Home-Start Bedfordshire

16/09/2026

Parent carers with children aged 0 to 5 in Central Bedfordshire can access the full EasyPeasy app for free. The app includes information, activities, and tips on a range of topics, including wellbeing, bedtime, nutrition, speech and language, and mindfulness. Visit: https://bit.ly/4dGzffA

15/09/2026

Our charity has offered free courses to build parenting confidence and skills for several years. Run by trained parent facilitators for parents in Central Bedfordshire, they are very popular. So we are pleased to now be running a new course called ‘Living With Teenagers’. Spaces fill up fast, but you can learn more and reserve your place for the January intake here:

Living With Teenagers is a free and interactive course for local mums, dads and carers of children aged 11 - 16 years old. Find out more here.

11/09/2026

Safeguarding, protecting and preserving children’s and parents’ mental and physical health is the bedrock of our cause. Today, Linda attended training at the Central Beds Council building in Chicksands for the latest safeguarding updates. Excellent training, as always, by Safeguarding Bedfordshire.

10/09/2026

Today is World Su***de Prevention Day. Suicidal thoughts are more common than people realise, with su***de being the biggest killer of men under 49 and women aged 20 to 34. This year’s theme, ‘Changing the Narrative on Su***de ’, communicates the importance of fostering empathy and compassion for those who are struggling. Every chat, no matter how small, builds a more supportive and understanding society.

As part of the Bedfordshire Domestic Abuse Partnership, we are also highlighting the link between domestic abuse and su***de. The person most likely to kill a victim of domestic abuse is themselves. Stressing the critical need for support for victims and domestic abuse prevention. If you are in need of support, visit https://bedsdv.org.uk/

If you are experiencing mental distress or have suicidal thoughts, there is a range of mental health support services available, including The Samaritans, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call them anytime on 116 123.

***dePreventionDay

09/09/2026

Clare's Law, often known officially as a Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme or similar, designates several ways for police officers to disclose a person's history of abusive behaviour to those who may be at risk from such behaviour. It is intended to reduce intimate partner violence. Clare's Law is named after Clare Wood, a woman murdered in England by a former domestic partner who police knew to be dangerous.

Clare's Law has two main elements: a 'right to ask', which allows members of the public, including a domestic partner, to request information from the police about a potential abuser; and a 'right to know', which, in certain circumstances, permits police to disclose such information to the public on their own initiative.

ANYONE can apply for a clare's law for them or on behalf of someone else, if any information is available to share, the police will only contact the person at risk to inform the@centralbeds Bedfordshire Police Luton Council

08/09/2026

Parenting a child with SEND can be an overwhelming and isolating journey. But a phone call from another parent who truly understands makes a real difference.

“I absolutely love being a SEND volunteer, helping these families and seeing how they come on is amazing, knowing that I’ve been able to help someone means the world to me, helping these mums express their children’s abilities instead of hiding them is amazing and listening to a mum so happy.” - A Bedfordshire SEND Parent Mentor.

Find out more about becoming a SEND Parent Mentor here: https://bit.ly/4y5uZOu

04/09/2026

Here at Home-Start, we champion peer support: parents supporting other parents. So we know how important organisations like SNAP Parent Carer Forum are in the lives of local families with SEND. This includes providing community, advocacy, and free workshops, training, and events for members. Below is their latest newsletter, which includes their upcoming schedule for SNAP PCF members this autumn term.

Run by and for parent carers of children and young people, membership is free for families in Central Bedfordshire. Similarly, the Bedford Borough Parent Carer Forum and EPIC Luton Parent Carer Forum are also available for families in their areas.

We’re excited to share our Summer 2026 Newsletter.

Click below to read about our milestones from the last academic year and key updates:https://mcusercontent.com/ddafdcc030d40a5d4c8ebe5b9/files/3e527187-13eb-a043-8dd1-e960aa70a383/summer_news_2026_5_compressed.pdf

The SNAP PCF Team

03/09/2026

Right now, in Bedfordshire, families with young children struggle alone with mental ill health, sickness, bereavement, disabilities and additional needs, isolation, and more. You can use your experience of looking after children to make a lasting difference.

Learn more here, because childhood can’t wait: https://bit.ly/4zMmERM

02/09/2026

Every child has their own way to shine. Yet, families of children with SEND face barriers and challenges inside and outside the school gates. For too many, it’s an overwhelming and lonely journey. But a regular phone call with another parent who understands can help families navigate the hurdles and know they’re not alone.

If you have lived experience of parenting a child with SEND, join us. Backed by our training and ongoing support, you’ll help a local family, all from your own home. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/4y5uZOu

28/08/2026

Being a parent is not always easy, especially during times of challenge, hardship and tragedy. That’s why Home-Visiting Volunteers like Dawn* stand alongside local families living with physical and mental ill health, disabilities and additional needs, bereavement, and more.

It’s amazing how simple actions make a lasting difference in the lives of families with young children throughout Bedfordshire. Parents supporting other parents works. Learn more about joining our home-visiting team here: https://bit.ly/4zMmERM

*Names have been changed for privacy and confidentiality.