FLAG is a user-led community group, which aims to combat social isolation for disabled adults living in the Bedford Borough area. It is run by a Committee of five disabled members and an Events Coordinator. We have around forty members who are all adults with a physical or learning disability and/or sensory impairment, their carers, friends or volunteers. Our members are generally on extremely low incomes, and as disabled people ourselves we know that the extra costs incurred towards an outing can prove prohibitive. An outing involves hiring a wheelchair accessible coach and paying out of pocket expenses to our dedicated team of fully trained volunteers who run participants to coach pick up points and offer non- personal support at events.

Weekly Drop-in - While Committee members get together to sort out the Admin side of FLAG other members can come and have a chat, play games, enjoy musical activities or make craft items.

We have a few able-bodied volunteers who help with non-personal support at events, such as pushing a wheelchair or getting a drink from the bar. Volunteer drivers who can spare an occasional evening to drive a member to and from an event are 'gold dust' for us. We can never have enough. All volunteers complete an application form, they are DBS checked and given any relevant training. Volunteers receive out of pocket mileage expenses. FLAG pays for their meals and tickets at events.

Bi-Monthly Events/Outings - Some of the events we have successfully run include social gatherings in local pubs, restaurants and community halls, canal barge trips, theatre and cinema trips, and tours to places of interest such as the London Eye, BBC Television Centre and Cadbury’s World. We have eighteen years experience of organizing these events.