Advice jobs in Milton keynes
Responsible to: Youth Services Manager
Hours: Full time 37 hours (Job share considered)
Salary: £27,500
Based: Hybrid (Bedford + one day per week in Q:alliance Head Office, Milton Keynes)
Contract: Fixed term for 2 years, with possibility of extension (subject to funding)
Closing Date: 18th February 2026 at 23:59
Interview Date: Tuesday 3rd March
Context
Q:alliance provides support, information, and representation for LGBTQ+ young people in Bedford, drawing on our wider experience delivering established services across Milton Keynes for the last 50 years.
We have detailed knowledge of the issues and challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and organisations locally, and it is our goal to create more safe spaces and resources to ensure the LGBTQ+ community in Bedford is visible, well represented, and supported.
Scope
This is a newly created role within our Bedford services, delivering Q:alliance’s established youth support model developed in Milton Keynes and shaping pathways and support that respond to local need in Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire.
You will manage a one-to-one caseload of support for LGBTQ+ young people, while building relationships with schools and developing a collaborative schools’ network informed by young people’s insights. You will also develop and deliver LGBTQ+ inclusion training for teachers, education staff, and youth workers. This work will contribute to safe, affirming environments that strengthen resilience, wellbeing, and mental health.
You will work closely with the Youth Services Manager and youth teams across our service areas, building on existing Q:alliance provision in Bedford, where a dedicated youth team already leads on LGBTQ+ youth group delivery.
The role includes outreach across Bedfordshire’s urban and rural communities, supporting young people who may experience increased isolation due to limited access to LGBTQ+-affirming spaces.
You will work collaboratively with the Youth Services Manager to agree outreach and engagement targets, contributing to effective monitoring and reporting systems to ensure robust evidence of impact.
What you’ll bring to the team
This role is a key opportunity for Q:alliance to grow our work in Bedford, build local relationships, and better understand and respond to the needs of LGBTQ+ young people across the area. You will play a central role in shaping a new service, reaching young people who may not yet be connected to support, and helping both staff and the board of trustees develop a strong, place-based understanding of LGBTQ+ youth experiences in Bedford.
You will act as a first point of contact for schools, colleges, and youth settings in Bedford, building trusted relationships and establishing a collaborative network of school and college leads. You will share insights gathered through this work with the wider Q:alliance team, helping to strengthen our responses to local need and inform the development and sustainability of services, including future funding.
You will help ensure continuity of support between schools, our support spaces and Q:alliance’s wider youth service provision.
Main Responsibilities
· Networking – Support teachers, education staff and youth workers to access resources, implement inclusive learning environments and provide support for LGBTQ+ young people in their settings. Develop a network of school representatives to provide peer-support on shifting needs, priorities, and situations in a local and national context.
· Data capture and intelligence - Support Q;alliance’s commitment to sustaining a contemporary data and monitoring mechanism, guaranteeing we can deliver thorough evaluations of our services and competent feedback to our funders and stakeholders on the efficacy of our work. Analyse local intelligence directly from LGBTQ+ youth communities and use this to co-produce plans with young people to ensure our youth services are engaging and meeting needs.
· Support, information and empowerment – develop and implement resources for 1:1 education and resilience work with LGBTQ+ young people, provide support and advocacy for young people, ensuring effective signposting to relevant services and collaboration with parents, guardians, teachers and education staff where appropriate.
· Innovation – work with the Youth Services Manager, school representatives and young people to innovate a schools accreditation system that will acknowledge and cultivate schools’ competence to provide safe spaces and support for LGBTQ+ young people.
· Stakeholder and community engagement – Forge and support enduring relationships with key partners, strengthening our commitment to building an alliance of cross-sector compassionate advocates for the LGBTQ+ community in its diverse forms.
· Education – Plan, develop and deliver positive and engaging classroom workshops and school assemblies to a wide range of young people, ensuring key messages are inclusive of diverse perspectives, including those from black and minoritized communities.
· Training - Develop and deliver training for teachers, education staff and youth workers with the aim of improving the wellbeing of LGBTQ+ youth communities and the capacity of those with the power to assist in this endeavour.
Skills and Experience
Expertise
· Experience working with and supporting young people
· Experience of developing and sustaining a network
· Ability to deliver innovative education and training packages, delivery, and evaluation
· Knowledge of the challenges affecting young LGBTQ+ people
· Knowledge of issues affecting young people’s mental health and the skills required to build resilience
· Excellent planning, organisation and administrative skills
· Expertise in safeguarding young people, ensuring welfare of all by following policy and procedures in relation to recognising, recording, and responding to safeguarding concerns and liaising with the Designated Safeguarding Lead
· Ability to observe strict confidentiality at all times with respect to matters concerning young people and the schools, colleges and youth settings in which you support through your role in the developing network
· Capable to respond to a young person in crisis, signposting to appropriate resources and support.
Communication
· A high standard of written English, including an ability to write thorough reports, make referrals to partner agencies, maintain outreach files, and record minutes of forum meetings
· An engaging and charismatic public speaking style with the ability to adapt delivery style dependent on context and audience
· Ability to adopt a positive constructive language style when talking to young people 1:1
· Confidence to communicate with relatives, guardians, social workers and related professionals or advocates of young people
· Knowledge of social media and a recognition of the role it plays in young people’s lives
Behaviours
· Skills in forming constructive working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders at all levels
· Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of professional boundaries when working with young people and the importance of consistency
· Passionate about equality, the rights of LGBTQ+ people and neurodiversity.
· Evident desire to improve service delivery using co-production initiatives with young people
· An ability to listen with empathy and act compassionately
· Competence to work on own initiative and demonstrate innovation and creative problem solving
· Model conduct essential for successful teams, such as reliability, honesty and courage
Desirable
· Qualifications in youth work, teaching or mental health support
· LGBTQ+ lived experience
Other
· Full driving license and use of own vehicle
· Ability to work flexibly, with occasional evening and weekend working
· Commitment to further personal development and training
· Please note: Enhanced DBS is required for this role
The LGBTQ+ Youth Outreach Practitioner will have responsibility for the following documents.
· Contact Evaluation forms/data capture
· Monthly Outreach Report
· Resource library pertaining to our work with young people
· Network minutes (schools forum)
Apply via our website and complete an application form
Registered Charity
11 - 20
To create and nurture a safe and thriving LGBTQ+ community in and around Milton Keynes, where everyone is empowered to be their true selves.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Mind BLMK works across our communities to support positive mental health and wellbeing. Working closely with a range of partners, we offer a number of activities from our wellbeing centres and local venues to make a difference to the mental health and wellbeing of people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, and our aim is to make sure that no-one has to face a mental health problem alone.
Community Connector (Mental Health Resilience Worker)
Post no: 654
Working base: Dunstable CMHT (Community Mental Health Team) LU5 – Occasional cover at Leighton Buzzard
Contract type: Permanent
Salary: £24,720 per annum
Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Thank you for your interest in this exciting role as a Community Connector.
About the Service
We work under the supervision of the NHS Community Mental Health Teams (CMHT) across Central Bedfordshire, Luton and Bedford, employed and managed by Mind BLMK, who receive funding for this transformational offer. We are privileged to be able to work holistically with people who are under the CMHT, struggling with a range of mental health issues.
Our service users are people with a range of mild/moderate/severe mental health diagnosis of anxiety, depression, paranoid schizophrenia, bipolar, EUPD, BPD, substance misuse including alcohol and people with suicide ideation. Often people present with high risks and once we take them onto our caseload we support them in managing their symptoms to reduce risk and to enable them to access wellbeing tools and services, leading to improved mental wellbeing and a better quality of life.
About the Role
Community Connectors work as part of an integrated, blended mental health offer to support people, for approximately a 6 - 12 week duration, with emotional, social and practical needs to access a range of local, non-medical and non-clinical services, to improve confidence, social inclusion and independence.
This role will involve working as part of a multi-disciplinary team with statutory, third sector and NHS colleagues to support clients who are suffering from moderate to severe mental health difficulties. You will need to have experience working with those suffering with mental health illness as well as being able to demonstrate in depth knowledge of the services, support networks and local resources that may assist in improved outcomes for those dealing with complex and enduring mental health issues. The ability to be adaptable, work independently and the resilience to work in some challenging environments are key attributes for this role.
A typical day in the life as a Community Connector:
- 9.15 – 11.30: Attend MDT – discuss a number of patients and treatment. This is a weekly meeting at each CMHT for reviews of those under the CMHT and includes people who are currently on the mental health wards and individuals under a section.
Discuss any high risk cases and next steps.
Discuss those who are ready for discharge. - 11.30 – 12:15: Add notes to database - that have been taken during the meeting – reporting on the discussion and outcome for patients (this includes identifying next steps for professionals and tasks which the admin team need to follow up on).
- 12.15 – 13.15: First Initial assessment with a new service user – introductions and getting to know them.
Discuss goals and what recovery means to them.
Carry out a dialog+ (diagnostic tool).
Clarify areas for signposting and discuss wellbeing practical support. - 13.15 – 13.45: Lunch break
- 3.45 – 14.30: Signposting for service user
Update data base with notes from the initial assessment and upload any documents sent to services for the new service user. - 14.30 – 15.30: Meeting with service user in local cafe. Review of goals and progress. Review any signposted services – has the service user attended? How are they feeling? What has worked/not worked and what could be improved? Set goals to be worked towards by next session – these could be simple practice of self-affirmation/ attending a yoga class/meditation or continuing work with P2R etc. OR more practical self-care – showering/ going for a walk etc.
- 15.30 – 17.00: Catch up on admin tasks; respond to new referrals; call service users to book in appointments or to offer any well-being check-ins.
Entitlements/benefits:
- 25 days (pro rata) Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays (pro rata)
- Auto-enrolment NEST pension scheme (employer contributes 3%, employee contributes 5%)
- Health Plan with a wide variety of benefits
- Discounts available through Blue Light Card & Tickets for Good
- In-house and external Learning and Development as appropriate for the role.
- Flexible Working On request (in line with Mind BLMK policy on Right to Request Flexible Working)
If you have a passion for working in mental health and possess the required skills, we would love to hear from you.
Closedown: 5pm on Friday 20th February 2026
Please note: We reserve the right to close this advert early if enough suitable applicants apply
Start date: ASAP
Interested?
If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.
Mind BLMK has been committed to the Mindful Employer charter and the Disability Confident Employer Scheme since 2008.
Please note: Mind BLMK follows Safer Recruitment practices and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Therefore all our roles are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
No agencies please.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Mind BLMK works across our communities to support positive mental health and wellbeing. Working closely with a range of partners, we offer a number of activities from our wellbeing centres and local venues to make a difference to the mental health and wellbeing of people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, and our aim is to make sure that no-one has to face a mental health problem alone.
Community Wellbeing Navigator
Post no: 657
Salary: £23,492.04 FTE (actual salary £15,873.00 per annum)
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 25 hours per week, Monday to Friday (10:00 - 15:00)
Covering: Central Bedfordshire
Working base(s): HQ The Rufus Centre, Steppingley Road, Flitwick MK45 1AH (Wednesday – admin base) and 2 days per week onsite in: Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard
This role offers an exciting opportunity to join our Central Bedfordshire mental health recovery and prevention service which covers Ampthill/Flitwick, Biggleswade, Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard.
As a Community Wellbeing Navigator you will be at the heart of the recovery service, delivering all aspects of the service, building positive relationships with those using the service and strong links into the wider community services within Central Bedfordshire.
You will offer focussed 1-2-1 support where needed, to assist people to navigate through the range of other services within the community. You will offer guidance and information that reduces the chance that people will fall through gaps or continue to be isolated and disconnected from their communities, ensuring the right support and the right time that manages a range of needs.
You will also deliver group wellbeing sessions and facilitate drop-in sessions that provide a safe environment for service users to talk openly and develop practical tools, techniques and coping strategies in order to manage their own wellbeing.
In addition, you will assess individuals’ suitability for the service and signpost where necessary. There will also be opportunity to support events in the community to raise awareness of our services and build links with local organisations.
You will need to be empathetic and deliver a person-centred approach in a non-judgemental way, collaborating with people to empower and engage them.
Service Delivery
- Work within the mental health recovery service across localities in Central Bedfordshire, ensuring outcomes that support individuals with mental health and wellbeing needs in line with both Mind BLMK’s agreed recovery model and requirements and funders contract requirements and Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s).
- Carry out assessments on individuals’ suitability for the service in line with the Access to Service processes and procedures and the needs, priorities and support required by the individual.
- Undertake 1-2-1 support with individuals which enables them to explore the situation affecting their mental health and wellbeing and work with them to co-produce a personalised support plan based on their needs, goals and wishes.
- Offer personalised support and information with the aim of building skills, confidence, resilience and knowledge of tools, techniques and wider resources including linking people to the range of community support services and activities available and seeking solutions to any barriers to access.
- Deliver and facilitate groups, both face to face and online. This includes topic and session planning, facilitating informal drop in and discussions and supporting service users to gain practical tools and techniques to support their wellbeing and learn new coping strategies.
- Encourage and support client engagement with Mind BLMK through Guarantor Membership and other opportunities available through Influence and Participation.
- Identify and assist with the development of service uses to deliver peer lead groups using their specialisms and interests.
- Carry out health and safety responsibilities as directed by Managers in line with Mind BLMK’s H&S policies, procedures, and guidance (risk assessments, reviews, reporting, safeguarding, incidents/accidents, premises).
Entitlements/benefits:
- 25 days (pro rata) Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays (pro rata)
- Auto-enrolment NEST pension scheme (employer contributes 3%, employee contributes 5%)
- Optional Health Plan
- Discounts available through Blue Light Card & Tickets for Good
- In-house and external Learning and Development as appropriate for the role.
- Flexible Working On request (in line with Mind BLMK policy on Right to Request Flexible Working)
If you have a passion for working in mental health and possess the required skills, we would love to hear from you.
Closedown: 5pm Friday 20th February 2026
Please note: We reserve the right to close this advert early if enough suitable applicants apply.
Start date: ASAP
Interested?
If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.
Mind BLMK has been committed to the Mindful Employer charter and the Disability Confident Employer Scheme since 2008.
Please note: Mind BLMK follows Safer Recruitment practices and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Therefore all our roles are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
No agencies please.
Thank you!
We’re looking for a highly organised, proactive Administrator to join our small and collaborative Trust team on a self-employed contractor basis.
This is a key role supporting the Trust’s day to day operations, from serving as the first point of contact for applicants and partners to providing vital administrative support to the Executive Officer, Chair, and Board of Trustees.
You’ll be someone who enjoys juggling a variety of tasks, building positive relationships, and keeping things running smoothly. From coordinating meetings and managing systems to supporting governance, finance, administration, and communications, you’ll play an important part in helping the Trust deliver its work and impact.
About you. You must:
- have solid administrative experience and excellent organisational skills
- be confident using IT systems and quick to learn new ones
- be able to communicate clearly and professionally with a wide range of people
- be discreet, reliable, and comfortable handling confidential information
- share our values and want to support work that makes a real difference
- be self-employed and registered with HMRC for tax purposes
Why join us?
You’ll have a key role in a small operations team, with the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the Trust’s mission of furthering the profession of occupational therapy. If that wasn’t enough, as a completely virtual organisation, you can work from home on days and at times that suit you as a Contractor!
This role offers a competitive contract rate of c£17.50 per hour for up to 90 hours per month. The contract is for 12 months initially, with an option to renew.
If you’re looking for a varied and rewarding administrative role in a purpose and values driven organisation and meet the self-employment requirements, we’d love to hear from you!
The closing date for this role is Friday 6th March 2026 at 17:00 GMT
Shortlisting will take place 9th March 2026 and Interviews will be held w/c 16th March 2026
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Reporting to, and working closely with, the Head of Fundraising and Engagement, the Senior Philanthropy and Partnerships Lead will shape and implement innovative strategies, driving growth in philanthropic giving, secure corporate partnerships and obtain critical funding. With a focus on cultivating mutually beneficial, long-term relationships, you’ll craft compelling proposals, develop tailored stewardship plans, and create sponsorship opportunities that inspire ongoing support.
You’ll lead the way in securing multi-year corporate partnerships and nurturing donor relationships to meet ambitious income targets. As a key player in the senior fundraising team, you’ll contribute to strategic planning, represent the charity at events, and champion new approaches to fundraising.
With our newly formed Development Board, the Senior Philanthropy and Partnerships Lead will identify and utilise key networks to grow our philanthropic supporter base across corporate and major donor income streams. With strong writing skills, this person will also craft tailored and compelling corporate proposals and trust and foundation applications.
Who are we looking for?
To support our vision and ensure the achievement of ambitious income targets to support children and families affected by neuroblastoma, we are looking for a strategic and results-driven high-value fundraiser to join our team.
We are particularly keen to speak with interested candidates who enjoy cultivating high-value relationships from scratch and stewarding five- and six-figure corporate partnerships, and/or major donor relationships.
Person specification:
- Demonstrable significant experience working in corporate fundraising (experience in major donor and trusts & foundations fundraising would also be of benefit).
- Strategic thinker with significant experience at a managerial level, developing strategic plans to grow and optimise high-value fundraising.
- A proven record of being results-driven and working to achieve income targets, KPIs and outcomes.
- Proven ability to proactively identify, cultivate and secure new corporate relationships, demonstrate strong new business development acumen and confidence opening new opportunities.
See our Recruitment Pack for the full role description and specification and for information about Solving Kids' Cancer UK.
Location: Home-based within England with regular travel to London and elsewhere in the UK as required
First stage interviews: Thursday 26th February
Second stage interviews: Wednesday 4th March
As a safeguarding charity whose work and practice are underpinned by safeguarding principles to protect children and young people and enhance their welfare, we always work in accordance with legislation, statutory guidance, and best safeguarding practices. All our roles require a basic criminal record check.
Registered Charity
11 - 20
Our vision is a future where no child dies of the childhood cancer neuroblastoma or suffers due to the treatment they receive.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.