Unpaid carers in Milton Keynes are invited to share their stories with Carers Support Network led by Citizens Advice Milton Keynes
On Friday 20th November, Citizens Advice Milton Keynes and the Carers Support Network are inviting unpaid carers from across the city to come together, share their experiences and access support at a FREE drop-in event in Central Milton Keynes.
The team are excited to be working with local Horizon Radio, who will be giving unpaid carers the opportunity to share their story and experiences, and how the Carers Support Network can or has helped them.
It's an opportunity to help raise awareness of the vital role carers play every day and ensure more people recognise themselves as carers.
Those interested in being interviewed should book a FREE interview slot on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/carers-rights-drop-in-with-the-carers-support-network-milton-keynes-tickets-1997634115414
Friday 20th November
10am-4pm
Upstairs at NatWest Milton Keynes, Midsummer Boulevard, MK9 3BA (lift access available)
Book a FREE Ticket to this event at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/carers-rights-drop-in-with-the-carers-support-network-milton-keynes-tickets-1997634115414
Visitors to the event will be able to:
· Find out whether they identify as an unpaid carer
· Speak with advisors about benefits, carers' rights and available support
· Meet local organisations supporting carers across Milton Keynes
· Share their experiences as carers through optional audio interviews with Horizon Radio
The theme for Carers Rights Day 2026 is: "Someone you know is a carer, but do they know it yet?"
For The Carers Support Network, this means alongside sharing stories, attendees can Discover whether they may be an unpaid carer, and speak to Citizens Advice advisors about carers' rights, benefits and support, as well as meet likeminded peers. There will also be an opportunity for attendees to Meet the Mayor of Milton Keynes! (11am-1pm)
Ben Thomas, Director of Citizens Advice Milton Keynes said: “Lots of people tell us, ‘I’m just looking after my mum’ or ‘I’m only helping my partner.’ They don’t always see themselves as carers, even when caring takes up a big part of their day. We’ve got events and activities happening throughout the week, and we’d love people to come along, have a chat and find out what’s available. But caring doesn’t stop when the week is over. We want carers to know they matter too, and that the Milton Keynes Carers Support Network is here throughout the year, whenever they need advice, a listening ear or a bit of help.”
The event will also mark the launch of the new Carers Support Network WhatsApp Channel, hosted by Citizens Advice Milton Keynes. The WhatsApp channel will provide information about local services, events, carers' cafés, wellbeing support and practical resources from organisations supporting carers across the city.
Ben Thomas, Director of Citizens Advice Milton Keynes, said: “When you’re looking after someone, finding time to look for help for yourself can be difficult. We’ve set up our WhatsApp Channel so carers in MK can hear about useful advice, local activities and places to turn. There’s no group chat to keep up with and you can just read the updates at a time that suits you. Over a hundred carers have joined it already in the first couple of weeks. We hope it helps more carers feel connected and know they have people they can turn to.”
The Carers Support Network is led by Citizens Advice Milton Keynes in partnership with Milton Keynes City Council and works alongside specialist organisations including CHUMS, Mind BLMK, Age UK, Alzheimer's Society, Talkback UK, Coram Family Lives and Mobilise.
The service supports unpaid carers who look after a friend or family member due to illness, disability, mental health needs, addiction, neurodivergence or age-related conditions.
To find out more Text CARER to 88008 or email [email protected]
Book a FREE Ticket to this event at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/carers-rights-drop-in-with-the-carers-support-network-milton-keynes-tickets-1997634115414
The event has been made possible with support from Milton Keynes City Council, Citizens Advice Milton Keynes, NatWest Milton Keynes and Horizon Radio.