We’re delighted to announce that ICAEW will be sponsoring our 'Business for Good Award at our #MKCharityAwards next month 🌟
“As a local employer, ICAEW is proud to sponsor the Business for Good Award, helping to highlight and celebrate the valuable contributions made by organisations within our community. By recognising those who drive positive change, we hope to inspire continued excellence and encourage others to follow their lead."
Thank you so much ICAEW, for supporting this award and helping us celebrate the organisations making a real difference across MK, through purpose-driven work and positive community impact 🫶
We are absolutely thrilled to announce that @theopenuniversity will be sponsoring our 'Education Award' at next month's #MKCharityAwards.
"The Open University is proud to sponsor the education category as part of its long standing commitment to widening access to learning. We want to celebrate organisations that transform lives through education in the local community."
A huge thank you to The Open University for helping us to recognise and celebrate the amazing work happening in our city to enhance opportunities through education 👏
🌱 This week is #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek. A time to recognise how much good work is happening in our community. And to be honest about how much more support is needed.
In Milton Keynes, long waits for mental health services are leaving people without help. A 20% rise in young people seeking support for their mental health at MK University Hospital shows how much pressure families in our city are under. And the recent closure of the Recovery College has removed a place many people relied on to manage their own wellbeing.
The organisations closest to people are often small, local, and community-led. This week we want to shine a light on just a few of the groups we fund across Milton Keynes.
- The Arthur Ellis Mental Health Foundation provides quick, accessible one-to-one support for people aged eight and above, working to reach the young people who too often go unseen. Last summer, they brought families together in Milton Keynes for a free Wellbeing Festival. A day of yoga, circus performances, mindfulness and more, built around the simple idea that connection is good for us. @arthurellismhf
- Milton Keynes Hospital Charity supports all wards and departments at the hospital, going beyond NHS standards to improve the experience of patients and families. Recently, they developed a mental health crisis room for young people. A dedicated space for those who need it most. @mkhcharity
- One Love Luncheon Club is a weekly gathering for older people in Wolverton, founded by Sandra Trew after she struggled to find a space that reflected her mother's culture and supported her with dementia. The club offers a hot meal, activities, and company. For some members, it is the only hot meal they get all week. "It feels like a real home and family," says one member. @oneloveluncheonclub
To find out more about mental health and wellbeing in Milton Keynes, read our Vital Signs MK report. Link in bio. 👆
If you’ve applied for a grant with us before, you’ll know we score applications against five criteria: Need for the Project, Reach and Impact, Sustainability and Long‑Term Benefit, Partnership Working, and Inclusion.
We often see strong answers for the first four, but Inclusion is where many applications fall short.
It’s worth 20% of your application score, but more than that, it’s a chance to show how your work includes and uplifts our diverse communities in Milton Keynes.
Swipe to learn how to improve it 👉
INTRODUCING OUR FINALISTS✨
We’re excited to reveal the finalists for this year’s MK Charity Awards, celebrating the incredible individuals & organisations making a difference across our community.
Congratulations to...
Education - sponsored by The Open University:
Acorn Early Years, Harry's Rainbow, Worktree
Health & Wellbeing Award, in memory of Roger Fennemore- sponsored by Leap:
The Arthur Ellis Mental Health Foundation, Mind BLMK, MK SNAP
Arts & Heritage - sponsored by Brenda & Simon Ingram:
Inter-Action Mk, MÓTUS, UKRAINE APPEAL
Poverty & Disadvantage:
Girl Pack, MK Melting Pot, Unity MK
Work & Local Economy - sponsored by BTG Eddisons:
SOFEA, Works for Us, Worktree
Crime & Safety - sponsored by HAPPY DAYS MK:
Alternatives to Conflict, C2C Social Action, Mk Act
Environment & Transport - sponsored by the President’s Harmony Fund:
Electra Boat MK, Community Trees Milton Keynes, Cycle Saviours
Volunteer of the Year:
Deborah Lewis, Hannah Brown, Maria Affa
Business for Good - sponsored by ICAEW:
Cranswick Convenience Foods, Electra Boat MK, Sophie etc
Transformational Leadership Award, in memory of Carol Baume:
Jennifer Hill, Tim Davies, Vanessa Holmes
Equity and Inclusion Award, in memory of Ranjit Singh:
The Arthur Ellis Mental Health Foundation, Camphill MK, Q:alliance
We can’t wait to celebrate their impact, and announce our winners, at the MK Charity Awards next month!
A huge thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination. The quality of entries has truly highlighted just how amazing our voluntary sector is in MK 👏
Another huge thank you to our judges, who had the difficult task of selecting our finalists 💜
To find out more about the MK Charity Awards, visit our website.
#MKCharityAwards26 #CommunityImpact
Since 2012, the @davidlockassoc fund has supported @ymcasouthmidlands city-wide youth work, @interactionmk 's story boxes, and countless projects in between.
For over a decade, their fund has backed projects that develop local communities and invest in the city's future.
Thank you, David Lock Associates for 14 years of believing in what's possible when you invest in communities.
Swipe to see their impact 👉
#PlaceBasedPhilanthropy #MiltonKeynes #DavidLockAssociates #EndowmentFund
After a stroke or brain injury, communication can disappear overnight.
@headwaymiltonkeynes created weekly groups where people could rebuild their skills in a safe space.
"For the first time in nearly 12 months I feel I'm with people that are there for my well-being."
Read their story via link in bio 🔗
We’re collecting stories to mark 40 years of community impact, and yours could be part of it 🫶
From grassroots groups to established charities, our voluntary sector helps make Milton Keynes what it is - driven by people, projects & everyday acts of kindness. We are proud to have supported the sector since 1986 and it's time to celebrate!
Share your story with us at [email protected], or drop us a DM.
East West Rail recently confirmed 100+ jobs coming to Bletchley. And the plans speak directly to things we've been sharing this month.
Swipe to see what happened, and why it matters for how people get around Milton Keynes. 👉
#VitalSignsMK #MKTransport #MiltonKeynes
"I've just been so impressed with the many individuals and the initiatives that even I didn't know existed..."
Our Judge, @kurshidamirza , shares her experience reviewing nominations for the Volunteer of the Year and Poverty and Disadvantage categories.
Thank you, Kurshida, for helping the powerful work happening in our city to be recognised 🪄
Did you know it's #EarthDay? 🌏
We often feel powerless when it comes to climate change. Will scrubbing out that jar of peanut butter even help?
Earth Day: Yes it will!
It's through those small, consistent, and everyday actions that empower us to go even further, and to help others in their carbon footprint journey.
Why not take your first step? 🌿
Find out more about supporting the Environment Fund through the link in our bio. 🔗
“Ranjit was a special person. He helped to build a city that was stronger and more supportive for everyone.”
Our judge, @tjrichardsaudio , is excited about continuing Ranjit’s legacy through the Ranjit Singh Award for Equity and Inclusion.
Thank you, TJ, for supporting this incredibly meaningful award. ✨
#MKCharityAwards26
