Useful Links for Support and Signposting
PACA MK (Parents and Carers Alliance MK) – An independent voice influencing change by representing what matters to SEND families in MK.
SOS!SEN – Help find your way through the legal and procedural maze to obtain satisfactory provision for a child’s special needs.
SENDIAS (SEND Information, Advice & Support Service) – Supporting children and young people as well as their parents and carers.
The Honeypot Children’s Charity – A national young carers charity.
Family Fund – UK’s largest grant-making charity for families raising a disabled or seriously ill child, on a low income.
Forever Colours Children’s Hospice – Caring for families of children with learning disabilities and life-limiting or life-threatening conditions.
LEAP – A free service that is helping people keep warm and reduce their energy bills without costing them any money. See how you can save.
Carer’s Allowance – You may be eligible for Carer’s Allowance if you, the person you care for and the type of care you provide meets certain criteria.
Universal Credit – You may be able to get Universal Credit if you’re on a low income or need help with your living costs.
Cost of Living Payments 2023 to 2024 – Guidance on getting extra payments to help with the cost of living if you’re entitled to certain benefits or tax credits.
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) – You can apply for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) if you have a disability or health condition that affects how much you can work.
Citizens Advice – To help to understand what you’re earning and spending and where you might be able to cut costs.
Money Helper – Supporting yourself financially – a guide for young adults aged 16 to 24
Prince’s Trust – From planning your monthly spending budget to finding the best deal at the supermarket, here are lots of handy tools to support you and your finances.
Milton Keynes CAMHS – A Single Point of Access now exists for all new referrals to Milton Keynes Specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS). The contact details have now changed to 01908 724228 and cnw-tr.mkspcamhsspa@nhs.net. Existing patients should call 01908 724544.
Milton Keynes Mental Health Support Team in Schools (MHST) – An early intervention service that works in partnership with local schools. Call 01908 724691.
Young Minds – Provide young people with tools to look after their mental health.
MindEd for Families – For supporting families and young people.
Self injury Support – We run a UK-wide multi-channel support service for women & girls affected by self-injury, trauma and abuse.
Beat – UK’s eating disorder charity. Founded in 1989 as the Eating Disorders Association, our mission is to end the pain and suffering caused by eating disorders.
Childline – A private and confidential service for children and young people up to the age of 19. Call 0800 1111.
Samaritans – You can contact them any time you like and off the record about whatever is getting to you, you don’t have to be suicidal to call. Call 116 123 for free.
Young Person’s Sanctuary Milton Keynes
Health for Teens – Gives further information on feelings and relationships.
SHOUT – Free 24/7 text message support for anyone who is struggling or needs support.
Mind BLMK – Help to support positive mental health, wellbeing, and strengthening resilience.
Mental Health Foundation – We work towards good mental health for all; as everyone knows, prevention is better than cure. Everything we do is focused on protecting people’s mental health.
Sense – Support for young carers and siblings of disabled people.
PAPYRUS – The UK’s charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people.
Hector’s House – A suicide and crisis prevention and help resource charity.
The Honeypot Children’s Charity – A national young carers charity.
MK Youth Council – MKYC are elected youth members of this city, who use their voices to represent all young people across Milton Keynes.
Community Action: MK – Local volunteering opportunities.
Apprenticeships – Combine employment and education with a high-quality apprenticeship at MK College and gain a nationally recognised qualification whilst developing skills for the workplace at the same time.
Youth Network MK – Delivers clubs and projects within communities across Milton Keynes with a particular focus on the Bletchley area.
Action4Youth – A Buckinghamshire-based ambitious, proactive charity focused on driving forward the crucial youth agenda to transform lives for the better.
MK Food Bank – A direct response to growing food poverty in the area.
iCasH Milton Keynes – If you’re looking for contraception, testing or treatment for sexually transmitted infections, HIV testing or related advice in Milton Keynes. iCaSH clinic line on 0300 300 3030 to book an appointment if you live in the Milton Keynes area.
Terrence Higgins Trust – Outreach in the community for vulnerable young people and adults, and training for practitioners. info.miltonkeynes@tht.org.uk
MK ACT – A charity in Milton Keynes which works with over 100 families every day to help them move on from fear and abuse.
SAFE! – Provides support to children and families around the Thames Valley who have been affected by crime or abuse through one-to-one and group sessions.
Fresh Youth MK – We are a charity who works in partnership with businesses, community groups, local authorities and educational establishments to significantly improve employability and educational outcomes of young people aged under 25 years.
Community Employment Service (CES) – A free employability support service designed to help Milton Keynes residents into work.