RUN FOR CHARITY
Running for a charity and knowing you have helped someone else along the way gives you that additional motivation to help reach your racing goals and makes it so much more of a rewarding experience!
All of our charity partners have spaces available in our events and every charity will offer you incentives to help you reach your fundraising goals, as well as invaluable support and advice in the lead up to, and on your big day.
If you’re interested in running for one of our amazing charity partners either by running directly for the charity or by using your own place - please get in touch directly with them using the contact details below - they will be so happy to hear from you!
If you work for a charity, and are interested in getting involved in the Bedford Run Fest please email events@activetrainingworld.co.uk for further information.
ACCESS BEDFORD
Access Bedford’s aim is to work with the D/deaf and hard of hearing community to make Bedford more accessible. Access Bedford is set up to promote social inclusion among members of the D/deaf and hard of hearing community living in Bedford and the surrounding area. We do this by: raising public awareness of the issues affecting D/deaf people, compaigning for the promotion of British Sign Language to be on an equal footing to spoken and written English, and providing recreational facilities and opportunities for D/deaf people.
Contact - info@accessbedford.org.uk
EMBRACE
We are Embrace (formerly BDCPS); a small charity based in Bedfordshire, who have been established since 1954.
Our mission is to provide unwavering support to families living with disabilities, sharing our knowledge and understanding to empower each individual we encounter along their unique journey. We empower lives through adaptable and inclusive support, championing individual needs, enabling autonomy within a responsive and nurturing environment and ensuring no family member is left behind.
Inclusivity is not just a value but a guiding principle; we ensure that every family member, regardless of their circumstances, feels valued and embraced within our support network.
Through guidance and empathy, we aim to uplift families, fostering strength and resilience as they navigate life’s challenges.
Contact us via: fundraising@embrace.org.uk
EMMAUS VILLAGE CARLTON
Based in Village Carlton, Bedfordshire, Emmaus Village Carlton provides a home, support, and work opportunities for people who have experienced homelessness and social exclusion
Our charity offers more than just a bed for the night. People supported by Emmaus receive a home, tailored support, and the opportunity to gain skills and work opportunities through its social enterprise of three shops, plus two online stores, a bistro and house clearance service. This package of support helps people regain stability, rebuild their confidence, and work towards independence.
Contact us via: office@emmausvc.org
LIVING IT UP
Living It Up (registered charity 1199155): Empowering people with learning disabilities and/or autism to reach their full potential through events, social projects and education in the performing and creative arts
Living It Up is a user-led charity providing social, educational and creative opportunities to adults with learning disabilities and/or autism in and around Bedfordshire. Living It Up was initially set up to promote Mencap’s ‘Stay Up Late’ national campaign. This campaign was to promote the rights of people with a learning disability to stay up late and have fun.
The charity’s mission is to reduce social isolation, promote social inclusion and enhance life opportunities for adults with learning disabilities and/or autism by providing spaces and services through which members can build skills, make friends, and participate confidently in the community.
What Living It Up Does
Living It Up current has 5 services, including:
Events: Bi-monthly club nights where members can enjoy music, dancing, and social time in a supported setting.
Performing Arts Centre: Daytime sessions in creative arts — music, drama, dance, podcasting, film editing and more — helping participants explore and develop artistic talents.
Gig Buddies: A befriending scheme pairing members with trained volunteers who accompany them to social outings, concerts or events. We also have a matched pair who regularly run at Runfest.
Gr8 Mates: A friendship and dating service, hosting events that support adults with learning disabilities/autism to make connections and explore relationships.
Accessible community centre: The charity runs a fully wheelchair accessible community space to host events, sessions, and gatherings.
We are proud to be a user-led organisation that listens to the voices of people who use our services. We have a Trustee who uses our services, and all of our services have committees and focus groups formed of people with learning disabilities and/or autism; these groups are integral to shaping the existing organisation and future services.
Why It Matters For many adults with learning disabilities or autism, opportunities for a safe, fulfilling social life can be scarce. Living It Up addresses this by combining creativity, social access and peer support. By doing so, it helps members to:
form friendships and reduce isolation;
develop new skills and creative expression;
enjoy access to nightlife and cultural life in an inclusive way;
gain confidence in social settings.
In short - it’s about living life to the fullest!
Contact - events@lovelivingitup.org
LINK TO CHANGE
Our vision is a World where everyone can live free from exploitation.
Link to Change is more than a charity; we are agents of hope, resilience, and impactful change, dedicated to breaking the cycle of exploitation and building a brighter, more equitable future for our children and young people. Link to Change is the only voluntary organisation working across Bedfordshire and Luton, who exclusively support this highly vulnerable and at-risk group of young people.
Using a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach, we build trusting relationships, showing care and respect to help children and young people rebuild their sense of self and heal.
Contact us via: info@linktochange.org.uk