This resource is still under development.
A numbers of 'networks' exist in the Bedfordshire area. These are opportunities for VCSE organisations to get together, often with public sector colleagues, to share information and work better together. Some are formal, with membership criteria. Others are more informal, and open to anyone interested.
If you feel there are networks missing from this developing list, or you spot any inaccuracies, please email info@cvsbeds.org.uk
- Bedford Borough Food Providers Network
- Bedford Community Network
- Bedford Homeless Partnership
- Bedfordshire Advice Forum
- Bedfordshire Benefits Network
- Bedfordshire Mental Health Alliance
- Central Bedfordshire Community Partners
- Luton Homeless Partnership
- Luton Children and Young Peoples Network
- Voluntary Organisations for Children, Young People and Families (VOCypf)
- Direction for Bedfordshire (Youturn Futures)
Last updated: 30 October 2024
Bedfordshire Mental Health Alliance
A partnership of local organisations from the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector (VCSE). It aims to make mental health support easier to access, more effective and better suited to the needs of local people in the boroughs of Bedford and Central Bedfordshire.
How do VCSE organisations get involved
Open to all voluntary sector and public sector colleagues who have an interest in improving the mental health and wellbeing of those in our communities in Bedford and Central Bedfordshire.
Area
Bedford Borough
Central Bedfordshire
W: https://bedsmentalhealth.org.uk/
Bringing together the VCSE and colleagues from the local public sector in the Bedford Borough Council area to network, share information and develop positive working relationships. 3/4 meetings a year.
How do VCSE organisations get involved
Open to all VCSE organisations operating in the Borough of Bedford
Area
Bedford Borough
Bedfordshire Advice Forum is the network of social welfare advice and information providers in Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire.
How do VCSE organisations get involved
Membership is open to all VCSE organisations operating in Bedford Borough and/or Central Bedfordshire
Area
Bedford Borough
Central Bedfordshire
Voluntary Organisations for Children, Young People and Families (VOCypf) is a network of over 130 voluntary and community organisations who work with children, young people and families in Bedfordshire.
How do VCSE organisations get involved
Open to all VCSE organisations operating in Bedford Borough and/or Central Bedfordshire
Area
Bedford Borough
Central Bedfordshire
W: https://cvsbeds.org.uk/vocypf/
A group of charities and other organisations, including the Local Authority, operating within the borough of Bedford who are focused on both preventing homelessness and supporting those who are homeless to get back on their feet.
How do VCSE organisations get involved
Organisations can request to become a member of the partnership.
Area
Bedford Borough
W: https://www.cvsbeds.org.uk/bedford-homeless-partnership/
A group of charities and other organisations, including the Local Authority, operating within Luton who are focused on both preventing homelessness and supporting those who are homeless to get back on their feet.
How do VCSE organisations get involved
Organisations can request to become a member of the partnership.
Area
Luton
W: https://lutonhomelesspartnership.co.uk
Bedford Borough Food Provider Network
A network of Food Providers in the Bedford Borough area
How do VCSE organisations get involved
Open to all VCSE organisations operating in the Borough of Bedford
Area
Bedford Borough
W: https://www.cvsbeds.org.uk/foodprovidersinbedfordborough
This is a network primarily for local benefits advisers, and is organised by Bedfordshire Advice Forum. Meetings are normally held every 6 months.
How do VCSE organisations get involved
Please contact Elliott Stephenson (BBN Facilitator) for further information about BBN. Details of previous meetings can be found on the website.
Area
Bedford Borough
Central Bedfordshire
W - https://cvsbeds.org.uk/baf-benefits-network
E - elliottstephenson@yahoo.com
Central Bedfordshire Community Partners
A network focusing on cost of living and welfare issues in Central Bedfordshire. VCSE organisations, local authority officers and social housing providers meet monthly to share information and improve partnership working. Facilitated by the Community and Engagement Team at Central Bedfordshire Council.
How do VCSE organisations get involved
Email the address below to express an interest in attending future meetings.
Area
Central Bedfordshire
E: Sarah.Hughes@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
Luton Children and Young Peoples Network:
There are lots of fantastic organisations in Luton and the surrounding area with the common objective of support young people in the local community. With the local youth climate and priorities constantly changing it is important to keep in touch regularly to understand on what is out there, share ideas, best practice and identify new opportunities.
How do VCSE organisations get involved
Open to all VCSE organisations who have an interest in supporting young people in the local community.
Area
Luton
W: https://tokko.co.uk/what-is-tokko/lcypn/
Direction for Bedfordshire (Youturn Futures):
Direction for Bedfordshire run online Networking Forums monthly. The purpose of these Forums is to connect organisations, encourage partnership working, and to provide a platform to promote services, training, and job opportunities. If you work for an organisation in Bedfordshire offering support to people who may be affected by the criminal justice system you can use these Forums to obtain advice and contacts.
How do VCSE organisations get involved
Open to all VCSE organisations operating in Bedfordshire.
Area
Bedfordshire