Programmes That Make a Difference
We’ve spoken to young people, their families, schools, employers and many others who support children and young people in Bedford. They all tell us our young people really struggle to work out what to do when they leave school or college and to find rewarding jobs locally. It’s even more of a problem for children whose families and communities don’t have connections to a wide range of employers and opportunities.
Career (Employability Skills) Mentoring: Help Shape Futures
The Career (Employability Skills) Mentoring programme connects professionals with 13–16-year-olds in Bedford’s secondary schools to help them develop essential workplace skills and build confidence in planning their futures. By committing to just one meeting a month, mentors share their real-life experiences, offer guidance, and inspire students—helping them explore career paths, boost motivation, and set meaningful goals. In return, mentors gain personal fulfilment, sharpen leadership skills, and gain new perspectives, making this a rewarding and impactful opportunity for both mentor and mentee.
Taste of the Workplace: Partner with Us to Shape Bedford’s Future
Bedford Giving’s “Taste of the Workplace” programme partners businesses with schools to deliver real-world projects in the classroom, giving students meaningful, hands-on experience and insight into future careers. Over 6–8 weeks, professionals guide students through business-based tasks and site visits, helping them build confidence and aspirations. It’s a simple, supported way for companies to inspire young people, grow their teams’ skills, and contribute to Bedford’s future workforce.
Mental Health – Safe Space in a Youth Place
The “Safe Space in a Youth Place” programme offers free, practical mental health training for adults working or volunteering with young people in Bedford. Designed to help trusted adults respond confidently and supportively when a young person opens up about mental health, the training focuses on listening skills, resilience building, youth culture awareness, and knowing how to signpost to further help. Delivered online or in-person by One YMCA, it equips participants with vital life and leadership skills, while helping create safe, supportive environments where young people feel heard, valued, and mentally supported.
Mental Health - Follow the Pink Link
We know it can be hard to know what to say, or where to turn. That’s why we’ve launched this webpage – a simple way to find clear, trusted help, and advice that’s right for you and your family.
Activities – Bringing Affordable Fun to Young People
Bedford Giving is working to bring affordable, engaging afterschool activities to children and young people across Bedford Borough, particularly in areas with limited access. In partnership with local charity Fun 4 Young People (F4YP), new youth sessions have launched in key priority areas—including North Putnoe, Wixams, Queens Park/Great Denham, and Shortstown—creating safe, inclusive spaces for young people to learn, socialise, and have fun. This initiative responds directly to local research and aims to ensure more young people can benefit from meaningful out-of-school opportunities.
Community Panels – Putting the Choice Directly in Community Hands
Bedford Giving’s Community Panels put decision-making power directly into the hands of local people, ensuring funding and support go where they’re truly needed. By engaging parents and young people—through dedicated panels for families and a Youth Panel in partnership with Bedford College—the programme captures real community insight to shape more effective services. It’s a grassroots approach to change, built on the belief that those who live in Bedford are best placed to lead its progress.
Bedford Giving's Young Voices Conference
Bedford Giving’s inaugural Young Voices Conference in October 2024 brought together over 100 local stakeholders to hear directly from young people about the challenges they face and the changes they want. With moving stories, inspiring speakers, and collaborative workshops, the event empowered youth to share real concerns—like safety, financial education, and access to free activities—and helped adults commit to action. It marked the start of an ongoing mission to ensure young voices shape Bedford’s future.