The rise in the cost of living and increased energy bills means that many households will struggle with their heating bills this winter. People will be faced with tough decisions about when they can afford to heat their home.

To help residents, Bedford Borough Council is working with local partners to develop a Welcoming Spaces network. Welcoming Spaces will offer free, non-judgemental spaces where people can go to stay warm and maybe enjoy some company and a hot drink, or simply spend time reading a magazine or book.

The Welcoming Spaces Network will continue to grow as more organisations share their details. 

If you have opened a welcoming space and would like it included on the Bedford Borough Welcoming Spaces Network please contact public.health@bedford.gov.uk.

As part of the Welcoming Spaces offer, our libraries are also providing inclusive and welcoming community spaces with free Wi-Fi and a range of activities.

Welcoming Spaces - our libraries and The Higgins Bedford

Our libraries and The Higgins Bedford (art gallery and museum) are open to offer a welcoming space.

Welcoming Spaces - our Children's Centres

Some Children's Centres in Bedford Borough are open to offer a welcoming space to families with children under 5 years old.

Welcoming Spaces - other venues

The Welcoming Spaces below are offered and operated by third parties and are not affiliated to Bedford Borough Council.

Venue Opening days and times What is available Other information
ACCM (UK), Cauldwell Community Centre, 51A Althorpe Street, Bedford MK42 9HF Thursdays: 11am–12.30pm Hot or cold drinks and snacks, play equipment/toys, table games, free accessible parking, free Wi-Fi and charging facilities, disabled facilities. Support is available from the in-house support team, Public Health Outreach Team and Beds RCC
Bedford Caribbean Senior Citizens Association, Queens Park Community Centre, Marlborough Road, Queens Park, Bedford, MK40 4LG Thursdays: 1pm - 6pm Hot/cold drinks and snacks, jigsaw puzzles, word search/crossword magazines, adult colouring books, dominoes, sewing, arts and crafts, agile workspaces, free Wi-Fi, free accessible parking, disabled facilities.

Activities are optional, people are welcome to drop in and have a chat.

Fortnightly Lunch Club – optional, at an additional charge.

Visiting professionals from Bedford Borough, Community Police

Bedford Players' Trust, The Place Theatre, Bradgate Road, Bedford MK41 3HD Saturdays: 9am - 1pm Hot and cold drinks and snacks, magazines/newspapers, colouring paper/pens/crayons for children, books for children and play scripts for adults to browse, free Wi-Fi and charging facilities, free parking, accessible toilets and baby changing facilities.  
Bhagwan Valmik Community Centre, 10-12 Bunyan Road, Bedford, MK42 9JB

From 22 January 2025:

Wednesdays: 1pm - 5pm

Free car parking, free computers/devices for use, free Wi-Fi, charging facilities, hot/cold snacks and drinks, play equipment/toys, disabled toilets, baby changing facilities

Run by volunteers from the Bhagwan Valmik Sabha Bedford and staff from Queen’s Park community Organisation (QPCO).

QPCO will be delivering Carbon monoxide workshops, handing out CO2 monitors, slow cooking lessons and educating individuals on the benefits of the Cadent Priority Services Register (PSR).

Regular visits from statutory groups.

Punjabi interpreters on site. 

Arts and crafts activities.

Advice and signposting available. 

British Pakistani Welfare Association, 43 Honey Hill Road, Bedford MK40 4NP Mondays: 12 midday – 2pm Hot or cold drinks and snacks, TV, magazines/newspapers, agile workspaces, free Wi-Fi and charging facilities, free accessible parking Information on stress management, health and wellbeing and signposting
Bromham Baptist Church, Village Road, Bromham, MMK43 8PJ Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays: 9am – 5pm Hot or cold drinks and snacks, library/book swap, magazines/newspapers, play equipment/toys, television, agile workspaces, free and accessible parking, free Wi-Fi and charging facilities, disabled facilities, baby changing facilities. The church also runs a coffee shop which serves hot and cold food to purchase.
Bunyan Meeting (the Coffee Shop), Mill Street, Bedford, MK40 3EU Wednesdays: 10am-2pm
Tuesday to Saturday: 10am - 1pm  
Hot or cold drinks, free biscuits, library/book swap, free Wi-Fi, disabled facilities.  
Café at Project 229, 229 Bedford Road, Kempston MK42 8LZ Monday to Friday: 9am - 3.30pm Cakes and drinks at a low cost, arts and crafts, jigsaws, board games, book library, services and activities for all ages. More details are available from the café. Soup is available on Fridays. Everyone is welcome.
Cherry Trees Children’s Centre, Hawkins Road, Bedford, MK42 9LS  Wednesdays: 3.30pm-4.30pm  Accessible parking and entrance, free parking, charging facilities, free Wi-Fi, hot or cold drinks and snacks, play equipment/toys, disabled facilities, baby changing facilities. Family support advice, parenting, breastfeeding and domestic abuse. Access to further support and signposting for housing and benefits.
Centre 41, Woodside Church, Dover Crescent, Bedford MK41 8QH Thursdays: 10am - 12 midday Hot drinks Signposting to relevant services such as housing advice, social prescribers and benefits support.
Church of the Transfiguration, 123 Bedford Road, Kempston, MK42 8BQ Tuesday and Thursday 11am-5pm

Tea, coffee and biscuits, magazines/newspapers, play equipment/toys, library/book swap, charging facilities, free and accessible parking, baby changing facilities

Hot meal on Tuesdays – 12 midday to 2pm

Sandwiches and pastries on Thursday –  12 midday to 2pm

Dog friendly.

CAB is present on a Tuesday, every fortnight.

Pastoral support/1 to 1 support with someone with mental health experience and counselling.

Free Christmas lunch on Christmas Day for anyone.

Deaf Access Bedfordshire (AKA Access Bedford), The Place Theatre, Bradgate Road, Bedford, MK40 3DE Alternate Fridays from January 10 2025: 11am – 2pm

Deaf Space information, advice and guidance service is also freely available at CVS Bedford on Thursdays for BSL users. 

Guests are welcome to purchase tea / coffee / other drinks each at £1 if they wish, but there is no obligation. Guests are welcome to bring lunch with them and biscuits will be offered. Accessible parking and entrance, free parking, free Wi-Fi, charging facilities, accessible toilets, baby changing facilities

This space is tailored for people who are deaf or hard of hearing and is inclusive for BSL users.
Deaf Coffee Club, Woolpack Hub, 3 Commercial Road, Bedford MK40 1RB

Friday 8 March: 11am–2pm

Friday 22 March: 11am–2pm

Friday 4 April: 11am–2pm

Friday 19 April: 11am–2pm

Hot drinks and sandwiches can be purchased from the Salvation Army coffee shop

Most people that attend the drop-in are BSL users however everyone is welcome.

If you’re nervous about joining, look out for volunteers wearing the Access Bedford t-shirt who will introduce you to people. 

Dean and Shelton Parish Council, Dalton Community Hall, Upper Dean, PE28 0LT First and third Thursday of every month: 10.30am to 12.30pm Accessible parking and entrance, free car parking, charging facilities, hot or cold drinks and snack, disabled toilets, guide dog friendly, baby changing facilities  For local villagers only. The café serves as an information hub for the community, sharing details about events and hosting activities like "Coffee with a Cop" and acting as a collection point for the local food bank.
Holy Cross Church known as St Vincent’s, 355 Goldington Road, Bedford, MK41 0DP Tuesdays: 1pm - 3.30pm Hot or cold drinks and snacks, magazines/newspapers, board games and puzzles, bingo and quizzes (with prizes), knitting group, charging facilities, free accessible parking, disabled facilities, baby changing facilities Advice on age concern help available, scams, fire hazards etc. Entertainment, guest speakers.
iLearn Bedford (women’s group), John Bunyan Sports & Fitness, Mile Road, Bedford, MK42 9TS Wednesday: 10am - 12 midday Hot or cold drinks and snacks, play equipment/toys, book swap, magazines/newspapers free Wi-Fi and charging facilities, free accessible parking, disabled facilities, baby changing facilities. Signposting and access to local services such as public health and more.
Keysoe Café, Church Road, Keysoe, Bedford, MK44 2JP Monday to Sunday: 7.30am – 3pm Free parking, accessible parking and entrance, free wi-fi, charging facilities, hot or cold drinks and snacks, magazines/newspapers, play equipment/toys, disables changing facilities and toilets, baby changing facilities, assistance dog friendly, agile workspaces.

Mobile Library every other Friday at 12:30pm.

Sue Ryder Grief Kind Spaces every Tuesday from 10am – 12pm (free of charge, no booking required).

Hug in a Mug every Wednesday from 10.30am (free of charge, no booking required).

Free meet and greets with our miniature ponies every Saturday 1pm – 2pm and Sunday 10:30am – 11:30am. No booking in advance. 

John Bunyan Sports and Fitness, Mile Road, Bedford, MK42 9TS

Mondays: 11.30am - 1.30pm

Badminton available at 12:30pm

Accessible parking and entrance, free Wi-Fi, charging facilities, TV, hot or cold drinks and snacks, disabled facilities, baby changing facilities.   Advice and guidance on NHS stay well.
Jubilation Centre, Moulton Avenue. Bedford MK42 0JB Mondays: 10.30am - 14.30pm Hot or cold drinks and snacks, library/book swap, darts and History Society, free charging facilities, free accessible parking, disabled facilities, baby changing facilities. Community Wellbeing Champions, Wellbeing Activities, Citizens Advice, Up-skilling – Multiply, Town Agent (cost of living) support.
Kempston East Methodist Church, Bedford Road, Kempston, MK42 8DA Wednesdays: 11.30am - 1.30pm Hot and cold drinks and snacks, free and accessible parking, free Wi-Fi and charging facilities, disabled facilities, baby changing facilities.  
Kempston Hammers Sports & Social Club, 134 High Street, Kempston. MK42 7BN  Every Tuesday – 9.30am - 11.30am Hot and cold drinks and snacks, library/book swap, magazines/newspapers, free Wi-Fi and charging facilities, free and accessible parking, disabled facilities, baby changing facilities.  
Kempston Pool and Fitness, Hillgrounds, MK42 8SZ

Mondays: 9.30am - 15.30pm

Fridays: 9.30am - 13.30pm

Accessible parking and entrance, free Wi-Fi, charging facilities, TV, hot or cold drinks and snacks, disabled facilities, baby changing facilities. Advice and guidance on NHS stay well.
Khush Haal (women’s group), Queens Park Community Centre, 52 Marlborough Road, Bedford, MK40 4LF Tuesdays: 10.30am - 12 midday (term time only) Hot or cold drinks and snacks, play equipment/toys, free computers/devices for use, free Wi-Fi and charging facilities, free accessible parking, disabled facilities, baby changing facilities.

Urdu and Punjabi speakers on site – women only session. Khush Haal volunteers have had training on diverse topics and are able to signpost.

Representative from Citizens Advice Bureaux.

Information/advice/guidance  on NHS Diabetes/menopause. 

Oakley Methodist Church, High Street, Oakley, MK43 7RQ  Thursdays: 10.30am to 12 midday Free parking, accessible parking and entrance, free wi-fi, charging facilities, hot/cold drinks and snacks, library/book swap, jigsaw exchange, play equipment/toys, disabled toilets, dog friendly, baby changing facilities.  
Open Doors Training and Development Trust, Christ The King, Community Hall, Harrowden Road, Bedford, MK42 0SP Tuesdays: 11:30am - 1:45pm Accessible parking and entrance, free parking, free computers/devices for use, hot or cold drinks and snacks, disabled facilities, agile workspaces. Public Health information, literatures, one-to-one advice and guidance.
St Mark’s Church Community Centre, Calder Rise, Brickhill, Bedford, MK41 7UY 7 days per week  9am-5pm Agile workspaces, library/book swap. Hot and cold drinks and snacks, magazines/newspapers, play equipment/toys, period products, free Wi-Fi and charging facilities, free and accessible parking, disabled facilities, baby changing facilities

Printing and office facilities.

Dog friendly.

St Mary’s Church Hall, Church Lane, Goldington, MK41 0AN   Every Monday: 1pm-4pm Hot and cold drinks and snacks, library/book swap, magazines/newspapers, play equipment/toys, cards, board games, table tennis, free computers/devices for use at the venue, free Wi-Fi and charging facilities, free and accessible parking, disabled facilities, baby changing facilities.

Dog friendly

Host a surgery for local Councillors.

Members of the community health team and community police team.

Receive occasional visits from other organisations.

Access to Golden Gardens, a community run garden.

St Pauls Church, St Paul’s Square, Bedford, MK40 1SQ Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, from 8 January to 7 March: 11am – 3pm  Free Wi-Fi, charging facilities, hot and cold drinks and snacks, magazines/newspapers, disabled facilities, baby changing facilities.  
Stevington Church Room, Stevington, Bedford, MK43 7QB

Monday to Friday: 10am-midday and 3-5pm

Saturday: 10am-12 midday

Hot/cold drinks, snacks, Library/book swap, play equipment/toys, television, Agile workspaces, free Wi-Fi and charging facilities, free accessible parking, disabled facilities, baby changing facilities.

Snacks are primarily chocolate and similar which have to be paid for.

Activities are in the church room and not the church.

Volunteers on duty when open.

Sri Guru Ravidass Sabha and Community Centre, Guru Ravidass Lane, Bedford MK40 1ED Sundays: 3-4pm Accessible parking and entrance, free carparking, free computers/devices for use, free Wi-Fi, charging facilities, hot/cold food and drink, disabled facilities, baby changing facilities. Free immigration advice surgery on Sundays at 4pm
Wellbeing Media Studio, 20-22 St Mary Street, Bedford, MK42 0AS

Limited opening: Wednesday 12 February and Wednesday 19 February from 12midday- 2pm 

From Wednesday 26 February: 

Wednesdays: 10am-2pm

Disabled toilet/wheelchair access, tea/coffee (in a kitchenette), biscuits, free Wifi, charging facilities, TV, small book library/swap, board games, kindness rail, desk/co-working space.

Activities if there is need, and visits from community support organisations - but there are leaflets and information.

Dedicated talking space available with a qualified coach and Chartered Psychologist.

The venue can accommodate a maximum of 15 people due to limited space.

Children are welcome but must remain supervised by their parents at all times, as there are no specific child-friendly facilities.

Wootton Methodist Church, Cause End Road, Wootton, MK43 9DE

Sundays: 10am - 12 midday

Mondays: 10am -12 midday 

Wednesdays: 11am -1pm

Hot or cold drinks and snacks, free Wi-Fi and charging facilities, free accessible parking, disabled facilities and baby changing facilities.  

If you have opened a welcoming space and would like it included on the Bedford Borough Welcoming Spaces Network please contact public.health@bedford.gov.uk