Local news
Posted: 13th Apr 2015
MK - Local News
Mental Health Awareness week – 11th – 17th May 2015
#MHAW15
Mind BLMK offers a range of services aimed at meeting individual needs and promoting mental health recovery, wellbeing and independence.
Mind BLMK Milton Keynes Wellbeing Centre:
Margaret Powell House (previously Midsummer House),
Central Milton Keynes,
MK9 3BN Get directions
T: 01908 257830
E: miltonkeynes@mind-blmk.org.uk
Open: Monday to Thursday: 9.00am-9.30pm, Friday 9.00am-5.00pm –
See more at:
http://mind-blmk.org.uk/wellbeing-centres/milton-keynes-wellbeing.html
They also have a counselling service that can be accessed through filling in an online form on the Talk for Change website. Talk for Change is a single point of access to talking therapies run in partnership with Mind BLMK and IAPT in Milton Keynes.
http://www.talkforchange.org.uk/
The people of Milton Keynes did their bit for local charity ‘Open Door’
People of Milton Keynes did their bit in March to support local charity open doors, by bringing old and unwanted clothes for the Intu fashion month.
The donating took place from 10th march up until the end of March. Shoppers were invited to bring old, unwanted or unworn clothes to the shopping Centre to be donated to Open Door who in turn provide clothes for homeless people in Milton Keynes. Over the month, 20 bags were filled with clothes in aid of the amnesty!
Elaine Ansell, Drop in Project Co-coordinator at Open Door, said: “The clothes are given away at our drop-ins to the homeless and vulnerably housed to enable them to keep pride in their appearance which helps people’s self-esteem. Being clean is very difficult if you live on the streets and being able to look like everyone else is a way of not being constantly judged and abused. Often clothes are needed because our guests may come in wet and dirty from living on the streets.
“By giving away an item of clothing you don’t need, you can really make a difference to someone who needs it. I am so grateful to the Milton Keynes public for their generous contributions.”
Paul Lancaster, Regional Centre Director at Intu Milton Keynes, added: “It was such a pleasure seeing the box filling up with donations from kind-hearted shoppers. I am thrilled that the clothes are going to those in need and will enable the team at Open Door to help vulnerable people in Milton Keynes.”
Founded in 1987, Open Door aims to support homeless people by providing food, clothing and toiletries at drop in centres in Conniburrow and Bletchley. Help and advice is provided on topics such as housing, drug and alcohol misuse, and employment. The charity also previously set up two hostels and a deposit guarantee scheme, and runs activities for service users to promote self-esteem and develop skills.
£25,000 Community Foundation Grant- Which Charity in MK do you think should receive this grant?
MK Community Foundation is asking you to choose who should receive this grant of a whopping £25,000! This is a STEP grant, STEP stands for:
S- Sustainability
T-Transformation
E-Enterprise
P-Partnership
Three local charities have been shortlisted for the award this year:
- MK YMCA
- MK Act
- Fishermead Trinity Centre
You can vote for the charity you wish to receive this at www.mkcommunityfoundation.co.uk/step-grant-2015
Voting began on the 5th May 12.00 noon and will close on 19th May 12.00 noon. And the winning charity will be announced on 20th May.
Whichever charity wins, the STEP grant awarded by MK Community Foundation will make a real impact on local lives and the communities of Milton Keynes. Each group has a plan of how they will spend the grant: Fishermead Trinity Centre provides a vital facility within the diverse community of Fishermead and wider Milton Keynes. If successful, they plan to develop their building to include a computer suite to help local people find employment, engage in learning, and socialize with their neighbours. The suite will also earn income, helping to fund the long-term future of the Centre. http://www.fishermeadtrinitycentre.org.uk/about-us/
MK Act is the specialist domestic abuse service for Milton Keynes. Their essential services include confidential advice and support, and emergency accommodation for women and their children escaping from violence in the home. If successful, MK Act plans to set up a new online charity shop selling second-hand prams and baby and children’s clothing, which will contribute to the funding of the organization. http://www.mkact.com/
MK YMCA provides emergency short term accommodation for homeless people of all ages, as well as short-hold tenancies in 123 self-contained flats. Residents get help managing finances, finding training, employment and longer-term housing. If successful, MK YMCA will fund a Resident Activities Manager post to deliver training and ‘pathways to employment’ opportunities for their service users. http://mkymca.com/
Thursday 7th May is the deadline for voting. The booths open at 7am Thursday morning so get your vote in!
Milton Keynes Hospital Charity- £20.00 challenge!
Can you raise £20.00 to support the MKH Charity?
Milton Keynes Hospital Charity is launching a special £20 Challenge for 2015 to mark its 20th year of operation.
They want the local community to take on fundraising challenges and raise at least £20 – whether as an individual, or getting together as part of a group – to help support our patients and their families.
People are encouraged to get as creative as they can, but some old faithful suggestions include holding a coffee morning, a bake sale or a dress down day at school or work.
They are really excited about the campaign, which will be a great opportunity for people to get creative and choose a challenge that interests them!
For the past 20 years their charity has been funding items to enhance patient care at the hospital. They are reliant on donations to help the hospital go over and above for patients and their families; whether that’s through funding new equipment, brightening up a ward area or providing extra toys for young patients.
£20 might not seem like a huge amount but these donations will make a real difference to the thousands of patients and their families the hospital sees each year.
For more information or to request a fundraising pack, contact the fundraising team on 01908 826699 or fundraising@mkhospital.nhs.uk
Or check out the web page:
http://www.mkhospital.nhs.uk/mkhcharity/appeals-projects/546-20-challenge
Milton Keynes over 50’s climbers, climb to raise money for Nepal
A group that mostly consists of over 50’s called the “Geriatric Geckos” have come up with an innovative fundraising scheme to help raise money for those who have been affected by the recent earthquake events in Nepal.
The group is very keen to support those in Nepal who have been affected by the recent earthquake.
The event will be going ahead this Bank Holiday, Monday 4th May @ the Big Rock climbing Centre in Kingston Milton Keynes. It will start at 10.00am and will go on for however long it takes to climb and reach the target for the day. The target for the day is to climb 8,848 metres, which is the total height of Everest from sea level.
One of the organisers, Fran Bower, said:
“We’re aiming to climb 8,848 metres between us. Anyone there on the day, right down to the youngest children in the play area, can have their climb counted towards our target if they would like to. We are setting up a Just Giving page to accept donations, but would like it even more for as many people as possible to come and cheer us along and donate on the day. And the more people who turn up to take part, the more likely it will be that we’ll reach our target.”
White Collar boxing event – 6TH June 2015 @ Wonder World, Central Milton Keynes
Let’s show some support in remembrance of Wilf Hawkins
Local chap Deanio Bailey Browne is getting involved in a boxing event on 6th June to raise funds in remembrance of Wilf Hawkins.
Deanio is raising money in memory of Wilf who managed to fight off cancer for a long while, he witnessed the pain and the heartache the illness brings and believes one day there will be a cure. He is dedicating this fight to Wilf and all the other people who lost their life to this.
“We keep fighting and we stick together!!” – Deanio Bailey Browne
Let’s all get involved and support this.
If you would like to attend the event to show your support then please contact Deanio on his Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/deanio.baileybrowne?fref=ts
To make a donation to support this please follow the link below:
Tinie Tempah inspires 17-year old from Milton Keynes to make her community project a success
A teenage girl from Caldecotte, Milton Keynes has been inspired by popular musician Tinie Tempah to follow her dreams to make a success of the community project she pioneered called ‘GenerationMix.’
Bethany Grant, 17, a student at National Citizen Service (NCS) has created a programme to teach the elderly in care homes across Milton Keynes how to use technology so that they can stay in touch with family and friends.
Commenting on her encounter with Tinie Tempah, Bethany said: “Meeting Tinie Tempah was surreal. He took the time to tell us about his experience starting out in the music industry and the need to find work that he wasn’t passionate about in order to fund his dream of making a music video.
“He’s really inspiring and has made me more determined than ever to keep focused and keep trying; key attributes to success.
“It was really nice that he could sympathize with our dreams – even though they are of a different nature.
“I really think my project can help a lot of elderly people in Milton Keynes to keep in touch with their families via Facebook or Face-Time.
“My grandparents love the idea and I’ve even helped them with technology to help them use iPads abroad and to keep in contact with me.”
“I think GenerationMix is an easy and affective project that will help towards making elderly people happier.”
Tinie surprised 50 graduates, including Bethany, at an NCS Youth Board Meeting in London, to reveal he’ll be working with the youth organization this year.
At the launch, Tinie Tempah said: “When I was growing up I was lucky enough to realise my musical talents and given the opportunity to pursue them. Unfortunately today’s teens don’t always have the same opportunities. Chatting with graduates of the NCS programme, I can appreciate how valuable the experience is in giving teens the confidence and self-belief to uncover their hidden talents. NCS equips young people with the skills they need to follow their dreams. If I was 16 or 17 now, I’d definitely sign up. Not only to have the best summer ever, but to help set myself up for Year 12 or Sixth Form College too.”
NCS is a youth programme for 15-17 year olds. It runs three times a year during the school holidays and helps teens build new skills for work and life.
Centre:mk’s fashion showcase returns with trend:mk this weekend
The centre:mk is delighted to announce the return of the city’s biggest fashion event, trend:mk. The two-day event will take place from Saturday to Sunday, showcasing the best in style from top retailers, including Marks and Spencer, River Island, The White Company, John Lewis and more, with live catwalk shows demonstrating new season trends in womenswear, menswear and children swear.
As well as the live, choreographed shows which will run from 11am-5pm on Saturday, and 12pm till 4pm on Sunday, there will also be the opportunity for followers of fashion to have their nails done with Champneys, enjoy a facial with Murad and taste the latest delicious offerings from Hotel Chocolate, with these and more of the Centre’s retailers taking residence on special style pods over the weekend.
But there’s more. Visitors to the free event will also be treated to two days of exclusive offers from stores and restaurants, including Dr Martens, The Body Shop, Nandos and Café Rouge, with some retailers giving up to 50% off – another great reason to stop by the event and pick up a booklet, full to the brim with promotions and vouchers.
Head Of Marketing, Shaun Rhodes said: centre:mk is the dominant fashion destination both within the city and the wider region. With Spring/Summer 2015 finally here and new season trends hitting the stores, it’s the perfect time to showcase the breadth of offers here at centre:mk.
So, whether you’re looking for ways to treat the family to a day out or yourself to a new wardrobe, make trend;mk top of your to-do list this weekend – and don’t forget to tag centre:mk on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #trendmk.
VOLUNTEERING: How valuable is volunteering in Milton Keynes? Volunteering is an important part of any city and community and people who give their time to such organizations can have a huge impact on people’s lives, the environment and the area they live in.
VOLUNTEER EVENT at Woughton Community Council, Netherfield on Tuesday, 28th April ~ 11am-1pm The Woughton Advice Service based at Woughton Community Council, Farthing Grove, Netherfield are linking up with many different organisations to provide a one stop shop where volunteering opportunities can be discussed. No appointment is necessary. Further information available from the Woughton Community Council on 01908 395681.
Plans to transform the city’s iconic shopping Centre have been given a resounding thumbs-up in a recent survey.
A total of 77 per cent of those who completed a questionnaire either online or at the public consultation exhibition support Intu Milton Keynes’ proposals to remodel and transform the Midsummer Boulevard and Oak Court areas at Intu Milton Keynes. The scheme includes a vibrant new dining quarter, a five screen boutique cinema and the opportunity for new shops. Externally, improved public spaces and welcoming landscaped areas will give better public places for events and entertainment as well as to sit and relax. Martin Breeden, regional director of Intu, said: “The positive response to the plans clearly demonstrates a desire for change. Our proposals will bring a wider choice for our customers and greater opportunities for retailers and restaurateurs. “Creating a more compelling customer experience will add to the prosperity of Milton Keynes. We want to provide local people with more reasons to visit and attractions that encourage them to stay longer.” The Intu development team will now consider all comments before submitting a formal planning application to Milton Keynes Council.
Over £8,700 raised at Hearing Dogs Spring Open Day in Buckinghamshire
On Saturday 11 April, Dogs for Deaf People in Saunderton opened the gates to its training Centre for an annual Spring Open Day. Over 1000 supporters visited the charity’s beautiful 27 acre site in the sunshine, and enjoyed hearing dog demonstrations and puppy classes, as well as behind-the-scenes tours of the grounds.
Hearing dogs alert deaf people to important sounds such as the doorbell, alarm clock and smoke alarm, and each dog offers greater independence, confidence and companionship.
The next Hearing Dogs event in Buckinghamshire will be the Great British Dog Walk at Hughenden Manor on Sunday 28 June www.greatbritishdogwalk.org
To order or download your free Barking Bake Off fundraising pack, please visit: www.hearingdogs.org.uk/bakeoff
Guide Dogs Mobility Team to visit the Xscape in Milton Keynes
The local Guide Dogs Mobility Team will be visiting Xscape next week and is hoping to gain sponsors. Next Sunday (19/04) between 11am and 3pm, the charity will be in the mall to provide information on the work it carries out. It will also give people an opportunity to experience a walk with a guide dog (dependent on dog availability) and, enhance understanding of the challenges of sight loss and how to best help people that are blind and partially sighted through short (15 minute) sighted guide demonstrations and sight loss exercises.
Inter-Action MK has been bringing arts to life in Milton Keynes for nearly 40 years. They have inspired and supported thousands of people and in particular those who are disadvantaged, have support needs or disabilities. They would like to celebrate their 40th birthday with you at this year’s annual Loveliness Festival, but need your help! They have just over 20 days left to reach their target or their Loveliness dreams will be no more. Please click here to make a donation.
If the £2500 crowdfunding target is met, Loveliness will be a fun filled day on July 25 2015 for all ages and abilities, with refreshments, sun, fun and laughter, all situated in the beautiful grounds of Inter-Action’s Old Rectory, Waterside in Peartree Bridge.
Back the campaign to honour Henry Allen
Henry, aged four, passed away in October 2013, after a battle against Neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer which affects the nervous system.
There is now a campaign to have a pillar built in his and other children’s honour up at MK Rose Monument in Campbell Park. The aim is to have this set up for this summer.
Key figures such as MK Dons boss and Briony Fox, Head of Community Engagement at the Parks Trust are keen to back this campaign.
To sign this petition please click here.
LITTLE EASTER FOLLOW UP………Over the Easter period Pure Gym managed to donate 195 Easter eggs to the children in MK Hospital.
Established in 1986, Swimathon is a nationwide swimming challenge that encourages swimmers up and down the UK to swim a variety of challenge distances at their local pool and raise money for charity. Over the past 27 years of Swimathon, more than half a million swimmers have taken part, raising over £40million for charitable causes.
Taking place in Buckinghamshire is a fundraiser for Marie Curie for local people to get involved.
This is the world’s biggest annual swim! And is taking place at over 600 pools across the UK.
Olympic medallist Duncan Goodhew and TV Presenter Linda Barker are encouraging people across the UK to get involved and giving training advice and words of support to those who have already entered. For more information please click here.
Article by: Faye McVeigh
