever you are, whatever you’re going through, you can turn to Alzheimer’s Society for expert support through practical advice, emotional support, and guidance for the best next step.

Caring for someone with dementia is the ultimate vow. Our video tells the story.

Click the image below to watch the video.


Diagnosis

Nationally, diagnosis rates are at a five-year low, meaning tens of thousands are living without the crucial treatment, care and support a dementia diagnosis brings.  Timely diagnosis is crucial to manage symptoms and avoid ending up in crisis . Some people are putting off a diagnosis because they think memory loss is a normal part of ageing, they don’t recognise the signs, or are just too afraid to visit their GP.  Diagnosis can be daunting but it’s better to know – 9 in 10 people with dementia said they benefitted from getting a diagnosis, allowing more time to plan for the future and unlocking the door to treatment, care and support.   If you are worried about your memory, please speak to your GP. Alzheimer’s Society has produced a symptoms checklist, endorsed by the Royal College of GPs, to support people to get a vital diagnosis. You can find it here.

Milton Keynes Branch Support

We understand that dementia affects everyone differently and we are here for you. In Milton Keynes, our Dementia Information and Support Service is here to support you. Our Dementia Advisers offer personalised face-to-face and phone support to help people with dementia have better access to health, community, and care services, as well as providing crucial emotional support so people with dementia can take control of their condition and live the life they choose. Alzheimer’s Society in Milton Keynes also offer an online carers group, an empowerment group for people living with dementia and our popular Singing For The Brain sessions.

If you want to talk to someone in confidence, our Dementia Advisors can be reached at Milton.keynes@alzheimers.org.uk or on 01908 669404/ 01908 232612

Volunteer!

We are currently looking for volunteers for our face to face Singing For the Brain sessions. If you are interested there is more information here.

Alzheimer's Society Logo. A blue flower above the words 'Alzheimer's Society. Together we are help & hope for everyone living with dementia'. This writing is also in blue.
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— Comments Off on The NSPCC is seeking new volunteers in Milton Keynes to help keep children safe

The NSPCC is seeking new volunteers in Milton Keynes to help keep children safe

Today’s guest blog comes from the NSPCC, read on for how you can help protect MK school children:

Volunteer support is needed for the charity’s Speak out Stay safe (SOSS) safeguarding programme, which is for children aged 5 to 11 years old and available to all primary schools across the county.


It helps children, in an age-appropriate way, to understand:
- abuse in all its forms and how to recognise signs of abuse
- that abuse is never a child’s fault and that they have the right to be safe
- where to get help and the sources of help available to them, including the NSPCC’s Childline service.

Last year, the NSPCC delivered SOSS online programmes to 20,125 children in more than 80 schools in Buckinghamshire, and is looking for volunteers to train to deliver sessions in person when school starts again in September.


Through assemblies and workshops, children can learn about the different types of abuse in a child-friendly way, so they can get help if or when they need it.

NSPCC staff and volunteers help them identify a safe adult they can talk to if they’re ever worried about themselves or a friend. With the help of mascot Buddy, SOSS covers topics like bullying, neglect and abuse – without using any scary words or adult language.


Sarah Smith a SOSS volunteer from the East of England, said: “I would say that my main enjoyment comes from the interaction with the children. I love their earnest responses and fresh ways of looking at the issues we present.”


Laura Franklin, NSPCC Schools Area Coordinator for Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes, said: “Over the past year counsellors at the NSPCC service Childline delivered almost 200,000 counselling sessions to children, with 23,600 of these sessions estimated to have taken place with young people in the East of England. With the help of the SOSS programme many children may speak out sooner.

SOSS is an effective way to support a school’s safeguarding duties and link directly to the curriculum as well as helping reinforce key messages about abuse and neglect as part of a school’s teaching on relationships.”

For further information about how your school can take part please contact
laura.franklin@nspcc.org.uk

Blog Post Volunteering
— Comments Off on The King’s Award for Voluntary Service

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service

As part of Volunteers’ Week, we’re raising awareness of the King’s Award for Voluntary Service , which celebrates the outstanding work of volunteer groups across the UK.

Created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and previously known as The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS), the Award has been shining a light on the fantastic work of voluntary groups from all across the UK for many years.

Equivalent to an MBE, KAVS is the highest Award given to local voluntary groups in the UK, and they are awarded for life.

MK Recipients of the QAVS Award

Wolverton Secret Garden Society MK

Love in Action MK Ltd

MK Food bank

Milton Keynes Islamic Arts & Culture Organisation

Milton Keynes Museum Volunteers

Old Bath House and Community Centre – Wolverton

The Stablemates MK – (Stables Theatre)

Bosom Pals MK

Marshall Milton Keynes Athletic Club

Olney Rugby Football Club MK

MK Snap

Cowper and Newton Museum Volunteers

The Brooklands Centre, Milton Keynes

DREAMSAI

Milton Keynes Centre for Integrated Living

Nominations for the 2024 award opened on the 1st June 2023, with the full timeline of the awards process found here. Nominations close on the 15 September.

If you’d like to nominate any of the fantastic volunteer-involving organisations from across the city, you can find all the details here!

Blog Post Mobilising Communities Volunteering
— Comments Off on Volunteers Week 1 – 7 June 2023

Volunteers Week 1 – 7 June 2023

Today is the start of Volunteers Week! Across MK, charities and groups will be celebrating the huge impact volunteers have, and thanking them for their time and dedication.

Why is Volunteering Important?

Volunteering builds stronger, more connected communities. Volunteers can also benefit from forming friendships, gaining skills, and attaining work experience.

Being a volunteer can improve your wellbeing, and can be a source of fulfilment and fun!

I’d like to find a volunteer role, how can I do this?

1. Sign up to Do.It, a free-to-join volunteering platform

Search a wide range of volunteer opportunities, and get in touch directly with volunteer managers and coordinators. Sign up here.

2.Book a virtual 1-2-1 session on volunteering 

Talk to our Volunteering Coordinator about finding a volunteer role that’s right for you.

You can do this by emailing volunteering@communityactionmk.org 

3.Check out our volunteering map of MK

Click here to start exploring.

4.Join our Facebook Group, Volunteer MK

Click here to join the community and see the latest posts.



I work with volunteers, how can I get involved?

You can start by browsing ideas here.

If you’re sharing a message of thanks to your volunteers or pictures of your awards ceremonies or thank you gatherings on social media, use #VolunteersWeek and #Volunteer MK or tag us @ComActMK, and we’ll share your posts on the 5 and 6 June.

You can also send a Thank You message to be displayed on the 7 June at the Volunteers’ Week Pillar at MK Rose, Campbell Park.

Email over 2 or 3 sentences of thanks to your volunteers: volunteering@communityactionmk.org

Blog Post Mobilising Communities Volunteering
— 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 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