Our Vision
Our Vision is the end of homelessness in our city.
Our Mission is to break the cycle of homelessness by providing pathways of support which empower people to feel valued and connected, to find home and to thrive.
We practically do this by:
- providing emergency accommodation during the coldest months of the year
- helping those who are homeless or vulnerably housed into longer term accommodation
- giving opportunities to access welfare support, employment, education, and counselling, to enable people to sustain their homes
Our background
Our charity began in the winter of 2010 as a response to the urgent need of several homeless people sleeping rough in central Milton Keynes, despite freezing temperatures and thick snow on the ground. At the time the YMCA was the only viable option for many, and, with their beds full, a new solution was needed.
A conference brought together people from various interested agencies to discuss the issue, and the concept of the Winter Night Shelter Milton Keynes was born. Over the years our role has grown and changed, and we introduced welfare services that run all year round following an increased need locally for advice and support around the issues that can lead to homelessness.
Our team offers emotional and practical help to ensure we give guests the opportunity to stop the cycle of homelessness. Due to no longer ‘just’ being a night shelter, in November 2023 we rebranded to become UnityMK.
Meet the team
Our team are a dedicated and experienced group who are passionate about making a difference to the lives of those experiencing homelessness. If you want to fundraise, make a donation, volunteer, or need our help, below are the team to talk to!
If you would like to find out more about our Trustees, click here.
Emma Johnson
CEO
Rob Willford
Operations Manager
Pallavi Ghosh
Finance Manager
Yvonne Eichler
Services Manager
Ria House
Corporate & Community Fundraising Manager
Andrea Eklund
Grants Fundraising Manager
Claire Connew
Communications & Fundraising Officer
Mags Carrington
Senior Welfare Officer
Jana Turner
Volunteer Coordinator
Ruth Preece
Facilities Coordinator
Could this be you? Volunteer with us!
UnityMK has range of volunteering roles that are rewarding and can fit around other commitments. Many of our volunteers enjoy the sense of community that is created by getting to know our guests, whether working with us seasonally supporting our winter night shelters or by dedicating time to volunteer with us all year round.
It’s an incredible opportunity to make a difference here in Milton Keynes to the lives of those that are experiencing homelessness.
