Although Christian Family Care first registered as a charity in 1978, the origins of the organisation can be traced back to the Training Homes and Moral Welfare Work of the 19th century.

The early work, under the auspices of the St. Albans Diocesan Council, provided accommodation and care for young women at a time when the stark alternative would have been the workhouse.

A Training Home for Girls was followed by a Mother and Baby Home and in later years, adoption work was also undertaken under the auspices of the St. Alban’s Diocesan Council. But the most direct forerunner of the present work came in the early 1970s when Erin Pizzey opened the country’s first Refuge for victims of domestic violence in Chiswick, London.

Inspired by her success, two local church social workers employed by the Diocese began the process of establishing a Refuge in Bedford. Evelyn Cobb and Rachel Stowe organised meetings and rallied support to enable a property to be purchased and in 1975 Bedford Refuge first opened its doors.

A tireless band of volunteers led by Eileen Impey, who was the then President of the Mother’s Union, not only cleaned, decorated and furnished the house but more than 25 years later were still actively supporting their work, until their retirement in 2003.

From these radical beginnings grew an organisation that now provides front-line care for some of the most disadvantaged groups in society.

• At the Bedford Refuge, in partnership with Granta Housing Society, accommodation and a Children’s Project is provided for women and children who are victims of domestic violence.

• At Charis Mother and Baby Care, in partnership with Granta Housing Society, six self-contained units are provided for vulnerable women during and after pregnancy.

• At Manor Farm Family Centre in Sandy, there is a wide range of provision to keep families together and prevent family breakdown across the county of Bedfordshire.

Much of this work is undertaken in partnership with Local Authority agencies and the high standard of work is maintained by having clear policies and systems governing child protection procedures and professional practice.

A high priority is given to staff training and development, which resulted in the organisation gaining the Investors in People award in 1998. There is a strong commitment to anti-discriminatory practice, ensuring that no-one is treated differently because of differences in colour, culture or religious background.

Funding for its work arises from a number of different sources, including annual grant funding, accommodation charges, donations and fund-raising.

Currently, the organisation employs approximately sixty staff and there are also a number of volunteers. The Director is responsible for the work of the organisation and is accountable to the Board of Trustees. the Executive Committee meets every six weeks to discuss day-to-day operational issues with the Director and the Board meets quarterly to agree matters of policy and strategic development.

Although the organisation retains its Christian identity, it operates in a multi-cultural, multi-racial envioronment, providing services for the whole community.