City Council introduces more help for young carers

Milton Keynes City Council is introducing more support for children and young people who look after family members on a regular basis.

The city council estimates that there could be more than 600 young carers in MK who could be helping someone with disabilities, chronic or serious illnesses, mental health conditions, or learning difficulties.

The city council is investing more than £2million over five years in new support for unpaid carers including a dedicated service for children and young people.

Delivered by CHUMS, the Young Carers Service combines a range of specialist assistance for unpaid carers aged 5-25, with a mix of individual and group support aimed at increasing emotional resilience and providing new opportunities to thrive.

Young people will have access to day trips and regular activities such as sports, crafts and music groups designed to build confidence and create new friendships. The service also aims to boost employment opportunities for young carers with the chance to visit local workplaces and connect with employers.

The CHUMS Young Carers Service is available to all children and young people who live in Milton Keynes and provide care for a family member, friend, or neighbour.

“Young carers deserve the same opportunities as other young people which is why we’ve introduced this new service. We know that caring for loved ones can feel isolating and impacts future plans so it’s really important that young carers have access to this extra support.

As well as being referred by a professional, parents and young carers can refer themselves to the CHUMS service.”

- Councillor Donna Fuller, Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Communities

“Young carers often take on responsibilities well beyond their years, and this new service is designed to provide them with tailored support, access to resources, and a safe space to be heard and understood. We offer practical help, emotional support, and opportunities for children and young people to connect, grow, and thrive. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of young carers across our communities.”

- Dawn Hewitt, Chief Executive of CHUMS

To learn about the dedicated support for young carers in Milton Keynes, please visit: https://chums.uk.com/mk or for more information contact Annette.cooper@chums.uk.com