Community engagement is where we foster positive relationships with diverse community groups, voluntary and third sector organisations.

We target groups and organisations that currently have no formal structure for engagement. These are mostly groups and organisations working with women, ethnic minority communities, LGBT communities and faith communities.

Community, voluntary and faith groups

You may find these links helpful to search for local groups:

Community and Faith in Bedford - this directory from the University of Bedfordshire's chaplaincy will introduce you to some of the many and diverse faith communities in Bedford and can may help you to find a place of worship or in make contact with a particular faith community 

Find an Organisation - a directory of voluntary and community organisations in Bedfordshire from Community Voluntary Service (CVS).

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT)

We are developing a database of LGBT groups. If you are a member of an LGBT group then we would like to get to know you.

If you are interested in LGBT issues and would like to get involved in advancing equality then please contact us at PolicyGroup@bedford.gov.uk.

Rainbow Bedfordshire is a community organisation set up by people with a lived experience of being LGBTQ+ from Bedford Borough. It hosts inclusive 'safer space' social activities locally to promote individual and community wellbeing. These include sports and leisure sessions, the Queer Craftivism Collective, and a fortnightly informal mutual support group at the Green Earth Cafe. Rainbow Bedfordshire works with local public, private, and third sector organisations to collaborate on a range of initiatives. For updates and further information please visit its website www.rainbowbedfordshire.co.uk, contact on email via info@rainbowbedfordshire.co.uk, and via social media by searching Rainbow Bedfordshire.

The Beaumont Society helps and supports the transgender community.