The Harpur Trust

15/06/2026

One of our partner organisations, CVS Bedfordshire, is recruiting a new Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation into its next chapter. We work closely with CVS Bedfordshire, which provides vital support to local non-profits through advice, training, and facilities. They play a key role in building partnerships, connecting organisations with funding opportunities, and promoting volunteering across our community.

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference in Bedford and beyond.

Find out more about the role at www.cvsbeds.org.uk/jobs

📣WE'RE HIRING📣

We are seeking an ambitious and values-driven Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation forward.

This is a high-impact leadership role where you will shape strategy, influence local systems, and ensure strong, sustainable support for communities across Bedfordshire.

https://www.cvsbeds.org.uk/jobs

09/06/2026

We were pleased to organise for former Harpur Trust Business Apprentice Mollie Bozward to speak to Year 10 students at Wixams Academy about her career journey and the power of apprenticeships.

Mollie shared how she chose an alternative path to university, completing an apprenticeship where she gained real-world experience, while earning a salary and building her confidence in the workplace. She spoke candidly about the application process and her experience of her first ever job interview, offering valuable insight into what employers look for and how to stand out.

Now, at just 25, Mollie has progressed to become Admissions Manager at Bedford Modern School, crediting her apprenticeship as a key factor in her success.

Her assembly talk came a week after former minister Alan Milburn published his review which highlighted the risk of rising numbers of young people becoming NEET (not in education, employment or training). It reinforced just how important opportunities like apprenticeships are in shaping positive futures.

At The Harpur Trust, we are proud to support young people through our growing apprenticeship programmes, now offering opportunities in finance, payroll, and education within our Trust Office.

A huge thank you to Mollie for sharing her journey and inspiring the next generation to explore all pathways to success.

08/06/2026

On this Global Day of Parents, we’re proud to highlight The Brilliant Club's Bedford Parent Power project. Which we are helping to grant fund.

We’re delighted to share that recruitment for the Community Organiser role has now closed. Thank you to everyone who showed interest in supporting this important work.

As we look ahead, we’re excited to see this project develop over the summer, with plans to launch in the next academic year. Parent Power is all about empowering families, amplifying their voices, and helping them become champions for their child’s educational journey.

Today is a perfect moment to recognise the impact of parents and carers everywhere, and initiatives like this show just how powerful that impact can be when communities come together.

We can’t wait to see Bedford Parent Power get underway.

06/06/2026

(Swipe for different languages)
We’re supporting families as their children transition from primary to secondary school with a £65 school uniform grant for students eligible for free school meals.

- A £65 voucher will be provided by the secondary school your child will attend.
- The voucher can be used towards any uniform items specified by the school, and each school will share details on how to redeem it.
- Please get in touch with the school directly to arrange access to your voucher.

This support is designed to make the transition easier and help every child begin secondary school feeling prepared and confident.
Contact your child’s new school to learn more.

05/06/2026

We are proud to have supported Link to Change through grant funding for their Digital Defenders project, helping to keep young people safe in an increasingly digital world.

Through a series of Tech Talks delivered in schools across Bedford Borough, the programme empowers students with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the online space safely and successfully.

The impact so far has been strong, with 63 young people engaged through group sessions across 7 Bedford schools and 370 students reached through Tech Talk assemblies focused on online safety.

Digital Defenders is designed to help young people recognise and prevent online harm, build critical thinking skills for safe digital use, encourage speaking out and supporting peers and raise awareness of online risks and reduce harmful exposure.

This work is a vital part of strengthening resilience and creating a safer online environment for young people in our community.

Thank you to Link to Change for delivering such an important programme, and for including us in your wider impact report, where you can read it in full here, https://online.flippingbook.com/view/78946343/11/

We’re excited to see its continued impact across Bedford.

04/06/2026

We love helping to share what’s going on across the borough, especially when it’s a free community event we think our followers and local families will enjoy.

The Bedford Eid Festival is back for 2026 and it’s set to be a fantastic weekend on 6 and 7 June for the whole community, with a special focus on children and young people with Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND).

The event takes between 1pm – 8pm, in Addison Howard Park, Kempston (MK42 8PN).

There’s lots planned across the two days, including:

- Big funfair rides
- Live nasheed performances
- Prize giveaways (including an Umrah!)
- Halal food festival
- Artisan market
- Play area with ride-on cars and sensory toys

It should a brilliant atmosphere, with plenty for all ages to enjoy, so definitely one to get in the diary!

For more details visit www.eidinbedford.co.uk

It should a brilliant atmosphere, with plenty for all ages to enjoy, so definitely one to get in the diary! at [email protected] .

03/06/2026

Author Patrice Lawrence and illustrator‑author Onyinye Iwu took children on a magical journey at the fantastic Book Tastic launch we attended this week, part of the festival we’re proud to sponsor at the University of Bedfordshire Theatre.

Hundreds of children from Castle Newnham School, Queens Park Academy and Priory Primary School joined the event on Monday, with the goal of helping to spark a love of reading.

Patrick spoke about the importance of representation, sharing how she rarely saw people or families like her in books growing up. This inspired her to write stories like Is That Your Mama? She also encouraged children to develop their own ideas by asking “what if?” questions. A simple but powerful way to start storytelling.

Onyinye shared her experience of being the only African girl in her school and town, and how reconnecting with her culture and history has shaped her work. She then led a brilliant draw‑along session, where children created their own imaginative creatures set against a famous Bedford landmark. Some even showcased their artwork on the big screen, talking through their creative ideas.

To top it off, every child went home with a signed copy of their new book Happy Here.

Throughout the week, primary school pupils from across the borough will continue to enjoy inspiring sessions with authors and illustrators, including Jim Smith, Joshua Seigal, Dr Shelia Kanani and Neill Cameron.

Photos by Chiara Mac Call Photography

02/06/2026

This , we’re celebrating the impact of giving your time, and the real difference it can make.

Many of the incredible organisations we support through our grants rely on volunteers to keep their vital work going in the community. Volunteering doesn’t just benefit the cause, it can benefit you too.

It’s a great way to build confidence, learn new skills, meet new people, enhance your CV, and make a meaningful contribution to something you care about.

If you’re thinking about getting involved, CVS Bedfordshire is a great place to start. They help match volunteers with local opportunities.

Find out more at www.cvsbeds.org.uk/whyvolunteer

02/06/2026

Great to work in partnership with FACES and Fun 4 Young People to support families within schools who may need some additional support as well as some Year 6 pupils as they make the transition from primary to secondary school.

01/06/2026

We’re delighted to be sponsoring this fantastic FREE community event returning to Bedford Park on Sunday 7 June (10am–7pm) and it’s set to be bigger and better than ever!

Following last year’s incredible turnout of nearly 1,000 attendees, this year’s event features 20 different activities designed for all ages, abilities and interests.

From laughter yoga and breathwork to Qigong, sound baths and even a cacao ceremony, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Dedicated sessions for families, SEND participants and women, plus inclusive sessions led by a diverse range of local instructors. A Wellbeing Information Desk will also be on hand with advice, resources and support from local organisations.

Set in one of Bedford’s most loved green spaces, this event is all about movement, community connection and improving wellbeing, and as part of Great Big Green Week, it also celebrates action on climate and nature.

- No booking needed, just turn up!
- Register on arrival and join as many sessions as you like (limited mats and chairs available)

We’re proud to support an event that brings people together and makes wellbeing accessible to all

Find out more at www.bedford.gov.uk/yogaday