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
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.
We’re currently collating feedback to inform our next Five Year Plan (2023-28), and we need the voices of the Milton Keynes’ Voluntary and Community Groups and Organisations.
We’re focusing on how Community Action: MK can best support MK groups to:
Access funding and other opportunities for growth and collaboration
Develop and maintain a thriving volunteer community
Help position the VCSE in Milton Keynes as a strategic partner within the local decision and policy making in the City
With this in mind, we’re posing two questions for consideration:
What should our priorities in the above areas be? Are there any gaps we have missed?
How can CA: MK share the impact of Milton Keynes’ Voluntary and Community Groups and Organisations?
You can answer these questions via this Google Jamboard, a virtual flip chart, where you can add ‘sticky notes’ using the menu found on the left hand side of the page.
Sharing your thoughts will take around 5 minutes, and your opinions will be anonymous.
The Jamboard will be open until the first week of December. You can also read our current Five Year plan here, and the responses to the two questions gathered during our October 2022 AGM here.
Many thanks for taking the time to complete the board, your insights will be invaluable in ensuring we can continue to strengthen groups, communities and the VCSE sector in Milton Keynes. If you would like to discuss any of the topics in more detail, please email support@communityactionmk.org to arrange a support session with a member of the team.
The Wisdom Principle held their second event of the year on Saturday, 23rd July at Acorn House and what an event it was! The event looked at Generational BAME Mental Wellbeing and I had the pleasure of attending with two hats on. One as a volunteer on behalf of Community Action: MK and the other as an interested member of the BAME community with a strong interest in mental wellbeing.
Are you interested in volunteering your time and gardening skills🌿?
The Campbell Centre are looking for someone to help with their new sensory garden. Find their contact details above, and get in touch if you’d like to find out more!
The increases in the cost of living are ever prevalent, but there are both local and national organisations that can provide help and support.
Cost of Living Payments
If you are claiming a low-income benefit and think that you are entitled to a Cost of Living Payment, you don’t need to do anything. You’ll get the payments automatically. The first instalment of the £650 Cost of Living Payments will be paid automatically to eligible people, between 14 – 31 July. The remaining £324 will be paid in autumn. To find out more visit Cost of Living Payment .
ACEVO, the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations has compiled a range of links to reports, surveys and data sources to support civil society leaders to understand the impact of the Cost of Living crisis.
Local community group promoting local action for low-carbon living. Their website offers a range of ideas related to improving energy efficiency of households that could help with reducing costs.
Those who need it most can get £140 (inclusive of VAT) off their electricity bill in the winter (September – March). NEF also issues Emergency Energy Cards.
A round up of advice, including Winter Fuel Payments, Cold Weather Payments and links to energy suppliers who offer grants to their customers. CAB also provides links to support if you’re struggling with living costs.
Offering free confidential money advice and resources to anyone in the Milton Keynes area. Their services are provided by a team of trained volunteers who give advice in accordance with the training provided by Community Money Advice.
A national charity that helps people struggling with bad housing or homelessness, or the costs of housing, through advice, support and legal services. They have a comprehensive resource bank on their website and a free emergency helpline, open Monday to Friday, 8am – 8pm and 9am – 5pm on weekends and bank holidays: 0808 800 4444.
MK Melting Pot aims to help young people, vulnerable families and individuals overcome hunger and integrate, empowering people from diverse cultures with new skills to overcome hardship. Some of their services include: Food Donations, Online Cooking, Employability & Training, Money Management and a Children Club. Contact details: phone – 01908 585537 email – mkmeltingpot@hotmail.com
The Food Bank Helpline: 0300 303 4933 or text HELP 07874 964505 open between 9:00am – 3:00pm, Monday – Friday. You can leave a message outside of these times.
Beginning on the 4 November at the Old Bath House in Wolverton, a chance to enjoy a free, vegetarian 3 course meal in welcoming environment. No vouchers or referrals needed.
Girl Pack MK – Girl Pack is for anyone who is in need of sanitary towels and underwear just so they can go to school or work (not means tested). Available in schools, community/children’s and family centres and local council offices all over MK. A list of venues can be found on their Facebook page.
Shopping
Charity shops are good places to find a bargain and a wide variety of stock. With the cost of living crisis leaving the people with less disposable income, second-hand shopping might be a good money-saving option. Just type in ‘charity shops near me’ into your search engine to find your local charity shops.
