OUR HISTORY
Our Roots: One Man’s Vision, a Lasting Impact
Kids in Action was born from the heartfelt vision of Paul Bowen-James BEM, who wanted to recreate the joy of the “old-fashioned youth club” he remembered from his childhood—but for children with special needs, and with an open door for their siblings too.
In 1995, Paul set out to build a space where young people could laugh, learn, and build friendships in an environment that truly welcomed and celebrated them. He was joined by two dedicated trustees—who continue to serve with the charity today—and in 2018, welcomed a third to help guide the mission forward. Today we have 5 Trustees.
What began as a single weekly session has grown into a life-changing community. But that same spirit of inclusion, joy, and togetherness still runs through everything we do.
A Royal Honour for a Lifelong Mission
In June 2016, our founder Paul Bowen-James BEM was recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for his outstanding service and dedication to improving the lives of children and young people. He was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM)—a moment of national recognition for a lifetime of local impact.
Our Achievements: Growing with Our Community
From humble beginnings in 1995—just 12 young people meeting once a week in a local community centre—Kids in Action has grown into a thriving hub of support and joy. Today, we operate from a vibrant 12,000 square foot building, offering club days, evening and weekend sessions to over 350-400 children, young people, and adults with special needs every week.
As our members have grown, so have we. Recognising the need for continued support into adulthood, we launched The Base—a dedicated space for over-18s with special needs to connect, socialise, and thrive. We’ve even extended our reach beyond our walls, with one holiday caravan near the coast, giving families the chance to enjoy a much-needed break and make lasting memories together.
Over the years, our work has been recognised and celebrated by the community through a number of awards, including:
🏅 High Sheriff of Bedfordshire’s Charity of the Year
🏅Community Business of the Year – Dunstable & Houghton Regis Business & Community Awards
🏅Disability Smart Award – Dunstable & Houghton Regis Business & Community Awards
🏅Highly Commended Lifetime Achievement – Houghton Regis Town Council (Paul Bowen-James BEM)
🏅 Local Group Winner – Houghton Regis Town Council
🏅 Highly Commended Charity of the Year – Dunstable & Houghton Regis Business & Community Awards
🏅 Lifetime Achievement Award – Dunstable & Houghton Regis Business & Community Awards, Chamber of Commerce Community Award, Lifetime Achievement in Houghton Regis
Each of these honours reflects the dedication of our team, the spirit of our members, and the unwavering support of our community.