Our training programmes aim to equip and empower you as a carer.
Training is very important for carers for a number of reasons.
It provides you with the essential skills and knowledge you need to care safely. It helps maintain your wellbeing and can prevent you from becoming ill yourself. It can also help reduce feelings of isolation and provide an opportunity for you to do something for yourself.
As well as running our own training courses we also aim to signpost you to other training providers so you can access training to suit your needs:
The NHS ELFT Recovery College provides training for people experiencing mental health issues and their carers. Read more about the Recovery College here.
FutureLearn provides a wide range of online courses designed by leading universities for a wide range of learners. They have many courses that help increase your knowledge about conditions and your caring role.
"About Me: Building Resilience for Caring" is an online training package especially created for unpaid carers by Carers UK. Click here to learn more.
Training is very important for carers for a number of reasons.
It provides you with the essential skills and knowledge you need to care safely. It helps maintain your wellbeing and can prevent you from becoming ill yourself. It can also help reduce feelings of isolation and provide an opportunity for you to do something for yourself.
As well as running our own training courses we also aim to signpost you to other training providers so you can access training to suit your needs:
The NHS ELFT Recovery College provides training for people experiencing mental health issues and their carers. Read more about the Recovery College here.
FutureLearn provides a wide range of online courses designed by leading universities for a wide range of learners. They have many courses that help increase your knowledge about conditions and your caring role.
"About Me: Building Resilience for Caring" is an online training package especially created for unpaid carers by Carers UK. Click here to learn more.
Adapting to Caring
Carers in Bedfordshire is not responsible for the content delivered by an external provider.
1-to-1 Smartphone / Tablet / Laptop training
Did you know that everyday technology can help you as a carer? Using Skype, on-line shopping or booking a GP appointment online. To find out more book a 1-1 IT training session for some advice, tips and instructions on technology.
Mondays, 10.00am – 1.00pm
Pilgrim Centre, Brickhill Drive, Bedford
Fee: Free (Donations welcome)
Contact: Nicola West, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 0300 111 1919
Wednesday, 2 & 4th week, various times
Leighton Buzzard Library
Fee: Free (Donations welcome)
Contact: Anna Kidman, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 07772 231 208
Thursday 13 September, 2.00 – 4.00pm
Meet the Team
Have you recently registered with Carers in Bedfordshire? Then please come along to the afternoon to find out the range of services we offer. Our team of support workers will also be available to talk to.
Pilgrim Centre, Brickhill Drive, Bedford
Fee: Free (Donations welcome)
Contact: Nicola West, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 0300 111 1919
Tuesday 18 September, 10.30am-12.30pm
Meet the Team
Have you recently registered with Carers in Bedfordshire? Then please come along to the morning to find out the range of services we offer. Our team of support workers will also be available to talk to.
Flitvale Garden Centre, Flitwick Road, Westoning, MK45 5AA
Fee: Free (Donations welcome)
Contact: Dawn Ray, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 01767 315 079
Tuesday 18 September, 10.30am to 12.30pm
Maintaining your Relationships whilst Caring
Whilst caring your relationships can change and may become difficult. This workshop looks at how you can maintain healthy relationships with your loved one, family and friends.
Pilgrim Centre, Brickhill Drive, Bedford
Fee: Free (Donations welcome)
Contact: Nicola West, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 0300 111 1919
Monday 1 October, 12.15 – 1.15pm
Planning a funeral
Find out how you can plan a funeral in advance, whether you need this now or in the future.
Clarabut & Plumbe Funeral Directors – Olivia Goodwin
Bedford office
Free (Donations welcome)
Contact: Nicola West, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 0300 111 1919
Monday 15 October, 12.15 – 1.15pm
Understanding Mental Capacity, Power of Attorney and Deputyship
Did you know that Power of Attorney needs to be done in advance before mental capacity has been lost? This talk will help you understand how a Power of Attorney can help protect a persons interests and when someone has lost mental capacity.
Jodin Gherra, Premier Solicitors
Bedford office
Free (Donations welcome)
Contact: Nicola West, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 0300 111 1919
Wednesday 31 October, 10.30am – 12.30pm
Meet the Team
Biggleswade Support Workers
Recently registered with Carers in Bedfordshire? Come and find out about the range of services we offer and meet our support workers.
Shefford Library
Free (Donations welcome)
Contact: Dawn Ray, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 01767 315 079
Monday 5 November, 12.15 – 1.15pm
Continence Issues & Pressure Ulcers Prevention
Dealing with continence issues & pressures ulcers can be stressful and difficult. The Patient Safety Project Nurse will explain what you can do to lessen the impact these have.
Bedford office
Free (Donations welcome)
Contact: Nicola West, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 0300 111 1919
Monday 12 November, 12.15 – 1.15pm
Wills, Care home funding & Power of Attorney
Planning in advance can help reduce stress and make sure your wishes are taken into account. Take time out to learn how to prepare your will and ways to fund care you might need in the future. Find out how a Power of Attorney can help.
Cathy Eaton, Tollers Solicitors
Bedford office
Free (Donations welcome)
Contact: Nicola West, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 0300 111 1919
Tuesday 13 November, 12.30 – 3.00pm
Talk & Lunch – Planning a funeral by Woodmans – Funderal Directors
Find out how you can plan a funeral in advance, whether you need this now or in the future.
Sea Cadets HQ, Biggleswade
£5.00 for a light lunch and drinks
Contact: Dawn Ray, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 01767 315 079
Wednesday 21 November , 10.30 to 12.30
Meet the Team
Bedford Support Workers
Recently registered with Carers in Bedfordshire? Come and find out about the range of services we offer and meet our support workers.
Bedford Office
Free (Donations welcome)
Contact: Nicola West, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 0300 111 1919
Caring Safely
Carers in Bedfordshire is not responsible for the content delivered by an external provider.
Ageing Well: Falls
This free online course explores why people fall, discover practical methods to reduce the risk of falling and recognise when to seek expert help
FutureLearn
Wednesday 29th August, 10.00 – 12.00pm
Improving my sleep
Leighton Buzzard
Begin to recognise unhelpful sleep cycles, and what small changes could improve your sleep.
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further information
Wednesday 5 September
10.00 - 11.00 Workshop; 11.00 – 12.00 Coffee and Tasters
Relaxation for Carers
Our Relaxation Therapist will be explaining some ‘carer friendly’ techniques. Come for a talk, coffee and some ‘taster’ sessions.
Pilgrim Centre, Brickhill Drive, Bedford
Fee: Free (Donations welcome)
Contact: Nicola West, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 0300 111 1919
Tuesday 11 September, 12.30pm-3.00pm
Talk and Lunch
A talk from Hilary Touey from Age UK about the services they can offer and a light lunch and drinks.
Sea Cadets HQ, Station Road, Biggleswade, SG18 8AL
Fee: £5.00
Contact: Dawn Ray, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 01767 315 079
Tuesday 11 September, 10.30am – 12.30pm
Managing Worries
Is worrying keeping you awake at night? This workshop looks at the common symptoms of worry, and its effect on thoughts, feelings and behaviours. It will cover techniques to postpone your worries by learning to problem solve.
Pilgrim Centre, Brickhill Drive, Bedford
Fee: Free (Donations welcome)
Contact: Nicola West, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 0300 111 1919
Tuesday 25 September
Everyday First Aid
Pilgrim Centre, Brickhill Drive, Bedford
Fee: Free (Donations welcome)
Contact: Nicola West, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 0300 111 1919
tbc March 2019, 9.30 to 3.00pm - Advance Notice
First Aid Certification Day
No-one wants to be in a situation where they need to give first aid. But sometimes it is necessary especially as a carer. This one day course will equip you to deal confidently with emergency situations and administer basic first aid. You will receive a certificate which can be used in the workplace and other organisations.
Helen Bell-Day
Bedford office
Free (Donations welcome)
Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to register interest
Understanding Conditions
Carers in Bedfordshire is not responsible for the content delivered by an external provider.
Mental Health Conditions
NHS Recovery College
For a copy of their brochure, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.or ring 01234 316 708
Support4Memory Workshops
Bedford area
Contact Tibbs Dementia Foundation on 07795 177 948
The Many Faces of Dementia
This free online course will help you gain a unique insight into dementia through the stories, symptoms and science behind four less common diagnosis.
FutureLearn
Liver Disease: Looking after your Liver
This free online course will show you how your liver works, ways to look after it and how liver damage is caused, studied and treated around the world.
FutureLearn
Dementia Care: Staying Connected and Living Well
A free on-line course for carers, to help you stay connected to loved ones, manage stress at home and defuse difficult situations.
FutureLearn
Tuesday 7th August, 10.30 – 12.30
Understanding Voices
Ampthill
This workshop is aimed to help people who hear voices, family, friends, in the experience of voice hearing, gain knowledge and understanding about hearing voices. The workshop offers some psychological theory into causes of voice hearing and also explores stigma, management techniques and the overall impact that hearing voices can have on a person’s life and wellbeing.
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further information
Friday 24th August, 10.30 – 12.30
Understanding Voices
Bedford
This workshop is aimed to help people who hear voices, family, friends, in the experience of voice hearing, gain knowledge and understanding about hearing voices. The workshop offers some psychological theory into causes of voice hearing and also explores stigma, management techniques and the overall impact that hearing voices can have on a person’s life and wellbeing.
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further information
3 September
Understanding Anxiety, Depression and CBT
With this free online course improve your understanding of depression and anxiety and find out more about an effective and evidence-based treatment: CBT.
FutureLearn
10 September
Caring for People with Psychosis and Schizophrenia
With this free online course explore the key issues related to caring for a relative with psychosis or schizophrenia.
FutureLearn
Thursday 11 October, 10.30 to 12.30
Understanding Stress
Arti Kakkad
When life is busy it is difficult to notice stress building until it starts to impact your physical and mental health. Take time out to learn the signs of increased stress and ways to prevent you from feeling its negative effects.
Bedford office
Free (Donations welcome)
Contact: Nicola West, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 0300 111 1919
15 October
Understanding Depression and Low Mood in Young People
With this free online course understand how to recognise depression and low mood in teenagers and learn how to help.
FutureLearn
Tuesday 16 October, 10.30 to 12.30
Balancing Negative Thoughts
ELFT
Dealing with stressful situations every day can lead to negative thoughts which can be consuming. Learn how to recognise when this is happening and how to deal with them.
Bedford Office
Free (Donations welcome)
Contact: Nicola West, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 0300 111 1919
tbc October
Personality Disorder
This talk by a professional in the field is part of an ongoing series of talks that aims to increase your understanding of conditions in order to support you in your caring role.
We hope this event will take place in October 2018 in Leighton Buzzard but currently the speaker, date, time and location are tbc.
Free (Donations Welcome)
Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to register interest.
Tuesday 9 October, 12.30 to 3.00pm
Talk & Lunch – Samaritans Rob Labe
Find out about the work the Samaritans do and how it can support you and your loved ones.
Sea Cadets HQ, Biggleswade
£5.00 for a light lunch and drinks
Contact: Dawn Ray, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 01767 315 079
Wednesday 7 November, 10am-12.00
Stroke
Are you Caring for Someone who has had a Stroke? This session, led by the Stroke Assocation, offers a brief introduction on sroke’s hidden effects, how to support someone with communication problems, it gives practical tips for caring, the importantance of looking after your own well-being and where to go for further support and advice.
Hilary Wood and Rebecca McGee from the Stroke Association
Leighton Buzzard Scout Hut, Memorial Headquarters, Grovebury Road, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordhire LU7 4SW
Free (Donations Welcome)
Contact: Anna Kidman, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 07772 231 208
Tuesday 13 November, 10am-12.00
Autism - A Dad’s story
An informative and emotional account of caring for someone with Autism.
Darren Youell
Dunstable Fire Station, Brewers Hill Road, Dunstable, Bedfordshire LU6 1AA
Free (Donations Welcome)
Contact: Anna Kidman, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 07772 231 208
Wellbeing
1-to-1 Smartphone / Tablet / Laptop training
Did you know that everyday technology can help you as a carer? Using Skype, on-line shopping or booking a GP appointment online. To find out more book a 1-1 IT training session for some advice, tips and instructions on technology.
Mondays, 10.00am – 1.00pm
Pilgrim Centre, Brickhill Drive, Bedford
Fee: Free (Donations welcome)
Contact: Nicola West, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 0300 111 1919
Wednesday, 2 & 4th week, various times
Leighton Buzzard Library
Fee: Free (Donations welcome)
Contact: Anna Kidman, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 07772 231208
The 2nd Tuesday of each month and the 4th Thursday of each month, 10.00am - 2.30pm
Relaxation
Trainer - Victoria Harley
Sea Cadet HQ, Biggleswade
Fee: £15.00 for 30 min or £25.00 for 60 min.
Contact: Dawn Ray, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 01767 315079
21 July
Strategies for Successful Ageing
With this free online course find out how staying happy, healthy, socially-connected and active can help you age successfully.
FutureLearn
Wednesday 15 August, 10.00am - 12.00pm
Beginning to Face Your Fears
ELFT NHS
Understand the process behind the symptoms of panic, and its effect on thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Train yourself how to gradually face your fears through graded exposure.
Scout Hut, Grovebury Road, Leighton Buzzard
Fee: Free (Donations welcome)
Contact: Anna Kidman, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 07772 231208
Wednesday 5 September, 10.00am - 12.00pm
5 Ways to Wellbeing
Taking care of your emotional wellbeing is so important to your caring role. This workshop boosts feelings of wellbeing and helps you to cope with life’s challenges.
Scout Hut, Grovebury Road, Leighton Buzzard
Fee: Free (Donations welcome)
Contact: Anna Kidman, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 07772 231208
Wednesday 5 September 10.00 – 12.00
Relaxation for Carers
Our Relaxation Therapist will be explaining some ‘carer friendly’ techniques in the Relaxation for Carers workshop. Come for a talk, coffee and some ‘taster’ sessions.
Fee: Free (Donations welcome)
Contact: Nicola West, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 0300 111 1919
Friday 14 & 21 September, 5,12, 19 October, 2 & 9 November, 10.30 – 12.30
Art for Wellbeing
Learn new skills and enjoy the company of likeminded, creative people at our Art for Wellbeing course. You don’t have to be a skilled artist to enjoy these classes.
Pilgrim Centre, Brickhill Drive, Bedford
Fee: £35 per course; £6.00 per session
Contact: Nicola West, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 0300 111 1919
Art for Wellbeing
Thursday 20, 27, September, 4, 11, 18 October, 1,8, 15, 22, 29 November, 6, 13 December
Learn new skills and enjoy the company of likeminded, creative people at our Art for Wellbeing course. You don’t have to be a skilled artist to enjoy these classes
Sea Cadets HQ, Station Road, Biggleswade
Fee: £60 per course: £6.00 per session.
Contact: Dawn Ray, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 01767 315079
Thursday 27 September, 10.30am – 12.30pm
5 Ways to Wellbeing
Taking care of your emotional wellbeing is so important to your caring role. This workshop boosts feelings of wellbeing and helps you to cope with life’s challenges.
Pilgrim Centre, Brickhill Drive, Bedford
Fee: Free (Donations welcome)
Contact: Nicola West, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 0300 111 1919
Tuesday 9 October, 6pm-8pm
Talk: A History of Whipsnade Zoo
Take some time out, attend this talk and allow your mind to engage with an interesting and local topic! Whipsnade Zoo is a unique wild animal park; hear abou it’s history, good and bad times and its outstanding success in breeding and conservation.
Ann Ledger
Salvation Army, Bullpond Lane, Dunstable, LU6 3AH
Free (Donations Welcome)
Contact: Anna Kidman, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 07772 231208
Thursday 11 & 18 October and 8 & 15 November, 1.00 to 3.00pm
Ceramics
Taking time out is important for carers. This course will give you a chance to try pottery with other carers and develop a new hobby.
Mandy Caldon
Bedford office
£20 for the course or £6.00 per session
Contact: Nicola West, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 0300 111 1919
Tuesday 27 November, 10.30 to 12.30
5 Ways to Wellbeing
Sandra Rome
Will help you take practical steps to improve your emotional wellbeing. This approach has been proven to make a positive difference in boosting feelings of wellbeing and to help cope with life’s challenges.
Bedford Office
Free (Donations welcome)
Contact: Nicola West, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 0300 111 1919
Wednesday 5 December, 10am to 12.00pm
Relaxation for Carers – Christmas special
Mel Reynolds
The build up to Christmas can be very busy and difficult whilst balancing it with your caring role. Take time out this Christmas and learn some ‘carer friendly’ techniques to use in everyday life.
Bedford Office
Free (Donations welcome)
Contact: Nicola West, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 0300 111 1919
Tuesday 11 December, 12.30pm to3.00pm
Talk & Lunch - Christmas Sparkle
Join us for an afternoon of making Christmas decorations and a light lunch
Sea Cadets HQ, Biggleswade
£5.00 for a light lunch and drinks
Contact: Dawn Ray, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 01767 315079