by Hannah Brown @aneartohearlb Raising awareness of mental illness is always a bit of a minefield, we can all read the facts and statistics that underpin the illnesses’ existence but to actually understand what it feels like, how it takes over ones life and rules our very being- well that is something quite different. Eating…
On 5th December, SoupFest comes to Bedford and the Clanger is proud to be one of its many high-profile supporters. To find out more, we chatted to Soupfest-founder, Emma Garrett: What inspired you to launch SoupFest in Bedford? My parents are from Jersey in the Channel Islands and they are both involved in this initiative…
When Mabel Barltrop formed The Panacea Society in Albany Road in Bedford in 1919 she had no idea that she was planting the seeds of a legacy that would help us understand the existential threats of the 21st century world, but that is exactly what has happened. The last member of the reclusive community died…
Got something that’s broken, that you think could be repaired if only you knew how? Do you hate the thought of throwing things away simply because you don’t have the know-how or necessary tools? Then help is at hand! The BedPop fixers are back at the Higgins on 20th May to host the BedPop Repair…
In early March, a mental health support group launched in Bedford, joining over 20 other towns and cities throughout the UK to provide peer support in a casual and informal environment. So successful was the inaugural meeting and walk, that Mental Health Mates, led by volunteer Lesley Quinn, will meet on the first Saturday of…
By Lucy Bywater I recently reached a little milestone for which I unexpectedly received a certificate and pin badge in the post: I’d donated blood a total of ten times. The certificate is with the other stuff stuck to the fridge and to be honest I probably won’t be wearing the badge but I do…
By Lucy Bywater Bedford is not an uncharitable town, despite not being amongst the UK’s wealthiest. What is noticeable though is the growing number of people sleeping rough in our town. Christmas sees a surge in charitable giving, but now that the colder weather is making a proper appearance, homeless people need Bedford’s support more…
By Kris Wilkinson-Hughes Recently, as I concluded another Frogs’ Chorus session, the group that comes in after me seemed rather down. It turns out that the Bedford Council has stopped funding the support services they offer to carers and those suffering from the Alzheimers. Currently the Council website says: ‘Carer Information and Support Programmes run several times…
11am – 5pm at the Higgins, Bedford on Saturday 19th November Got something that’s broken, that you think could be repaired if only you knew how? Do you hate the thought of throwing things away simply because you don’t have the know-how or necessary tools? Then help is at hand! The BedPop Repair Shop will…
On Thursday 6th October, Clanger Editor, Erica Roffe and #breakthestigma campaigner, Ben Salmons, headed to the London offices of the Daily Telegraph to meet up with author and journalist Bryony Gordon. “I’ve known Bryony for around 20 years,” said Erica. “When I read that she’d launched Mental Health Mates I knew that she and Ben…