Wellbeing

Austim Bedfordshire
A national organisation with information, guidance, training and services for helping patients in regards to everything related to Autism.
Website
www.autismbedfordshire.net
Email
enquiries@autismbeds.org

Carers in Bedfordshire
Carers in Bedfordshire is a not-for-profit registered charity providing support for carers of family members and friends throughout Bedfordshire.
Phone
0300 111 1919
Website
www.carersinbeds.org.uk

National Autistic Society
A society that helps patients with Autism.
Website
www.autism.org.uk

Cerebra
Helping and working with children with brain conditions (inc autism) and their families.
Website
www.cerebra.org.uk

The Good Grief Trust
The Good Grief Trust exists to help all those suffering grief in the UK. They aim to find the bereaved, acknowledge their grief and provide reassurance, a virtual hand of friendship and ongoing support.
Website
www.thegoodgrieftrust.org

Child Bereavement UK
At their centre in Milton Keynes, Child Bereavement UK offers face to face support for families where a baby or child has died or where children and young people, up to the age of 25, are bereaved. They are also able to support families who are facing bereavement, where a child of any age is not expected to live, or where children and young people are facing the bereavement of anyone significant in their lives.
Website
www.childbereavementuk.org

Road Victims Trust
A support service for anyone bereaved or otherwise affected by a road collision.
Covering Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire.
Phone
01234 843345
Website
www.rvtrust.org.uk
Email
enquiries@rvtrust.co.uk

The Compassionate Friends
Supporting bereaved parents and their families after the death of their son or daughter, at any age and from any cause.
Helpline
0845 123 2304
Phone
01767 689781
Website
www.tcf.org.uk

Way Up
A national charity offering a social and support network for men and women who lost their partner when aged 51 or over.
Website
www.way-up.co.uk

Carers UK
They’re here to make sure that no matter how complicated your query or your experience, you don’t have to care alone.
Phone
0808 808 7777
Website
Carers UK
Email
info@carersuk.org

Social care and support guide
If you or someone you know needs help with day-to-day living because of illness or disability, this guide explains your options and where you can get support.
Website
NHS: Social care and support guide

Bedfordshire Carers Guide
A guide for Bedfordshire residents, packed with details of local organisations and services that can help those who care for someone who can’t manage without them because of a disability, condition or long-term illness.
Website
www.carersinbeds.org.uk

Carer’s Emergency Card
The Central Bedfordshire Carer’s Emergency Card enables you to record what you would like to happen in case of an emergency. The small card can easily be stored in your purse or wallet. If an emergency arises, the card will alert people that you are a carer and will know who to contact to make sure the cared for person is safe.
Phone
0300 300 8036
Website
www.centralbedfordshiremcard.gov.uk

Rashes in babies and children
Many things can cause a rash in babies and children, and they’re often nothing to worry about.
The NHS provide support for identifying some of the common rashes in babies and children.
Website
NHS: Rashes in babies and children

NHS vaccinations and when to have them
It’s important that vaccines are given on time for the best protection. Check the dates your child needs to have their vaccinations by and contact your GP.
Website
NHS vaccinations and when to have them

Start for Life
Trusted NHS help and advice during pregnancy, birth and parenthood.
Website
Start for Life

Contact for families with disabled children
Contact support families with the best possible guidance and information. For every shape and size of family, whatever they need and whatever their child’s disability.
Website
www.contact.org.uk

CHUMS
Child Bereavement, Trauma and Emotional Wellbeing Service offering support to children, young people and their parents or carers.
Phone
01525 863 924
Website
www.chums.uk.com
Email
info@chums.uk.com

Early Childhood Partnership
The ECP offers a full range of free services to expectant parents/carers and families with children up to the age of 5. Children Centres are a place where lots of different things happen under one roof. For more information on the services provided by the ECP, you can visit their dedicated website.
Website
www.ecpbedford.org

Bedford Twins Club – All Multiples Welcome
Regular meetings and a support network across Bedford.
Website
www.bedfordtwinsclub.co.uk
Email
bedfordtwinclub@gmail.com

Bedfordshire Children’s Centres
A list of the children’s centres in Bedfordshire. The centres are places where parents with young children can share the challenges and joys of parenthood. They offer a range of activities and support services to help you with all aspects of parenting to make sure your child gets the best start in life.
Phone
01234 341977
Website
www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
Email
admin@gfc.gb.com

Citizens Advice Bedford
Citizens Advice Bedford (CAB) is an independent charitable organisation that helps people resolve their problems by providing information and advice. The service is open to anyone: it is free, independent, confidential and impartial. CAB exists to help those who live or work in the Borough of Bedford.
Phone
01234 867 944 
Lines are open Monday to Thursday, 10am to 1pm
Website
www.bedfordcab.org.uk

Bedford Foodbank
Provide three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred to us in crisis. They are part of a nationwide network of food-banks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.
Phone
01234 268569
Website
www.bedford.foodbank.org.uk
Email
info@bedford.foodbank.org.uk

The Prebend Day Centre
Bedford Concern for the Homeless and Rootless (BeCHaR) has been running The Prebend Day Centre since 1993. They take a holistic approach to helping individuals take the next step towards reintegration into the local community. This is achieved through our drop-in centre and support team, which is available to vulnerable men and women (individuals in crisis) aged 16 and over.
Phone
01234 365955
Website
www.smartcjs.org.uk

Diabetes UK
The World Health Organization estimate that over 382 million people worldwide, including 4.05 million in the UK have diabetes, a metabolic disorder affecting blood sugar levels. Diabetes.co.uk is your resource for information on type 1 and type 2 diabetes, diabetes symptoms and diabetes treatments.
Diabetes.co.uk is a community of people with diabetes, family members, friends, supporters and carers, offering their own support and first hand knowledge.
Website
www.diabetes.co.uk

Drinkaware
Digital tools to help you assess, track and set goals to reduce your drinking.
Website
Drinkaware tools

Drinkline
If you’re worried about your own or someone else’s drinking, you can call this free helpline, in complete confidence.
Phone
0300 123 1110

Talk to Frank
If you have a problem with drugs, you can Talk to Frank for friendly, confidential drugs advice.
Phone
0300 123 6600
Text
82111
Website
Talk to Frank
Email
frank@talktofrank.com

NHS Drink Free Days
Drink Free Days is for people who like a drink but want some support in tracking and cutting down on the booze as well as better understanding the risks.
Google Play Store
Download NHS Drink Free Days on the Google Play Store
Apple App Store
Download NHS Drink Free Days on the Apple App Store

Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.
Phone
0800 9177 650
Website
Alcoholics Anonymous Great Britain
Email
help@aamail.org

Path 2 Recovery
Path to Recovery (P2R) is a one stop service which provides advice, treatment and support to adults 18+ whose lives are affected by drug or alcohol use. They are open to residents of Bedford Borough or Central Bedfordshire.
Phone
01234 352220
Website
www.elft.nhs.uk

Aquarius
If you’re under 18, support is available from Aquarius
Phone
01234 341977
Website
www.aquarius.org.uk

Age UK
Age UK is the country’s largest charity dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life. They believe in a world where everyone can love later life and we work every day to achieve this.
Phone
0800 055 6112
Website
Age UK

Dementia UK
Dementia UK offers specialist one to one support and expert advice for people living with dementia.
Phone
0800 888 6678
Website
Dementia UK
Email
helpline@dementiauk.org

The Silver Line
Free phone support for older people, 24 hours a day.
Phone
0800 470 80 90
Website
The Silver Line Helpline

Alzheimer’s Society
Living with dementia can be overwhelming, but you’re not alone. From a listening ear on the phone, to a visit in person. From practical tips and advice, to opportunities to connect with others.
Phone
0333 150 3456
Website
Alzheimer’s Society

Tibbs Dementia Services
Tibbs Dementia Services is a Community Interest Company dedicated to providing a range of accessible services and activities for people living with dementia and their carers within the local community. They strive to be responsive to the needs and ideas of people with dementia and their carers and actively seek to support people with dementia to have a voice and to be heard.
Phone
07795 177948
Website
www.tibbsdementia.co.uk
Email
contact@tibbsdementia.co.uk

Herbert Protocol
The Herbert Protocol is a national scheme designed to help locate people with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and memory problems if they go missing. Referrals can be made by anyone (including the individual) via phone or email.
Phone
101
Email
dementia@bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk

Bedford Angel Domino Team
Bedford Angel Domino Club is primarily a social group offering senior citizens within the African and Caribbean Community to participate in activities that take them out of living in isolation and become active within the community.
Phone
07774 573599
Email
angelsdominoteam@gmail.com

Mature Citizens Action Group
To inform those residents of the Borough aged 50 or over on matters affecting their lives. They hold open meetings every two months on the 3rd Monday of the month, at the Salvation Army Hall in Commercial Road, Bedford. Meetings start at 09:30. Application for membership to the Secretary.
Phone
Rachel Kirkham, 01234 314093

Care Choices
Information about finding care and support for adults and elderly relatives.
Phone
0800 389 2077
Website
www.carechoices.co.uk

Bedfordshire Memory Navigation Service
Local support for people with memory loss and dementia, and for their carers.
Phone
0300 111 9090
Website
www.memoryinbeds.org.uk

Cinnamon Trust
Cinnamon Trust is a National Charity for elderly and terminally ill people and their pets, where the owner needs help walking their dog.
Phone
01736 757900
Website
www.cinnamon.org.uk
Email
volunteer@cinnamon.org.uk

Age UK Bedfordshire
Age UK is the country’s largest charity dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life. They believe in a world where everyone can love later life and they work every day to achieve this.
Phone
0800 055 6112
Website
www.ageuk.org.uk

Tommy’s
Tommy’s provides information and support to empower parents during pregnancy.
Website
Tommy’s

Start for Life
Trusted NHS help and advice during pregnancy, birth and parenthood.
Website
Start for life

Baby Buddy: Pregnancy & Parent
Baby Buddy is an award winning mobile phone app for new parents and parents-to-be, created by mums, doctors and midwives.
Google Play Store
Download Baby Buddy on the Google Play Store
Apple App Store
Download Baby Buddy on the Apple App Store

MAMA Academy
MAMA Academy’s mission is to empower all maternity professionals and expectant parents on stillbirth prevention methods to help more babies arrive safely.
Phone
07427 851670
Website
MAMA Academy
Email
contact@mamaacademy.org.uk

Mind the Bump
A monthly, women only social group to offer emotional support in a safe environment to address low mood, anxiety and/or depression during pregnancy.  ​
Who can attend
Any woman living in Bedford who is pregnant and is low in mood, is experiencing or who has experienced depression and/or anxiety.
Venue
Pine Cones Children’s Centre, Slade Walk, Bedford, MK41 7SA
Time and date
1st Thursday of each month 4pm to 6pm
Phone
07919 305 635– Dawn Jones
01234 341 977 – Children’s Centre Team

NHS Pregnancy
This guide includes all you need to know about trying for a baby, pregnancy, labour and birth.
Website
NHS: Pregnancy

NHS Mental health
Find information and support for your mental health.
Website
NHS: Mental health

Kooth
Free anonymous online chat for young people to discuss their mental health issues.
Website
Kooth

Samaritans
Samaritans offer a safe place for you to talk any time you like, in your own way – about whatever’s getting to you. You don’t have to be suicidal. Call Samaritans free, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Phone
116 123
Website
Samaritans
Email
jo@samaritans.org

Rethink Mental Illness
Rethink Mental Illness provide expert, accredited advice and information to everyone affected by mental health problems.
Phone
0121 522 7007
Website
Rethink Mental Illness
Email
info@rethink.org

Mind
Mind provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
Phone
0300 123 3393
Website
Mind

CAMHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services
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.
Phone
01234 893301
Website
www.camhs.elft.nhs.uk

CHUMS
CHUMS mental health and emotional wellbeing service for children and young people offers therapeutic support for children and young people with a variety of mental health and wellbeing needs.
Phone
01525 863924
Website
www.chums.uk.com/bedfordshire-services
Email
info@chums.uk.com

Bedfordshire and Luton Recovery Service
In partnership with East London Foundation Partnership Trust (ELFT) and The University of Bedfordshire, Recovery Colleges offer a wide range of free courses and workshops to everyone living and working in Bedfordshire and Luton, which are recovery focused, and aim to provide strategies and techniques for individuals to use in their daily lives to promote self management.
Phone
01234 263621
Email
elft.recoverycollege@nhs.net

Bedfordshire Wellbeing Services
The Bedfordshire Wellbeing Service offers a range of free and confidential talking therapies and specialist support to help you feel better.
Phone
01234 880400
Website
www.bedfordshirewellbeingservice.nhs.uk

CALM: Campaign Against Living Miserably
The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is leading a movement against suicide. Every week 125 people in the UK take their own lives. And 75% of all UK suicides are male. CALM exists to change this. Join the campaign to take a stand against suicide.
Phone
0800 58 58 58
Website
www.thecalmzone.net

Looking after your mental health
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.
Website
www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters

Mental Health Support for Children & Adults
Need help right now?
If you require urgent medical advice during a crisis you can call 111 and speak to an advisor. From here, you can discuss the best course of care going forward. Alternatively, do not hesitate to find a local NHS urgent mental health helpline. You may need urgent help for many reasons but it is imperative to know that you’re not wasting anyone’s time.

Find a local NHS Urgent Mental Health Helpline
www.nhs.uk/find-an-urgent-mental-health-helpline

Parkinson’s UK
They’re the Parkinson’s charity that drives better care, treatments and quality of life. Together they can bring forward the day when no one fears Parkinson’s.
Phone
0808 800 0303
Website
www.parkinsons.org.uk

Motor Neurone Disease Association
The Motor Neurone Disease Association funds and promotes global research into MND and provides support to people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Phone
0808 802 6262
Website
www.mndassociation.org
Email
mndconnect@mndassociation.org

MS Therapy Centre Beds & Northants
A centre of excellence providing professional specialist therapies and support for people with Multiple Sclerosis in a self-help environment that inspires and empowers.
Phone
01234 325781
Website
www.mscentrebedsandnorthants.com

Brook
Brook provides free and confidential sexual health and wellbeing services for nearly 250,000 young people UK-wide, each year.
Website
Brook

Sexual Health Helpline
The National Sexual Health Helpline provided by Public Health England is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm.
Phone
0300 123 7123

Family Planning Association
A sexual health charity, the Family Planning Association gives straightforward information and support on sexual health, sex and relationships to everyone in the UDK.
Phone
020 7608 5240
Website
Family Planning Association

iCaSH
Integrated Contraception and Sexual Health services.
Website
www.icash.nhs.uk

NHS Quit smoking
Quitting is much easier when you get the right support and there are lots of options to choose from. Check out their advice, tools and tips.
Website
NHS: Quit smoking

Smokefree Bedfordshire
Support and services to help you lead a smoke free life.
Website
www.smokefreebedfordshire.co.uk

NHS Smokefree app
The Smokefree app can help you stop smoking by providing daily support and motivation. If you stay smokefree for the 4 week programme you’re up to five times more likely to stay quit for good.
Google Play Store
Download NHS Smokefree on the Google Play Store
Apple App Store
Download NHS Smokefree on the Apple App Store

Slimming World
You’ll find delicious recipe and menu ideas at your local group, along with all the help you need to get started and reach your target weight.
Website
Slimming World

Weight Watchers
Meetings, online or a little bit of both. They’ve got options and support, whatever your lifestyle.
Website
Weight Watchers

BMI calculator
The body mass index (BMI) is a measure that uses your height and weight to work out if your weight is healthy.
Website
NHS: BMI healthy weight calculator

MoreLife
At MoreLife, their aim is to make the lives of individuals healthier, through healthy lifestyle behavioural interventions such as weight management, giving up smoking, NHS health checks, healthy eating or improved physical activity.
Website
www.more-life.co.uk