Young people have once again been at the heart of funding decisions in Bedford Borough, with the Bedford Giving Youth Panel awarding over £87,000 to eight organisations delivering inspiring projects for local young people over the next year.
The Youth Panel, made up of young people from across The Bedford College Group, which includes The Bedford Sixth form, created the funding call based upon their priorities for young people in Bedford Borough before reviewing the applications, discussing priorities and finally making the funding decisions, ensuring that the investment reflects the issues and opportunities that matter most to young people in our communities.
The funding will support projects that promote wellbeing, inclusion, creativity, life skills, sport, youth voice and safe spaces, helping hundreds of young people across the borough thrive.
The funded organisations are:
Autism Bedfordshire
Wanted Fun Youth Groups for Autistic Young People
Contributing towards the funding of fortnightly social groups for autistic young people aged 10–17, providing a welcoming environment where they can make friends, build confidence, develop independence and enjoy a wide range of activities in Bedford and Kempston.
Bedford Radio CIC
Youth Voices on Bedford Radio & Youth Politics and Media Action
Young people will develop media and broadcasting skills by creating and presenting radio programmes focused on the issues that matter most to them, strengthening youth voice and encouraging greater understanding of local media and local politics.
Food, etc CIC
Food for Life
Practical cooking sessions that equip young people with valuable nutrition and food preparation skills, helping them create affordable, nutritious meals while building confidence, independence and stronger social connections.
Hear 2 Listen CIC
Bounce Back & Be Heard
A programme of 48 youth-led sessions across Bedford providing safe spaces where young people aged 13–19 can socialise, try new activities, improve their wellbeing and feel heard within their community.
Sporting Aid CIC
Girl’s Kick
Free weekly football sessions for girls aged 13–17, creating an inclusive environment where participants can enjoy sport, build friendships, develop confidence and explore leadership opportunities.
Rollback World CIC
Bedford Youth Creative Hub
A creative hub in Bedford town centre where young people can produce podcasts, explore creative media and have open conversations around identity, mental health and the issues affecting their lives.
Everyone’s Gang CIC
Link Up
A weekly programme offering creative activities, life skills and a safe space where young people can connect with others, develop confidence and discover positive opportunities for their future.
Q:alliance
Expanding LGBTQ+ Safe Spaces, Youth-led Empowerment and 1:1 Support
Supporting LGBTQ+ young people through the creation of a new youth-led hub, dedicated one-to-one support and outreach to those experiencing isolation, ensuring they feel safe, valued and empowered.
Young people leading meaningful change
The Bedford Giving Youth Panel received applications from 23 local organisations, totalling over £300,000 – which left the panel having to make very tough choices to carefully consider every application before making its funding recommendations, assessing local need, potential impact and how each project would benefit young people across Bedford Borough. Unfortunately, this meant that many very worthwhile projects could not be funded on this occasion.
By putting young people at the heart of the decision-making process, Bedford Giving continues to demonstrate the value of trusting young people to help shape the services, opportunities and communities they want to see.
Director Paul (PK) Kellett said:
The Youth Panel is all about giving young people a genuine voice in where funding goes. Every decision has been made by young people, for young people, ensuring that these projects reflect the real needs, interests and aspirations of communities across Bedford Borough.
What has been particularly inspiring is seeing the panel surface and champion a new generation of young community leaders. By bringing together young people from different backgrounds and experiences, we’ve created a space where their insights, ideas and lived experiences can directly shape local investment. The result is funding that not only responds to what matters most to young people today, but also helps build confidence, leadership and positive change for the future
Yiannis Koursis OBE, CEO of The Bedford College Group, said:
“As a proud coalition partner of Bedford Giving, we are delighted to see young people taking the lead in shaping funding decisions that directly impact their communities. The Youth Panel has demonstrated remarkable thoughtfulness and commitment in selecting projects that will support wellbeing, inclusion, skills development and opportunity for young people across Bedford Borough. This investment reflects the power of collaboration and the importance of ensuring young people’s voices are heard, valued and acted upon.”
Investing in Bedford’s future
The 2026 Youth Panel funding programme continues Bedford Giving’s commitment to creating opportunities where every young person can flourish.
With projects taking place across Bedford Borough throughout the coming year, hundreds of young people will benefit from new experiences, stronger support networks and opportunities to grow, learn and lead.
Bedford Giving would like to congratulate all of this year’s funded organisations and thank every organisation that applied. The quality of applications once again demonstrated the passion, innovation and commitment of organisations working to improve the lives of young people across Bedford Borough.
Together, we’re helping to build a borough where young people are heard, valued and empowered to shape the future.