Links to Local Help:
Central Bedfordshire Council offers information, advice and support for both local council and private housing residents in Central Bedfordshire.
Previously known as Gateway Housing Support, this service supports a range of people who have:
- little or no experience of living independently
- a history of homelessness
- or experiencing tenancy breakdown
Age UK is based in Bromham Road, Bedford and has a trained team of staff and volunteers who can give independent telephone advice on housing for older people in Central Bedfordshire. They also have local drop-in sessions in Central Bedfordshire if you prefer to speak to someone face to face.
Amicus Trust (previously called The Bedfordshire Housing Link) provides supported accommodation for young people (16-25) and single homeless adults (26-65) in dedicated properties throughout Bedfordshire. 01234 358478.
Preen have two reuse centres in Biggleswade and Dunstable that offer a wide and ever-changing variety of good quality used furniture, household items and white goods, plus high street returns and new products such as beds and mattresses.
Information on payment schemes for vulnerable people, such as an emergency payment for food and utilities or a grant provision for helping vulnerable people to live as much as an independent life as possible.
BPHA provide support and information for their current residents for a number of things such as paying rent, reporting repairs and events within the community. They also have a section for individuals who are looking to start renting.
Grand Union Housing Group owns and manages homes throughout Bedfordshire, Milton Keynes, Northampton, Luton, Aylesbury and Cambridgeshire. The website provides information on finding a home and any help relating to your own property (if you are a part of their housing association).
Aldwyck provide homes, supported housing and care services to communities across the South East/East of England. Help that they offer includes information and support on; moving home, rent, repairs & maintenance, anti- social behaviour, applying for housing, services for young and old people, supported housing and more.
Links to Online Tools & Useful Websites:
Citizen’s advice bureau offers a self-help advice guide that provides lots of information. The following link will take you to the housing page where there is information on finding a place to live, mortgage problems, renting a home, repairs in rented housing and many more topics related to housing.
United Response – Help to find a home
United Response offers six easy to read guides (originally for people with a learning disability or someone unfamiliar with the jargon) booklets which are downloadable for anyone. One of these guides is “Your money- your home” which you may find relevant.
Directgov – Housing and local services
Directgov is a government website that offers information and advice on all areas of housing including private renting, council housing, planning permission and your local neighbourhood.
Paradigm Housing Group provides a wide range of housing. On the website you will find a ‘customer zone’ section. They also have a ‘find a home’ section which is for both current customers to exchange properties, or for new customers looking for a home.
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.
Housing and homelessness charity providing advice on homelessness, private renting, social housing, housing benefits and many more related topics.
