Volunteering Matters
Volunteering Matters use volunteering’s unique power to bring people together and build stronger, more resilient communities across the UK.
We bring people together to resolve some of society’s most complex issues. From social isolation and loneliness; improving health and wellbeing; building skills, confidence, and opportunity, to ensuring young people can become change makers in their community, the impact that we make is great. And we won’t stop until everyone in the UK has the opportunity to thrive.
People-led and impact driven, we’re a national charity that is deeply embedded in local areas across the UK. We operate in five regions: London and the South East; Wales and the West of England; East of England; the Midlands and North West England; Scotland and North East England. We also have an Employee Volunteering Team with over 25 years’ experience, acting as a broker to provide tailor-made solutions to employers.
Volunteering Matters is the provider for four projects in Milton Keynes.
MK Volunteer Drivers’ Service
Driving schemes are a lifeline to some older and more vulnerable people who find it hard to get out of the house. Volunteer drivers support people to medical appointments, including hospital, local surgeries, dentists, and opticians. In addition, our drivers undertake regular journeys for vulnerable children attending school, supporting those fleeing dangerous situations, attending family court and medical appointments. The MK Volunteer Drivers’ Service also encompasses Telephone Befrienders in its offering. To book a journey please can 01908 670309 or email miltonkeynes@volunteeringmatters.org.uk
Grandmentors
Founded in 2009, and live in Milton Keynes from 2018, Grandmentors was jointly developed by Volunteering Matters and the Jedca Foundation. Its aim is to mobilise older volunteers aged 50+ to use their lifetime of skills and experience to support young people (aged 16-25) leaving the care system who also lack positive adult role models. Grandmentors work closely with their mentees to help improve their confidence, skills, social and independent living skills.
RSVP – Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme
RSVP– Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme – was set up in 1988 to enable people aged 50 and over to contribute their energy, enthusiasm, and experience as volunteers for the benefit of their communities.
RSVP projects are led by volunteers, taking a lead role in setting up and managing volunteering activities to improve the health and wellbeing of others, reduce social isolation and alleviate disadvantage in their communities. As with all volunteering, RSVP volunteers themselves also benefit in terms of their own health and well-being from their participation in socially valuable projects.
In Milton Keynes RSVP deliver a Pen and Brush group, a virtual well-being café and tech support sessions for older people to get them online.
Stepping Stones
Stepping Stones is a brand-new project to both Volunteering Matters and to Milton Keynes. The project was developed, and will be delivered, collaboratively with the Milton Keynes Clinical Commissioning Group and Service Six addressing the need to support children and young people transitioning from long-term inpatient mental health units back into the wider community. The project will see a transition from inpatient mental health provision to that of outpatient support from Service Six, and the commencement of a mentoring match through Volunteering Matters for the young people for a period of one year. The aim is to decrease readmissions, enhance the mental health, well-being, social inclusion and opportunities for children and young people after discharge from inpatient units.
The project offers flex’ to also provide support to the families of these children and young people and to develop a youth social action approach to peer-to-peer support.
Canals and Rivers Trust – Tow Path Adoption
In addition to our four projects in Milton Keynes we are also the proud “parents” of a one mile stretch of the Grand Union Canal Tow Path in Cosgrove! Adopted in March 2021, the space gives all our volunteers, those we help, and our projects a space we can upkeep on behalf of the Canals and Rivers Trust, use for project activity, enjoy and this comes with the benefits of enhancing our health and well-being. We are keen to hear from those who would like to take the lead in developing this project.
Contact
Get in touch with the team in Milton Keynes to enquire about volunteering with any of the projects:
Email: miltonkeynes@volunteeringmatters.org.uk
Telephone number: 01908 670309
Website: https://volunteeringmatters.org.uk/
Our Team
Kelly Israel – Project Manager
kelly.israel@volunteeringmatters.org.uk - 07936 811892
Tabby Wilkes – Engagement Manager - Grandmentors
tabby.wilkes@volunteeringmatters.org.uk - 07377 692340
Heather Oddy – Engagement Manager – MK Volunteer Drivers Service heather.oddy@volunteeringmatters.org.uk 01908 670309
Heena Trivedi – Engagement Manager – MK Volunteer Drivers Service heena.trivedi@volunteeringmatters.org.uk - 01908 670309
Sarah Thurstans – Administrator – MK Volunteer Drivers Service sarah.thurstans@volunteeringmatters.org.uk - 01908 670309
For business development and collaboration enquiries please contact:
Kelly.israel@volunteeringmatters.org.uk - 07936 811892 - @kelsrael (Twitter)
Amy Walsh – Project Coordinator – Stepping Stones
Amy.walsh@volunteeringmatters.org.uk - 07508520365
Kai Anderson – Project Coordinator – Stepping Stones
Kai.anderson@volunteeringmatters.org.uk - 07534042871
Sponsored Stories
Local News
-
Tell us your story
MKFM always wants to hear your stories about your city.
-
Bradwell Abbey Scout Group in Milton Keynes invite you to join them
All sections are open to boys and girls ages 6 - 14. Scouting is open to all and we are an inclusive organisation.
-
Unity Place in Milton Keynes supports apprenticeship programme
Unity Place celebrates success of apprenticeship programme during National Apprenticeship Week.
-
Destination Milton Keynes appoints new General Manager
Destination Milton Keynes, the official tourism and information service for the city, is delighted to announce the appointment of Andrew Kirby to the position of General Manager.
-
Milton Keynes named the UK’s third ‘most romantic’ place for a getaway
As mentioned by Ros on The Breakfast Show today, Milton Keynes has found itself on a list!
-
Camphill Milton Keynes announce their new ambassadors
Ambassadors raise the profile of Camphill MK.
-
Top Red Bull prospect wins Formula Regional Oceania ahead of F2 debut
Red Bull Racing's top junior prospect has claimed victory in the Formula Regional Oceania ahead of his Formula 2 debut this year.
-
Group from Milton Keynes heading for London Marathon
Local team to run London Marathon in support of MK Snap and Willen Hospice.
-
Wing Kingz Milton Keynes gives away over 10,000 wings
Wing Kingz is giving away 5 free wings every day, Monday to Thursday, throughout February.
-
MKFM prize winner from Milton Keynes
From leaks to a new lease on space: How MK Loft Boarding transformed Amanda’s home in Newton Longville.
-
Meet The Parks Trust team keeping Milton Keynes parks clean
The Parks Trust has a small but dedicated team of Cleansing Operatives who’re are always busy keeping the city’s parks clean and tidy.
-
Milton Keynes Festival returns for 2025
MKF Tribute Festival returns to Campbell Park this Summer August Bank Holiday.
Weather
-
Mon
3°C
-
Tue
4°C
-
Wed
5°C
-
Thu
5°C
-
Fri
5°C
- How To Listen To MKFM
- MKFM and GDPR Data Regulation
- Contact Us
- Complaints Procedure
- Competition Terms and Conditions
© 2020 MKFM Limited - Radio Made In Milton Keynes. Powered by Aiir.