The community works its magic in Milton Keynes

Local people, businesses, communities and groups are all pulling together to make a difference in Milton Keynes as we respond the coronavirus outbreak. 

 

Local support 

Community Action:MK is continuing to support vulnerable people and would like to hear from anyone who can volunteer. You can help with shopping, food collection and deliveries, collecting medicines, dog walking and check-in calls for people who could become isolated. 

 

There’s an online form where you can register your interest. 

 

Community champions 

There are several community Facebook pages helping to coordinate and support you. 

 

Milton Keynes Coronavirus Community Support Group is a private Facebook page helping to organise ‘street champions’ in local neighbourhoods. 

 

The well-established Milton Keynes Community public Facebook page is helping to keep everyone up to date. 

 

Another public Facebook page, Milton Keynes Beating Coronavirus, is sharing news and advice to help people care, share and protect each other during the outbreak. 

 

Robots to the rescue 

Shopping is being delivered by robots for free to NHS staff who are working long hours during the outbreak. 

 

There has been a large rise in their use by healthcare workers since the lockdown was introduced in March. The restrictions were brought in just after US-based Starship Technologies expanded its delivery service in Milton Keynes to include more local neighbourhoods. Now a familiar sight on our streets, the company has a fleet of 70 knee-high box-like robots that can hold several bags of food shopping. 

 

Pampering ‘thank yous’ for NHS staff 

One local resident was moved after hearing about how little time NHS staff have for themselves as they are currently working such long hours. She put out an appeal for pampering products on a local forum and has been overwhelmed by the response. She is handmaking pamper bags and intially expected her suggestion to bring in a few donzen responses. 

 

She has now recevied enough to fill 200 bags with chocolates, beauty products, razors and toothbrushes, discount vouchers from local businesses, hand sanitiser, and moisturiser. 

 

Fantastic foodbanks 

Milton Keynes Council and MK Food Bank have teamed up to offer more help locally. While we all still need to follow the social distancing guidance, people are encouraged to spare a thought for how to make foodbank donations. 

 

For example, if you have a neighbourhood social media group set up with a rota for shopping, you could jointly agree how to donate. Donations can be made at most supermarkets, or directly to Food Bank Xtra at Saxon Court on Avebury Boulevard between 10:00am and 4:00pm on weekdays. 

 

If you need help, you can call on 01908 565852. 

 

Funding facts 

There is financial help available for community groups, charities and other not-for-profit groups that have been affected by coronavirus or that are supporting people who are affected. 

 

You can find out more about the Covid-19 MK Emergency Response Appeal on the MK Community Foundation website. 

 

We will continue to bring you stories about all the fantastic things that are happening in the community to support everyone. Please send us yours.