Fosters belonging, trust, and engagement across MK’s diverse and growing population. Supports projects that bridge community disparities and honour cultural heritage.
What is Vital Signs?
Vital Signs MK is an annual report published by Milton Keynes Community Foundation. The report pulls on published data; both local and national, coupled with insights from the local voluntary sector.
The aim of both the quantitative and qualitative data is to illustrate the real lived experience of the citizens of Milton Keynes.
By comparing 2020 findings with current data, this report highlights how local diverse communities, economies, and support networks have had to adapt to a rapidly shifting environment since the pandemic began.
While each area within the report focuses on distinct themes, the themes are deeply intersectional. We encourage, therefore, viewing the findings as a whole to better understand the full experience of life in Milton Keynes.
We hope that the findings presented in the report will act as a conversation starter for our community to work together to improve the lives of all residents and create a fairer, more inclusive community in Milton Keynes.
Vital Signs MK focuses on 12 major themes and combines published data with observations from local community organisations to shed light on the real lived experience in Milton Keynes.
The themes are aligned with the goals of the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This is a call for countries to take actions to help reduce global poverty, reduce inequality, and at the same time tackle climate change.
There is thus a close alignment between these goals and those themes reported on in Vital Signs MK.
Area Definitions:
All our work is led by 12 Vital Signs, which align with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, offering insight into local needs and guiding support for community projects.
Promotes inclusion for all ages and backgrounds, working with cultural and LGBTQ+ groups to create safer, more representative spaces.
Supports young people—especially those from disadvantaged areas or who are not in education employment, or training—to build skills and confidence for future employment.
Covers mental and physical health, with a focus on projects that tackle lifestyle, loneliness, and post-Covid challenges, especially in deprived areas.
Backs initiatives that improve access to secure, better-paying jobs. Prioritises digital and STEM skills to meet the needs of MK’s evolving job market.
Addresses rising poverty through short- and long-term support—covering essentials like food and shelter, while helping people build stability.
Supports efforts to reduce emissions and promote sustainability through projects protecting green spaces and improving environmental health.
Encourages accessible, green transport options to connect people to work, education, and community life, supporting MK’s carbon neutrality goals.
Enables wider participation in arts and culture, boosting wellbeing, creativity, and community pride.
Responds to the rising demand for affordable housing and homelessness, particularly among young adults, by funding both immediate support and long-term solutions.
Funds early intervention and prevention projects, with a focus on youth and programmes tackling violence against women and girls.
Watch last year's Vital Signs launch:
Grab your copy here:
Vital Signs MK reports from previous years:
Our Value Statements
F-A-I-R
- Fairness: We seek detailed understanding to make the right decisions
- Assistance: We share our expertise and referrals for those who need advice
- Inspiration: We communicate our unique proposition passionately and with hope
- Reliability: We deliver what we say, when we say
Our Strategic Goal is to build a resilient, creative, inclusive and philanthropic community.
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Have any questions? Feel free to get in touch with our team.