A new service is coming to Milton Keynes that will make life a lot easier for people who care for others without being paid. These people are called unpaid carers — and there could be as many as 21,000 of them in the city.

Some of them are even kids or teenagers, looking after family members who are unwell, disabled, or struggling with mental health or addiction. Without these carers, many of their loved ones wouldn’t be able to cope day to day.

Starting in May, a new Carers Support Service will launch to give these unpaid carers the help they need. The City Council is spending over £2 million to run the service for the next five years.

The service will be run by Citizens Advice Milton Keynes and will offer all kinds of support:

• Face-to-face, phone, and online help
• Advice on benefits and money
• Support during emergencies
• A chance to meet and connect with other carers

It’s open to anyone in Milton Keynes who regularly looks after a family member or friend.

There will also be special support for:

• Young carers and young adult carers
• People caring for older adults
• Carers helping someone with mental health issues
• Those supporting someone with a learning disability or neurodivergence

Ben Thomas from Citizens Advice said many carers don’t realise they can get help, especially with money and daily support. The goal is to make sure every carer knows where to go and how to get the help they deserve.

Councillor Donna Fuller added that many carers put themselves last and don’t ask for help. The new service will make support easier to find and give carers a break when they need it.

The council also offers a payment of at least £240 and more help based on each person’s needs.

For more information, carers can visit the City Council’s Carers Assessment page.