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Warm Homes Bedford Borough Launched

Bedford Borough residents with long term health conditions could receive free support to help keep their households warm this winter.

Warm Homes Bedford Borough has been set up by Bedford Borough Council and NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board in partnership with the National Energy Foundation’s warmth and wellbeing service Better Housing Better Health. Over 1,600 residents with health conditions that can be made worse by living in cold or damp home have been identifi ed from GP records, and eligible residents should automatically receive a letter inviting them to contact Better Housing Better Health with information on how they can apply for free support. This may include: • Energy saving advice • Draught-proofi ng for the home • Loft and wall insulation • Heating controls to help save money by only heating rooms that are being used

Residents who are not eligible for support under the Warm Homes Bedford Borough service but are struggling to cope with the rising cost of living, can visit www.bedford.gov.uk/costofl iving for information about help that is available, or contact Better Housing Better Health for advice about energy costs. Visit www.bhbh.org.uk or call 0800 107 0044 for more information.

Flu Vaccinations

In the last two years, COVID-19 control measures including lockdowns, social distancing and vulnerable groups’ isolation have led to very low levels of fl u activity. It is expected that the increased levels of social contact and activity will lead to a resurgence of fl u, which may exceed prepandemic levels. Getting the fl u vaccine will help to protect you, your family, and your loved ones from the serious consequences of getting the fl u this winter.

Below is the list of eligibility for free fl u vaccinations under the NHS which can be booked with local pharmacies/GPs and here is a link to fi nding the closest pharmacy o ering appointments:

www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/fi nd-apharmacy-nhs-fl u-vaccine-service

• Adults who are 50 and over (including those who will be 50 by 31 March 2023) • Adults who have certain health conditions • Adults who are pregnant • Adults who are in long-stay residential care • Adults who receive a carer’s allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick • Adults who live with someone who is more likely to get a severe infection due to a weakened immune system • Children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2022 (born between 1 September 2018 and 31 August 2020) • All primary school children (Reception to Year 6) and some secondary school aged children • Children aged 2 to 17 years with long-term health conditions

News About Town

Say Hello and Wave Goodbye

With the lyrics of 80’s hit track by Soft Cell in mind, it’s time to say hello to exciting new things that 2023 will bring (including more news on the regeneration of the former Debenhams and Beales of Bedford unit – we are all working on it!) and to reflect on all the great times we’ve had in Bedford in 2022.

We at BedfordBID amongst other things, help promote over 650 shops and businesses and our BedfordBID Champions are out and about helping to keep our town safe and clean. Together we host and promote events and work tirelessly towards making Bedford a town centre to be proud of with a vibrant night time economy and thriving independent shopping scene. We were also delighted to be involved with the fabulous Bedford Park Concerts.

Sadly, we recently waved goodbye to Next on Midland Road. It’s easy to look at large empty buildings where national retail icons once stood and think there’s nothing in town left. But that’s where you’d be wrong.

Covid may have impacted the traditional High Street and the way we shop, but Bedford’s not all just about the High Street, it’s a place to explore with small family-run shops, courtyards and a modern Riverside area. A town filled with artisan

Eat Feast made the third Friday in the month something to look forward to! Back again in 2023. Asia Festival brought singing and dancing and the wonderful aroma of exotic dishes into Harpur Square. River Festival and The One Hundred Car Display – a two day extravaganza of classic cars and partying on the river – back again in 2024.