Xscape Milton Keynes has announced a new partnership with leading mental health charity Mind, to champion mental health awareness and support.
The initiative was launches today by the building’s owners Landsec to coincide with World Mental Health Day, which was on 10 October.
Mind is a national charity dedicated to supporting those experiencing mental health challenges by tackling stigma, improving access to services, and campaigning for positive change. With one in five people in the UK living with a mental health problem – and many struggling to access timely support – Mind works to ensure that no one faces these challenges alone. Across the UK, 107 Local Minds operate as independent charities, collectively supporting more than 500,000 people each year through community-based mental health services, a national helpline, and accessible online resources.
Together, Xscape Milton Keynes and Mind are encouraging guests to take moments to pause, reflect, and reset as part of a new mental health awareness campaign in the centre.
Throughout Xscape, visitors will find thoughtfully placed artwork, including mirror stickers and selfie stands, featuring uplifting prompts that inspire positivity and mindfulness. The installations also direct guests to practical resources and information, both on and offline, about where to access further mental health support locally.
Andrew Berrie, Head of Corporate Partnerships for Mind, said, “Right now, the nation’s mental health is in crisis. One in five people are living with a mental health problem, and far too many are not getting the help they need.
“Our partnership with Xscape Milton Keynes allows us to reach people in an everyday setting — reminding them that mental health affects us all, and that support is always available. The installations will help us potentially connect with millions of guests over the next year encouraging small moments of reflection and letting people know that Mind is here whenever they need us.”
Dan Murphy, Centre Director at Xscape Milton Keynes, added, “We’re proud to partner with Mind to help promote positive mental health among our guests. Places like Xscape can often be busy, fast-paced environments, so we wanted to create moments within the mall that encourage people to pause and take a breath.
“This initiative is about reminding our visitors that taking time for themselves, even in small ways, can make a big difference — and that help and support is always available if they need it.”
A man has been jailed for theft from his workplace of components valued in excess of £1million in Milton Keynes.
Konrad Labinksi, aged 41, of Padstowe Avenue, Milton Keynes, was sentenced to two years in prison at Aylesbury Crown Court on Thursday last week (2/10). He pleaded guilty to theft by employee on 25 April this year.
Labinski had been working at a car parts distribution centre in Milton Keynes. In March this year, Thames Valley Police were contacted of a potential employee theft at the business, who had noted a large quantity of missing stock.
The employer found an eBay account that they believed the goods were being sold through. Enquiries with eBay identified the name of the employee, and Labinski was arrested at his place of work on 7 March and charged the next day.
He was caught in the act of stealing more goods.
A search of his home address resulted in more than 1,000 car parts being seized and recovered. These are estimated to be of a value in the region of £1,000,000. It is believed that the parts were stolen over a two-year period.
All of the recovered stolen goods were returned to the company.
In a police interview, Labinski refused to make any comment.
Detective Constable, PC Vince Higgins of Milton Keynes CID, said, “This was a very fast moving investigation where we were able to secure key evidence to identify the suspect.
“CID at Milton Keynes worked with other departments to progress the case.
“Labinski was arrested in a way to secure further evidence and we then found a trove of stolen property at his home address. This has been the best outcome and we were able to quickly return the stolen items back to the rightful owner.
“The fact that Labinski was immediately remanded shows how serious the courts take this type of offence. He had been working for the company for over 20 years and he abused the trust that was given to him to steal from them.
“He has gone from having a well-paid job with lots of company perks, to being unemployed, losing his job and company car and being placed in prison.
“I hope this sends out the message to him and others that the consequences of this type of offence can be huge and have life-changing consequences.”
Milton Keynes City Council have announced they have begun construction on a new centre where care and support will be given to local people with complex disabilities.
Linford Wood Place is receiving investment to replace ageing short break and day facilities, which are in place to give carers who look after adult family members at home a vitally important break.
The City Council said the facilities are being designed in close collaboration with the people that use the services and their families, and that they are investing in what they’ve agreed is most important, such as specialist bespoke equipment and welcoming spaces where residents can be cared for with dignity.
MK City Council declared that they are investing £13million in Linford Wood Place, including £4million of funding it has collected from housing developers. The refurbishment work will take around nine months.
Nestled in the outskirts of Linford Wood among surrounding woodland, while just minutes from the city centre, Linford Wood Place will support up to 59 adults each weekday when it opens next year. It will have tailored activity spaces, dedicated areas for personal care (including 13 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms), specialist equipment such as powered overhead hoists, a cinema and music room, three kitchens and a private garden.
In a statement, Councillor Donna Fuller, Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Communities, said, “Bringing together our short breaks and day services in a dedicated new space has lots of advantages and should mean a better experience for everyone. We’ve had some great feedback from families and the professionals who support them on how the centre should look and feel, and what kind of facilities it should include. I’m proud that we’re investing in a thoughtfully designed centre that will help local people for many years to come.”
Midsummer Place in Milton Keynes announced the return of its Christmas Tree Community Festival for 2025.
From 15 November through to 24 December 2025, participating local businesses will have the opportunity to sponsor and decorate one of the 20 available Christmas trees within the mall – giving their business huge exposure during the busiest time of year for retailers. Local businesses are given the prime festive exposure in exchange for supporting local charities.
Previous business sponsors have included Red Bull Racing, Franklins Solicitors LLP, Hays Travel, Redway Runners and many more.
The fee to secure a tree is £300 and all proceeds collected during the campaign will be added to the prize fund and distributed among the three trees receiving the most public votes—50% for first place, 30% for second, and 20% for third.
“Kicking off today, the Christmas Tree Community Festival offers local businesses not just tremendous visibility in our mall over the festive period, but also a meaningful way to give back to our community,” said Kirsty McGiff, Marketing Manager at Midsummer Place.
“We’re excited to welcome creative entries that shine throughout the season and help make the holidays brighter for everyone.”
Shoppers will be able to vote for their favourite trees between 15 November and 24 December 2025.
Businesses and organisations interested in sponsoring a tree are encouraged to complete the application form via the Midsummer Place website.
A late strike by Kamarai Swyer was the difference as Northampton Town beat Walsall 1-0 in the EFL Trophy.
Swyer’s 88th minute goal was the only one of a tight clash between the Saddlers and the Cobblers at the Bescot Stadium, in a result that means Northampton have won 2 out of 2 in the competition.
Victory in the West Midlands puts Kevin Nolan’s side top of their table after 2 games, putting them in pole position to qualify for the knockout stages. The Cobblers conclude their group stage with a home game against Shrewsbury in mid-November.
Having beaten the Chelsea U21s in their tournament opener last month, Northampton looked to build on it against a Walsall side currently sat top of League Two.
Swyer’s strike was the only one of the contest, with the summer signing scoring his second in as many EFL Trophy appearances when he curled a fine strike past Walsall keeper Sam Hornby.
Northampton will seek to maintain a period of positive results in their next outing, when they welcome Rotherham United to Sixfields on Saturday.
