To impress upon teenagers the severity of computer-related offenses, the NCA has created the #CyberChoices initiative. A program targeting parents of children aged 12-15, #CyberChoices seeks to highlight not only the criminal tools that teenagers unwittingly flock to but also what the consequences might be if their children are found to have violated the Computer Misuse Act.

Areas of Operation:

#livesb4knives is an anonymous support group aimed at those affected by knife crime or serious youth violence.

Areas of Operation:
Luton

User-friendly guide to help people understand the Universal Credit benefit system

Areas of Operation:
National

4mation is part of YMCA Bedfordshire, a registered charity. It is also a social enterprise working primarily across Bedfordshire. They can provide volunteering opportunities to help people gain skills. They also provide low cost second-hand, refurbished and new household furniture and appliances. Food4 can provide access to free healthy food essentials.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford

4YP offer impartial, careers information and guidance, intensive support and mentoring, youth work and training services.

Areas of Operation:
Central Beds

As a Community Wellbeing Trust, Active Luton’s mission is to make a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of its community, inspiring, motivating and offering opportunities for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to learn and take action to improve their life chances. Active Luton runs facilities and provides a wide range of high-quality programmes and activities.

Areas of Operation:
Luton

Advanced learner loans are there to help fund a course at a college or training provider in England. Loan eligibility doesn’t depend on income and there are no credit checks.

Areas of Operation:
National

People living in Central Bedfordshire now have a single source of information on a vast range of topics including: benefits, debt, disabilities, education, health, housing, immigration, employment, legal and more.

Areas of Operation:
Central Beds

Alcoholics Anonymous 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.

Areas of Operation:
National

Amicus Trust believes in ensuring everyone has a life free from homelessness and a place in their community. We offer supported accommodation, a mobile night shelter during cold weather and support homeless adults with their mental health, and in achieving their work and educational goals.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds, Luton

If you find that your anger is costing you far too much in relation to your family, career and health, then perhaps it's time you examine it by booking onto one of our anger management programmes in a location practical for you. We know you'll be amazed by just how much you'll learn.

Areas of Operation:
National

Aquarius is a service for anyone under the age of 18 in Bedfordshire, who is affected by substance misuse. This includes those who are taking drugs or drinking alcohol themselves, or if they are affected by family members who have problems with alcohol or drug use. Many of the children and young people we work with are also facing other challenges, such as school exclusion, homelessness, mental health, unemployment, or experience of the care system. We’re here to provide the support you need.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds, Luton

You may be able to get housing and money to support you and your family while you’re waiting to find out if you’ll be given asylum. This also means your children will go to a free state school and you may get free healthcare from the National Health Service (NHS). You can still apply for short-term support if you’ve been refused asylum and are preparing to leave the UK. You can apply direct to the government using this link below, or seek advice from Migrant Help UK.

Areas of Operation:
National

We provide the UK's signposting website for the bereaved

Areas of Operation:
National

Our mission is to build cohesion and encourage communities to work in harmony. Through our activities, we encourage people to show tolerance respect and empathy to others particularly people who come from different cultures, ethnicities, religions and areas. We achieve these aims by providing non-formal education and training for young people and professionals who work with young people to fill a gap.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds, Luton

Azalea is a Christian charity open to everyone, we are committed to help all involved in commercial sexual exploitation. We want to see an end to commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking, and are committed to taking a 360 degree approach to the problem. We work in partnership with a number of local statutory and non-statutory organisations to ensure we offer the best all round support we can for our women and to share knowledge and expertise.

Areas of Operation:
Luton

If you need to find a new home we can give you advice on subjects such as: How to apply for Social Housing, How to find Private Rented housing, How to apply for supported accommodation and Low cost home ownership options.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford

Be Positive provides focussed, innovative, inspiring and purposeful training and coaching, based on strong theoretical foundations, to support individuals towards finding, developing and nurturing strengths and self-worth. We offer funded (free) programmes for Individuals living in Bedford Borough or Central Beds who are in receipt of benefits and over the age of 19.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds

The advice and benefits pages provide useful information and help on many of the issues such as Housing Benefit, Council Tax, Benefit Grants and alternatives to Payday Loans.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford

Offer a range of courses to help people back into employment or education. If you are unemployed and receiving benefits then you could learn for free. Online distance learning courses available will enable you to gain additional skills and a qualification without disrupting your day-to-day life.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford

Open for new admissions- service currently being provided via telephone until September 2021. Email or call to find out more. Bedford Counselling & Training (BCaT) offer one to one counselling services and group therapy for adults over the age of 18. Our counsellors work within British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) ethical guidelines and they are all members of BACP or an alternative recognised professional organisation.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford

Bedford Credit Union (BCU) is a not-for-profit financial co-operative owned and controlled by its members. We encourage regular saving and thrift together with the provision of loans that are sensibly priced and affordable. BCU has community service at its heart and as such we involve volunteers in the running of the office, carrying out many of the key functions of the business.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford

Bedford Foodbank’s volunteers work with referral partners to provide a minimum of three days emergency food and support to people experiencing crisis in our community.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford

The issue of homelessness is often hidden, and when someone encounters it they don’t always know who to turn to for help. The vision of the Bedford Homeless Database is to provide a free resource for members of the public and professionals alike, to be able to find the excellent services and passionate people who can help the homeless in Bedford in times of crisis.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford

Bedford Open Door is a charity providing FREE and confidential counselling to young people in Bedford and the surrounding areas. Counselling is provided by a team of fully trained, experienced and friendly volunteer counsellors. They are still offering services during this time and up to 12 weekly sessions of counselling either via telephone or online. To find out more or register for the service you can email, text or call

Areas of Operation:
Bedford

Bedford Womens Centre is based in the Raleigh Centre which is in the Cauldwell ward of Bedford on Ampthill Road. Our aim is to support women in the community to improve the quality of life for them and their families. We offer one to one support and mentoring, weekly workshops, training courses and support groups for women to promote healthy relationships and eradicate Domestic Abuse.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford

The Partnership brings together key agencies across Bedfordshire to raise awareness, to deliver services and to work together to improve our local response to domestic abuse. At BDAP we work closely with local authorities and other agencies to provide services in the local area, we deliver a two-tier training programme for professionals who work with those affected by domestic abuse and we strive to bring all those agencies working locally together to ensure a coordinated response to domestic abuse. BDAP also coordinates the monthly Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC) and the Domestic Abuse Champion Scheme in both Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds, Luton

The Bedfordshire Employment and Skills Service (BESS) provides opportunities for adults to get involved in learning within the community. In particular, we aim to work with people who have not achieved a level 2 (or equivalent) qualification and/or are unemployed. Email alerts can keep you up to date with all the latest learning opportunities. A list of all our courses can be found on: https://courses.centralbedsglobal.net/AvailableCoursesList.asp

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds

The Bedfordshire Wellbeing Service offers a range of free and confidential talking therapies and specialist support to help you feel better.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds, Luton

The BeNCH ETE team support and motivate service users to overcome their barriers to employment. ETE Staff are skilled in helping service users to identify what their aspirations and future employment needs are.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds, Luton

Best Practice People offer the Skills4bedfordshire™ short training course. This offers a range of qualifications selected to enhance your skills and facilitate progression into employment or better employment. The programme is designed to support unemployed and low skilled individuals. to achieve qualifications, quickly, that add value to your CV and have a high impact on your respective job applications. This course is funded by Central Bedfordshire Council and free for all who are eligible and live in Bedford or Central Beds.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds

BigDeal is a place for young people to find information and support related to gambling, either for themselves or someone they care about. The first step towards life without gambling problems is understanding the issue and asking for help. We are here for you, so you will not be alone whatever you are dealing with. If you’d rather chat to an advisor online, you can contact us via our NetLine service. The NetLine provides confidential advice, information and emotional support throughout Great Britain to anyone experiencing problems with gambling. The NetLine is an online text ‘chat’ service, where you can talk to an adviser by typing, and they will type back. You can access the service via a smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop PC. As well as reading what the adviser types, the adviser can also send you documents and links to read later. The NetLine services are open from 8am to midnight.

Areas of Operation:
National

Supporting people affected by bipolar.

Areas of Operation:
National

Beds Opportunities for Learning Disabilities (BOLD) aims to provide work experience to those with LD. Our aim is to give our adults a taste of working life. This may not lead to a permanent job, but it will give an insight into what is expected of them in a real job. We offer work experience and a worthwhile fulfilling role within the community.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford

Boxing Saves Lives is a not for profit organisation created to show how boxing can be a way to prevent crime, poor mental health, loneliness and exclusion. We are dedicated to improving the lives of people of any age, creating a safe haven for those who want a new way to feel better and increase their self worth. Boxing Saves Lives are currently working with young people in Bedfordshire as a crime prevention strategy, that improves physical and mental health. It utilises the strengths of discipline, respect, integrity and self worth to empower young people to make positive life changing choices.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds, Luton

​BPHA is a Housing Association committed to providing its customers with high quality, value for money services whilst continuing to develop energy efficient, sustainable and affordable housing. We are a leading provider and developer of affordable homes – for rent, sheltered, residential care and shared ownership.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford

BRASS supports refugees and asylum seekers in Bedfordshire, UK. We provide advice on a range of issues, English language tuition, and social activities. If you are a refugee or asylum seeker, please get in contact with us.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds, Luton

Our mission is to reshape diversity and inclusion talent pathways - We aim to transform how organisations attract, retain and develop talent by enabling them to access directly one of the widest possible diverse and inclusive talent pools available.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds, Luton

Available for residents of those age 18 and over living in Bedford Borough - This services aim is to support the independence and improve confidence in those affected by a long term physical health conditions, physical inactivity and social isolation. It promotes enabling them in reconnecting to their community. They can provide support to people in accessing local groups/services, build up their social networks to help maintain physical and emotional wellbeing and reduce experience of loneliness/social isolation and reliance on health services. Support is available through a number of means such as telephone support, help with practical and/or domestic tasks and arranging transport that may be required. This service can be provided for up to 12 weeks and referrals are accepted from any source.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford

National charity providing sexual health services, education and advice for Young People

Areas of Operation:
National

The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is leading a movement against male suicide, the single biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK. The webchat service is open between 5pm and midnight everyday.

Areas of Operation:
National

Welcome to Caraline. It is our mission to support individuals living with an eating disorder along with their family and friends, we have been doing this for 26 years.

Areas of Operation:
Luton

Previously Aldwyck Housing Group which covered the Home Counties, Catalyst offer a range of housing to suit most requirements. We offer affordable homes to rent or buy, we have a number of supported living schemes across Bedfordshire and we provide accommodation and support services for young people in housing need, as well as homes and services for older people.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds, Luton

If you need to find a new home in Central Bedfordshire we can give you advice on subjects such as: How to apply for Social Housing, how to find Private Rented housing, how to apply for supported accommodation and low cost home ownership options.

Areas of Operation:
Central Beds

Offer a range of courses to help people back into employment or education, including level one English and Mathematics.

Areas of Operation:
Central Beds

Change Ur Life is a domestic abuse charity in Bedfordshire, offering a comprehensive outreach service to support victims of all genders over the age of sixteen.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds, Luton

The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) delivered by East London NHS Foundation Trust is part of a wider network of services that offer help and support to children and young people who have mental health difficulties and their families/carers. It is made up of doctors, nurses and other medical staff who can support young people, carers and families who are experiencing difficulties with their mental well-being.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds, Luton, National

We are passionate about releasing people from a life sentence of poverty, debt, unemployment and addiction. Working with the Church we bring good news, hope and freedom to people in the UK. In the Bedford area, CAP have a Debt Centre providing advice on debts, and also a Job Club proving employment coaching.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford

CHUMS currently delivers nine services across Luton & Bedfordshire, although not all are available in both areas. Supporting children and young people is at the heart of everything we do, and we are passionate about supporting as many children and young people as we can. We recognise that one size does not fit all which is one of the reasons why we have developed our unique service model.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds, Luton

​Citizens Advice Bedford & District 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&D exists to help those who live or work in the Borough of Bedford.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford

We provide free, confidential and impartial advice and campaign on big issues affecting people's lives. Our goal is to help everyone find a way forward, whatever problem they face. We're an independent charity and part of the Citizens Advice network across England and Wales.

Areas of Operation:
Luton

Our relationships affect every aspect of our lives. To learn how to make yours work better, create a free account – share questions and stories with the community, try fun and helpful activities, or get private support from a Click listener.

Areas of Operation:
National

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. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using cocaine and all other mind-altering substances.

Areas of Operation:
National

We are Combat Stress, the UK’s leading charity for veterans’ mental health. For a century, we’ve helped former servicemen and women with mental health problems such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The work we do is life-changing and often life-saving. No one else does what we do.

Areas of Operation:

We are a voluntary and community sector support organisation that develops, enables, promotes and supports local voluntary and community action (including volunteering) across Bedfordshire

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds, Luton

The aim of the Community Eating Disorders Service (CEDS) is to work with service users whose problems are at the most serious or severe range of presenting concerns. In this sense we are a specialist service.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds, Luton

CLI runs the SAMAS (Support, Advice, Mentoring and Advocacy Service) in Bedford and Central Bedfordshire. SAMAS supports individuals through substance misuse recovery by creating a safe community. They have mentors with lived experience of substance misuse to keep individuals motivated and understand their needs.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds

Community Voluntary Service (CVS) is a voluntary and community sector support organisation, offering a range of services, enabling local organisations and communities to make a difference in Bedfordshire. CVS promotes volunteering and matches volunteers with local opportunities.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds, Luton

Following a high profile hacking of a mailbox belonging to The Duke of Edinburgh, the Computer Misuse Act 1990 was created to address the loopholes in the law and make it illegal to gain improper access to a computer. It was now an offence to access any computer to which you do not have an unauthorised right to use. Below is a BBC Bitesize link which explains the Act:

Areas of Operation:
National

For advice on most recent Lockdown measures, what to do if you have symptoms and to book a test, visit the website

Areas of Operation:
National

A nationwide database of qualified counsellors and psychotherapists. Also provides advice and FAQ's around counselling.

Areas of Operation:
National

The Counselling Foundation is a leading charity that has provided counselling and counsellor training for the better mental health of our communities in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire for over forty years.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds, Luton

Cruse are still offering their services during this time- these are currently via telephone or online. Grief is a natural process, but it can be devastating. Cruse are here to support you or someone you know who's been affected through a difficult time.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds, Luton, National

Cyber Prevent aim to deter individuals from getting involved in cyber dependent crime, and prevent re-offending. They strive to continually understand behaviours and motivations behind offending. Cyber Prevent promote legal and ethical use of skills, including opportunities in cyber security.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds, Luton

Cyber-dependent crime can be defined as any crime that can only be committed using computers, computer networks or other forms of information communication technology (ICT). In essence, without the internet these crimes could not be committed. It includes such activity as the creation and spread of malware, hacking to steal sensitive personal or industry data and denial of service attacks to cause financial and/or reputational damage.

Areas of Operation:

Dear Albert helps individuals to stop taking alcohol and drugs. Dear Albert also specialises working directly with providers of substance misuse services and other organisations to achieve better outcomes including successful completions and PbR.

Areas of Operation:
National

Develop is a not-for- profit organisation that deliver a comprehensive range of innovative education and training programmes across the Eastern Region. Develop offers a variety of courses, study skills, traineeships and work experience placements for people aged 14-19 at venues in Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Dunstable and Hitchin. They also offer adult specific courses focussing on employability skills and raising aspiration and motivation.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds, Luton

From generic sports sessions, to 1-1 mentoring programmes and group motivational projects, Directional aim to provide positive role models who young people can relate to. All of our staff members have grown up in Luton, so we understand the challenges young people may be facing. This helps us to engage with them better and relate to the difficulties they may be having. We use this to create good working relationships and inspire young people to be the best they can be.

Areas of Operation:
Central Beds, Luton

The Community Media & Training Project will provide support for identified target groups across Luton and Dunstable and Houghton Regis area of Central Bedfordshire, such as young people, unemployed adults, BME and migrant workers. These are amongst the most disadvantaged people, often with multiple and complex needs, and require support to move into employment. This project will tackle worklessness to raise the aspirations of people and communities, and support participants to overcome barriers, increase in confidence and move into, or nearer to, paid employment.

Areas of Operation:
Central Beds, Luton

Volunteering made easy! You'll find tons of things to do on Do-it.org which will help you take the first steps in doing something good for your community.

Areas of Operation:
National

Drinkline runs a free, confidential helpline for people who are concerned about their drinking, or someone else's (weekdays 9am–8pm, weekends 11am–4pm).

Areas of Operation:
National

Dunstable Foodbank’s volunteers work with referral partners to provide a minimum of three days emergency food and support to people experiencing crisis in our community.

Areas of Operation:
Central Beds

Dynamic Dimensions is a knife crime intervention programme and they support anyone who is involved in knife crime.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds, Luton

Bedfordshire and Luton Mental Health and Wellbeing Services provide mental health services across Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire and Luton. We are commissioned by NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes CCGs to provide the following services: * Improving Access to Psychological Services (IAPT) (Bedfordshire only) * Adult, older adult mental health and learning disability services * Adult rehabilitation and recovery services * Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. Our community services include Adult Community Mental Health Teams (CMHTs), Older People’s CMHTs and Children’s and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) teams. Our inpatient service includes a Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), Older Person’s Wards and Adult Admission Wards.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds, Luton

'The TABI (Triage, Assessment and Brief Intervention) team offer assessment and brief intervention for people of working age (18-65 years) with mental health and social care needs living and registered with a GP in the borough of Bedford.' They are open Monday - Friday 9am-5pm

Areas of Operation:
Bedford

A homelessness charity based in North Bedfordshire offering active support to formerly homeless people. We provide what we think of as a real workable alternative to homelessness, offering people a home, as well as meaningful work in our social enterprise.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford

FACES has a range of innovative services designed in direct response to our service user 'families' emerging needs - to our knowledge we are one of a kind. FACES support services are free and confidential.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford

Families First Bedfordshire has a strong ethos and a long history of family support. Families have always come first and are at the heart of our organisation. Families first provide programmes of support for parents and families for a variety of issues, and one to one and group based therapy for children who have experienced domestic violence, substance misuse or mental health issues within their home.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds, Luton

Are you a father looking to have contact with your child(ren)? If so, Fatherhood’s aim is to offer you an opportunity to meet and talk about your needs as a father. You can meet with an experienced professional who can help you make practical decisions, with a focus on what’s best for your child(ren). We can help you reach agreement or mediate issues with your child’s other parent, share information about your child’s well-being (where appropriate), and help you keep in contact with your child. If you think our service could help you, please do not hesitate to contact us for further information. We also work in partnership with local agencies and other appropriate organisations.

Areas of Operation:
Luton

Search for an apprenticeship in England.

Areas of Operation:
National

You’ve reached Central Bedfordshire’s careers guide and portal, where you can find out about the great career opportunities in the local area. Our site also links to the best, most reliable sources of information we have found to help you with important decision-making and finding the right job for you!

Areas of Operation:
Central Beds

Flying Start seeks to provide the best outcomes for children and their families from pregnancy to their 5th birthday, as a foundation to a healthy future. Flying Start ensures that all young children in Luton have a Flying Start in life, by intervening early when help and support is needed.

Areas of Operation:
Luton

The Forward Trust have an Enterprise Fund that is accessible to residents of Bedfordshire. The Forward Enterprise Fund is a pioneering initiative providing loans and business support to charities and enterprises that help break the cycle of crime or addiction through employment. If you are looking to start your own business please contact us at Direction for Bedfordshire for more details and we will put you in touch with them.

Areas of Operation:
National

Supporting the unemployed reach their full potential since 2010, Free2learn provides free training courses and programmes to help those in unemployment learn new skills to apply for, secure, and maintain employment.

Areas of Operation:
Luton

The only national charity that works on behalf of all Gypsies, Roma and Travellers regardless of ethnicity, culture or background. We seek to end racism and discrimination against Gypsies, Travellers and Roma and to protect the right to pursue a nomadic way of life. We provide advice and consultancy, promote health and wellbeing, contribute to research and policy making, deliver training and much more.

Areas of Operation:
National

Welcome to Galop, the LGBT+ anti-violence charity. If you’ve experienced hate crime, sexual violence or domestic abuse, we’re here for you. We also support lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer people who have had problems with the police or have questions about the criminal justice system.

Areas of Operation:
National

Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship of men & women who share their experience, strength & hope with each other that they may solve their common problem & help others to do the same. This site offers various help for the compulsive gambler including a Forum, Chat Room, Literature and of course most importantly a meeting finder Meetings are the core of Gamblers Anonymous and we have meetings every day of the week throughout the UK

Areas of Operation:
National

GamCare is the leading national provider of free information, advice and support for anyone affected by problem gambling. GamCare operates the National Gambling HelpLine, providing information, advice and support for anyone affected by problem gambling. Advisers are available seven days a week from 8am – Midnight on Freephone 0808 8020 133 or via web chat. We also offer a range of free treatment across England, Scotland and Wales, as well as a moderated Forum and daily chatrooms so that people can speak to others experiencing similar issues and seek support.

Areas of Operation:
National

The aim of this project is to work with local teenagers, young mums and vulnerable people to introduce them to healthy food choices and the importance of food hygiene in relation to buying and preparing breakfast, lunches and snacks and main meals.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford

GreenHouse mentors are unpaid volunteers who come from a wide variety of backgrounds, with a whole host of experience. We have many matched mentors, mentoring young people who are facing significant challenges in their lives.

Areas of Operation:
Luton

Located in the town centre of Dunstable, Grove Corner is a dedicated Young People's Centre for ages 10 to 18. Open four days a week, this is a centre offering drop-ins and activities throughout the year. This is a great place for young people to interact and make connections. Check out the Grove Corner Facebook page to see all the latest updates: www.facebook.com/grovecornerdunstable

Areas of Operation:
Central Beds

We are commissioned by Bedford Borough Council to be the local consumer champion for publicly funded health and social care. It delivers services which can be summarised as: Influencing – helping shape the planning of health and social care services, & Signposting – helping people access and make choices about care

Areas of Operation:
Bedford

Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire is the local consumer champion promoting choice and influencing the provision of high quality health, social care and wellbeing services for all across Central Bedfordshire.

Areas of Operation:
Central Beds

Healthwatch Luton is an independent local consumer champion bringing together people’s views and experiences to improve health and social care. We provide effective information, advice and signposting for people to support their choices about health and social care services.

Areas of Operation:
Luton

Hear2Listen is a regional, non-profit organisation providing a range of professional services designed to increase the emotional wellbeing of young people, supporting them in overcoming barriers that prevent living healthy and fulfilling lives. Since 2012, we have worked with over 4,000 young people across Bedfordshire and have recently started delivering services in Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds, Luton

Home-Start Central Bedfordshire helps disadvantaged children including children with disabilities and families suffering from physical and mental ill health, bereavement and domestic abuse.

Areas of Operation:
Central Beds

Hullo is all about safe, relaxed, everyday conversation. We’re not a medical or mental health organisation, counselling service or helpline. But we work in partnership with other charities and can refer you to them if you’re in need of specialist help and advice. Our phone lines are open every day from 9am to 9pm. You can chat with us as often as you like for as much as twenty minutes each time.

Areas of Operation:
National

Integrated Contraception and Sexual Health services. The service is free, confidential and non-judgemental. Located at Dunstable Priory and Kings Brook Bedford. Face to face clinics are currently suspended. Telephone for information and advice

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds

We are the only UK-based, second-tier women's organisation dedicated to addressing violence against Black and minoritised women and girls i.e. women which are defined in policy terms as Black and 'Minority Ethnic' (BME). The organisation holds nearly two decades of experience of working around issues such as domestic violence, forced marriage and ‘honour-based’ violence. We work at local, national and international level, and in partnership with a range of organisations, to improve policy and practice responses to Black and minoritised women and girls.

Areas of Operation:
National

Impact hold two different courses to support people with their mental health issues, the YOU programme and YOUR recovery pathways programme are both are available to residents in Bedford and Central Beds and are available free of charge.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds

​Formed in 2008, Intraining is one of Britain’s leading national training providers. We specialise in providing employers and individuals with apprenticeships, skills and qualifications that make a real difference in the workplace.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Luton

Jamrock Media was founded in 2009 as a social enterprise with a focus on empowering and motivating disadvantaged young people and BAME communities through creative entrepreneurship programmes. We are a youth engagement platform providing training and creative experiences to young people across Herts, Beds & Bucks.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds, Luton

Your local Job Centre can administer claims for Universal Credit. Claims can be made on the website. If you are looking for work you should be allocated a Work Coach who has access to training courses, support with creating your CV and finding a job, a Flexible Support Fund for anything that you need that is considered to be a barrier to employment, and Enterprise Support for those looking to start their own business. There is additional support for those under 25yrs including the Kick Start scheme.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds, Luton, National

JustUs was set up specifically to advocate for people in Bedford when they’re homeless to access the statutory support they are eligible for.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford

We continue to support the whole family after death too, for as long as you need us. We offer pre-bereavement support to help every family, including children, come to terms with death - making the difference when it matters the most.

Areas of Operation:
National

A non-profit provider of supported housing for people with Learning Disabilities, Mental Health Conditions, Autism and Complex Needs as well as Ex-Offenders and the Homeless. There is a range of housing options, working in partnership with Local Authorities, Care Providers, Private Landlords and other Housing Associations.

Areas of Operation:
Luton

The King's Arms Project, Bedford believe that there is no such thing as a hopeless case. We refuse to give up on anybody and believe that every homeless person can have a bright future. We deliver services to empower people on their journey out of homelessness. We provide outreach, accommodation and opportunity all specifically developed to help people out of poverty. Offering a Prison Leavers Service, we can provide support to Bedford clients in custody and continue this once an individual is through the gate. We will act as a support and an advocate for clients through meetings such as with probation, the job centre, pathways to recovery and housing.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford

Kooth is a transformational digital mental health support service. It gives children and young people easy access to an online community of peers and a team of experienced counsellors. Access is free of the typical barriers to support: no waiting lists, no thresholds, no cost and complete anonymity. Launched in 2004, more than 1,500 children and young people across the country login to Kooth every day. They can chat online to professional counsellors, read articles written by young people, join forums to receive peer-to-peer support, access self-help materials and keep a daily journal. Login on the Kooth website to find out more.

Areas of Operation:
National

Langley House Trust is an innovative Christian charity, providing housing and offender rehabilitation services across England. The Bedford Project provides housing and tenancy services for men with multiple needs in Bedford and the surrounding area, and has community accommodation in both Bedford and Luton.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds, Luton

If you need to find a new home we can give you advice on subjects such as: How to apply for Social Housing, How to find Private Rented housing, How to apply for supported accommodation and Low cost home ownership options.

Areas of Operation:
Luton

We help families overcome the costs of education so all children in Luton have the chance to love learning.

Areas of Operation:
Luton

Lewsey Farm Learning Centre Trust aims to enhance the quality of life on Lewsey Farm for all who live and work there, offering equality of opportunity in providing training and learning to enable all to participate to their full potential.

Areas of Operation:
Luton

LGBT Links Luton is here to offer advice, support & guidance to anyone from the LGBT community friends and family, throughout Luton and surrounding areas. We seek to promote living a healthy happy, active life and reduce isolation and stigma which can be experienced by people in the LGBT community.

Areas of Operation:
Luton

Link to Change is an independent charity offering support for children and young people aged 12 to 26 in Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Bedfordshire and Luton. Link to Change currently support both young people that have been at risk of or have experienced both sexual and criminal exploitation. We provide a safe environment in which young people can access support and explore the possibilities for change. We promote a greater understanding of the sexual exploitation of children and young people.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds, Luton

Empowering individuals, improving communities. It's our aim to make all learning accessible and relevant while being an enjoyable and stimulating experience for all of Luton's citizens, communities and employers.

Areas of Operation:
Luton

We provide a safe and accessible Women only environment, a resource centre allowing easy access to all the services available for women. We're a focal point for women issues, campaigns and have a range of cultural, educational and recreational activities.

Areas of Operation:
Luton

The advice and benefits pages provide useful information and help on many of the issues including various Benefits entitlements, Council Tax Reduction, Universal Credit and Local Welfare Assistance.

Areas of Operation:
Luton

We aim to support and empower single homeless people in a secure and stable environment to obtain appropriate support, leading to them achieving their own potential and a smooth transition into independent living within the community.

Areas of Operation:
Luton

Non-perishable food is donated at collection points across the town. People needing food are given a voucher by front-line professional agencies.

Areas of Operation:
Luton

Objectives of the Luton Irish Forum are to relieve persons in need, poverty or distress, particularly, but not exclusively of Irish descent, through the provision of advice and information concerning health and benefits as well as other support.

Areas of Operation:
Luton

Luton Law Centre is a not-for-profit legal practice which gives professional, confidential legal advice and assistance. We use our legal expertise to make sure everyone has access to justice. We help people get the support they are entitled to, or get redress for unfair or wrong decisions. Services include EU Settled Status, Immigration and Asylum, Windrush Scheme, Housing and Homelessness, and Community Care.

Areas of Operation:
Luton

Luton Rights seeks to address the practical, financial and social problems encountered by the unemployed and other disadvantaged sections of the population within the Luton and surrounding areas.

Areas of Operation:
Luton

The Luton Roma Trust supports the Roma community to integrate in a holistic way into life in the UK. Working at the heart of Luton’s Roma community, we meet them in their deepest need, helping them to access accommodation, education, welfare, medical care and employment.

Areas of Operation:
Luton

Located on 2nd Floor of Arndale House delivering sexual health advice, testing for sexually transmitted infections (STI), assessment of symptoms, treatment for STIs and other genital conditions, full range of contraceptive options including condoms and signing up to the condom card scheme

Areas of Operation:
Luton

Our work is driven by three key objectives: to inspire and motivate young people and their families to be physically active and to lead healthy lifestyles; to provide opportunities for young people to play football whatever their ability or background; and to work with our local community, particularly those that are disadvantaged, to help raise aspirations and improve life chances.

Areas of Operation:
Luton

The Association provides value for money, quality supported accommodation to young single homeless people, enabling them to develop the skills needed to move from a state of dependence to that of independence.

Areas of Operation:
Luton

Help for people affected by displacement and exploitation. We offer our clients the advice and support they need to feel safe and lead successful lives in the UK. We assist victims of human trafficking and modern slavery on their path to recovery and work with other agencies to combat this abhorrent crime.

Areas of Operation:
National

Mind BLMK is the leading independent, sustainable and highly effective organisation that is making a difference to the mental health and wellbeing of people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes. We do this by offering a wide range of services and products which are competitively tailored to meet the needs of local people

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds, Luton

We offer specialist, tailor made and evidence based courses that incorporate mindfulness, meditation and reflection to support children and adults affected by domestic abuse. This includes victim's and their children, perpetrators, and youths who are at risk of perpetrating abusive behaviour.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds, Luton

MindLine Trans+ is a confidential emotional, mental health support helpline for people who identify as Transgender, Agender, Gender Fluid, Non-binary. We are also here to support family members and friends and to provide signposting to other services and resources. This is a national helpline so anyone in the UK can access this support.

Areas of Operation:
National

The Modern Slavery Helpline and Resource Centre brings us closer to the eradication of modern slavery. It provides victims, the public, statutory agencies and businesses access to information and support on a 24/7 basis. The number is free to call and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Areas of Operation:
National

Free and impartial money advice, set up by government. Advice and guides to help improve your finances. Tools and calculators to help keep track and plan ahead. Support over the phone and online.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds, Luton

Money Matters Credit Union has been established since 1995 and we provide affordable financial services to those who live and / or work in Luton and South Bedfordshire in the LU postcode area.

Areas of Operation:
Central Beds, Luton

Nacoa (The National Association for Children of Alcoholics) was founded in 1990 to address the needs of children growing up in families where one or both parents suffer from alcoholism or a similar addictive problem. This includes children of all ages, many of whose problems only become apparent in adulthood.

Areas of Operation:
National

We are a national social justice charity with more than 50 years’ experience of changing lives, building stronger communities and reducing crime. We house, we educate, we support, we advise, and we speak out for and with disadvantaged young people and adults. We help people to overcome barriers presented by their criminal records and to move on from previous mistakes.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds, Luton

NAPAC offers support to adult survivors of all types of childhood abuse, including physical, sexual, emotional abuse or neglect. They offer a support helpline and also support groups for adult survivors.

Areas of Operation:
National

N.A. is a non-profit fellowship or society of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. We are recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean. This is a program of complete abstinence from all drugs. There is only ONE requirement for membership, the desire to stop using.

Areas of Operation:
National

NAT (National AIDS Trust) is dedicated to transforming the UK's response to HIV. We champion the rights of people living with HIV and campaign for change—shaping attitudes, challenging ​injustice, and changing lives. Have a look at their website if you have any concerns about HIV and Aids.

Areas of Operation:
National

NCS is a youth programme that runs across England and Northern Ireland. We exist to engage, unite and empower young people, building your confidence so you can go out there and achieve your dreams, no matter where you’re from or what your background is. If you are 16-17 years, you can sign up to a 3-4 week residential programme that involves adventures and learning life skills that you can then take back home to work on a project in your local community.

Areas of Operation:
National

Giving free, impartial and confidential debt advice for over 25 years. We are an independent charity, dedicated to providing free debt advice by phone and online to people across the UK.

Areas of Operation:
National

The aims of this forum are to: Support individuals who self harm to reduce emotional distress and improve their quality of life Support and provide information for family and carers of individuals who self harm Raise awareness of the needs of people who self harm, dispel myths and combat discrimination Empower and enable those that self harm to seek alternatives to self harm and further help where appropriate

Areas of Operation:
National

A 24/7 line, available to all. The service helps by providing immediate access to advice and guidance to those requiring mental health support. We are able to advise and direct you to the most appropriate service - If you feel as though you're in a mental health crisis or believe a friend or family member is then make that call.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds, Luton

'Having good mental health helps us relax more, achieve more and enjoy our lives more. We have expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing.'

Areas of Operation:
National

NOAH Enterprise is a charity which seeks, out of Christian conviction, to help the most disadvantaged in the local community. Particularly, it is concerned with providing a practical, empowering and caring service to people who are homeless, temporary or entrenched rough sleepers, and those who are marginalised and socially excluded, or have simply fallen into poverty. They also provide skills and employment training to people across Bedfordshire.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds, Luton

The Oasis Centre in Luton (or Oasis Drop in Centre) opened in 2002 as a place where women could come to get help with filling in forms, understanding official letters and where they could come to find help and friendship while their small children play in safety.

Areas of Operation:
Luton

The National Offenders’ Families Helpline can support you if a family member is in contact with the criminal justice system. We provide advice and information on all aspects from what happens on arrest, visiting a prison to preparing for release. We support families in England and Wales.

Areas of Operation:
National

One Housing are a housing association and a not for profit organisation with a strong social purpose. They can offer floating Tenancy support, general housing advice & support, DWP and Housing benefit claims, follow ups and renewals and signposting and referral to specialist agencies to those age 16 and over in living in Bedford Borough. We believe in creating places that people can call home, supporting people to live well and building lasting homes and communities

Areas of Operation:
Bedford

Our mission is to strengthen relationships for couples, families, communities and workplaces using evidence based training and digital resources. Relationship skills can be learned at any time of life and we work with individuals, couples and families of all shapes and sizes – together, apart or otherwise.

Areas of Operation:
National

One Stop Advice Centre (OSAC) provides comprehensive advice and support in areas (representation in some areas) of welfare benefits, debt, housing and immigration.

Areas of Operation:
Luton

It seemed only sensible to marry the need for new team members within the hospitality industry with those who, with the right opportunity, would be able to get their lives back on track. The project has expanded to include ex-offenders and veterans and gained the support of those in both the penal system and military support groups. It is important to stress that OAPA is not a recruitment agency and focuses solely on helping those on the project find work.

Areas of Operation:
National

As well as helping children and young people cope with the trauma of offending behaviour or imprisonment in the family, there is significant evidence that offenders who are able to maintain positive family ties are less likely to re-offend and that the cycle of offending within families is more likely to be broken. Ormiston Families particularly work with children, and communities affected by people who are in prison and promote early mental health intervention. Ormiston Families are also based at HMP Bedford providing support, advice and a personal welcome to help visitors access available services.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds, Luton

The Prison Advice and Care Trust (Pact) is a national charity that provides support to prisoners, people with convictions, and their families. PACT runs the national Prisoners' Families helpline. The PACT website has a host of information and services that may assist families affected by a loved one being in prison.

Areas of Operation:
National

PAPYRUS is the national charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide. We provide confidential support and advice to young people struggling with thoughts of suicide, and anyone worried about a young person through our helpline, HOPELINEUK. This includes anyone under the age of 35 experiencing thoughts of suicide, or anyone concerned about a young person who may be thinking about suicide.

Areas of Operation:
National

Path to Recovery is a specialist addictions service providing advice, treatment and support to people, age 18 and over, whose lives are affected by drug or alcohol use. We provide an integrated service with a range of expertise available in one place. P2R provide services across the whole of Bedfordshire with two main sites: Bedford and Dunstable. Both professional and self-referrals can be made via telephone or online

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds

At PayPlan we understand the impact that debt can have on you, your family and your life. We believe that you can, and should, live a happy life whilst repaying your debt. Every year, we offer guidance on a wide range of practical debt solutions to more than 80,000 people.

Areas of Operation:
National

Support commences with a clearly defined referral pathway and continues with self-determined support planning and risk assessing which includes positive risk taking. Resettlement is discussed from the start of intervention as it is the ultimate goal for most. Penrose staff work in partnership with statutory and local community agencies.

Areas of Operation:
Luton

PBIC was set up in 2007 to in response to the need to support migrants newly arriving to the UK. We offer a number of services to our clients, which help with successful integration into British society.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds, Luton

The Prison Reform Trust is an independent UK charity working to create a just, humane and effective penal system. Their website has a host of information about the prison system, both for prisoners and for their families, and is a useful resource.

Areas of Operation:
National

Prisoners Abroad not only help those that are imprisoned in other countries including their families, but also those who return to the UK having been released. The Resettlement Service provides a range of advice and support once people have been returned to the UK, helping with access to accommodation, access to benefits as well as many other things that you will need to consider when returning from a period abroad.

Areas of Operation:
National

Founded in 1885 and operating across the UK, we have the specialist knowledge and understanding to bridge the gap between military life and civilian employment. We exist to provide life-long, life-changing support, jobs and training opportunities to service leavers and veterans irrespective of circumstances, rank, length of service, or reason for leaving.

Areas of Operation:
National

93 Queens Drive, Putnoe, Bedford, MK41 9JE Mon – Fri: 8:00 am – 2:00 pm Sat, Sun & Bank Holidays: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm The Walk-In Centre is open daily to all NHS patients 365 days a year. This facility is open to anyone who needs urgent medical care for minor illness or injuries. Routine prescriptions cannot be provided.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford

Online counselling and well-being for adults. Monday – Friday 12pm – 10pm / Saturday – Sunday6pm – 10pm

Areas of Operation:
National

Re-Track: Career and Employment Centre We give practical support to those who have lost their jobs during the pandemic. We do this by supporting people in obtaining and maintaining employment and bringing hope and encouragement at this particularly difficult time. If you are looking for employment right now, we will help you create a good CV, search for jobs that suit your skills and abilities, apply for the right jobs and then prepare for interviews. In fact, we will walk through the whole process with you.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford

Reactiv8 delivers innovative programmes designed to encourage engagement and social inclusion for people of all ages. The programmes allow for confidence building, self-assessment, mentoring and employment support. It confronts existing perceptions, challenges clients to take control of their future and supports the clients to a more positive pathway.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford

The college is open to any adults who live or work in Bedfordshire and Luton. Our courses and workshops focus on mental health wellbeing and recovery. They are delivered by people with lived experience and professional experience. All the courses and workshops are free and they are currently running a prospectus for May to August 2019 for adults with mental health needs. The team are available to have a phone conversation with service users to discuss what suitable programmes are on offer.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds, Luton

Redgrave Children &. Young People's Centre. A multi-disciplinary site, housing the. Sure StartChildren's Centre Team, Edwin. Lobo Child Development Unit, Children's. Therapy Services and Butterflies Nursery. Limbury Fields Children's. & Community Centre.

Areas of Operation:
Luton

Rehab 4 Addiction is a free drug and alcohol addiction helpline to help those affected by addiction.

Areas of Operation:
National

Rehab 4 Addiction is a free drug and alcohol addiction helpline to help those affected by addiction.

Areas of Operation:
National

We’re the UK's largest provider of relationship support, and last year we helped over two million people of all ages, backgrounds, sexual orientations and gender identities to strengthen their relationships. There are local services in Luton and across Bedfordshire, please visit the website to find local contact details.

Areas of Operation:
National

ResoLUTiONs is a free and confidential drug and alcohol service for adults, young people and families in Luton. Anybody can be affected by drug and/or alcohol use, regardless of their ethnicity, religion, beliefs, class, age, sexuality, disability or lifestyle.

Areas of Operation:
Luton

Respect provide advice and support for perpetrators of domestic violence, male victims of domestic violence and young people using violence and abuse in close relationships.

Areas of Operation:
National

People with experience of mental illness, and those who care for them, are at the heart of everything we do. They shape our expert advice, information and training, and over 200 services. They also drive our campaigning and help to run over 140 local support groups. Supporting all this life-changing work are our incredible supporters, volunteers and staff members.

Areas of Operation:
National

Our vision is to achieve equality, justice and safety in the law for all women. Our free telephone advice lines have provided many thousands of women with legal advice and information on a wide range of legal issues including domestic violence, child contact, sexual violence and the criminal justice process and immigration and asylum as well as other legal issues arising from relationship breakdown.

Areas of Operation:
National

Advice on relationships, self-esteem, mental health and more. Inspiring stories, interesting videos, games and useful advice

Areas of Operation:
National

Direction for Bedfordshire are often asked about funding for driving lessons. If you live in Central Bedfordshire or Luton and are 30 years or under, you may be able to register for one of these free Road Safety driving courses that would be a great experience and help for learning to drive safely.

Areas of Operation:
Central Beds, Luton

Runaway Helpline is here if you are thinking about running away, if you have already run away, or if you have been away and come back. You can also contact us if you are worried that someone else is going to run away or if they are being treated badly or abused. Runaway Helpline has been supporting young people for many years and is run by the UK charity Missing People. Our staff and volunteers are trained professionals who want to help you through anything you are finding tough.

Areas of Operation:
National

The Salvation Army works with Community Money Advice (CMA) to provide debt advice services including producing statements of client's income, providing budgeting advice, writing to creditors on the client's behalf and providing pastoral and practical support.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds, Luton

We're working together to make sure fewer people die by suicide. Every six seconds, we respond to a call for help. No judgement. No pressure. We're here for anyone who needs someone. In addition to the services we provide, an important part of our work is understanding and challenging the social elements that impact suicide.

Areas of Operation:
National

SANE is a UK-wide charity working to improve quality of life for people affected by mental illness. SANE offers emotional support and information to anyone affected by mental health problems through our helpline and email services and our online Support Forum where people share their feelings and experiences. The personalised service of Textcare provides emotional support and connection at the times you need it most with bespoke one-way messages directly to your mobile phone.

Areas of Operation:
National

Shelter helps millions of people every year struggling with bad housing or homelessness through our advice, support and legal services. And we campaign to make sure that one day, no one will have to turn to us for help. We’re here so no one has to fight bad housing or homelessness on their own.

Areas of Operation:
National

Free, confidential 24/7 mental health text support - If you are anxious, worried, stressed, feeling low or struggling to cope and need support then you can text to make contact at anytime

Areas of Operation:
National

The Signpost Hub provides first class support and care to victims of crime. It is a one-stop-shop for everything a victim of crime needs to know, offering practical and emotional support and referrals to specialist support, as well as restorative justice. Whether it is you, a partner, friend, relative or colleague who has been the subject of a crime, Signpost to Support Bedfordshire is the way for you to find the help that meets your specific needs. The Signpost Hub offers free and confidential support to anyone affected by crime whether it has been reported to the police or not.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds, Luton

Signposts have been dedicated to helping the homeless in Luton and Dunstable to start over for more than 25 years. We provide temporary accommodation and support services in preparation for independent living.

Areas of Operation:
Luton

Skills-Tu Employment™ is an accredited educational programme that will help you both step out of your comfort zone and improve your pitch to an employer. The main aim of the programme is to give people tools to change their language and presentation.

Areas of Operation:
National

SMART CJS provides facilities, support, compassion and guidance to those who are homeless and rough sleeping. They aim to provide support so as to prevent further homelessness. They are currently running services from a hotel location and unfortunately the day centre is no longer able to operate at this time, due to COVID restrictions however they are still able to support those affected by homelessness in accessing vital services.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford

Sorted offers a FREE and CONFIDENTIAL counselling service for young people aged between 10 and 25 years, based in Dunstable.

Areas of Operation:
Central Beds

SPS Training Solutions limited is an award-winning Hertfordshire based provider offering training opportunities to adults across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire. We have easily accessible learning centres in 3 key locations and work with learners to gain qualifications, improve skills and to provide opportunities to find and sustain work. Our staff are experts in their field and are passionate about working with and helping individuals to achieve their goals. We offer training and support online and face to face in a wide range of topics and areas.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds, Luton

Squared – formerly Luton Community Housing. We provide homes for independent living and homes with support in Luton and Central Bedfordshire. To complement this work, we also run a lettings service for private landlords; a social enterprise inspired cleaning and gardening service; a Lottery-funded cognitive behaviour therapy service called Open Minds for residents of partner organisations and an employee excellence focused HR consultancy - People Excellence.

Areas of Operation:
Central Beds, Luton

SSAFA helps the armed forces community in a number of ways, though our focus is on providing direct support to individuals in need of physical or emotional care. Addiction, relationship breakdown, debt, homelessness, post-traumatic stress, depression and disability are all issues that can affect our members of our Armed Forces community. Many of these problems only become apparent when an individual has to leave their life in the Forces and join ‘Civvy Street’. SSAFA is committed to helping our brave men and women overcome these problems, and rebuild their lives.

Areas of Operation:
National

SSG offer two core services: Training and Activities. They provide corporate and professional training as well as offering a range of vocational qualifications. Their four main activity brands Fish 2 Water, Kidzsize, Active Adventure & Battlefield Live provide year round activities.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds, Luton

​We hold confidential debt advice sessions on a Thursday morning at St Andrew’s Church Centre in Kimbolton Road, Bedford MK40 2PF and at other times by arrangement. Our trained debt advisers will not judge you; they will listen to you and offer you solutions.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford

The Seed Sowers Training Project offers work-based training to small groups of vulnerable adults, who currently find an ordinary workplace too difficult.

Areas of Operation:
Central Beds

Our expert advice helps you deal with your debts and get the support you need. You can get advice online or over the phone, and we'll recommend a range of practical debt solutions based on your situation.

Areas of Operation:
National

Stepping Stones (Luton) is a charity dedicated to supporting women to transform the stumbling blocks of their lives into stepping stones; creating happier, healthier lives for women, their children and families. We provide a safe, welcoming, non-judgemental environment for women living in Luton and Central Bedfordshire, who have suffered abuse, who are vulnerable due to substance misuse, offending, mental health conditions and/or are involved with Local Authority Children’s Social Care.

Areas of Operation:
Central Beds, Luton

If you are the victim of a loan shark, help and support is available – please don’t suffer in silence. A loan should only be given by a person or company who has a licence to do so. Anyone else offering a loan is committing an offence and could be prosecuted, whether they are using threats or not. You will not get into trouble for taking out a loan, and you can help others as well as yourself by reporting these offences. Stop Loan Sharks is run by the England Illegal Money Lending Team and they offer a service to investigate these offences - they are very successful at what they do. There is a 24 hour helpline, or you can use the live chat on their website. Trained professionals are there to help, and will investigate as well as ensure that any measures needed to ensure a person's safety are put in place.

Areas of Operation:
National

We have a UK-wide independent network of suitably qualified and experienced professionals who are willing and trained to work with potential sex offenders, sex offenders and their families. These professionals are supervised and include psychologists, psychotherapists and doctors. We believe prevention is better than cure, so StopSO provides specialist therapy across the UK to sex offenders and those who have yet to act on their ‘troubling thoughts’. We also work with families, helping them come to terms with being related to a sex offender.

Areas of Operation:
National

Connecting people and organisations locally, to tackle homelessness in Luton. Luton Homeless Partnership believe we can significantly improve services for people affected by homelessness in Luton, by working together in better partnerships.

Areas of Operation:
Luton

StreetLink exists to help end rough sleeping by enabling members of the public to connect people sleeping rough with the local services that can support them. If you are concerned about someone sleeping rough in England or Wales, you can use this website to send an alert to StreetLink. You can also make contact through the 'StreetLink' mobile app which can be found for free on the App Store.

Areas of Operation:
National

Stronger Families is the Luton programme for the National Troubled Families initiative. Through a Family Partner, it is a gateway to a range of additional support tailored to the needs of the family. The aim of the programme is to help families achieve significant and sustained progress in overcoming their difficulties.

Areas of Operation:
Luton

'One-to-one support for whatever challenge you’re facing, designed for students. Whether it’s your mental health, your studies, money, housing or relationships, we’re here to support you'

Areas of Operation:
National

Supporting Families is the Central Bedfordshire programme for the National Troubled Families initiative. Through a Family Partner, it is a gateway to a range of additional support tailored to the needs of the family. The aim of the programme is to help families achieve significant and sustained progress in overcoming their difficulties.

Areas of Operation:
Central Beds

We offer confidential emotional support to children, young adults and adults by telephone, email and post. We work with callers to develop healthy, positive coping strategies, an inner feeling of strength and increased self esteem to encourage healing, recovery and moving forward with life. We also keep details of counsellors, agencies and support groups throughout the UK.

Areas of Operation:
National

A website that provides advice around drugs and drug use with a national number to call for advice or to talk to someone if you are worried.

Areas of Operation:
National

We're the UK's leading HIV and sexual health charity. We support people living with HIV and amplify their voices, and help the people using our services to achieve good sexual health.

Areas of Operation:
National

The BRIDGE Project works with perpetrators of domestic abuse who demonstrate a willingness to change their behaviours. We aim to reduce and prevent abuse and increase victim and survivors’ safety. We challenge attitudes and behaviours of the perpetrators and encourage perpetrators to accept and allow responsibility for their own actions. We teach perpetrators to develop new skills enabling them to respond using non-abusive behaviours and actions towards their partners, and children.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds

The Outreach Perpetrator Programme is part of a wider portfolio provided by ‘The Change Project’, a counselling and DA prevention support service1. The service is based on the Safe and Together Model, a field-tested approach developed in the US (Mandel, 2013), which emphasises the importance of intervention in child welfare cases in which DA is a feature, and working to keep the non-offending parent and child together. The Safe and Together Model consists of a set of assumptions and principles and critical components for use in DA cases, that help to improve identification, assessment, documents, case-planning and decision-making.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds, Luton

We provide free clothes and shoes to people experiencing financial difficulty.

Areas of Operation:
Luton

We are here for people affected by disability or with a long term health condition; carers, friends and professionals too.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds, Luton

The Enable Project is a groundbreaking initiative which promotes real inclusion for people with learning disabilities, Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and mental health conditions. We provide safe and friendly support as participants of all ages take part in daily activities to develop their skills and confidence.

Areas of Operation:
Luton

Our directory is full of organisations working with ex-offenders, who will help you to find exceptional employees and support you every step of the way.

Areas of Operation:
National

The Hepatitis C Trust is the national UK charity for hepatitis C with offices in London and Falkirk. It has been operating since 2001. It is a patient-led and patient-run organisation: most of our board, staff, and volunteers have had hepatitis C and have cleared it after treatment.

Areas of Operation:
National

The Hope Programme offers a telephone support line, information, counselling and coaching to people over 10 years of age in Bedfordshire who have suffered rape and sexual violence at any point in their lives.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds, Luton

The Hygiene Bank is a grassroots, community initiative giving hygiene, personal care and household cleaning products to those of us who need them across the UK. In Bedfordshire, The Hygiene Bank operates in Luton and Dunstable.

Areas of Operation:
Central Beds, Luton

The Jobs Hub offers people of all ages who live in Bedford Borough bespoke careers advice and guidance, help to find work, training and business opportunities. They run dedicated workshops to help find employment, apprenticeships or start your own business, and offer support and guidance on volunteering opportunities, gaining new skills, building confidence, and finding a job.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford

We empower Luton and Bedfordshire women and girls who typically have low self-worth and may have endured abuse, bullying, exploitation, violence, whether in childhood or adulthood, and Common Mental Health Disorders, (such as anxiety, depression, stress) so they can recover, reconnect and rise to overcome and avoid these defining who they are. This is partly by providing a platform and partnering with other specialist support agencies.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds, Luton

The Lucy Faithfull Foundation is the only UK-wide charity dedicated solely to tackling child sexual abuse. Every day, children and young people across the UK suffer sexual abuse, most commonly at the hands of someone they know. Latest research suggests at least one in six children aged 11-17 become victims. We work to prevent abuse from happening in the first place - and to prevent it from happening again if it already has. Where abuse has already taken place, we work with all those affected including adult male and female abusers; young people with harmful sexual behaviour; children with concerning sexual behaviours; victims of abuse and other family members. But we also work in families and with adults and young people where there has been no abuse, to help them keep themselves and others as safe as possible.

Areas of Operation:
National

The Mix is a UK based charity that provides free, confidential support for young people under 25 via online, social and mobile. We’ll connect you to experts and your peers who’ll give you the support and tools you need to take on any challenge you’re facing – for everything from homelessness to finding a job, from money to mental health, from break-ups to drugs.

Areas of Operation:
National

OLLIE is a charity dedicated to delivering suicide awareness, intervention and prevention training by empowering professionals and young adults in their own communities to lead suicide prevention activities. It is widely accepted in society that with appropriate support and education, suicide can be prevented.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds, Luton

We believe that every young person should have the chance to embrace exciting opportunities. So, we help 11 to 30 year-olds who are unemployed or struggling at school to transform their lives. Many of the young people we help are in, or leaving, care, facing issues such as homelessness or mental health issues, or have been in trouble with the law. Our free programmes give young people the practical and financial support they need to stabilise their lives. We help them develop key skills while boosting their confidence and motivation so they can continue to dream big.

Areas of Operation:
National

The Walk to Freedoms centre for operations is based in central Luton and its services have a nationwide coverage. Courses will demonstrate the different stages of using drugs and alcohol that a person can go through.

Areas of Operation:
Luton

Run by the charity Unlock, this site is a comprehensive source of online self-help information on a wide range of issues that criminal convictions can affect, including disclosing to employers, criminal record checks, buying insurance, housing and travel abroad. There is an online forum, webchat or contact form for further information.

Areas of Operation:
National

TOKKO is a youth charity that is inclusive, welcoming all young people in Luton and the surrounding area primarily between 13 and 19 (up to 24 with a disability); providing informal learning activities and supporting bespoke programs for young people to improve their life chances across various funded projects.

Areas of Operation:
Central Beds, Luton

Total Wellbeing supports people living in Luton who want to improve their physical and emotional health.

Areas of Operation:
Luton

Town Centre GP Surgery, 14-16 Chapel Street, Luton, Beds, LU1 2SE Open every day 8am – 8pm, patients are taken by appointment from 6pm each evening

Areas of Operation:
Luton

​Training 4 U Services is a Luton based work-based learning provider. We help people develop their skills to recognised certified standards. Our courses are for school pupils, school leavers and individuals in employment and unemployment. We help businesses develop their strongest asset: staff.​

Areas of Operation:
Luton

​Turn2us is a national charity that helps people in financial hardship gain access to welfare benefits, charitable grants and support services. They don't provide individual advice but they do have a list of advisors and funding in your local area if you need that.

Areas of Operation:
National

At Unseen we are working towards a world without slavery. It’s a big aim and a big task, but we believe we can do it. By concentrating our efforts on three main areas - supporting, equipping and influencing - we can start to tackle the issue in a way that really works. Our specialist care is the first step in the fight against slavery. Through supporting survivors, our provision gives them a safe place to recover from trauma and rebuild their lives.

Areas of Operation:
National

Veterans Aid provides immediate, practical support to all ex-servicemen and women who have served in HM Armed Forces who are homeless, facing homelessness or in crisis. They support people with a variety of needs including accommodation, preventing homelessness, access to employment and training, detox/rehab and mental health.

Areas of Operation:
National

Veterans UK administers the armed forces pension schemes and compensation payments for those injured or bereaved through service. We also provide welfare support for veterans of any age, and their families through the Veterans Welfare Service and the Veterans UK helpline.

Areas of Operation:
National

The Violence and Exploitation Reduction Unit (VERU) has been developed to tackle the root causes of knife crime and other serious youth violence in Bedfordshire; this has been funded by the Home Office. The Youth Intervention Specialist (YIS) Team specialises in youth interventions, and is an innovative partnership initiative between the VERU, specialist providers of emotional counselling and practical support, and Bedfordshire Police. It has been designed to help and support the community, children and young people involved in and/or at risk of child criminal exploitation. The team comes with a wealth of both lived and professional experiences, ready to support and work with victims, witnesses and those involved in criminal activities - to include our specialist area around gang associations.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds, Luton

Established in 2010, 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. We recognise the inherent skills of our armed service personnel and want to complement these qualities, as well as provide support to transfer their skills into the civilian workplace. We offer assistance through our programmes to those vulnerable veterans who have been physically, mentally or socially disadvantaged by their service and assist them in sustaining their independence through new sustainable careers outside of the military. This includes providing support to homeless veterans and veterans in the Criminal Justice System, areas which are too often ignored.

Areas of Operation:
National

WDP works within HMP Bedford to provide support to prisoners who are experiencing problems with drugs and alcohol.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds, Luton

The South East Midlands Start-up Programme, funded by the European Regional Development Fund, provides residents of Bedfordshire, Central Bedfordshire, Milton Keynes, Aylesbury Vale and Cherwell, Northampton, Corby, Daventry and Wellingborough with access to 12 hours of FREE support for small businesses and start-ups. This can be in the form of: - one-to-one business advice - webinars and workshops - access to business start-up services - business incubation workspace - specialist social enterprise support

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds, Luton

Wicketz is a cricket programme for young people aged 8-19, living in deprived communities. By establishing sustainable community cricket hubs, we provide year-round weekly cricket sessions with a focus on breaking down barriers, developing crucial life skills, creating stronger communities and enabling brighter futures for those taking part.

Areas of Operation:
Luton

Women’s Aid in Luton is a voluntary organisation supporting women and children who fall victim to domestic abuse. We offer support and guidance to women’s and children from all backgrounds and circumstances.

Areas of Operation:
Luton

FREE Online training courses including CSCS - mostly aimed at young people (16-25yrs) Not in Education, Employment or Training.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds, Luton

Supported housing units. All residents are allocated a Project Worker who helps them work towards goals they set themselves. Residents must be willing to/and actively engage in work, training or employment during their stay. All residents must commit to at least 10hours per week employment, education or training.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Luton

YMCA Bedfordshires Domestic Abuse Outreach Resettlement Project started in June 2018 supporting clients originally in Central Bedfordshire and Bedford Borough with safe secure housing for victims of domestic abuse and, in particular, those with complex needs or BME background.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds, Luton

​The Central Bedfordshire refuges provide 22 self-contained flats across 2 services. In addition to the Support Coordinators and Support Staff we have a Children’s worker and Family Learning Coordinator who provides additional support to all children and service users in the refuge.

Areas of Operation:
Central Beds

We are leading the movement to make sure every young person gets the mental health support they need, when they need it, no matter what. We provide young people with tools to look after their mental health. We empower adults to be the best support they can be to the young people in their lives. And we give young people the space and confidence to get their voices heard and change the world we live in.

Areas of Operation:
National

A community organisation enabling people with Learning Difficulties, Disabilities or Mental Health conditions to progress and achieve through training and support.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford

Our local team are dedicated to serving the emotional, social and spiritual development of all young people in our schools, churches and local community.

Areas of Operation:
Luton