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Volunteer with Milton Keynes International Festival 2023!

Volunteer with IF 2023, a celebration of live music, large-scale outdoor events, circus shows, comedy, cabaret, installations and free family activities – all taking place in unusual places and spaces across Central Milton Keynes between 21-30 July. There’s a whole host of ways to get involved, read on for all the details.

Increase your work experience, get on-the-job training, ‘give back’ to the community, meet new friends and see behind the scenes of a world-class festival!

Creating unique and memorable experiences, the Festival is designed to encourage people to see a different side to Milton Keynes, presenting a world-class, multi-arts programme which includes new commissions, site-specific and participatory projects, large-scale/outdoor and family events, concerts, theatre, dance, music and visual arts installations. The Festival takes place in surprising and unusual locations across Milton Keynes, including parks, public squares, commercial and retail spaces.

The main hub is set in Campbell Park, where a beautifully constructed Spiegeltent is the beating heart of the Festival; made from wood and lavishly decorated with stained glass, velvet drapes and mirrors .

We are looking for a range of volunteers who can support across the Festival. Roles include:
Stewards
Ticket Sales support
Drivers
Technical/ Back Stage
Team Leaders
Customer feedback
Bar Assistants
Creative Makers

Please fill in the google form, linked below, to let the Festival team know your interest and availability.

Further details of the programme, tasks and shift times will be communicated towards the end of May.

Click here, to register your interest.

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Volunteering with BucksVision

BucksVision are searching for a volunteer to take on the role of Wolverton Social Club, Group Leader:

BucksVision supports people with sight loss across Milton Keynes and Buckinghamshire, and they’re in need of a Volunteer to help run their Wolverton social group, who meet fortnightly, Tuesdays 2pm – 4pm.

The role will involve working with an existing team of volunteers, organising the annual schedule of entertainment & activities, helping to set up the social group venue, organising volunteer meetings and generally leading the group.

Full training and support will be provided, no experience needed.

If you think this role could be right for you, please email: volunteering@bucksvision.co.uk

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The Big Help Out

The Big Help Out is taking place on the 8th May, a day of national volunteering, where you’ll be given the chance to lend a hand, and make change happen!

Marking the King’s Coronation, The Big Help Out will be an opportunity to try volunteering and make a difference in your community. 

Want to get involved?

If you’re a group or organisation, you can register your volunteering opportunities. You can find a Comms toolkit here.

Or are you keen to volunteer? No matter how much time you have to spare, there’s a whole host of diverse ways to lend a hand.

For all the details: The Big Help Out | Home

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Volunteer with RSPB North Buckinghamshire!

Today’s guest blog comes from RSPB North Buck’s Local Group, who are currently recruiting for a number of roles. Read on for all the details.

*RSPB North Bucks Local Group Leader

This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of the RSPB’s work to save nature in your local community.

The North Bucks Local Group is a very active group and has lots to offer. From guided wildlife walks to engaging indoor meetings to nature-based activities in partnership with other local organisations- there’s always something to get involved with.

It’s a chance to try new things and use your skills to make a valuable contribution to the work of the RSPB North Bucks Local Group. You don’t need to be a bird expert, but you will need good organisational skills and be a people person who knows how to lead and listen.

To find out more please follow the link-

https://volunteer.rspb.org.uk/opportunities/38368-local-group-leader-north-buckinghamshire-2022-02-28

*RSPB North Bucks Local Group Website Editor

North Bucks Local Group is the voice of the RSPB in the local community, helping to support our work to save nature. We are looking for someone to help edit the group’s website and keep it up to date with news of our upcoming events and blogs on our activities.

The website is based on the WordPress platform. This volunteer role can be done from home although it is good if volunteers can meet up with the rest of the group and take part in our activities.

If you have web editing skills and would like to help nature in your local community, then please get in touch.

https://volunteer.rspb.org.uk/opportunities/38369-local-group-website-editor-north-buckinghamshire-2022-08-30

*RSPB North Bucks Local Group Walk Leader

RSPB North Bucks Local Group would like a volunteer to help guide wildlife walks.

We are looking for someone who has good local birding and wildlife knowledge and is passionate about sharing this with others. Walks will be for everyone from beginners to seasoned birders.

The role involves being welcoming and inclusive to existing Local Group members and the wider community, leading walks as part of the group’s programme of events and ensuring that people have a fun, informative and safe experience.

The group will provide advice and support for the role as will an RSPB member of staff.

If you would like to help more people get involved with nature, please get in touch.

https://volunteer.rspb.org.uk/opportunities/43558-community-volunteer-walk-leader-2023-02-14

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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.

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Volunteering with BucksVision

Today’s guest blog is from BucksVision, who are currently recruiting for a number of volunteer roles across Milton Keynes. Read on for all the details:

We are your local society dedicated to supporting visually impaired people across Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes.

If you would like to make a difference, this is an opportunity for you to join our fantastic team of volunteers, and to be a vital part of BucksVision’s commitment to sight loss prevention and support.

Becoming a volunteer can be very rewarding and there are many ways that you can help support us. By volunteering with us you can get involved in our wide range of services such as Fundraising, Home Services, and our Social & Activity groups.

We make every effort to ensure that you receive the appropriate support and training, so that you can realise your full potential as a volunteer helping people with visual impairment.

The Roles

Partridge Social Club

Peartree Centre, MK6 3EB

Volunteer Drivers and Social Club helpers needed. Meet fortnightly on a Thursday, 2.30pm – 4.30pm

Wolverton Social Club

Herons Court, MK12 6DQ

Volunteer Drivers and Social Club helpers needed. Meet fortnightly on a Tuesday, 2pm – 4pm.

Technology Group

SARC Offices, MK9 2AH

Volunteer Technology Support Advisers, we’re looking for volunteers who have experience with smartphones and other devices who can help visually impaired people become digitally included.

Meeting the last Friday of every month, 10.30am – 12.30am.

Walking Group (Long Walks)

Various locations across MK

Volunteer Drivers and Guides, we’re in need of volunteers to collect and guide our members. Volunteers will need to be physically able and comfortable walking for 2 hours.

Meeting one Saturday a month across the MK area.

Walking Group (Short Walks)

As above but walking for 1 hour.

Meeting 2nd Sunday of the month at 10.30am across the MK area.

For how to apply for any of these roles, click here.

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Guest Blog: NSPCC EAST

Help to protect children in Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes with NSPCC school’s programme

Thanks to Laura Franklin, Schools Coordinator (Buckinghamshire & MK), for today’s guest blog:

Speak out. Stay safe (SOSS) is a safeguarding programme for children aged 5 to 11 years old and is available to all primary schools across Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes.

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 our Childline service

Through virtual assemblies and face-to-face 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 trusted adult they can talk to if they’re ever worried about themselves or a friend.

With the help of Childline’s mascot Buddy, SOSS covers topics like bullying, neglect and sexual abuse – without using any scary words or adult language.

Last year, the NSPCC delivered SOSS online programmes to 51,356 children in 216 schools in the East of England and now we are looking for volunteers to train for our face-to-face assemblies.

Over the past year our counsellors at Childline delivered over 15,500 counselling sessions where children had spoken about abuse. 15% of those sessions were with children disclosing abuse for the first time. With the help of our SOSS programme many children may speak out sooner.

Hear more about the journey of a SOSS volunteer here – ‘Children are a source of inspiration, joy, and sometimes sadness’ – Buckinghamshire NSPCC volunteer | InYourArea Community

If you are someone with experience of delivering programmes in an educational or safeguarding setting, who is motivated by targets, with strong planning and organisational abilities, good communication and excellent people skills – we would love to hear from you.

If you’re interested in becoming a Speak Out Stay Safe volunteer please apply here NSPCC Volunteering | Job description or  email volunteerrecruitment@nspcc.org.uk

For other information please visit –

Volunteer Opportunity of the Week: NSPCC’s Speak Out Stay Safe Programme – Community Action: MK (communityactionmk.org)

Photography by Tom Hull. The children and adults pictured are models.

Blog Post Volunteering