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

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

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

Blog Post Mobilising Communities

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

Creating the Community Action: MK Five Year Plan 2023-28

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:

  1. What should our priorities in the above areas be? Are there any gaps we have missed?
  2. 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.

Blog Post Mobilising Communities Shaping Decision Making and Policy Strengthening Groups Volunteering
people walking on brown concrete floor

The Wisdom Principle- Navigating BAME Generational Mental Wellbeing

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.

Who are The Wisdom Principle and what do they do?

Blog Post Mobilising Communities