I thought I would email to say a massive thank you for all of your support over this last year. Your support has been invaluable to the police and also the VEO team and we are very lucky to have you especially in our moments where we are desperately trying to secure emergency accommodation or just help with travel costs for a fleeing victim. I do not know what we would have done without your support and guidance. One particular case stands out for me where you supported me with a Zimbabwean victim who was trying to flee her abusive relationship from her husband. She had visa issues and also very reliant upon her husband, but with our joint up approach the victim was in good hands and you happened to know of a Zimbabwean community who you put the victim in touch with, where she was offered help and support, was offered 121 support and was able to stay with another Zimbabwean female, you also managed to get her free legal advice around her visa.
This is just one of many examples where you have exceeded our expectations, so thank you again for all your hard work and support π.
I have used QPCO on several occasions and have been overwhelmed by the speed in which they have been able to arrange accommodation for vulnerable victims of rape / serious sexual offences. One of my victims had a chaotic lifestyle and was living in an unsafe and toxic situation and was then raped and sexually exploited. The second victim was in an abusive marriage and her husband had repeatedly raped / sexually abused her. After exploring various avenues for help with temporary housing (for the second victim I had been chasing Harrow housing for four days), I contacted QPCO very late in the day for both victims, and within ten minutes they had arranged hotel accommodation with breakfast. This allowed us the time to find a more appropriate and long term solution for both victims, getting them to a place of safety and ensuring relevant agencies were able to support both ladies. QPCO most certainly go the extra mile to support vulnerable people, offering both practical and emotional support, including food banks, interpreting, signposting etc. This is probably the most supportive voluntary agency I have worked with in a long time and their passion for vulnerable people is remarkable to see β we need more agencies like this to support the work we do because statutory services are stretched and cannot offer immediate support in many instances. Marie-Ange will make herself available at all hours β including late at night β to ensure a victim has food, clothing, toiletries etc. Every member of the QPCO family is kind, empathic and generous in both their time and energy β all a huge asset to Bedford.
Make a donation Get in touchJoin our community and connect with us on our other social media channels to stay in the loop with our latest news, events, and stories from people just like you - because everyone is welcome here!
π Catherine Goes Global: 50K for 50 in Full Stride! π
Catherineβs birthday challenge just hit international heights! Sheβs taken on Amsterdamβs Parkrun and smashed another 5K in her incredible journey to 50!
From Bedford to the Netherlands, Catherine is showing no signs of slowing down. With every kilometre, sheβs raising vital funds to support our local Bedford community through QPCO.
Her mission? By December, sheβll run 50 kilometres to celebrate turning 50 β and sheβs using every step to make a real difference.
Every kilometre is helping to:
βοΈ Provide essential food support for local families
βοΈ Fund youth mentoring and safe, positive spaces
βοΈ Build stronger, more connected communities right here in Bedford
Sheβs over halfway there β but needs your support to cross the finish line.
π Sponsor a kilometre
π’ Share her story
πΈ Or donate today (in our bio) to help turn every step into lasting impact
Letβs rally behind Catherine and help her make every stride count!
#Catherines50Kfor50 #ParkrunAmsterdam #CommunityChampion #WeAreQPCO #FundraisingChallenge
π Catherine Goes Global: 50K for 50 in Full Stride! π
Catherineβs birthday challenge just hit international heights! Sheβs taken on Amsterdamβs Parkrun and smashed another 5K in her incredible journey to 50!
From Bedford to the Netherlands, Catherine is showing no signs of slowing down. With every kilometre, sheβs raising vital funds to support our local Bedford community through QPCO.
Her mission? By December, sheβll run 50 kilometres to celebrate turning 50 β and sheβs using every step to make a real difference.
Every kilometre is helping to:
βοΈ Provide essential food support for local families
βοΈ Fund youth mentoring and safe, positive spaces
βοΈ Build stronger, more connected communities right here in Bedford
Sheβs over halfway there β but needs your support to cross the finish line.
π Sponsor a kilometre
π’ Share her story
πΈ Or donate today (in our bio) to help turn every step into lasting impact
Letβs rally behind Catherine and help her make every stride count!
#Catherines50Kfor50 #ParkrunAmsterdam #CommunityChampion #WeAreQPCO #FundraisingChallenge
π 1 WEEK TO GO! π
Join us for a spook-tacular afternoon of creativity and community as part of our regular Welcoming Space! This time, weβre embracing the season with a Pumpkin Carving Competition in partnership with Co-op.
π
Wednesday 29th October 2025
β° 2PM β 3PM
π Bhagwan Valmik Mandir Community Centre, 10β12 Bunyan Road, Bedford, MK42 9JB
Whatβs Happening on the Day:
π Pumpkins provided (while supplies last β come early!)
π»Prize for the best carvings!
πΈοΈ Open to all ages β bring your creativity!
β¨ FREE ENTRY β No booking needed! Just turn up and take part! Whether you`re carving a pumpkin, enjoying a cuppa and a chat, or soaking in the community spirit, thereβs a place for you.
π Made possible thanks to the volunteers of Bhagwan Valmiki Sabha Bedford, Queenβs Park Community Organisation, and the support of the Co-op.
#PumpkinCarving #BedfordEvents #CommunityFun #HalfTermActivities #CoopBedford #weareqpco
π 1 WEEK TO GO! π
Join us for a spook-tacular afternoon of creativity and community as part of our regular Welcoming Space! This time, weβre embracing the season with a Pumpkin Carving Competition in partnership with Co-op.
π
Wednesday 29th October 2025
β° 2PM β 3PM
π Bhagwan Valmik Mandir Community Centre, 10β12 Bunyan Road, Bedford, MK42 9JB
Whatβs Happening on the Day:
π Pumpkins provided (while supplies last β come early!)
π»Prize for the best carvings!
πΈοΈ Open to all ages β bring your creativity!
β¨ FREE ENTRY β No booking needed! Just turn up and take part! Whether you`re carving a pumpkin, enjoying a cuppa and a chat, or soaking in the community spirit, thereβs a place for you.
π Made possible thanks to the volunteers of Bhagwan Valmiki Sabha Bedford, Queenβs Park Community Organisation, and the support of the Co-op.
#PumpkinCarving #BedfordEvents #CommunityFun #HalfTermActivities #CoopBedford #weareqpco
πͺβ¨ Diwali at Welcome Space was a radiant celebration of light, culture, and community! β¨πͺ
We lit up the space with vibrant rangoli, glowing Diya`s, and the joyful sounds of music and laughter. Guests enjoyed delicious traditional treats, and danced together in the spirit of unity and renewal.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and made this festival unforgettable. π
πΈ Swipe through our favourite moments!
Why not join us next Wednesday we are carving pumpkins and dressing up and getting spookyπΈπ»ππ·
We look forward to seeing you there!
π
When? Every Wednesday
β° Time? 1PM β 5PM
π Where? Bhagwan Valmik Mandir Community Centre, 10β12 Bunyan Road, Bedford, MK42 9JB
π ββ¨ 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
#DiwaliAtWelcomeSpace #FestivalOfLights #CommunityCelebration #TogetherWeShine
πͺβ¨ Diwali at Welcome Space was a radiant celebration of light, culture, and community! β¨πͺ
We lit up the space with vibrant rangoli, glowing Diya`s, and the joyful sounds of music and laughter. Guests enjoyed delicious traditional treats, and danced together in the spirit of unity and renewal.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and made this festival unforgettable. π
πΈ Swipe through our favourite moments!
Why not join us next Wednesday we are carving pumpkins and dressing up and getting spookyπΈπ»ππ·
We look forward to seeing you there!
π
When? Every Wednesday
β° Time? 1PM β 5PM
π Where? Bhagwan Valmik Mandir Community Centre, 10β12 Bunyan Road, Bedford, MK42 9JB
π ββ¨ 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
#DiwaliAtWelcomeSpace #FestivalOfLights #CommunityCelebration #TogetherWeShine
β¨ Diwali Celebration at the Welcoming Space β¨
This week, weβre lighting up the Welcoming Space for a special Diwali Bring & Share event! Come celebrate the Festival of Lights with us in a warm, joyful atmosphere filled with delicious food, festive activities, and community spirit. πͺπ
πWhat to expect:
β’ A delicious bring & share community meal
β’ Henna with glitter & gem accents
β’ Festive arts & crafts for all ages
β’ Joyful Bollywood singing and music
π
When? Wednesday 22nd October
β° Time? 1PM β 5PM
π Where? Bhagwan Valmik Mandir Community Centre, 10β12 Bunyan Road, Bedford, MK42 9JB
π This event is a collaboration between Queenβs Park Community Organisation and Bhagwan Valmiki Sabha Bedford, proudly supported by the Living Well Fund (Cadent ) and managed by Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation .
Come together to share food, laughter, and light β all are welcome!
#DiwaliAtTheWelcomingSpace #CommunityCelebration #FestivalOfLights #WeAreQPCO #BedfordCommunity #BringAndShare
β¨ Diwali Celebration at the Welcoming Space β¨
This week, weβre lighting up the Welcoming Space for a special Diwali Bring & Share event! Come celebrate the Festival of Lights with us in a warm, joyful atmosphere filled with delicious food, festive activities, and community spirit. πͺπ
πWhat to expect:
β’ A delicious bring & share community meal
β’ Henna with glitter & gem accents
β’ Festive arts & crafts for all ages
β’ Joyful Bollywood singing and music
π
When? Wednesday 22nd October
β° Time? 1PM β 5PM
π Where? Bhagwan Valmik Mandir Community Centre, 10β12 Bunyan Road, Bedford, MK42 9JB
π This event is a collaboration between Queenβs Park Community Organisation and Bhagwan Valmiki Sabha Bedford, proudly supported by the Living Well Fund (Cadent ) and managed by Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation .
Come together to share food, laughter, and light β all are welcome!
#DiwaliAtTheWelcomingSpace #CommunityCelebration #FestivalOfLights #WeAreQPCO #BedfordCommunity #BringAndShare
Happy Diwali from All of Us at QPCO! πͺβ¨
Weβre sending love and light to everyone in our community celebrating Diwali. May this Festival of Lights bring peace, joy, and new beginnings.
#HappyDiwali #FestivalOfLights #Diwali2025 #CommunityWishes #weareqpco
Happy Diwali from All of Us at QPCO! πͺβ¨
Weβre sending love and light to everyone in our community celebrating Diwali. May this Festival of Lights bring peace, joy, and new beginnings.
#HappyDiwali #FestivalOfLights #Diwali2025 #CommunityWishes #weareqpco
ποΈββοΈ Get Fit, Feel Good! Every Monday with QPCO! βοΈ
Looking for a fun, friendly way to stay active this winter? Our FREE weekly fitness classes are perfect for all levels. Whether you`re just starting out or looking to keep moving in a warm, supportive space.
ποΈ Every Monday at 6:30 PM β 7:30 PM
π Faraday Community Centre, Kelvin Ave, Bedford, MK42 9ND
Why join in? πͺ
β’ A welcoming, inclusive vibe β come as you are (and bring a friend!)
β’ Suitable for all fitness levels β no experience needed
β’ Great for both physical fitness and mental well-being
These community-powered sessions began during the pandemic and continue to bring people together through movement and connection.
β‘οΈ Learn more: https://qpco.org.uk/projects/fitness-class/
#QPCOFitness #BedfordCommunity #GetActive #Wellbeing #FreeFitness #CommunityWellness #IndoorWorkout
ποΈββοΈ Get Fit, Feel Good! Every Monday with QPCO! βοΈ
Looking for a fun, friendly way to stay active this winter? Our FREE weekly fitness classes are perfect for all levels. Whether you`re just starting out or looking to keep moving in a warm, supportive space.
ποΈ Every Monday at 6:30 PM β 7:30 PM
π Faraday Community Centre, Kelvin Ave, Bedford, MK42 9ND
Why join in? πͺ
β’ A welcoming, inclusive vibe β come as you are (and bring a friend!)
β’ Suitable for all fitness levels β no experience needed
β’ Great for both physical fitness and mental well-being
These community-powered sessions began during the pandemic and continue to bring people together through movement and connection.
β‘οΈ Learn more: https://qpco.org.uk/projects/fitness-class/
#QPCOFitness #BedfordCommunity #GetActive #Wellbeing #FreeFitness #CommunityWellness #IndoorWorkout
Last weekend, we had a fantastic time delivering our Slow Cooking Session with the wonderful community at Transfiguration Church, Kempston with the Seven Day Adventist Church led by Eric Masih π²β¨
As part of the session, we shared practical tips on saving money and getting the most out of a slow cooker. Attendees enjoyed a delicious tasting session featuring slow-cooked meals. Including our popular slow-cooked banana cake! It was a big hit, and we handed out the recipe and ingredients so everyone could try it at home.
The highlight? Every participant went home with a free slow cooker and ingredients to help them continue cooking tasty, budget-friendly meals!
This project is proudly funded by Cadent and managed by the Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation. Thank you for helping us support healthier, affordable cooking in our communities! π
#SlowCooking #CommunityCooking #CookingOnABudget #weareqpco
Last weekend, we had a fantastic time delivering our Slow Cooking Session with the wonderful community at Transfiguration Church, Kempston with the Seven Day Adventist Church led by Eric Masih π²β¨
As part of the session, we shared practical tips on saving money and getting the most out of a slow cooker. Attendees enjoyed a delicious tasting session featuring slow-cooked meals. Including our popular slow-cooked banana cake! It was a big hit, and we handed out the recipe and ingredients so everyone could try it at home.
The highlight? Every participant went home with a free slow cooker and ingredients to help them continue cooking tasty, budget-friendly meals!
This project is proudly funded by Cadent and managed by the Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation. Thank you for helping us support healthier, affordable cooking in our communities! π
#SlowCooking #CommunityCooking #CookingOnABudget #weareqpco
β¨ Pre-Diwali Magic at Our Community Welcome Space! β¨πͺ
The Festival of Lights is almost here, and our space is already glowing with love, color, and creativity! ππ¨
This week, our amazing community came together to begin the pre-Diwali decorationsππΈ
From colorful rangolis to hanging diyas and lights, every detail reflects the spirit of Diwali
Whether you`re celebrating Diwali or simply embracing the festival, everyone is welcome to join in the joy!
Some of our lovely regulars have also kindly made clothes ready to donate into the community ππ»ππ»ππ»
Why not come along and join in the celebration with our Bring and share next Wednesday 22nd October.
When? Every Wednesday
Time? 1PM β 5PM
Where? Bhagwan Valmik Mandir Community Centre, 10β12 Bunyan Road, Bedford, MK42 9JB
This space is made possible thanks to the hard work of volunteers from Bhagwan Valmiki Sabha Bedford and Queen`s Park Community Organisation staff. Proudly supported by the Living Well Fund (Cadent) and managed by @Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation
#DiwaliAtTheCommunity #PreDiwaliDecor #FestivalOfLights #WelcomeAll #TogetherWeCelebrate #CommunitySpirit #DiyasAndDecor #UnityInDiversity #Diwali2025
β¨ Pre-Diwali Magic at Our Community Welcome Space! β¨πͺ
The Festival of Lights is almost here, and our space is already glowing with love, color, and creativity! ππ¨
This week, our amazing community came together to begin the pre-Diwali decorationsππΈ
From colorful rangolis to hanging diyas and lights, every detail reflects the spirit of Diwali
Whether you`re celebrating Diwali or simply embracing the festival, everyone is welcome to join in the joy!
Some of our lovely regulars have also kindly made clothes ready to donate into the community ππ»ππ»ππ»
Why not come along and join in the celebration with our Bring and share next Wednesday 22nd October.
When? Every Wednesday
Time? 1PM β 5PM
Where? Bhagwan Valmik Mandir Community Centre, 10β12 Bunyan Road, Bedford, MK42 9JB
This space is made possible thanks to the hard work of volunteers from Bhagwan Valmiki Sabha Bedford and Queen`s Park Community Organisation staff. Proudly supported by the Living Well Fund (Cadent) and managed by @Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation
#DiwaliAtTheCommunity #PreDiwaliDecor #FestivalOfLights #WelcomeAll #TogetherWeCelebrate #CommunitySpirit #DiyasAndDecor #UnityInDiversity #Diwali2025