Milton Keynes City Council is preparing to launch a new service that will make it easier for thousands of unpaid carers to get practical help and support.
The city council estimates that there could be 21,000 unpaid carers in MK, including many young carers who look after family members who could not cope without their help. This may be due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction.
The city council is investing more than £2million over five years in The Carers Support Service, which will be available from May.
Delivered by Citizens Advice Milton Keynes, it combines a range of specialist assistance for unpaid carers of all ages, with face-to-face and phone support plus online help. Carers will be helped to unlock money and benefits, guided on making plans for emergencies and much more. It will also offer opportunities for carers to meet people in similar situations and form new bonds.
The Carers Support Service will be available to anyone who provides regular care for a friend or family member who lives in Milton Keynes.
Specialist organisations within the Carers Support Service will focus on young carers and young adult carers. There will also be dedicated support for those who care for older people, people with mental health conditions, with a learning disability or neurodivergence.
“Many unpaid carers are not aware of the help they are entitled to, and we know that the majority of carers are concerned about the financial impacts of caring. Driven by the City Council and supported by a wealth of local partners, this new service will enable us to ensure that carers in Milton Keynes have access to financial, emotional and practical assistance.”
“Caring can be exceptionally challenging, and we know that many unpaid carers put their own wellbeing to one side. We’ve worked with local carers to better understand their needs, and this has enabled us to remodel local services whilst making them easier to access. Whether unpaid carers are looking for respite, financial or wellbeing support, our new service will be ready to help them.
Carers play a vital role in the local health and care system providing incredible support to those unable to support themselves. Not only that, but without these dedicated individuals, our local health services would be under even greater pressure.”
The City Council provides a minimum direct payment of £240 for unpaid carers alongside access to additional assistance that will vary for individuals. For further information on the support available to unpaid carers, please visit our Carers Assessment webpage.