Bedford’s Prebend Day Centre is asking Bedfordians to help shape the future of the centre as they aim to redevelop their services to help more homeless people in need.
The SMART CJS Prebend Day Centre has been on the front line of homelessness relief in Bedford for many years.
They provide food, clothing, showers, warmth, safety and support, giving a lifeline to some of Bedford’s most vulnerable citizens.
The centre temporarily closed in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but continued to provide support by partnering with Bedford Borough Council and other community partners.
“A lot has changed over the past 18 months,” said Jen Robus, SMART CJS Area Manager.
“Thanks to a significant commitment and investment from central government and Bedford Borough Council, there has been a new approach to how we tackle homelessness and rough sleeping.”
The team at the centre ave since been busy putting in place a brand new, 20 unit, supported accommodation service at Rogers Court in Bedford.
This is alongside providing emergency accommodation for several people in multiple locations across Bedford, whilst they seek longer-term accommodation.
The rough sleeper team also continues to “pound the pavements” so they can provide support and welfare checks on those sleeping rough.
Now, SMART CJS is preparing to redevelop the Prebend Centre.
“We believe the centre still has an important role to play and we need the input of people who will use the Centre, partner agencies and the wider Bedford community to help us shape its future”, explained Anita McCallum, CEO at SMART CJS.
As part of wider research, SMART CJS is now asking Bedfirdians to take part in a 5-10 minute survey which will help them decide on the future direction of the Prebend Centre.
You can put forward your views in the SMART Prebend Centre community survey here.
Previous attendees of the centre or other homeless support services are also invited to complete their own survey at the Smart CJS website.
The deadline for both surveys is 10 October 2021.
