We are proud to announce the ongoing success of its Welcoming Space, a free weekly initiative designed to support the local community through connection, comfort, and practical resources.
The space is open every Wednesday from 1pm to 5pm at the Bhagwan Valmik Community Centre on Bunyan Road, Bedford. The Bhagwan Valmiki Sabha (local temple) has been keen to address some of its issues in its local area.
Launched on 27 January 2025, our weekly Welcoming Space in Cauldwell Ward provides a free, inclusive, walk-in Centre for Warmth supporting residents affected by fuel poverty, isolation and rising living costs.
Over 1010 individuals accessed the space within its first year. The environment is culturally sensitive, multilingual, and intergenerational, enabling elders, families, and newly arrived residents to access warmth, refreshments, and practical advice without stigma.
The consistent weekly presence has built trust and reduced loneliness. Transforming this vision into a vibrant, functioning hub has come with its challenges.
Yet, the journey has been filled with excitement and anticipation as the space continues to evolve. A glimpse of its potential emerged during the May half-term session, inspiring the team to refine and expand their goals in response to the community’s dynamic needs.
For newly arrived migrants and first-generation residents, the space provides a bridge into wider services. Language barriers and unfamiliarity with UK systems often prevent engagement.
A safe environment
Our culturally competent volunteers and staff create a safe environment where questions can be asked without stigma. This has led to increased uptake of advice, improved understanding of household safety, and greater willingness to seek support when needed.
Tarlok Gharu, president of Bhagwan Valmiki Sabha Bedford, said: “Unfortunately, there are not many activities for young people in this part of Caudwell ward. We also have many residents and worshippers who feel isolated.
We wanted to create a space for our community and for local people. Our community centre is in the heart of the area, and we have opened our doors with the help of Queen’s Park community organisation.”
The cooperative has decided to join forces with us by promoting our simple snacks. Patience, from Daytop Multicultural Bedford, has also been providing fresh fruits and vegetables.
Key Features of the Welcoming Space:
- Free Refreshments: Hot and cold drinks, snacks, and friendly conversation are offered each week.
- Digital & Workspace Access: Free Wi-Fi, device charging, printing services, and informal workspaces.
- Support & Advice: Access to interpreters (including Punjabi), wellbeing support, and information from statutory partners like Cadent.
- Creative Activities: Arts, crafts, and seasonal family workshops to promote intergenerational connection.
- Multilingual Support: Languages spoken on-site to ensure accessibility for all visitors.
- Holiday Activities for Children: Fun and educational sessions during school breaks.
Additional Services Offered by the Welcoming Space:
- Skill Development for Young People: Volunteering opportunities that nurture confidence and real-world abilities.
- Positive Experiences for At-Risk Youth: Engagement in meaningful volunteering roles.
- Empowerment for Volunteers: Boosting self-esteem and community involvement.
- Work Experience Opportunities: Supporting those struggling to find employment through hands-on experience.
- Fostering Community Intersectionality: Bridging connections between diverse groups and cultures.
- Social Engagement for Punjabi Elders: Creating a warm environment for social interaction.
- Homework Support for Families: Offering children educational assistance in a supportive space.
- Play Area for Under-5s: Safe and dedicated space for toddlers to play and explore.
- Tailored Information and Advice: Responsive to the specific needs of each individual or family.
In just 15 months, the Welcoming Space has started to establish itself as a vital community hub, rooted in compassion, flexibility, and lived experience. As it grows, the goal remains the same: to leave a lasting impact on the local community.
Community Voices
Volunteers for the welcoming space said:
- “The Welcoming Space has become a safe and supportive environment where people feel comfortable and can thrive, whether expressing their creativity or sharing stories. Children visit each week and enjoy the activities available to them. It’s wonderful to see parents and children having fun together. Additionally, we provide advice on accessing relevant services.
- “I like to volunteer at the welcoming space and engage in the activities and meet the community from different races, learning about different cultures.”
- “I was feeling quite isolated at home, especially during the colder months. Coming here gave me a reason to get out, meet new people, and even get help with setting up my phone. It’s more than just a drop-in – it feels like a second home.”
- “The Welcoming Space acts as a safe space for communities to engage and socialise. A space which can act as a safe and comfortable setting provides people with security of care, and an opportunity to learn something new.”
Location & Time:
Bhagwan Valmik Community Centre
10–12 Bunyan Road, Bedford, MK42 9JB
Every Wednesday | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
No booking is required. Everyone is welcome.
This initiative builds on QPCO’s long-standing mission to support and uplift underrepresented communities in Bedford by building capacity, fostering cultural empowerment, and providing accessible community services.
As part of the cadent programme, we also offered tailored-made session of structured slow cooking workshops delivered to African, Caribbean, South Asian and other diverse communities, families have learned how to prepare affordable, healthy meals while reducing gas usage.
We have distributed 200 slow cookers and 250 CO monitors.
This initiative is funded by the Living Well Fund, managed by Cadent, and administered by Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the volunteers of Bhagwan Valmiki Sabha Bedford for their unwavering commitment and essential role in bringing this space to life. For more information, qpco.org.uk/projects/welcoming-space.
By Alexander Quinn, Queen’s Park Community Organisation (QPCO).
Our monthly community column is provided by
the Queen’s Park Community Organisation,
celebrating the people, cultures and grassroots groups
that help make Bedford such a vibrant and welcoming community.
