Looking after your mental health
Advice is available from the Mental Health Foundation and from Mind.
Kooth is a website that children and young people can use to get advice, support and guidance for any problem. They can connect to this anonymous and free service, which is available every day, via their laptop, tablet or smartphone.
Sleepio is an online sleep improvement programme, proven to help you fall asleep faster, stay asleep through the night, and give you more energy during the day. Find out if Sleepio is suitable for you.
Milton Keynes Recovery College and Community Inclusion Service There is a relatively new NHS service available to all CPCC residents, based in Queensway, Bletchley, which offers both in person and online mental health support.
This has been established to complement the existing Talking Therapies and other front line NHS services in Milton Keynes and is delivered by a different team and NHS Trust.
The Milton Keynes Recovery and Wellbeing College provides care and support through learning and activity groups, which in turn are supported by the charity Rethink Mental Illness.
There is a network of 80 such colleges in the UK, and they offer a holistic and long-term approach to users, in contrast to traditional short-term services.
No GP or hospital referral is required, there is online self-enrolment via their webpage, or by email. Users may be supported through this initial stage by carers or family members, an important differentiation to what has gone before. Their learning sessions typically include team members with lived experience of mental health challenges.
Communities
Community Action MK offer advice and information.
Age UK Milton Keynes will continue to support older people locally but they are reviewing how they operate.
Carers MK supports unpaid carers of all ages, from all backgrounds and in all caring roles. This includes young carers, young adult carers, parents of children with a physical or learning disability, older carers, carers from diverse communities, LGBTQ+ carers and those looking after someone with a mental health condition. Carers MK also provides support for unpaid carers and the person they care for whilst in Milton Keynes University Hospital. All carers contacting Carers MK are able to speak to an experienced support worker. Phone: 01908 231703
Drug and Alcohol Family Support (DAFS) is a voluntary support group for families who have loved ones addicted to drugs and drink. The group offers a safe, non-judgemental and supportive environment where you can post comments, ask for supportive suggestions or just share experiences with other people who are going through similar situations.
Physical Activity
Have a look at the NHS Fitness Studio which is packed full of tips and videos.
Connect Health provides a first tier physiotherapy service in Milton Keynes. Their Connect Health website has a section that patients can access to help them get information on how to manage many musculoskeletal conditions.
For most people, walking is the easiest and cheapest form of exercise. You can find lots of information about walking routes, groups and walking events at Get Walking – Milton Keynes
All People Active provide free and affordable sport and physical activity provision for ALL PEOPLE to improve their physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing in order to enhance their quality of life & in turn, increase their happiness levels. APA will remove the barriers and reduce the inequality of opportunity that exists for ALL PEOPLE (especially those living in disadvantaged communities and who belong to marginalised groups) to be able to take part in fun and informal sport and physical activity.
General Health and Wellbeing
Information and guidance about eating a healthy, balanced diet can be found at Eat well – NHS
We all need good mental health and wellbeing – it’s essential to living happy and healthy lives. Here are 7 areas of life where simple changes can make a big difference Every Mind Matters – NHS.