bedsnewsbotBedford named one of best places to live in East of England
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New Children and Young People’s Plan published for Central Bedfordshire
New Children and Young People’s Plan published for Central Bedfordshire - Feddit UK
The plan outlines a shared approach to improving outcomes for children and young people, ensuring they have the best possible start in life and are supported as they grow up. It builds on the previous plan launched in 2022 and reflects feedback gathered from children and young people, families and partner organisations. Children and young people played a key role in shaping the plan. Through engagement with schools, youth groups and community organisations, young people shared what matters most to them. This directly informed the seven themes at the heart of the plan, including health and wellbeing, feeling safe, learning and development, being listened to, preparing for the future, family support and protecting the environment. The plan also sets out how the council will deliver this work by working closely with partner organisations, coordinating activity across council services, co-producing services with residents and service users, continuing to listen to children and young people, and learning from national initiatives and government programmes. It includes safe links to further information for young people who want to explore specific topics in more detail. Councillor Gareth Mackey, our Executive Member for Children’s Services, said: > Children and young people across Central Bedfordshire told us what matters most to them, and their voices have played a vital role in shaping this plan and will continue to guide the work we do. > > > As Executive Member for Children’s Services, alongside Councillor Liz Childs as Deputy Executive Member, we will continue to champion the voice of the child as we take this work forward. By working with our partners and continuing to listen to young people’s views, we can focus on providing the right support at the right time, so that children, young people and families across Central Bedfordshire can lead happy, healthy and successful lives. Read more about the plan [https://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/info/11/children_and_young_people/1418/children_and_young_peoples_plan].
Colleagues recognised in national campaign
Colleagues recognised in national campaign - Feddit UK
Caroline Melling, Rebecca Kearns, Marlika Anderson, Sarah Broderick, Sian Miljkovic, Andrew Connor and Michelle Ashwell have been highlighted as part of the Amazing Social Workers campaign run by the British Association of Social Workers (BASW), which shines a spotlight on the dedication, compassion and expertise of social workers across the UK. The campaign invites people to nominate social workers who have made a meaningful difference in the lives of children, young people, families and adults. The 7 Central Bedfordshire colleagues were recognised for the positive impact they make every day through their commitment to supporting local families. Councillor Gareth Mackey, our Executive Member for Children’s Services, said: > World Social Work Day is a chance to recognise the dedication and compassion of everyone working with children and families across Central Bedfordshire. > > > Social work attracts people who genuinely care about making a difference and who support children and families through challenging moments. The kindness, patience and determination they bring to that work can have a lasting impact, helping families feel supported and enabling children to thrive. > > > We are proud to see 7 colleagues recognised through the Amazing Social Workers campaign, and their achievements reflect the care, commitment and professionalism shown every day by our wider children’s social care workforce. Supporting children, young people and families relies on a broad team of practitioners, including social workers, family support professionals, early help colleagues, youth workers and many other staff who all play a vital role. We remain committed to supporting and developing our children’s social care workforce and ensuring children and families receive the right help at the right time. Find out more about working for us in children’s social work [https://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/info/350/childrens_social_work_careers].
CQC finds delays, safeguarding gaps and carers’ concerns in Bedford Borough Council’s adult social care
Princess Royal inspects Bedford Borough cadets and unveils new war memorial for former pupils
Princess Royal visits Bedford School to inspect cadet force
What’s on Bedford: 18 – 29 March 2026
