Sue Ryder

They support people through the most difficult times of their lives, whether that’s a terminal illness, the loss of a loved one or a neurological condition – Sue Ryder are there when it matters. The doctors, nurses and carers give people the compassion and expert care they need to help them live the best life they possibly can.

Address: Sue Ryder, Palliative, Neurological & Bereavement Support, 183 Eversholt Street, London, NW1 1BU

Telephone: 0808 164 4572

Website: www.sueryder.org

Bedford Bereavement Services

We offer impartial help, support and guidance on all aspects of bereavement including memorialisation.

Telephone (to make an appointment): 01234 718150

Website: www.bedford.gov.uk

Cruse Bereavement Bedfordshire

For those who need help, Cruse Bedfordshire offers people in Bedfordshire and Luton bereavement support. The service is free and open to anyone over the age of 18. Our policy is to treat each bereaved person as an individual with their own needs and to offer the support that is appropriate to them at this particular time in their life.

Facebook: crusebeds

Twitter: @crusebeds

Telephone: 0300 200 4108

Website: www.crusebedfordshire.org.uk

Carers at Bassett Road Surgery

If you are please let us know – we may be able to help you.

We have representatives from the Carers in Bedfordshire here in the surgery on the last Tuesday of each month between 10am and 11am, who will be happy to give you information and advice.

For further information please visit our Carers page.

Carers in Bedforshire

We are all living in very difficult times and family carers are already facing practical and emotional challenges which seem to build as the days go by. Carers in Bedfordshire is continuing to support carers by providing information and advice, and more in depth support in finding solutions to the particular challenges they are facing. Keep an eye on our website for frequent updates and information on the situation as it develops. If you think any of the information below would be useful to someone, please forward it on.

Read more about the restrictions on gatherings and social contact.

Healthwatch

Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire is the local consumer champion promoting choice and influencing the provision of high quality health, social care and wellbeing services for all across Central Bedfordshire.

Website: healthwatch-centralbedfordshire.org.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

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

Leighton Fun Runners (LFR)

Couch to 5k Programmes

Next 9 week programme commences Monday 23rd Sep 2019, at 19:15 at the Clubhouse, Bell Close in Leighton Buzzard (opposite Morrisons).

The cost of the course is £10, some of which is donated to local charities.

Please also see the LFR website.

Website: www.leightonfunrunners.org.uk

Leighton Buzzard Voluntary Patient Transport

LBVPT provides voluntary transport for elderly and vulnerable people to and from their outpatient appointments at these local hospitals- Luton & Dunstable, Milton Keynes, Stoke Mandeville, Bedford, Amersham and High Wycombe. The service operates Monday to Saturday and is subject to a volunteer driver being available on the required day.

This service is available if you do not qualify for NHS non-emergency transport, or you are unable to get to your hospital appointments by any other means, such as public transport, friends or family. LBVPT asks for a donation to cover the cost of providing the service. Further information can be found by:

– calling our call handler on 07873 497633. Mon-Fri. 9am-5pm
– sending an email to lbvpt@outlook.com
– looking at the website at www.lbvpt.co.uk

Suggested donations are:

– The L&D and MK Hospitals – £12 return
– Stoke Mandeville – £15 return
– High Wycombe – £30 return
– Amersham – £26 return
– Bedford – £22 return

Healthwatch

Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire is the local consumer champion promoting choice and influencing the provision of high quality health, social care and wellbeing services for all across Central Bedfordshire.

Website: healthwatch-centralbedfordshire.org.uk

Leighton Linslade Helping Hands

Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity (BRCC) is looking to work with local residents to set up a Good Neighbour Scheme to help people in the town.
We have already heard from a number of people who are offering their help, but before we can progress things further we need to put a steering group into place to manage ‘Leighton Linslade Helping Hands’.

If you feel you can help with the steering group or if you would like further information please get in touch with Mike Fayers at BRCC on 01234 832619 or by email.

What is a Good Neighbour Scheme?

A Good Neighbour Scheme is a voluntary group run by local residents who recognise the value in having ‘good neighbours’, particularly where public transport and other local services can be limited and where people’s family may not live close by.

How does it work?

Supported throughout by BRCC, the steering group sets up a bank account and manages the scheme.

Each volunteer decides what sort of help they are able to offer, how much and when. They do not undertake jobs best left to qualified professionals but can help with things like occasional lifts, befriending or shopping. All volunteers are fully insured for extra peace of mind.

Anyone who needs a bit of help can ring the group’s phone number. Calls are answered by a volunteer phone-handler, who matches the request for assistance with an available volunteer.

Bedfordshire Wellbeing Service

The Bedford Wellbeing Service offers a range of free and confidential talking therapies and specialist support to help you feel better.

Telephone: 01234 880400

Website: bedfordshirewellbeingservice.nhs.uk

Mind BLMK Leighton Buzzard

We work across Central Bedfordshire, providing a range of support including community-based peer support groups, mentoring, our Mind Matters groups and a range of activities that aim to support positive mental health and wellbeing.

Facebook: mindblmk

Twitter: @MindBLMK

Telephone: 01525 382847 / 07787 433494 

Website: www.mind-blmk.org.uk

Email: lbwc@mind-blmk.org.uk

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

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

The Disability Resource Centre

We are here so that disabled people and their families have somewhere to turn if they feel alone and need help in any situation.

Telephone: 01582 470 900

Website: www.drcbeds.org.uk

Autism Bedfordshire

Autism Bedfordshire’s services help break down the barriers to social participation for people with autism and their families by providing places where they can go and feel comfortable, accepted and not judged by society.

Facebook: @autismbedfordshire

Twitter: @AutismBeds

Telephone: 01234 350704

Website: www.autismbedfordshire.net

Email: enquiries@autismbeds.org 

Path to Recovery (P2R) Bedford Borough

P2R is a one stop service which provides drug and alcohol advice, treatment and support to adults whose lives are affected, support can include the whole family. We provide an integrated service with a range of expertise available in one place.

Website: www.elft.nhs.uk

Aquarius

Aquarius help people to overcome the harms caused by alcohol, drugs and gambling.

Facebook: aquariuspage

Twitter: @AquariusTweets

Telephone: 07467 336 203

Website: aquarius.org.uk

Email: ypbedfordshire@aquarius.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

Transport to Local Hospitals

The practice falls within the catchment of 3 main hospitals; the Luton & Dunstable, Milton Keynes & Stoke Mandeville Hospitals.  They are each approx. 12 miles from the practice and the following transport links are taken from their websites:

• Luton & Dunstable (L&D)
• Milton Keynes
• Stoke Mandeville

Criteria for qualifying for free patient transport have become increasingly tight over recent years due to our ageing population and insufficient resources to meet demand.  With this in mind, our very practical Patient Participation Groups in LB have set up their own transport for those who are able to travel by car.  This is called the LB Voluntary Patient Transport group or LBVPT.

They are able to transport patients for routine pre-booked outpatient appointments (not emergency appointments) to Stoke Mandeville, Milton Keynes, the Luton & Dunstable, High Wycombe, Amersham and Bedford Hospitals.  They do ask for a contribution towards fuel costs but this is still considerably cheaper than the cost of a taxi/public transport.  Typical fees suggested are:

– The L&D and MK Hospitals – £12 return
– Stoke Mandeville – £15 return
– High Wycombe – £30 return
– Amersham – £26 return
– Bedford – £22 return

To arrange transport:

Phone: 07873 497633

Website: www.lbvpt.co.uk

E-mail: lbvpt@outlook.com

Age UK Bedfordshire

Age UK Bedfordshire strive to enable older people across the region to love later life. We believe that your later years can be fulfilling years and whether you’re on the quest to live well into old age, or if you’re going through tough times, we’re here to help you make a positive change.

Facebook: Age-UK-Bedfordshire

Twitter: @AgeUKBeds

Telephone: 01234 360510

Website: www.ageuk.org.uk

Silver Line

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

Telephone: 0800 4708 090

Website: www.thesilverline.org.uk

Dementia

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

Telephone: 0800 888 6678

Website: www.dementiauk.org

Alzheimer's Society

If you or someone you know are worried about or affected by dementia, we are here for you. Get advice on a range of topics and find support near you.

National Dementia Helpline: 0300 222 11 22

Website: www.alzheimers.org.uk

NHS Pregnancy and and Baby Guide

This NHS guide details week-by-week guides and lots of expert videos, parents’ tips and interactive tools to explore.

Website: www.nhs.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

Tommy's Planning For Pregnancy Tool

Women with Type 1 and 2 diabetes have an increased risk of adverse outcomes associated with poor pregnancy preparation, when compared to women who do not have diabetes. Working with clinicians across the region, the East of England Diabetes Clinical Network has supported Tommy’s to update its ‘Planning for Pregnancy’ digital tool.

Website: www.tommys.org

iCaSH

Integrated Contraception and Sexual Health services.

Twitter: @icashbeds

Telephone: 0300 300 3030

Website: www.icash.nhs.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

Sexual Health Help Line

The Family Planning Association Sexual health help line can give you confidential information and advice.

Telephone: 0845 122 8690

Family Planning Association

They are a sexual health charity. They give straightforward information and support on sexual health, sex and relationships to everyone in the UK.

Telephone: 0300 123 7123

Website: www.fpa.org.uk

Smokefree Bedforshire

Smokefree Bedforshire offer a specialist, friendly and confidential service to anybody wishing to quit smoking. Stopping is difficult for most people, but with treatment and support the likelihood of success is four times greater.

Telephone: 0800 013 0553

Website: smokefreebedfordshire.co.uk

Quit with help

Everyone has a different reason for quitting, get a personalised Quit Smoking Plan.

Website: www.quitwithhelp.co.uk

Leighton Linslade Cancer Support Group

Wherever your cancer is, you will be welcome at our Group. We meet every Friday so come along and find out more about us. Our aim is to support and help you through difficult times. We can help you and improve your quality of life.

Website: e-voice.org.uk/leightoncancersupport

Citizens Advice

Can help people with any problems/issues about Debt, Benefits, Employment, Housing, Relationships, Consumer, Immigration and many other areas.

Their advice and information is free and confidential. Appointments can be made to see an adviser here at the surgery, just ask the receptionist to book this for you.

Website: www.leightonlinsladecab.org.uk

CLL Support Association

CLLSA support and empower Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) patients, their families and their carers through education and access to reliable, relevant and current information.

Website: www.cllsupport.org.uk

MoreLife

At MoreLife, they are passionate about supporting adults, children, young people and their families to lead healthier lives. They’ve been successfully delivering weight management programmes in local communities for over 20 years.

Telephone: 0808 208 2340

Website: more-life.co.uk/bedford

Email: morelife.bedsmk@nhs.net

Referral Form: more-life.co.uk/bedford#refer

Leighton Buzzard Health Walks

We launched as planned on March 4th and have had up to 20+ walkers each week – a great group of enthusiastic people who are enjoying walking at their own pace and challenging themselves very successfully in walking for health. We meet in Bell Close and have created walks suitable for a very wide range of walking capabilities from there. Afterwards The Lancer has proved to be an excellent refreshments stop, enjoyed by all.

The Monday walk is now well established on a weekly basis, feedback from Walkers is good and the rota of Walk Leaders is working well. The Walk Leaders will be meeting to review Health Walks in the near future – focussing on where we are at, what we have learned so far and how we might develop in the future.

For further information on joining us please pick up a leaflet from reception or e-mail edithgriffith@btinternet.com, Walk Leader.

Walk 4 Health Bedfordshire

Walk 4 Health Bedfordshire, co-ordinated by Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity, covers the Central Bedfordshire and Bedford Borough areas of the county.

Telephone: 01234 832619

Website: www.walkingforhealth.org.uk

Email: mikef@bedsrcc.org.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