Self Referral Information

Abuse

Autism

Bereavement

Blood Tests

  • Phlebotomy Service at Gilbert Hitchcock House (North Wing) Bedford Hospital
    Patients booking system for blood tests at Gilbert Hitchcock House (North Wing) MK40 2AW
    From 1st August 2022 – All blood tests including URGENT ones need to be pre booked with an appointment via the Sangix booking system.
    Patients are now able to book appointments by:
    Using the online booking service (available 24/7). Patients will need to register online.
    The automated telephone booking service (available 24/7). The telephone number is: 01234 607075.
    Booking an appointment in person by visiting the department between 13:00-16:00.
  • Booking Paediatric Blood Tests
    There is a new online system and phone number for booking paediatric blood tests (under 16 years old) at Bedford Hospital.
    Parents should use the online system (booking, cancellations and changes available 24/7) – www.bedfordpaediatrics.sangix.co.uk – or the automated telephone booking service (available 24/7) on 01234 868006.
  • When booking the appointment, parents or guardians must register with the child’s details.
  • Clinically Vulnerable Patients
    The practice is able to offer a limited number of blood tests for clinically vulnerable patients in the surgery. Please fill out an online form should you require this service.

Cancer

Carers

  • CareChoices: Bedfordshire Care Services Directory
    The care information covers Central Bedfordshire, Bedford Borough and Luton and includes guidance on paying for care, different support options and finding help to live at home
    Website: www.carechoices.co.uk
  • Bedfordshire Carers Guide
    Carers in Bedfordshire strive to identify and support all carers of family and friends. We will enhance their health and well-being by offering specialist support according to their needs and wishes. We will ensure carers voices are heard and respected in the development and delivery of all services.
    Telephone: 0300 111 1919
    Website: https://carersinbeds.org.uk/carersguide/
    Email: contact@carersinbeds.org.uk
  • Homecare Laundry MK
    Milton Keynes Council’s Laundry Service operates a professional service across the Milton Keynes area, for anyone who has a current care need or requires short term support with their washing and ironing.
    Website: www.milton-keynes.gov.uk
  • Young Carers MK (Milton Keynes Patients Only)
    Young carers are 8-19 year olds caring for a family member with a physical or mental illness, a disability, or a drug or alcohol related problem. The person being cared for may be a parent, sibling or other relative living in the same household.
    Telephone: 01908 231703
    Website: https://carersmiltonkeynes.org/information-for-carers/young-carers/  
    Email: mail@carersmiltonkeynes.org
  • NHS Carers Support Guide
    If you or someone you know needs help with day-to-day living because of illness or disability, this website explains your options and where you can get support.
    Website: www.nhs.uk/social-care-and-support-guide
  • Bedfordshire Memory Navigation Service
    When you’re caring for someone with dementia, it is very easy to ignore your own needs and to forget to look after yourself too. The type of support you need will vary depending on your individual circumstances. Carers in Bedfordshire offers a variety of support routes from 1:1 home visits, drop in Memory Gateway groups providing information and advice to weekly Carers Rest meetings where dementia carers can meet, socialise, chat and play games.
    Telephone: 0300 111 9090
    Website: www.memoryinbeds.org.uk
  • Respite At Home
    Respite At Home Volunteers West Mid Beds & Ivel Valley provides services to:
    Children/young people
    People with disabilities
    People of a particular ethnic or racial origin
    Elderly/old people
    They aim to befriend, listen and give practical help to patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families in mid-Bedfordshire and Ivel Valley. It is a free and confidential service. Volunteers visit patients in their homes for up to three hours per week.
    Telephone: 01234 743 063
    Website: https://carersinbeds.org.uk/help-for-carers/respite/
  • Milton Keynes Community Alarm and Telecare Services
    Community Alarms work through the telephone to enable people to call for help if they fall or are taken ill. Telecare works in conjunction with the alarm unit offering a range of wireless sensors that help to manage risks to a person’s health and wellbeing in their own home.
    https://www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/community-alarm-service

Counselling

Clinics and Services – Greensands

Below is a list of Clinics and Services available at the surgery.

  • Travel Immunisations (only ones on the NHS) – please visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk and seek private travel advice if needed.
  • Asthma and Breathing Problem Clinics
  • Coronary Heart Disease Clinic
  • Diabetes Monitoring
  • Blood Pressure Checks
  • Cervical Screening
  • Contraception
  • Baby Immunisations
  • New Patient Health Checks
  • Well Women Checks
  • Well Men Checks
  • Young Person Advice
  • Smoking Cessation
  • Weight Management
  • HRT Monitoring
  • Dressings

Child Health

Community Groups

  • Your Wellbeing Bedfordshire: Local Activities
    If you are feeling isolated and lonely or need help dealing with your problems, then getting involved with a local group can offer great support. Use our local activities listing to browse through some of the help and support that is available in Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire.
    Website: www.yourwellbeingbedfordshire.org.uk
  • Walk 4 Health 
    Walking is Brilliant and It’s Free!
    You don’t have to plan it: all you need are your feet and a pair of outdoor shoes. You can even do it in the rain.
    Walking For Health Central Bedfordshire Walking
  • Love Woburn Sands
    Love Woburn Sands is a developing community project set up together by Churches Together. It is a positive and fast-moving initiative primarily funded by the Diocese of St. Albans.
    Website: www.lovewoburnsands.com
    Website: www.lovewoburnsands.com
  • Community Voluntary Service
    A voluntary and community sector support organisation, offering a range of services, enabling local organisations and communities to make a difference.
    Telephone: 01234 354366
    Website: www.cvsbeds.org.uk
    Email: info@cvsbeds.org.uk

Crisis Counselling

  • CALM
    The campaign against living miserably or CALM, is a registered charity, which exists to prevent male suicide in the UK.
    Telephone: 0800 58 58 58
    Website: www.thecalmzone.net
  • Victim Support
    Victim Support work towards a world where people affected by crime or traumatic events get the support they need and the respect they deserve. They help people feel safer and find the strength to move forward after crime.
    Website: www.victimsupport.org.uk
  • Road Victims Trust
    The Road Victims Trust is a registered charity offering a range of free support services to residents of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire who have been affected by fatal road collisions.
    Website: www.rvtrust.org.uk
  • Women’s Aid
    Women’s Aid is a grassroots federation working together to provide life-saving services and build a future where domestic violence is not tolerated.
    Website: www.womensaid.org.uk

Deaf or Hard of Hearing

  • Relay UK
    Relay UK brings relay services for deaf, hard-of-hearing, and speech-impaired people right up to date with the latest app technology. You don’t need any special kit – just download the app from the App Store, Google Play or the Microsoft Store onto your smartphone, tablet, or computer
    Website: www.relayuk.bt.com/about-relay-uk.html

Debt

Depression, Anxiety and Stress

Diabetes

  • DigiBete – FAQs and promo materials
    Please view the below document for DigiBete  FAQs and promo materials:
    Digibete FAQs
    Digibete Resources
  • Prediabetes – Diabetes UK
    Prediabetes means that your blood sugars are higher than usual, but not high enough for you to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. It also means that you are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. You are unlikely to be experiencing any symptoms with prediabetes.
    For more information, visit www.diabetes.org.uk/prediabetes
  • MyType1Diabetes – FAQs and promo materials
    For FAQs regarding Type 1 diabetes, please view the below leaflet:
    My Type1 Diabetes FAQs
  • Diabetes UK
    Diabetes UK campaign for better care, give support in times of need and fund ground-breaking research into new treatments and a cure. 
    Website: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/
  • Coeliac Disease
    Coeliac UK is the charity for people who need to live without gluten
    Coeliac Society

Disability

  • Action for Blind People
    Action for Blind People provides practical and emotional advice and support across England to people who are blind or partially sighted and their friends and family.
    Website: www.rnib.org.uk
  • Brain Injury Rehabilitation Trust
    Located in Milton Keynes, Thomas Edward Mitton House is a specialist residential centre that provides continuing rehabilitation and specialist care and support for people with an acquired brain injury.
    Website: www.thedtgroup.org
  • Flitwick & District Stroke Club
    Meets on the first Wednesday of the month from 14:00 to 16.30 at the Ellenshaw Court, Hinksley Road, Flitwick, Beds.
    Telephone: 01525 717181 (John Farmer).
  • Milton Keynes Centre for Integrated Living
    MK CIL can provide information and advice on a wide range of disability related subjects and general subjects including mobility, equipment, care, benefits, housing, leisure activities/holidays and social care procedures/pathways. It is a free service for people with disabilities of all ages, their families, friends, carers and professionals.
    Telephone: 01908 231344
    Website: mkcil.org.uk
    Email: info@mkcil.org.uk
  • Sight Concern
    Sight Concern (Bedfordshire) is an independent, local, sight-loss charity providing information, advice and practical support for blind and partially sighted people in Bedfordshire and Luton.
    Website: www.sightconcern.org.uk
  • Disability Resource Centre
    The Disability Resource Centre is a charity led by people with lived experience that has those affected by health and disability at the centre of its decision making. Our vision is to empower people of all ages with disability, health conditions, mental ill-health, and carers to fulfil their potential and aspirations. The cornerstones to our services are professional, emotional, and practical support including information and advice, equipment, training, employment support, wellbeing, and personalisation services.
    They have 28 years of experience, supporting over 13,000 people annually through our services. We collaborate closely with local stakeholders and partners to provide a holistic offer of support. Working in partnership with local organisations we ensure that residents have access to the services that provide the support they require, through a case led journey in and out of universal, social, and voluntary services. Working together using a person-centered approach providing a joined-up method of integrated support to resident.
    Website: drcbeds.org.uk
  • Headway Bedford
    Headway Bedford provide a supportive and stimulating environment for people who have suffered brain injury.
    Website: www.headwaybedford.org.uk
  • Scope
    Scope is a charity that exists to make this country a place where disabled people have the same opportunities as everyone else.
    Website: www.scope.org.uk
  • Bedfordshire M.E Support Group
    One of our main functions is a regular meet-up, where members can talk to others with similar experience in a friendly setting
    Bedfordshire M.E Support Group

Drugs and Alcohol

Eating Disorders

Elderly Care

  • Bedfordshire Dementia Intensive Support Service (DISS)
    DISS offers specialist support to those living with dementia, as well as the family, carers and professionals caring for those with dementia.
    Telephone: 01582 707537. 
    Email: elft.diss@nhs.net
  • Older People’s CMHTs
    Mental health support for service users already registered with teams.
    Telephone:
    Mid-Bedfordshire: 01767 224181
    South-Bedfordshire: 01582 657588
  • Alzheimer’s Society
    Alzheimer’s Society believe passionately that life doesn’t end when dementia begins. They are here for anyone affected by dementia, and they do everything we can to keep people with dementia connected to their lives and the people who matter most.
    Telephone: 0333 150 3456
    Website: www.alzheimers.org.uk
  • Homecare Laundry MK
    Milton Keynes Council’s Laundry Service operates a professional service across the Milton Keynes area, for anyone who has a current care need or requires short term support with their washing and ironing.
    Website: Homecare Laundry MK
  • Silver Line
    Free phone support for older people, 24 hours a day.
    Telephone: 0800 4 70 80 90
    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 055 6112
    Website: www.ageuk.org.uk
  • Bedford Memory Assessment
    Support for people who are concerned that they may have a memory problem.
    Your GP can contact the service to organise an appointment for you.
  • Your Wellbeing Bedfordshire: Village Agents
    Help for older people in Bedford Borough villages.
    Village Agents make home visits to older people living in villages in Bedford Borough, to help them with free support & assistance.
    All Agents are Disclosure and Barring Service checked and will operate in the strictest of confidence.
    Website: www.yourwellbeingbedfordshire.org.uk
  • Milton Keynes Community Alarm and Telecare Services
    Community Alarms work through the telephone to enable people to call for help if they fall or are taken ill. Telecare works in conjunction with the alarm unit offering a range of wireless sensors that help to manage risks to a person’s health and well-being in their own home.
    Website: MK Community Alarm Service
  • British Red Cross
    The British Red Cross provide support at home, transport and mobility aids to help people when they face a crisis in their daily lives.
    Website: www.redcross.org.uk
  • 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
    Email: helpline@dementiauk.org
  • Beehive Day Centre – Silsoe
    Holly Walk
    Silsoe
    Bedfordshire
    MK45 4EB
    Telephone: 0300 300 8180
  • Hearing Aid Support Service
    Support for: tubing, minor repairs, ear mould cleaning, battery replacement and advice.
    Website: www.bid.org.uk
  • The Herbert Protocol
    For people living with dementia at risk of going missing.
    Website: Beds police Enhanced Herbert Protocol
    Complete and send a Herbert Protocol form | Bedfordshire Police
  • Tibbs Dementia Foundation
    Tibbs Dementia Foundation is a registered charity dedicated to providing a range of accessible services and activities for people living with dementia and their family carers within the local community.
    Telephone: 01234 210993 (Mon-Fri, 10:00-13:00)
    Website: www.tibbsdementia.co.uk

End Of Life

Eye Conditions

  • Bedfordshire and Luton Urgent Eye Care Service (CUES)
    Do you have a new eye problem? Are you registered with a local GP practice? Do you need advice or an appointment with a professional? Please contact our Telephone Assessment Service.
    Telephone: 0800 316 9200

Mental Health

  • Bedford Older Adults CMHT
    Mental health support for service users already registered with teams.
    Telephone: 01234 880345
  • Early Intervention in Psychosis
    Support for people ages 14-64 inclusive experiencing their first episode of psychosis.
    Open to self-referrals.
    Telephone: 01234 315690
    Email: elt-tr.bedseis@nhs.net
  • Community Mental Health Teams (CMHTs) for adults
    Mental health support for service users already registered with teams.
    Telephone:
    Bedford Triage, Assessment and Brief Intervention (TABI): 01234 310465
    Bedford MDT Review Team: 01234 880411
    Bedford Adult Recovery CMHT: 01234 880433
    Dunstable: 01582 709200
    Ampthill: 01525 758400
    Leighton Buzzard: 01525 751133
    Biggleswade: 01767 224922
  • Bedfordshire and Luton Recovery College
    Mental health recovery and wellbeing. Online classes and workshops available.
    Telephone: 01234 263621
    Email: elft.recoverycollege@nhs.net
  • Older People’s CMHTs
    Mental health support for service users already registered with teams.
    Telephone:
    Mid-Bedfordshire: 01767 224181
    South-Bedfordshire: 01582 657588
  • KOOTH
    Kooth is an anonymous digital mental health platform designed to keep children and young people safe during a crisis, as well as to help those wanting to explore a range of concerns. It provides immediate out-of-hours access to an online community of peers as well as to a team of experienced, accredited counsellors. Kooth.com also contains magazines, forums, activity centres and messaging. The platform is designed to prioritise, signpost and refer young people on as appropriate. Access to www.kooth.com is immediate. There is no need for a referral and no waiting lists. It is open 365 days per year, between 12:00-22:00 on weekdays, and 18:00-22:00 on weekends and holidays.
    Website: www.kooth.com
  • Depression Alliance
    Depression Alliance bring people together to end the loneliness and isolation that so often comes with depression.
    Website: www.depressionalliance.org
  • Mind
    Information and support for all mental health issues.
    Mind infoline: 0300 123 3393
    Website: https://www.mind-blmk.org.uk/how-we-can-help/
  • Further information
    For more information about mental health, ways to cope with it and more visit
    Self-help – Mental Health NHS
  • Barford Avenue Resource Centre
    The Barford Avenue Resource Centre offers a service for adults over the age of 16 who are experiencing mental health difficulties and who live in Bedford Borough or Central Bedfordshire.
    Telephone: 01234 215 610
    Website: www.elft.nhs.uk
  • No Panic
    No Panic is a registered charity which helps people who suffer from Panic Attacks, Phobias, Obsessive Compulsive Disorders and other related anxiety disorders including those people who are trying to give up tranquillisers.
    Telephone: 0300 772 9844
    Website: nopanic.org.uk
  • Bedfordshire Wellbeing Service
    The Bedfordshire Wellbeing Service is for residents of Bedfordshire (excluding Luton who have a separate service) who experience mental health symptoms or other psychological issues which are holding them back in their lives. It provides one-to-one sessions and/or group workshops.
    Telephone: 01234 880400 / 01234 210307
    Website: www.elft.nhs.uk
    Self-referral email: Elt-tr.bedfordIAPT@nhs.net
  • CAMHS Bedford Borough
    Mental health support for children and young people.
    Open to self-referrals.
    Telephone: 01234 893301 or 01234 893300
    Email: elft.spoebedfordshire@nhs.net
  • Bedfordshire Talking Therapies
    Bedfordshire Talking Therapies is for residents of Bedfordshire (excluding Luton who have a separate service) who experience mental health symptoms or other psychological issues which are holding them back in their lives. It provides one-to-one sessions and/or group workshops.
    Telephone: 01234 880400
    Website: https://www.elft.nhs.uk/bedfordshire-talking-therapies
    You can Self Refer by clicking on this clink: Bedfordshire Talking Therapies Self Referral
  • Bedfordshire Community Health Services (BCHS)
    Single point of access contact centre.
    Telephone: 0345 602 4064
  • The Lighthouse – Leighton Buzzard
    Free community mental health “safe space” providing help and support.
    Telephone: 07939 931622 (Monday, Tuesday and Friday 17:30-21:00)
  • CAMHS Dunstable
    Mental health support for children and young people.
    Open to self-referrals.
    Telephone: 01582 707635
    Email: Elft.Luton-CAMHS-Referrals@nhs.net
  • Your Wellbeing Bedforshire: One to One Support
    Do you need support and advice to deal with your problems?
    Do you want to improve your quality of life and overall wellbeing?
    Do you sometimes feel isolated and lonely?
    Our Community Wellbeing Champions (CWC’s) can provide personalised support to help you make positive changes to take control of your health and wellbeing.
    Website: www.yourwellbeingbedfordshire.org.uk
  • Bedfordshire and Luton Recovery College
    Bedfordshire and Luton Recovery College is part of the Bedfordshire Mental Health Academy which is a formal partnership with East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT) and the University of Bedfordshire.
    The college is open to any adults who live or work in Bedfordshire and Luton. All of their courses and workshops are FREE of CHARGE.
    Website: www.elft.nhs.uk
  • Rethink
    Help, information and support for all those affected by mental illness.
    Website: rethink.org
  • HEADSTART- Arts for Health
    Arts for Health has funding from The Rothschild Foundation to run HEADSTART, an art programme for young people aged 13 – 17 years who experience stress, anxiety or depression.
    For more information, or to refer a young person, email sharon.paulger@mkuh.nhs.uk or call 01908 996124.
    referrals@artsforhealthmk.org.uk.
    Headstart – Arts for Health Milton Keynes
  • Samaritans
    If something is troubling you, call Samaritans free, 24 hours a day 365 days a year – 116 123
    Website: samaritans.org
  • Reading Well
    Reading Well promotes the benefits of reading for health and wellbeing. The programme has two strands: Books on Prescription and Mood-boosting Books.
    Telephone: 0207 324 2529
    Website: reading-well.org.uk
    readingwell@readingagency.org.uk
  • OCD Action
    OCD Action provide support and information to anybody affected by Obsessive Compulsive Disorders.
    Telephone: 0845 390 6232
    Website: ocdaction.org.uk
  • SANE
    Sane is a UK Wide charity working to improve quality of life for people affected by mental health illness. Sane offers emotional support and information to anyone affected by mental health.
    Telephone: 0300 304 7000 (16:00-22:00 daily)
    Website: www.sane.org.uk
  • Your Wellbeing Bedfordshire – Self-Isolating
    Do you need something to do? Discover a wide range of support, activities, tips, and things you can do while self-isolating or keeping a social distance.
    Website: www.yourwellbeingbedfordshire.org.uk
  • Local Mental Health Services
    Find a Local Mental Health Services
  • The Day Resource Centre
    Providing an integrated & flexible approach for the treatment of mental health needs.
    Telephone: 01234 310044
    Website: Early Help Bedford – The Day Resource Centre
  • Bullying UK
    Bullying UK recognise that the best way to support families is to provide professional, non-judgemental support and advice in a way that all members of the family can freely access.
    Website: www.familylives.org.uk
  • Counsellor or psychotherapist near you
    Find a counsellor or psychotherapist near you

MSK/Physiotherapy

  • Physiotherapy Service
    Musculoskeletal (MSK) Service is for people with musculoskeletal conditions, for example, back and neck pain, other joint or muscle pain, strains and sprains, arthritis, sciatica.
    Website: https://cic.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/msk/phio/
  • NHS Choices
    Physiotherapy helps to restore movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness or disability. It can also help to reduce your risk of injury or illness in the future. It takes a holistic approach which involves the patient directly in their own care.
    Website: www.nhs.uk/physiotherapy
  • Physiotherapy Self-Referrals
    You can now self-refer to our PhysioLine telephone service for muscle and joint problems. You can download a self-referral form from the Circle Health website.
    Website: cic.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/bedfordshire

Maternity

Osteoporosis

  • Royal Osteoporosis Society
    The UK’s largest national charity dedicated to improving bone health and beating osteoporosis. And we’re here for everyone. equipping people with practical information and support to take action on their bone health.
    Website: www.theros.org.uk

Sexual Health

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

MK Sexual Health
A wide range of Sexual Health and Contraceptive services are provided by Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
Website: www.mksexualhealth.co.uk

Relate
All couples go through phases where they don’t have the time or energy for regular sex. If this has become the norm and you would like to rediscover your sex life, Relate’s Sex Therapists can help you.
Telephone: 0300 100 1234
Website: relate.org.uk

Sexual Health Helplines
The National Sexual Health Helpline provided by Public Health England is open Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm.
Telephone: 0300 123 7123

Family Planning Association
A sexual health charity, the Family Planning Association gives straightforward information and support on sexual health, sex and relationships to everyone in the UK.
Telephone: 020 7608 5240
Website: www.fpa.org.uk

iCaSH
iCaSH provide all aspects of sexual health, including contraception, STI testing and treatment, and psychosexual services.
Website: icash.nhs.uk
Kings Brook, Bedford

Psychosexual Service
This service is available for patients with current sexual dysfunction within relationships, previous sexual abuse/assault, initial exploration of gender dysphoria and Issues around sexuality.
Website: www.icash.nhs.uk

Q:alliance
Q:alliance is a registered charity which provides support, information and representation for LGBT+ people who live, work and play in Milton Keynes.
Website: qalliance.org.uk

Further information
For more information about Sexual Health topics including a contraception guide visit:
Sexual health – NHS
Local Sexual Health Clinic Find a Local Sexual Health Clinic

Social Prescribing

  • Your Wellbeing Bedfordshire – Social Prescribing Service
    Your Wellbeing Bedfordshire is a Rural Communities Charity
    What we do
    Their friendly team can provide free personalised support to help you make changes to your health and wellbeing.
    They can work 1:1 to help you set health related goals and make sustainable changes.
    They can help you connect with your local community.
    Enable you to be more physically active and improve your wellbeing.
    Empower you to make decisions to support your health and wellbeing.
    Telephone: 01234 832612
    Website: www.yourwellbeingbedfordshire.org.uk
  • What is Social Prescribing?
    Do you want to improve your quality of life and overall wellbeing?
    Do you need advice and support to deal with your problems?
    Do you sometimes feel isolated and lonely?
    Their Community Wellbeing Champions (CWC’s) can provide personalised support to help you make positive changes to take control of your health and wellbeing. You can make referral through the website or speak with your GP.

Social Services

  • WAY
    WAY works with women who have experienced, or are at risk of, repeat removals of children from their care. It aims to break this cycle and give women the opportunity to develop new skills and responses that can help them create a more positive future.
    Telephone: 0300 300 6752
    Email: WAY@centralbedforshire.gov.uk
  • Information about the practical aspects of coping with debt and where to find support. 
    Debt: practical information | CAP UK
  • The Money Charity
    The Money Charity empowers people across the UK to build the skills, knowledge, attitudes and behaviours, to make the most of their money throughout their lives.
    Website: themoneycharity.org.uk
  • BRASS
    Brass supports refugees and asylum seekers in Bedfordshire, providing advice on a range of issues, English language tuition, and social activities.
    Website: brassbedford.org.uk
  • Luton Women’s Centre
    Luton Women’s Centre provide a safe and accessible Women only environment, a resource centre allowing easy access to all the services available for women.
    Telephone: 01582 416 783
    Website: lutonallwomenscentre.org.uk
  • Bedfordshire Domestic Abuse Partnership
    The Partnership beings together key agencies across Bedfordshire to raise awareness, to deliver services and to work together to improve the local response to domestic abuse.
    Website: bedsdv.org.uk
  • Gamblers Anonymous
    Gamblers Anonymous 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 do the same.
    Website: gamblersanonymous.org.uk
  • GamCare
    GamCare is the leading provider of information, advice, support and free counselling for the prevention and treatment of problem gambling.
    Website: gamcare.org.uk

Stop Smoking

  • Get NHS Support Now
    Choose from an app, Quit Kit, email, SMS and face-to-face guidance.
    Website: nhs.uk/smokefree
  • Choose You
    Choose You is a free local service to help you build healthy habits, like quitting smoking or reaching a healthy weight. If you live or work in Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire, or Milton Keynes, you can easily refer yourself – no need to go through a GP..
    Telephone: 0800 013 0553
    Website: https://chooseyou.co.uk
    Referral form: Contact us – Choose You

Transport Services

Patient Transport to Hospital
The Local ICB for Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Luton are working with East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EAST), to provide priority and non-priority patient transport to hospital appointments.
Patients: 0345 605 1208 
The line is open Monday to Sunday, 08:00 – 18:00 Patients who can make their own way to their appointments are asked to do that if they can. Patients are not advised to book their own taxis and ICBs no longer reimburse taxi fares.
Patient transport service | EEAST

Victim Support

  • Signpost for Bedfordshire
    Supporting those affected by crime in Bedfordshire
    Whether it is you, a partner, friend, relative or colleague who has been the subject of a crime, Signpost to Support Bedfordshire is the way for you to find the help that meets your specific needs.
    Telephone: 0800 0282 887
    Website: www.signpostforbedfordshire.com
  • 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
    Email: info@carersuk.org

Veterans

  • BLESMA
    A charity which supports limbless veterans (amputees or paralysis). They give practical advice and personal service – a member will come out to see the veteran needing assistance. They provide guidance and help.
    Telephone: 01480 469216
    Website: blesma.org
  • Burma Star Association
    The Burma Star Association exists to relieve need, hardship or distress among men and women who served in HM and Allied Forces or the Nursing Services in the Burma Campaign of the 1939-45 war or are otherwise entitled to be holders of the Burma Star or Pacific Star with Burma Clasp and for their widows, widowers or dependants.
    Website: www.burmastar.org.uk
  • Combat Stress
    Combat Stress is the UK’s leading veterans’ mental health charity. They treat a range of mental health conditions including PTSD, depression and anxiety. They also help with alcoholism.
    Telephone: 08001 381619
    Website: www.combatstress.org.uk
  • Help for Heroes – Big White Wall
    Free to all UK serving personnel, veterans and their families, Big White Wall is a safe online community of people who are anxious, down or not coping who support and help each other by sharing what’s troubling them, guided by trained professionals.
    Website: www.bigwhitewall.com
  • Hidden Wounds
    A psychological well-being service for veterans & families; part of help for heroes. Hidden Wounds provides free and confidential support to Ex-Service Personnel, their families and the families of those still serving, who are living with anxiety, depression, stress, anger or who wish to change their drinking habits.
    Telephone: 08082 020144
    Website: www.helpforheroes.org.uk/hidden-wounds/
  • The Ripple Pond
    Peer-led, self-help groups meet regularly with the main aim of providing a space to express feelings safely, in a non-judgemental environment, ​​where ​​everyone can be heard. The groups are here for parents, spouses, siblings – indeed any adult family member of a veteran or a UK serving personnel who feels they would like support.
    Website: www.theripplepond.org
  • SSAFA – Bedfordshire
    SSAFA provides lifelong support to anyone who is currently serving or has ever served in the Royal Navy, British Army or Royal Air Force.
    Telephone: 08005 003063
    Email:  bedfordshire@ssafa.org.uk
    Website: www.ssafa.org.uk

Weight Management

  • Choose You
    Choose You is a free local service to help you build healthy habits, like quitting smoking or reaching a healthy weight. If you live or work in Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire, or Milton Keynes, you can easily refer yourself – no need to go through a GP..
    Telephone: 0800 013 0553
    Website: https://chooseyou.co.uk
    Referral form: Contact us – Choose You
  • Am I a Healthy Weight?
    Calculate your BMI using this NHS Tool
    Website: NHS: BMI Calculator
  • Want to get more active?
    Get help and advice from the NHS including 10 Minute workouts, 12 week fitness plan, running and cycling for beginners and much more.
    Website: www.nhs.uk/free-fitness-ideas
  • Lighter Life
    Combing effective, nutritious plans to help you quickly reach the weight you want, using ground-breaking counselling techniques so you can change how you think about food.
    Website: lighterlife.com
  • WW International
    Meetings, Online or a little bit of both. There are options and support, whatever your lifestyle, from WW International (formerly Weight Watchers).
    Website: www.weightwatchers.com
  • Your Wellbeing Bedfordshire: Walking 4 Health
    Getting active can be difficult but we’re here to help.
    With Walking 4 Health you can take part in a free short walk nearby at pace that works for you.
    Our health walks are regular walks which are free and open to all though aimed particularly at people who are presently doing little or no exercise.
    They usually last from 60 to 90 minutes, though there are also some shorter ‘beginners’ walks.
    Website: www.yourwellbeingbedfordshire.org.uk
  • Beezee Bodies (Bedfordshire Patients Only)
    Beezee Bodies runs programmes designed to help you and your family make small changes which make a big difference.
    Telephone: 01234 363774
    Website: www.beezeebodies.com
    Email: info@beezeebodies.co.uk
  • Further NHS information
    For more information about the benefits of losing weight, top tips and more visit
    NHS Choices – Weight Loss
  • 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