(Above, from left) Councillor Jane Carr with Emma Bates, Public Health Principal – Mental Health and Wellbeing (MKCC) and Marimba Carr, Deputy Director of Public Health for MK
Milton Keynes City Council is set to give £75,000 to MK projects offering mental health support.
Milton Keynes Mental Health Alliance, which includes MK City Council and Central and North West London (CNWL) NHS Foundation Trust, have identified several community-based projects that tackle mental health inequalities in Milton Keynes to receive the additional funding:
Q-Alliance | DAFS (Drug and Alcohol Family Support) | The Wisdom Principle | Talkback
Harry’s Rainbow | Arts for Health Milton Keynes | YMCA | Final project(s) tbc
The groups will use the funding to set up new projects such as activity groups aimed at reducing social isolation and loneliness, support sessions, networking events and outreach work with residents.
An example of this is the ‘Creative Courtyards’ project at Milton Keynes University Hospital which encourages middle aged men and those experiencing social isolation to take part in creative art projects.
The city council is set to make a formal decision on 31 October to award £75K to Community Action: MK who will distribute the funds to the selected projects.
“Those who face the greatest disadvantages in life also face the greatest risks to their mental health. At a time when the cost of living is so high, it’s important that additional help and support is available to those who need it. We’ve worked closely with our local health partners to identify projects that can make a real difference in our communities.”
“Poor mental health is something that can have devastating impacts on you or your loved ones and sadly, some groups are more at risk of self-harm, neglect, or suicide. This latest package of targeted support is part of our much wider investment in mental health services including our community mental health workers, local crisis support and programmes for children and young people.”
For more information on the local support available, please visit: www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/health-and-wellbeing/mental-health-and-wellbeing