Apps
Autism
Pegasus Scheme
Pegasus is a scheme for people who may have difficulty in communicating their details when making contact with the emergency services.
Register online: www.bedfordshire.police.uk/Pegasus
Email: autism.champions@bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk
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
Child Development Centre
The Child Development Centre provides services to children with development needs and disabilities.
Website: earlyhelp.bedford.gov.uk/details
Email: enquiries@thechilddevelopmentcentre.com
Research Autism
Articles which cover every day life challenges people deal with who have autism.
Website: researchautism.net
Email: info@researchautism.net
Austim Bedfordshire
A national organisation with information, guidance, training and services for helping patients in regards to everything related to Autism.
Website: www.autismbedfordshire.net
Email: enquiries@autismbeds.org
Cerebra
Helping and working with children with brain conditions (inc autism) and their families.
Website: w3.cerebra.org.uk
National Autistic Society
A society that helps patients with Autism.
Website: www.autism.org.uk
Bereavement
SOBS: Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide
Our aim is to provide peer support to adults bereaved by suicide in a timely open- ended manner. Our vision is that no one bereaved by suicide has to face their loss alone.
Telephone: 07395 024012
Email: bedford@uksobs.org
Bedford Hospital
Provides support and information to families
of the deceased.
Telephone: 01234 792163 or 01234 355122 X4621
Website: www.bedfordhospital.nhs.uk
The Compassionate Friends
Supporting bereaved parents and their families after the death of their son or
daughter, at any age and from any cause.
Helpline: 08451 232304
Telephone: 01767 689781
Website: www.tcf.org.uk
The Luton & Dunstable Hospital
Provide support and information to families of the deceased including those affected by issues surrounding post mortem procedures.
Telephone: Margaret Malcolm Bereavement Support Officer 08451 270127
Telephone: Chaplaincy 01582 497370
Relate
Offers counselling to individuals, couples, families and young people who are experiencing the impact of change, loss and bereavement.
Telephone: 01234 356350
Samaritans
If you are in emotional distress, despairing or feeling suicidal, talking can make all the
difference.
Telephone: Bedford 01234 211211
Telephone: Luton 01582 720666
Telephone: UK 08457 909090
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Website: www.samaritans.org
Sue Ryder Bereavement Service
This service offers bereavement support to families and friends following a death at St John’s Hospice or in the community following a terminal illness.
Telephone: 01767 642429
WAY Foundation (Widowed and Young)
A national charity offering a social and support network for men and women who lost their partner when aged 50 or under.
Website: www.widowedandyoung.org.uk
Bedford Bereavement Services
Offering support to all bereaved people during our group meetings held monthly at
Norse Rd Crematorium.
Telephone Cathy Appleby: 01234 718150
Email: catherine.appleby@bedford.gov.uk
Website: www.bedford.gov.uk
CHUMS – Child Bereavement Service
Chums was created to meet the needs of children, young people and their families following the death of someone close.
Telephone: 01525 863924
Website: www.chums.uk.com
Cruse Bereavement Care
CRUSE runs bereavement support groups for adults, whether recently bereaved or many years past. Please contact Bedfordshire CRUSE to self refer for this support.
Telephone: 03002 004108
Email: support@crusebedfordshire.org.uk
Website:www.crusebedfordshire.org.uk
Keech Hospice Care
The Bereavement Service offers support to the families and friends of those referred to Keech Hospice Care, representing both the Adult Hospice and Children’s Hospice.
Telephone: 01582 492339
Road Victims Trust
A support service for anyone bereaved or otherwise affected by a road collision.
Covering Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire.
Telephone: 01234 843345
Email: enquiries@rvtrust.co.uk
Website: www.rvtrust.org.uk
Sands
We offer support to those whose baby has died through late miscarriage, stillbirth or neo-natal death.
Telephone: 07900 106543
Website: www.uk-sands.org
Victim Support
This group offers a service to those bereaved by homicide or to others who have been affected by the crime.
Telephone: 08453 030900
Website: www.victimsupport.org.uk
Way Up
A national charity offering a social and support network for men and women who lost their partner when aged 51 or over.
Website: www.way-up.co.uk
Cancer
The Swallows
“The Swallows” is a Head and Neck Cancer Support Group for patients and their carers, in mid and north Bedfordshire.
Telephone: 07779 169833 or 24/7 support line 07504 725059
Email: info@theswallows.org.uk
Website: www.theswallows.org.uk
Bowel Cancer UK
Bowel Cancer UK would like to invite patients across Bedford Borough to ‘Chat Together’, their online meet-up for those living with and beyond bowel cancer.
Chat Together is a FREE 1hr weekly Zoom call with a small group of people who have been affected by bowel cancer.
The six week programme offers a chance for those affected to share experiences in a warm, friendly and supportive environment.
Website: www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/how-we-can-help/supportevents/chat-together/
Email: supportevents@bowelcanceruk.org.uk
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 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
Contact: linda.byer@bdc-hospice.org.uk
PEPS / Palliative Care Hub
The palliative care hub is a palliative care coordination and support service run by Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice in Bedfordshire.
Telephone: 01767 641349
Website: www.sueryder.org
Cancer Research UK
A charity which supports and helps those with Cancer within the UK.
Website: www.cancerresearchuk.org
Myeloma UK
Myeloma UK provides information and support to help you cope with everything a diagnosis of myeloma brings.
The charity’s broad range of services covers all aspects of living with myeloma and includes online and printed information publications, a help and support line, patient and family events, and support groups.
Telephone: 0800 980 3332
Website: www.myeloma.org.uk
Email: askthenurse@myeloma.org.uk
Cancer Research UK – Coronavirus Information
Cancer research UK has put together a page with lots of information to help patients with Cancer handle the Coronavirus pandemic.
Website: www.cancerresearchuk.org/coronavirus
Beds Prostate Cancer Support Group
A local Prostate Cancer support group meets at Bedford Borough Bowling Club, Goldington Road.
Telephone: Steve, 01234 960414 or Brian, 01234 767256
Email: sw.pearce@sky.com
Website: prostatecanceruk.org/beds-prostate
Bosum Pals
Bosum Pals is a self help and support group for anyone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Website: www.bosum-pals.org.uk
MacMillan Cancer Support
Provides practical, medical and financial support for people with cancer. Their website has information on a range of topics including living with cancer, support for carers, and facing the end of life. Many of their leaflets can be downloaded.
Telephone: 08088 080000
Website: www.macmillan.org.uk
Marie Curie
Giving care and support through terminal illness.
Website: www.mariecurie.org.uk
Carers
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
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
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.
Child Health & Family Support
Bedfordshire Children’s Centres
A list of the children’s centres in Bedfordshire; the centres are places where parents with young children can share the challenges and joys of parenthood. They offer a range of activities and support services to help you with all aspects of parenting to make sure your child gets the best start in life.
Telephone: 01234 341977
Email: admin@gfc.gb.com
Website: www.goldingtonchildrenscentre.org
Bedford Twins Club – All Multiples Welcome
Regular meetings and a support network across Bedford.
Website: www.bedfordtwinsclub.co.uk
Email: bedfordtwinclub@gmail.com
Healthier Together
Health and service information and advice for children, young people, families, carers and pregnant women can be found at BLMK Healthier Together.
Website: www.blmkhealthiertogether.nhs.uk
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
Vaccination planner
Download a personalised vaccination calendar, which highlights the dates your child needs to have their vaccinations by.
Download from: NHS: Vaccination Schedule
Child and Adolescent Emotional Wellbeing sessions: Eating Disorders
This programme is for parents and carers to get advice and strategies to support Children & Young People with their emotional wellbeing.
Two sessions are available as follows:
Wednesday 10th February 2021, 10:00 – 11:30. To register for the morning session please go here Eating Disorders AM.
Wednesday 24th February 2021, 18:00 – 19:30. To register for the evening session please go here: Eating Disorders PM.
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
Two sessions are available as follows:
Wednesday 13th January 2021, 10:00 – 11:30. Register for this morning session: Low Mood, Self-Harm & Suicide AM
Wednesday 27th January 2021, 18:00-19:30. Register for this evening session: Low Mood, Self-Harm & Suicide PM
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
Families First Bedfordshire
Families have always come first and are at the heart of the organisation. Over the years the charity has helped families in the local Bedfordshire area, to build on their individual strengths and empower parents/carers to develop stronger family relationships. Families First Bedfordshire’s mission is to provide an empowering, community focused service which enables families to thrive. They have a number of projects and services to support us in achieving our mission.
Telephone: 01234 341977
Email: admin@gfc.gb.com
Website: www.familiesfirstbedfordshire.com
Childhood illness visual guide
Use this visual guide to help you identify common conditions and illnesses that may affect your child. Includes conditions such as measles, slapped cheek syndrome, chicken pox and warts.
Community Groups
Bedford & District Cerebral Palsy Society
BDCPS is a small local charity which provides playschemes and youth clubs for disabled young people (aged 0 to 25) in addition to critical support and funding to families, parents and carers.
Telephone: 01234 351759
Email: cp.enquiries@bdcps.org.uk
Website: www.bdcps.org.uk
Embroiderer’s Guild
The Bedford branch of the Embroiderers’ Guild is open to everyone, including beginners, interested in textile art. The group meets for talks and workshops on traditional and modern subjects.
Email: ruth.pooley@btinternet.com
Website: virtual-library.culturalservices.net
Bedford Women’s Centre
Supports women in the community to improve the quality of life for them and their families. Offers one to one support and mentoring, weekly workshops, training courses (both accredited and non-accredited) and support groups for women to promote healthy relationships and eradicate Domestic Abuse.
Telephone: 01234 316801
Website: bedfordwomenscentre.org.uk
Citizens Advice Bedford
Citizens Advice Bedford (CAB) is an independent charitable organisation that helps people resolve their problems by providing information and advice. The service is open to anyone: it is free, independent, confidential and impartial. CAB exists to help those who live or work in the Borough of Bedford.
Telephone: 01234 867944 (Mon – Thurs, 10am – 1pm)
Website: www.bedfordcab.org.uk
British Red Cross
Bedford Independent Living Service, supporting Independence.
Bedford Foodbank
Provide three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred to us in crisis. They are part of a nationwide network of food-banks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.
Telephone: 01234 268569
Email: info@bedford.foodbank.org.uk
Website: bedford.foodbank.org.uk
CAFPH
The support at CAFPH is not only directed to the person living with HIV but to carers and family members who support the services users. The support they offer is structured to suit the whole family.
Telephone: 01582 726061 or 01582 726063
Email: info@cafph.org
Website: cafph.org
The Prebend Day Centre
Bedford Concern for the Homeless and Rootless (BeCHaR) has been running The Prebend Day Centre since 1993. They take a holistic approach to helping individuals take the next step towards reintegration into the local community. This is achieved through our drop-in centre and support team, which is available to vulnerable men and women (individuals in crisis) aged 16 and over.
Telephone: 01234 365955
Website: www.prebendcentre.org.uk
Domestic Abuse
Arthur’s Friends
Arthur’s Friends is a fellowship of male domestic abuse and domestic violence survivors. We offer friendship and mentoring alongside practical, local support to male survivors.
Website: www.arthursfriends.org.uk/
The Emerald Centre
The Emerald Centre Sexual Assault Referral Centre offers free support and practical help to anyone in Bedfordshire and Luton who has experienced sexual abuse. The service is completely confidential and you do not have to give any personal information in order to get help.
Telephone: 01234 897052
Website: www.emeraldcentre.org
Bedfordshire Domestic Abuse Partnership
The Bedfordshire Domestic Abuse Partnership (BDAP) brings together key agencies across Bedfordshire to raise awareness, to deliver services and to work together to improve our local response to domestic abuse.
Domestic Abuse 24 hour Helpline: 0808 2000 247
Website: www.bedsdv.org.uk
Santosh Asian Women’s Refuge
The Asian Women’s Foundation supports Asian women. The objectives are: to inform, organise advise and involve Asian women in Bedfordshire on the issues which affect them; to provide safe, confidential and supporting service for Asian Women who are victims of domestic violence and mental harassment.
2 Derwent Place, Bedford, MK42 9HY
Telephone: 01234 405916
Website: www.balaknath.org
Diabetes
My Type 1 Diabetes
The NHS has launched a new online tool to support adults with Type 1 diabetes. It covers topics including managing insulin, carb counting, positive lifestyle change and it answers common questions about living with Type 1 diabetes. You can access this new service completely free-of-charge.
Website: www.mytype1diabetes.nhs.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
Drugs and Alcohol
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
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
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
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
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
Eating Disorders
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
Elderly Care
Age UK Bedfordshire
Age UK is the country’s largest charity dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life. We believe in a world where everyone can love later life and we work every day to achieve this.
Telephone: 08001 692081
Website: www.ageuk.org.uk
Alzheimer’s UK
The Alzheimer’s Society offers counselling, support, and education for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias’ and their families. On the website, enter your postcode for more detailed information about dementia services and support groups in your area.
Telephone: 03002 221122
Website: www.alzheimers.org.uk
Bedfordshire Memory Navigation Service
Local support for people with memory loss and dementia, and for their carers.
Telephone: 03001 119090
Website: www.memoryinbeds.org.uk
Cinnamon Trust
Cinnamon Trust is a National Charity for elderly and terminally ill people and their pets, where the owner needs help walking their dog
Telephone: 01736 757900
Email: volunteer@cinnamon.org.uk
Website: www.cinnamon.org.uk
Dementia
Dementia UK offers specialist one-to-one support and expert advice for people living with dementia.
Telephone: 0800 888 6678
Website: www.dementiauk.org
Mature Citizens Action Group
To inform those residents of the Borough aged 50 or over on matters affecting their lives. They hold open meetings every two months on the 3rd Monday of the month, at the Salvation Army Hall in Commercial Road, Bedford. Meetings start at 9.30am. Application for membership to the Secretary.
Telephone: Rachel Kirkham, 01234 314093
Silver Line
Free phone support for older people, 24 hours a day.
Telephone: 08004 708090
Website: www.thesilverline.org.uk
Walking Football
A weekly sociable group for people with dementia (or significant cognitive impairment) and/or their family carers, friends & supporters, to enjoy playing walking football in a supported, understanding setting.
Website: www.tibbsdementia.co.uk/walking-football
The Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service
The Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service provide a free home visiting service for people with dementia and their carers to carry out a home assessment for their safety and wellbeing. They review all potential hazards in the home, offer advice and support to reduce risk and can supply and fit fire alarms for free, visit www.bedsfire.gov.uk – Dementia Safety First for full details of the service.
If you suffer with dementia, have a family member or friend you are concerned about and, with their consent, would like to arrange for a visit, please visit www.bedsfirealert.co.uk – Opinion Gathering to complete the referral form. Once the form is submitted you will be contacted to arrange a visit at a convenient time.
Bedford Angel Domino Team
Bedford Angel Domino Club is primarily a social group offering senior citizens within the African and Caribbean Community to participate in activities that take them out of living in isolation and become active within the community.
Telephone: 07774 573599
Email: angelsdominoteam@gmail.com
Website: facebook.com/angeldominoteam
Care Choices
Information about finding care and support for adults and elderly relatives.
Telephone: 08003 892077
Website: www.carechoices.co.uk
Dementia Roadmap
The Bedfordshire Dementia Roadmap provides high quality information about the dementia journey alongside local information about services, support groups and care pathways to assist primary care to support people with dementia and cognitive impairment, their families and carers.
Website: dementiaroadmap.info
Herbert Protocol
The Herbert Protocol is a national scheme designed to help locate people with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and memory problems if they go missing. Referrals can be made by anyone (including the individual) via phone or email.
Telephone: 101
Email: dementia@bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk
Oakley Rural Day Centre
They offer elderly clients the opportunity to meet in a warm, friendly atmosphere and participate in a varied activity programme, including exercise, singing, quizzes and crafts, helping to build confidence and self-esteem. Refreshments are provided throughout the day, as well as a hot lunch.
Website: www.bedford.gov.uk/oakley
Email: info@oakleyrural.org.uk
Tibbs Dementia Services
Tibbs Dementia Services is a Community Interest Company dedicated to providing a range of accessible services and activities for people living with dementia and their carers within the local community. They strive to be responsive to the needs and ideas of people with dementia and their carers and actively seek to support people with dementia to have a voice and to be heard.
Telephone: 07795 177948
Email: contact@tibbsdementia.co.uk
Website: www.tibbsdementia.co.uk
End of Life Care
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 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
Keech 24 hr Advice Line
Do you care for a child with a life-limiting condition? Keech have a free 24 hours a day, seven days a week helpline which is for parents, carers and health professionals. They provide telephone advice, specialist guidance for professionals and symptom management support.
Helpline: 0800 035 6497
Website: www.keech.org.uk/adviceline
Independent Living support – Red Cross
British Red Cross – Support at Home
You can get support and care from the British Red Cross to help you live independently at home or when you return after a stay in hospital.
Website: www.redcross.org.uk
Self Referral: British Red Cross Self Referral Form
Maternity
Mind the Bump
A monthly, women only social group to offer emotional support in a safe environment to address low mood, anxiety and/or depression during pregnancy.
Who can attend:
Any woman living in Bedford who is pregnant and is low in mood, is experiencing or who has experienced depression and/or anxiety.
Venue:
Pine Cones Children’s Centre, Slade Walk, Bedford, MK41 7SA
Time and Date:
1st Thursday of each month 4-6pm
For more information:
Please contact
Telephone: 07919 305635 – Dawn Jones or 01234 341977 – Children’s Centre Team
Baby Buddy App
Baby Buddy is an award winning mobile phone app for new parents and parents-to-be, created by mums, doctors and midwives.
Download from: Google Play: Baby Buddy
Download from: iTunes: Baby Buddy
Neurology Support
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.
Physiological Health
Are you struggling to cope?
Crisis Cafés are safe, non-judgemental spaces that you can come to if you find yourself in crisis or mental distress. You will be met by one of our trained mental health workers, who will listen and help you identify ways to address the problems you are facing.
Mind
Mind provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
Telephone: 03001 233393
Website: www.mind.org.uk
Mind Crisis Support
Open 365 days a year, 17:00-23:00 at Florence Ball House.
Drop-in to speak to a mental health professional face to face.
Website: www.mind-blmk.org.uk/crisis-support
Amicus Trust
A charity that supports and helped homeless people.
Telephone: 01234 358478
Email: info@amicustrust.org
Website: www.amicustrust.org
Head Meds
Information and advice about medications for mental health issues.
Website: www.headmeds.org.uk
Psychological Health Apps
Bedford Integrated Service
The integrated health centre offers a counselling service to anyone of any age.
Telephone: 07549 536770
Email: wendymeniru@gmail.com
Website: www.bedfordintegrativehealth.co.uk
Bedfordshire Wellbeing Service
The service offers a range of free and confidential talking therapies and specialist support to help you feel better.
Telephone: 01234 880400
Website: www.bedfordshirewellbeingservice.nhs.uk
Q-Youth Bedford
Support for 13-18 Year olds who identify as LGBTQ.
Email: qyouthbedford@qalliance.org.uk
Facebook: Q-Youth Bedford
Recovery College
The Recovery College is part of the Bedforshire and Luton Mental Health Academy. The educational workshops and courses they offer all focus on recovery and wellbeing. They are mainly designed and delivered in partnership with people with lived and professional experience, as co-production is a key element in their services.
Please read their current Prospectus, which lists all of the courses they are currently running and has information on how to join one.
Recovery College Prospectus, Autumn 2020
CHUMS
A Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing Service for Children and Young People.
Telephone: 01525 863924
Email: gill.kendall@chums.uk.com
Website: chums.uk.com
Counselling Foundation
Offers 1:1 counselling for those who need it.
Telephone: 01234 346077
Email: bedford@counsellingfoundation.org
Website: www.counsellingfoundation.org
Road Victims Trust
The Road Victims Trust is a registered charity offering a range of free support services to residents of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire who have been affected by fatal road collisions.
Website: www.rvtrust.org.uk
King’s Arms Project
Support for rough sleepers including outreach workers for communities.
Telephone: 01234 340544
Email: info@kingsarmsproject.org
Website: www.kingsarmsproject.org
Samaritans
Samaritans offer a safe place for you to talk any time you like, in your own way – about whatever’s getting to you. You don’t have to be suicidal. Call Samaritans free, 24 hours a day 365 days a year.
Telephone: 116 123
Website: www.samaritans.org
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Young Minds
Support for children and young persons who are suffering from depression and anxiety.
Website: www.youngminds.org.uk
Drug & Alcohol Rehab in Bedfordshire
Do you remember your life without drugs and alcohol? Were you healthier and more optimistic about your future? Do you wish to return to this happier and healthier state of being?
Website: www.rehab4addiction.co.uk/country-wide/alcohol-rehab-bedfordshire
RELATE Bedfordshire
Relate is the UK’s largest provider of relationship support. They are a local charity serving Bedfordshire and Luton.
Telephone: 01234 356350
Website: www.relatebedsandluton.org.uk
Elefriends
A supportive online community where you can get help with anxiety, stress and depression.
Website: www.elefriends.org.uk
Mayday Trust
Support and help for those suffering with addiction, homelessness and personal transitions.
Telephone: 01234 347061
Website: www.maydaytrust.org.uk
Bedford Counselling and Training
A charity that offers 1:1 counselling on a fee scale.
Telephone: 01234 219905
Email: enquiries@bcat-team.org.uk
Website: www.bcat-team.org.uk
Bedford Open Door
A counselling service for 13-17 year olds with mild to moderate depression.
Telephone: 01234 360388
Email: counselling@bedfordopendoor.org.uk
Website: www.bedfordopendoor.org.uk
Impact
Mental Health peer support.
Telephone: 01582 797596
Email: enquiries@impactmh.org.uk
Website: www.impactmh.org.uk
Just Turn Up
The ‘Just Turn Up’ programme is a localised project to help deliver affordable community based activities in and around the most deprived wards in the Borough of Bedford.
Website: www.bedford.gov.uk
Mindful Sport
Extra activities will be featured at a popular project in Bedford designed to help the public improve their wellbeing through physical activity.
Telephone: 01234 718825
Email: robert.lindsay@bedford.gov.uk
Website: www.elft.nhs.uk
Heads Up
Heads Up website offers online ‘check ups’, a toolkit of resources, case studies from local men and celebrities telling their stories, a section encouraging partner and friends to look out for their man and tips on how to stay well.
There are also links to local and national support and information groups.
Website: thisisheads-up.uk
Faces
Support for families and children who are affected by domestic abuse.
Telephone: 01234 270601
Website: www.facesbedford.org
Path to Recovery
P2R is a one stop service which provides advice, treatment and support to people whose lives are affected by drug or alcohol use.
Website: www.elft.nhs.uk
Rethink
Rethink provide expert, accredited advice and information to everyone affected by mental health problems.
Telephone: 03005 000927
Website: www.rethink.org
Email: info@rethink.org
Steady and Social
Stay active in later life with a gentle ta-chi class where you can also socialise with your peers.
Website: www.bedford.gov.uk
Support Line
Confidential emotional support for children, young people and adults.
Website: www.supportline.org.uk
Sexual Health
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
Social Prescribing
TBD
Special Education Needs/Disability
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.
Stop Smoking
Smokefree Bedfordshire
Support and services to help you lead a smoke free life.
Website: www.smokefreebedfordshire.co.uk
Quit with help
Everyone has a different reason for quitting, get a personalised Quit Smoking Plan.
Website: www.quitwithhelp.co.uk
Stoptober
Stop Smoking this October.
Email: blmkicb.stopsmokingservice@nhs.net
NHS Smokefree – Mobile App
The Smokefree app can help you stop smoking by providing daily support and motivation. If you stay smokefree for the 4-week programme you’re up to five times more likely to stay quit for good.
Download from: Google Play: NHS Smokefree
Download from: iTunes: NHS Smokefree
Talk-Health Partnership
TalkHealth Partnership
Find out more about health issues, visit TalkHealth hubs, online clinics and forums.
Facebook: @talkhealthpartnership
Twitter: @talkhealth
Website: www.talkhealthpartnership.com
Weight Management
MoreLife Services
Helping you to get healthy, MoreLife Services run many programmes designed to help you and your family make small changes which make a big difference.
Website: www.more-life.co.uk/bedford
One You Couch to 5K – Mobile App
The Couch to 5K app has been designed to get you off the couch and running in just 9 weeks. Grab your trainers, download the app and follow the step-by-step instructions.
Download from: Google Play: One You Couch to
Download from: iTunes: One You Couch to
One You Easy Meals – Mobile App
The free Easy Meals app is a great way to eat foods that are healthier for you. You’ll find delicious, easy meal ideas to help get you going if you’re ever short of inspiration.
Download from: Google Play: One You Easy Meals
Download from: iTunes: One You Easy Meals
Weight Watchers
Meetings, Online or a little bit of both. We’ve got options and support, whatever your lifestyle.
Website: www.weightwatchers.com
Walk 4 Health
Walk 4 Health Bedfordshire, co-ordinated by Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity, covers the Central Bedfordshire and Bedford Borough areas of the county.
There are currently around 40 different walk programmes operating under this scheme; most of these are weekly walks though some are fortnightly. Most of their walks are ‘circular’, with various shortcuts available, and routes timings range from around 10 minutes to 90 minutes.
Telephone: 07590 558275
Slimming World
You’ll find delicious recipe and menu ideas at your local group, along with all the help you need to get started and reach your target weight.
Website: www.slimmingworld.co.uk
Am I a Healthy Weight?
Calculation your BMI using this NHS Choices Tool
Website: NHS: BMI Calculator
Veterans
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