Citizens Advice Milton Keynes is a local charity that has been providing advice and support to local people for over 40 years. We are a member of Citizens Advice, a national network of almost 400 bureaux that was created in 1939 at the outbreak of the Second World War. The Citizens Advice service helps people to resolve their problems. As the UK’s largest advice provider we are equipped to deal with any issue, from anyone, spanning debt and employment to consumer and housing plus everything in between. Our team of volunteers, supported by a small paid staff, operate telephone, face to face and email advice services that are available to anybody who wants to use them. Our advice is confidential, impartial and free of charge. We have re-located to new premises at Clarendon Drive, Wymbush and you must have an appointment to visit our new offices as we no longer offer a drop-in service at our main location. However you can still call our free local advice line on 0808 278 7991 between 10am and 5pm Monday to Friday. Demand for our help is incredibly high. If you’re struggling to get through to us on the phone first time, simply text the word ADVICE to 88008. An adviser will call you back within 3 working days. When we call, our number may appear as withheld.Standard network charges apply to SMS messages. You can also get advice online at https://www.miltonkeynescab.org.uk/get-advice/online/
Having somewhere safe and secure to live is a basic need, but many people face housing problems at some point in their life. Illness, redundancy, relationship breakdown, debt etc. can all too easily lead to someone facing eviction and ultimately homelessness. Connection Floating Support is a registered charity based in MK and here to help during times of need. We work with people to help them take control of their situation and find suitable solutions to enable them to keep a roof over their head and live an independent and fulfilling life. The service is open to people of any age, living in any type of housing – privately owned, privately rented, council or housing association. You don’t need to be referred by a professional and the service is confidential and free. You won’t be judged, just helped to get back on track. You can contact them on 01908 363492 or at mkenquiries@connectionfs.org
In 2005 the founders of Counselling Directory watched a close friend struggle to find the information they were looking for when they were in desperate need of emotional support. This was when they realised there was a need for a service bringing together the information required to help individuals find a qualified counsellor or psychotherapist in their local area. Counselling Directory website: www.counselling-directory.org.uk or 0844 803 0252 is a confidential service that encourages those in distress to seek help. The directory contains information on many different types of distress, as well as articles, news, and events. To ensure the professionalism of our website, all counsellors have provided the organisation with qualifications and insurance cover or proof of membership with a professional body.
Not in paid work? Looking to improve your skills, abilities and confidence? Works for Us can help! Works for Us offers free advice, workshops and short courses to help you build self-esteem, gain new skills and search for paid work. Regular Groups and Courses include: • Job Clubs – supported advice and training to help you find and apply for jobs, both voluntary and paid • Employability Skills – interview skills and help with your CV • Computers for beginners • English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) • Confidence, interpersonal skills and assertiveness workshops • Arts, crafts and sewing skills sessions • Yoga and photography groups We also provide: • Volunteering support to find appropriate voluntary roles and to make the most of them. Call to book an appointment with our advisor. • Information, Advice and Guidance service – employability and progression support. Call to book an appointment with our advisor. • Our Working Wardrobe provides suitable interview and work clothes at a discounted price for everyone not currently in paid work Booking is essential. Call or email us to find out more about how we can help, and book your place on one or more of our courses. Phone: 01908 200186 Mobile: 07852 963744 E-mail: info@worksforus.org.uk Opening times – Monday to Thursdays 9.30 – 4.30 Works for Us, The Point, 602 Midsummer Boulevard, MK9 3NB. Website: www. worksforus.org.uk
Castlethorpe Parish Council and Milton Keynes City Council have signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant which promises that those who serve or have served, and their families, will be treated fairly in all aspects of life. We are proud to reiterate our commitment to the armed forces community. Help is available at https://www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/armed-forces-support/milton-keynes-armed-forces-covenant
Rehab Recovery is an organisation that provides addiction treatment and healthcare advice for a wide range of different addiction and dependency problems. We offer high quality advice and referral service that matches our clients to the right variety of treatment which will solve their problems and let them get on with their normal lives free of the burden of addiction. Call the free helpline on 0800 088 6686 for confidential support and advice 24/7. For more details go to their website: www.rehab-recovery.co.uk
If you are ready to experience the value of rehab, we are here to assist your search, selection and admission process. By firstly understanding you as a person, necessary requirements to promote addiction recovery, your current relationship with drugs and alcohol, and your overall health, we can provide realistic recommendations. Those recommendations will focus on finding a suitable drug and alcohol rehab in Milton Keynes, the optimal delivery of rehab for your needs, and effective addiction treatment options which will influence a positive response. More information phone 0800 012 6088, text HELP to 83222 or go to www.addictionadvocates.com.
Castlethorpe has a long tradition of neighbours looking out for one another and supporting those who need a little extra help. The Charity for the Poor of Castlethorpe is one of the village organisations that carries on this tradition.
Founded in 1894 by combining Lady Tyrrill’s Charity and Poor’s Allotment, the charity earns a small annual income, mainly from renting out Poor’s Piece. This field lies on the edge of the village, next to Lodge Cottages running alongside the track to Lodge Farm.
The charity is fortunate to have a longstanding tenant who farms and cares for the land. The rental income helps the charity support Castlethorpe residents and contribute to the upkeep of the village church.
Established long before the welfare state, the charity provided a safety net for villagers in need. Although circumstances have changed, that original purpose remains at its heart.
Around Christmas each year, the trustees, who are nominated either by the Parish Council or Parochial Church Council, allocate about half of the charity’s annual income to the church. This money may only be used to maintain the building and grounds with the remaining income shared equally among qualifying recipients.
To qualify, recipients must:
Many villagers meet these criteria but do not need financial help. The trustees are grateful to those who choose to forgo their share so that more can be given to those in greater need.
The payment is modest—around £45—but can provide a little extra help at Christmas. If you, or someone you know, meet the criteria, have not received a payment and would benefit from this support, please contact the trustees.
Email Karen.universal@hotmail.co.uk or lr.chapman@btinternet.com.
Registered Charity 233681
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