USEFUL LINKS
Here you will be able to find information about other local and national organisations that might be of interest to you. Click on the links to learn a bit more about each one.
Here you will be able to find information about other local and national organisations that might be of interest to you. Click on the links to learn a bit more about each one.
Please do note that with current restrictions in place, each organisation may have different things accessible to what they would normally offer, so do check in with each one as necessary.
NATIONAL
Books Beyond Words are award-winning wordless picture stories covering topics including physical and mental health, lifestyle and relationships, abuse and trauma, grief and bereavement, employment, and criminal justice.
W: www.booksbeyondwords.co.uk E: admin@booksbeyondwords.co.uk T: 020 7492 2559
Contact supports families of disabled children across the UK, whatever their condition or disability. They provide information, advice and support and bring families together. Contact campaigns to improve their circumstances, and for their right to be included and equal in society.
W: www.contact.org.uk E: info@contact.org.uk T: 0808 808 3555
MacIntyre provides learning, support and care for more than 1,500 children, young people and adults who have a learning disability and/or autism, at more than 150 services across England and Wales. A wide range of services includes registered care homes, supported living, outreach, accredited training schemes and lifelong learning services, as well as a residential special school and further education provision.
W: www.macintyrecharity.org E: hello@macintyrecharity.org T: 01908 230100
The Makaton Charity exists to ensure that everyone living with learning or communication difficulties has the tools and resources they need to communicate. They provide training,
advice and support to families, carers, and professionals;
develop and produce printed and electronic resources; work
with others to make their information accessible; work in partnership to influence society and empower people.
W: www.makaton.org E: info@makaton.org T: 01276 606 760
Mencap is the leading voice of learning disability, supporting thousands of people with a learning disability to do the things they love. Find advice, support, services and much, much more.
W: www.mencap.org.uk E: helpline@mencap.org.uk T: 0808 808 1111
LOCAL
1ST BEDFORDSHIRE INCLUSIVE GIRLGUIDING
The South Bedfordshire Division now has an Additional Needs Girlguiding Unit - but everyone is welcome from wherever you live. Nicknamed 'BIGG', the unit is for girls aged 5 to 14 who may not be able to attend the usual weekly meetings, but still want to experience the opportunities that Girlguiding has to offer. Meet new friends whilst trying exciting activities and become part of a worldwide community of girls who come together to have fun, learn and make things happen. Meetings run on Saturday mornings in Leighton Buzzard. Take a look at their Facebook page for more information.
W: www.girlguiding.org.uk E: specialneeds@bedsguiding.org.uk
Carers in Bedfordshire is a not-for-profit registered charity providing support for carers of family members and friends throughout Bedfordshire.
W: www.carersinbeds.org.uk E: contact@carersinbeds.org.uk T: 0300 111 1919
Central Bedfordshire SENDIASS a statutory service, at 'arms length' from the Local Authority, that provides FREE impartial & confidential information, advice and support for parents/carers, children and young people (0 to 25 years) in relation to Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) in an educational setting.
W: www.cbsendiass.org E: sendiass@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk T: 0300 300 8088
FUN is a member based charity supporting children and young people living with additional needs or disabilities throughout Bedfordshire.
W: www.familiesunitednetwork.org.uk E: info@familiesunitednetwork.org.uk T: 01582 420800
FREDDIE & FRIENDS SUNSHINE STOP
Freddie & Friends is a non-profit company providing a venue and service for the local additional needs community. It is starting to fundraise to make this happen in Leighton Buzzard to support all ages and abilities.
W: www.freddiesunshine.co.uk E: freddiesunshinestop@gmail.com
A therapeutic horsemanship centre located on the Bucks/Beds border, which benefits a wide range of adults and children, including those with behavioural challenges, mental health problems and learning difficulties. It helps to improve mental and physical wellbeing and social skills.
W: www.horseshelpingpeople.co.uk E: info@horseshelpingpeople.co.uk T: 01525 377688
Innovations is a service for adults with learning disabilities and Autism covering all areas of development and key life skills. They strive to offer a high quality service for inspirational growth and development, with programs designed to help individuals achieve their potential in a vibrant and innovative environment.
W: www.innovations-wow.com E: info@innovations-wow.com T: 07846 338153
Based in Dunstable, Kids in Action provides support and social opportunities for children and young adults with special needs and disabilities, aiming to make a positive difference to each and every individual, encouraging their participation in social activities, in a safe, non-judgemental environment.
W: www.kidsinaction.org.uk E: info@kidsinaction.org.uk T: 01582 477762
LEIGHTON BUZZARD OTTERS SWIMMING CLUB
A swimming club founded in 1993 for people with disabilities, based in Leighton Buzzard.
W: www.facebook.com/LB-Otters-Swimming-Club-1691342481097852/
LEIGHTON LINSLADE HOMELESS SERVICE
LLHS provides services to the homeless of Leighton Buzzard and the surrounding areas, currently running a foodbank. In order to access the foodbank, please contact The Citizens Advice Bureau (01525 373878) for a referral form to take to The Black Horse on North Street. If you'd like to donate to the foodbank, please put items in the trolley provided at Tesco, or call to establish the best time for delivery to The Black Horse.
W: www.facebook.com/LLHomeless E: info@llhsblackhorse.org.uk T: 07842 122429
LIMITLESS is a social group by Mencap in Dunstable for adults with learning disabilities, putting on a wide range of weekly themed activities. W: www.facebook.com/LimitlessByMencap/
E: limitlessmencap@gmail.com T: 07958 734913
L.O.A.F. (AUTISM BEDFORDSHIRE)
L.O.A.F. provides a place where children with autism and their families can feel comfortable, accepted and valued. It is a calm, supportive environment that enables the children to feel safe, join in and not be judged if they don’t.
W: https://www.autismbedfordshire.net/saturday-services-loaf T: 01234 214871
Outside-iN is dedicated to supporting and educating families, adults and professionals living with or working with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autistic Spectrum Conditions (ASC) and associated conditions.
W: www.outsidein-solutions.com E: enquiries@outsidein-solutions.org T: 07824 634762
SNAP are a Parent Participation Forum enabling parent carers to participate in developing and influencing local services. They work with service providers, individuals and organisations to bring real-life perspective and experience to the planning and development of services that families use. Check out the online events calendar to find out what's on in Central Bedfordshire, and click here to find out how to become a member.
W: www.snappcf.org.uk E: admin@snappcf.org.uk T: 07984 545044
A performing arts organisation that aims to enable participants of all ages to develop their self-esteem and self-expression in a safe, encouraging environment. A range of weekly, term-time sessions and one-off day camps that can involve dancing, singing, acting and creating, based in Leighton Buzzard and Milton Keynes.
W: www.spectrumca.co.uk E: jade@spectrumca.co.uk T: 07741 280328
TEENAGE ADDITIONAL NEEDS GROUP (TANG)
TANG provides a safe, fun and friendly environment for young people aged 12 - 19 with disabilities or additional needs, run by the TACTIC Centre in Leighton Buzzard. Qualified youth workers run free activities and games including table tennis, music, baking, football and much more! The club runs every Monday evening in Linslade.
W: www.tactic-centre.co.uk E: tactic@leightonlinslade-tc.gov.uk T: 01525 373838
Thomley is a place for people of all abilities and disabilities. They bring disabled people, their families, carers and friends together with experienced and nurturing staff that understand their needs. Thomley enhances the well-being of disabled people through delivering activities that helps develop the skills they need to run their day-to-day lives.
W: www.thomley.org.uk E: enquiries@thomley.org.uk T: 01844 338380
The YES WE CAN Disability Sports club was established by the Rotary Club of Leighton Linslade to provide a wide range of sporting activities for those with disabilities in Leighton Buzzard and the wider district.
W: www.leightonlinsladerotary.com/yes-we-can/ T: 01525 211484