Managing Worries and Improving Self-Esteem - 9 July

How to manage your worries and improve your self-esteem. 

• Friday 9th July 10.00-11:30am 
• Hosted by Caroline Carter, Wellbeing Practitioner 
• This is for Carers, cared for and Former carers. 

This is free via Zoom.  Sign up and we will send you the link to join us. Sign me up

Falconry Experience - 15 September

Have a go at flying different species of owls, hawks and eagles

Enjoy a guided tour of the centre, meeting some of larger species of eagles

Enjoy a flying display in the main arena

Guests are welcome to stay on at the centre and view the birds and visit the farm.

• 15 September for Carers and the person they care for & Former Carers
• 9.30am arrival for a 10am start, finishes at 1.30pm. 

To sign up click the link. Sign me up

Carers Picnics - 12-16 July

Afternoon Tea – Picnic in the Park ‘Bring your own picnic and drinks – we will provide Fresh Cream Scones and Strawberries’

Three locations - weather permitting:

• Bedford Park - Monday 12 July, 12.00-2.00pm
• Houghton Hall Park - Wednesday 14 July, 12.00-2.00pm

To sign up click the link. Sign me up

Understanding Anxiety - 20 July

A presentation on what anxiety is, why we experience anxiety, common symptoms of anxiety and how to manage it.

• Tuesday 20th July 2.00-3:30pm
• Hosted by Caroline Carter, Wellbeing Practitioner
• This is for Carers, cared for and Former carers.

This is free via Zoom.  Sign up and we will send you the link to join us. Sign me up

Understanding Low Mood and Depression - 21 July

A presentation on what low mood and depression is, why we may experience low mood, common symptoms and how to manage it.

• Wednesday 21st July 2.00-3:30pm
• Hosted by Caroline Carter, Wellbeing Practitioner
• This is for Carers, cared for and Former carers.

This is free via Zoom.  Sign up and we will send you the link to join us. Sign me up

Walking tour of Queens Park Bedford - 21 July

Tour of up to 2 hours Exploring the Queens Park area and finding out the history of this part of Bedford . We usually visit the Gurdwara (for a sit down / toilets / cup of tea maybe!) and can possibly do an add-on of a walk to what's been known as 'the seaside'.

• Wednesday 21 July, 11am
• Hosted by Paul Nicholson, PoMoNo Visual Arts

To sign up click the link.Sign me up

Wellbeing Service Information Talk - 22 July

My name is Jane Miller and I’m a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (or PWP for short) and I work at the Bedfordshire Wellbeing Service. I’m trained to work with common mental health problems, such as anxiety and low mood and I work as part of a wider team of professionals who are also trained to work with these difficulties.

Bedfordshire Wellbeing Service was designed to help people manage everyday problems like:

– Feeling low

– Feeling worried, stressed or panicky

– Sleeping difficulties

– Problems with low self-esteem

– Problems dealing with traumatic life events (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)

– Obsessions and compulsions

– Helping people adjusting to change

and is used by people from all over Bedfordshire. GPs and other people refer to our service but you can also refer yourself.

We already provide therapy to many carers suffering with mental health issues, but we also want to spread the word to Older Adults and we know many carers do care for this age group, so we wanted to offer a little more detail about what we can provide.

This presentation will explain more about our service and will outline two of the basic Cognitive Behavioural Therapy treatments that we offer for depression and anxiety, in the hope that any carers who see these mental health problems in the ones they are caring for, can encourage them to try and use the service.

Look forward to speaking to many of you in July! Bring lots of questions!

• Thursday 22 July, 11am-12pm
• Hosted by Jane Miller
• This is for Carers, the people they care for and former carers

This is free via Zoom.  Sign up and we will send you the link to join us. Sign me up

Wellbeing Group for Anxiety - 4 August

An 8-week guided self-help programme to help carers of all ages learn how to face their fears and/or want support managing their anxiety. 

• Wednesday 4th August 1-2pm for 8 consecutive weeks (4/11/18/25th Aug & 1/8/15/22nd Sept) 
• Hosted by Caroline Carter, Wellbeing Practitioner  
• This is for all Carers

Meet at the Bedford Office (Pending Covid restrictions)Sign me up

Wellbeing Group for Low Mood - 4 August

An 8-week guided self-help programme to help carers of all ages learn how to manage and boost their mood.

• Wednesday 4th August 3:30-4:30pm for 8 consecutive weeks (4/11/18/25th Aug & 1/8/15/22nd Sept)
• Hosted by Caroline Carter, Wellbeing Practitioner 
• This is for all Carers

Meet at the Bedford Office (Pending Covid restrictions) Sign me up

The Wellness Wheel - 9 August

A presentation on the Wellness Wheel and how to improve your own wellbeing. 

• Monday 9th August 10.00-11:30am 
• Hosted by Caroline Carter, Wellbeing Practitioner 
• This is for Carers, cared for and Former carers.

This is free via Zoom.  Sign up and we will send you the link to join us. Sign me up

Caring for Mental Health Carers with Patient Participation Leads - 17 August

This is a workshop for carers of those with mental health issues. Find out how the Patient Participation Leads can support carers and how they work with Carers in Bedfordshire work to support you.

• Tuesday 17 August 10.00-11.30am
• Hosted by Jenny Harris (CIB) & Sheila Menzies
• This is for Mental Health Carers and Staff

This is free via Zoom.  Sign up and we will send you the link to join us. Sign me up

Wellbeing and Nutrition - 27 August

A presentation on the link between nutrition and wellbeing. 

• Friday 27th August 10.00-11:30am 
• Hosted by Caroline Carter, Wellbeing Practitioner
• This is for Carers, cared for and Former carers.

This is free via Zoom.  Sign up and we will send you the link to join us. Sign me up

How To Sleep Better - 31 August

A presentation on the importance of sleep, it’s link with wellbeing and tips on how to sleep better.   

• Tuesday 31st August 7.00-8:30pm 
• Hosted by Caroline Carter, Wellbeing Practitioner
• This is for Carers, cared for and Former Carers.

This is free via Zoom.  Sign up and we will send you the link to join us. Sign me up

Understanding Stress - 8 September

A presentation on what stress is, how to identify triggers of stress and ways of coping with stress. 

• Wednesday 8th September 7.00-8:30pm 
• Hosted by Caroline Carter, Wellbeing Pratitioner
• This is for Carers, cared for and Former Carers

This is free via Zoom.  Sign up and we will send you the link to join us. Sign me up

Chair Yoga for carers: Move - Breathe - Relax

• Wednesday mornings -  2, 9, 16, 23 June, 7, 14, 21, 28 July, 4, 11, 18, 25 August, 1, 8,15 September 10am - 10:45am
• with Trish Munro
• Free on Zoom Sign me up               Donations welcome!
• This is open to Carers, the person you care for & Former carers
• The sessions are led by experienced and qualified yoga teacher, Trish Munro. Chair yoga is for everyone, no matter what age you are or what level of fitness you are at, you can experience the health benefits of yoga. The classes include gentle yoga stretches, breathing techniques & relaxation techniques to exercise the body and calm the mind. At the end of the session, the participant will feel better physically and mentally. You may find it easier to be sitting on something like a dining room chair rather than on an armchair but it is not essential.
• More information on Trish and her approach to yoga can be found at www.theyogafactory.co.uk

Armchair Yoga for carers

• Friday afternoons 3 - 3.45pm -  4, 11, 18, June, 2, 23, 30 July, 6, 13, 20, 27 August, 3, 10, 17, 24 September 
• With Linda Wheatley
• Free on Zoom Sign me up  Donations welcome!
• This is open to Carers the person you care for & Former carers
• The sessions are led by qualified yoga teacher, Linda Wheatley. You will be guided through breathing, gentle stretching and muscle activation techniques, working at your own pace and to your own ability. You may find it easier to be sitting on something like a dining room chair rather than on a squashy armchair but that’s not essential.

Art Workshops with Natasha 

Natasha works with artists to educate them about classic and comtemporary art. Whether you are a complete novice or a budding Picasso there will be something for you to enjoy. Her sessions are suitable for all abilities

• Every Thursday  from 11.00am-12.30pm
• Here the group look at artwork by an artist and have a go at working in their style. 
• From  10, 17, 24 June (No session on the 3 June), 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 July, 5, 12, 19, 26 August, 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 September
• How: Zoom, free.
• This is open to Carers the person you care for & Former carers

We look forward to getting together for some creative fun! 

Free on Zoom Sign me up

 Choir - singing because we care!

• Tuesday afternoons at 3.30 pm 
• The next sessions are:    June, 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, July 6, 13, 27, 7, 14, 28 September
• This is open to Carers & Former carers 
• The sessions are led by experienced and qualified choirmaster Evelyn Sutherland who runs a number of local community choirs.  You do not have to sing well: just have enthusiasm and a willingness to connect with other carers in this way.  You do not have to be an accomplished singer, it’s only you who can hear yourself on Zoom.
• The Carers Choir has been running for 5 years. The choir regularly sing at St John's Moggerhanger and take part in the Christmas Tree Festival at St Paul's Church
• To register click the link: Sign me up

Wellbeing Drop in - Monthly

Join us the first Friday of the month for our wellbeing drop-in hour with our Wellbeing Practitioner talk about what is available to support your wellbeing, ask questions and learn tips and strategies to promote positive wellbeing

• First Friday of the month 
• 4th June, 2 July, 6 August, 3 September 11-12pm
• This is for Carers
• Hosted by Caroline Carter

Free on Zoom .Sign me up

Walking Groups

Walking has many health benefits. It can help with weight loss and being with others can reduce social isolation. Being out in nature can also help improve your sense of wellbeing and mental health.

We will social distance walking. 

This is for Carers, the person they care for & Former carers.

Leighton Buzzard 

• On the 1st Wednesday of the month.
• 7 July - Meet at Tesco Car Park, Leighton Buzzzard, LU7 1ER
• 4 August - Meet at the cafe at Rushmere Park, Linslade Road, Heath & Reach LU7 0EB
• 2 September - TBC
• 1-3pm
• Hosted by Caroline

Houghton Hall Park - Meet by the Cafe

• On the 2nd Wednesday of the month,  9 June, 14 July, 11 August, 8 September
• 1-3pm
• Hosted by Maria

Bedford Park - Meet by the Pavillion Cafe

• On the 3rd Wednesday of the month,  16 June, 21 July, 18 August, 15 September
• 1-3pm
• Hosted by Gerry

Henlow Park 

• On the 4th Wednesday of the month
• 23 June meeting at the Danish Camp, Willington MK44 3QG
• 28 July meeting at the Danish Camp, Willington MK44 3QG
• 25 August meeting at Henlow Church SG16 6AN
• 22 September meeting at Henlow Church SG16 6AN
• 11am-1pm
• Hosted by Nicki 

Men Only Walking Group - Wrest Park – Meet at Silsoe Church

• Friday  25 June, 30 July, 27 August, 24 September
• 11am - 1pm
• Hosted by Mick 

To register click the link  Sign me up

Music Sessions 

• First Wednesday of each month 2pm-3pm. 
• Free on Zoom Donations welcome!
• For carers of someone living with dementia and/or someone living with dementia 
• Sing along to well known songs with Teela from Music 24 and her acoustic guitar. Fun and inclusive warm-ups plus the chance to dance. Lyrics provided on screen. 
• To book: contact Flora Stewart This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  0300 111 9090

Poetry Group 

• Second Wednesday of each month 11am-12pm 
• Free on Zoom Donations welcome!
• For carers of someone living with dementia and/or someone living with dementia
• Bring and share your favourite poems, try out a quiz, or simply watch and enjoy.
• To book: contact Flora Stewart This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  0300 111 9090

• Wellbeing Sessions

  We are really pleased to be able to provide Footcare, Massage Therapies and Haircuts at the following venues across the county for former carers, carers and the people you care for.

  • Footcare - £10
  • Haircuts - £5
  • Massage - £10 for 30 minutes, £20 for 30 minutes

  Biggleswade The Baptist Church, 24 London Road, Biggleswade, SG18 8EB 12.30-3.30pm

  1st Saturday of each month. 5th June, 3 July, 7 August, 4, September

  Eaton Bray Village Hall Church Lane, Eaton Bray, Dunstable LU6 2DJ 10.30- 13.30

  2nd Saturday of each month, 12 June, 10 July, 14 August, 11 September

  Bedford  Priory Methodist Church, 63 Newham Avenue, Bedford MK41 9QJ 10.00-13.00

  3rd Saturday of each month, 12 June, 17 July, 21 August, 18 September

  Flitwick Village Hall 11 Dunstable Rd, Flitwick,  MK45 1HP 13.00-16.00

  4th Monday of each month, 28 June, 26 July, 23 August, 27 September

  Leighton Buzzard Whichello's Wharf, The Elms, Stoke Road, Leighton Buzzard  LU7 2TD 13.00-16.00 

  3rd Thursday of each month, 17 June, 15 July, 19 August, 16 September

  To book an appointment please Click here

  Saturday Carers Cafe's

  Come along to a fun supportive social group, bring the people you care for with you. We will provide refreshments, entertainment and support workers to talk to.

  Bedford Cafe 

   1st Saturday of the month, 7 August, 2 October & 5 December from 13.00-15.00

   Priory Methodist Church, 63 Newham Avenue, Bedford MK41 9QJ    

  Ampthill Cafe

  2nd Saturday of the month,14 August, 9 October, 4 December from 13.00-15.00

   Parkside Hall, Woburn Road, Ampthill MK45 2HX 

  Eaton Bray Cafe

  Eaton Bray Session 3rd Saturday of the month, 17 July, 18 September, 20 November from 13.00-15.00

    Eaton Bray Village Hall, Church Lane, Eaton Bray LU6 2DJ  

  Biggleswade Cafe

   Biggleswade Session 4 Saturday of the month, 25 September, 27 November from 13.00-15.00

   Biggleswade Baptist Church, 24 London Road, Biggleswade SG18 8EB 

Tea & Chat for All

This is open to carers and former carers, and the person you care for. It is hosted by a support worker.

• 1st & 3rd Tuesdays 2 - 3pm Hosted by Caroline.  1, 15 June, 6, 20 July, 3, 17, August, 7, 21 September

This is free and via Zoom. 
Sign up and we will send you the link to join us Sign me up! Donations welcome!

Evening carers group

Open to carers only and former carers, this session is hosted by a Service Lead

• Mondays 7 - 8pm, Hosted by Amanda. 14th June, 12 July, 9 August, 13 September

• Tuesdays 7 - 8pm, Hosted by Sharon.  22nd June, 27 July, 24 August, 28 September

This is free and via Zoom. Sign up and we will send you the link to join us Sign me up! Donations welcome!

Parents Together Support Group

Would you like to network with other parents  and build your confidence and know what organisations are there to support your family.

Zoom Support Group with Jon Clingan & Maria Panteli, Parent Carer Support Workers

• 3rd Thursday of each month - 7.30-8.30pm
• For the link to sign up, email  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Dementia Carers Groups

• Tuesdays fortnightly from 2pm-3pm
• First Thursday of the month 10:30am-11:30am
• Keep in contact and exchange information and tips with other carers who care for someone with memory loss and dementia. The sessions are hosted by a support worker.
• To book: contact Flora Stewart This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 0300 111 9090

The dementia services team run regular Zoom groups and events. Please check out the regular groups page on the Memory Navigation Service website to find out more.

You can also sign up to receive 'Activities to try at home' quiz and reminiscence sheets which are sent out fortnightly via email or post. For more information please contact the Memory Navigation Service on 0300 111 9090 or you can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . 

Events information