Queen’s Park Community Organisation is a grassroots organisation and registered charity (1199226) targeting the most deprived areas in Bedford. We have four objectives, Welfare, Capacity Building, Recreation and Relief of Poverty. As a Bedford Charity, we empower local people to make a difference by building bridges between communities, schools and organisations via our 3 current programmes:
We believe all people should have equal access to the services, funds and opportunities they are entitled to. Our Intervention Officers support individuals to navigate statutory and non-statutory services and to manage a wide range of life issues compounded by discrimination, literacy and language barriers, cultural and religious differences.
We support small, inexperienced voluntary groups to set up, become positive influencers for change in their communities, and grow into self-sufficient and sustainable organisations.
QPCO believes that having a youth strategy is core to achieving change in Bedford. This is why we invested in developing a youth programme. As part of that work, we are currently running a social action project to empower young people through a range of recreational and educational activities to learn, get involved in their local area, and help build stronger communities by building bridges between young people and the diverse communities in the area.
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🎶📝 Inspiring Young Minds Through Irish Culture! 📝🎶
Today, Queen’s Park Community Organisation had the pleasure of visiting St Thomas More Secondary & 6th Form to explore exciting ways to bring Irish dancing and poetry workshops to students as part of our Back to Our Roots: St. Patrick’s Day 2026 programme.
It was fantastic to discuss how we can engage young people in celebrating Irish heritage, culture, and creativity. Schools like St. Thomas More are at the heart of nurturing curiosity, confidence, and community pride in the next generation. We can’t wait to see students dance, write, and perform as part of our celebrations.
For QPCO, connecting with schools is a vital part of building fun, inclusive, and educational experiences that bring history and culture to life. Together, we’re helping young people explore their roots, express themselves, and celebrate community spirit.
🍀 Save the Date – Bedford St. Patrick’s Day 2026 🍀
🇮🇪 St. Patrick’s Day Celebration – Bedford
📅 Sunday 15th March 2026
Delivered by Queen’s Park Community Organisation (QPCO) as part of our Back to Our Roots Programme 2026, in partnership with the Bedford Irish Community.
We can’t wait to see young people celebrating, learning, and performing this March! 💚🍀
🎶📝 Inspiring Young Minds Through Irish Culture! 📝🎶
Today, Queen’s Park Community Organisation had the pleasure of visiting St Thomas More Secondary & 6th Form to explore exciting ways to bring Irish dancing and poetry workshops to students as part of our Back to Our Roots: St. Patrick’s Day 2026 programme.
It was fantastic to discuss how we can engage young people in celebrating Irish heritage, culture, and creativity. Schools like St. Thomas More are at the heart of nurturing curiosity, confidence, and community pride in the next generation. We can’t wait to see students dance, write, and perform as part of our celebrations.
For QPCO, connecting with schools is a vital part of building fun, inclusive, and educational experiences that bring history and culture to life. Together, we’re helping young people explore their roots, express themselves, and celebrate community spirit.
🍀 Save the Date – Bedford St. Patrick’s Day 2026 🍀
🇮🇪 St. Patrick’s Day Celebration – Bedford
📅 Sunday 15th March 2026
Delivered by Queen’s Park Community Organisation (QPCO) as part of our Back to Our Roots Programme 2026, in partnership with the Bedford Irish Community.
We can’t wait to see young people celebrating, learning, and performing this March! 💚🍀
Recently, the QPCO team had the pleasure of visiting @smartcjs, spending time at their premises and learning more about the incredible work they do supporting people facing homelessness, housing insecurity, and the risk of rough sleeping.
At QPCO, our work is rooted in compassion, dignity, and walking alongside people through some of life’s most challenging moments. It was inspiring to see how closely SMART’s approach reflects these same values. Offering practical support, advocacy, and long-term pathways to stability for individuals across Bedford and the surrounding areas.
Our visit was a valuable opportunity to share experiences, learn from one another, and explore how our organisations might work together in the future to strengthen community support and ensure no one is left behind.
A heartfelt thank you to the @smartcjs team for the warm welcome and open conversations. We look forward to continuing this dialogue and building on our shared commitment to community, care, and hope.🤝💙
Recently, the QPCO team had the pleasure of visiting @smartcjs, spending time at their premises and learning more about the incredible work they do supporting people facing homelessness, housing insecurity, and the risk of rough sleeping.
At QPCO, our work is rooted in compassion, dignity, and walking alongside people through some of life’s most challenging moments. It was inspiring to see how closely SMART’s approach reflects these same values. Offering practical support, advocacy, and long-term pathways to stability for individuals across Bedford and the surrounding areas.
Our visit was a valuable opportunity to share experiences, learn from one another, and explore how our organisations might work together in the future to strengthen community support and ensure no one is left behind.
A heartfelt thank you to the @smartcjs team for the warm welcome and open conversations. We look forward to continuing this dialogue and building on our shared commitment to community, care, and hope.🤝💙
🍀 Community, Culture & Collaboration 🍀
Today, Queen’s Park Community Organisation had the pleasure of visiting the @lutonirishforum to connect, learn more about their vital work, and explore opportunities to collaborate around celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in our neighbouring towns of Luton and Bedford.
The meeting was a really positive and inspiring conversation about the importance of Irish history, heritage and community cohesion. Organisations like the Luton Irish Forum play a crucial role in supporting communities, preserving cultural identity, and creating welcoming spaces where heritage can be celebrated and shared across generations.
For us at QPCO, these conversations are vital. History and heritage help shape identity, strengthen community pride, and play an important role in community cohesion. Learning from each other and exchanging information helps all of us deliver stronger, more meaningful celebrations for our communities.
🍀 Save the Date – Bedford St. Patrick’s Day 2026 🍀
🇮🇪 St. Patrick’s Day Celebration – Bedford
📅 Sunday 15th March 2026
Delivered by Queen’s Park Community Organisation (QPCO) as part of our Back to Our Roots Programme 2026, in partnership with the Bedford Irish Community.
We’re looking forward to celebrating Irish culture, heritage and community this March in Bedford. More details coming soon! 💚🍀
🍀 Community, Culture & Collaboration 🍀
Today, Queen’s Park Community Organisation had the pleasure of visiting the @lutonirishforum to connect, learn more about their vital work, and explore opportunities to collaborate around celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in our neighbouring towns of Luton and Bedford.
The meeting was a really positive and inspiring conversation about the importance of Irish history, heritage and community cohesion. Organisations like the Luton Irish Forum play a crucial role in supporting communities, preserving cultural identity, and creating welcoming spaces where heritage can be celebrated and shared across generations.
For us at QPCO, these conversations are vital. History and heritage help shape identity, strengthen community pride, and play an important role in community cohesion. Learning from each other and exchanging information helps all of us deliver stronger, more meaningful celebrations for our communities.
🍀 Save the Date – Bedford St. Patrick’s Day 2026 🍀
🇮🇪 St. Patrick’s Day Celebration – Bedford
📅 Sunday 15th March 2026
Delivered by Queen’s Park Community Organisation (QPCO) as part of our Back to Our Roots Programme 2026, in partnership with the Bedford Irish Community.
We’re looking forward to celebrating Irish culture, heritage and community this March in Bedford. More details coming soon! 💚🍀
💙 Carbon Monoxide Awareness with our Khush Haal Women’s Group 💙
Today we were pleased to deliver a carbon monoxide (CO) safety awareness session with our Khush Haal women’s group at Queen’s Park Community Centre.
In this supportive and welcoming space, we talked about:
✔️ What carbon monoxide is and why it’s dangerous
✔️ Common symptoms of CO poisoning
✔️ Practical steps to stay safe at home
We also distributed 30 free carbon monoxide alarms and safety leaflets, demonstrating where alarms should be placed and how to test them correctly.
The session was really positive, with lots of engagement and discussion—showing just how valuable these conversations are, especially for women managing multiple caring responsibilities or facing language barriers.
Khush Haal is a volunteer-run group that helps reduce isolation and create opportunities for learning, wellbeing and connection. Sessions like this fit perfectly under the group’s ‘Live Well’ banner, offering practical knowledge and access to further support.
This work is part of our @cadentgasltd-funded Carbon Monoxide Awareness Project, helping communities stay safe from the silent killer.
#KhushHaal #LiveWell #CarbonMonoxideAwareness #CommunitySafety #weareqpco
💙 Carbon Monoxide Awareness with our Khush Haal Women’s Group 💙
Today we were pleased to deliver a carbon monoxide (CO) safety awareness session with our Khush Haal women’s group at Queen’s Park Community Centre.
In this supportive and welcoming space, we talked about:
✔️ What carbon monoxide is and why it’s dangerous
✔️ Common symptoms of CO poisoning
✔️ Practical steps to stay safe at home
We also distributed 30 free carbon monoxide alarms and safety leaflets, demonstrating where alarms should be placed and how to test them correctly.
The session was really positive, with lots of engagement and discussion—showing just how valuable these conversations are, especially for women managing multiple caring responsibilities or facing language barriers.
Khush Haal is a volunteer-run group that helps reduce isolation and create opportunities for learning, wellbeing and connection. Sessions like this fit perfectly under the group’s ‘Live Well’ banner, offering practical knowledge and access to further support.
This work is part of our @cadentgasltd-funded Carbon Monoxide Awareness Project, helping communities stay safe from the silent killer.
#KhushHaal #LiveWell #CarbonMonoxideAwareness #CommunitySafety #weareqpco
☕ Join Us for a Cuppa & a Chat ☕
Everyone is welcome at our Welcome Space 💬
Pop in for a warm drink, a friendly conversation, and a safe place to sit and relax.
We’re also here if you’d like advice or information on:
💡 Energy use & saving money on bills
🔥 Carbon monoxide safety
🏠 Keeping your home safe and warm
No appointments needed – just come along, have a cuppa, and chat at your own pace. Whether you want advice or simply a friendly face, you’re very welcome.
📅 When? Every Wednesday
⏰ Time? 1PM – 5PM
📍 Where? Bhagwan Valmik Mandir Community Centre, 10–12 Bunyan Road, Bedford, MK42 9JB
Please feel free to share – we look forward to seeing you 😊
💞 ☕✨ This space is made possible thanks to the hard work of volunteers from Bhagwan Valmiki Sabha Bedford and Queens Park Community Organisation staff. Proudly supported by the Living Well Fund (Cadent ) and managed by Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation.
#WelcomingSpace #CommunityConnection #BedfordCommunity #WeAreQPCO #CommunityEngagement
☕ Join Us for a Cuppa & a Chat ☕
Everyone is welcome at our Welcome Space 💬
Pop in for a warm drink, a friendly conversation, and a safe place to sit and relax.
We’re also here if you’d like advice or information on:
💡 Energy use & saving money on bills
🔥 Carbon monoxide safety
🏠 Keeping your home safe and warm
No appointments needed – just come along, have a cuppa, and chat at your own pace. Whether you want advice or simply a friendly face, you’re very welcome.
📅 When? Every Wednesday
⏰ Time? 1PM – 5PM
📍 Where? Bhagwan Valmik Mandir Community Centre, 10–12 Bunyan Road, Bedford, MK42 9JB
Please feel free to share – we look forward to seeing you 😊
💞 ☕✨ This space is made possible thanks to the hard work of volunteers from Bhagwan Valmiki Sabha Bedford and Queens Park Community Organisation staff. Proudly supported by the Living Well Fund (Cadent ) and managed by Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation.
#WelcomingSpace #CommunityConnection #BedfordCommunity #WeAreQPCO #CommunityEngagement
🌍 Celebrating Collaboration and Community 🌍
We’re honoured to share these reflections from members of the Sudanese community following our recent gathering:
“Thank you for the opportunity to take part in this gathering. I hope it brings many positive outcomes. We are all happy to be involved and look forward to gaining positivity, embracing change, and having a refreshing experience.
Without your support, we would not have been able to reach this point. I would also like to thank all colleagues who were part of this journey and contributed to achieving this goal. Together, we are building a successful community for the next generation, with more achievements to come.”
At QPCO, our work with Primary Groups is all about empowering communities to lead their own initiatives, celebrate culture, and build connections that last. This message perfectly reflects the values we stand for: collaboration, inclusion, empowerment, and positivity.
Through co-designing activities, workshops, and programmes with the Sudanese community, we’re supporting both projects and people. This is at the heart of our mission: to strengthen communities, create opportunities, and help everyone thrive together. 🤝✨
We’re excited for what’s ahead and proud to be part of this journey with the Sudanese community.
#CommunityLeadership #SudaneseCommunity #Inclusion #Bedford #weareqpco
🌍 Celebrating Collaboration and Community 🌍
We’re honoured to share these reflections from members of the Sudanese community following our recent gathering:
“Thank you for the opportunity to take part in this gathering. I hope it brings many positive outcomes. We are all happy to be involved and look forward to gaining positivity, embracing change, and having a refreshing experience.
Without your support, we would not have been able to reach this point. I would also like to thank all colleagues who were part of this journey and contributed to achieving this goal. Together, we are building a successful community for the next generation, with more achievements to come.”
At QPCO, our work with Primary Groups is all about empowering communities to lead their own initiatives, celebrate culture, and build connections that last. This message perfectly reflects the values we stand for: collaboration, inclusion, empowerment, and positivity.
Through co-designing activities, workshops, and programmes with the Sudanese community, we’re supporting both projects and people. This is at the heart of our mission: to strengthen communities, create opportunities, and help everyone thrive together. 🤝✨
We’re excited for what’s ahead and proud to be part of this journey with the Sudanese community.
#CommunityLeadership #SudaneseCommunity #Inclusion #Bedford #weareqpco
🍀 CALL FOR IRISH HISTORY & HERITAGE – BEDFORD 🍀
As part of our Back to Our Roots programme, QPCO is proud to be organising Bedford’s St Patrick’s Day celebration on 15 March 2026, in partnership with the Bedford Irish Community 🇮🇪
Alongside the event, we are creating a history and heritage exhibition celebrating the Irish community in Bedford and we’d love your help to bring it to life.
Do you, your family, or someone you know have:
📸 Old or recent photographs
📰 Newspaper clippings or articles
📖 Family stories or memories
🍀 Items, documents, or records linked to Irish heritage
🎶 Memories of past St Patrick’s Day celebrations or Irish cultural events in Bedford?
We’re inviting local residents, families, and community groups to share anything they’d like to see featured. Even small contributions can make a big difference in telling Bedford’s Irish story. All items will be treated with care and respect.
📩 To get involved or find out more, email:
admin@qpco.org.uk
🔗 Learn more about our Back to Our Roots programme here:
https://qpco.org.uk/projects/back-to-our-roots/
Please feel free to share this post so it reaches friends, family, and the wider community Let’s celebrate the history, heritage, and contribution of the Irish community in Bedford. 💚
🍀 CALL FOR IRISH HISTORY & HERITAGE – BEDFORD 🍀
As part of our Back to Our Roots programme, QPCO is proud to be organising Bedford’s St Patrick’s Day celebration on 15 March 2026, in partnership with the Bedford Irish Community 🇮🇪
Alongside the event, we are creating a history and heritage exhibition celebrating the Irish community in Bedford and we’d love your help to bring it to life.
Do you, your family, or someone you know have:
📸 Old or recent photographs
📰 Newspaper clippings or articles
📖 Family stories or memories
🍀 Items, documents, or records linked to Irish heritage
🎶 Memories of past St Patrick’s Day celebrations or Irish cultural events in Bedford?
We’re inviting local residents, families, and community groups to share anything they’d like to see featured. Even small contributions can make a big difference in telling Bedford’s Irish story. All items will be treated with care and respect.
📩 To get involved or find out more, email:
admin@qpco.org.uk
🔗 Learn more about our Back to Our Roots programme here:
https://qpco.org.uk/projects/back-to-our-roots/
Please feel free to share this post so it reaches friends, family, and the wider community Let’s celebrate the history, heritage, and contribution of the Irish community in Bedford. 💚
🔥✨ Happy Lohri! ✨🔥
From all of us at Queen’s Park Community Organisation (QPCO), we wish our wonderful community a joyful and prosperous Lohri. May the warmth of the bonfire bring happiness, good health, and new beginnings to you and your loved ones.
#HappyLohri #LohriCelebration #weareqpco
🔥✨ Happy Lohri! ✨🔥
From all of us at Queen’s Park Community Organisation (QPCO), we wish our wonderful community a joyful and prosperous Lohri. May the warmth of the bonfire bring happiness, good health, and new beginnings to you and your loved ones.
#HappyLohri #LohriCelebration #weareqpco
