Bedford Charities: Local Organisations Making a Difference

Bedford Giving is a community-powered movement bringing together local businesses, charities, schools, families and individuals to improve opportunities for children and young people in Bedford.

It is hosted by The Harpur Trust and focuses on creating a brighter future for the next generation.

Bedford Giving was created following local research into the issues facing young people. Its work includes opportunities around careers, skills, mentoring, mental health, youth activities and youth spaces.

How does Bedford Giving help?

The organisation brings people and resources together to support projects designed to improve young people's lives.

Its work includes:

• Youth activities

• Youth spaces

• Career opportunities

• Mentoring

• Community engagement

• Youth voice

• Mental health initiatives

• Partnerships between businesses, charities and schools

In 2026, Bedford Giving's Youth Panel awarded more than £87,000 to eight organisations delivering projects for young people across Bedford Borough.

How can I help?

Bedford Giving encourages everyone to get involved.

You can:

• Donate

• Volunteer

• Offer your skills

• Support a young person

• Get your business involved

• Join community initiatives

• Help spread the word

• Encourage young people to have their say

Contact

Telephone: 01234 369500

Email: contact@bedfordgiving.org.uk

Website

https://bedfordgiving.org.uk/

Bedford Blues Foundation is the charitable arm of Bedford Blues and uses sport, education and community activities to create opportunities for local people.

The Foundation works with schools, young people and communities, using rugby and other activities to build confidence, skills, health and opportunities.

Its programmes are designed to make sport accessible while also using it as a way to address wider social issues.

What does the Foundation do?

Its work includes:

• School programmes

• Rugby activities

• Youth development

• Community projects

• Education

• Inclusion

• Opportunities for girls and young people

One of its current initiatives is Project 500, which aims to introduce 500 girls across Bedford to rugby.

How can I help?

You can support Bedford Blues Foundation by:

• Donating

• Fundraising

• Volunteering

• Becoming a programme partner

• Supporting Foundation events

• Getting involved with community projects

Businesses can also explore partnership opportunities with the Foundation.

Website

https://www.bluesfoundation.org.uk/

Groundwork East is an environmental and community charity working across the East of England, including Bedfordshire.

Its work combines environmental improvement with social and economic support, helping communities become stronger while improving local places and protecting the natural environment.

Groundwork East works with communities, businesses and individuals on projects involving green spaces, energy efficiency, nature, employment and community development.

What does Groundwork do?

Its work includes:

• Improving green spaces

• Environmental projects

• Community development

• Energy efficiency

• Support for people facing hardship

• Employment and skills

• Helping businesses reduce their environmental impact

• Projects supporting nature

Its Green Doctors provide free and impartial energy-efficiency advice.

How can I help?

You can support Groundwork East through:

• Donations

• Volunteering

• Community projects

• Corporate partnerships

• Supporting local environmental projects

Bedfordshire contact

Groundwork East's Bedfordshire office is based at:

Stockwood Park
Farley Hill
Luton
LU1 4BH

Telephone: 01582 720147

Email: lutonandbedfordshire@groundwork.org.uk

Website

https://www.groundwork.org.uk/east/

The Salvation Army has been part of Bedford's community for more than a century and continues to provide a place where people can find practical and community support.

Bedford Congress Hall is based on Commercial Road and operates as both a church and a community hub.

The Salvation Army nationally provides support in areas including homelessness, poverty, debt, modern slavery and social isolation, with services varying according to the needs of individual communities.

Bedford Congress Hall

The Bedford centre provides opportunities for worship, community activities and social connection.

It also operates an Open House on the second Sunday of each month.

How can I help?

You can support the Salvation Army by:

• Donating

• Volunteering

• Fundraising

• Donating goods where requested

• Supporting local community activities

• Getting involved with its campaigns

Contact

Bedford Congress Hall
Commercial Road
Bedford
MK40 1QS

Telephone: 01234 329200

Email: bedford.congress.hall@salvationarmy.org.uk

Website

https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/bedford-congress-hall

Amicus Trust is a Bedford-based charity working with adults who are homeless, rough sleeping or at risk of homelessness.

The organisation began in 1974 as a soup kitchen in Bedford and has grown into a supported housing charity providing accommodation and practical support.

Its aim is not simply to provide somewhere to stay. Amicus Trust works with residents to help them develop the skills, confidence and stability needed to move towards independent living.

Who does Amicus Trust support?

The charity supports adults aged 18 to 65 who are:

• Rough sleeping

• Homeless

• At risk of homelessness

Some people supported by Amicus also have additional needs involving mental health, substance misuse, alcohol dependency or previous involvement with the criminal justice system.

What support is available?

Amicus provides:

• Supported accommodation

• Key work

• Mental health support

• Life skills

• Education

• Employment-related support

• Help preparing for independent living

Life skills courses can include areas such as budgeting, basic IT and practical skills.

How can I help?

You can support Amicus Trust through:

• Donations

• Volunteering

• Fundraising

• Providing practical support

• Supporting its work with residents

Contact

Amicus Trust
104 Midland Road
Bedford
MK40 1QE

Telephone: 01234 358478

Email: info@amicustrust.org

Website

https://www.amicustrust.org/

Age UK Bedfordshire is an independent local charity supporting older people, their families and carers across Bedfordshire.

The charity has worked in the local community for around 30 years and provides a wide range of practical services designed to help older people remain independent, safe and connected.

What services are available?

Age UK Bedfordshire provides:

• Information and advice

• Home help

• Gardening services

• Handyperson services

• Key safe supply and fitting

• Warmer Homes support

• Carers respite

• Telephone befriending

Its Information and Advice Service can help older people with a wide range of issues, including form filling and accessing financial support.

The service helped older people in Bedfordshire claim more than £2 million in benefit entitlements in the most recently reported year.

How can I get help?

Contact Age UK Bedfordshire for information about its services.

Telephone: 01234 360510

Email: enquiries@ageukbedfordshire.org.uk

Main office:

78–82 Bromham Road
Bedford
MK40 2QH

How can I help?

There are many ways to support Age UK Bedfordshire:

• Donate

• Volunteer

• Fundraise

• Leave a legacy

• Support its charity shops

• Offer business support

• Invite the organisation to speak at an event

Website

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/bedfordshire/

The Harpur Trust is one of Bedford's oldest charitable organisations, with a history stretching back more than 450 years.

Founded by Sir William Harpur in 1566, the Trust's work has evolved considerably over the centuries but remains focused on education and supporting people and communities in Bedford.

Today, the Trust supports education, provides grants to local charities and community organisations, helps families and young people and supports projects designed to tackle disadvantage.

It awards more than £1 million a year through its grants programme to local charities and community groups.

How does the Harpur Trust help Bedford?

Its work includes:

• Grants to charities and community groups

• Support for individuals

• University bursaries

• School uniform support

• Support for education

• Community programmes

• Bedford Giving

• Support for older people's accommodation

The Trust is also a founding partner of Bedford Giving, which brings organisations together to improve opportunities for children and young people.

How can charities get help?

Local charities and community groups can apply for funding through the Trust's grants programmes.

The Trust also operates a Community Micro Grants programme for smaller or newer organisations.

How can I help?

People can support the Trust and its associated initiatives through donations, volunteering, community involvement and support for Bedford Giving.

Website

https://www.harpurtrust.org.uk/

Autism Bedfordshire is a Bedford-based charity supporting autistic children, young people and adults and their families.

The charity was founded in the early 1990s by parents of autistic children and has grown into an organisation supporting more than 2,500 families and autistic individuals.

Its aim is to improve quality of life and create opportunities for autistic people to build confidence, develop skills, make friends and participate fully in their communities.

What does Autism Bedfordshire provide?

Its services include:

• Family support

• Respite services

• Youth groups

• Social activities

• Holiday activities

• Life and work skills

• Parent support

• A helpline

• Training and information

The charity also provides opportunities for autistic people to develop independence and social confidence in an environment where they can feel comfortable and accepted.

How can I help?

You can support Autism Bedfordshire by:

• Making a donation

• Fundraising

• Volunteering

• Supporting events

• Spreading awareness

• Supporting its activities for children and young people

Contact

Autism Bedfordshire
1 Hammond Road
Elms Farm
Bedford
MK41 0UD

Helpline: 01234 350704

General enquiries: 01234 214871

Email: enquiries@autismbeds.org

Website

https://www.autismbedfordshire.net/

Keech Hospice provides free specialist hospice and end-of-life care for adults and children with life-limiting conditions.

The charity supports people in Bedfordshire and operates its Living Well Centre in Bedford.

The Bedford service is particularly significant because it is the successor to Bedford Daycare Hospice, which merged with Keech in 2023. The Bedford site was subsequently developed and renamed the Keech Hospice Living Well Centre.

Keech provides support for patients and their families both at home and through its specialist centres.

What support is available?

Services include:

• Specialist palliative care

• Emotional support

• Practical support

• Therapy

• Wellbeing activities

• Family support

• Bereavement support

• Living Well services

The Living Well Centre in Bedford provides a range of emotional, practical and wellbeing support.

How can I get help?

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with a life-limiting condition, you can contact Keech to discuss the support available.

The Bedford Living Well Centre is at:

Gladys Ibbett House
3 Linden Road
Bedford
MK40 2DD

The Bedfordshire Palliative Coordination Service can be contacted via NHS 111, option 4.

How can I help?

Keech relies heavily on community support.

You can:

• Donate

• Volunteer

• Fundraise

• Support a charity shop

• Take part in an event

• Donate items

• Support Keech through your workplace

Website

https://keech.org.uk/

Mind BLMK is a local mental health charity supporting people across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes.

The charity provides a range of services designed to help people experiencing mental health difficulties and promote positive mental wellbeing.

In Bedford, services include peer support, peer mentoring, the Recovery Lounge and other community-based support.

Mind BLMK operates from the Bedford Wellbeing Centre on Woburn Road and supports people across the Bedford Borough area.

What support is available?

Services can include:

• Peer support

• Peer mentoring

• Recovery support

• Wellbeing activities

• Community support

• Mental health information

• Support networks

How can I get help?

Mind BLMK provides information about referring yourself or someone else through its website.

Bedford Wellbeing Centre
3 Woburn Road
Bedford

Telephone: 0300 330 0648

Email: bwc@mind-blmk.org.uk

How can I help?

You can support Mind BLMK through:

• Donations

• Fundraising

• Volunteering

• Taking part in fundraising events

• Corporate support

• Leaving a gift in your Will

Website

https://www.mind-blmk.org.uk/

Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity, usually known as Beds RCC, is a community development organisation working across Bedfordshire.

It has more than 70 years of experience supporting rural communities and local projects.

Its work includes community development, digital inclusion, community transport, volunteering, village and community agents, timebanking and heritage projects.

Beds RCC also works with local communities to develop projects that help people stay connected, improve wellbeing and access services.

Community projects

The charity supports a wide range of initiatives, including:

• Village and Community Agents

• Community transport

• Digital inclusion

• Timebanking

• Good Neighbours schemes

• Community development

• Heritage projects

• Rural community initiatives

One example is Warden Abbey Vineyard, a community project providing volunteering, learning and horticultural opportunities.

How can I help?

Beds RCC actively welcomes volunteers.

You can get involved in community projects, volunteer your skills, help with local initiatives or support specific projects.

Contact

Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity
The Old School
Southill Road
Cardington
Bedford
MK44 3SX

Telephone: 01234 838771

Email: info@bedsrcc.org.uk

Website

https://bedsrcc.org.uk/

BRASS supports refugees and asylum seekers across Bedfordshire.

The organisation provides advice, English language support and social activities, helping people who have arrived in the UK navigate some of the challenges of settling into a new community.

Its advice service covers areas including immigration, housing and employment. BRASS can also help people complete complicated forms.

The charity provides English lessons and runs social activities including a women's group.

Who does BRASS support?

BRASS supports refugees and asylum seekers living in Bedfordshire.

Its services are designed to help people understand their rights, access services, develop English language skills and become more connected to their local community.

How can I help?

You can support BRASS through:

• Donations

• Volunteering

• Supporting English language activities

• Fundraising

• Providing practical support

• Spreading awareness of its services

Contact

BRASS
27b Tavistock Street
Bedford
MK40 2RB

Telephone: 01234 211381

Email: info@brass27b.org

Website

https://www.brassbedford.org.uk/

Bedfordshire Open Door provides free and confidential professional counselling to young people aged 13 to 25 living in Bedford Borough or North Central Bedfordshire.

The charity has been supporting young people for more than 25 years.

Young people can self-refer by telephone, text or email and can access counselling face-to-face, online or by telephone.

Counselling gives young people an opportunity to talk about whatever is troubling them with a trained professional who is independent of their family, school or other circumstances.

What can young people talk about?

There is no prescribed list of problems. Young people can talk about whatever is important to them, including relationships, family difficulties, school, anxiety, confidence, emotions or other concerns.

The service is confidential, although there are circumstances where information may need to be shared to protect someone from significant harm.

How can I get help?

Young people aged 13 to 25 can contact Bedfordshire Open Door directly.

Telephone: 01234 360388

Text: 07922 105200

How can I help?

The charity welcomes:

• Donations

• Fundraisers

• Volunteers

• Student placements

• Corporate partnerships

Contact

Bedfordshire Open Door
120 Tavistock Street
Bedford
MK40 2SA

Website

https://www.bedfordopendoor.org.uk/

Tibbs Dementia Foundation provides support for people living with dementia or memory loss and the people who care for them.

The charity helps people navigate the information, services and support available to them and provides practical, financial and emotional assistance.

Its services include groups and activities, befriending and access to specialist dementia support.

The organisation works across Bedford Borough, with both face-to-face and virtual opportunities available.

Who can receive support?

Tibbs supports people affected by dementia or memory loss, including unpaid carers and family members.

The charity can help people understand what support is available and connect them with appropriate services.

How can I help?

You can support Tibbs Dementia Foundation by:

• Making a donation

• Volunteering

• Fundraising

• Becoming a Friend of Tibbs

• Sharing information about its services

• Supporting local events

Contact

Tibbs Dementia Foundation
5 Lansdowne Road
Bedford
MK40 2BY

Telephone: 01234 210993

Email: contact@tibbsdementia.co.uk

Office hours are Monday to Thursday, 10am to 4pm.

Website

https://tibbsdementia.co.uk/

Carers in Bedfordshire is a local charity supporting unpaid carers who look after family members, partners, friends or other people who depend on them.

The charity says there are an estimated 41,000 unpaid carers in Bedfordshire and it currently supports more than 14,000 unpaid carers.

Being a carer can be physically and emotionally demanding. Carers in Bedfordshire provides practical advice, information, one-to-one support, groups, activities, grants and opportunities to meet other people in similar circumstances.

The organisation supports carers of all ages and backgrounds.

What support is available?

Support can include:

• One-to-one advice

• Information and guidance

• Carer groups

• Events and activities

• Wellbeing support

• Carers grants

• Practical help

• Training

• Support for former carers

How can I get help?

Carers can register directly with Carers in Bedfordshire.

Registration gives carers access to advice, information, groups, events and other support.

Telephone: 0300 111 1919

Email: contact@carersinbeds.org.uk

How can I help?

You can:

• Donate

• Volunteer

• Fundraise

• Organise an event

• Encourage a carer you know to seek support

Website

https://carersinbeds.org.uk/

Bedford Women's Centre is based at the Raleigh Centre on Ampthill Road and is run by Family Groups Bedford, a registered charity which has been providing services to the local community since 1982.

The centre provides support designed to improve the quality of life of women and their families.

Its work includes one-to-one support and mentoring, workshops, training and support groups.

The centre also works with women affected by domestic abuse and promotes healthy relationships.

Who can use the service?

The centre supports women in Bedford Borough, including women experiencing difficult personal or family circumstances, domestic abuse and other challenges.

Support is tailored to individual circumstances.

How can I help?

People can support the work of Bedford Women's Centre through volunteering, fundraising, donations and helping raise awareness of its services.

The centre can also benefit from partnerships with local businesses and community organisations.

Need support?

If you would like to find out about the support available, contact Bedford Women's Centre directly.

Bedford Women's Centre
Raleigh Centre
Ampthill Road
Bedford
MK42 9HE

Telephone: 01234 316801

Email: admin@bedfordwomenscentre.org.uk

Website

https://bedfordwomenscentre.org.uk/

Citizens Advice Bedford provides free and confidential advice to people who live or work in Bedford.

The organisation helps people deal with a wide range of problems, including money, debt, benefits, housing, employment, energy, consumer issues and homelessness prevention.

Its specialist advice services include support with debt and money problems, energy issues and homelessness prevention.

Citizens Advice Bedford also provides outreach services in the community, helping people who may find it difficult to travel into the town centre.

What can Citizens Advice help with?

You can seek advice about issues including:

• Benefits

• Debt

• Council Tax

• Rent or mortgage arrears

• Housing

• Energy bills

• Consumer problems

• Employment

• Homelessness prevention

• Financial difficulties

Advice is free and confidential.

How can I get help?

You can contact Citizens Advice Bedford by telephone, online or by visiting its offices.

Telephone: 01234 867944

Citizens Advice Bedford can also issue Bedford Foodbank vouchers where appropriate.

How can I help?

Citizens Advice Bedford relies on funding and community support to continue its work.

You can support the organisation through donations, volunteering and fundraising.

Website

https://bedfordcab.org.uk/

Bedford Hospital Charity & Friends raises money to improve the experience of patients, families and staff at Bedford Hospital.

The charity supports the hospital by funding equipment, facilities and projects that improve patient care.

The charity has a long history in Bedford. The Bedford Hospitals Charity was established in 1988, while the Friends of Bedford Hospital dates back to the beginning of the NHS in 1946. The two organisations merged in 2019.

Together they have raised more than £11 million for Bedford Hospital.

Recent fundraising has supported areas including cancer services, children's services and patient facilities.

How can I help?

There are many ways to support Bedford Hospital Charity & Friends:

• Make a one-off donation

• Set up a regular donation

• Organise a fundraising event

• Take part in an existing fundraising event

• Become a member

• Leave a gift in your Will

• Use Gift Aid where eligible

The charity is particularly dependent on local people organising their own fundraising activities.

Donate

You can make a donation online or by post.

The charity also accepts donations by text. Text BEDFORD to 70085 to donate £10.

Contact

Bedford Hospitals Charity & Friends
PO Box 342
Bedford
MK40 3XS

Telephone: 01234 404248

Website

https://bedfordhospitalcharity.org.uk/

HopeWorks UK is a Bedford charity working with people experiencing homelessness, displacement and isolation.

The organisation was formerly known as the King's Arms Project and changed its name to HopeWorks UK in 2025.

Its work includes outreach, supported accommodation, pathways into independent living and specialist support for refugees and migrants.

HopeWorks aims to provide more than accommodation. Its work includes practical support, employment assistance, legal support, life skills and opportunities for people to rebuild their lives and become more independent.

Who does HopeWorks support?

HopeWorks primarily works with people affected by homelessness, poverty, displacement and social isolation.

Its services include support for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, as well as refugees and migrants.

How can I help?

You can support HopeWorks by:

• Making a donation

• Fundraising

• Volunteering

• Supporting its community projects

• Offering skills or professional expertise

• Supporting its work with refugees and migrants

The charity also runs activities such as English language support for refugees and migrants.

Contact HopeWorks UK

HopeWorks UK
Bedford Guild House
56 Harpur Street
Bedford
MK40 2QT

Telephone: 01234 350900

Email: info@hopeworksuk.org

Website

https://hopeworksuk.org/

Bedford Foodbank provides emergency food and practical support to local people who are struggling to afford enough food.

The foodbank operates a referral system, working with organisations including Citizens Advice, housing support services, children’s centres, health visitors, social services and local charities. People who are referred can receive a parcel containing three days of nutritionally balanced, non-perishable food.

Bedford Foodbank distributed 19,240 parcels during 2025, with 6,251 of those parcels going to children.

The organisation aims to offer more than emergency food. Volunteers talk to people about their circumstances and can help connect them with other sources of advice and support.

How can I get help?

If you are struggling to afford food, you will normally need a foodbank voucher from a referral agency.

Bedford Citizens Advice can be contacted on 01234 867944 about obtaining a voucher. Bedford Foodbank can also talk through your circumstances and help connect you with an appropriate local agency.

How can I help?

There are several ways to support Bedford Foodbank:

• Donate food

• Make a financial donation

• Volunteer

• Organise a collection

• Fundraise

• Encourage your workplace, school, church or community group to support the foodbank

The foodbank regularly publishes a list of urgently needed items, so checking its website before donating food is recommended.

Contact Bedford Foodbank

Bedford Foodbank
8/9 Murdock Road
Manton Industrial Estate
Bedford
MK41 7PE

Telephone: 01234 268569

Website

https://bedford.foodbank.org.uk/