Dunstable News Desk

Here's a summary of local amateur dramatic clubs in the area. Caddington Amateur Dramatics Society Facebook Page Meet on a Tuesday at 8pm at the Heathfield Centre. As of 22/1/2017 they are due to start rehearsals for Vicar of Dibley. DAOS - Musical Theatre Facebook Page Generally meet twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays. daosuk@gmail.com As of 22/1/2017 they are about to start rehearsals for Sister Act, which will be staged at Grove Theatre in May. If you are interested we have auditions on Sunday, and are definitely looking for more men. Luton Phoenix Players Dunstable Rep at the Little Theatre Six varied amateur plays are performed per season in the 100 seater auditorium - it's a thriving programme of theatre and guest productions. If not interested in acting,  they're always delighted to hear from anyone interested in being involved in set construction, props, costume, sound, lighting, stage management or Front-of-House. Facebook link . High Street South, D

​ W ​e have a  growing population ​. We have an aging population.   ​We have m ore people living with long term health ​ ​ challenges, such as diabetes and arthritis, that cannot be cured but can be effectively managed. ​  The quality of healthcare that people receive ​varies throughout our region.  ​We have  workforce shortages ​. We have  significant financial pressures. ​ How are we tackling these issues.? ​W​ orking in partnership with the Bedfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group, Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire, are hosting an event to invite feedback from key stakeholders, service users and the public on the Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Sustainability and Transformation Plans (STP's).    Sustainability and Transformation Plans (STP's) have been developed across the country to look at how NHS Health and Social Care services can work more closely together to provide affordable, high quality services for their local communities.   The recently published BLMK STP P

Cyber Threat Awareness and Guidance Event takes place at Putteridgebury on Thursday 2 February 2017. This  event is FREE, (free parking, free food and refreshments) with top speakers from across the country.  Ranging from ethical hackers, hostile social engineers, banking, local police on current threats, advice from national leads, plus companies that can support business in achieving cyber essentials or ISO27001.  Businesses and directors will learn the requirements to protect their data.  An excellent opportunity to network and learn. The aim will be to provide business with an understanding of current cyber threats. Presentations include how hackers work, active hostile social engineering, recent regional threats; plus advice on how to protect your company. Then assistance and opportunities for SME to learn about Cyber Essentials, ISO27001 and the forthcoming GDPR legislation The target audience will be local SME, larger corporations, and Government organisations.   All welcome to

Central Bedfordshire Council has launched a new Supported Lodgings Scheme, to help 16 and 17 year olds leaving care to make the step from dependence to independence. It is similar to fostering but a much less formal arrangement, so open to more people. For example, foster carers need to be able to drive whereas those interested in this scheme do not. Carers need to provide a bedroom for the young person they are helping, and they will also share their facilities and provide practical and emotional support, depending on the young person’s needs, such as teaching them how to cook or improve their budgeting skills. In return, support and training are available from the council’s fostering team and you will receive an allowance of up to £192 per week. Councillor Carole Hegley Councillor Carole Hegley, Executive Member for Social Care and Housing, said: “No 16 and 17 year olds should have to face the world on their own, but unfortunately thousands face that prospect nationally.

​​         ​ ​Community Voluntary Service Update   |  11 January 2017     CVS are offering two one-day training courses, starting at just £30 per delegate: Business Planning - Tuesday 7 February - A one-day course designed to help participants from voluntary and community sector groups to formulate and write a business, strategic or operational plan. Click here. Supporting, Developing and Managing Volunteers - Wednesd