Autism Bedfordshire

Autism Bedfordshire is an independent charity providing information, advice, emotional and practical support to individuals with Autistic Spectrum Conditions, their parents/carers, families and associated professionals throughout Bedfordshire.

Telephone: 01234 350704

Website: www.autismbedfordshire.net

Email: enquiries@autismbeds.org

Families in Luton Autism Group (FLAG)

Bedford Bereavement Services

Support is offered to all bereaved people during group meetings held monthly at Norse Road Crematorium.

Telephone: 01234 718150

Website: www.bedford.gov.uk

Email: crem@bedford.gov.uk

Cruse Bereavement Care

Individual and group bereavement support is offered to bereaved adults, whether recently bereaved or many years ago.

Telephone: 0300 200 4108

Facebook: www.facebook.com/crusebeds

Twitter: @CruseBeds

Website: www.crusebedfordshire.org.uk

Email: support@crusebedfordshire.org.uk

CHUMS - Bereavement Service

CHUMS was created to meet the needs of children and their families across Luton and Bedfordshire. offering support after the death of someone close, however they may have died.

Telephone: 01525 863924

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChumsCharity

Twitter: @CHUMSCharity

Website: chums.uk.com/bereavement-service

Email: info@chums.uk.com

CHUMS also offers a stillbirth and neonatal bereavement support service for parents, grandparents and siblings in Bedfordshire following the death of their baby. This includes monthly support groups and family workshops.

Website: chums.uk.com/babyloss

Keech Hospice Care

Bereavement service offers support to families and friends of those referred to Keech Hospice Care, both the Adult and Children’s Hospice.

Telephone: 01582 492339

Facebook: www.facebook.com/keechhospicecare

Twitter: @KeechHospice

Website: www.keech.org.uk

Email: info@keech.org.uk

Luton & Dunstable Hospital - Bereavement Service

Support and information provided to families of the deceased including those affected by issues surrounding post-mortem procedures.

Telephone: 01582 497344 

Chaplaincy: 01582 497370

Website: www.ldh.nhs.uk

Email: chaplaincy@ldh.nhs.uk

Road Victims Trust

Provides emotional and practical support to those affected by fatal and serious injury road collisions in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire.

Telephone: 01234 843345

Facebook: www.facebook.com/road.victimstrust

Twitter: @roadvictimstrus

Website: www.rvtrust.org.uk

Email: enquiries@rvtrust.co.uk

Are You a Carer?

Do you provide help and support to a family member, friend or neighbour who couldn’t manage without your help? If you do, you are a carer.

Website: www.luton.gov.uk/adult social care

Carers' Cafe

Informal drop-in with a relaxed friendly atmosphere. The cost is £1 entry including tea/coffee and cake/biscuits. It is run between 1-2.30pm on the second and fourth Thursday of the month at Mind BLMK’s Wellbeing Centre, 46/56 Dumfries Street, Luton.

Telephone: 01582 380002

Facebook: www.facebook.com/mindblmk

Twitter: @MindBLMK

Website: www.mind-blmk.org.uk

Email: carers@mind-blmk.org.uk

Carers in Bedfordshire

If you are a carer, or have been a carer, you may be experiencing stress, anxiety, guilt, bereavement, trauma and loss. Counselling can help you work through these emotions, allowing you time and space to concentrate on your emotions.

Telephone: 0300 111 1919

Website: www.carersinbeds.org.uk/how-we-can-help/wellbeing

Email: contact@carersinbeds.org.uk

CHUMS - Young Carers Service

The service supports children and young people aged five to 18 who help to care for someone with a disability, chronic or serious illness, mental health condition, learning difficulty etc, whether that is a parent or sibling. Support is offered through group work in schools as well as monthly drop-in facilities.

Telephone: 01525 863924

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChumsCharity

Twitter: @CHUMSCharity

Website: chums.uk.com/young-carers

Email: info@chums.uk.com

Young People's Counselling

Counselling at TOKKO Youth Space in Gordon Street is short-term intervention counselling (4-6 weeks). Young people aged 10 to 21 can share their problems in a confidential environment, being treated with respect based on an understanding of their culture and background.

Telephone: 01582 544990

Facebook: www.facebook.com/tokkoyouthluton

Twitter: @TokkoYouthLuton

Instagram: @tokkoyouthluton

Website: tokko.co.uk

Email: info@tokko.co.uk

Carers UK

They’re here to make sure that no matter how complicated your query or your experience, you don’t have to care alone.

Telephone: 020 7378 4999

Website: www.carersuk.org

Flying Start

Flying Start will make a positive and systematic change to the lives and life chances of babies and young children from pregnancy to five years of age in Luton for future generations.

Telephone: 01582 548356

Facebook: www.facebook.com/FSLuton/

Twitter: @FS_Luton

Website: www.flyingstartluton.com

Email: Flyingstart@luton.gov.uk

Childhood illness visual guide

Use this visual guide to help you identify common conditions and illnesses that may affect your child. Includes conditions such as measles, slapped cheek syndrome, chicken pox and warts.

Website: www.nhs.uk

Vaccination planner

Download a personalised vaccination calendar, which highlights the dates your child needs to have their vaccinations by.

Download from: www.nhs.uk

Bedfordshire African Community Centre (BACC)

Bedfordshire African Community Centre (BACC) at Alydwyck House was founded after a survey of Africans living in Luton revealed they would welcome a centre where they would be able to meet socially and participate in promoting African culture. There is a weekly lunch club on Wednesdays.

Telephone: 01582 484807

Website: www.africancentre.org.uk

Email: info@africancentre.org.uk

BIG Hat Factory Community Choir - Luton

Singing in a community choir is a great way to make friends, build your confidence, improve your voice and reduce stress. There are no auditions and everyone regardless of singing ability or prior singing experiences is welcome.

Under 16s are welcome to join but must be accompanied by an adult.

Telephone: 07960 255711

Website: www.bigmusiccompany.org.uk/bighatfactorychoir

Email: info@bigmusiccompany.org.uk

Centre for Youth and Community Development

The centre is a community facility aiming to ensure Luton residents, particularly those from the Biscot Ward, have access to th14e services and support they need.

Telephone: 01582 519500

Website: www.cycd.org.uk

Girl Guiding Luton (North and South Divisions)

Girlguiding offers a safe environment for girls and women to take part in fun activities, camps and holidays following a balanced programme and to make new friends.

Register to join: go.girlguiding.org.uk

Website: www.bedsguiding.org.uk

Email: tgchair@bedsguiding.org.uk

Luton & Dunstable Photographic Club

Members have a wide range of interests and are willing to share their knowledge. The club meets twice a week, including evenings at local sites of interest in the summer.

Telephone: 0787 659 8241

Website: www.lutondunstablepc.org

Luton Irish Forum

Luton Irish Forum (LIF) is a charity with over 500 members and a centre close to the town centre. LIF provides welfare support through drop-ins, appointments and home visits relating to welfare benefits, housing, community care and debt, applications for an Irish passports and provides representation at tribunals and medicals.

Telephone: 01582 720 447

Facebook: @LutonIrish

Twitter: @IrishinLuton

Email: info@lutonirishforum.org

Website: lutonirishforum.org

Luton Scouts

The town has 19 Scout Groups aiming to provide fun, adventure and challenge. Scouting is open to new members from the age of six, with no upper age limit for our adult volunteers.

Scouting is open to boys and girls and it makes no difference what background you come from, what language you speak, or your religion.

Telephone: 0844 414 5687

Website: www.lutonscouts.org.uk

Email: enquiries@lutonscouts.org.uk

Luton U3A

Luton University of the Third Age is about self-help learning through study groups, in which members share their knowledge and interest in the subject, keeping mind and body active. Groups meet either weekly, fortnightly or monthly, often in members’ homes but also in venues such as local community centres.

Website: u3asites.org.uk/luton

Free dementia support counselling

A free counselling service for people who live in Bedford and Central Bedfordshire is being provided by Relate Bedfordshire and Luton. It is for individuals, couples or families supporting someone with dementia and is provided face-to-face in a number of community venues, by telephone or Skype.

Telephone: 01234 356350

Website: relatebedsandluton.org.uk/free-dementia-support

Dementia Care

Luton and Dunstable University Hospital is committed to supporting people with dementia and their carers. Dedicated Nurse Specialist Yvonne Weldon can advise and support staff, patients and carers.

Telephone: 01582 497417/01582 491166 (bleep 164); Monday to Friday, 8.30am-4.30pm

Email: yvonne.weldon@ldh.nhs.uk

Website: www.ldh.nhs.uk/our-services/dementia-care

Dementia UK

Dementia UK offers specialist one-to-one support and expert advice for people living with dementia.

Telephone: 0800 888 6678

Website: www.dementiauk.org

Mind BLMK

Mind BLMK works closely with a range of partners to offer activities from wellbeing centres and local venues to people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes.

Telephone: 0300 330 0648 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/mindblmk

Twitter: @MindBLMK

Website: www.mind.org.uk

Email: hq@mind-blmk.org.uk

Talking Therapies

Total Wellbeing supports people living in Luton who want to improve their physical and emotional health. Talking Therapies can help with a range of issues including depression, anxiety and stress.

Website: totalwellbeingluton.org

Stepping Stones (Luton)

Stepping Stones (Luton) is a charity dedicated to supporting women who have suffered abuse, who are vulnerable due to substance misuse, offending, mental health conditions and/or are involved with Local Authority Children’s Social Care.

Telephone: 01582 457114

Website: www.steppingstonesluton.co.uk

Email: hello@steppingstonesluton.org

Rethink

Rethink provide expert, accredited advice and information to everyone affected by mental health problems.

Telephone: 0300 5000 927

Website: www.rethink.org

Email: info@rethink.org

Samaritans

Samaritans offer a safe place for you to talk any time you like, in your own way – about whatever’s getting to you. You don’t have to be suicidal. Call Samaritans free, 24 hours a day 365 days a year.

Telephone: 116 123

Website: www.samaritans.org

Email: jo@samaritans.org

Bedfordshire Sexual Abuse Partnership

If you are a survivor of domestic abuse or are currently suffering, there are services throughout Bedfordshire to help you. In an emergency call 999

24-hour Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247

Facebook: www.facebook.com/bedsdv

Twitter: @bedsdv

Website: bedsdv.org.uk

Email: bdap@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

Women's Aid in Luton

Women’s Aid in Luton is a voluntary organisation supporting women and children suffering domestic abuse. In an emergency call 999

Helpline: 01582 391856 (Monday to Friday, 10am-5pm)

Head Office: 01582 876636 (Monday to Friday, 10am-5pm)

Website: womensaidinluton.org

Email: info@womensaidinluton.org

Luton Women’s Centre

Luton Women’s Centre is a safe and accessible women-only environment, a resource centre which is a focal point for women issues, campaigns and has a range of cultural, educational and recreational activities.

Telephone: 01582 416 783

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LutonAllWomensCentre

Twitter: @lawc_luton

Website: www.lutonallwomenscentre.org.uk

Email: support@lawc.org.uk

Bridge Project

The aim of the Bridge Project is to help people in Luton who have had support or treatment for alcohol and/or drug use to develop the confidence, skills and experience required to compete in the labour market.

Telephone: 01234 838 771

Website: bedsrcc.org.uk/the-bridge

Email: info@bedsrcc.org.uk

ResoLUTiONs

ResoLUTiONs provides various different types of support and, whatever your needs, will be able to point you in the right direction to get appropriate help and advice.

ResoLUTiONs specialises in working with young people who use substances, as well as providing support to their parents and carers.

Telephone: 0800 054 6603 Recovery Hub: 01582 965 123

Facebook: www.facebook.com/resoLUTiONsLuton

Twitter: @resolutionsltn

Website: www.resolutions4luton.org

Email: resolutions.info@cgl.org.uk

Drinkline

If you’re worried about your own or someone else’s drinking, you can call this free helpline, in complete confidence.

Telephone: 0300 123 1110

Alcoholics Anonymous

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.

Telephone: 0800 917 7650

Website: www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Email: help@aamail.org

Talk to Frank

If you have a problem with drugs Talk to Frank for friendly, confidential drugs advice.

Telephone: 0300 123 6600

Text: 82111

Website: www.talktofrank.com

Email: frank@talktofrank.com

Age Concern Luton

Age Concern Luton is the town’s largest charity working with older people to improve their overall quality of life, receive timely practical help, get out and about and retain dignity in later life.

Telephone: 01582 456 812

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ageconcernluton

Twitter: @ageconcernluton

Website: ageconcernluton.org.uk

Email: admin@ageconcernluton.org.uk

Age UK Bedfordshire

Trained and experienced friendly advisors offer impartial, confidential information and advice on a wide range of issues, from referral to local services and groups within Bedfordshire through to in-depth advice, for example, on benefit entitlements, housing issues, health and social care needs and money worries.

Telephone: 01234 360510

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Age-UK-Bedfordshire

Twitter: @AgeUKBeds

Website: www.ageuk.org.uk/bedfordshire

Email: enquiries@ageukbedfordshire.org.uk

Silver Line

Free phone support for older people, 24 hours a day.

Telephone: 0800 4708 090

Website: www.thesilverline.org.uk

Age UK

Age UK is the country’s largest charity dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life. We believe in a world where everyone can love later life and we work every day to achieve this.

Telephone: 0800 169 2081

Website: www.ageuk.org.uk

Luton National Childbirth Trust (NCT)

Luton NCT is run by volunteers, most of whom are parents who became involved after they themselves were helped by the charity. All events and services are open to both members and non-members but the charity relies on membership to fund a number of initiatives.

Telephone: 0300 330 0700

Website: www.nct.org.uk/luton

Email: luton@nct.org.uk

Baby Buddy App

Baby Buddy is an award winning mobile phone app for new parents and parents-to-be, created by mums, doctors and midwives.

Download from: play.google.com

Download from: itunes.apple.com

Beds and Northants MS Therapy Centre

The centre is a self-help organisation, run by people with MS for people with MS. All therapies provided are free to those with MS, but a donation towards the running costs of the centre is asked for. An adapted minibus helps provide access.

Telephone: 01234 325781

Facebook: www.facebook.com/BedsNorthantsMsTherapyCentre

Twitter: @mstherapybeds

Website: mscentrebedsandnorthants.com

Email: mscentre2@community.co.uk

MS Society

Volunteers are trained to confidentially offer emotional support, information, help to access specialist services and get financial support.

National helpline: 0808 800 8000 (9am-7pm, Monday to Friday except bank holidays)

Group contact number: 07730 032 719

Twitter: @LutonMs

Website: www.mssociety.org.uk

Email: lutondunstable@mssociety.org.uk

Bedfordshire and Luton Early Intervention Service

If you are reading this, it may mean that you are worried about someone you care about or that you are concerned about some of your own experiences.

The Early Intervention Service is an NHS care team that provides specialist services for people aged between 14 and 35 who are experiencing psychosis for the first time.

The team also helps people who have had symptoms of psychosis but have not yet received any help.

What is meant by Psychosis?

The word ‘psychosis’ refers to a set of experiences which may include the following:

• Hearing voices when there is no one around, sometimes called hallucinations
• Having visions that others cannot see
• Feeling suspicious or paranoid
• Having unusual beliefs – for example that you are being persecuted or that you have special powers
• Believing that people are interfering with your thoughts
• Feeling as if the TV or radio or computer is giving you messages
• Difficulties thinking clearly

These problems can have an effect on all aspects of life, including work and study performance, getting on with friends and family, and managing day-to-day activities.

Why is getting help early a good idea?

If psychosis is detected early, many problems can be prevented.  Current treatments are so effective that almost every individual can recover from a first episode of psychosis.  

The earlier the problem is treated, the greater the chance of a successful recovery.

If left untreated, there is greater disruption to the person’s family, friendships, study and work. It can also begin to affect self-esteem and mood, which can lead to other problems. Being able to treat psychosis early greatly increases the person’s chances of being able to enjoy a healthy and productive future.

What can I do if I recognise the symptoms?

If you recognise some of the symptoms described here, you can contact the team directly on 01234 315690.

However, if you would rather speak to somebody that you know, you should make an appointment to see your GP. Tell your GP that you have read this information and want to discuss your concerns. If your GP suspects that the experience might be psychosis, they will refer you to the service.

The team will then arrange to meet with you and talk to you about your experiences.  If psychosis is suspected, treatment options will be discussed and the best way of you getting started with these.

Bedfordshire and Luton Early Intervention Service
Admin Block
Twinwoods Resource Centre
Milton Road
Clapham
Bedfordshire
MK41 6AT

Telephone: 01234 315690

Luton Sexual Health

Walk-In & Wait sessions mean that you don’t need to book, however, you do need to be prepared to wait for up to two or three hours to finish being seen, so please allow enough time for your visit.

The service moved to the first floor of Arndale House, The Mall, Luton, LU1 2LJ, on May 29, 2018.

View the clinic schedule

Telephone: 01582 497070

Website:  www.lutonsexualhealth.org.uk

Brook

Brook provides free and confidential sexual health and wellbeing services for nearly 250,000 young people UK-wide, each year.

Website: www.brook.org.uk

Family Planning Association

A sexual health charity, the Family Planning Association can give straightforward information and support on sexual health, sex and relationships to anyone in the UK.

Telephone: 020 7608 5240

Website: www.fpa.org.uk

NHS Sexual Health Guide

Everything you need to know about sexual health, including contraception and STIs.

Website: www.nhs.uk

Relate

Relate is the UK’s largest provider of relationship support.

Telephone: 01234 356350 

Website: relatebedsandluton.org.uk

Sexual Health Helpline

The National Sexual Health Helpline provided by Public Health England is open Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm.

Telephone: 0300 123 7123

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PublicHealthEngland

Luton Stop Smoking Service

Luton Stop Smoking Service offers all the support and advice you need to lead a smokefree life. Last year over 1,360 local people quit with using the free, confidential  service for anyone who lives and/or works in Luton.

Telephone: 0800 013 0845 

Website: luton.gov.uk/stop_smoking_service

Email: stop.smoking@ccs.nhs.uk

Active Luton

Active Luton is an innovative, community focused charity making a difference.

Three Health Walks, suitable for all fitness levels, take place each week. They vary between 30-60 minutes and start from Lewsey Sports Park or Hightown Community Sports and Arts Centre.

Telephone: 01582 400272

Website: www.walkingforhealth.org.uk/active-luton-health-walks

Mail: matt.corder@activeluton.co.uk

Weight Watchers

Meetings, online or a little bit of both. We’ve got options and support, whatever your lifestyle.

Website: www.weightwatchers.com

Slimming World

You’ll find delicious recipe and menu ideas at your local group, along with all the help you need to get started and reach your target weight.

Website: www.slimmingworld.co.uk