Carers UK

They’re here to make sure that no matter how complicated your query or your experience, you don’t have to care alone.

Telephone: 02073 784999

Website: www.carersuk.org

Carers in Bedfordshire

Carers in Bedfordshire is a not-for-profit registered charity providing support for carers of family members and friends throughout Bedfordshire.

Telephone: 03001 111919

Website: www.carersinbeds.org.uk

Info: https://www.carersinbeds.org.uk/carers-guide

Bedfordshire Carers Guide

A guide for Bedfordshire residents, packed with details of local organisations and services that can help those who care for someone who can’t manage without them because of a disability, condition or long-term illness.

For more information

Carer’s Emergency Card

The Central Bedfordshire Carer’s Emergency Card enables you to record what you would like to happen in case of an emergency. The small card can easily be stored in your purse or wallet. If an emergency arises, the card will alert people that you are a carer and will know who to contact to make sure the cared for person is safe.

Telephone: 03003 008036

Website: www.centralbedfordshiremcard.gov.uk

Child and Adolescent Emotional Wellbeing sessions: Low mood, self-harm and suicide

This is a programme for parents and carers to get advice and strategies to support children and young people with their emotional wellbeing

Bedford Twins Club – All Multiples Welcome

Regular meetings and a support network across Bedford.

Website: www.bedfordtwinsclub.co.uk

Email: bedfordtwinclub@gmail.com

CHUMS

Child Bereavement, Trauma and Emotional Wellbeing Service offering support to children, young people and their parents or carers.

Telephone: 01525 863924

Email: info@chums.uk.com

Website: www.chums.uk.com

Early Childhood Partnership

The ECP offers a full range of FREE services to expectant parents/carers and families with children up to the age of 5. Children Centres are a place where lots of different things happen under one roof. For more information on the services provided by the ECP, you can visit our dedicated website.

Website: ecpbedford.org

Health Visitors

Information on the routine Health Visitor assessments as well as advice on common problems or concerns regarding children’s development and contact details can be found here:

Health visiting in Bedfordshire (cambscommunityservices.nhs.uk)

Health visiting and school nursing | Bedford Borough Council

Bedford Diabetes UK

The Diabetes UK Bedford group is one of over 350 voluntary groups situated throughout the UK. Our aim is to provide support and educate people living with diabetes, as well as their family, friends and anyone else who is interested in knowing more about diabetes. We encourage those interested to attend our group meetings which are a welcoming and social environment for people to discuss diabetes and its effects.

Telephone: 03451 232399 

Website: www.bedford.diabetesukgroup

Email: info@diabetes.org.uk

Diabetes UK

The World Health Organization estimate that over 382 million people worldwide, including 4.05 million in the UK have diabetes, a metabolic disorder affecting blood sugar levels. Diabetes.co.uk is your resource for information on type 1 and type 2 diabetes, diabetes symptoms and diabetes treatments.

Diabetes.co.uk is a community of people with diabetes, family members, friends, supporters and carers, offering their own support and first hand knowledge.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Diabetes.co.uk

Twitter: www.twitter.com/Diabetescouk

Website: www.diabetes.co.uk

Bedfordshire Diabetes

Written and maintained by Bedfordshire’s leading Diabetes Service Specialists, this website is designed to be a comprehensive source of information and advice on diabetes for Bedfordshire. With information presented in the form of guidelines, the site aims to pull together and deliver user-friendly advice and guidance on the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes. Where considered appropriate it draws upon the latest thinking and developments in the field of diabetes.

Telephone: 01234 355122

Website: www.bedfordshirediabetes.org.uk

Diabetes – NHS

Diabetes is a lifelong condition that causes a person’s blood sugar level to become too high. The NHS website provides all the information you need to know about diabetes, the cause of diabetes and how to treat it.

Website: www.nhs.uk/conditions/diabetes

Path 2 Recovery

Path to Recovery (P2R) is a one stop service which provides advice, treatment and support to adults 18+ whose lives are affected by drug or alcohol use. We are open to residents of Bedford Borough or Central Bedfordshire.

Telephone: 01234 352220

Website: www.elft.nhs.uk

Talk to Frank

If you have a problem with drugs Talk to Frank for friendly, confidential drugs advice.

Telephone: 03001 236600

Text: 82111

Website: www.talktofrank.com

Email: frank@talktofrank.com

Alcoholics Anonymous

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.

Telephone: 08009 177650

Website: www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Email: help@aamail.org

Cocaine Anonymous UK

Cocaine Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other so that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from their addiction.

Local CA group: Thursdays at 7:30pm, 5 Lansdown Road, Bedford, MK40 2BX

Telephone: 03001 112285

Website: www.cauk.org.uk

Email: info@cauk.org.uk

Drinkaware Online Tools & Apps

Online trackers and apps from Drinkaware to help you avoid harm from alcohol.

Download from: www.drinkaware.co.uk

One You Days Off – Mobile App

The One You Days Off app is a simple and easy way to track the days you drink alcohol and the days you don’t.

Download from: Google Play: One You Days Off

Download from: iTunes: One You Days Off

Drinkline

If you’re worried about your own or someone else’s drinking, you can call this free helpline, in complete confidence.

Telephone: 03001 231110

Aquarius

If you’re under 18, support is

available from Aquarius

Telephone: 01234 341977

Website: aquarius.org.uk

Caraline

Services include a full assessment, a 10 session Eating Behaviour Group, individual sessions, and support groups for both clients and their carers.

Telephone: 01582 457474

Email: admin@caraline.com

Website: www.caraline.com

Warm Spaces in Bedford Borough

As part of the Warm Spaces provision, Bedford libraries are providing inclusive and welcoming community spaces with free Wi-Fi and a range of activities. The website shows other venues and the opening days and times.

Website: www.bedford.gov.uk/warm-spaces

Fuel

Better Housing Better Health

Support for reducing bills and obtaining emergency grants for gas and electricity in the home.

Website: https://www.bhbh.org.uk/

Telephone: 0800 107 0044

Local Welfare Provision

Bedford Borough Council may be able to assist with emergency food or fuel provision.

Telephone: 01234 718033

Warm Spaces

Warm spaces will offer free, Non-judgmental spaces where people can go to stay warm and maybe enjoy some company and a hot drink, or simply spend time reading:

Bedford

Please select the below link to see Warm Spaces and Activities available for Libraries:

Your local library – opening times, facilities and activities, Bedford Borough Council

Please select the below link to see warm spaces at other venues:

Warm Spaces, Bedford Borough Council

Housing

If you find yourself at risk of homelessness, you can contact your local authority:

Bedford Borough Council – Housing Options 01234 267422

Lines are open: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 09:00 – 17:00 and Wednesday from 10:00 – 17:00. 

Email: housing.advice@bedford.gov.uk

Emergency out of hours: 01234 267422 / 0123411095

Food

Bedford Foodbank – CLOSED over Christmas and New Year

The last Foodbank distribution sessions before Christmas:

Friday 23rd December (Salvation army – with voucher, and Project229 in Kempston)

Reopening on Wednesday 4th January 2023 at Holy Cross – Collecting Only

The warehouse at: 71 Murdock Road MK41 7PL will be open for donation, from 3rd to 5th January at 10:00am to 16.00pm.

See website for further details of distribution locations and times: bedford.foodbank.org.uk

IMPAKT Food

Priory Methodist Church, Newham Avenue, Bedford, MK41 9QJ

Tel: 01234 307040

CLOSING EARLY: 23th December – 10.30 am – 12:00 pm

26th December – 4rd January – CLOSED

4th January – Reopening Normal hours

Dine with Us – Community Larder – 2B Ashburnham Road, Bedford, MK40 1DS

The best way to keep up to date with the ladder and find out about days and opening time is to follow them on Facebook at:  https://www.facebook.com/DineWithUsOnTheStreetsCherriesLegacy

Bedford Daycare Hospice

Bedford Daycare Hospice provides holistic care for adults suffering with a life limiting illness who are registered with a Bedford Borough or Central Bedfordshire GP. Cancer and non-cancer patients alike are cared for in a calm, homely environment from the point of diagnosis, through investigations and treatment to remission or palliative care. The ‘whole person’ is cared for; mind, body and spirit. Away from the the clinical environment the patient can just be themselves in a safe place where the focus is on living.

Telephone: 01234 352015

Website: www.bedforddaycarehospice.org.uk

Email: linda.byer@bdc-hospice.org.uk

MS Society

Together, we are strong enough to stop MS.

Telephone: 08088 008000

Website: www.mssociety.org.uk

PSP Association

The PSP Association provides practical help & advice for people with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy & Cortico Basal Degeneration.

Telephone: 03000 110122

Website: www.pspassociation.org.uk

Headway UK

Headway is the UK-wide charity that works to improve life after brain injury. Through its network of more than 125 groups and branches across the UK, it provides support, services and information to brain injury survivors, their families and carers, as well as to professionals in the health and legal fields.

Telephone: 08088 002244

Website: www.headway.org.uk

Stroke Association

We are the UK’s leading charity dedicated to conquering stroke.

Telephone: 03033 033100

Email: info@stroke.org.uk

Website: www.stroke.org.uk

Others

Website: www.epilepsysociety.org.uk

Telephone: 01494 601300

Website: www.ataxia.org.uk

Telephone: 08456 440606

Website: www.mstrust.org.uk

Telephone: 08000 323839

Website: www.msatrust.org.uk

Telephone: 03333 234591

Parkinson’s UK

We’re the Parkinson’s charity that drives better care, treatments and quality of life. Together we can bring forward the day when no one fears Parkinson’s.

Telephone: 08088 000303

Website: www.parkinsons.org.uk

Huntington’s Disease Association

We exist to support people affected by HD and to provide information and advice to professionals.

Telephone: 01513 315444

Website: www.hda.org.uk

MS Therapy Centre Beds & Northants

A centre of excellence providing professional specialist therapies and support for people with Multiple Sclerosis in a self-help environment that inspires and empowers.

Telephone: 01234 325781

Website: mscentrebedsandnorthants.com

Motor Neurone Disease Association

The Motor Neurone Disease Association funds and promotes global research into MND and provides support to people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Telephone: 08088 026262

Email: mndconnect@mndassociation.org

Website: www.mndassociation.org

Carers in Beds

Carers in Bedfordshire strive to identify and support all carers of family and friends. We will enhance their health and well-being by offering specialist support according to their needs and wishes.

Telephone: 03001 111919

Email: contact@carersinbeds.org.uk

Website: www.mndassociation.org

Address: Carers in Bedfordshire, Suite K, Sandland Court, Pilgrim Centre, Brickhill Drive, Bedford MK41 7PZ

Helpful Contacts at Diagnosis

If you have been diagnosed with a neurological condition, you can get confidential help and advice from charities as well as from medical services. The charities listed offer helplines staffed by trained advisers who can offer help with medical issues, employment and benefits, health and social care services, and emotional support. They can also tell you about local services.

iCaSH

Integrated Contraception and Sexual Health services.

Website: www.icash.nhs.uk

Brook

Brook provides free and confidential sexual health and wellbeing services for nearly 250,000 young people UK-wide, each year.

Website: www.brook.org.uk

Sexual Health Help Line

The Family Planning Association Sexual health help line can give you confidential information and advice.

Telephone: 08451 228690

Family Planning Association

They are a sexual health charity. They give straightforward information and support on sexual health, sex and relationships to everyone in the UK.

Telephone: 03001 237123

Website: www.fpa.org.uk

Your Wellbeing Bedfordshire

Do you want to improve your quality of life and overall wellbeing?

Do you need support and advice to deal with your problems?

Do you sometimes feel isolated and lonely?

Social Prescribing helps people connect with services, support and activities in the local community to improve your health and wellbeing.

Telephone: 01234 832612

Website: www.yourwellbeingbedfordshire.org.uk

Sports Sessions at Home – Bedford Borough Council

A wide range of options of activities with varying times to participate. Classes include ChairYoga, TaiChi, Meditation and gentle exercise.

Website: www.bedfordsportlive.crd.co

Recovery College – Introduction to Health and Wellbeing

A 13 week bite size course covering topics such as building confidence, sleep, anxiety, depression and motivation. Sessions start in August through to November and you can dip into any or all of the sessions.

Telephone: 01234 263621

Email: elft.recoverycollege@nhs.net

Website: www.elft.nhs.uk – Bedfordshire and Luton Recovery College

SEND

Bedford Borough’s Local Offer website sets out information about services and support available for children and young people with special educational needs and/or disability (SEND) who are aged 0 to 25. The information describes what is on offer from education, health, leisure and social care services for those with SEND and their parents/carers.

You will also find information about childcare settings, childminders and early help support for all families.

Website: www.localoffer.bedford.gov.uk

Twitter: twitter.com/Bedfordlocalof1

Facebook: www.facebook.com/BBLocalOffer

SEND Newsletter July

You can read the official newsletter of SEND related issues in Bedford Borough for July by clicking the link below.

SEND Matters July

BLESMA

A charity which supports limbless veterans (amputees or paralysis). They give practical advice and personal service – a member will come out to see the veteran needing assistance. They provide guidance and help.

Telephone: 01480 469216

Website: blesma.org

Combat Stress

Combat Stress is the UK’s leading veterans’ mental health charity. They treat a range of mental health conditions including PTSD, depression and anxiety. They also help with alcoholism.

Telephone: 08001 381619

Website: www.combatstress.org.uk

Hidden Wounds

A psychological well being service for veterans & families; part of help for heroes. Hidden Wounds provides free and confidential support to Ex-Service Personnel, their families and the families of those still serving, who are living with anxiety, depression, stress, anger or who wish to change their drinking habits.

Telephone: 08082 020144

Website: www.helpforheroes.org.uk/hidden-wounds/

SSAFA – Bedfordshire

SSAFA provides lifelong support to anyone who is currently serving or has ever served in the Royal Navy, British Army or Royal Air Force.

Telephone: 08005 003063

Email:  bedfordshire@ssafa.org.uk

Website: www.ssafa.org.uk

Burma Star Association

The Burma Star Association exists to relieve need, hardship or distress among men and women who served in HM and Allied Forces or the Nursing Services in the Burma Campaign of the 1939-45 war or are otherwise entitled to be holders of the Burma Star or Pacific Star with Burma Clasp and for their widows, widowers or dependants.

Website: www.burmastar.org.uk

Help for Heroes – Big White Wall

Free to all UK serving personnel, veterans and their families, Big White Wall is a safe online community of people who are anxious, down or not coping who support and help each other by sharing what’s troubling them, guided by trained professionals.

Website: www.bigwhitewall.com

The Ripple Pond

Peer-led, self-help groups meet regularly with the main aim of providing a space to express feelings safely, in a non-judgemental environment, ​​where ​​everyone can be heard. The groups are here for parents, spouses, siblings – indeed any adult family member of a veteran or a UK serving personnel who feels they would like support.

Website: www.theripplepond.org

Walking with the Wounded – Head Start

Walking With The Wounded supports a pathway for vulnerable veterans to re-integrate back into society and sustain their independence. At the heart of this journey is employment. It is like an IAPT service but for veterans, with virtually no waiting time – up to 12 sessions of face to face counselling.

Website: www.walkingwiththewounded.org.uk