When Carers in Bedfordshire lost its long-standing local authority contract to deliver adult care services in December, the charity faced a pivotal moment.
The contract, awarded by Bedford Borough Council to Derbyshire-based firm Blue Sky, accounted for over 60% of the organisation’s funding.
Yet, despite rumours of its closure and a forced downsizing, the 22-year-old charity has refused to bow out.
Instead, it has reshaped its mission, rallied around core community needs, and forged ahead with a positive determination that is inspiring to witness.
A 22-year legacy of caring for carers
Founded over two decades ago in a volunteer’s conservatory, Carers in Bedfordshire has grown to support a database of 14,000 carers across the county.
The charity works with carers ranging in age from four to those in their 80s and 90s and helps families looking after loved ones – often with complex, long-term conditions – before they hit crisis point.
Reflecting on the funding transition, respite lead Charlotte Tierney acknowledged the initial impact, but told the Bedford Independent that the charity’s forward-looking approach has stood them in good stead.
“The Borough’s funding represented over 60% of our income, so it was a huge blow to us,” she explained.
“But our CEO, Hattie Opalinski, made it clear that we needed to get back to the drawing board, look at the gaps and figure out how we can continue to support carers without duplicating effort from other organisations.”
Rather than allowing bitterness at the situation to set in, the charity focused on supporting its staff through the transition.
They helped several members transfer to the new provider while retaining a tight-knit core team of eight full-time staff, four part-time staff, and a dedicated network of 24 volunteers.
“We’ve got an amazing Carers’ Panel, who have helped us identify where the gaps are and how we can support the work that Blue Sky is doing,” said Charlotte.
The future of Carers in Bedfordshire
Carers in Bedfordshire has rebuilt its operational model around focused, high-impact areas designed to complement existing services and organisations across the county.
“We have retained the contract with Bedford Borough Council to support young carers and have three programmes in place for them,” explained Charlotte.
“We have a targeted programme in schools to help teachers identify young carers who would benefit from our support, and we offer well-being support and organise respite trips for young carers.”
The charity provides fully funded one-to-one adult well-being sessions across Bedford and is resuming outreach work at the Luton and Dunstable University Hospital (L&D) to support families at critical discharge moments.
Through their “Carers’ Voice”, Carers in Bedfordshire is a powerful advocate for carer needs to local and national bodies, including lobbying at the Houses of Parliament alongside national partners like Carers Trust.
And thanks to a government grant, the charity has developed a digital platform (CARUS) for carers to use, which provides 24/7 support and resources.
It is currently being licensed to other carer charities around the country.
Respite remains one of the charity’s key pillars. In partnership with the MS Therapy Centre, the Rowan Club provides a subsidised, joint respite day for both carers and their cared-for partners.
Sessions feature guest speakers, activities, and peer support through its “Thrive Series.”
One of the respite service users said: “It’s so lovely to know that ‘X’ was not only being ‘looked after’ but stimulated at the same time both with activities and conversation.”
Collaboration over competition
The charity’s new approach emphasises partnership and collaboration with local health and voluntary sector organisations, and Charlotte says they are in a really positive place.
Staff regularly signpost carers to Blue Sky, Tibbs Dementia Services, and the MS Therapy Centre to ensure local families receive seamless support.
The charity’s resilience has been bolstered by local grant funding from supporters such as The Harpur Trust, the Frank Branston Charitable Trust, and the Bedford and Luton Community Foundation (BLCF).
“There’s a lot of goodwill out there,” says Charlotte.
“Bedfordshire has a really lovely community. We want to bring all those voluntary sector organisations under one roof to ultimately improve outcomes and quality of life for carers.”
Talking about the help they receive from Carers in Bedfordshire, one 15-year-old young carer said: “Before the support I felt like I was drowning.
“Now I feel like I can breathe, speak up and be heard. I finally believe I have a future.
You can find out more about Carers in Bedfordshire at their website carersinbeds.org.uk/.
