Healthwatch Bedford Borough

16/10/2026

16/10/2026

💙 Struggling with your mental health and need urgent support?

If you, or someone you’re worried about, needs urgent help for their mental health, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option. You can speak to a trained mental health professional who can help you get the right support.

📞 Call 111 and select the mental health option.

If there is a serious risk to life, call 999.

16/10/2026

16/10/2026

Antidepressants are effective medicines for the treatment of depression and other conditions which are beneficial for the vast majority of people.

In response to concerns by patients and families about how important risks, including suicidal thoughts and behaviours and sexual dysfunction, are communicated, we are taking measures to improve the prominence and clarity of existing safety warnings.

The Commission on Human Medicines initiated an extensive review, which listened to the views and experience of patients, families and clinicians, and has helped inform important changes to information provided when these medicines are prescribed.

For information on the steps the MHRA is taking to improve the communication of these risks, please refer to the drug safety update here: https://brnw.ch/21x6qiS

The MHRA continuously monitors the safety of these medicines, including side effects and emerging evidence. Anyone who suspects they are having a side effect are encouraged to talk to their healthcare professional and report it directly to the Yellow Card scheme.

16/10/2026

Are you or someone you love struggling with alcohol? You're not alone. Please know that help and support is available.

Alcohol dependency can affect anyone, regardless of age, background or circumstances. Asking for help isn't a sign of weakness, it's a sign of courage.

Support is available for:

●Anyone wanting to cut down or stop drinking
●People struggling with alcohol dependency
●Families and loved ones affected by alcohol
●Anyone looking for a fresh start

Local Support in Bedford:

💚 Path 2 Recovery (P2R) drug and alcohol services
📞0333 332 4019
📍 Bedford, MK40 2RT

P2R provides support for people experiencing difficulties with alcohol or drugs, helping individuals take positive steps towards recovery.

Other support available:

📞 Drinkline: 0300 123 1110 – Free, confidential alcohol advice

🤝 Alcoholics Anonymous: 0800 917 7650 – Support from people who understand

You don't have to face this journey alone.

Whether you're ready to stop drinking, want to cut down, or simply need someone to talk to, reaching out is a positive first step.

Recovery is possible, and everyone deserves a chance at a healthier, happier future.

15/10/2026

After the loss of a baby, it can be hard to know what needs to happen next and who you need to contact.
It is not easy to have to make decisions at such a difficult time. Some decisions may need to be made quite soon, while others can wait.

Some parents may prefer to manage things themselves, while others find it helpful to ask a trusted family member or friend to help. Asking for help or support from others during this time can help with sharing some of the load.

The health professionals supporting you can explain what happens next and answer any questions. There are also organisations that provide information and guidance for different types of baby loss.

Local and national support is available from organisations such as:

Local
• Chums Charity - Baby Loss Support
• Cruise Bereavement Care Bedfordshire
• OCEAN Mental Health Service Bedfordshire and Luton
• Muslim Bereavement Support Service
• Community walk in Bedford
• Perinatal Trauma and Loss Serivce

National
• Your Mental Health - Miscarriage UK
• Baby loss information and support - Tommy's
• Uncertainty and loss - Bliss
• Bereavement support - The Lullaby Trust
• Bereavement Support - Sands

There are many more that can be found at our website - https://bedslutonchildrenshealth.nhs.uk/behaviour-emotions-and-mental-health/baby-loss and scroll to the bottom of the page for links to websites.

15/10/2026

🤩 Celebrating Ageing Well in Bedford Borough! 🤩

Yesterday, Healthwatch Bedford Borough was delighted to attend the Ageing Well Exhibition, hosted by Age UK Bedfordshire! 🌟

We were pleased to provide an information and advice stand, offering residents the opportunity to find out more about local health and social care services, access information and support, and share their experiences with us. 💬

It was also a great opportunity to connect with local organisations, raise awareness of the support available to older people, and highlight the importance of making sure everyone's voice is heard.

👏 A big thank you to Age UK Bedfordshire for organising such a valuable event and to all those who attended our stand.

🗣 Your voice matters, at every age...

15/10/2026

🍂 NOVEMBER AT THE ROWAN CLUB – BOOKINGS NOW OPEN! 🍂

Our November programme is here, and we've got another lovely month of friendship, laughter, creativity and new experiences planned!

The Rowan Club offers an enjoyable, sociable Friday for older people living with dementia, frailty or long-term conditions, while carers can take some well-deserved time for themselves or join our Thrive Series of talks and wellbeing activities.

💚 Thinking of giving us a try?

We know that encouraging someone to try somewhere new isn't always easy. That's why we offer FREE one-hour taster sessions. Come along together, meet our friendly team, enjoy a coffee and see what The Rowan Club is all about – with absolutely no pressure to book.

📅 Book one Friday, a few Fridays or the whole month – whatever works best for you!

🌐 Book your Rowan Club days online:
https://carersinbeds.org.uk/respite-centre/

📞 To arrange a free taster session or book a Thrive session only, please call 0300 111 1919.

📍 MS Therapy Centre, Barkers Lane, Bedford

🕙 Fridays, 10am–4pm

📌 Please note: We're arranging an alternative venue for Friday 27 November. Details will be confirmed shortly.

15/10/2026

Patients living with cardiovascular disease (CVD) are facing barriers including high costs, poor communications, and delays at every stage of the care journey.

We unpack these and other issues that are preventing people with CVD from getting the support they need to live well, and what can be done to improve care for CVD patients.

Read our latest research insight to learn more. https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/blog/2026-10-12/what-are-people-telling-us-about-cardiovascular-disease-care