Bedford Borough Council

Could you change a child's life? Tim and his wife Louise have changed 42 foster babies' lives so far! How babies are fostered has changed hugely in the 33 years that Tim and Louise have been foster carers. Over time they've been on all sorts of training courses run by their local council to learn about all sorts of things, such as how a baby's brain develops as they grow into a toddler. The support you get from your local council when you decide to foster for your local children's social services team is second to none. They'll be with you every step of the way for years to come. If you have any questions about fostering or wish to find out more, visit www.foster4bedford.com or call 01234 718718. #Foster4Bedford

Bedford Borough Council is a great place to work - hear from a wide range of staff about why they have chosen a career with us at https://lnkd.in/eHgKuEjy #TogetherWeMakeADifference

Our next Community Network Event's theme is ‘Bedford Borough Council Youth Cabinet Presents: Engaging with Young People'   This event will take place on: Date: Tuesday, 11 March 2025 Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm Location: Addison Centre - Addison Howard Park, Bedford Rd, Kempston, Bedford MK42 8PN   This evening will provide a unique opportunity to: - Hear directly from the Youth Cabinet about their purpose, achievements, and insights . - Engage in interactive discussions on fostering meaningful youth engagement in participation, volunteering, and strategic partnerships. - Network with fellow professionals and young people to share ideas and build connections These events are funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and offer a fantastic opportunity to network with organisations across the Borough.   Please RSVP at: https://lnkd.in/eKqCQkcz Please share with any young people/youth groups that are interested. #Community #YouthEngagement #Kempston

The Preparing for Adulthood Festival is back, giving young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) the chance to plan their futures. Each year young people aged 14-plus, and their families, can meet with education providers, health teams, organisations that support with independent living, and much more. This year’s event takes place on Tuesday 28 January, from 10am - 6pm at the University of Bedfordshire in Polhill Avenue, Bedford, and entry is free. A Bedford Borough Council spokesperson said; “We’ll have a wide range of talks and interactive opportunities. “This will include guidance on SEND support and Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) processes from Year 9 onwards, post-16 education options, top tips for parents on supporting your child as they approach adulthood, transition to adulthood for young people with SEND, and health and well-being support. They added; “We will have a wide range of organisations attending, including the Supported Internship Programme, the Bedford Borough Parent Carer Forum, Autism Bedfordshire, the Adult Learning Disability Team, Healthwatch, and staff from Bedford, SENSE and CAMHS Discovery colleges. “We will also be hosting Bedfordshire Fire & Rescue Service and the Police, the Beyond Limits Programme, and many more.” To find out more, visit https://lnkd.in/eSnZPmwa

Calling all local creative businesses, crafters and organisations... Our Markets team are inviting you to showcase your talents, connect with the community, and boost your brand by hosting a free workshop at the vibrant Bedford Craft Market. Some of the benefits this opportunity can offer: Increase brand visibility: Gain valuable exposure to a wide audience of potential customers in Bedford town centre. Build community connections: Share your passion and expertise with fellow crafters and market-goers. Generate leads: Showcase your products and services while building relationships with interested individuals. Enhance your reputation: Position yourself as a leader and supporter of local creativity in our community. We'll support you by providing gazebos, tables, and chairs for free, to make your workshop set up a breeze. We'll also talk about your workshop across our social media channels, helping you reach an even broader audience. Robin from Hobby Hive said, "I used to trade in Bedford Market a couple of years ago and I’m lucky to have my own shop now. I joined the craft market last June and it was perfect timing for me to promote my new shop at St Mary's Street, which is opened last July. It’s also good to meet some old friends in town as well. I would recommend the craft market to all independent businesses in Bedford." Ready to get involved? Bedford Craft Markets run on the second Saturday of each month along Silver Street. Contact markets@bedford.gov.uk to express an interest, learn more, and book your place.

Could you give 2-3 hours per week to help families in Bedford Borough flourish? Food etc - Bedford empowers people to make better food choices by teaching them how to cook cheap, healthy meals together from scratch. They work in schools with small groups of parents and children who prepare and eat meals together and in a variety of other settings supporting homeless communities, women who have experience domestic abuse, elderly people and others. As a growing organisation Food etc is looking for more volunteers to help deliver its courses. You don’t need any formal qualifications, you simply need to have a passion for cooking and healthy eating and confidence to talk in front of groups of varying ages. Find out more about volunteering for Food etc on their website, check out their socials @food etc Bedford, email them at hello@foodetc.org.uk or call Julie Clay on 07970 115181

In the latest Our Town email bulletin you can read all about what's happening with the Town Deal projects in 2025 - St. Paul's Square, Harpur Square, Midland Road and Greyfriars Juction. There are also events and activities, plus, discover another new business opening its doors in Bedford town centre. You can read the latest news here: https://lnkd.in/ehszASv7

Come and say hello to Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Planning and Prosperity, Councillor Andrea Spice, who will be in Silver Square in Bedford Town Centre on Thursday 30 January between 11.30am and 2.30pm. You can raise any comments or concerns or learn more about what's happening in the Town Centre.

Holocaust Memorial Day is marked annually on 27 January to remember the millions of people murdered during the Holocaust, including the six million Jews. The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day 2025 is ‘For a Better Future’. Bedford Council of Faiths will be hosting a commemoration at the Anne Frank Tree in Russell Park, Bedford, on Monday 27 January at 12.30pm. The tree can be found in the park, close to Bower Street, What3words: ///song.moon.share A display will be available for viewing at The Higgins Bedford reception area from Saturday 25 January to Sunday 2 February. The display will include information about the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia. The Higgins Bedford are also inviting some local schools and home-educated children to attend a talk on the subject.

You've still got time to have your say in the East West Rail consultation - running until tomorrow. From November to January, the East West Rail Company (EWR Co) will conduct a 10-week non-statutory consultation, providing communities along the route an important opportunity to share their views on the latest plans. Visit the EWR company’s consultation page for more details and to get involved: https://lnkd.in/ettxZnat