Projects
“Asha” event celebrating Bangladeshi Independence
iLearn Bedford was delighted to partner with Queen’s Park Community Organisation to project manage and host the “Asha” event for “Back to our Roots” , celebrating 55 years of Bangladeshi Independence on 18th April at the Harpur Suite and Harpur Square, Bedford. With an energetic range of performances brought to the town by Green Shelter Society UK, the event also featured a cultural market and artwork by Mo Rahman who is also an illustrator. Find him on Instagram as squidinkdoodle.
Together we can
Funded by Bedford Giving from September 2024 for a year, this programme helped deliver activities aimed at reducing health inequalities of parents and SEND children. Enabling access to support and social inclusion by funding two early years’ practitioners so women could enjoy time without their children. It was also aligned to the priorities of Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes ICS. The activities included swimming, badminton and holistic therapy as well as using SEND specific tools with SEND children.
Queens of Diversity
Celebrating the achievements of local women and the global awareness of women’s needs.
Bangladeshi Heritage Day
Dedicated to the memory of fallen heroes who fought for the Bengali language. This took place in February 2023.
Bijoy Dibosh
In December 2024, iLearn Bedford hosted and delivered the first Bijoy Dibosh – Victory Day to celebrate the day Bangladeshi people won independence. It attracted over 400 guests to enjoy cultural heritage from Bengali artists, musicians, singers and veterans as well as an exhibition, a recreation of a Bengali Market and free food. This was funded between the UK Shared Prosperity Fund through Bedford Borough Council and sponsors of local businesses and individuals.
Pitha Party
This was a self-organised summer event by the regular attenders of iLearn Bedford sessions giving them skills in volunteering, organising, catering and leading activities in a community setting.
Love iLearn Bedford
Taking place aptly on 14th February 2026, this event was hosted by iLearn Bedford to raise funds for the group and to connect communities, swap seeds and recycle. iLearn Bedford aims to run 3 or 4 of these events every year.
Warm Spaces
iLearn Bedford is a regular provider of a warm space and encourages people to have access to healthy food and social inclusion.
Developing iLearn Bedford to become a Foundation CIO
Funded by Bedfordshire & Luton Community Foundation in April 2025, this enabled iLearn Bedford to launch a website, attract a dedicated Administrator & Charity support officer and to ensure there was digital infrastructure in place for trustees and volunteers.
Women only Swimming
Dedicated sessions for women to attend, especially those who face barriers in accessing services for any reason.
Women only Badminton
Dedicated sessions for women to have a go at sport, move around in a friendly atmosphere and learn new skills.
About iLearn
iLearn Bedford’s purpose is beneficial because our work nurtures networking and the sharing of experiences, allowing participants’ sense of community to be strengthened.