Milton Keynes carers offered free support event

Unpaid carers in Milton Keynes are being invited to a free drop-in Carers Support Event during Carers Week, with local services gathered in one place for advice, support and informal conversation.

The event takes place on Wednesday 10 June, from 11am to 1pm, at Simpson Day Centre, Simpson Road, Milton Keynes, MK6 3AF. It is free to attend and is open to MK residents who provide regular care for a friend or family member, as well as friends and family who want to understand what help is available.

No booking requirement has been stated by Milton Keynes City Council. The event is described as a drop-in session.

Simpson Day Centre hosts Carers Week support

The Carers Support Event has been created by Milton Keynes City Council to bring together specialist organisations and local residents who are caring for someone due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or addiction.

Council services will be joined by organisations including Age UK, Healthwatch and the NHS. Citizens Advice and the Alzheimer’s Society, which are part of the council’s dedicated Carers Support Service, are also due to attend.

The format is intended to give carers direct access to professionals without needing to navigate each service separately. For people balancing work, family life, appointments and day-to-day care, a two-hour drop-in session can offer a simpler first step into support.

Readers looking at wider unpaid carer support during the same week may also find this Carers Week support guide useful for regional context.

Advice on money, benefits and emergencies

The support on offer includes information about money and benefits, emergency planning, housing options and other assistance available to unpaid carers.

Milton Keynes City Council says its Carers Support Service, launched last year, combines specialist assistance for unpaid carers of all ages. The service includes face-to-face and phone support, as well as online help.

The council also provides a minimum direct payment of £240 for unpaid carers, with access to additional assistance that varies depending on individual circumstances.

The event is not only aimed at people who already identify themselves as carers. Many people provide regular help for a parent, partner, child, relative, neighbour or friend without using that label. The council estimates there could be 21,000 unpaid carers in Milton Keynes, including young carers who look after family members who could not cope without their help.

A chance to speak with others in similar situations

Alongside professional advice, the event will give carers the chance to meet other people in similar situations. That peer contact can matter when caring is carried out quietly at home, often alongside other responsibilities.

Councillor Donna Fuller, Cabinet Member for Adults, Health, Community and Housing, said the event was for people caring for someone who lives in Milton Keynes.

“We know caring can be challenging, so it’s important everyone feels connected, informed and supported,” she said. “You’ll be able to speak directly with local services, meet others in similar situations and discover the help that’s available, including our latest support offer.”

Parking and refreshments on the day

The Carers Support Event runs from 11am to 1pm on Wednesday 10 June at Simpson Day Centre, Simpson Road, Milton Keynes, MK6 3AF.

The council says there is limited free parking outside Simpson Day Centre on Simpson Road, with several other car parks within a few minutes’ walk. Light refreshments will be available throughout the event for guests.

Further information on local support for unpaid carers is available through Milton Keynes City Council’s carer support information.

Source: Milton_Keynes Scraper