Youth Services

Direction for Bedfordshire aims to divert people away from the criminal justice system at the earliest opportunity.

The following services are aimed at younger people, to support them through challenges in their lives and help them towards their future aspirations.

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Fearless

Fearless

0800 555 111

Fearless is a site where young people can access non-judgemental information and advice about crime and criminality. What makes this site different is we also provide you with a safe place to give information to us about crime - 100% anonymously - you don't have to give any personal information.

Areas of Operation:
National

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NHS Every Mind Matters

NHS Every Mind Matters

'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

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NHS 111-Mental Health Crisis

NHS 111-Mental Health Crisis

111 Option 2

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

Shout

Shout

Text; 85258

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

#livesb4knives

#livesb4knives

01582 664433
office@sthughs.org.uk

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

Areas of Operation:
Luton

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4YP

4YP

07867 419 232
info@4ypuk.com

4YP offer impartial, careers information and guidance, intensive support and mentoring, youth work. In addition, they offer a professional specialist resource available to schools, local authorities, further education institutions, companies and individuals. 4YP is committed to providing quality services and is passionate about supporting young people to make successful transitions into adulthood.

Areas of Operation:
Central Beds

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Aquarius

Aquarius

0330 008 3925
ypbedfordshire@aquarius.org.uk

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

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Att10tive Social Enterprise

Att10tive Social Enterprise

01582 574998
att10tive@gmail.com

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

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Bedford Open Door

Bedford Open Door

01234 360388 / 07922105200
counselling@bedfordopendoor.org.uk

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

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BigDeal

BigDeal

0808 8020 133 // Whatsapp: 020 3031 8881

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 Live Chat or Whatsapp. The Live Chat and Whatsapp provides confidential advice, information and emotional support throughout Great Britain to anyone experiencing problems with gambling. The chats are an online text ‘chat’ service, where you can talk to an adviser by typing, and they will type back. You can access the live chat service via a smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop PC. You can access the Whatsapp by mobile phone only. As well as reading what the adviser types, the adviser can also send you documents and links to read later.

Areas of Operation:
National

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Boxing Saves Lives

Boxing Saves Lives

info@boxingsaveslives.org

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

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Brook

Brook


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

Areas of Operation:
National

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Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)

Bedfordshire- 01234 893301 Luton- 01582 708140

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

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Chums

Chums

01525 863924
info@chumscharity.org


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

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Directional CIC

Directional CIC

07852882543
info@directional-cic.com

Directional Community Interest Company (CIC) was formed in 2013 by director Jermaine Hall who had a vision to ‘Inspire the Next Generation’ through engaging them in sports, positive activities and providing relatable role models. Starting as a 1-1 service, Directional has now grown into a company which provides services and activities for a range of young people through 1-1 work, group activities and open sessions. Directional CIC creates good working relationships with young people by relating to them through their lived experiences, and with the knowledge of education through sport. The focus surrounds on having a positive impact on the diverse range of young people, by raising aspirations and developing strong visions for success.

Areas of Operation:
Central Beds, Luton

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Diverse FM

Diverse FM

01582 725500
admin@diversefm.com

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. Broadcasting in the Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Beyond, Diverse FM offers a fresh new entertainment channel that has been painstakingly built around dance music, youth culture and local communities.

Areas of Operation:
Central Beds, Luton

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Dynamic Decisions


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

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Empowering Education

Empowering Education

01582 203 725 / 07555 726 984
empowering3ducation@gmail.com


Empowering Education, established since 2010, began in a retail unit as an outreach project supporting women in the local areas of Luton to learn basic English and digital skills. We have since received an enormous amount of support from experienced educators, volunteers and so on. Empowering Education are a community based organisation aimed at supporting anyone who needs support in education and lifelong skills. They have set up various projects across UK supporting different projects, empowering local communities, local men, local women and local youths, making the difference to individuals. They offer digital skills, basic ESOL and tuition facilities, EU settlement and Windrush applications, and immigration advice. They also deliver mental health and physical workshops.

Areas of Operation:
Luton

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Find a Traineeship

Find a Traineeship

0800 015 0400

A traineeship is a course with work experience that gets you ready for work or an apprenticeship. It can last from 6 weeks up to 1 year, though most traineeships last for less than 6 months.
NOTE: From 1 August 2023, there will no longer be funding for a standalone national traineeships programme. The last start date for traineeships under the current programme is 31 July 2023. Instead, the Government has decided to integrate the Traineeship programme into 16-19 study programme and adult education provision from 1 August 2023.

Areas of Operation:
National

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GamCare

GamCare

08088020133
info@gamcare.org.uk

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

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GreenHouse Mentoring

GreenHouse Mentoring

01582 528213
ghm@stopsley.net

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. Aim: "To create a safe space for young people to enjoy, be encouraged and empowered to unlock their full potential and dare to dream.“

Areas of Operation:
Luton

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Grove Corner Youth & Community Centre

Grove Corner Youth & Community Centre

01582 891434

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

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Hear2Listen

Hear2Listen

01767 319505
contact@hear2listen

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

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Inside Connections CIC

Inside Connections CIC

0800 689 1676

Inside Connections Support CIC is an organisation set up to support individuals with training opportunities that are labour market linked in order to provide a positive pathway into sustainable employment. The individuals for whom we work with have experience of the Criminal Justice System and are either currently serving in a category D establishment or have been released from custody. However, we pro-actively work with young people who need a positive intervention, those in or exiting care and ex-service personnel. Everyone who comes to us is provided with one-on-one mentoring support to ensure the greatest opportunity for success. We support those facing multiple barriers, often excluded from mainstream opportunities, working with all ages to increase confidence, self-esteem and resilience. We deliver training, linked to employment outcomes, that meets the needs of our service users and employers. Open Monday to Friday (9.00 am – 5.00 pm).
Please download our free Inside Connections App (Android/Apple) from Google Play or Apple App Stores.

Areas of Operation:
National

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Jamrock Media

Jamrock Media

01582 510899
info@jamrockmedia.org.uk

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

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Kooth

Kooth

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

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Love for the Family includes Love Baby Essentials

Love for the Family includes Love Baby Essentials

07516001924
office@loveforthefamily.org.uk

Love For The Family provides a free, confidential and impartial listening and advice service for women, men and families experiencing an unplanned pregnancy or crisis during their pregnancy. Our trained advisers will help you think through your options in a calm unbiased way. Love Baby Essentials loans clothing and equipment to women and families who find themselves facing financial hardship due to a pregnancy and for the first year of a child’s life. It also signposts to help and support.

Areas of Operation:
Luton

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Luton Town Football Club Community Trust

Luton Town Football Club Community Trust

01582 561 622
Community@lutontown.co.uk

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

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Nacoa

Nacoa

0800 358 3456
helpline@nacoa.org.uk

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

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National Citizen Service

National Citizen Service

0800 197 8010

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

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Parental Education Growth Support (PEGS)

Parental Education Growth Support (PEGS)

hello@pegsupport.com

We are an organisation specifically founded to support parents, carers and guardians who are experiencing domestic abuse at the hands of their own children. We have four main aims: Supporting parents, training professionals – including police services, social care teams, charities and other frontline services, influencing regional and national policy and raising awareness.

Areas of Operation:
National

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Path To Recovery- P2R

Path To Recovery- P2R

0333 332 4019
elt-tr.p2rbedford@nhs.net

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. They also offer a friends and family support group via Teams on Tuesdays 5-6pm (please contact for the meeting link), and one to one support.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds

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Papyrus/HOPELineUK

Papyrus/HOPELineUK

0800 068 41 41
pat@papyrus-uk.org

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

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ResoLUTiONs

ResoLUTiONs

0800 054 6603 / 01582 965 123
resolutions.info@cgl.org.uk

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

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Rise Above

Rise Above

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

Areas of Operation:
National

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Road Safety Courses – FREE

0300 300 8049
roadsafety.education@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

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

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Runaway Helpline

Runaway Helpline

116 000
116000@runawayhelpline.org.uk

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

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SSG Services

SSG Services

01234 340782
info@ssgservices.co.uk

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

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Sorted

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

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Student Space

Student Space

'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

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The Like Me CIC

The Like Me CIC is a Personal Leadership, Employability & Wellbeing training company that works with organisations and individuals to unleash female potential. Helping women and teen girls who feel like they’re not enough and are afraid to be truly seen, to STOP hiding, take off the mask and gain the confidence to take control their life through speaking, training and coaching that develops personal leadership, enhances employability and improves wellbeing.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds, Luton

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The Lucy Faithfull Foundation

The Lucy Faithfull Foundation

0808 1000 900
referrals@lucyfaithfull.org.uk

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

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The Mix

The Mix

0808 808 4994

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

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The Ollie Foundation

The Ollie Foundation

07715 311891
contactus@theolliefoundation.org

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

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The Prince’s Trust

The Prince’s Trust

0800 842 842

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

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Tokko

Tokko

01582 544990
info@tokko.co.uk

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

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Uprising

UpRising exists to open up pathways to power and leadership for 18-25 year olds and equip young people with the tools to follow them. Stand Out is a FREE one-month online programme to help you find a job plus a year of professional mentoring to help you stand out in a competitive job market. The Leadership Programme is a free, online, six month programme that will help you to fulfil your potential and become the leader your community needs.

Areas of Operation:
Bedford, Central Beds, Luton

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Violence and Exploitation Reduction Unit

Violence and Exploitation Reduction Unit

veru@bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk

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

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Wicketz 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

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Work Pays

Work Pays

0800 1979826
enquiries@workpays.co.uk

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

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Youthscape

Youthscape

01582 877220
hello@youthscape.co.uk

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

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Young Minds

Young Minds

Parents Helpline; 0808 802 5544

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

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