Bedford Borough Council is running a series of Stay Warm Stay Safe community events, giving residents the chance to have their small electrical appliances checked, get expert advice, and pick up practical tips for staying safe and warm in the colder months.
The events are fully funded by Electrical Safety First Fund, free to attend, and delivered in partnership with local organisations including Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.
About the events
At a stay warm stay safe event, you can:
- have small portable electrical appliances tested for safety (electrical heaters, electrical blankets, kettles, toasters, lamps, extension leads, phone and laptop chargers, and similar small household appliances)
- receive practical guidance on electrical safety and staying warm safely
- pick up information on staying warm safely and efficiently, and be signposted to local and national support services
Safety advice leaflets and posters will be available at the events, with posters displayed across selected public venues across Bedford Borough to help raise awareness in our community.
By attending, residents agree to the following
- Appliance safety: Appliances that fail the PAT test will have the electrical cords cut and the item will be safely disposed of to comply with safety legislation. Failed items will not be returned.
- Replacement Gift Card: We will give you one £10 gift card per household if your item is unsafe, to help you cover the replacement costs of the failed appliances. The voucher may not cover the full cost of a replacement and is available while supplies last.
- Questionnaire: Attendees are invited to complete a short anonymous questionnaire, in print at the event or online, to help us evaluate how this project has benefited the community and improve future events.
Who can attend
These events are open to all residents of Bedford Borough but may be especially useful for those who:
- are older adults or live alone
- have young children or caring responsibilities
- have medical conditions affected by cold, limited mobility, or rely on electrical heating
- are interested in advice on electrical safety or staying warm at home
Whether you want a safety check, advice, or both, you are welcome to attend.
Event dates and locations
Come and join us for a friendly session at our community drop-in dates:
Tuesday 17 February
9am - 12 midday at Kingswell Community Hub, London Road Methodist Church Hall, 96 London Road, Bedford, MK42 0NT.
Tuesday 3 March
11:30am - 1:30pm at Open Doors Health Hub, Christ The King Church Hall, Harrowden Road, Bedford, MK42 0SP.
Wednesday 25 March
12:15pm - 2:15pm at Cafe Connect, Queen’s Park Community Centre, 52 Marlborough Road, Bedford, MK40 4LF.
Friday 27 March (closing event)
10am - 3pm at Tavistock Community Centre (located towards the town end of Tavistock Street), Princes Street, Bedford, MK40 2SX.
More information
If you have any questions about the event, please email Energy.Team@bedford.gov.uk.
Electrical Safety First is the UK charity committed to reducing deaths, injuries, and damage caused by electricity.