Professional Resources
Find the professional resources you need here on this page.
Resources to support the voluntary and community sector
There is a wide range of support available for voluntary and community organisations in Luton. We recommend using our Luton Supporting You Website as the access point to information, advice and guidance online as this has been specifically designed to provide support to vulnerable and struggling households and individuals.
Alongside the resources linked in our website, you may find the resources listed below useful.
- Better off calculator can be used to work out benefits entitlement and help maximise income, including Universal Credit, Council Tax and social tariffs, the calculator shows the steps people can take to be better off and focus on outcomes and actionable advice (information for advisors on using the calculator)
- FindFood Luton is an interactive map showing community food spaces in Luton.
- MECC Link is a simple but flexible online tool that can help you raise awareness, motivate people, and signpost them to improve their health and well-being. It gives you access to a full range of signposting information for health improvement, including self-care and national and local support services, in one place.
- Computer and internet access an interactive map showing where in Luton people can go to use the internet or a computer if they do not have one.
If you have concerns about adults, young people or children you are supporting or working with
Below are useful resources for finding the information you need:
- StreetLink can be used by anyone to send an alert about someone who is sleeping or preparing to sleep rough. Alerts are sent to outreach teams, who go out mostly at night to connect people sleeping rough to local support services.
- If you’re concerned about the welfare of a child (0 to 18 years old) please call the MASH team on 01582 547653 or email mash@luton.gov.uk. The number to call for out-of-hours emergencies is 0300 300. Further information on safeguarding children.
- If you are concerned about an adult with care and support needs you should report your concern to the safeguarding Adults team straight away on 01582 547730 or 01582 547563. Further information on safeguarding adults.
- If you have a concern about an adult who works with children, see Reporting a Concern about an Adult Who Works with Children for more information.
- If you believe someone may be a victim of domestic abuse you can find information and support on the domestic abuse section of the council website.
- If you are worried someone is expressing extreme views or hatred, which could lead to them harming themselves or others visit Actearly or Bedfordshire Police’s Prevent pages
Training for your organisation
The Food First Team have free places on food safety training for staff and volunteers working in the VCFSE sector, or those who provide food for community needs or community-focused events. There is limited availability so these will be allocated in restricted numbers to groups that meet the criteria (please note these are not available to businesses or profit-making organisations)
A range of other training is either available or we could consider organising it if there is enough interest. Please contact supportingyou@luton.gove.uk with your enquiries or requests for training.
There is also a wide range of additional support available for voluntary and community organisations in Luton. This includes advice and guidance on setting up or developing your organisation, recruiting skilled volunteers to support your work, training and development opportunities for you and your staff, and peer support networks.
Support for community growth
CVS Bedfordshire resource collection provides a range of services to support small and emerging organisations with their developmental needs as well as individuals who wish to setup a voluntary or community group. This includes support with governance, funding advice, training, volunteering and partnership working.
Discover moreFree MECC Training Available
MECC training can be delivered in person or online and is FREE of charge to groups or workplaces in Luton.
Discover moreFree safeguarding eLearning
Safeguarding Bedfordshire’s eLearning offer is jointly funded by Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire and Luton Safeguarding Children Partnerships, making a wide range of courses available for FREE to those working/volunteering with children, young people, families or vulnerable adults within Bedfordshire.
Discover moreNSPCC safeguarding resources
National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) offers advice on what organisations need to do to protect children from harm. NSPCC Safeguarding Children is an excellent starting point. They offer a free online tool for organisations working with children and young people, with checklists and resources to help you safeguard children. They also offer guidance on writing a safeguarding policy.
Discover moreDBS Checking
Organisations that are working with vulnerable groups may need to carry out DBS checks (formerly known as CRB checks). A disclosure and barring service (DBS) check is part of the wider safeguarding process and helps organisations determine whether a person is a suitable candidate for a particular role by providing information about their criminal history.
See CVS Bedfordshire ResourcesFunding
CVS Bedfordshire hold copies of directories of funders and can support you to use the online funding resources.
Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation makes grants to local community groups and charities.
Find out more about funding opportunities and grants for Luton
NCVO funding provides a wealth of information on grants, fundraising and public services.
Data
Luton information observatory (research and statistics) provides statistics, mapping and research reports on information, such as the type of people who currently live here and projected population trends, economy, deprivation levels and what the census tells us about Luton.
Discover moreContact Us Today For Support
We make sure that, as a resident of Luton,
you get the help and support available to you.
