Sign up for daily news
9 November 2026
Facebook-f Threads Instagram Linkedin Youtube
Search

Community & Charity

All the latest community and charity news from across Bedford Borough. Everything you need to keep you up to date with what’s happening in Bedford Borough on your mobile or desktop via the Bedford Independent.

The Bedford Independent was founded to provide the people of Bedford Borough with a modern news desk that would give them easy access to genuine and unbiased Bedford news. We are independent in ownership and opinion.

Our mission is to inform and inspire the people of Bedford. To do this we will work hard to bring them the news that matters to them from our town centre to the most rural of the Borough’s villages.

Our editorial team are NCTJ trained and follows a standards code set out by the independent press regulator IMPRESS Standards.

Aspire Awards host and CEO of Youth TV Urban Judge. Image YouthTV

Bedfordshire’s Young Talent takes centre stage at Inaugural YouthTV Aspire Awards 2026

Bedford Academy played host to an inspirational celebration of young people last week, as nominees in the inaugural Aspire Awards were recognised for their extraordinary...
Read more
A sign welcoming people to the SensoryCalm space from EventWell, which is located in the medical area of the Bedford Summer Sessions arena. Image: Bedford Independent.

Live music for all as Bedford Summer Sessions introduces neurodivergent-friendly space

Bedford Summer Sessions has launched a new sensory room to support music fans with hidden disabilities. The new neurodivergent-friendly space run by specialist organisation... 
Read more
A selection of the items provided to families in need by FACES BabyBank. The warehouse shelves have baby essentials and there is a Moses basket, potties and other equipment.

Bedford charity’s BabyBank supports over 2,000 children as demand continues to grow

As the cost of living crisis worsens, a Bedford-based charity is warning that increasing numbers of families in the borough are struggling to afford essential items for their babies...
Read more
Ambulances, fire engines and emergency service personnel lined up along a road near to where the train collision occurred on 19 June 2026. Image: RRT

Rail minister visits Bedford to thank first responders, rail staff and volunteers

Rail minister Lord Hendy has visited the area to praise the emergency services, volunteers, and rail staff who responded to last month's tragic rail incident. The minister met with representatives...
Read more
The entrance to the former The Sharnbrook Hotel Image Image capture Jun 2025 © 2026 Google

Home Office closes Sharnbrook Hotel asylum accommodation

The Home Office has closed the Sharnbrook Hotel in Bedford Borough as an asylum site, allowing the venue to return to normal business. The Sharnbrook Hotel has officially ceased operating...
Read more
Shaun Burton the EMR train driver who tragically lost his life in the Bedford train collision on 19 June 2026. Image: Burton family via BTP.

Elstow Abbey service to support community after rail tragedy

A communal service of prayer and reflection will take place at Elstow Abbey tomorrow to support local people following the recent fatal rail crash near Bedford. The short service offers...
Read more
Ambulances, fire engines and emergency service personnel lined up along a road near to where the train collision occurred on 19 June 2026. Image: RRT

Cross county foundations launch £20k Bedfordshire train collision appeal

A joint emergency fund has been set up to provide financial relief and mental health support for victims and families affected by last week's rail tragedy. A £20,000 emergency appeal has been...
Read more
A selection of the athletes awarded a 2026 GLL Sports Foundation Award at the ceremony at Mowsbury Golf Club in June 2026

GLL grants reach 47 Bedford-based athletes as part of Sports Foundation Awards

A 15-year-old showjumper and a 52-year-old pole vaulter are among the latest cohort of the GLL Sports Foundation awards, as the Borough's leisure provider hands out its latest funds...
Read more
(l-r) Steph Eccles, Becky Wells, Leanne Watkin, Ashley Bennett who support passengers and emergency responders following the fatal rail collision south of Bedford on 19 June 2026. Image: 1st Wixams Scouts.

Wixams Scouts praised after stepping up to help following rail collision

Volunteers from 1st Wixams Scout Group helped support stranded passengers and emergency responders following the fatal train collision near Bedford, collecting and distributing food and water late...
Read more
Fire crews being looked after and served food by Rapid Relief Team (RRT) volunteers during the response to the Bedford train collision 19 June 2026. Image: RRT.

Emergency services, volunteers and businesses praised after Bedford rail collision

Emergency services, volunteers, businesses and residents have been praised for their response to the Bedford train collision, with many passengers highlighting acts of kindness...
Read more

Get the latest Bedford news first

Subscribe to our free daily email for our lead story each morning before we publish it anywhere else, plus the key Bedford Borough headlines from the last 24 hours – without having to log into social media.

I've already subscribed (dont show again)