Hospice at Home Volunteers

Hospice at Home Volunteers is a registered charity providing support to clients suffering from terminal and life limiting illnesses, being cared for in their own homes. The organisation provides support to clients and their carers living at home, giving practical help and friendship. Clients suffering from both malignant and non malignant conditions are accepted for care.

      Telephone Numbers:

      Bedford     (01234) 772433

      Mid Bedfordshire     (01234) 743063

Bedfordshire Carers Exchange

We are a group of charities that support informal carers. Together we organise events and information days and promote Carers Rights Day. We hold large events during Carers’ Week, usually held in June. We also support carers through our own individual organisations.  

A carer is someone whose life is restricted because of the need to take some responsibility for another person’s well being. You do not have to live with the person you care for. You may be a relative, partner, friend or neighbour and could be of any age.

  For more information about Bedfordshire Carers Exchange call freephone on 0800 039 1234

  Charities within our group include the following:-

 Spurgeon’s

Set up in March 2003, the aim is to provide an environment where Young Carers are able to be children and have fun, free from responsibility. The project provides a range of support for the Young Carers to access, including monthly social clubs, regular organised trips and activities, independent visitors (volunteer befrienders), a pen pal scheme and signposting. The project is open to children between the ages of 5 and 18.

Email: youngcarers@spurgeonsbedford.org.uk

Tel:      01234 857826

Carers Support Bureau

The Carers Support Bureau support carers who are unpaid (excl benefits) and caring for someone over 18. We provide free vouchers to enable the carer to take a break from caring. These vouchers can be exchanged with a professional care agency, which will come in and sit for a few hours each month.

Email: csb@bedsrcc.org.uk                                 Website:    www.bedsrcc.org.uk

Tel:      0800 039 1234

Carers in Bedfordshire

This is a charity that exists to help carers of any age cope with the demands of their role. It does this by offering practical help, information, advice, advocacy and peer support.

Email: yvonne.clark@carersinbeds.co.uk

Tel:      01234 214914

Drop In Centre for Carers

Gladys Ibbett House in Linden Street, Bedford operates a Drop in Centre for carers which is open from about 10-00am until 4-00pm every Tuesday and is principally aimed at the under 50's to explore issues relating to a patient's illness from the time of diagnosis. Family members and friends are also welcome.

G I House is, of course, open daily from Monday to Friday for up to 12 patients of any age by referral from any health or social care professional. Many register to go on a regular basis, which gives their carers a welcome break, as well.

Complementary therapies offered include Touch Therapy, Reiki, Reflexology, Art as a therapy, Relaxation and Creative Writing. A hydro-therapy bath is also available.

The following Voluntary Services also form a part of the team:

Day Hospice Voluntary Staff

Drivers

Gardeners

Pets as Therapy (Dogs)

Therapists

The Red Cross Therapeutic Care Service

Hairdressers

Trustee and Committee Members

Art and Craft Assistants

Benefits Advisors

Charity Shop Helpers

  Most of all its somewhere different to go and meet and chat with other people and the only cost is for lunch if you want to have it there.

  They  can be contacted on 01234 352015.

Willow Foundation in Hertfordshire

We have recently been notified about a ‘local’ (Hertfordshire based) charity which aims to provide ‘special days offering a much-needed break to seriously ill young people all over the UK, raising a few smiles for them and their loved-ones at a time when the ability to smile is challenged every day.’

The Willow Foundation was founded by Bob Wilson and his wife, Megs, following the death of their daughter, Anna, at the age of 31. The charity's name stems from Anna's nickname, Willow, given her by her husband Mitchell.

Anna, a community nurse based in Hertfordshire, was diagnosed as having the very rare form of cancer, malignant schwannoma, at the age of 26. Over the next five years she was to have 16 major operations, numerous treatments and therapies.

Yet it was during these years that Anna and her family and friends experienced some of their most memorable moments and quality times together. When Anna had something to look forward to, her pain was reduced, her spirits were lifted and she would feel better. Treats, days out, concerts, shopping trips and just being with friends - simple distractions from her illness - gave Anna the determination and the adrenaline to fight on. She wanted quality of life, quality of time and most importantly, when she became ill, she wanted to be treated as normal.

It is these "Special Days" that the Willow Foundation aims to provide for seriously ill young adults throughout the UK.

Livability

Livability is the operating name for the charity Grooms- Shaftesbury.

They offer hotel and self catering accommodation suitable for people with physical disability or learning disability. The aim of the organisation is to promote opportunity and choice about lifestyle for people with a disability.