OUR HISTORY
Kids in Action, was the vision of Paul Bowen-James BEM. Paul wanted to create an “old fashioned youth club” specifically for special needs children where they could spend time with their peers, mirroring the experience he had growing up.
The club was set up for children with special needs, where their siblings would be welcome too. He was joined by 2 trustees to help him along the way who are still with the charity today, 1 other was appointed in 2018.
BEM Medal
In June 2016 Paul was on the Queen’s birthday honours list, he was awarded a British Empire Medal for his outstanding service and contribution to improving the lives of children and young people. He attended the Queen’s garden party and received his BEM medal.
Our Achievements
From small beginnings in 1995, we have grown from a once a week club in a community centre with 12 young people attending, to leasing a 10,000 square foot building hosting various club days, evening and weekend sessions for 250+ people with special needs every week. As the children grew into adults it was apparent, they also needed their own club, so we created The Base which is solely for over 18’s with special needs.
We even have 2 holiday caravans near the coast, so members and their families can have their own getaway.
As the charity has grown and developed over the years, we are happy and proud to share that we have been recognised for the good work that we do by being nominated and winning many awards within the community, including the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire’s Charity of the year 2019 and other awards including:
- Dunstable & Houghton Regis Business & Community Awards – Community Business Of The Year 2014
- Dunstable & Houghton Regis Business & Community Awards – Disability Smart Award 2017
- Houghton Regis Town Council – Highly Commended Lifetime Achievement 2018: Paul
- Houghton Regis Town Council – Local Group Winner 2018
- Dunstable & Houghton Regis Business & Community Awards – Highly Commended Charity of the Year 2018
- Dunstable & Houghton Regis Business & Community Awards – Lifetime Achievement 2019