Mission
The Bramingham Community Engagement Hub
Aims to promote community cohesion to reduce social exclusion and isolation by providing opportunities for
local individuals to socially network.
Research has indicated the impact on the quality of life of communities which has created social isolation has impacted on individuals physical, psychological, and emotional health. Local communities are in a unique position to change their communities and create the life and community they want for the elderly,
disabled, and the youth.
https://www.mckinsey.com/mhi/our-insights/gen-z-mental-health-the-impact-of-tech-and-social-media
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3150158/
https://www.culturetrust.com/whats-on/morley-college-hat-journey-around-world
"Collectively We Can Do This - Nothing is Impossible!" VJ
Hosting "Your Body Is Your Temple" From Bedfordshire Health Radio Studio
📚 Have You Ever Dreamed of Writing a Book?
From life stories and memoirs to professional expertise and community projects,
BCEHub can help you write, develop, and publish your work.
We at Mybcehub.com only share information which we think may be beneficial and can increase your
awareness and understanding of the subject matter. We do not make recommendations.
It is your responsibility to check out the information and make your own informed decisions.
Entrance Donations and How They Support Our Mission
At MyBCEHub.com, we strive to keep our costs low so that everyone can participate in our activities. To ensure the sustainability of our hub, we are not requiring a specific entrance fee for certain events. Instead, we kindly ask participants to consider making a donation.
Your generous contributions will directly support the following:
-
Venue Hire: Covering the cost of our meeting space at St Margaret’s Church.
-
Website and Publicity: Maintaining our online presence and promoting our activities.
-
Volunteer Expenses: Supporting the efforts of our dedicated volunteers.
-
Invited Speakers: Assisting with expenses for guest speakers who enrich our programs.
-
Special Projects: Funding initiatives for senior citizens and children with autism and learning disabilities.
-
Unpaid Carers Respite: Providing much-needed breaks for unpaid carers.
-
Refreshments: Ensuring participants have refreshments available during activities.
Your donations make it possible for us to continue offering valuable services and activities to our community.
Thank you for your support!
LCF Church, Luton is providing FREE lunch bags for children during the school holidays.
Collection Days:
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Collection Time: 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Please note: Collection only.
If you know a family who could benefit from this support, please share this information with them.
101 Castle Street, LU1 3GH
Introducing The Silent Sufferer
BCEHub is pleased to introduce a new Facebook page dedicated to raising awareness of the hidden emotional, psychological and physical challenges faced by carers.
The Silent Sufferer will provide supportive information, practical guidance, shared experiences, discussions, group updates and future podcast content. The page will explore topics including nervous system awareness, emotional wellbeing, boundaries, safety, identity and recovery.
Most importantly, it will offer a space where carers can feel heard, understood and less alone.
Please follow and support the new page:
www.facebook.com/TheSilentSuffererBCEHub
More information and new content will be coming soon. 💜
Click on the banner above our "comments section" for more information.
🎤 CALLING ALL PERFORMERS!
Do you sing, DJ, dance, perform spoken word, play in a band or steel pan group, or showcase African or Caribbean culture?
We're looking for talented performers to take the stage at the Luton Baako Festival 2026 – Luton's biggest African & Caribbean celebration!
📅 Saturday 15 August 2026
📍 Leagrave Park, Luton
If you'd like to perform, apply here:
👉 https://baakofestivalluton.org/luton-baako-festival-2026/
Please share this message with any talented performers, musicians, dancers or cultural groups who may be interested. Let's showcase the very best of our community!
Carers Health Matters: The Silent Suffer
Bedfordshire Health Radio recently featured an important edition of "Your Body Is Your Temple", hosted by Valma James, focusing on the often overlooked reality of unpaid carers experiencing abuse while caring for those they support.
The Silent Suffer
There are an estimated 7 million unpaid carers in the UK, and research indicates that many are silently living with abuse from the very people they care for.
Evidence highlighted during the programme, including research referenced by King's College London, suggests that unpaid carers face a significantly increased risk of physical, emotional, sexual and psychological abuse. Some studies have found that one in three carers experience domestic abuse or violence within their caring relationship.
The programme also explored international research showing that a substantial proportion of domestic homicide cases involve female carers, highlighting the importance of recognising carers as individuals who may themselves need protection and support.
Research into End of Life Caring
Valma discussed findings from the CEDA Study, Making the Invisible: Identifying and Responding to Unpaid Carers Who Experience Domestic Violence, led by researchers Professor Micheile Myall (University of Southampton) in collaboration with the University of Bristol and supported by Marie Curie (2024).
The study identified several recurring themes:
Power imbalances within caring relationships.
Pressure and expectation to continue caring despite abuse.
Coercive and controlling behaviour.
Increased risk of emotional, physical and financial abuse.
A lack of awareness and understanding among some professionals.
Why Many Carers Do Not Report Abuse
During the discussion, Valma James explained that many carers remain silent because they fear the consequences of speaking out.
Common concerns include:
Fear that the person they care for may be removed from their home.
Worries about safeguarding investigations.
Financial implications if residential care becomes necessary.
Feelings of shame or guilt.
Fear of being wrongly accused of abuse when acting in self-defence.
Concern that they will no longer be able to continue in their caring role.
Valma also highlighted that experiences of abuse are not routinely explored during Carers Assessments, meaning many carers continue to suffer without appropriate support or intervention.
The Impact on Mental Health
Joanna Bray, Trauma Therapist, spoke about the profound effect prolonged abuse can have on carers' mental wellbeing.
She explained how ongoing trauma can contribute to:
Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS/PTSD)
Persistent fear and anxiety
Emotional numbness
Loss of confidence
Long-term psychological distress
The Physical Impact of Caring Under Abuse
Valma also discussed the physiological effects that chronic stress and abuse can have on unpaid carers.
Long-term exposure to stress can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of:
Burnout
Chronic health conditions
Anxiety and depression
Mental health breakdown
Physical exhaustion
The programme reinforced the message that carers need care too. Supporting carers is essential not only for their own wellbeing but also for the sustainability of the care they provide.
Sources
Information discussed during the programme referenced research from:
King's College London
Marie Curie
University of Southampton
University of Bristol
Making the Invisible: Identifying and Responding to Unpaid Carers Who Experience Domestic Violence (2024)
Need Support?
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, confidential support is available.
National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247
Marie Curie Support Line 0800 090 2409
https://www.mybcehub.com/womensgroup
🎙️ Let's Talk Carers' Health 🎙️
As we mark Carers Week 2026, join us for an important discussion about the realities of caring and the impact it can have on a carer's physical, emotional, psychological, social and financial wellbeing.
📅 Saturday 6th June🕛 12:15pm – 1:00pm📻 Bedfordshire Health Radio🎙️ Host Presenter: Valma James
Carers Broadcaster & Advocate
According to the 2021 Census, there are over 5 million unpaid carers in the UK. During Carers Week, Bedfordshire Health Radio is helping to ensure that carers' voices are heard.
Joining Valma will be:
⭐ KamiliaSharing how the Trust works alongside carers supporting individuals with mental health needs.
⭐ Moniek HulesbosA carer herself, Moniek will discuss her personal caring journey and her role as Chairperson.
💙 We will be exploring:
• The hidden risks of caring
• Physical and mental health challenges
• Emotional wellbeing
• Social isolation
• Financial pressures
• The importance of support and recognition
https://Hrb.radioca.st/hrb
☕ Don't forget to check out the Carers Café video at Luton Point, encouraging carers to take a well-deserved break and prioritise their own health and wellbeing. Thank you to Luton Point Management Centre for sponsoring the video.
🎉 Join us as we celebrate Carers Week and recognise the incredible contribution carers make every day!
Carers Week Tea Party at the Carers Café
Monday 9th June
10:00am – 1:00pm
Esquires Organic Coffee Co
Luton Point (The Mall), Luton
As part of Carers Week,
Bramingham Community Engagement Hub (BCEHub) warmly invites unpaid carers to join us for a special Carers Tea Party at the Carers Café. Caring for someone can be rewarding, but it can also be demanding. This event offers an opportunity to take a well-deserved break, meet other carers, share experiences, and enjoy a friendly and supportive environment over tea, coffee, and cake.
Visitors can download a voucher from mybcehub.com or scan the QR code on our promotional poster to receive 10% off cake and coffee at Esquires during the event.
Event Details
Date: Monday 9th June
Time: 10:00am – 1:00pm
Venue: Esquires Organic Coffee Co., Luton Point (The Mall), Luton
What to Expect:
A warm welcome and relaxed atmosphere
An opportunity to meet fellow carers
Information about local support and community activities
Tea, coffee, and refreshments
Exclusive 10% discount voucher for attendees. Whether you care for a family member, friend, neighbour, or loved one, this event is a chance to focus on your own wellbeing and connect with others who understand the caring journey.
We look forward to welcoming you and celebrating the incredible contribution carers make to our communities every day.
Download your voucher today at mybcehub.com