LOCAL GROUPS AND SUPPORT

CAP / EXPLORE / FOODBANK / THE NET / PRIME TIMES LUNCHES / THE SHED

CHRISTIANS AGAINST POVERTY (CAP)

Christians Against Poverty is a national award-winning debt counselling charity offering hope and practical support to anyone struggling with debt.

Based at Project 229 in Kempston, the service is available to anyone in the community, whether or not they attend church.

CAP provides free debt help alongside personal support and encouragement for those going through difficult financial circumstances.

We also run a CAP Money course for practical money advice.

Contact:
Karen Jones

A woman smiling and reaching out her hand to a man sitting in a chair Christians Against Poverty meeting - helping 'Lifting the weight of debt' for people in our community. #Kempston #Bedford #Community #Debt

EXPLORE

Got questions about faith / Christianity?

Our Explore Course is a relaxed opportunity to take time out and ask some of life’s bigger questions – questions that often get crowded out by the busyness of everyday life.

Courses run throughout the year and are open to anyone, whatever your background or beliefs.

Contact:
Graham Albans / Julia Bailey-Paul

👉 When’s the next course?

Explore course - taking place in Kempston. People investigating life, hope and faith for themselves. #Jesus #Explore
  • Two women sitting at a table, engaged in conversation, with various papers and drinks, including water bottles and a cup, in front of them.
  • Two men are sitting indoors, one wearing glasses and a beige sweater with a serious expression, and the other in a leather jacket with glasses, partially visible in the foreground.
  • Two men, one in a black shirt and the other in a denim jacket and orange shirt, are standing and talking on the sidewalk under a tree with green leaves. They talk about life, faith, family.
  • Women sitting at a table with various art supplies, smiling and engaging in a creative activity at the Net, Kempston.
  • Two men sitting at a table in a cafe, engaged in conversation at the Shed, Kempston - run each Friday by Grace Community Church.
  • A man with glasses and a beard wearing a blue polo shirt playing ping pong, with another person whose back is to the camera, in a room with pink and wooden doors. The Shed, a group for men in Kempston.

FOODBANK

In partnership with the Trussell Trust, Grace Community Church operates a Foodbank distribution centre at Project 229.

The Foodbank supports individuals and families facing financial hardship by providing emergency food supplies and practical support.

Foodbank runs on Fridays between 1 – 3pm at Project 229, Kempston.

Contact:
Nicky Gillies

A volunteer helps at the Grace Foodbank in Kempston, Bedford.

THE NET

Even in a busy town, people can sometimes feel isolated or alone.

The Net is a supportive group that runs twice a week during term time, helping women build friendships and find encouragement through difficult seasons of life.

If you are new to the area, feeling isolated, or struggling at the moment, this may be a helpful place to connect.

Contact:
Julia Bailey-Paul‍ ‍ / Naomi Frossell‍ ‍

“The Net provides a safe, welcoming space where local women who are experiencing isolation can connect, build skills and access supportive pathways within their community.”

Women enjoy doing craft together at the Net, run by Grace Community Church in Kempston.

Hi I’m Karen, I’m a member at Grace and attend with my family. I run the Grace CAP Centre.

A woman with curly hair and glasses smiling while talking to a man, both outdoors.

It’s great to be a part of a church so committed to serving local people and to seeing the community flourish. Grace isn’t just about Sundays, it’s actively involved in our town every day!

PRIME TIMES LUNCHES

People sitting and eating at one of our community lunches.
An elderly woman and man smiling and talking at a table with bananas, lemons, and baked goods.

Prime Times offers free lunches and friendship for over 60s in the local community.

Held at Centenary Hall in Kempston, these lunches are a chance to enjoy good food, conversation and company in a welcoming environment.

Whether you come alone or with friends, we’d love to see you there.

Contact:
Graham Albans‍ ‍

THE SHED

The Shed is a free café-style drop-in group for men in the community.

It exists to provide friendship, support and social connection in a relaxed environment – with no pressure or agenda, just conversation, coffee and community.

The Shed meets on Fridays at Project 229, 10am – 12pm.

Good coffee and good doughnuts included.

Contact:
Graham Albans‍ ‍

Three people sitting at a table in a café, engaged in conversation - the Shed group for men, running each Friday in Kempston.
Two men sitting outdoors at a red and white polka dot tablecloth, having a conversation. The Shed group for men, running each Friday in Kempston.

If you’d like to know more about any of these groups, or if you’re not sure where might be best for you, we’d love to help point you in the right direction.

Feel free to get in touch with the relevant contact above or speak to someone on a Sunday.

We’d love to welcome you. Whether you’re looking for support, friendship, community, or simply a place to belong, we hope some of these groups might be a helpful next step.

Next steps