Bedfordshire Credit Union

07/09/2026

🍽 More families can now access free school meals for their children. If you receive Universal Credit you may have to apply manually 🍏

Check if you are eligible here:

Bedford Borough: https://www.bedford.gov.uk/schools-education-and-childcare/education-welfare/free-school-meals/free-school-meals-entitlement

Central Bedfordshire: https://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/benefits/free-school-meals

Luton Borough: https://www.luton.gov.uk/schools-education/schools-colleges/free-school-meals-activities

03/09/2026

Here's some brilliant FREE things to do this weekend in Bedfordshire💙

📅 Saturday 5 September

💙 is back in Russell Park Saturday and Sunday
https://www.facebook.com/bedfordrunfest

💙 Willington Village Sale Trail is 10am-1pm
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570958273504

💙 It's the start of the Bedfordshire Festival of Autumn Walks
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1624342594751555/

💙 Bedford Pride celebrates in Harpur Square, Bedford 1pm-8pm
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573669322267

💙 has a free entry car boot sale 9am-12pm
https://fb.me/e/7LezbP9UW

💙 have a Family Fun Day at Marston Community Centre 11am-3pm
https://fb.me/e/78hm5Fsq2

📅 Sunday 6 September

💙 Bedford South Jumble trail is 12pm-4pm
https://fb.me/e/axHGByVpD

02/09/2026

To join Bedfordshire Credit Union you need to deposit just £5 💷

Whether you start saving more or less, monthly or weekly, your savings are secure with us and we can help you build that £5 into a savings pot for your future.

Plus your first year is FREE! Our annual fee is just £5 and the first fee is due on your first anniversary.

If you have a fiver, open your account today and become part of the BCU Community 🩷🧡💚💙

https://tinyurl.com/bcusavings

31/08/2026

Back to School spending doesn't stop at new stationery and uniform. Kids clubs, swimming lessons, sports teams all require payment, and often up front for the term 🏑🏊🏓

Members who have Child Benefit paid in to a BCU account can apply for a Family Loan of up to £1500, which can help to bridge the gap.

Example Loan
⚽ Borrow £500 over 12 months at 42.6% APR
🏈 Monthly payment £51
🏀 Total paid back £601.09

https://tinyurl.com/bcufamilyloan

27/08/2026

It's the bank holiday weekend and there's some great FREE things to do in Bedfordshire 🧡

📅 Saturday 29 August

🧡 Luton Council have another Outdoor Cinema event at Hat Gardens from 2pm
https://www.facebook.com/lutoncouncil/posts/pfbid02G12ZtrXnmGVdB3fkwhd79n7eGtNuLFibRpNwoXqAeHUDRWHZhMzBe38NEbBSnGs8l

🧡 Black Tom (Prime Ministers) area in Bedford has a Jumble Trail from 11am-3pm
https://fb.me/e/aaSfCVZD6

🧡 has a Family Fun Day in the gardens 11am-4.30pm
https://fb.me/e/7xOjOAnZC

🧡 Bedford Esquires has FoodDrunk Festival from 1pm
https://fb.me/e/6oQbArIrC

📅 Sunday 30 August

🧡 St Cuthbert's Street in Bedford has it's annual Festival 10am-5pm
https://fb.me/e/bDdtuYOM6

🧡 The final Music in the Meadow session at the Band Stand on Bedford Embankment is on 3pm-5pm

26/08/2026

24/08/2026

📢 Urgent call to check your Child Benefit before 31 August 📢

If you're child has turned 16 and is staying in full-time education or unpaid training, you may still be able to claim Child Benefit.

If you have a letter from HMRC asking if they're still in full-time education, reply online, before 31 August.

Approved education includes A-levels, NVQs and home education and approved unpaid training.

https://www.gov.uk/child-benefit-16-19

20/08/2026

Here's our top tips for FREE things to do this weekend in Bedfordshire 💚

📅 Saturday 22 August

💚 Luton Council have a free Outdoor Cinema at Hat Gardens with films starting at 10am
https://www.facebook.com/lutoncouncil/posts/pfbid0CVtsJU9SYyMsJUBK8du3C148KzwFPkcKybt3cHUSnQN2yCTAu2fWcwmS3ow9DokUl

💚The Clapham Village Show is on at the Clapham Village Hall and King George V playing fields 11am-4pm
https://fb.me/e/6WhXTwPi6

has a Food and Music Festival 11am-9pm
https://fb.me/e/50gfr1UqT

📅 Sunday 23 August

💚 Foster Hill Road Cemetery are running their guided walk - The Scottish Soldier at 1.55pm
https://fb.me/e/gY8CZvUQF

19/08/2026

It's the turn of GCSE results tomorrow!🤞🏼 Good luck to everyone receiving their results- you've got this!

If your young person is off to college or Sixth form, you could open them a Young Saver Account with BCU. They'll receive a dividend on their savings each year until they turn 18 when they'll get a full adult account, meaning you can put away a nest egg for the next stage in their adventure 😃

https://tinyurl.com/bcuyoungsaver

17/08/2026

🎒 School uniform costs can soon add up.
If you're worried about the cost of uniforms or other back-to-school essentials, support may be available.
💡 Before borrowing:
✅ Check if your local council offers school uniform grants
✅ Speak to your child's school about available support
💰 Need to borrow? Choose a safe and legal lender, such as a Credit Union or CDFI.
⚠️ Worried about a lender or think you've borrowed from a loan shark?
📞 Call 0300 555 2222
🌐 stoploansharks.co.uk