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
BORN TO SHINE
We are thrilled to announce Born to Perform’s Partnership with Born to Shine Charity, united in our mission to transform the lives of young people through the power of the arts and personal development. Together, we envision a world where every young individual is empowered to express themselves, build their confidence, and unlock their true potential.
Our goals are to engage and empower people by improving well-being, self-esteem & confidence in those that are socially isolated for a range of different reasons (eg. health, finance, age, gender, etc).
Contact us via: info@borntoshine.org.uk
CARERS IN BEDFORDSHIRE
We support unpaid carers across Bedfordshire. Founded in 2004 we have grown rapidly to support over 12,000 carers who are looking after a loved one that couldn’t manage without them. Unpaid carers often put themselves last and as a result, their own health, general wellbeing and financial situation can suffer, which in turn affects their ability to provide care. We support carers with wellbeing, grants, information, peer support and much more to ensure that they can remain caring for as long as is needed.
To join our running crew this year please e-mail or call us on 0300 111 1919.
Contact - fundraising@carersinbeds.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
KING’S ARMS PROJECT
King’s Arms Project is a Bedford-based charity tackling homelessness, displacement, and social isolation. We support over 1,000 people each year through four core services: Outreach, Pathways programmes, Supported Accommodation, and Refugee & Migrant Support.
Our services are shaped by the needs of those we support, responding to their goals and desire for lasting stability across every area of life. We meet people where they are and walk alongside them toward the future they want to build.
For over 35 years, we’ve provided person-centred care, practical support, and genuine community connection to help people grow in confidence and independence.
We believe in hope for everyone, always.
Contact - stuart.mccaw@kingsarmsproject.org
LIVING IT UP
Living It Up Events formed in 2009. Originally a community group, it became a Community Interest Company in 2016 and a Charity in 2022. 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. Living It Up now has 5 services currently for adults with learning disabilities and or autism: our original Living It Up Events service (holding bi-monthly discos), a Performing Arts Centre (providing daytime sessions four days a week), Gr8 Mates (for people looking for a friend or partner), Gig Buddies (a befriending service which provides trained volunteers to support participants to go out socially) and we also run a wheelchair accessible Community Centre. 'Our mission is to continue to provide innovative, exciting and empowering social and educational opportunities for adults with disabilities and/or autism.'
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
MIND
We're Mind. We won't give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect.
We empower people with life-changing information – helping them understand mental health, make informed choices, and feel less alone in their journey. From helplines to local Minds, we're here when it matters most – offering real help, real people, and real hope every step of the way. We raise our voices, stand up to injustice, and push for lasting change – because everyone deserves a mental health system that truly cares.
Contact us via: supporterrelations@mind.org.uk
ROAD VICTIMS TRUST
Each year about one thousand seven hundred and fifty people die as a result of road collisions on the UK’s roads. This represents an enormous loss. Each person killed or injured will be someone’s parent, partner, child, a favourite relative or best friend.
The need to provide effective, personal support to those affected by death or life changing injuries resulting from road collisions is a significant issue. There are formal legal processes following a serious road collision that involve the Police, Coroner, Crown Prosecution Service and personal injury lawyers. However, the work to complete these legal processes does not include the provision of specialist emotional and practical support that is so often needed by victims following the collision. Victims include bereaved individuals and families, those that were involved in the collision or who witnessed it. The Road Victims Trust seeks to fill the gap by providing support for the bereaved and people otherwise affected by road death or life changing injuries, who are resident in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.
Contact us via: enquiries@rvtrust.co.uk