Aquarius Young People’s Team – Bedfordshire
Aquarius Young People’s TeamBedfordshire
No judgement. Just support for young people and families in Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire that meets you where you are.
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Here To Help
If you’re worried about drugs or alcohol, your own use, or someone else’s, we’re here to help. Aquarius works across Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire, offering free, confidential support for families and young people aged 5 to 18.
We understand substance use affects everyone differently. You might be feeling confused, stuck, overwhelmed or angry. You might just want to ask some questions. That’s OK. Whatever your situation, we’ll listen and work with you to figure out what’s right for you.
Constant support is on hand
"Coming to Aquarius over 10 years ago transformed my life. I got the support I didn’t even know I needed. Now I’m a totally new and different person with such self-confidence. All down to how Aquarius works for the better of the clients, staff and volunteers.
Due to all the encouragement, I had to get involved in working with Aquarius. I have good knowledge of how it works throughout the organisation. Therefore, when someone asks about what they do I am able to go through all sides of Aquarius. This is why I try to get new clients and volunteers to realise that the doors are open to all. Constant support is on hand, plus most staff have lived experience, meaning the empathy you feel from staff is real."
Linda Thompson, Volunteer
Playing a part towards positive change
"Volunteering with Aquarius means helping the community and playing a part towards positive change. I enjoy serving and having conversations with customers. What makes me proud is seeing smiles on their faces after being served, making it clear the service provided was good."
Tadi, Grounded Café Staff (previously a service user and a volunteer)
Aquarius is a family
"Aquarius is a place that offers support to those that need it by genuine people who care. Working in an environment like this you build a bond with those you support and the ones you work with. I have always said, Aquarius is a family.
I enjoy working with people knowing that the work I do makes a positive impact on their life, it can be challenging but when you see the change in someone, when they have hope and the confidence to overcome their obstacles, this in itself is such a reward."
Darren Townsend, Team Leader of Aquarius Homes
my passion never dips
"Aquarius is a service for you to access support or information about drugs. I know people make grand statements all the time about what they do, but we genuinely do not judge and encourage you to lead on the support you receive from us.
I absolutely love my job with Aquarius, working with young people has been my driving force for over twenty years and my passion never dips. I love the team we have in Birmingham, and I can wholeheartedly say we/I have the dedication to put people’s needs first which keeps the values of our service beating in our hearts."
Colette Lloyd, Service Manager
an organisation that empowers positive change
"I have worked at Aquarius for 14 years in total, after initially joining the organisation in an admin role I have been supported to develop my skills and experience to progress into management. Aquarius have supported my personal and professional development to enable me to now manage a service and support staff in their own development journeys. I have remained committed to working at Aquarius due to their values and focus on creating a positive work culture, and providing opportunities for qualifications and apprenticeships alongside this.
It is a privilege to work for an organisation that empowers positive change for people and tackles the challenges facing adults and young people who are impacted by substance use."
Emma Booth, Service Manager (Derby Family Drug and Alcohol Safeguarding Service)
great work/life balance
"Since working for Aquarius, I find myself listened to. My ideas are taken on board. My co-workers trust me. My skills are valued. I am part of a team. I have a great work/life balance. The humanity and kindness of the people in the organisation is truly rare.
I am constantly working with the most genuine, inspirational, awesome, strong, caring people I have ever met."
Faye Wainscott, Administrator
always felt supported
"There are lots of things that I love about working for Aquarius. I have always felt supported and heard by my peers and managers alike. Aquarius is the only service I have ever worked for that actively encourages communication with senior management, and then responds to the needs of their staff following this communication.
I feel that hard work and dedication is seen and rewarded, and I have been blessed with opportunities to grow and develop my skills and aim for promotion when available. On the first of September 2025 I will have been with Aquarius for 10 years. This is the longest period of time I have worked with any service or company, and in our increasingly transient world of work it is telling that Aquarius have so many long standing members of staff."
Karl Philips, Service Manager (Recovery Hub) Wolverhampton
I love being part of the Aquarius family
"I love being part of the Aquarius family, the young people in our service and my team. I passionately believe in our purpose to support children and young people to make informed decisions around substances.
I am proud of the measures we take locally and across Aquarius to support children and young people to create positive futures."
Zoe Church-Wood, Service Manager - Ngage
Aquarius helped my family
"Aquarius helped my family understand what I was going through mentally and physically. If you need help, you should always consider it as an option, as it really helps you to understand what you are actually doing to yourself and also helps your family understand."
Anonymous, Service User
They saved my life
"They saved my life, I wouldn’t be 2 years clean if it wasn’t for them, I’ve never really had a family but Aqaurius have all become my family."
Kai, Service User
Information For Young People Impacted By A Family Members Substance Use
When a family member has a problem with substances, you can often feel isolated and alone. You might worry about telling someone because you don’t want your family member to be judged. You might feel ashamed or feel like talking about their substance use is wrong. You might worry about their health and how they behave when they’ve used. You might find it hard to talk to them because you don’t want to hurt them. You might no longer live or have a relationship with them but have so many questions about why they use. You might even be angry at them for not changing their use despite the impact it has on you and your family.
You Are Not Alone.
We will provide a safe space for you to talk about your feelings, so you feel less worried, angry, or upset. Often, when a family member has an addiction, it can become the focus of your life. You might forget about yourself, your own mental and physical wellbeing – or developing your own coping strategies.
It is important to talk about your family member’s addiction and how this has affected different parts of your life – your education, hobbies and interests, mental and physical health, family life, friendships, goals and aspirations, and your feelings of safety.
Our support with enable you to understand addiction; express your thoughts and feelings around addiction and discuss your worries and concerns about your family member.~
We will use the 7c’s of addiction – “I didn’t Cause it. I can’t Cure it. I can’t Control it. I can Care for myself by Communicating my feelings, making healthy Choices and by Celebrating myself” to support you in feeling more hopeful about the future.
“Getting it off my chest it feels so good”
In 2025/2026, we saw over 96% of clients in Bedford after a referral was made. Of those, 89% successfully completed their treatment with the national average of 78%.
We support young people who:
Are using drugs or alcohol and want to reduce harm or make a change
Are affected by a parent, sibling or other family member’s substance use
Feel like they need a safe space to talk things through
Take the next step
If you’re ready to reduce or stop, we can help with that. If you’re not there yet, we’ll work with you to understand risks, build coping strategies and explore healthier ways of managing things.
You don’t need to have everything figured out. You don’t need to be at crisis point. And you definitely don’t need to go through this alone.
Get In Touch
Just reach out.
Text or WhatsApp “Request call back” to 07467 336203
Email: ypbedfordshire@aquarius.org.uk
Or call us on 0330 008 3925
Download our referral form: