Other Organisations
Sometimes, we’re not the best organisation to meet your needs. If that’s the case, you may find one of those listed below can help. Please note that these organisations are not affiliated with Dunstable Good Neighbours, and Dunstable Good Neighbours does not take any responsibility for them.
Good Neighbour Groups
If you do not live in Dunstable there are a number of Good Neighbour schemes in Central Bedfordshire and Bedford so there may be one in your area. Please note that HOUGHTON REGIS has its own scheme and does not come under Dunstable.
Help with Local Transport
Unfortunately Dunstable Good Neighbours are no longer able to accept requests for help with transport. However there is help available via the excellent SOUTH BEDS DIAL A RIDE SERVICE. Their skilled and friendly drivers are both trained and DBS/CRB screened. They offer a personal service, including assistance where required, from 8:45 to 16:15 Monday to Friday. There is a cost involved but it is very reasonable.
Call 01582 235 454 to book or email bookings@sbdar.co.uk
Click here to find out more
The Bobby Scheme
The Bobby Scheme provides a free home security service, providing and fitting devices such as new locks, door chains and door viewers free of charge.
The service is available for people over the age of 65, the vulnerable or those that are disabled.
The Bobby Team will attend your home and carry out a survey, identifying any areas which may be vulnerable to crime. Where appropriate, their staff will improve your security with locks, door chains and viewers.
To find out more visit their website page http://www.bedspolicepartnership.org/bobbyscheme.html
Salvation Army Debt Advice Service
The Salvation Army offers a free, confidential, impartial, professional service to people in the Dunstable and Houghton Regis area.
Contact: 01582 343680 or dunstabledas@salvationarmy.org.uk
Community Fire Safety Officer
Garrett Brooks is the local Community Fire Safety Officer who will go to people’s homes to check fire safety and especially to check that smoke alarms and Carbon Monoxide alarms are up to date and fully working. Call him on 07909 997208.
Citizen’s Advice
Citizen’s Advice are available to help with all sorts of things, especially if you are short of food. Call them on 01582 670003. Or better still, text them on 07367 457834 to ask them to phone you back – it saves waiting in the phone queue, and they are very reliable in following up text messages.
Warm Spaces
There are several Warm Space initiatives in Dunstable over this winter, and some are continuing as social spaces, even as the weather warms up. Rather than trying to maintain our own list and keep it up to date, we suggest you visit the Central Bedfordshire list of Warm Spaces for Dunstable (opens in new window).
You Can Do IT!
The You Can Do IT! digital inclusion programme is running across Central Bedfordshire and Bedford Borough.
This is for people who are keen to get connected and learn to use smart devices (e.g. laptops, tablets, or smart phones) possibly for the first time.
For more details, see their website (opens in new window).
University of the Third Age
The U3A is a charitable, voluntary organisation, aimed primarily at people who are no longer in full-time employment. The organisation runs numerous interest groups, where people of like mind come together in a sociable environment to share their interest. Groups include walking, crafting, card games, croquet, music, languages, history, and many more. Find out more on the Dunstable U3A Website (opens in new window).
National Energy Action
National Energy Action (opens in new window) is the national charity working to end fuel poverty in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Find out more about the challenge we face, the difference we make, and the difference you can make.
We offer advice and support to fuel-poor households in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as advocating for policy and regulation to protect the most vulnerable households. We also offer training to frontline staff of other organisations, so they can best support fuel-poor households.
Talking Elephants – Bereavement Support
Neville Funerals operate a free bereavement support service (called Talking Elephants) which (at the time of writing) meets at Priory Church Hall, Church Street, Dunstable LU5 4RS on the third Monday of every month, between 1:30 and 3:30. Please check their website for up to date details.