Links to Local Help:
The Disability Resource Centre
Offers independent advice and information services to disabled people and their carers to enable them to have choice and control over all aspects of their lives.
Families United Network (FUN) is a registered Charity and membership organisation which works to support children, young people and families living with disabilities throughout Bedfordshire.
Age UK are here to help people in later life. If you would like to get into contact with your local Age UK charity in Bedford to book an appointment with an advisor, arrange a home visit if it is essential or simply find out more information through speaking with someone the above link will take you there.
A specialist service that offers support to children with disabilities aged 0-18 and their families. The service comprises of a small specialist team of social workers and assistants who have relevant knowledge, experience and skills. Also provides websites and phone numbers of local support groups.
Autism Bedfordshire offer adult and child services for autistic people in Bedfordshire.
Carers in Bedfordshire is a registered charity which supports, family and young carers manage the mental and physical stresses arising from a caring role. They offer assistance such as practical help, advice, advocacy, support and information as well as grants, training and events.
Yawn 16- Young Adults With Needs
A safe environment for people with learning disabilities to meet, socialise and take part in activities with their friends.
Based in Houghton Regis, Bedfordshire. Every Wednesday 7pm-9pm.
Bedfordshire Down’s Syndrome Association
B.D.S.S.G is a parent run charity which supports families of children with Down’s Syndrome. They support other parents by sharing information and creating opportunities for families to socialise and learn together.
Links to Online Tools & Useful Websites:
Benefits for those with disabilities – Info from the GOV.UK website about benefits if you have a disability.
Benefits Calculator – Find out what benefits you are entitled to.
“We produce high quality information, products and services developed by and for disabled people. We partner with the private and public sector, with the aim of improving business practices”
Citizen’s Advice offers self-help advice guides that provides lots of information relating to areas dealing with disabilites. The following link will take you to main Citizen’s Advice site.
DLF offers advice and information to older people or those with a disability and provides individuals with options rather than just opinions. Whether you’re finding certain tasks a bit more difficult as you get older or you have a disability yourself, or you know or care for someone in this situation, DLF can help.
Disability Living Allowance helpline – 0345 712 3456
Attendance Allowance helpline- 0345 605 6055
Personal Independence Payment helpline – 0345 850 3322
A government website that includes information and help for people with disabilities; with topics such as benefits & financial help, carers, work & disabled people, disability equipment & transport and disability rights.
Carers UK give expert advice, information and support to carers in the UK. They also provide a free phone helpline -0808 808 7777
Carers UK have also launched a new app for carers to use called ‘ Jointly’, it is a mobile and online application created by carers for carers. It combines group messaging with other useful features including to-do and medication lists, calendar and more! Use it with others or on your own. Click here for more information on the app
The Veteran’s Gateway puts veterans and their families in touch with the organisations best placed to help with the information, advice and support they need – from healthcare and housing to employability, finances, personal relationships and more.
Little Sweet Peas is a new early-intervention special-needs play and support group for young children who have a disability and their parents or carers to attend. There are groups in both Biggleswade and Bedford. Priority is given to families living in Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire.
Sight Concern Bedfordshire is a local, independent charity with offices in Luton and Bedford. It was founded in 1999 by the amalgamation of three charities, Enterprises by the Blind, Sight Concern (North Bedfordshire) and The South Bedfordshire Society for the Welfare of the Blind, who had provided services for over 70 years prior to the amalgamation.
In 2007 Sight Concern Bedfordshire became a Charitable Company.
It is run by our Board of Trustee Directors and a small team of employees who are assisted by our volunteers. We work with visually impaired people, their families and carers throughout Bedfordshire and Luton to provide services to enable them to live full, active and independent lives.
116 Bromham Road, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK40 2QN
Tel: 01234 311555
Email: office@sightconcern.org.uk
Office open Monday to Friday from 10am until 3pm.
