Voluntary organisations

Age Concern Bedfordshire| (new window) operates throughout the whole of Bedfordshire and provides very many services for the over 50's.

Bedford Race Equality Council| (new window) mission is to work towards the elimination of racial and religious discrimination, to promote equality of opportunity and good race relations between persons of different races, religions and cultures.

Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity| (new window) established in 1953, is an independent, countywide charity with an annual turnover in excess of £2 million and employing 40 staff in three offices across the county. As well as delivering a wide range of community development services to the county's urban and rural communities, it also serves as the Rural Community Council (RCC) for Bedfordshire.

ChildLine| (new window) is the free helpline for children and young people in the UK. Children and young people can call us on 0800 1111 to talk about any problem – our counsellors are always here to help you sort it out. 

Christian Family Care| (new window) is a Bedfordshire-based Christian organisation that can trace its roots back over a century to the reforming social care movement of the 19th century. Today it provides a wide range of front-line services in partnership with the Statutory Agencies, to protect and support some of the most vulnerable people in the community.

Community & Voluntary Service - Mid & North Bedfordshire| (new window) is an umbrella organisation that supports and represents the interests of voluntary organisations, community groups and charities in Mid & North Bedfordshire.

At the Disability Rights Commission| (new window) we have one key goal: "A society where all disabled people can participate fully as equal citizens".

Furniture Link (Bedford)| (new window) is a furniture and electrical reuse charity operating in North and Mid Bedfordshire. The Charity aims to:

• support disadvantaged local people who are living on low incomes or suffering hardship or distress;
• divert usable household goods from the waste stream; and
• provide worthwhile training and volunteering opportunities for all members of the community but particularly for people who are disadvantaged or excluded.

Help the Aged| (new window) is an international charity fighting to free disadvantaged older people from poverty, isolation and neglect.

They research the needs of older people in the UK and overseas and campaign for changes in policy. They offer information and community services for the elderly including financial advice, how to stay healthy and guidance on choosing a care home.

Mencap| (new window) is the UK's leading learning disability charity working with people with a learning disability and their families and carers.

Work at the Mental Health Foundation| (new window) covers children, adults of working age, people in later life and public mental health.

Mind| (new window).  1 in 4 people experience mental health problems during their lifetime. Mind works for better mental health for everyone through our campaigns, policy and information work.  The needs and experiences of people with mental distress drive our work and we make sure their voice is heard by those who influence change.  We want to hear from people from all walks of life, who would be interested in sharing their story and informing our work.

NSPCC| (new window) have been looking after children for more than 100 years. It's what they do.

They run lots of services for children, young people and their families. They try and persuade people in power to make laws that protect children and help adults look after children properly.

Voluntary and Community Action South Bedfordshire| (new window) is committed to strengthening the effectiveness of the voluntary and community sector in South Bedfordshire by developing, enabling, promoting and supporting local voluntary and community action.

Volunteer Centre Bedford| (new window) is a charity which helps link people who want to volunteer with organisations needing volunteering help.

Voluntary Works| (new window) is a consortium which began by delivering training services and has grown its membership to encompass more agencies as part of the Government ChangeUp Programme and looks at additional ways of planning strategically for the voluntary and community sector.