— Comments Off on Safeguarding Training for groups in Milton Keynes

Safeguarding Training for groups in Milton Keynes

Safeguarding Training for Voluntary Groups in Milton Keynes.

Keeping up to date with the safeguarding regulations is really vital for all voluntary groups and organisations. It’s about making sure your organisation is run in a way that actively prevents harm, harassment, bullying, abuse and neglect. It’s also about being ready to respond safely and effectively if there is a problem. Having an up to date safeguarding policy is a key requirement when you apply for external funding.

Safeguarding is the area that is often mentioned by the groups that we work with as a training need and that is why we have teamed up with the local safeguarding expert and trainer to offer this training to local groups in Milton Keynes.

Date: Thursday 23rd November – 10am to 1pm

Venue: The Almere in Central Milton Keynes (353 Avebury Boulevard, Central Milton Keynes ,MK9 2FF).

Strengthening Groups Training
— Comments Off on World Mental Health Day – Social Prescribing

World Mental Health Day – Social Prescribing

This World Mental Health Day we have asked groups and organisations who work with those suffering with their mental health to put together a blog detailing who they are, what they do and the support they can offer to the individuals and communities in Milton Keynes.

Read more to find out about Social Prescribing in Milton Keynes from a Social Prescribing Link Worker …

‘Social Prescribing is an approach to empower people to have the best wellbeing possible through engagement with the community.’

Social Prescribing was introduced in London in 2016 when a priest was noticing the health inequalities in his parish and wanted to help to reduce these and the impact it had on the mental and physical wellbeing of his parishioners. Since then, it has become a nationwide service for patients within GP practices as a holistic way to improve their physical and mental wellbeing.

This philosophy has been embraced within the NHS and at The Bridge PCN (Newport Pagnell Medical Centre and Kingfisher Surgery) in Milton Keynes. We have been doing this for four years and we are getting excellent results for our patients.

We know when everything in our lives is going well, we feel great, however when issues are not being addressed, through a gap in a service for example, or you get the feeling you do not know where to turn to, this can cause a huge negative impact on our wellbeing. Health professionals are recognising the social prescribing need when their patients come for their appointments, and they can readily refer to us for the extra support they need.

As social prescribing link workers, we can give patients more time to discuss the problems they are
facing and really delve into the issues to help to reach long term solutions. Our aim is to link patients to their community services, if you are isolated, lonely or have housing or money issues for example. We help to facilitate personalised outcomes to improve/maintain health and wellbeing using community connections; research and make sure services/community resources are appropriate and details are accurate before signposting. We also link and network with other services, agencies, and charities and identify gaps in community groups. In addition to this we carry out partnership work with other Health and Social Care Professionals to provide the best care possible.

We receive referrals from GPs, nurses, physio therapists and other health professionals in the medical centres we work in. These are referrals for things the doctor or other health professionals are unable to help with – nonmedical/ nonclinical needs that we all have, which impact on our general health and wellbeing. 

Who is this for?

  • People who need short term intervention to improve their health and wellbeing
  • People living with more than one long term condition for example: heart disease, diabetes, COPD, Cancer, Fibromyalgia, Parkinson’s, Arthritis  
  • People with complicated social circumstances for example homelessness, chaotic lifestyle, poor housing, poverty, domestic abuse, migrant  
  • Frail older people for example: muscle weakness, sight impairment, poor mobility, hearing impairment, housebound, tiredness 
  • People suffering from loneliness, isolation, bereavement, finance troubles, housing issues
  • People with low level managed mental health difficulties 

This is not an exhaustive list as there are many reasons for referrals, however this will give you an
idea of who we support.

We help enable patients to improve their health and wellbeing by giving our patients time to talk with us over the telephone, home visits, consultations in the surgery or where they feel comfortable to meet.  We can facilitate a personalised care and support plan and goals which can/will empower our patients to take active steps to meet their health and well-being goals. 

We help to:

  • Enable patients to access community groups and health and social services.
  • Support with connecting patients to others in similar situations.
  • Provide practical help with tasks e.g., giving you useful information.

We can make referrals to other services within primary care such as: mental health, occupational therapy, physio and much more.

It is short term support that is hopefully exponential outside of Social Prescribing support; however, if we have discharged a patient who may need further social prescribing support in the future, i.e. one issue may have been supported but others arise; then our patients can self-refer back to us directly, or go back to their GP surgery for another referral. 

To access the service, they will need to be registered at a surgery. If they do not have a fixed address, there are ‘Safe Surgeries’ such as Newport Pagnell Medical Centre, who have removed this health inequality so access can be made to medical support, as well as the additional role support services like Social Prescribing.

If within the community, you feel anyone may benefit from social prescribing please signpost them to their GP surgery.

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— 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 miltonkeynes@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 Support Us on Givto

Support Us on Givto

We’re delighted to announce that we’ll be featuring on Givto in September 2023!

Givto is a new way to donate to charity that allows users to give to a different cause each month with one simple Direct Debit. The service was developed by volunteers in Leeds who wanted to support local charities during the pandemic. Following a successful pilot in Yorkshire, Givto is now being rolled out to people nationwide. Givto offers users the chance to support local charities and discover new causes – like ours. 

Read more: Support Us on Givto

Each month, Givto users are given three causes to choose from. We’ve been selected to feature in September, and we’re so excited to share our cause with a new audience and hopefully raise funds for Community Action: MK to support our work with the voluntary groups and communities across Milton Keynes.

Givto also feature us in a Directory of all the worthy causes they’ve helped where you can search by cause and location, and you can check our page here.

If you’d like to support us this September, sign up to donate with Givto today.

Sign up to donate with Givto here: https://givto.org/app/donate 

Find out more about Givto here: https://givto.org.

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— Comments Off on Volunteering with the Ukraine Appeal

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
— Comments Off on Find a Warm Welcome this Winter

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

See our Cost of Living Support information here

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