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Our Charter

We believe that it’s everyone’s responsibility to try and end homelessness. The Bedford Homeless Charter was coproduced by organisations and people with lived experience of homelessness.  Its aim is to bring together businesses, educational establishments, organisations, politicians and the general public to help end homelessness in our borough.

Our aim is to end homelessness in Bedford, and ensure that every person is empowered and equipped to live their lives with the freedom to make their own choices and with easy access to all relevant services. We believe that every person, no matter what their background, has the right to stable, safe and secure housing.

  • We do not believe there should be a one-size-fits-all approach to homelessness support. We believe in a person-centred approach to every homeless case.
  • We do not believe that any one organisation or group has the answer to homelessness, but recognise that by working together we can achieve more.
  • We believe in a consistent and open approach between all services, with easier access designed to support the individual.
  • We recognise that the issues that cause someone to become homeless are complex and commit to raising awareness of these issues amongst the general public.
  • We believe that the homeless community should be treated with dignity, respect and understanding.
  • We pledge to challenge stigmatisation and to reduce negative stereotyping and labelling.
  • We believe in empowering the individual to change their circumstances, and to support them on their journey.
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Read our Pledges

Name: Mayor Dave Hodgson

Organisation: Bedford Borough Council

Our pledge...

I support the Bedford Homeless Charter and I pledge to:

Ensure that homelessness and rough sleeping remain a top priority for Bedford Borough Council.  I will ensure that we continue to lobby the government to prioritise homelessnes and rough sleeping nationally.  I will ensure that Bedford Borough Council respects the rights of homeless people and work to ensure homeless people can continue to access all our services.  I will continue to regularly meet with people with lived experience of homelessness and those working in the sector, and visit services.  I will continue to promote the excellent work being done by both the voluntary and statutory homelessness sector in Bedford Borough.

Name: Councillor Tim Caswell

Organisation: (Goldington Ward)

Our pledge...

Councillor Tim Caswell (Goldington Ward) said “I pledge that the authentic voice of people who are homeless must be heard by the public and the services that exist to serve them”

Name: Mohammad Yasin MP

Organisation: MP

Our pledge...

Mohammad Yasin MP said "I pledge to raise the need for more action on homelessness with Government at every opportunity and to fight for the resources Bedford needs to put an end to rough sleeping."