As Small Charity Week (23–28 June) gets underway, Bedford-based organisation Living It Up is joining the national campaign to celebrate the powerful impact small charities have in communities across the UK.
This year’s campaign focuses on financial resilience, spotlighting the determination of small charities to keep delivering life-changing support in the face of rising costs and shrinking funding.
It also highlights a critical truth: resilient charities build resilient communities.
In Bedford, Living It Up is one such charity.
Founded in 2009, the organisation supports adults with learning disabilities and/or autism, empowering them to make their own choices about how they live.
Through a unique blend of performing arts education, community engagement, and social inclusion programmes, Living It Up offers opportunities that many of its participants can’t access elsewhere.
“We’re proud to be part of Small Charity Week,” said a spokesperson from Living It Up. “Small charities like ours are the backbone of local support networks.
“Despite financial pressures, we continue to offer safe, creative spaces where people with learning disabilities can connect, grow in confidence, and lead fulfilling lives.”
Living It Up grew out of the Mencap Stay Up Late campaign and is now an independent charity, run with and for adults with learning disabilities.
As the sector faces increasing challenges, the charity invites the public to show their support through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word.
You can find more information on the Living It Up website here, while the Small Charity Week website can be found here.
