Stronger Together

Milton Keynes Residents Set to Benefit from New Support and Community Initiatives

People across Milton Keynes could soon find it easier to access care, support services and community opportunities thanks to a range of new initiatives being developed by Milton Keynes City Council’s Stronger Together Board.

The board brings together council staff, carers, organisations and people with lived experience to help shape services around the real needs of local residents.

Faster and More Flexible Support for Unpaid Carers

Unpaid carers across Milton Keynes are set to benefit from a new digital support system designed to make accessing help quicker and more convenient.

The council is working with Mobilise to pilot a new artificial intelligence-supported carers assessment service. The system will allow carers to have an assessment conversation at a time that suits them, including outside traditional office hours.

Importantly, the service will not replace human support or social workers, but is intended to reduce waiting times and help carers get advice, information and support more quickly.

Carers will also be able to receive summaries of their support needs digitally, helping avoid repeatedly explaining their situation to different organisations and professionals.

The council says the changes are designed to make the experience simpler, more accessible and less stressful for local carers.

More Choice and Independence Through Direct Payments

More residents in Milton Keynes are now using direct payments to arrange their own care and support.

Direct payments allow people to decide how their care funding is spent, helping them choose services and activities that best suit their lifestyle and needs.

Council officers reported that around 2,700 direct payments are currently in place across Milton Keynes, with uptake continuing to rise.

For many people, this can mean greater independence, more flexibility and more control over daily life.

The council is also exploring online options to make the process easier and encourage even more residents to access the scheme.

New Opportunities at Linford Wood Place

Adults with learning disabilities, autism and complex health needs are expected to benefit from a major new community-focused facility at Linford Wood Place.

The development will bring day services and short breaks services together into one location designed around accessibility, wellbeing and inclusion.

People who will use the service, along with parents, carers and advocacy groups, have been directly involved in shaping the project from the beginning.

The surrounding woodland area is also being adapted to improve accessibility, with plans including inclusive seating, information points and outdoor spaces that can be enjoyed by people with different physical abilities.

The project team has also been running shared activity days to help people become familiar with the new environment and build confidence ahead of the move later this year.

Residents Encouraged to Help Shape Local Services

The Stronger Together Board is preparing for Co-production Week from 29 June to 3 July, giving local people the opportunity to help influence how services are developed in Milton Keynes.

The week will include workshops, online discussions and community events focused on inclusivity, accessibility, equality and lived experience.

Residents, carers and people who use council services are being encouraged to take part and share their experiences directly with decision makers.

The aim is to ensure services are designed alongside the people who use them rather than simply being created for them.

Improving Access to Council Services

Changes are also being made to improve how residents contact and access support from the council.

A new system will route enquiries through the council’s main contact centre, helping people reach the correct department more quickly and reducing confusion over where to seek help.

Adult Social Care referrals will still be assessed by specialist teams, while wider council enquiries can be directed to the most appropriate service from the start.

Council leaders say the changes are intended to create a smoother and more straightforward experience for residents seeking support.

A Growing Community Voice

The Stronger Together Board continues to expand, with new people expressing interest in joining and helping shape the future of adult social care and community support in Milton Keynes.

The board’s ongoing work reflects a wider focus on listening to residents, improving accessibility and ensuring local people have a stronger voice in decisions that affect their lives.