Apps for Lifestyle

• Active 10 Walking Tracker
• myCOPD
• HealthUnlocked
• Sugar Smart
• Be Food Smart
• Easy Meals
• Couch to 5k
• BMI Calculator
• Smart Recipes

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

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

Cerebra

Helping and working with children with brain conditions (inc autism) and their families.

Website: w3.cerebra.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

National Autistic Society

A society that helps patients with Autism.

Website: www.autism.org.uk

Research Autism

Articles which cover every day life challenges people deal with who have autism.

Website: researchautism.net

Email: info@researchautism.net

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

Bedford Hospital

Provides support and information to families
of the deceased.

Telephone: 01234 792163 or 01234 355122 X4621

Website: www.bedfordhospital.nhs.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

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

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

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

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

Relate

Offers counselling to individuals, couples, families and young people who are experiencing the impact of change, loss and bereavement.

Telephone: 01234 356350

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cancer Research UK

A charity which supports and helps those with Cancer within the UK.

Website: www.cancerresearchuk.org

Marie Curie

Giving care and support through terminal illness.

Website: www.mariecurie.org.uk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vaccination planner

Download a personalised vaccination calendar, which highlights the dates your child needs to have their vaccinations by.

Download from: www.nhs.uk

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.

Website: www.nhs.uk

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

British Red Cross

Bedford Independent Living Service, supporting Independence. Please see here for a self referral form.

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 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

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

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

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

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

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/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Care Choices

Information about finding care and support for adults and elderly relatives.

Telephone: 08003 892077

Website: www.carechoices.co.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 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

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

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 

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

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

Silver Line

Free phone support for older people, 24 hours a day.

Telephone: 08004 708090

Website: www.thesilverline.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

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

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

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

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: play.google.com

Download from: itunes.apple.com

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

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

MS Society

Together, we are strong enough to stop MS.

Telephone: 08088 008000

Website: www.mssociety.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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Amicus Trust

A charity that supports and helped homeless people.

Telephone: 01234 358478

Email: info@amicustrust.org

Website: www.amicustrust.org

Elefriends

A supportive online community where you can get help with anxiety, stress and depression.

Website: www.elefriends.org.uk

Head Meds

Information and advice about medications for mental health issues.

Website: www.headmeds.org.uk

Mayday Trust

Support and help for those suffering with addiction, homelessness and personal transitions.

Telephone: 01234 347061

Website: www.maydaytrust.org.uk

Psychological Health Apps

• SilverCloud
• Stress and Anxiety Companion
• Catch It
• Calm Harm

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 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

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 

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

Impact

Mental Health peer support.

Telephone: 01582 797596

Email: enquiries@impactmh.org.uk

Website: www.impactmh.org.uk

Q-Youth Bedford

Support for 13-18 Year olds who identify as LGBTQ.

Email: qyouthbedford@qalliance.org.uk

Facebook: Q-Youth Bedford

Walk Bedford

A society of walkers that help to motivate you to exercise and to support mental health.

Email: info@walkbedford.com

Website: walkbedford.com

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

Kooth

Free anonymous online chat for young people to discuss your mental health issues.

Website: kooth.com

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

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, Summer 2020

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

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

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

Counselling Foundation

Offers 1:1 counselling for those who need it.

Telephone: 01234 346077

Email: bedford@counsellingfoundation.org

Website: www.counsellingfoundation.org

Faces

Support for families and children who are affected by domestic abuse.

Telephone: 01234 270601

Website: www.facesbedford.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

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

King's Arms Project

Support for rough sleepers including outreach workers for communities.

Telephone: 01234 340544

Email: info@kingsarmsproject.org

Website: www.kingsarmsproject.org

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

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

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

Young Minds

Support for children and young persons who are suffering from depression and anxiety.

Website: www.youngminds.org.uk

Support Line

Confidential emotional support for children, young people and adults.

Website: www.supportline.org.uk

iCaSH

Integrated Contraception and Sexual Health services.

Website: www.icash.nhs.uk

Sexual Health Help Line

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

Telephone: 08451 228690

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

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

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

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

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: play.google.com

Download from: itunes.apple.com

TalkHealth Partnership

Find out more about health issues, visit TalkHealth hubs, online clinics and forums.

Facebook: @talkhealthpartnership

Twitter: @talkhealth

Website: www.talkhealthpartnership.com

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

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

Weight Watchers

Meetings, Online or a little bit of both. We’ve got options and support, whatever your lifestyle.

Website: www.weightwatchers.com

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

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

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

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

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/

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

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

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

GP Services for Young People

A useful guide to accessing GP services for young people, aged 13 – 16 years old.

• NHS Young Person Guide

Kooth

A free and anonymous online counselling and emotional wellbeing support service to every child or young person living in Luton, Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes.

Website: www.kooth.com