Volunteers on hand at local hospital to offer support and advice

“B” was a young woman who recently attended the emergency department at Milton Keynes University Hospital (MKUH) suffering with mental health issues.

Following a discussion, the volunteers discovered that “B” was a single mother living in a flat that had a range of issues including black mould. This was especially concerning due to her young daughter suffering from respiratory problems.

“B” had struggled to get any progress in raising her housing issue with the council and these issues were triggering her anxiety, causing her to attend the emergency department. The volunteers wanted to find a way that they could help her and her family.

Following their discussions with “B”, the volunteers were able to get in contact with the relevant authority to secure a quick move into much safer housing for her and her family.

The Hospital Navigator Scheme is led by volunteers to utilise reachable moments in the MKUH’s emergency department. Navigators provide comfort, advice and support to individuals who may be particularly vulnerable. The service is run by Milton Keynes YMCA and Thames Valley Police, along with volunteers from other local charitable organisations.

If you’d like to support young people at risk of harm and help them reach their potential, please contact tayler.tookey@mkymca.com.