1. CQC reports serious concerns monitoring the Mental Health Act

    News -

    The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is highlighting the ongoing impact of historic and current system pressures on mental health services, their staff and the people using them.

  2. Looking after your health during the Cost of Living crisis.

    Advice and Information -

    The continuing cost of living crisis is adversely affecting people's physical and mental wellbeing, with vulnerable people and those on lower incomes hit the hardest.

  3. Prevention is the best medicine - what to expect from your smear test

    Advice and Information -

    Cervical cancer screenings save at least 2,000 lives every year in the UK. Here's what you should expect from your smear test and why these screenings are important.

  4. Kooth, digital wellbeing service in MK, closing from 31 March

    News -

    You may have heard of Kooth, or know someone who is currently using their digital wellbeing support services.

  5. REFLECT: new text messaging service launches for young people in MK

    News -

    Reflect is a new mental health support service specifically for young people across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes.

  6. Six-week postnatal checks are failing many new mothers

    News -

    Deep-dive analysis of experiences of 2,693 new mothers and birthing parents shows that six-week postnatal checks – required of GPs in England - are failing many new mothers.

  7. Celebrating ten years of people speaking up to improve health care

    News -

    This anniversary marks 10 years of Healthwatch. To mark this milestone, we're celebrating the contribution that you have made in improving health and care services in Milton Keynes.

  8. Mind Crisis Cafe: 365 support for anyone in mental distress

    Advice and Information -

    Mind BLMK works across our communities to support positive mental health and wellbeing in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes

  9. Mental health awareness week 15-21 May 2023

    Advice and Information -

    15-21 May 2023 is mental health awareness week, and the theme is anxiety - something that so many of us have experienced.

  10. Improving your journey through health and social care services in MK

    News -

    We're working with the Milton Keynes Health and Care Partnership on a project to improve how patients experience moving through different health and care services.

  11. Maternal mental health: The changes your feedback made possible

    News -

    Your experiences of maternal mental health care continue to shape NHS services, with NHS England recently announcing improvements to maternity and neo-natal services.

  12. How to access mental health support if you have gender, sexuality or relationship diversity

    Advice and Information -

    Mental health problems are more common among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA+) people. If you are struggling, feel alone or need a little help, then check out our guide on how you can get the support you need.

  13. Do you live in Bletchley? We need your help!

    News -

    We're supporting the Milton Keynes Health and Care Partnership with a project to develop services in local neighbourhoods across Milton Keynes that help us to live a longer, healthier life.

  14. Planning on getting pregnant?

    Advice and Information -

    If you're planning to get pregnant, now is the best time to focus on your health and wellbeing.

  15. Mental health & wellbeing before, during and after your pregnancy

    Advice and Information -

    Pregnancy and trying to conceive can be a challenging, intense and daunting time. It's not all plain sailing, and women can feel particularly vulnerable during this time. Many women experience mental health difficulties, when trying to conceive, during pregnancy, and after the birth.

  16. What is SAD, and how can you manage it?

    Advice and Information -

    Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression triggered by seasonal changes. One in twenty people in the UK are diagnosed with the condition, with men more likely to be diagnosed with SAD than women.

  17. What is Social Prescribing?

    Advice and Information -

    Around one in five GP visits are for non-medical problems. Many things that affect our health can’t be treated by doctors or medicine alone. This includes loneliness, money problems, housing, education or employment status. NHS social prescribing link workers can connect you to the right community groups and services to help support you.

  18. CQC's State of Care report

    News -

    The Care Quality Commission has published its annual State of Care report, highlighting that a combination of the cost-of-living crisis and NHS workforce pressures risk ‘unfair care’ for many people.

  19. One in five children and young people between the ages of 8-16 have a ‘probable mental disorder’

    News -

    The findings come from the latest NHS England statistics for 2023.

  20. Faster progress needed to tackle barriers to care

    News -

    New HWE research shows that in the past year, access to primary care is the main concern for patients across England.

  21. Fairer, more accessible social housing for residents

    News -

    As a direct result of your feedback, Milton Keynes City Council’s Housing Team have made changes to their policy on Social Housing Allocation.

  22. What is an NHS and Care Volunteer Responder, and how can I access this service?

    Advice and Information -

    Did you know Volunteer Responders can help you access support and services such as collecting prescriptions and shopping delivery?

  23. Supporting local women with their health

    News -

    Each month we run a ‘Let’s Talk’ discussion group for local women of all ages, to
    explore experiences of specific women’s health issues.

  24. Helping young people tackle loneliness

    Advice and Information -

    We may be more connected than ever through our smartphones and digital tech, but loneliness and feelings of isolation are affecting children and young people.