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You will have seen the UK is moving into the ‘delay’ stage of its response to the Coronavirus outbreak, which is likely to involve social distancing measures in the weeks ahead, such as self-isolation, limiting large-scale gatherings, home working, school closures etc. The aim of these measures is to slow the spread and lower the peak impact.

We have made the decision today to cancel clubs and gatherings next week, which means that the Bingo Night we were due to run next Friday, will be postponed until a future date when things have (hopefully) settled down a little more. As you know our children are particulary vulnerable and we do not want to increase the risks to them in any way.

This also means that our Little Sweet Peas session that was due to take place on Wednesday (18th March) next week at Biggleswade, and the parent carer choir on Monday (16th March) will not run as originally planned.

 Going forward we will be making decisions on a day to day basis and we will keep you all informed with as much notice as possible. Our considerations will be based on the latest government advice and statistics; known Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases within our contact circle; the nature of the venue and other public contact; the concerns of our families and our staff team; but most importantly the health needs of the young people we would be working with.

We do hope that you understand the measures we are taking. Please continue to check emails and messages for our latest updates and make sure you get in touch if you have any questions or concerns at all.

We are very excited to annouce our first bingo night! This will take place on Friday 20th March at Kempston Hammers Sports & Social Club – so not long now!

It will be fun for the family and no booking necessary – just come along on the night with a group of friends or family and pay £1 entry each.

You will then be able to get your bingo books for just £1 each! There will be additional flyer rounds, a raffle (with some amazing prizes already donated, including a Cadbury’s chocolate hamper!) kids prizes, and a bar available for drinks! You can bring your own snacks and nibbles but we do ask that you purchase any drinks from the bar provided.

It promises to be a fun-filled night – and even if bingo isn’t your thing, we guarantee you will have plenty of fun as well as helping to raise money!

If you have any raffle prizes you can donate, or if you are able to sponsor the venue hire, we would be most grateful! You can get in touch by emailing ellie@bdcps.org.uk if you have any queries or are able to help in any way!

Doors open at 7pm! We hope to see lots of your there!

As you are aware there is lots of uncertainty about the Coronavirus (COVID -19) at the moment, so please understand that developments may mean that clubs and playschemes may change.

We work with very vulnerable young people and would ask that anyone who has been exposed to the virus OR is experiencing any of the signs & symptoms of the virus, does not come into contact with the families or the people working within the charity. Regardless of whether or not this is COVID-19, they present a risk for our young people.

We will continue to make infection control a high priority and we would ask people to take precautions to keep themselves safe.  If you have asthma or are prone to chest infections, you must ensure you bring your blue inhaler with you to any sessions you attend.  Any child/young person who has an asthma care plan will be expected to bring their inhaler otherwise they will be turned away.   

You can download our general letter of guidance about COVID-19, which we encourage you to read thoroughly as it contains very important information. But, as there seems to be new guidance emerging daily, we would also suggest keeping up to date via the government website.

A question that seems to cause much controversy and which nobody ever seems to agree on! Do you put the cream first, or the jam? The Cornish way or the Devonshire way? However you prefer, there is no better way to enjoy a scone than with good company and paired with a good cup of tea!

The good weather and warmer days are in sight and what more could you desire than a delicious freshly baked scone with plenty of jam and cream piled on, served with a good cuppa to sip with it! Yes please! And can you think of a tastier way to raise some money for us than hosting your own ‘Cream Tea Month’ fundraiser this June?

During the month of June, we are asking YOU to gather a few friends or family, provide some homemade or bought scones and ask for a small donation in return! Very simple – but happy faces all round! It is completely up to you how big your event is – it could be as big as hiring a community space such as a church hall and making your event big, or it could be a work fundraiser, or perhaps you could hold a small gathering at your house? Anything that helps raise a few pounds is a really appreciated – no matter how big or small the total!

Tell us if you intend to take part in this June’s ‘Cream Tea Month’ – and if you aren’t able to hold one yourself, look out for other people who may be holding one that you can attend. In the meantime check out this ‘Guide to the Perfect Cream Tea’ from Roddas.

This May will see our fourth ‘Wear It Blue’ event which we hope lots of you will be taking part in this year! The date is set for Friday 22nd May and with your help, we can help raise even more awareness of disabilities; the work that we do as a charity and of course help raise some money.

The concept is really simple. You just wear something blue for a donation. In the past we have had schools involved who have added other ideas to increase the fundraising, such as cake sales and sponsored challenges on the day too!

We are keen for as many local businesses, schools, colleges and individuals to join in with this annual event. It can be as easy as you would like it to be, and we have all you need to make the day a success. We have all sorts of promotional materials, including balloons, wristbands, posters, sponsor forms, banners and collection tins. This will help your event really look the part too!

Register your interest by emailing fundraising@bdcps.org.uk with the subject ‘WIB day’.