All posts by Tom Bulman

part-time Community Organiser for Citizens:mk
Campaigns, Cycling Citizens MK, Events, News

City Status Celebration Cycle Ride, 14th July

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Following increased cycling among MK schools and businesses in 2021-22, and to celebrate the recent achievement of city status, a large group ride will set off from The Old Bus Station and cycle through CMK to Campbell Park and back. (This event follows the inaugural Bikeability Olympics competition for primary school pupils on 7th July.)

Date/time Thursday 14th July from 4pm, Celebration Ride at 6pm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HG1CR_yJcXU

Location: The Old Bus Station, 401 Elder Gate, MK9 1LR

Pre-ride training available: A two-hour Bikeability training session is available for any adult who wants to increase their cycling confidence before the 14th July ride (contact Tom or Ellie – details below).

Schedule

  • Cycle Stunt Contests inc Bunny Hop Contest and Wheelie Delicious Doughnut Challenge (£100 cash prize for winner, £50 for 2nd, £25 for 3rd placed) – 4-5.30pm. See promo video.
  • Vintage Cycle Show – 4-5.30pm.  Pre-1970 bikes only, points awarded for style, and all participants must have at least one item of tweed on their person at all times.
  • Mayor’s Awards 2021-22 presented by Deputy-Mayor Cllr Mick Clegg with support from former Mayor Cllr Mohammed Khan – 5.30-6pm (see running order below)
  • City Status Cycle Ride – meet outside The Old Bus Station, ride up Midsummer Boulevard, Saxon Gate and Silbury Boulevard to Light Pyramid in Campbell Park for a large group photo, and back – 6-6.30pm.

Running order for Presentation of Mayor’s Cycling Awards 2021-22 (based on participation in the four competitions – Bike Month June 2021, Cycle September 2021, Winter Wheelers 2021, Ride Anywhere March 2022)

  • 5.30 – Welcome – Ian Revell, CEO, MK Community Foundation; also Celebration Breakdancer Kevin Kallon
  • 5.35 – Mayor’s Awards – Cllr Mick Legg, Deputy Mayor, introduced by former Mayor Cllr Mohammed Khan
    • MK’s Top 10 Large Companies (average trips per employee), with Award winners saying a few words about how their company promotes employee cycling
    • ICAEW (0.89) – Elizabeth Tribe, Senior Employer Training and CPD Support Executive
    • Volkswagen Financial Services (0.76) – Richard Scott, Chair of Employee Forum
    • The Open University (0.48) – Nick Braithwaite, Head of Sustainability
    • Volkswagen Group (0.45)
    • Gemini Rail Services UK (0.45)
    • Red Bull Technology (0.35)
    • World Vision (0.32)
    • Nissan Technical Centre Europe (0.19)
    • Network Rail (0.17)
    • BSI (0.16)
    • MK’s Top 5 Secondary Schools (average trips per student & staff member), with Award winners saying a few words about how their school promotes student cycling
    • The Radcliffe School (1.29) – Paula Lawson, Headteacher
    • Watling Academy (0.51) – Ian Bacon, Headteacher
    • Ousedale School (0.26) – Tim Coffey, Teacher
    • Lord Grey Academy (0.22)
    • Kents Hill Park School (0.10)
    • Special Award to MK Head of Highways
  • 5.45 – Bikeability Olympics Awards to primary school pupils
  • 5.55 – Instructions for City Status Cycle Ride – Tim Layden
  • 6.00 – Ride departs

Sponsors & Prizes

Prizes will include vouchers and cycle accessories from John Lewis and Trek Bikes.

Partners: Ringway Infrastructure Services are providing cones and tape to mark the area off for safety.

For more information, contact:

EDIT

Campaigns, Events, Fishermead Citizens, News

Learning from Fishermead Community Walk

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Nine leaders from Fishermead institutions took part in a Community Walk to find out from one another how they see life and times in Fishermead.

The group stopped off at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Pebbles Nursery (pictured above), the playing field, Campbell Park Parish Council office (main picture), Frank Howe Court and the Chinese Overseas Christian Mission, to hear from leaders at each institution what they do and why, what they see and what they think about it.

Mike Kelly, Director of Samaritans MK, said: “I was really impressed by the strong sense of community support within Fishermead and the range of work being undertaken by the voluntary and other sectors in support of local residents.”

One of the issues discussed during the walk was car speeds. Walkers observed one particularly hazardous pedestrian/cycle crossing at the junction of Pentewan Gate and Child’s Way (pictured below), which is unmarked.

The Community Walk will be continued on Friday 15th July at 10am. If you’re interested to join, please contact Ruth Legh-Smith.

Action on Climate Change, Campaigns, News

Onwards and Upwards for Climate Campaign

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Last September at the Citizens:MK Climate Assembly, the Bishop of Oxford agreed to our request for a meeting to discuss Climate Income (‘the fast and fair way to tackle the climate emergency’) and whether he might use his position in the House of Lords to promote the idea.

He has a very full schedule, so December was the first available date… and then just beforehand, he suffered a nasty bout of Covid. Finally, on 25th April this yea, the meeting took place.

The omens were promising: he had already raised the question of Climate Income in the Lords as a result of the assembly; he had put aside two hours to meet us; and he was bringing two advisors!  All the more reason for the representatives of the campaign team – pictured – to prepare carefully.  We agreed our roles: Catherine would convene, we scripted our contributions, and built a break for 1-2-l conversations into a plan that included reporting back to each other on developments in our climate work since September. We were precise about the two things we would ask for from him.

So what happened?  Lauren presented our first ‘ask’: we wanted to cite him as a supporter of Climate Income and of our campaign, as we took it national through the Citizens network. Would he consent to this?  The reply was immediate – yes indeed, and without the conditions one might have expected (e.g., that statements needed to be cleared through his office in advance).

Then our second ‘ask’: would he invite us to the Lords to a meeting, whether formal or informal, as he thought best, to help increase understanding and support for Climate Income among parliamentarians?

Again he replied positively, though not unconditionally.  Characteristically thoughtful, he said he needed time to consider when and how the meeting could best be ‘anchored’ in the processes of the Lords (and its Climate and Environment committee in particular – of which he is a member).  Then he gave us an important and unexpected bonus  – direct access to his two advisors (both of whom were clearly willing, thoughtful, and very well informed on Parliamentary processes as well as climate issues).

It had been an intense two hours including some lively exchanges around how to bring the need for rising carbon prices into the policy process and public debate.  We left feeling tired but elated – and certainly more powerful. We had strengthened and extended our relationships into the political establishment. We had an important ally for what we see as our next steps – both locally, and working across the Citizens UK network to spread this word and bring other chapters on board, turning it into a national campaign.   All that is needed is lots more hard work! – if you might like to be involved, please get in touch.

Events, Fishermead Citizens, News

Councillor pledges to support Fishermead citizens’ agenda

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23 Fishermead residents and workers representing 12 institutions attended an Accountability Assembly to engage with local Councillor Donna Fuller (top right of main picture and below).

Following a live BBC Look East broadcast from the Trinity Centre earlier in the week, they wanted her reaction to their agenda for change developed at a Delegates Assembly in March.

The Assembly was hosted by the Chinese Overseas Christian Mission on Pentewan Avenue, Fishermead, and began with a welcome from Eric Shan Lin (above) followed by a moment of silence in memory of local Cllr Carole Baume, ‘a special kind of politician’ who recently died.

Representing the local Council electoral candidate from the Labour Party, who was unable to attend, and in the absence of Conservative and LibDem candidates who had also been invited, sitting Councillor Fuller was asked to respond to a series of questions about Road Safety, Crime, Community and the Environment (see below).

Councillor Fuller responded positively to all the asks and pledged to work with the developing Fishermead Citizens Alliance to achieve its goals. She said: “For me this is about building a relationship with you. I am more than happy to represent and advocate for you. I just need you to tell me what you need. I personally commit and (if she is elected) I am sure Amber will too.”

Cllr Fuller’s support was welcomed and it was agreed there would be follow-up meetings with her.

In post-event evaluation, leaders gave a score of 8 out of 10.

Hear audio of the Assembly (with thanks to Eric).

Eric Chan Lin, Chinese Overseas Christian Mission
David Hart, Fishermead Community Alliance
Pavle Trajkovski, Seventh Day Adventist Church
Kay Smith, MK Community Foundation
Maria Affia, MGB Community Service
Sophie Lovejoy, Samaritans MK
Sophie Richens, Fishermead Trinity Centre
Dan Williams, Frank Howe Court
Ophelia Cole, Action Speaks
From left to right above: Kay Smith of MK Community Foundation; Maria Affa of MGB Community Service; Jo Orbell, Headteacher of The Willows First School; and Cath Broadhead, Chair of Governors, The Willows First School.
Ruth Legh-Smith on door duty

(Photos by Zdenka Mgbolu.)

The Asks

Road Safety

  • How would you be able to engage with your local supporters to assist with the petition
  • campaign to ensure we gather as many signatures as possible?
  • If elected how would you support the campaign on the local council?

Crime

  • If elected, how would you make crime reduction on Fishermead a key priority?
  • How would you support the establishment of a local shopkeepers forum to share

Community

  • Would you commit to meeting the community at the breakfast club on a monthly basis?
  • When we have identified a long-term solution for managing a community café, would you commit to support in any areas we encounter difficulties?

Environment

  • Will you support local initiatives (clearing up footpaths, organising a community garden, landscaping) on Fishermead both financially and logistically?
  • Will you make the maintenance of Fishermead (landscaping, waste removal, street lights, roads and pavements, proper signage) your priority by facilitating the communication with different authorities and advocating on our behalf?

Fishermead Citizens, News

Fishermead leaders talk to BBC TV Look East

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Four Fishermead leaders took part in a live BBC TV Look East broadcast from Fishermead Trinity Centre, answering questions about the issues facing Fishermead in the upcoming Council elections. David Hart (Fishermead Community Association), Sophie Richens (Fishermead Trinity Centre), Ruth Legh-Smith (Frank Howe Court) and Thajudeen Lebbe (Fishermead Islamic Centre) all talked individually to BBC reporter Ben Schofield about the issues affecting them most: lack of relationship with local councillors, fast-driving cars and maintenance of children’s play spaces.

See recording of broadcast.

Campaigns, Cycling Citizens MK, News

Mayor celebrates cycling with egg hunt through city centre

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MK Mayor Mohammed Khan presented awards to businesses and schools for their achievements in the Ride Anywhere 21st-27th March competitions. The Radcliffe School, The Open University and Volkswagen Financial Services topped the leader boards (see full results for businesses and schools).

In video clip above, Mayor Khan prepares for awards presentation

Following free Dr Bike services from Cycle Saviours, and an introduction by MK Community Foundation CEO Ian Revell at 5pm, the rally of 20 cyclists heard from Paula Lawson, Headteacher of The Radcliffe School, about how the school has substantially increased student cycling among students in recent months. Then the awards were presented by Mayor Khan (pictures of winners, with thanks to Adekunle Odunewu of Realsolid Media, and listing below).

Paula Lawson
Tim Layden
Steve Truan
Jason Falkner
Jodi Houghton
Mel Welburn

Then there was an Easter Egg Treasure Hunt on bicycles (devised by Vernon Young and Vankata Krishnan), which involved cyclists following clues to collect mystery letters en route to the Light Pyramid in Campbell Park (on Midsummer and Silbury Boulevards) to make two magic words, revealed as ‘BETTER POINTS’. This was to celebrate MK Council’s launch of the new Better Points app which rewards MK residents’ sustainable travel choices. The overall winner of the large chocolate Easter egg, donated by John Lewis, was Miles Gray, aged 11.

Elaine Wales of John Lewis donating large chocolate Easter Egg
Contestants at end of Egg Hunt, winner Miles Gray (front centre).

  • School Cycling awards
  • Top Cycling School (students and staff) – most trips, 1st place – The Radcliffe School (279 trips) – collected by Paula Lawson, Headteacher and Top Encourager (6 new riders encouraged)
  • Top Cycling School (students and staff) – most trips, 2nd place – Ousedale School (28 trips)
  • Top Cycling School (students and staff) – most trips, 3rd place – Lord Grey School (19 trips)
  • Top Student Rider (most miles), 1st place  – Arthur Williams, The Radcliffe School (218 miles)
  • Top Staff Rider (most trips) – Steve Truan, The Radcliffe School (24 trips)
  • Top Staff Rider (most miles) – Jason Falkner, The Radcliffe School (209 miles)
  • Other awards: Top Student Rider (most miles), 2nd place – Jude Chamberlain, Ousedale School (118 miles); Top Student Rider (most miles) 3rd Place – Luke Marshall, Shenley Brook End School (113 miles).
  • Business Cycling awards
  • Open University – 1st most riders (41), trips (158) and miles (2099) – collected by Jodi Houghton
  • Volkswagen Financial Services (VWFS) – 2nd highest average trips per employee, 2nd most miles (842) and 3rd most trips (49) – collected by Mel Welburn
  • Other awards: ICAEW – highest average trips per employee; Network Rail – 2nd most trips (52); Gemini Rail Services – 3rd highest average trips per employee; Top Riders (most trips):  Christopher Charles, Network Rail (13); Elizabeth Tribe (9);  David Smith, Gemini Rail Services (8); Top Riders (most miles):  Chris Binch, Cranfield University (187); Andy Sutton, The Open University (183);  David Black, Volkswagen Financial Services (167).

The next cycle rally in Station Square will be at 3.3-6pm on Thursday 30th June 2022.

Fishermead Citizens, News

Fishermead Delegates agree agenda for action

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As the building of the Fishermead Citizens alliance progresses, 23 leaders from eight Fishermead institutions and six guests attended a Delegates Assembly at Frank Howe Court to plan actions on four issues affecting residents and workers in Fishermead: Road safety, Crime, Community and Environment.

Crime breakgout group planning action

The organisations represented (and no. delegates) were: 7th Day Adventist Church (4), Action Speaks (2), Chinese Overseas Church Mission (3), Fishermead Community Association (2), Trinity Church and Trinity Centre (3), Frank Howe Court (6) and Salvation Army Life House project (3). Apologies were received from Fishermead Mosque, Jubilee Wood Primary and Willows First schools, due to the event being held on a Sunday.

Rev Ian Herbert

After an introduction and short speeches from Rev Ian Herbert of Trinity Church, and Derek Stanley, a guest from Unity Park (provider of services to the homeless), and a written update from the Neighbourhood Police Team presented by David Hart of Fishermead Community Association, delegates were asked to join breakout groups to plan actions on each of the four main issues.

Environment breakout group planning action.

The actions agreed are wide-ranging – see details here – and were The actions agreed are wide-ranging and include implementing a 20mph zone for safe driving, a Neighbours Day, Improved street-lighting and Litter-picking teams (details here).  The actions were summarised by Ophelia Cole of Action Speaks and David Hart of Fishermead Community Association.

Ophelia Cole & David Hart

It was agreed that a sub-group of Fishermead’s institutional leaders trained by Citizens UK would organise a meeting with the candidates for MK Council’s Woughton & Fishermead ward one week before the election. This meeting will take place on Thursday 28th April, 6.30pm at Chinese Overseas Church Mission on Padstow Avenue.

In a post-Assembly evaluation, delegates agreed a score of 9/10 for the Assembly, noting that the turnout of attendees could have included leaders from other invited institutions, e.g. the two Fishermead schools, if the event had been held on a weekday evening rather than a Sunday afternoon. Thanks were given to Frank Howe Court for hosting so warmly and to resident Ruth Legh-Smith for contributing substantially to organising it.

Main picture above: Ruth Legh-Smith, presenting action planned to reduce car speeds to 20mph

Photos by Zdenka Mgbolu.

Campaigns, Cycling Citizens MK

Mayor celebrates MK citizens cycling more this winter

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According to data from online platform Love To Ride, MK residents have bicycled more this winter than last winter. Results from two ‘Winter Wheelers‘ competitions promoted by Cycling CitizensMK, funded by MK Council with prizes from John Lewis and Trek Bikes, show a total of 1,500 rides covering nearly 14,000 miles between 1st-25th December.

Among the top 15 large companies participating, there were overall increases (compared with last year) in the number of riders (up 15% to 124), the number of cycle trips (up 43% to 817) and the number of miles cycled (up 10% to 9,761). The leading cycling companies were ICAEW, The Open University, Gemini Rail Services, Network Rail and Volkswagen Financial Services.

Among the top five schools, 65 riders made 791 cycle trips covering 4,083 miles, The leading schools were The Radcliffe, Ousedale and Watling Academy.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to be out in front on cycling,” said Paula Lawson, Headteacher of The Radcliffe School. “Students and staff have really enjoyed participating in the competition. We’re proud to be contributing environmental and health benefits simply by cycling.”

Awards will be presented by MK Mayor Mohammed Khan at a celebration Bicycling Breakfast on 17th February hosted by Willen Hospice. (Mayor Khan testing his winter cycling skills on Station Square (cycle courtesy of Cycle Saviours.)

Similar competitions for businesses and for schools will commence in March.

For more information see www.citizensmk.org.uk/campaigns/cycling-citizensmk.

Campaigns, Fishermead Citizens, News

Lynx lays on cabling for Fishermead Community Centre

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(Pictured above: Connor O’Dell, Bertie Canavan and Lee Mould of Lynx Networks)

Fishermead Trinity Community Centre now has fast speed connection to the internet and is a step closer to its vision of providing an internet cafe for local residents. Technicians from Bletchley-based Lynx Networks Plc laid the cables as an in-kind donation to the Centre agreed between Lynx MD Alan Bullen and Trinity Centre trustee Heinz Elbers.

“Business is a little light for us this mid-winter and we’re pleased to put our spare resources to a good cause,” said Alan Bullen. “We can see the value of providing an internet cafe here.”

Alan Bullen, MD, Lynx Networks

“It’s a huge boost to our vision,” said Heinz Elbers. “i couldn’t believe it when I explained the problem and Alan just said yes we can help. This is a good news story for business and community working together.

Heinz Elbers, Trinity Centre trustee

“With many thanks to Lynx Networks for the network cabling installation and the partnership with Vodafone to provide their Gigafast fibre-optic connection we can now offer the perfect location for computer-based training courses, as well as the ad-hoc zoom call, after-school clubs for online homework or even network games. As opposed to an often poor and unstable wi-fi connection, all halls can now provide a gigabit network connection. This is part one of a wider story as the cabling outside the office is the first big step towards our Digital Inclusion pilot project. ”

This win follows the summer launch of the internet cafe campaign, when MK Mayor Khan presented 35 laptops donated by Veritas Digital (see story).

Centre trustee Don Mahon said: “It’s been really hard up to now because the only reliable connection was in the office, so we could only help one or two users at a time. Now we can get internet anywhere in the Centre, even in the hall here where we hold church services on Sundays.”

Lee Wootton, lead cabler for Lynx, said: “it took us longer than we initially expected, getting around the brick and glass in the building. But at Lynx we pride ourselves on sticking to our word, and it’s been enjoyable to deliver this. it’s good for us to do good.”

Pictured above (left to right): Lee Wootton, Barry Stone (Lynx), Don Mahon.
Campaigns, Cycling Citizens MK, News

Cycling Santas bring cheer to CMK

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Following big increases in cycling through campaigns earlier this year (Bike Month June and Cycling September), Cycling CitizensMK has been running two Winter Wheelers competitions in December, one for businesses and one for schools.

To celebrate MK’s winter cycling, there was a rally of 34 Cycling Santas in Station Square (video above), the biggest number ever seen in MK and a step towards the world record – maybe an official attempt next year!

Following free Dr Bike services from Cycle Saviours 4-5pm, the Mayor gave un update on the Winter Wheelers competition results so far (businesses and schools) and prizes were drawn from a ‘Santas Giveaway’ (prizes donated by Trek Bikes, Rutland Cycling, John Lewis, and MK Council).

Mayor Khan shows his trick cycling skills (click link below for more photos by Jane Russell).

Then the cycling santas rode up Midsummer Boulevard to Campbell Park, around the Light Pyramid and back, with a stopover to entertain the crowd outside MK Theatre.

“Everybody knows Santa has a sledge and reindeer, but not everyone knows Santa has a bicycle,” said Ian Revell of MK Community Foundation. “Cheerfully stopping people in their tracks, it was a great way to promote cycling!”

“It was great fun,” said cyclist Naveed Ahmed (left of Mayor in picture below). “I wish I had encouraged more people to come.”

Click to see more amazing pictures in MK Citizen news story.

Fishermead Citizens, News

Fishermead Citizens first Leaders Forum 9.12.21

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On Thursday evening Fishermead Mosque hosted Fishermead Citizens first forum bringing together 20 leaders from nine local civil society institutions: 7th Day Adventist Church, Action Speaks, Chinese Overseas Church Mission, Fishermead Community Association, Frank Howe Court, Fishermead Mosque, Salvation Army Lifehouse, Trinity Community Centre and Trinity Church (apologies received from Jubilee Wood Primary School).

Leaders from public sector and for-profit institutions also attended: Campbell Park Parish Council and The Coop Convenience Store.

After a welcome from Mosque President Thajudeen Lebbe, three Fishermead leaders took turns to talk about their recent experiences of community organising and training with Citizens UK. David Hart of Fishermead Community Association talked about his experiences of 3-day training, Rev Ian Herbert of Trinity Church talked the digital inclusion campaign and Ophelia Cole of Action Speaks talked about a recent action to clear overgrown vegetation from the entrance to Willows First School.

There was then a Weaving Trust carousel of 4-minute 121 conversations on ‘who are you and what issues would your institution like to see action on to improve Fishermead?’ (photo above) facilitated by Sophie Richens, a volunteer at Fishermead Trinity Centre.

Then each institution took turns to present to the whole group the issues of greatest interest to them and their followers, facilitated by Ruth Legh-Smith of Frank Howe Court, and these were recorded (below).

Finally it was decided that an action team of eight leaders (listed at bottom left in photo above) would work together to research and craft one or more campaign proposals to present to a Delegates Assembly, with a target turnout of 5 delegates per institution, hosted by Fishermead Trinity Centre at 2.30pm on Sunday 20th March 2022.

In a post-event evaluation, the Leaders Forum was scored 6 out of 10 due to absence of school leaders and some difficulty hearing one another during the Weaving Trust conversations.

Click here for further details about Fishermead Citizens alliance-building project funded by MK Community Foundation.

Campaigns, Cycling Citizens MK

Business leaders meet to promote employee cycling

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On 25th November, 18 people attended MK’s first Business Cycling Breakfast to promote employee cycling and a cycling competition for businesses during Winter Wheelers 1st-25th December. The event was hosted by Willen Hospice in CMK.

After an introduction by chair Deborah Cooper of MK Cycle Forum, Tony Nelson, Principal of The Hazeley Academy, talked about his school’s ambition to see 90% of students walking or cycling to school.

Jonathan Stone of Trek Bikes talked about using a heated clothes rack as a practical alternative to the more expensive installation of showers.

Richard Scott, chair of the Employee Forum at Volkswagen Financial Services explained how his team had undertaken an exercise of postcode mapping to discover that 230 of its 1200 staff lived less than 8 minutes away from work by bicycle. He talked about VWFS had registered with Cycle to Work schemes, relaxed staff dress codes, helped inexperienced cyclists practice riding in the company car park and lent e-bikes for journeys to business meetings.

Leigh Richards of Nextbike said “mobility as a human right” and explained how Nextbike offers cycle use across MK at £5 per day and supports Cycle Day At Work initiatives.

Martin Swift of Cycle Saviours talked about how to reduce bicycle waste, saying “there’s no such thing as a write-off bike” and old bikes are welcome at Cycle Saviours’ education-funded refurbishment operation in Stacey Bushes.

Ellie Williamson of MK Council talked about various support services offered by the Council, including Bikeability Training, Sustainable Travel grants, quarterly cycling competitions and the Gear Change unit on Witan Gate. Colleague Raeesa Chowdury outlined details of the Winter Wheelers competition 1st-25th December.

MK Mayor Mohammed Khan talked about the Council’s vision of a healthy and low-carbon community and Ian Revell, CEO of MK Community Foundation, encouraged attendees to join and bring other cyclists to the Cycling Santas MK world record attempt on 16th December.

Finally Phil Murphy and Clive Faine of MK Cycle Forum expressed their positive outlook on the future of cycling in MK.

Following a post-event evaluation, organisers agreed to run a similar event, inviting other business leaders, in three months.

Deborah Cooper said: “This meeting highlighted what a lot of valuable work is going on to encourage people to use the great infrastructure we already have in the borough. There is a lot more to do to improve infrastructure we have, to ensure new developments make cycling easy, and to ensure even more people are encouraged to travel sustainably.”

Events, Fishermead Citizens

Fishermead Citizens Leaders Forum

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Thursday 9th December, 7-8.30pm

hosted by Fishermead Mosque, Fishermead Blvd MK6 2LA, bringing together leaders from the following Fishermead ‘s civil society institutions, also leaders from partner institutions.

Civil society institutionsLeaders
7th Day Adventist Church Arnold Best, Bryan Maxwell
Action SpeaksOphelia Cole
Chinese Overseas Church MissionRev Henry Lu
Fishermead Community AssociationDarron Kendrick, Tonya Wilson, David & Melania Hart
Frank Howe CourtRuth Legh-Smith, Lizzie, Chris
Fishermead MosqueTajhudeen Lebbe
Jubilee Wood Primary SchoolHeadteacher Matt O’Brien sent apologies
Lifehouse (Salvation Army)Tom Lathwood, Clare Doughty
Trinity Community CentreHeinz Elbers, Sophie Richens
Trinity ChurchRev Ian Herbert, Don Mahon
Willows First SchoolHeadteacher Joanna Orbell
Partner institutions
Campbell Park Parish CouncilCllr Martin Petchey
MK Community FoundationKay Smith
Thames Valley Police
The Co-Op StoreCharlie Bird

AGENDA

(6.45pm Meet & Greet – light refreshments)

7.00 Invitation to witness evening prayers (optional)

7.15 Welcome from Mosque President Thajudeen Lebbe and Secretary Shameela

7.20 Introduction from Fishermead citizens:

  • What is community organising & training – David Hart
  • How Fishermead citizens have acted on Digital Exclusion – Rev Ian Herbert
  • My experience of Citizens action at Willows First School – Ophelia Cole

7.30 Weaving Trust carousel of 5-minute 121 conversations on ‘who are you and what issue(s) would your institution like to see action on to improve Fishermead?’ – Sophie Richens

7.55 Sharing of issues – leaders from each institution take turns to present Fishermead issues of greatest interest to them and their followers – Ruth Legh-Smith

8.10 Discuss and decide on issues for research action

8.25 Agree time and location of Delegates Assembly in Feb/March

8.30 Close & networking

(8.35-45 Shared evaluation)

Clothing: There is no need for women visitors to wear a head scarf.

Covid: For your own and others’ safety, you may wear a face covering.

Details about Fishermead Citizens project.

Campaigns, Cycling Citizens MK

CYCLING SANTAS ARE COMING

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Following big increases in cycling during Bike Month June and Cycling September, Cycling CitizensMK is running two more competitions in December, one for businesses and one for schools, and an attempt to assemble the biggest number of Cycling Santas ever seen in MK (an unofficial attempt at the world record!) on Station Square at 5pm on Thursday 16th December. All are welcome to join.

Free Santa costumes for 40 people who are registered with Winter Wheelers and first in line from 4.30pm.

Following free Dr Bike services from Cycle Saviours 4-5pm, the Mayor will give un update on the Winter Wheelers competition results so far (businesses and schools) and prizes will be drawn from a ‘Santas Giveaway’ (prizes donated by Trek Bikes, Rutland Cycling, John Lewis, MK Council and others).

Cyclists are advised to check weather forecast before setting off and dress suitably warm and bright (with waterproofs in case of rain). Front and rear cycle lights must be used.

Agenda

  • 5pm – Welcome from Ian Revell, MK Community Foundation CEO, & Father Christmas
  • 5.05 – MK Mayor Mohammed Khan speaks about why cycling is important to Milton Keynes, then presents update on results of business and schools competitions so far
  • 5.10 – Santas Giveaway prize draw – Father Christmas
  • 5.30 – Briefing on cycle route and Risk Assessment – Tom Bulman
  • 5.35 – Group photo and formation of cycle groups for the ride
  • 5.40 – Short guided ride through CMK to Campbell Park Light Pyramid, including filming in Grafton Street underpass and at illuminated frame opposite MK Gallery, and back
  • 6.15 – Return to Station Square & video interviews

Cycle safety & risk assessment

For the CMK Cycleround ride, guide riders (wearing pink hi-viz vests) will lead cycle groups of approximately 25 riders, maintaining a suitable speed to keep the group together, and will take front position at red traffic light stops. Riders must follow the Highway Code at all times. All riders above the age of 12 are individually responsible for their safety and any injuries through unsafe cycling. Teachers will attend in a personal capacity and hold no responsibility for the safety of students cycling. See risk assessment.

(Instructions to Guide Riders.)

Covid restrictions: Current government advice will be followed.

Competition registration: To take part in the competitions, register with Love To Ride.

For more information, contact Tom Bulman, cyclingmk@citizensuk.org, tel 07962 838685.

Campaigns, News

Fishermead residents help clear walking route to school

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Residents from Frank Howe Court and leaders of the new Fishermead Community Alliance joined school staff and pupils on Saturday morning to clear bushes and weeds from the walkway between Porthleven Place and Willows First School.

“It was fantastic to get the help of residents on a weekend,” said headteacher Jo Orbell. “The children who came that way on Monday morning were amazed how wide the walkway felt without the litter and overgrown bushes.”

Action on Climate Change, News

Huge win for Citizens:MK Climate Campaign – Bishop of Oxford Steven Croft pitches Carbon Fee and Dividend to House of Lords

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The Citizens ACE team (Action on the Climate Emergency) have had a great win this week.  We have been working on getting support for an exciting redistributive approach to carbon pricing called Carbon Fee and Dividend.  In this model a charge is levied on fossil fuels at source, and these “carbon fees” are used to fund a “climate dividend” which is given equally and directly to all adults in the UK.

At a recent event run in honour of Bishop Steven Croft’s visit to Milton Keynes for a series of climate meetings, we pitched him the idea.  The Bishop sits on the House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee, and we asked that he might be vocal about the model in that forum.  He promised to look into it, and was clearly impressed by it because on 11th October 2021 he pitched it to the House:

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=233438862151709

We hope this will be the start of a powerful relationship with Bishop Steven to work together on a national approach to climate work.

Cycling Citizens MK, News

MK cyclists pedal 38,000 miles for Mayor’s Cycle September awards

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During ‘Cycle September’, MK businesses and schools rode 38,046 miles with 317 riders going out for 3,123 rides (a 170% increase since June). 25 cyclists rallied in Station Square for an awards presentation with MK Mayor Mohammed Khan for the MK Businesses and MK Schools competitions organised by Cycling CitizensMK (see winners and photos below).

Following free Dr Bike services from Cycle Saviours 4-5pm, and tasty hot snacks from Namji, certificates were awarded to institutions and prizes to individuals (sponsored by Trek Bikes, John Lewis and Cycle Saviours) cycling most during September.

Then cyclists participated in a short CMK Cycleround ride through CMK to Campbell Park Light Pyramid and back.

“One of my aims as Mayor is to help MK in its bid for city status,” said Mayor Khan.  “We all know we must develop greener daily habits, and cycling to work and school is something more of us can do.”

Elaine Wales, Community Liaison Coordinator for prize sponsor John Lewis, said: “Congratulations to the winners and well done to everyone who took part in the competition. John Lewis and Partners are once again proud to support Cycling CitizensMK”

Business Cycling Competition Awards

Top Company – most trips, 1st placeThe Open University711
Top Company – most trips, 2nd placeVolkswagen Financial Services (VWFS) – Milton Keynes410
Top Company – most trips, 3rd placeNetwork Rail – Milton Keynes201
Top Company – increase in riders since Sept 2020ICAEW – Milton Keynes10
Top Rider – most trips, 1st place (prize: Trek cycle helmet)Phill Elvidge, Red Bull Technology54
Top Rider – most trips, 2nd placeMarina Cantarutti, The Open University50
Top Rider – most trips, 3rd placeOliwia Maszczynska, Network Rail41
Top Rider – most miles (prize Basic Bike Repair service)Chris Binch, Cranfield University764
Top Encourager (prize: John Lewis voucher)John Wilkinson, VWFS8

Schools Cycling Competition Awards

Top Cycling School (students and staff) – most trips, 1st placeThe Radcliffe School227
Top Cycling School (students and staff) – most trips, 2nd placeOusedale School212
Top Cycling School (students and staff) – most trips, 3rd placeWatling Academy203
Top Student Rider – most trips, 1st place (prize: Trek cycle helmet)Thomas Young, Watling Academy87
Top Student Rider – most trips, 2nd placeKeerthikan Jasydaran, Ousedale School38
Top Student Rider – most trips, 3rd placeAlex Mccarthy, St. Paul’s Catholic School30
Top Student Rider – most miles (prize: Trek cycle helmet)Elliott Pemberton, Ousedale School413
Top Staff Rider – most trips, 1st place (prize: Trek cycle helmet)Steve Truan, The Radcliffe School63
Top Staff Rider – most trips, 2nd placeTim Layden, Lord Grey Academy34
Top Staff Rider – most trips, 3rd placeDominic Keogh, Ousedale School26
Top Staff Rider – most miles (prize: Basic Bike Repair service)Steve Truan, The Radcliffe School539
Top Cycling School (staff) – average trips per staff memberOrchard Academy1.30
Top EncouragerJason Falkner, The Radcliffe School14

This event followed a similar awards rally for Bike Month in June.

News

Citizens climate assembly hears stark testimony and messages of hope from MK leaders

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On the evening of Thursday 2nd September at MK Gallery, civil society organised an event called “Together in the Climate Crisis”, bringing together civil society, local government and business leaders. It was held in honour of a visit from the Bishop of Oxford, Steven Croft.  The Bishop is a member of the House of Lords Climate and Environment Committee, and the focus of the event was building a joint-up approach to the Climate Crisis in Milton Keynes.

Moving testimony about the impact of climate change was provided by 19 year old Lauren Jeffrey from the Lakes Estate Renewal Forum.  She told the room about her initial response when hearing about the climate crisis at the age of 16:

“I feared for my life, and the lives of the people I loved. I started questioning all of my future plans.  In my head, they were all pointless.  I was in despair…But I decided that I wanted to be part of the solution, and that’s why I’m here.  Hopefully, this evening will be a good opportunity for us to come together around a shared goal of making Milton Keynes a climate role model for the rest of the UK.”

The room also heard from Alex Chapman, from Christ the Cornerstone Church and the New Economics Foundation, who spoke about his work for a think tank studying at first hand the impacts of climate change on coastal communities around the world, and the increasing number of climate refugees.  He spoke about his visit to sugar cane farmers in the Soc Trang province of Vietnam in 2013:

“My team’s job was to interview farmers about their crops and how much produce they had grown.  The tonnage of crop that year, from a village of hundreds of farmers, was zero. The creep of salt water into the soil had killed the sugar cane. Many in the village were packing up, and they were leaving. This is the story for tens of millions of farmers around the globe.”

It was also a night for discussing solutions.

Rob Paton from MK Quaker Meeting explained the idea of Carbon Fee & Dividend and how it is being adopted in Canada.  He explained the model, saying:

“Carbon fees are levied on fossil fuels at source but used only to fund a climate dividend that is shared out equally among adult citizens.  In this way what would be highly regressive as a tax, becomes a redistributive transfer. The less well-off come out ahead. This stimulates demand for the emerging technologies and investment in them – which brings down their price, further easing the great carbon de-tox.”

There were also talks from local business leaders.  Satheesh Krishnamurthy from the OU reported on some of the innovative solutions coming out of laboratories and universities.  Jo Lewington, Head of sustainability at Network Rail, described the huge programme of work both to reduce carbon emissions and to make the transport system more resilient.  And Clive Faine from Abbeygate Developments described how his industry had woken up to the seriousness of the situation and the steps it was now taking to put things right.

Jenny Wilson-Marklew, the cabinet member for Climate and Sustainability at MK Council, also attended. She offered a very moving speech, and said:

“In 2017 we committed to carbon neutral by 2030 and we are very committed to it, but we are not doing enough.”

Milton Keynes Council recently voted unanimously, across all parties, in support of the radical new approach to carbon reduction – Carbon Fee & Dividend.  The motion was presented by Jenny Wilson-Marklew, with speeches in support from Rob Paton, Rick Mutwarasibo and Catherine Butt, all from Citizens:MK.

Citizens:MK is an alliance of civil society institutions across Milton Keynes, focused on working together for social justice and the common good.  Their ask of the Bishop was for him to learn more about Carbon Fee and Dividend, and then meet with Citizens campaigners in the near future to discuss whether and how he might help promote it nationally. He agreed, and gave a powerful speech, saying:

“We are doing scrutiny enquiries on COP15 and COP26 in the short term before looking at the long term enquiry on climate change and biodiversity.  The world has already lost, climate change is happening.  Every fraction of a degree of temperature change is worth fighting against.  The responsibility must be shared across all generations.”

News, Uncategorized

Green City makes all-party call for bolder climate action before big UN conference.

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Milton Keynes Council has voted unanimously for a motion supporting higher fossil fuel prices linked to compensating payments to all adults. The Council will ask the government urgently to appraise how the idea of a carbon fee & dividend – already being implemented in Canada – could work in the UK.

Under this arrangement, fuel levies are paid back to citizens at a flat rate – so the wealthiest who use fossil fuels the most pay the most, while the less well off receive back more than the amount they pay in increased fuel prices.

Council Leader Peter Marland (Labour) commented: “ Milton Keynes was one of the very first councils to declare a climate emergency. That was like setting off the fire alarm. This is a way for the country to tackle the source of the blaze.”

Deputy Leader Robin Bradburn (Lib Dem) stated: “ Milton Keynes has shown that, done the right way, realistic carbon pricing can gain cross-party approval.”

Councillor Alex Walker, Leader of the Conservative group said: “ This idea is compatible with current government thinking and definitely needs to be progressed.”

The motion was requested by the Climate Campaign team of Citizens:MK

Rev Catherine Butt, of St. Frideswide’s Church said: “Carbon fee and dividend offers a way for us all to pay realistically for the carbon we use, and for us to share equally the income generated. We have a wonderful opportunity to pursue a policy that preserves our precious environment and also positively addresses poverty and inequality. In the year of COP 26, it would be fantastic to see the UK commit to this approach.”

Rick Mutwarasibo, of Christ the Cornerstone Church and one of the team said: . “Young people like me will bear the brunt of the impending disasters. You may think transitioning to renewable energy sources and retrofitting premises for carbon neutrality is expensive. But those costs are small compared to the costs of fire, flood, food shortages and rising sea levels. Climate Fee & Dividend will drive decarbonisation.”

Rob Paton, of MK Quaker Meeting said “It’s vital to secure the buy-in of those citizens who are struggling to keep their families fed and housed and who might otherwise become another generation of fuel tax protestors. Direct payments can secure their support in tackling the climate emergency.”

Events, News

Mayor presents laptops to Fishermead school and community centre

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At a celebration breakfast organised by Citizens:mk and hosted by Fishermead Trinity Community Centre, MK Mayor Mohammed Khan presented community leaders with 35 laptops. 

The devices were donated by Circular Computing, through Veritas Digital Services Ltd.’s Laptops4learning scheme www.laptops4learning.co.uk which tackles digital inequality by the repair and reuse of surplus technology. 

30 devices will be used by pupils of Jubilee Wood Primary School and 5 will be used to start an internet café at Trinity Centre.

This initiative follows a listening campaign involving 61 residents.  41% had trouble accessing the internet and 59% said they would use the internet cafe.

A survey of school pupils showed 114 pupils can’t access devices at home for school work.  “What we have received through this initiative will make a huge difference to them,” said head teacher Matt O’Brien. “It’s good to work alongside others who take pride in the community and want to make it as good as possible for our children.”

28 children from Willows First School, led by head teacher Jo Orbell, sang ‘Together in Electric Dreams’ to great applause.

Local resident Ophelia Cole, Chair of Trinity Centre Management Committee, who has been trained by Citizens:mk, said: “I strongly believe in working with institutions who contribute towards developing residents and changing the negative press about Fishermead. I hope this centre will one day become the hub where all residents meet to support and encourage each other, where those who are strong give a helping hand to those who are struggling.”

Mayor with representatives of Veritas Digital (Sue Gowling second from right) and Fishermead community leaders (Ophelia Cole (fifth from right)

The event was also attended by Debbie Gockelen, Assistant Principal of MK Academy secondary school, who said: “Our work with the community through Citizens:mk has encouraged active citizenship and empowered our students to make a difference in their communities. It’s good to be here and see other schools getting together to support digital inclusion.”

Sue Gowling, Founder of Veritas Digital Services, said: “We set up Laptops4learning back at the start of the pandemic to get sustainable, affordable tech and donations out to those in need.  We are delighted to be able to help the Fishermead community and look forward to extending our work with Citizens:MK and Citizens UK”.

Rev Ian Herbert, a Trinity Centre trustee, said: “We need to reach out to residents who are digitally excluded.  Working together with schools, faith and other community groups, we can.”

This initiative is part of a project funded by MK Community Foundation to build an alliance of Fishermead community groups to take action together, in partnership with Campbell Park Parish Council, to improve their community. If you would like your community group to be involved, contact Community Organiser Tom Bulman, tel 07962 838685.

(Pictured above: Cllr Mohammed Khan, Mayor of Milton Keynes, presenting 5 laptops and a partnership certificate to Heinz Elbers, Trinity Centre trustee.)

Campaigns, Cycling Citizens MK, News

Cyclists rally to Mayor and Council Leader

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More than 30 cyclists rallied in Station Square and rode through Central Milton Keynes with Milton Keynes Mayor Mohammed Khan and Council Leader Peter Marland. This was to celebrate the success of June Bike Month, in which CitizensMK members cycled 10,808 miles and MK school students and staff cycled 4,365 miles. 

Following free Dr Bike services from Cycle Saviours, and tasty hot snacks from Namji, certificates were awarded to institutions and prizes to individuals (sponsored by Trek Bikes and John Lewis) cycling most during June (see gallery below).

Ian Revell, CEO of MK Community Foundation, called on cyclists to meet again every Thursday 5pm at Station Square to celebrate cycling in MK and help MK become a cycle city. All welcome to join.

  • Mayor Khan introducing the awards
  • Ross Kearns collects Top Rider and 1st Place Organisation (most rides) for The Open University
  • Jim Iley collects 2nd Place Organisation (most rides) for MK Quaker Meeting
  • Luke Bartishel collects 3rd Place Organisation (most rides) for Orchard Academy
  • Vernon Young collects Top Rider Overall (most rides)
  • Tim Coffey collects Top School (most rides) for Ousedale School
  • Tim Layden and Elliott Tomey collect 2nd Place School and Top Student Rider (most rides) for Lord Grey Academy
  • Luke Marshall collects 3rd Place School and Top Student Rider (most rides) for Shenley Brook End School
  • Saffron Small speaks on behalf of sponsor Trek
  • Council Leader Marland and Mayor Khan consider cycling a tandem
  • Riding through CMK
  • Arriving at Campbell Park
  • Council Leader and Mayor ataViewpoint
  • Returning to CMK
  • Mayor Khan takes a break
  • Mayor Khan shows some skills

(Special thanks to MK Council officer Ellie Williamson and Hazeley School student Sasha Snell for helping to organise this event.)

Campaigns, Cycling Citizens MK, News

Join CMK Cycle Round, Thursdays 5.30pm

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Meet others for a friendly and fun cycle ride from Station Square to Campbell Park Light Pyramid and back. The on-road ride leaves Station Square at 5.30pm every Thursday (photo gallery below). This is part of the Cycling CitizensMK project in partnership with MK Council.

Sometimes there are special guests – see MK Mayor Khan and Council Leader Marland in action with CitizensMK Members and schools at June Bike Month competition and Cycle September awards.

Every Thursday since April Fools Day 2021!

Cllr Alex Walker, Leader of MK Conservative Group, joined CMK Cycle Round on 17.6.21 and said: “We all need to start taking this more seriously and I congratulate Citizens MK for this campaign to kickstart a renewed effort to boost cycling in the city.”

Campaigns, Cycling Citizens MK, News

Bike month – Members and Schools cycle-off!

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As part of a project with MK Council, Citizens:mk members and schools are competing to cycle most times and most miles in June Bike Month. See the leader boards:

Prizes will be awarded by MK Mayor Khan in Station Square at 5pm on Thursday 1st July.

Can you contribute a ride or two of your own to help your organisation’s cycle group? It’s easy. Just register here and then join your group.

If you have any questions, contact info@citizensmk.org.uk, tel 07962 838685.

(Pictured above: Ms Jo-Anne Hoarty, Headteacher of St. Paul’s Catholic School.)

Campaigns, News

Citizens win pledges from PCC candidates and party leaders

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212 citizens from 30 civil society institutions attended the Thames Valley Citizens Accountability Assembly on 29th April.

29 leaders from 15 institutions presented five campaigns with specific asks of Police & Crime Commissioner candidates, and leaders of the main political parties in Milton Keynes Council, ahead of elections on 6th May.

These powerholders made pledges for:

  • Acton on misogyny
  • Digital inclusion
  • Action on climate change
  • Deaths registration services
  • Police and young people.

See asks and pledges, with links to video recording, and summary of pledges by candidate.

Southwood Primary school pupils talked about their environment (see Stacey and Eliza videos) and the Rt Rev Bishop Olivia of Reading spoke powerfully about how the Diocese of Oxford, main sponsor of Thames Valley Citizens, is taking action on climate change (min 52-54).

The assembly ended with a Ramadan blessing from Imam Ahmed Hilal.

“The content of the evening was brilliant, really engaging,” said Linda Kirk of MK Anglican Deanery. “The testimonies were convincing and the children’s were amazing…I felt proud to be part of it.”

“This was my first Citizens Assembly and it was incredibly inspiring and powerful,” said Emma Humphreys of The Oxford Academy. “I am just starting my journey with Citizens UK and this was a fantastic opportunity to see it in action.”

Following the election, leaders of Thames Valley Citizens will hold powerholders to account for their pledges.

Events, News

Delegates Assembly agrees campaign Goals

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On 23rd March, Thames Valley Citizens held its annual Delegates Assembly online. This followed deeper research by campaign teams formed at Leaders Forum on 10th November. 45 leaders from developing citizens alliances in Oxford and Reading, and 12 Citizens MK member institutions, gave consent for five campaign action teams to present to the Police & Crime Commissioner and Leader of MK Council on 29th April.

CampaignTarget Ask Action Team
Action on Climate Change Police & Crime Commissioner; Leader of MK Council Police to be carbon-neutral by 2030, Council to discuss carbon fee and dividendCornerstone (Rick), MK Green Alliance (Rob, Kirsty, Michael), St. Pauls (Craig), MK Quakers (?), Southwood (?)
Young People & PolicePolice & Crime Commissioner Police to set up youth panel, school police day, pilot police lunches in four primary schools (£10k)MK Academy (Molly), St. Pauls (Annie), Southwood (Kate)
Burial & Death Registration Leader of MK Council Council to provide deaths registration 7dpw and burial facilities in accordance with religious beliefs by Aug 2021MK Deanery (Linda), TGTR (Linda M), MKMA (Hamid & Salim), Reading (Shaheen & Mustafa), Council of Faiths (Arif), OU (Satheesh)
Misogyny as Hate CrimePolice & Crime Commissioner PCC to include intersectional recording of hate crime in quarterly report.Cornerstone (Maggie), MK Academy (Rue & Raphael), OU (Janice & Jane), Q:alliance (Tracie Farrell), TGTR (Alifa & Kurshida), St. Pauls (Elysia)
Digital Inclusion Leader of MK Council Explore cost/benefit and funding of free wifi in Fishermead and Lakes EstateCornerstone (Stuart), MK Deanery (Tim), Reading (Judith), BRC (Scott Pilekas)

24 leaders participated in presentations, some for the first time.

Pledges were made for turnout of 143 at Accountability Assembly 29th April (details below).

In a short evaluation immediately after the Assembly, 20 leaders scored the event 8.5 out of 10. Points lost as process of Institutions reporting their commitments to action teams and assembly turnout could have been clearer.

Recording of the Delegates Assembly (passcode: ^*@nQr04).

Register here to attend Accountability Assembly 29th April.

Turnout pledges for Accountability Assembly (turnout tips):

Oxford developing citizens alliance
Reading developing citizens alliance30
Church of Christ the Cornerstone10
MK Academy10
MK Council of Faiths5
MK Deanery10
MK Green Alliance3
MK Muslim Association20
MK Quaker Meeting10
Open University10
Southwood Primary School10
St. Frideswide’s Church10
St. Paul’s Catholic School10
Truby’s Garden Tea Room5
143
Campaigns, Cycling Citizens MK, News

Orchard Top of Cycling CitizensMK league table

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Orchard Academy primary school has taken top spot in a new league table of CitizensMK members and partner organisations. At 21st March, three weeks into MK Council’s Ride It Out promotion month, Orchard has four of its staff in the top 7 riders who have cycled most miles.

One is Michelle Carter (pictured above), who for several years has been involved in promoting cycling among young children. As well as teaching full time, and having four children of her own at home, Michelle set up her own company, Biker Tots, to teach children from as young as two to cycle.

Jonathan Wilson, Deputy Headteacher at Orchard Academy (pictured below), is also in the top 7 riders of Cycling CitizensMK.

“I just love getting outdoors,” he said. “One good thing about lockdown has been seeing more families out on their bikes.

“At Orchard we want to get back to training our pupils to cycle as soon as possible. There’s so much to enjoy about being indoors rather than just computer gaming at home.”

Campaigns, Cycling Citizens MK, News

Vicar Gill busy on a bike

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Rev Gill Barrow-Jones, of St. George’s and Holy Trinity Churches in Wolverton, has been getting around on her bicycle. 22 trips in the last 18 days, as part of MK Council’s Ride It Out promotion in March (see her stats)!

“I cycle for lots of reasons,” she says. “Sometimes cycle It’s because I am late on the school run and it gets me there quickly! Other times because it’s a great way to get around in my parish. Whilst cycling I can see loads of people and stop to chat quite easily and hear what is going on in Wolverton.

“I did 8 miles last weekend delivering Mothering Sunday posies. Loved it!

“I like to cycle because it keeps me fit (especially with the gym and swimming pool closed). It’s good to get out and get active.

“I also cycle because it is good for the environment. God asks us to care for the world and turning on the car engine creates a lot of CO2. Getting on a bike is good for everyone.

“I especially like to cycle with my kids. It is such good fun and gets them off electronic devices for a while too!

“I’d love more people to cycle. The Redways in Milton Keynes make it super easy. Go get your bike out!”

Click here to see MK Mayor Cllr Geary on why he cycles.

Click here to find out about Ride It Out in March.

Click here join our Cycling CitizensMK club.

Death registration services, News

Muslim leaders want better bereavement services

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18 Muslim leaders from 8 mosques heard testimony from three people who have recently experienced trauma through lack of death registration services at the weekend. Now they are researching the Council’s interest and planning action.

According to Islamic law (shariah), the body should be buried as soon as possible from the time of death, which means that funeral planning and preparations begin immediately (including administrative & religious obligations). Burial is usually within 24 hours of death to protect the living from any sanitary issues and to honour the dead. Not burying the dead in the prescribed time carries a religious dilemma about whether the person was righteous. The Prophet of Islam clearly commands Muslims to hasten the burial:

“Hasten (the burial), if he is righteous, you are hastening him to good. If not, then it is evil you are removing from your necks.” [Bukhari]

At the moment the MK Muslim community is struggling to fulfil this religious commandment for weekends as there are no provisions or policy from the MK Council for out of hours registrations or burials.

To join the action team, contact Salim Msallam.

Campaigns, Cycling Citizens MK, News

MK leaders get on their bikes to ‘Ride It Out’

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It is not often that a Bishop, Headteacher, Lawyer, Mayor and Police Chief, all decide to cycle on the same day.  But the days are getting longer, an end to Covid restrictions is in sight, and MK leaders are choosing to Ride It Out.

On Monday 1st March, 20 leaders of faith, education and business organisations, rode their bikes to promote a month of Ride It Out cycling in a partnership between MK Council and Citizens:mk.

See gallery of riders.

“I may be more of a walker than a cyclist,” said Cllr Peter Marland, Leader of MK Council, “but it is vital we move to more sustainable modes of transport and I look forward to getting out more on my bike in March.”

“It’s a no brainer,” said Rt Rev Dr Alan Wilson, Bishop of Buckingham.  “I listen to children a lot during my visits to schools, and I know how important it is to them to see us doing what we can to reduce climate change.”

“This past year has been difficult for our pupils,” said Jo-Anne Hoarty, Headteacher of St. Paul’s Catholic School.  “Encouraging them to enjoy doing things outdoors is important for their wellbeing.”

“We know how important it is to be physically and mentally fit,” said Rukhsana Malik of MK Muslim Association (pictured).  “Cycling is a relatively cheap, exhilarating and easy way to get healthy while going places.”

“For years my political opponents have been telling me to ‘get on yer bike!’,” said MK Mayor Andrew Geary.  “Well now I’m pleased to be doing it to support this great initiative by Citizens:MK. Cycling is great fun and it’s good for us too!  Why not give it a try even if you haven’t done it for a while?” 

In Ride It Out there will be four themed weeks, each with a different reason to ride and enjoy all the benefits that biking can bring. From the physical and mental benefits through to the fun and adventurous, Ride it Out will help people to get healthier and happier whilst helping the planet too.

You can join Ride It Out by registering at www.lovetoride.net/uk and share your cycling photos and experiences on Twitter: @citizensMK @mkcouncil @lovetoride_ @GetSmarterMK #RideItOutTogether.

Get ready for a long summer of cycling! 

Campaigns, Events, News

Leaders – get on your bike for ‘Ride It Out’ on Monday 1st March

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Please help us show others that cycling is healthy and fun – a good thing for us all to do as we come to the end of Covid lockdown.

Ride a bike on Monday 1st March to help launch MK Council’s Ride It Out challenge, take a photo and say what was good about it for you:

  • either on Twitter @citizensMK @mkcouncil @lovetoride_ @GetSmarterMK #RideItOutTogether
  • or in an email to tom.bulman@citizensuk.org for our website.

This is not about pretending you’re a regular or committed cyclist (if you aren’t one), just that you think it’s a good thing to do at least sometimes.

See leaders participating.

See gallery of riders participating so far.

CAN CITIZENS:MK MEMBERS CYCLE MORE THAN ANY OTHER MK ORGANISATION?

To encourage members of your organisation to participate in Ride It Out in the month of March, please do the following:

That way we can see and celebrate their cycling as individuals, as members of your workplace, and as members and partners of Citizens:mk.

If you have any questions, please contact:

For information about all MK Council’s cycle activities, go to www.getcyclingmk.org.

Action on Misogyny, Campaigns, News

White Ribbon call to action

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Citizens:mk and Thames Valley Citizens leaders are asked to sign up to the White Ribbon Promise.

The action will complement the new MK Domestic Abuse Prevention Strategy, which only aims to work with school students or perpetrators. It has piloted a trial with female students at one school – but did not speak to the male students.

We believe that “Most men are not violent to women and role modelling positive examples of masculinity to other men is a valuable thing for society as a whole, making for a happier work/life balance, improved personal relationships, more productivity in the workplace and better customer/client interaction. “

MAKE THE PROMISE

White Ribbon encourage all men to wear a White Ribbon, and make the Promise to never commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women. This is a serious declaration and requires thought and consideration before it is made.

They specifically ask men to make the Promise, however anyone over the age of 14 can take it.

You can order a White Ribbon lapel badge to wear, or just download the logo and send us that in your email. But this is not a tick box exercise, it is a promise to take action every day (see below for webinars that you could sign up for or promote).

White Ribbon Ambassadors are men, from all walks of life, who are working with White Ribbon to change the cultures that lead to violence against women.

Men are promising to be a positive male role model in their community, including within workplaces, leisure activities, online, and among friends.

Woman are promising to encourage men and boys, organisations, networks and communities to say ‘NO’ to violence against women.

Sign up and promote these two webinars by leaders in ending violence.

26 November – Exploring ways to prevent gendered violence and challenge masculine norms in a time of crisis. Sandy Ruxton and Dr Stephen Burrell will share the outcomes of their recently published Promundo report, Masculinities and COVID-19: Making the Connections, and offer practical ways that this understanding can be used to engage, and work with, young men.

8th December – Engaging men in preventing violence against women with Dr Michael Flood Dr Michael Flood will share his research and practical knowledge to address what men can do to prevent and reduce violence against women. Dr Flood is an Australian sociologist and an associate professor at the Queensland University of Technology School of Justice.

FURTHER INFORMATION

New lockdown regulations coming into force will mean that calls to domestic violence helplines will inevitably increase.  In June this year calls to the National helpline saw a 77% increase and in Milton Keynes one in five residents reported experiencing domestic violence.

November 25 is International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and also marks White Ribbon Day.

White Ribbon UK is part of the global movement to end male violence against women by engaging with men and boys to individually and collectively take action and challenge behaviour. White Ribbon Ambassadors are men working to change the cultures that lead to male violence and White Ribbon Champions are women who encourage men to get involved.


We are asking you to inform yourselves about the White Ribbon campaign and to encourage members in your organisation to join up as ambassadors or champions.

We want to see at least two people in each of our supporter organisations signing up to Wear a White Ribbon and Make the Promise so that we can work towards Citizens:mk becoming a White Ribbon accredited organisation and invite other organisations around Milton Keynes to follow.

Sign up asap to receive a White Ribbon Badge in time for White Ribbon Day.

You can find out more about the kind of harassment and difficulty that women experience in their day-to-day lives by looking at the website of Laura Bates and the Everyday Sexism Project www.everydaysexism.com

Please let us know by November 24 how many of your members have signed up to the White Ribbon Promise, and we will share this with our followers in Milton Keynes.

Thanking you in anticipation,

Chloe Harding, MK Academy

Maggie Greaves, Church of Christ the Cornerstone

Jane Whild, The Open University

News

Leaders Forum prioritises social problems to research

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Following listening campaigns involving more than a hundred conversations (see submissions from institutions), 27 leaders from nine member institutions shared the headline results and prioritised four social problems for further research with deeper listening: Climate Change, Racism, Misogyny and Digital Exclusion. Others may emerge.

Small teams will organise more 121s over the winter months towards creating SMART campaign goals for Delegates Assembly on 9th February 2021, which member institutions pledged a turnout of 76 people to attend.

Leader, News, Testimonial

Kurshida Mirza receives British Empire Medal

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Citizens:mk is delighted to learn that former Co-Chair Kurshida Mirza has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for her interfaith contribution to Milton Keynes through Trubys Garden Tea Room and the Great Get Together Iftar. 

Married with two children and living in Milton Keynes since 1990, Kurshida has a research, policy and strategy background working within local and central government.  She held many portfolios in Government including leading on housing for vulnerable and older people, community engagement, tackling worklessness and homelessness. 

As well as being former Co-Chair of Citizens:mk, Kurshida is Chair for MK Community Foundation and founder of Trubys Garden Tea Room – MK’s interfaith cafe and the Midlands Chair for Housing Learning and Information Network (a learning and improvement network connecting housing, health and care).  Kurshida is also the founder of the Great Get Together Iftar MK  which brings people from all faiths and the wider community to join Muslims during Ramadan to break the fast.  The Great Get Together Iftar and Trubys Interfaith Cafe are both growing from strength to strength with a huge following in MK as a conduit for positive dialogue between Muslims and the wider community.

Kurshida said: “I am truly humbled by this recognition.  All thanks is to Allah and the success of both Trubys Garden Tea Room and the Great Get Together Iftar are because of all our volunteers and partners who work tirelessly throughout the year.”

Events, News

Weaving Trust – listening for issues in BAME access to health services

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20 leaders from 12 MK institutions participated in an online Weaving Trust event focused on the equality of access to MK health services experienced by people from Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities.

The event provided an opportunity to hear testimonies and share experiences – through a carousel of short one-to-one discussions – with various MK health providers. It was hoped this would lead to new opportunities for understanding, collaboration and perhaps action to improve the way things are. 

After an introduction from Chair Kurhshida Mirza, testimonies were heard from:

  • Jabeer Butt, CEO, Race Equality Foundation – national perspective on evidence of health inequalities (read testimony)
  • Dr Aysha Ziauddin – a GP living in MK and working in Northampton – sharing her thoughts on the issues for BAME communities (hear testimony)
  • Mrs Humaira Hasan – a local MK resident – why equal access to health is important to her as a citizen (hear testimony)

Then there were six rounds of 7-minute one-to-one conversations.

At the end of the event, a small team agreed to meet in two weeks to prioritise issues, taking note of comments written in Zoom Chat, and work to set a direction for action to bring about change (read written comments).

Humaira Hasan of Truby’s Garden Tea Room wrote: “It was nice to be able to speak to others whom I wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to interact with. Also nice to have a platform where I can speak freely!”

Events, News

AGM launches Listening Campaign 2020

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17 leaders from 9 member institutions attended the Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 15th September 2020.

Reflections on 2019-20 and what’s needed for more powerful 2020-21

Budget 2020-21

Leadership Group appointed for 2020-21. Welcome Choe, Emma and Harvind from MK Academy. Farewell and thanks to Sheila Bacon.

Leaders asked to attend Unconscious Bias training on Tuesday 29th Sept, 6-7pm, on Zoom

Listening campaign launched: agreed all leaders to have 5 one-to-one conversations in next 8 weeks, ready for Leaders Forum 10th November:

  1. Choose 5 people who interest you and/or are angry about a social injustice
  2. Ask each person these 4 questions (printable version here)
  3. Find other ‘leaders’ who can organise their own 5 one-to-one conversations
  4. Gather information from all your institution’s one-to-one conversations using this summary form. In the score box, please average scores (0-5) from the individual listening forms.

Reflection on organising leaders – ‘snowflake’ model of leadership

Leaders invited to attend Training to Organise Listening Campaign on Saturday 3rd Oct, 9.30am-12pm, on Zoom.

In post-event evaluation, participants gave the action a score of 8 out of 10.

Pledges received for Listening Campaign 2020 (some added afterwards):

NAME OF INSTITUTIONPLEDGED NO. 121sPLEDGED BY
Church of Christ the Cornerstone30 (33)Fidele Mutwarisibo
Congolese Community  
Jubilee Wood Primary School  
MK Academy15Harvind Gill
MK Council of Faiths  
MK Deanery25Tim Norwood
MK Green Alliance 5 Kirsty Forshaw
MK Muslim Association  
MK Quaker Meeting  
Open University20Jane Whild
Orchard Academy  
Q:alliance  
Southwood Primary School  
St. Augustine’s RC Church  
St. Frideswide’s Church30Catherine Butt
St. Paul’s Catholic School  
Stantonbury Ecumenical Partnership  
Truby’s Garden Tea Room  
  

Early in the session, participants observed a 121 between the Co-Chairs and made the following comments:

  • I liked the image of the cheese and celery sandwich over which Jane’s feminism was inspired by her Nanna Gertie!
  • I think it makes a difference whether you know the person well or whether it is your first meeting.  Fidele said that you need to find a hook .
  • inspired by the input Nanna Gertie on Jane
  • The mention of her nanna was powerful because it stared up memories and gave them a shared story…
  • talking properly with someone I wouldn’t normally meet.
  • I really liked the honesty and hearing how someone had influenced Jane’s life.  I think we all have one or more people like that.  It’s good to remember them.
  • We liked the idea of connecting with people’s anger, and using that to light fires in people.  Also digging deeper with asking the question of where that anger comes from.
  • Interesting to hear the campaigns that others are a part of, as well as hearing their stories and the work they’ve done, as well as having a more personal touch.
  • I agree with Sheila s point about prior knowledge of the person.
  • Great way of learning more about what motivates people (especially through our personal stories) and that connects us to them in future.
  • Interesting chat on the difference between leading a campaign and being co-chair! We still need the anger though!
  • It was great that the questions encouraged personal stories as this helps people build connections between people even if they hadn’t know each other prior (also loved Jane’s story

Campaigns, Fight Against Hate, News

Police Area Commander listens to BAME voices

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MK Police Area Commander Superintendent Marc Tarbit and Inspector James Ravenall met three Citizens:mk leaders representing BAME communities for one-to-one discussions about experiences of policing in MK.

Originally planned as a larger Weaving Trust event involving leaders from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities across Citizens:mk member institutions, substantially reduced by new Covid-19 restrictions, the event was intended to build relationships and identify BAME issues in relation to the Police as the start of a wider listening process.

Following the event, students Chloe Harding and Harvind Gill from MK Academy school will lead a listening campaign with other sixth form students, and Phil Shamamba of MK Congolese Community will lead a campaign within the wider African Diaspora.

“It was good to get the perspectives of high-ranking police officers,” said Chloe. “I think some of the tensions between young people and the police could be reduced if there were more BAME officers.”

Superintendent Tarbit said: “It’s good for us to hear voices we don’t normally hear. We look forward to talking further when the student survey is done.”

News, Refugees Welcome

World Refugee Day Assembly celebrates unveiling of new pillar

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38 people from a wide range of Citizens:mk member and non-member institutions attended a special online assembly to celebrate the unveiling of a World Refugee Day pillar at MK Rose (pictured above). The pillar reads: People from around the world have helped build this city – Milton Keynes welcomes refugees. See video of unveiling.

The assembly heard testimonies from Syrian refugees and the leaders of the Refugees Welcome MK charity (RWMK) which formed five years ago, at the height of the Syrian refugee crisis, to support their settlement in MK.

Other powerful testimonies from refugees were read aloud (hear testimonies).

Cllr Peter Marland was thanked as the Leader of MK Council for its courageous decision to welcome people from Syria as part of the Vulnerable Person’s Resettlement Scheme (VPRS). (Earlier in the day he received thank you baklava prepared by one of the Syrian refugee families, pictured above). Also celebrated was the work of the British Red Cross, both the staff and the volunteers who worked tirelessly to resettle refugees and support those who vulnerable or disadvantaged. Cllr Marland pledged to facilitate 4-monthly meetings at Civic Offices of a new multi-agency forum to address issues that refugees face in accessing health services and digital poverty.

Marc Eisenstadt, Treasurer of RWMK,, explained action that had already been taken to address digital poverty: a Working Group on Digital Poverty in MK has been set up to address three key areas : laptop provision, internet broadband or mobile pay-as-you-go gadgets for connecting the laptops, and training to make best use of the technology.

In post-assembly evaluation with leaders who organised and attended the assembly, the event scored 9.5 out of 10.

RWMK plans to close down its operation as a facilitator of VPRS. Citizens:mk will continue to campaign on Refugee Welcome issues.

Events, News

600 tune in to inaugural Thames Valley Assembly

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Thames Valley Citizens is the newest chapter of Citizens UK, growing out of the pioneering work of Citizens:mk in Milton Keynes over the last ten years, bolstered by Sponsoring Committees for new alliances in Oxford and Reading (first meetings later this month), and member organisations across the counties of Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire. 

Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, the inaugural Thames Valley Citizens Assembly had been planned for late April, to coincide with the Police and Crime Commissioner election. What happened instead was a more reflective gathering which recognised and listened to those working on the frontline against Covid (council leaders, the CEO of a hospital, the Police Commissioner, volunteer co-ordinators, education providers, PPE-makers etc), held mini house-meetings in breakouts to envision a more just Thames Valley post-Covid, sought a seat at the table with with power-holders, and demanded action on 5 current issues: improving death registration services, Living Wage for Careworkers, tackling climate change, action on misogyny and improving death registration services (4 of these issues had been voted on at a Delegates’ Assembly that had been held pre-Lockdown on Zoom).

You can watch the Assembly in full on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dioceseofoxford/videos/573507640256567/. 

Turnout was 95 on Zoom (almost double the target) plus 600 views on Facebook live, with a balance of participants across MK, Oxford and Reading – and a smattering from the wider Thames Valley area. 

The Police and Crime Commissioner committed to quarterly meetings with Thames Valley Citizens, with a firm commitment on action to improve relationships between young people and the police, and an open door to explore Living Wage accreditation, action to reduce carbon emissions, and recording misogyny as a hate crime, in his remaining year of office. 

The leaders of Milton Keynes Council and Reading Council also attended, and became the first in the country to back our Living Wage for Careworkers Campaign – they are already accredited Living Wage employers and will publicly join our call on the UK Government to invest £1.4billion so that social care employees are paid the Real Living Wage. 

The Assembly welcomed the Diocese of Oxford, which is funding the development of Thames Valley Citizens with a £150,000 commitment over 5 years. All 4 bishops participated, with the Bishop of Oxford leading the opening reflection.  Here’s how the Diocese wrote it up.

Read Assembly Evaluation.

Thames Valley Citizens will now grow through the creation of Temporary Sponsoring Committees in Oxford and reading. If you would like to know more, contact:

Police & Crime Commissioner receives ‘Thank You Police’ cake on the morning of the Assembly, as part of Thames Valley Citizens’ thanks for the efforts of public service leaders during the Covid-19 crisis

News, Refugees Welcome

Weaving Trust Online for Refugees

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Six members of British Red Cross hosted six visitors from five Citizens:mk member institutions in the second online Weaving Trust event, using Zoom as a platform. This is the second of a series of events organised by Citizens:mk in a new strategic partnership with MK Community Foundation to support its Vital Signs research.

Weaving Trust is a carousel of short one-to-one conversations between people who wouldn’t otherwise meet. The focus question for this event was: “What are the current issues facing refugees and asylum-seekers in relation to poverty and disadvantage?”

Written comments from participants at the end of the session were as follows:

  • Home schooling is a challenge due to lack of the right technology, such as laptops, computers, etc, and because of language
  • It is a real issue if you don’t have the right technology and good internet.
  • Home schooling, mental health and relationship breakdown, are the main issues.
  • Dependency- ESOL not the suitable method for teaching-access to mental health support-digital poverty- hidden discrimination- a need to liaise more with council, politicians (local MPs), decision makers etc.,
  • Digital poverty – exacerbating social isolation and mental health illness. Reduction in mental health services – especially for those with language barriers and those who do not have access to public funds and can therefore not access specialists services.
  • Access to mental health support especially for parents with mental health needs as well as children with complex needs.  Access to financial support to buy basic food essentials and health prescriptions.  Issues with inability to claim Universal Credit.  Issues around domestic violence and the need to leave the accommodation they are in.  Issues around Home Schooling: Parents levels of literacy and digital poverty.
  • For health services, access to interpreter services is patchy; GP receptionists are saying they are not allowed to call an interpreter to help with arranging appointments.  Letters from the NHS which give instructions for scans or tests, or letters reporting the outcomes are not understood.  It was suggested that patient records should have a flag on them which alerts the GP or Hospital to contact patients in order to communicate these and bring in an interpreter OR have standard instructions templates in a variety of languages which are provided centrally and adapted locally.
  • Access to a translator at the GPs – not all GPs knowing what they are allowed. Not understanding how the healthcare system works.
  • Closing of hotels so refugees being made homeless. Option of moving in with a family no longer available
  • Accessing mental health, stigma attached (culture), language barriers
  • Issues around stigma are huge.   Refugees, asylum seekers and migrants may have fear – fear of the unknown, not knowing who to trust, who to ask.  Fear of being judged. Mental Health issues carry stigma, and with many people refugees and asylum seekers live with MH issues and less access to support and interventions.  Lack of compassion and understanding in the general public is huge.  Negativity and judgement is rife. 
  • Weaving Trust events do help increase understanding when we talk!    Thank you for this opportunity.

In post-session evaluation, participants scored the event 8 out of 10.

Campaigns, Events, Mental Health, News

Weaving Trust for Mental Health and Wellbeing

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Eight members of St. Frideswide’s Church hosted eight visitors from five Citizens:mk member institutions in the first ever online Weaving Trust event, using Zoom as a platform. This is the first of a series of events organised by Citizens:mk in a new strategic partnership with MK Community Foundation to support its Vital Signs research.

Weaving Trust is a carousel of short one-to-one conversations between people who wouldn’t otherwise meet. The focus question for this event was: “Where do we see strength in our community and how can it be used to support mental health and wellbeing?”

Following the conversations, participants shared various reactions and suggestions (below).

Rev Catherine Butt, Vicar of St. Frideswide’s Church, said: “It went to prove that listening and learning can happen virtually in this way, despite the obvious compromises. At St Frideswide’s we are looking forward to working with our partner institutions as we emerge from these strange days, with hope for a fairer and more just society.”

Comments from participants at the end of the session were as follows:

  • What has struck me is that mental health issues can affect anyone at anytime to varying degrees – no one is immune
  • A minor stress for one person is unbearable for another
  • My own context would be very stressful for many people, whereas it’s not for me
  • We need to be aware of/sensitive to the mental stress of children
  • Community can be about social support too, for example, spot those who are lonely and bring them in.  How we do that in lockdown may be more of a challenge for communities.
  • Community can help by making people feel as if they belong.  People can feel very lonely and isolated in a whole slew of different contexts, but they have to feel they matter to someone, and feel valued, otherwise as humans we feel cut off even if we are in a crowd.
  • Aspects that came up in some of my chats:  the benefit of green spaces and nature, the sharing of cross generational experience for the support of young and old; smaller communities with hubs at the centre for meeting and activities.
  • This session has been great and I think communities need to be very aware of children and young people and their mental health going forward
  • Acknowledging we cannot make it right but are there in support of others, we all have skills and experience and can use these to encourage and share in getting alongside others
  • It’s been great to talk to five different people coming at the topic from such different perspectives.  Strengths in our community/ies that came up in our chats included green spaces in Mk, such as canals, lakes, parks; churches and faith groups a resource for community groups offering somewhere to meet, and volunteers to help community groups to build relationships, and talking to one another.  During lockdown, MH is being talked about more because of the detrimental effect staying indoors not seeing loved ones, and the worry about work, money, ill health, etc.  But it is good it is being talked about because we need to bring it out in the open, and break stigma.  People are reaching out to one another during lockdown at a new level, which is building relationships and this is good for our wellbeing, and so is having a bit more time for quality times with family, parents and children, spouses, etc, and to do less and be more.
  • Stability is important in uncertain times – how do we provide/help that when projects/funding comes and goes?
  • It would be good if the new found community spirit could be continued past the lockdown phase.  Checking in with a neighbour or group Whatsapps for example.
  • I wish we could come with other terms, something that carries less of the stigma and less of the medical baggage…wellbeing is a good start.
  • I was thinking about how we connect to the people who have any degree of mental health but are either coping or not coping behind closed doors.  We don’t know about them and they may no know that there are agencies to help them or feel unable to ask for help.  The only way seems to be building relationships within small communities.
  • We need to understand that whilst people’s physical needs can be met, anxiety and mental wellbeing is as important and being able to signpost people to help as well as talking is important.  There are a number of different community initiatives that can help.  Arts organisations, MIND, amongst others are all still working.
  • One key phrase that stood out was mutual aid.
  • How can community support those who are in acute need?  There is plenty of advice coming out from agencies and local services e.g. Arthur Ellis on MKFM on Sunday.
  • It’s a concern that people living with MH issues that belong to groups are not able to attend during lockdown.
  • There has certainly been a shift in the community around me towards talking when there is an opportunity – we can encourage this by responding even just by smiling/body language.

In post-session evaluation, participants scored the event 8 out of 10.

News

Co-Chairs meet Ben Everitt MP

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On 13 March, Citizens:mk Co-Chairs Hala Afify and Jane Whild (pictured) met Ben Everitt, new MP for Milton Keynes North, his Communications Officer, Liam Andrews, and Alex Walker, Leader of MK Conservative Group. They thanked Alex for honouring the pledge he made at the Parliamentary Candidates’ Assembly in December, for Citizens:mk leaders to meet within 3 months of the recent General Election.  Also in attendance was Community Organiser Tom Bulman.

During the first meeting rounds, everyone introduced themselves and their interests.

Following that, Tom, Jane and Hala presented our agreed CMK campaign priorities and aims for the Police and Crime Commissioner Assembly.  At the meeting end, all participants agreed it was good to meet in person and that we had established a good foundation for future communication. As a next step, Tom will arrange for Ben to meet the Red Cross and Syrian refugees, who have been supported by our chapter.

In their reflections on the meeting,  Hala said “it was good to meet my MP and to find him attentive and willing to engage. I spoke about the Fair Work campaign that I have been leading for a year and half, and I was able to tell the story of my involvement with Citizens:mk after my dismissal by email.”

Jane commented “it was good to meet Ben and hear about his local priorities as well as the Domestic Violence bill that will be coming before Parliament in the future. Misogyny is a root cause of domestic violence, hence my leading campaign which aims to tackle it. ” 

Since the meeting, we learned that the Local Council and PCC elections have been postponed by a year, which means we’ll have to change our plans for 29th April Assembly!  The Leadership Team will consider taking our campaigns to the incumbent PCC.

Finally, we welcome David Chapman, from The Church of Christ the Cornerstone, to the Treasurer role, which he has taken over from Linda McComie.  On behalf of all our members, we thank Linda for doing such a marvellous job as Treasurer over recent years.   

David was not present at the meeting with Ben, but having previously participated in the unsuccessful attempts to meet with Ben’s predecessor, Mark Lancaster, David said that he was very encouraged to hear of the positive start to building a relationship with Ben.

Events, News

Delegates Assembly agrees agenda for Police & Crime Commissioner

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This year’s Delegates Assembly, including delegations from Oxford and Reading for the first time, voted on campaign goals for the Police & Crime Commissioners Assembly on 29th April (see PCC Campaign_2019-20 plan).

Hosted by St. Frideswide’s Church in Water Eaton, south Milton Keynes, the assembly was co-chaired by Rob Paton of MK Quakers and Hala Afify of Truby’s Garden Tea Room, and attended by 43 people from 11 Citizens:mk member institutions.

It was agreed to support the following four campaign goals and focus resources on the two which got the most votes (in brackets):

  1. Action on Climate Change, led by Kirsty Forshaw of MK Green Alliance: Commit to declaring a climate emergency across the Thames Valley Police Force, meeting quarterly with us to prepare and present your action plan at next year’s Citizens Accountability Assembly for going carbon neutral by 2030 (48).
  2. Police & Schools Together, led by Tony Berwick of Jubilee Wood Primary School: A Thames Valley Police contact and backup team attached to every school so that Headteachers can confidently expect communication throughout the school year and a shared understanding of local issues (40).
  3. Real Living Wage, led by Rukhsana Malik of MK Muslim Association: Apply Real Living Wage to every employee and contractor in Thames Valley Police (21).
  4. Misogyny As Hate Crime, led by Jane Whild of The Open University: Classify misogyny as a recordable hate crime within a year and publish quarterly sex disaggregated data for all hate crimes within 6 months (21).

In group evaluation immediately after the assembly, delegates in MK scored the event 8 out of 10; in Oxford, 7.5 out of 10.

Comments received:

  • The venue was very good (much better than the Guildhall at Christ the Cornerstone, where MK’s Delegates Assemblies have been held previously).
  • The campaign leaders had prepared well, with clear presentations and clear goals.
  • Business was successfully completed to the satisfaction of most delegates.
  • Turnout below usual ‘5 delegates per institution’ target and several MK institutions only had one delegate.
  • Effective participation of Reading and Oxford.
  • Technology not perfect. Difficult to read what was on the screen at times (text too small). Some hiccoughs in the communication with Oxford and Reading. Hard for speakers not being able to control their powerpoints.
  • The voting was a bit confused. Would have been better if we’d known how the votes would be used before deciding on our scores.
  • A delegate from one of the Catholic Churches had said she was uneasy about speaking on behalf of her organisation because she was there on her own and said she would vote mainly for the Green campaign, because the Pope had spoken out strongly on environmental issues. Someone then shouted out ‘and what has the Pope to say about misogyny”, to which there was some laughter – not in the spirit of how Citizens works.
  • Partisan cheering and clapping by campaign teams also not in the spirt of how Citizens works.

Turnout pledged for the PCC Assembly was 185 as below:

Oxford 20
Reading 20
Milton Keynes 145
Church of Christ the Cornerstone 15
Jubilee Wood Primary School 12
MK Deanery 40
MK Green Alliance 15
MK Muslim Association 5
MK Quaker Meeting 15
Open University 8
St. Augustine’s RC Church 5
St. Frideswide’s Church 15
St. Paul’s Catholic School 10
Truby’s Garden Tea Room 5
Action on Climate Change, Campaigns, Events, Fair Work, Fight Against Hate, News, Refugees Welcome

Dialogue Wins As Parliamentary Candidates Pledge Action

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On 2nd December, 181 people from 19 diverse community organisations gathered at Church of Christ the Cornerstone to hear MK’s parliamentary candidates introduce themselves and respond to the campaign interests of Citizens:mk alliance.

The event aimed to promote respectful dialogue for more informed voting at the General Election on 12th December. All candidates were invited and co-chairs Kurshida Mirza of Truby’s Garden Tea Room and Neil Hutchinson of MK Academy (pictured above) expressed disappointment that the Conservative Party candidates for MK North and South, held by Conservative MPs since 2010, were unable to attend this Citizens:mk assembly because they were busy elsewhere.

A rap video was played, Planet Water by pupils from Orchard Academy primary school (see lyrics), and some attendees put on Greta Thunberg masks (pictured above) to show solidarity with the children and young people in MK and around the world who are campaigning for action on climate change.

After short welcome speeches from Rev George Mwaura and MK Mayor Sam Crooks (pictured below), the presentations from Citizens:mk’s campaign leaders (pictured below) got underway:

After everyone was asked to have a short one-to-one conversation with someone they didn’t know (pictured below) the six attending parliamentary candidates made their five-minute presentations, each strictly timed by Boyzie Morse of MK Quaker Meeting.

The candidates were asked to respond to the following questions:

  1. why are you standing for election? (one minute)
  2. response to one question selected by Citizens:mk Leadership Group from questions emailed in advance by registered attendees:  If elected, how would you make sure your priority is to Milton Keynes before your party, and how would you ensure the views of local residents aren’t ignored?  (one minute)
  3. response to Citizens:mk Asks below (two minutes).

The asks – If elected, will you…

  1. Attend and contribute to our Annual Assembly
  2. Convene meetings we arrange with local business and other leaders, in support of a local Campaign (one per year)
  3. Call for and support in Parliament measures conducive to our local  campaigns
  4. Meet with our Leadership Team twice a year for one hour, either in MK or Westminster.

These were the candidates and their responses:

  • Alan Francis, The Green Party (MK South) – see video
  • Stephen Fulton, Independent (MK South) – see video
  • Hannah O’Neill, Labour Party (MK South) – see video
  • Aisha Mir, Liberal Democrats (MK North) – see video
  • Charlynne Pullen, Labour Party (MK North) – see video
  • Catherine Rose, The Green Party (MK North) – see video

In the absence of the Conservative candidates, the Leader of the Conservative group on MK Council was given the opportunity to read statements from them (pictured below). He pledged to organise a meeting between any Conservative MP(s) elected and members of Citizens:mk Leadership Group within three months of the election.

Saleyha Ahsan, Liberal Democrat candidate for MK South, sent her apologies for absence due to ill health.

In a group Evaluation immediately after, the event was scored 8 out of 10, with points being dropped for lower than target turnout and insufficient audibility of all speakers. As Headteacher Neil Hutchinson later pointed out, “this would be a very high grade in GCSE or A level!”

Photos by Liam Hyatt. Filming by Chris Valentine.

Campaigns, Events, Fight Against Hate, News

Police & Crime Commissioner answers questions

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On 26th November, Dr. Fidele Mutwarisibo, leader of Citizens:mk’s First Against Hate campaign, and Julie Upton, High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire, welcomed Citizens:mk and other community leaders to a light lunch with Anthony Stansfeld, Police & Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Thames Valley, at Church of Christ the Cornerstone.

The purpose of the lunch was to find out more about the role and responsibilities of the PCC, and what it’s really like to do the job, from someone who’s done it for nearly 8 years and will be succeeded by a newly elected PCC in May.   Citizens:mk leaders want to be better informed, understand the issues and share their own views to inform and influence the PCC agenda.

This was part of Citizens:mk’s research towards negotiation with candidates for the post at a special assembly for Thames Valley Citizens in Milton Keynes on 29th April (click here for information and to book a place).

It follows the table-top workshop being hosted by MK Police Commander Tim Metcalfe on 17th October (see news story).

“it was a very valuable thing to create space for dialogue helping the Citizens:mk Alliance to work with a broad range of service providers,” said Citizens:mk Co-Chair Kurshida Mirza.

To find out more about how you can contribute to the agenda for PCC candidates at the 29th April Assembly, see this campaign briefing document and/or contact Community Organiser Tom Bulman, tel 07962 838685.

Campaigns, News, Refugee Wel;come Schools, Refugees Welcome, Sponsor Refugees

Two More schools pledge to become Refugee Welcome Schools

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22 people from 11 institutions attended a Syrian lunch for Refugee Welcome Schools & Launch of Community Sponsorship.

After a delicious lunch prepared by the ladies of Syrian Kitchen, guests were welcomed by Ayser Al Jawad of Middle Eastern Cultural Group and Mayor Sam Crooks.

Syrian refugee Bassem Al Haj and his daughter Tasnim gave powerful testimonies of their experiences settling, as a parent and a teenager respectively, since arriving in Milton Keynes four years ago after four years in a refugee camp in Lebanon.

Following presentation of a new ‘Ideas For Action’ resource pack by Jess Maddocks of Citizens UK and Steve Sondhi of NASUWT Birmingham (Refugees Welcome Partner), senior leaders Gill Molloy of Denbigh School and Debbie Gockelen of Milton Keynes Academy pledged their schools’ commitment to attaining Refugee Welcome Schools accreditation. This will take the total number of accredited schools in Milton Keynes to 10, including The Radcliffe School, most recently accredited.

Following presentations from Bekele Woyecha of Citizens UK, and Rev Gill Barrow-Jones of St. George’s & Holy Trinity Church (pictured), Azim and Shelina Maghji pledged commitment to helping their organisation, Building Bridges, to lead MK’s second Sponsor Refugee project.

Action on Climate Change, Campaigns, News

Refill Poster Competition Winners Announced

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Mayor Sam Crooks announced the winners of the Refill Poster Competition at a special event hosted by Central Milton Keynes Library. click here to see winners 

The bit.do/refillposter webpage also provides you with access to the event slides and a PDF documenting the final group reflections about ideas for where we can take the campaign next. These suggestions will be discussed further with the children and other members of Citizens:MK for us to decide together what we prioritise for worthwhile and winnable action over the coming months.

“PLANET WATER” SONG

Here are the rap song lyrics which Orchard Academy pupils have produced and agreed to lead on singing at the Citizens:MK Parliamentary Assembly on 2nd December.

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Please complete this short questionnaire to tell us what you think? (All results will be kept anonymous and no personal data will be shared with any other party.) 

Campaigns, Fair Work, News

Fair Work Round Table Wins pledges for action

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30 people from six member and 4 non-member institutions attended the Fair Work Round Table at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church in Heelands.

The aim was to share issues of inequality at work, build relationships with parliamentary candidates for MK North and, through open dialogue, develop ideas for common goals to which candidates will be asked to pledge commitment at a Parliamentary Candidates Assembly on Monday 2nd December.

After a welcome from Debbie Wilson of MK Quakers and Fr Francis Higgins of St. Augustine’s, and special addresses from Mayor Sam Crooks (pictured) and Ian Revell of MK Community Foundation, who presented latest Vital Signs findings on work and the economy), various testimonies of unfair working practices were heard:

Hala Alify of Trubys Garden Tea Room talked about a lack of transparency of contract and termination processes when she was fired from a zero-hours contract, after more than two years of continuous service, by email.

Marion Cole of Works4Us talked about how her organisation supports workers in this situation.

Rukhsana Malik of MK Muslim Association announced the results of an online survey conducted by Citizens:mk between September and November.

Nick Peacock, Managing Director of Ascendant Recruitment, spoke from a recruitment employer’s perspective. He explained his feelings of discomfort at watching workers being unfairly treated in zero hours contracts.

Wider research on fair work policies was presented by Jane Whild of The Open University and Professor Susan Edwards of University of Buckingham.

Jess Goble of the national Living Wage Foundation talked about the Real Living Wage and a new national Living Hours campaign.

David  Chapman of Church of Christ the Cornerstone and Hala Afify of Truby’s Garden Tea Room asked for reactions from guest parliamentary candidates, Charlynne Pullen of the Labour Party and Aisha Mir of the Liberal Democrats (The Conservative Party was invited).

Each was asked to agree to include a statement of support for Fair Work in Milton Keynes. Aisha Mir, the Liberal Democrat candidate, agreed that she would include the Fair Work Team’s recommended statement in her maiden speech:

“Milton Keynes is proud to be a place with good employment opportunities for all, and I will be working with local employers, community groups and Citizens:MK to further strengthen fair work practices in the city. Milton Keynes is committed to ensuring that all workers receive a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work and intends to lead the way with best practice fair employment contracts.”

Charlynne Pullen, the Labour Party candidate also agreed to include these words her maiden speech, with the proviso that she would add ‘trade unions’ to the list of people she would work with in order to strengthen fair work practices,

Other parliamentary candidates will be asked to make a similar Fair Work pledge, as well as pledges for action on other Citizens:mk campaigns, at the Parliamentary Candidates Assembly on 2nd December.

Campaigns, News

10 leaders attend Police Commander’s Workshop

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10 leaders from six member institutions attended a workshop led by Supt Tim Metcalfe, supported by four police officers, at MK Police Station.

The aim was for leaders of Citizens:mk to understand better the aims, operations and constraints of MK Police, to help their research in planning an agenda for the election of the Police & Crime Commissioner in May 2020; also to help MK Police understand better the experiences of diverse MK community groups and get feedback on ways MK Police can improve its service.

As part of this process, five Citizens:mk leaders signed up to  ‘ride-along’ with MK Police on duty, experiencing it from the back of a police car. 

The workshop centred on a ‘table-top’ experience reflecting ‘a day in the life of’ from the perspective of Supt Metcalfe and some of the day to day operational decisions that have to be made regarding professional standards and the deployment of limited resources against assessments of threat, harm and risk. 

This included anonymised details from a typical daily management meeting where decisions have to be made regarding missing persons and the prioritisation of activity in response to the previous 24hrs’ events. Also a discussion about use of taser guns.

The workshop ended with ideas for improvement and initial discussion about ways Citizens:mk leaders can involve their institutions in supporting the Police effort.

In closing feedback, participants said they found the workshop illuminating and helpful, they’d have liked it to be longer. Supt Metcalfe said he would be happy to welcome a wide range of citizens to attend a similar worksho to help more people understand how the Police operate.