On Wednesday 27th September, we hosted our heartwarming Community Central Open Day event.
Community Central is a 12-month initiative, dedicated to supporting Luton residents in various ways free of charge. From providing essential benefits and money management advice to offering crucial disability support for people with health conditions – we’re here to make a positive impact on the lives of our community.
The event showcased the strength of collaboration and community spirit, as we partnered with: Sight Concern Bedfordshire, Community Needs, and One Stop Advice Centre. Our amazing funders, Bedfordshire & Luton Community Foundation (BLCF), were also at the event to support our open day. Together, we provided an opportunity to showcase the incredible support and resources that are available to help transform the lives of people within Luton. From discovering the valuable knowledge of the local services, to empowering people to access free support and advice, this open day was considered a great success.
During the event, we had the privilege of hosting remarkable experts from our partner organisations. They generously gave valuable insights and shared advice with attendees seeking answers to their questions. Our attendees enjoyed delicious food and light refreshments, which helped keep those important conversations flowing. They left better equipped to make decisions that can positively shape their lives and the lives of those around them. The team from Sight Concern even performed a technology demonstration, highlighting the accessibility apps designed for individuals with visual impairments.
Beyond the informative sessions and resources, it was a celebration of our shared journey and an opportunity to connect on a deeper level. Community Central plays a pivotal role in tackling the barriers people face when accessing local services. It efficiently reduces waiting times, ensuring timely access to vital resources. The initiative also provides a safe space for attendees to engage in meaningful discussions with The Disability Resource Centre and our valued partners. Together, we nurtured the spirit of togetherness, recognising that for those with disabilities, this sense of support is essential in creating an inclusive and empowered environment. We are committed to driving positive and sustainable change and making a lasting impact on our community.
Mark your calendars because you can expect our partner organisations to offer their expertise and support at the Lewsey Community Centre on the last Wednesday of every month. Contact us for more information about the Community Central project and how you can access free support and advice. We would love for you to be a part of this journey.
Funded by
Community Central is a 12 month project supporting Luton residents with:
- Benefits and money management advice
- Disability advice and support for people with health conditions
<span data-metadata=""><span data-buffer="">- Help with food banks
<span data-metadata=""><span data-buffer="">- Carers support
- Support for your wellbeing and mental health<span data-metadata="">
- Help, advice and free support with employment, volunteering and training
Come and speak with our friendly team who are available at community centres in Luton to help you every week
Tuesdays - Disability advice, health & wellbeing support
9:30am to 1:30pm
Luton Central Library (ground floor), St George’s Square, Luton, LU1 2NG
Wednesdays - Benefits advice and money management support
1pm to 5pm
Lewsey Community Centre, Landrace Rd, Luton, LU4 0SW
Thursdays - Disability advice, benefits advice and carers support
9:30am to 1:30pm
Trinity Community Centre, 3 Trinity Road, Luton, LU3 1TR
Meet our funders
Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation is the leading local grantmaker in the county. They make a real difference to the lives of people in Bedfordshire and Luton. They are known for ground-breaking initiatives that support local charities and grassroots groups in our area, which is exactly what Community Central is all about.
Meet our community partners
Sight Concern Bedfordshire supports the visually impaired community in Bedfordshire and Luton. They offer a friendly and flexible service designed around each individual person that can include low vision assessment and clinics, specialist advice, befriending and keeping in touch.
Community Needs is a Luton based charity that provides educational, recreational and leisure time activity in the interests of social and economic welfare for the wider community. They offer short courses that range in length from a few hours to a number of weeks, and can easily fit around your other commitments. Courses include: English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Maths and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
Established in 2012 One Stop Advice Centre is a independent provider in Bedfordshire in the East of England. Their caseworkers provide a comprehensive service providing advice and assistance at social security appeal tribunals, housing repossession hearings, and other debt related matters at the Crown and County Court.
The Disability Resource Centre is a registered charity that has disabled people at the centre of its decision making. They provide advice + disability equipment + free skills workshops and online courses + Direct Payments + support for carers + free support for your mental health and overall wellbeing.
The charity team works with local communities to support anyone with a disability or health condition in Milton Keynes, Luton and across Bedfordshire. They are here so that disabled people and their families have somewhere to turn if they need help in any situation.
Get in touch
If you have any questions or you require more information, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Phone: 01582 470 900
Email: info@drcbeds.org.uk
