Volunteering For Homeless Charities In Bedford

With around 7 rough sleepers for every 1,000 households, Bedford has one of the highest such rates in the UK. The number of rough sleepers in Bedford has increased dramatically since 2010, when there was only 12, with 2018 figures showing that number to have risen above 50.

That figure was down from its 2017 level of 76 though, which is testament to the wonderful work being carried out by the homeless charities Bedford plays host to. If you want to get behind this crucial cause, there are few better ways to get involved than by donating your time.

There are plenty of local Bedford charities in need of your support, some of which you can learn more about below. Volunteering is a brilliant thing to do, whether you're looking to build up your CV for a future career, or you have more spare time on your hands in retirement. You may also find yourself meeting lots of great new people, and thoroughly enjoying your experience too.

HOMELESS CHARITIES IN BEDFORD THAT NEED YOUR SUPPORT

Amicus Trust

If you want to start volunteering Bedford has a number of excellent homeless charities you can help, including this one. Formerly known as Bedford Cyrenians and Bedfordshire Housing Link, this charity celebrated its 40th birthday in 2014 and changed its name to Amicus Trust to commemorate the occasion.

With its head office on Prebend Street in Bedford, the organisation helps homeless people across Buckinghamshire, Huntingdonshire, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire, as well as Bedfordshire. It does this by providing services such as supported accommodation, a mobile night shelter, support for people with mental health issues and guidance for moving into work or education. You could help out by volunteering with Amicus Trust.

4mation

Previously known as the ReUse Centre, 4mation has rebranded itself and joined forces with YMCA Bedfordshire to grow the support on offer from both organisations. With a flagship store in Bedford's Arcade, 4mation heralds from a background of upcycling household items such as furniture and textiles.

The charity aims to alleviate poverty through the provision of affordable furnishing, either at low or no cost, as well as by offering free food to people in need. You can also have a positive impact on the environment when you volunteer with 4mation, which helps to keep household items out of landfill.

Noah Enterprise

Founded by Sister Eileen O'Mahony who managed to secure a block of condemned flats in Luton in 1991, NOAH Enterprise is well-known throughout Bedfordshire. With a day centre that opens 365 days a year, NOAH Enterprise now provides 40,000 meals a year.

You could help out by volunteering with NOAH Enterprise. This could involve things like organising events and activities or providing welfare services. You may also get involved with creative workshops and support to help people find work and achieve their own independence.

Emmaus Village Carlton

Based in North Bedfordshire, this branch of Emmaus offers formerly homeless people the chance to live in an understanding community that's geared towards leaving their homelessness firmly in the past.

With a 42-room residential site and a charity shop on School Lane in Carlton with a bistro opposite, volunteers are just as crucial to the running of Emmaus Village Carlton as the residents. You could volunteer with the charity by helping out in the bistro or shop, upcycling furniture or gardening. You could also provide admin assistance or even driving services.

HELPING DESERVING CAUSES

If you'd like to know more about getting involved in volunteering in your community, take a look at our Local Causes page and find opportunities near you.