Tag Archives: Bedford Borough

Episode 26 – Bedford Borough summer of SEND



In this episode, Niki talks with Bedford Borough Parent Carer Forum, Chief Education Officer Ben Pearson, Councillor James Valentine and our Local Offer Officer about the Summer of SEND. After a really challenging 16 months for families and young people, Bedford Borough have organised a fantastic and engaging summer of events and activities. SEND is everyone’s responsibility so listen in to see how you can GET INVOLVED.

Here’s the link to the Summer of SEND page on the Local Offer website:

https://localoffer.bedford.gov.uk/kb5/bedford/directory/site.page?id=Iuldx0e38aA

Twitter handles:

Bedford Local Offer – News and events for children and young people with SEND in Bedford Borough and their families. RT does not mean endorsement. Replies during office hours.- @bedfordlocalof1

BBPCF – An independent forum for parent carers of children & young people with disabilities or SEN to participate in developing and influencing local services. @BedsBoroughPCF

James Valentine – Labour Councillor for Kempston West, Lead Member for Education & Children’s Services, Bedford Borough Council – @JamesEValentine

Episode 21 – The benefits of exercise on mental health



In this episode, Aisling is joined by professionals and young people to discuss the mental health benefits of physical exercise. We discuss the pressure to exercise in lockdown, some of the barriers to exercise we have encountered the past year and the pros and cons of the options that are available to us online.

Today’s episode is hosted by:

Aisling Callaghan – User participation lead for Luton CAMHS

We are joined by:

Jade Horsley who is the Satellite Club Link Officer for Team Beds & Luton

Rob Lindsay, Sports Development Officer for Bedford Borough Council

Racheall Monton, yoga instructor

Claire Rourke- Clinical Trial Manager, Ready Trial, University of Hertfordshire,

Molly- CAMHS service user,

Sam- CAMHS service user.

Links to the organisations mentioned in this episode..

https://readytrial.co.uk/ – Research study of Physical Activity in Young People

https://bedfordsportlive.crd.co – Bedford Sport Live – Activity sessions at home.

https://camhsspace.crd.co – CAMHS Space – Delivered by Bedford Borough Council in partnership with East London Foundation Trust CAMHS team and supported by Team Beds & Luton

https://www.teambedsandluton.co.uk/what-are-satellite-clubs    Satelite Clubs – Team Beds & Luton-Satellite Clubs are physical activity projects which provide inactive young people between 14-19yrs new opportunities to be active in a fun and social environment, helping to create positive experiences and promote active lifestyles.


Episode 6 – What’s on offer in Bedford Borough for SEND children?



Navigating local support and services for children with special educational needs can be cumbersome and stressful. Come listen and learn all about the Bedford Borough Local Offer Service that works tirelessly to bring information about what’s out there into one easy to access website. We discuss how to access the services and also have first-hand feedback from some of our service users about how having a ‘one-stop-shop’ has improved their own well being and that of their family. To take a look at the Bedford Borough Local Offer website, just click the link or cut and paste if you’d prefer. If you are a local service that wants to be included on the local offer website, you can also click the link below and make contact. The more services that make themselves known, the richer the mix of support is available to SEND children.

https://localoffer.bedford.gov.uk/