COST OF LIVING CRISIS - SUPPORT & INFORMATION
Flitwick Town Council recognises that the 'Cost of Living Crisis' continues to impact our community in many different ways and want to offer as much support as we can to help residents as we can. On this page you will find information on initiatives and links to other support available in the area including the Flitwick Community Fridge.
The Town Council is grateful for the support of local businesses with the cost of living initiative including Pyrolec, Flitwick Club, The Co-op Flitwick, Tesco Flitwick, Waitrose Ampthill, Aldi Flitwick, The Cottage Bakery and Moto on the M1 Toddington Services.
If you need support with the cost of living crisis please do get in contact with us and we will see how we can help. You can give us a call on 01525 631900, email communityservices@flitwick.gov.uk or pop into The Rufus Centre and speak to one of our friendly team.
COMMUNITY FRIDGE
COMMUNITY FRIDGE
Since opening in January 2023, Flitwick Community Fridge has grown quickly to meet the needs of local people. We're now one of the biggest community fridges in the country, and while we remain committed to keeping the core service open to everyone and free of charge, we have opted to transition to a free membership-only model from the 1st September 2025.
Our two-tier membership is summarised below; see our membership page for detailed information about the offer and how to apply. Membership for the Supported Tier is open now.
Standard Tier - open to everyone
Our Standard Membership is open to everyone living in Mid Bedfordshire. You'll usually find a selection of fresh fruit and vegetables, bread and limited dairy products; what’s available depends on what’s been donated. We sometimes have chilled frozen food to share in return for a donation.
Supported Tier - open to households on a low income or needing additional help
The 'Cost of Living Crisis' continues to impact everyone in our community, but it’s not affecting everyone equally. Our Supported Membership is open to households in the Mid Bedfordshire constituency who are on a low income and/or struggling to eat well because of the cost-of-living crisis.
You can stay up-to-date with the latest information by following the Flitwick Community Fridge Facebook page.
THE NEED PROJECT
The Need Project works through a number of churches in Central Bedfordshire and can help people facing financial hardship with support such as:
- Providing food packages to support individuals and families who are experiencing food deprivation.
- Providing other items to meet immediate and essential needs, as resources allow.
- Developing other forms of support to meet immediate need and alleviate financial hardship.
The Need Project only take referrals from statutory bodies (e.g. Social Services, GP units, Children’s Centres etc.) or recognised community groups (e.g. local churches and other religious organisations, schools, etc). You can find a list of who you can talk to about a referral on their website using the link below:
FLITWICK FOOD EXTRA
Flitwick Food Extra is organised and run by members of Flitwick Parish Church and the local community, the team provide boxes of pre-measured ingredients and recipes to support families.
Get in touch with Flitwick Food Extra by email: foodextra@flitwickchurch.org
FLITWICK COMMUNITY PET PANTRY
Flitwick Community Pet Pantry is a new, not for profit, pet food pantry run by volunteers. Just pop along to Medivet Flitwick ( 47 The Ridgeway, MK45 1DJ ) between 12pm-2pm on a Saturday and a friendly member of the team will help you. Visit their Facebook page for full details via the link below.
CENTRAL BEDFORDSHIRE COUNCIL
Central Bedfordshire Council website has a comprehensive guide to support available for anyone facing financial difficulty. Access information, advice and benefit entitlement calculator using the link below.
CITIZENS ADVICE MID BEDFORDSHIRE
Mid Bedfordshire Citizens Advice offer advice and help if you are struggling with the cost of living.
WARM CLOTHING & BLANKETS
We have a wonderful range of blankets, hats, scarves and hand warmers made with love by our Stitchers Group and friends. If you would like a selection to help keep you warm please get in touch by calling 01525 631900 or email us and we will be in touch.
We will also have a supply of blankets available to pick up from the main reception at The Rufus Centre.
FREE EVENTS
The Council continues to organise free events for Flitwick residents, such as the Family Fun Day and a free summer activity programme to entertain the children in the school holidays. Follow our Facebook page for all the latest information or visit the What's On Community Calendar.
