Greater than the sum of the parts

Our combination of a home, support, work, learning and community helps people take control over their own lives and shape brighter futures.

Support in your own home

We provide 250 people in Islington and Hackney with supported housing in ordinary neighbourhoods. Support is tailored to each person and is personal, practical, social and emotional. Some people receive support to move on and re-settle whilst others stay for longer. Support to live independently in the community can be life long where appropriate.

Where there are clusters of housing (in Isledon Road, Islington and Clissold Road, Hackney), we provide community canteens. These are largely tenant-run and provide social centres and hot three course meals all year round. The means to 'come together' in this way leads naturally to neighbourliness, socialising and contributing. Promoting self-help and mutual support is central to the way we work.

We also provide outreach and floating support to people in other accommodation. We have a small stock of general needs housing which was formerly run by a housing co-op.

Find out more about support in your own home

Vocational & Community Services

Over 100 people each year take part in work, training and employment activities at Peter Bedford. Our nine work schemes provide meaningful occupation, work experience and training towards paid employment. All schemes provide work of visible commercial or community benefit. We are a registered assessment centre for National Vocational Qualifications in Catering and Hospitality, Retail, Sewn Products and Administration.

We provide information, advice and guidance on getting into college. We also provide basic skills training, in partnership with City and Islington College and Hackney Community College. Our computer and learning resource centre, (Welcome Web) gives people IT training as well as access to computers and the internet for information and self-study.

Our developmental employment project, Open2work, helps people to gain and maintain paid work. No matter how far away from the labour market people are, we aim to increase people's chances of getting and keeping a job.

Find out more about Vocational and Community Services

Trading

Bedfords Shop is at 546 Holloway Road, Islington N7 and trades in a glorious mix of handmade goods and crafts, home accessories and gifts.

Catering Enterprises provide catering for parties, launches and events of every kind.

Workshops: Our joinery and soft furnishings workshops sell quality goods via the shop or respond directly to customer orders.