BedsLife SOUTH Magazine May 2021

FREE

South edition

M AY

2021

inside Meet Eric Masih – The new High Sheriff of Bedfordshire The Duke of Edinburgh 1921 – 2021 I Remember – A poem to Commemorate the end of WW2 WIN Tickets to The Sun in Felmersham’s Wine & Oyster Festival £25 Prize Crossword www.bedslifemagazine.co.uk

10,000 copies Delivered to Elstow, Shortstown, Wixams, Wilstead, Houghton Conquest, Stewartby, Marston Moretaine.

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Contents

Meet the new High Sheriff of Bedfordshire

4

The Duke of Edinburgh 1921 - 2021

6

Volunteer Opportunities

8

I Remember – Poem

12

Mamma’s House

14

Marston Vale Forest – The Cuckoo

16

Competition – WIN tickets to the Wine & Oyster Festival

18

Prize Crossword

20

The Composing Cook Recipe

24

Gardening Cheats

26

Useful Local Resources

28

Last months Crossword Answers

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Eric has been a well-respected and well-known face within Bedfordshire for a number of years.

He started his working life within the Geophysical Services Institute before moving into the insurance industry where he held a number of managerial and financial roles.

Eric’s true calling came in 1996 when he entered the property and mortgage sector and established his current business, Gold Crown Estate Agent.

Within this sector, Eric is particularly committed to providing affordable and social housing in Bedfordshire. Following on from this, Eric has sought to introduce business opportunities into local areas which have previously been considered run down and derelict and, in 2006, Eric took over the previously derelict Irish Club on Midland Road in Bedford in an attempt to attract business to the locality. After an extensive refurbishment project, he launched the Midas Bar & Club.

Meet Eric Masih – The New High Sheriff of Bedfordshire 2021-2022 Eric was born in Punjab, India and was brought to the UK by his parents in 1967 where he was educated locally. Eric has continued to live in Bedford with his wife, four sons and four grandchildren. His hobbies include Asian classical music and martial arts, and he continues to practice as Southern Region Area instructor for the Tetsudo Martial Arts Association.

Within the local community, Eric holds roles with several charities and organisations including the Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity (BRCC) for which he is a trustee, founding member of the Bedfordshire Asian Business Association (BABA) and Queens Park Academy School where he is a governor.

In 2013, Eric was appointed as the Chairman of Queens Park Community Organisation (QPCO), an organisation committed to building bridges between Bedford’s diverse communities.

Eric plays an active role in community cohesion and by the hosting of numerous fundraising events, fayres, and activities he has very quickly gained full support of local businesses, residents and the local community policing teams. His dedication has always been intent on casting a light onto the melting pot of Bedfordshire’s varied and diverse communities.

Eric is honoured to have been nominated as High Sheriff of Bedfordshire for the forthcoming year and recognises that, despite the joint efforts to keep communities going, there is yet much work to do. The unforeseen effects of the Covid19 pandemic over the past year have brought to the surface the financial, social and emotional hardships faced by many throughout the Borough. Eric passionately feels that it is through community cohesion, and in particular through the work of local voluntary groups, that we can start to move towards a recovery phase.

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The Duke of Edinburgh 1921 – 2021

It is with huge sorrow that we learned of the death of Her Majesty The Queen’s beloved husband, Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, on Friday 9th April. He passed away peacefully at Windsor Castle. His long and dedicated service to our nation will forever be honoured and respected. We join with Her Majesty and members of The Royal Family in mourning his loss deeply.

HRH The Duke of Edinburgh visited Bedfordshire on numerous occasions and his presence was always much enjoyed by those organisations he supported. His humour and his ability to bring people together to encourage progress in so many areas of our lives means that he leaves a lasting and cherished legacy for the future.

Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Helen Nellis said, “On behalf of the people of Bedfordshire, may I express our sincere condolences to Her Majesty The Queen and to the Royal Family for the loss of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. His contribution to the life of this nation and to the Commonwealth was enormous. He was a welcome and popular visitor to our county, always ensuring that every person he met felt special. His good humour and his genuine support for so many organisations will always be respected and remembered. May he Rest in Peace.”

An online Bedfordshire Book of Condolence for HRH The Duke of Edinburgh is now available for those who wish to send a personal message of condolence and can be accessed at: www.royal.rip

A message from Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire

Many people in Bedfordshire may also think of showing their sadness and respect for The Duke by laying flowers. In this time of pandemic, The Royal Family has expressly asked that instead of floral tributes, people might consider giving a donation to a charity of their choice (www.royal. uk/donations).

Thank you for respecting their wishes at this sad time.

His humour and his ability to bring people together to encourage progress in so many areas of our lives means that he leaves a lasting and cherished legacy for the future.

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A Bedfordshire Service of Thanksgiving for the life of the Duke of Edinburgh will be available online so that all may join together safely together during the pandemic. Details of how you can watch this will be published on the BedsLife website and our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter platforms once we have received confirmation.

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Volunteering Opportunities

Many organisations are having to cut down on the activities that volunteers would normally engage in due to the pandemic. Others are busier than ever and not in a position to train new volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, please register on our system and be patient as it may take a while for organisations to be able to accommodate you. The following organisations were actively seeking to fill these roles at the time of going to press.

Search for any of this month’s featured roles by adding the name of the organisation into the keyword field on our Simply Connect opportunity search at cvsbeds.org.uk/volunteer

The Chellington Centre is a grade I youth retreat with accommodation for 30. They work with youth groups, schools and other organisations to offer a unique experience away from the school or working environment in a stunning converted church in a rural setting in North Beds. The Manager has a varied schedule of maintenance activities throughout the year and would welcome volunteer support with tasks that include fence fixing, furniture repair, interior render and painting tasks and many more challenges to keep on top of this unusual building.

Keech Hospice Care – Retail Volunteer – Great Denham Store Help is needed in the shop and also upstairs, sorting, tagging and steaming donated goods, providing customer service and displaying stock. Over 16s will also operate the till. Volunteers who are able to undertake slots of 9-1 or 1-5pm are preferred.

Putnoe Woods Preschool – Charity Trustee The preschool is particularly keen for a trustee who has knowledge or experience of early years education to join them. As a trustee of this charity you will be part of a voluntary group of people interested in guiding this successful preschool into the future. The trustees meet at least 4 times per year in the evening and are expected to be able to commit to a minimum of one day per year.

Wixams Retirement Village – Receptionist

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I Remember.

I remember, I remember, when the country went to war When the threat of Nazi Germany was shadowing our shore When the voice of Neville Chamberlain came on the air to say “The British Isles is now at war” upon that warm September day.

I remember, I remember how little, lost evacuees Came, invading our school playground, gasmasks banging round their knees Cheery, sad some poorly clad. We eyed the strangers up and down Country children out of danger. Cockney kids from Canning town.

I remember, I remember-over eighty years ago?

How everybody pulled together then against the common foe ‘Save-not spend’ ‘ Make do and mend’ and ‘Dig for victory’ they said How little waste there was in those days; How valuable a loaf of bread.

I remember , I remember, signs of war were everywhere Army lorries on manoeuvres. Blenheim bombers in the air.

“Right men! Left men! R.A.F. men Someone’s husband, brother, son.

Off to fight for king and country in the war against the Hun. O and then I can remember when it wasn’t really strange To see an air-raid warden call and hastily to rearrange The blackout curtain, just in case the man should see a chink of light Giving signals to a German overhead at dead of night.

I was just a schoolgirl then and-well, it has to be confessed I didn’t mind , when in the middle of a horrid history test The air raid warning went and caused an interruption in the class As we hurried to a safer place for fear of falling glass.

I remember, I remember how the village was bereft Of all the able-bodied men as one by one they upped and left Ken and George and Dick and William. Cousin James and brother Jack All received their call-up papers. Many never did come back.

I remember, I remember just before we went to bed Standing on the lawn and watching as the distant sky turned red.

Not alas the evening sunset; this was London in the blitz.

Only thirty miles from us were people being blown to bits.

I remember, I remember how the chiming of Big Ben Reverberated round the room as Dad turned on the news again.

Parents’ thoughtful sombre faces as they heard how planes were lost Ships torpedoed, soldiers missing. Freedom’s terrifying cost And again I can remember being frightened as I saw A doodlebug* come chugging past as I stood rooted to the floor Watching, waiting at the window.”Please dear God don’t let it stop” For when the engine coughed and cut out, then the dreadful thing would drop.

O and then I can remember when the darkest days were there How the British people gathered for a national day of prayer.

Backs were up against the wall and situations such as these Brings a nation back to God and brings it down upon it’s knees Was the apple blossom blooming sweetly on the orchard bough?

Were the Willow and the Chestnut lovely then as they are now?

Did the bright Clematis gambol gaily round the cottage doorAnd did the Blackbird sing it’s heart out just as though we weren’t at war?

Yes, from what I can remember, as I look back and reflect Heartbreak, death and devastation on these things have no effect.

God has set the world in motion. Man alone is given a choice Nature follows His instructions, Man can just ignore his voice.

Then at last I can remember that Tuesday on the 8th. of May How the world was given the tidings. Peace at last. ‘Twas Victory day” Church bells rang, bonfires were lighted, There was dancing in the square “Now Thank We All Our God” we sang -and many people left Him there.

Once again we need to gather, crying out ‘What have we done, What has happened to our nation since the war was fought and won.

Then we turned to God to save us in our time of desperate need.

Now many worship other gods and follow in another creed.

The lesson seems to be forgotten, That is why the memory Must be preserved if only as the guardian of our liberty; But the words our dear King gave us, that first Christmas of the war Still apply to all of us today as ever did before.

“I said to him who I saw standing at the gateway of the year Give me a light so I tread safely in this unknown path I fear” And he replied, “Go in the darkness. Place your hand in that of God. It shall be a better light. Safer than any path you’ve trod.

Rebecca Cook© *V1 Pilotless plane

Walk this May It’s no secret that walking has so many benefits. Walking is good for our mental health as well as our physical health; it has been a lifeline to many especially during the last year. So let’s celebrate National Walking Month this May by upping our step count.

Need motivation to get out? Not only are the evenings lighter, meaning we can increase our vitamin D intake which is linked to feeling good, but research has also found that a 20 minute walk each day can reduce the risk of certain health conditions such as cancers, heart disease and depression amongst others.

Lockdown has also shown us how congestion and air quality has improved with less cars on the road. So why not walk to school or work? If you can’t walk the whole way, try walking part of the way instead by parking a few roads earlier.

Here’s some ways to help motivate you to walk this month: • Go on a family adventure • Let the kids lead the way • Search for rainbows • Go on a lunchtime walk • Walk to and/or from school • Have a tick list of items to look out for: birds, pelican crossing, lollipop lady/man • Give children a magnifying glass • Ring a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while • Download a podcast to listen to Want to take it one step further? There are lots of charities getting involved with National Walking Month, so why not set yourself a challenge and raise some money for your preferred charity.

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Don’t forget to stay 2M apart, walk locally and wash your hands frequently.

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15

The cuckoo a loveable villain?

There are certain birds that are ‘household names’: everyone knows them, because their appearance or behaviour is embedded within our childhood memories and cultural history. The robin, for example, with its rosy red uniform, or the striking black and white magpie, forever associated (probably erroneously) with having a fondness for shiny items.

The cuckoo is another of these birds. As they are seldom seen, it’s not their appearance that has won them a coveted place in the national psyche. It can be attributed to two things – their distinctive ‘cuck-coo’ call, and their reputation for treachery during the breeding season.

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spawned the word ‘cuckold’, describing the husband of an adulterous wife, which appeared in written form as early as 1250.

Cuckoos are summer migrants from Africa and arrive in Britain in late March to early April. Their simple two-note song has for centuries been associated with the arrival of spring, and many a celebrated wordsmith has been inspired by their melodic call.

It has long been known that after breeding, the female cuckoo searches for a suitable ‘host’ nest in which to lay her eggs and then leaves the parenting of her offspring to the unsuspecting owner. But it was not until more recently, in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, that the cuckoo’s behaviour, and how it actually managed to get away with it, was more fully understood.

The cuckoo’s apparent villainy has also secured it a starring role in the works of literature’s great and good: Shakespeare wrote of the bird arousing fear in married men in Love’s Labours Lost. The cuckoo’s seemingly deviant behaviour

Cuckoos will only lay their eggs in the nests of a particular selection of host birds. In Britain, these are, in 90 per cent of cases, dunnock, reed warblers, meadow pipit, robin and pied wagtail.

But in the late nineteenth century, two German

until the owner has vacated it and will swoop down, eject an egg, and then lay her own in its place.

The next part of this sophisticated operation is even more incredible. Once the cuckoo chick has hatched, it will expel all the other eggs by levering them out of the nest on its back. If the other eggs hatch before the cuckoo, it will do the same, but with the live chicks rather than the eggs!

After about a fortnight, the cuckoo chick will be many times the size of its adopted parents, and will need feeding almost constantly. Although you’d think the exhausted parents might have realised by this stage that something is amiss, they continue to be deceived by yet another trick. According to Professor Nick Davies, interviewed in the excellent book Say Goodbye to the Cuckoo by Michael McCarthy, the cuckoo chick mimics the sound of a full brood demanding food to spur its frantic ‘parents’ into a food-collecting frenzy.

Perhaps it is the cuckoo’s cunning that has secured it its place in the hearts of the natureloving public (everyone loves a good villain), or maybe we are uplifted by its seasonal song.

ornithologists went further and found that female cuckoos specialise in parasitising only one particular host species. That is, there are a number of different ‘races’, or gentes, of cuckoo – reed warbler specialists, dunnock specialists, and so on.

A century or so later, in the 1980s, two British biologists expanded on this discovery. They found that many cuckoos have evolved to produce eggs that are almost identical in appearance to their host birds to prevent them from being rejected. Thus, a cuckoo that ‘specialises’ in reed warblers will lay a green egg, while a meadow pipit specialist will lay speckled white and brown eggs.

Once a host nest has been located – that is, one that is full of eggs – the female cuckoo will wait

Whatever the reason, one thing that is certain is that since the early 1980s, numbers of these fascinating birds have been steadily falling and they are now a red-listed species of highest conservation concern. The reasons for this dramatic decline are not fully understood, but climate change, habitat loss and a shortage of host birds are all thought to play a part.

The protection of suitable habitat around the UK is vital in supporting the survival of the cuckoo. One place where cuckoos have been recorded in here in Bedfordshire is at Millennium Country Park in the Forest of Marston Vale, where reed warblers play unwitting host to their offspring. If you’re out exploring the park this spring listen out for and enjoy the enigmatic song of the cuckoo, which can carry for miles – and try not to think of the mischief that this intriguing species may be about to make!

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COMPETITION WIN a pair of tickets Courtesy of The Sun, Felmersham and BedsLife Magazine.

To be in with a chance to win simply email christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk putting Wine & Oyster Festival in the subject and state in the email whether you would prefer Saturday or Sunday tickets.

Competition deadline is Monday 17th May. Entrants must be 18 or over and the winners will be picked at random.

Wine & Oyster Festival at The Sun in Felmersham On 26th and 27th June, the first weekend of the potential return to the ‘normal times’, The Sun, The Wine Cellar and RawBoys will be hosting a weekend that includes Wine and Oyster Masterclasses, an Oyster Shucking competition, a Banquet on the Saturday evening, A Wine based Brunch, things to do for the little ones, local business presence and live music (provided by local Jazz supreme Tom Syson and his Trio including guest singer James Hudson) and a DJ all weekend.

Husband and wife team Peter and Conny Pestell at The Sun in Felmersham have been transforming the food scene in Bedfordshire with the way they champion local produce and bring a little big city magic to the beautiful village of Felmersham.

The Wine Cellar based in Woburn, Olney and, most recently, Felmersham has one of the most

impressive wine collections anywhere on our beautiful Isle, after Stefan Botfield spent years working at the very top of the wine world of Britain.

RawBoys are yet to open, however, in late May local lad Toby Boutall, who has spent four years as Oysterman at the Chiltern Firehouse with his partner Paige Hughes, will be opening their first site on the new development Islington Square in Angel, London.

If you like wine, oysters, good food, entertainment and summer vibes, then this is the place to be in late June this year. Tickets are available now at www.thesunfelmersham.com.

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Bumper Prize Crossword Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this section and send to the address below before Friday 14th May Prize Crossword, BedsLife, 17 Foxbrook, Stevington, Bedfordshire MK43 7QY Last Months Crossword Winner – Mrs Roots, Bedford

For last months answers please turn to P30

Across

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20 Small round salty cracker (4) 21 Cavern, den (6) 23 Womb (6) 24 Supply, material (8) 25 Seize, grab (4)

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The Composing Cook The Composing Cook

CHICKEN & VEGETABLE TIKKA MASALA

INGREDIENTS: 2 tablespoons oil 1 thumb size piece of ginger (no need to peel) – grated 5 garlic cloves – crushed 2 green chillies (optional) – finely chopped 1 tablespoon tomato puree 1 teaspoon salt 1 heaped tablespoon garam masala 1 heaped tablespoon curry powder 500g skinless & boneless chicken breast – cut into bite size pieces 1 red & 1 yellow pepper – both cut into bite size pieces 400g tin chopped tomatoes 400ml water 125ml double cream 350g frozen broccoli and cauliflower florets a handful chopped fresh coriander To Serve: 240g basmati rice some extra chopped fresh coriander Serves 4

I am sure many of you have tried a takeaway version of this. You will be surprised how easy it is to make at home.

My version also contains veg, so if you have children, this is a great way for them to eat some veg without even realising. Give it a go, you won’t be disappointed.

Add oil to a deep sided frying pan and once warmed add the ginger, garlic and the chillies (if using) and cook for 1 minute.

Add the onion, salt, tomato puree and cook for 5 minutes.

Add garam masala, curry powder, chicken, peppers. Cook for 15 minutes. If it starts to stick just add a little cold water and mix.

Add chopped tomatoes & 400ml water. Simmer for 20 minutes.

In the meantime, boil the frozen broccoli and cauliflower florets until just done. Remove from the water using a slotted spoon and cut into bit size pieces. Put to one side. Use the same water to cook the rice (see packet instructions).

Back to the Chicken Tikka, add the double cream and cook for 4 minutes. Add the broccoli and cauliflower and cook for 2 minutes.

Scatter with the coriander and serve.

LET’S TAKE THIS A STEP FURTHER: This goes amazingly well with my Mango Chutney Sauce and Oven Baked Bombay Potatoes. You can watch me make all these dishes along with my Chicken Tikka Masala by visiting my YouTube Channel, The Composing Cook. Just head over to: www.YouTube.com/ TheComposingCook and there you will find me.

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GARDEN NEAT CHEATS Six tips to help you get to grips with your unruly garden in no time.

ONE

Focus on the lawn Your lawn is ultimately what leads your eye out into the garden, so keeping this well mown, clutterfree and healthy is arguably the biggest factor in retaining a tidy feel.

To that end always try to keep borders to a maximum width of around 1.5m. Any wider than this and you may well find their maintenance is taking up a lot of your time.

TWO

A path to perfection Sometimes the issue with lawns is that they present such a wide expansive space it can be difficult to know what to decorate them with. The simple answer is to add a winding path to your lawn – not only is this a one-off addition that will add structure and personality to your back garden, it would also require almost zero maintenance each year, helping the space stay tidy and uncomplicated.

THREE

Crazy paving?

If you want to take this a step further, consider paving over larger areas of your garden. In recent years this is a trend that appears to have subsided somewhat, but that’s not to say it wouldn’t create a nicer, cleaner, easier to maintain garden space.

Wood decking has the same effect, as well as adding interesting textures and a softer base on which adults and kids can sit and enjoy their surroundings.

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FOUR

Evergreens every time Evergreen varieties are very handy for all-yearround foliage and variety: and adding a plentiful array of evergreens to your garden means you can avoid pruning, deadheading, staking, weeding and all those other things involved with perennials that take up valuable time that could be spent on other tasks… such as relaxing!

FIVE

What weeds?

If the idea of spending hours picking out a smorgasbord of weeds from your beds doesn’t appeal, then wood mulch is almost certainly the solution. Not only does it look great, it adds texture and colour too and is a great tool for keeping moisture in the soil, something that will come in handy when the baking sun of the summer months begins to dominate the day.

SIX

Take a fake Finally, probably the best low maintenance addition of them all – fake grass. The technology these days means the look is almost as good as having a real lawn and, if you’re brave enough to take it a step further, then fake shrubs can decorate difficult to reach or hard to maintain corners of your garden in a way that will need little maintenance, whilst offering big impact.

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UsefulResources ACCESS BEDFORD Works with the D/deaf and hard of hearing community to make Bedford Borough more accessible.

They also have a facebook social group for Deaf people living in and around Bedford

BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY Delivering a wide range of rural development and community projects.

Tel 01234 838771 www.bedsrcc.org.uk

Tel 07376 262 873 www.accessbedford.org.uk

AGE UK BEDFORDSHIRE

BEDFORDSHIRE WELLBEING SERVICE

Local organisation solely devoted to the welfare of the over 50’s in Bedfordshire.

Offers a range of free and confidential talking therapies and specialist support to help you feel better.

Tel 01234 360510 www.ageuk.org.uk/bedfordshire

Tel 01234 880400 www.bedfordshirewellbeingservice.nhs.uk

AUTISM BEDFORDSHIRE Independent charity dedicated to improving the lives of autistic people and their families across Bedfordshire..

Tel 01234 350704 www.autismbedfordshire.net BEDFORD BOROUGH LOCAL OFFER A place where parents and young people with Special Educational Needs and or disabilities can find clubs, activities and services to support them and their families Here you will find details of upcoming events, clubs and services available in the Borough of Bedford. www.localoffer.bedford.gov.uk

BEDFORD DAYCARE HOSPICE Provides individualised holistic care to patients suffering with a life-limiting condition from the point of diagnosis through treatment to remission or palliative care.

Tel 01234 352 015 www.bedforddaycarehospice.org.uk

BEDFORD WOMEN’S CENTRE Supporting women in the community who may have experienced Domestic Abuse or want more information about healthy relationships.

Tel 01234 316801 www.bedfordwomenscentre.org.uk

BOLD Supporting and advocating for people with a learning disability and challenging behaviours.

Tel 01234 352899 www.bo4ld.org.uk

CARERS IN BEDFORDSHIRE Local charity helping unpaid carers of all ages and backgrounds to cope with the stresses of their caring role.

Tel 0300 111 1919 www.carersinbeds.org.uk

CATS PROTECTION Tel 0345 260 2505 www.cats.org.uk/bedford

CHUMS

MENCAP (BEDFORD)

Mental health and emotional wellbeing service for children and young people 01525 863924 www.chumscharity.org

A voluntary organisation operating in Bedford and surrounding areas supporting individuals with a learning disability and their families.

Tel 07973 859940 www.bedfordmencap.org.uk

CITIZENS ADVICE An independent charitable organisation that helps people resolve their problems by providing information and advice.

0Tel 01234 867944 www.bedfordcab.org.uk

MINDBLMK Supporting positive mental health and wellbeing.

Tel 0300 330 0648 www.mind-blmk.org.uk

COMMUNITY VOLUNTARY SERVICE BEDFORDSHIRE (CVS ) Support for voluntary and community sector organisations in Bedfordshire.

Tel 01234 354366 www.cvsbeds.org.uk

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS THERAPY CENTRE BEDS & NORTHANTS Provides help, support and therapy for those with MS in Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire.

Tel 01234 325781 www.mscentrebedsandnorthants.com

FACES (FAMILY AND CHILDREN’S EARLYHELP SERVICES)

OPEN DOOR Charity providing FREE and confidential counselling

local independent charity offering practical and emotional support to families under stress.

to young people aged 13 – 25.

01234 270601 www.facesbedford.org

Tel 01234 360388 www.bedfordopendoor.org.uk

FAMILIES FIRST BEDFORDSHIRE 01234 341977 www.familiesfirstbedfordshire.org.uk

FRIENDS FOR LIFE A local charity working to address the social isolation of residents in Bedford’s care homes Tel 07460 575410 www.friendsforlifebedford.org.uk

ROAD VICTIMS TRUST Offers a range of free support services to residents of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire who have been affected by fatal road collisions.

Tel 01234 843345 www.rvtrust.org.uk

SMILEY CLUB (PART OF BEDFORD MENCAP) Provides a fun social club for boys and girls from 9 to 18 who have learning disabilities.

Tel 07798 762 808

MEN AS VICTIMS Group support is provided for men who have experienced domestic abuse in a safe, therapeutic environment.

This service is for male victims living in Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire or Luton.

Tel 01234 341977 www.bedsdv.org.uk/get-help/men-as-victims/

THE JOBS HUB Provides an all age careers advice and employment support service for people that live in and around Bedford.

Tel 01234 223510 www.bedfordjobshub.co.uk

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