Author: Clerk

Dear Subscriber,   Criminals are targeting WhatsApp users by posing as a friend and asking for a security code. Action Fraud has received over 60 reports relating to this scam.   The scam begins when a criminal gets access to another WhatsApp account which has you listed as a contact.   The criminal, posing as your friend or someone that’s a member of a WhatsApp group you’re in, will then send you seemingly normal messages to try and start a conversation with you. However, around the same time you will receive a text message from WhatsApp with a six-digit code. This is because the criminal has been trying to login to WhatsApp using your mobile number. The criminal will claim that they sent you their code by accident and ask you to help them by sending it to them. Once the criminal has this code, they can login to your WhatsApp account and lock you out.   The criminal will then use the same tactic with your WhatsApp contacts in an effort to steal more accounts and use them to perpetrate fraud.   What you need to do:   · –  Set up two-step verification to give an extra layer of protection to your account: Tap Settings > Account >Two-step verification > Enable.   –  THINK. CALL. If a family member or friend makes an unusual request on WhatsApp, always call the person to confirm their identity. –  Never share your account’s activation code (that’s the 6 digit code you receive via SMS)   –  You can report spam messages or block a sender within WhatsApp. Press and hold on the message bubble, select ‘Report’ and then follow the instructions.   If you have been a victim of fraud or cyber crime, report it to Action Fraud or 0300 123 2040.       (If you found the information in this alert useful, please share it with your friends and family. Social media versions of this alert can be found on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram)

March 23, 2023

Support for Ukraine community update for hosts in South Cambridgeshire, as well as District Councillors, community coordinators and parish council colleagues.

Contents

1. Moving On Event – TODAY

• Host payments from April 2023
• Free English Classes – Cottenham, Sawston & Waterbeach

• FREE courses available to guests

• Easter Holiday Fun for Guest Children

• REMINDERS

Moving On Information Event – online TODAY

If your guests missed out on the Moving On Information event at Sawston Village College on 09 March, then there is another chance for them to attend an online event this evening. The event will give information on the options available for those who are now considering Moving On to live more independently, or if their host has asked them to leave. Please share these details with your guests.

    Today’s FREE online Moving On event – Thursday 23 March, 6pm to 7.30pm. Zoom link to join (no need to book, just log on) – https://bit.ly/HomesForUkraine-MovingOnOptionsVirtualEvent

Host Payments from April 2023

In October 2022, the Council offered hosts an additional £150 per month to assist with the cost of hosting guests. As an opt in scheme, this requires hosts to complete an additional form to receive the payment. The government has since announced that once a guest has been in the UK for 12 months, the payments will increase to £500 per month.

As a high proportion of hosts have opted-in to receive the additional £150 and based on the government announcement, the Council will be paying all hosts who have hosted for 12 months the £500 per month from April 2023 automatically. This will remove the need for hosts to opt in and will simplify the administration of payments. 

FREE English Classes at Cottenham, Sawston, Waterbeach

In partnership with A Learning Place (ALP), the Council is providing free, weekly English classes in the following villages:

Cottenham – Tuesdays 17.30

Sawston – Thursdays 16.15, 17.30 and 18.45

Waterbeach – Wednesdays 16.30 and 17.40

Adults and young people can enrol as learners; younger children are welcome to come along (toys and activities provided). New learners are always welcome; various levels of English can be accommodated- please contact Amy on 07753 282967, hello@alearningplace.co.uk or complete our short form: www.bit.ly/ALP-English-classes. 

FREE Courses available to guests

Please could you share the following information with any guests who would like to join courses which are run by The Workers’ Educational Association (WEA). The courses run throughout the Spring and Ukrainian guests can join for free. All courses are free to the residents of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough aged 19+ who are either on benefits or on a low income.  To register on the courses or skills check meetings (which are held prior to some courses to determine ability level), please quote the course reference either online at wea.org.uk or by ringing 0300 303 34 64.

Teaching Assistant qualifications and Teaching qualifications

Teaching Assistant Course: Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools and Colleges – Cambridge, St Luke’s Church. Ref: C2229287  Start date: 28/03/2023 at 9:45am  Schools, Parenting and Child Development, Helping in Schools: Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools and Colleges (C2229287) (wea.org.uk)

Introduction to Teaching Adults in the Community – April – this will be a face-to-face course in Peterborough. Ref: C2229457  Start date: 18/04/2023 Schools, Parenting and Child Development, Helping in Schools: Introduction to Teaching Adults in the Community (C2229457) (wea.org.uk)

Intro to IAG

Introduction to Information, Advice and Guidance – June, face to face in Peterborough.  Ref: C2229464  Start date: 06/06/2023   Professional Development, Preparation for work: Introduction to Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) (C2229464) (wea.org.uk)

Community Interpreting

Skills Check Meetings (required before joining any Community Interpreting courses).  Online via Zoom on Thursday 30 March 2023.  Time: 09:15 to 12:15. Ref: C2229764 Enrol here

https://enrolonline.wea.org.uk/Online/2022/CourseInfo.aspx?r=C2229764

or

Wednesday 26 April 2023.  Time: 9:15 to 12:15. Ref: C2229765 Enrol here

https://enrolonline.wea.org.uk/Online/2022/CourseInfo.aspx?r=C2229765

Marketing for Starting Your Own Business

Cambridgeshire – Marketing for Starting Your Own Business (Taster), online. Ref: C2229040  Start date: 19/04/2023 2:30pm  Using Computers, Mobile Devices, Software & Social Media, Creating Publicity: Cambridgeshire – Marketing for Starting Your Own Business (Taster) (C2229040) (wea.org.uk)

Cambridgeshire – Marketing for Starting Your Own Business, online. Ref: C2229041

26/04/2023 – 24/05/2023 Wed 2:30pm  Using Computers, Mobile Devices, Software & Social Media, Computer Skills for Work: Cambridgeshire – Marketing for Starting Your Own Business (C2229041) (wea.org.uk)

Tenancy Courses

A Home of Your Own – Tenancy Rights and Responsibilities, online. Ref: C2229290  Start date: 27/04/2023   Personal Development, Life Skills: A Home of Your Own – Tenancy Rights and Responsibilities (C2229290) (wea.org.uk)

 
Developing Self Confidence Courses

Developing Self Confidence – Viva Theatre in Soham, Ely, face-to-face. Ref: C2229817  Start date: 12/05/2023   Healthy Living: Developing Self Confidence (C2229817) (wea.org.uk)

Parenting Courses

Help your Child with Difficult Behaviour and Anxiety – Hampton Children and Family Centre, Peterborough. Ref: C2229783  Start date: 18/04/2023  Schools, Parenting and Child Development, Supporting your Child: Help your Child with Difficult Behaviour and Anxiety (C2229783) (wea.org.uk)

Help your child with English and Maths – The Focus Centre, Chestnut Avenue, Peterborough. Ref: C2229462  Start date: 25/04/2023   Schools, Parenting and Child Development, Child Development: Help your child with English and Maths (C2229462) (wea.org.uk)

Other Online Qualifications include qualifications for Support Work in School, Caring for Children & Young People, Diploma in Leadership, Functional Skills in English and in Maths.

Easter Holiday Fun for Guest Children

If guest families are looking for Easter holiday activities for their children, please let them know about the Easter HAF programme, funded by the Department for Education, which runs between 3–14 April 2023 (excluding bank holidays). Children in receipt of income-related free school meals can access a holiday scheme for up to 16 hours. There are over 120 participating schemes which are now taking bookings and which can offer enriching experiences, a daily meal and snacks. Ukrainian and other refugee families are eligible to attend, as well as families struggling financially.

REMINDERS:

Free English Classes: The Council is funding an English language teaching project for Ukrainian guests run by The Cambridge Russian-Speaking Society (CamRuSS) at St Andrew’s Street Baptist Church, Cambridge CB2 3AR. Contact Irina Tsepova on irvik59zepova@gmail.com for more information. The Society’s other services include free English language conversation group meetings, guided tours of Cambridge in Ukrainian for newly-arrived guests and a helpline for Ukrainian refugees and their host families with a translation service on 05603 025975 (9am-6pm weekdays & 10am-5pm Saturdays). 

Barnardo’s Workshops to Support Hosts: During March, the children’s charity Barnardo’s is supporting host families with free online workshops on Zoom. Responding to challenges (week commencing 20 March) looking at what can be helpful when dealing with difficult situations and emotions. Understanding people’s rights (week commencing 27 March) exploring people’s rights, including children’s rights. See www.bookwhen.com/barnardos-workshops or contact hostfamilyworkshops@barnardos.org.uk

Bus Travel Scheme ending but current tickets valid to 31st July: The welcome offer to newly-arriving guests of free tickets for ten days of bus travel will end on 31 March. Anyone with unused travel tickets can still make use of them up until 31 July.  The tickets were made available by Stagecoach working in partnership with local councils during the initial phase of the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

Newspreviously shared here can be found on our Support for Ukraine webpage and the Ukrainian Guest information hub which we encourage you to share with your guests who should be able to switch to view in their own language.

Thank you for taking the time to read this latest update and for your help in communicating this important information to your guests, and for your continued support.

Bill

Bill Handley

Lead Cabinet Member for Communities

South Cambridgeshire District Council

March 16, 2023

Support for Ukraine community update for hosts in South Cambridgeshire, as well as District Councillors, community coordinators and parish council colleagues.

Contents

1. Moving On Information Event – online March 23

• Free English Classes Funded by the Council

• Barnardo’s Runs Workshops to Support Hosts

• Iconic Ukrainian Author’s Work to be Performed in Cambridge

• Reminders

Moving On Information Event – online March 23

If you missed out on the Moving On Information event at Sawston Village College last Thursday, then there is another chance to attend an online event on 23 March. This is to inform guests of the options available for those who are now considering Moving On to live more independently, or if their host has asked them to leave. Please share these details with your guests.

    FREE online event – THURSDAY 23 MARCH: Time: 6pm to 7.30pm. Zoom link to join (no need to book, just log on) – https://bit.ly/HomesForUkraine-MovingOnOptionsVirtualEvent

Free English Classes Funded by the Council

The Council is funding an English language teaching project for Ukrainian guests run by The Cambridge Russian-Speaking Society (CamRuSS). The project is supported by more than 30 volunteers, 20 teachers and assistants. It runs at St Andrew’s Street Baptist Church, Cambridge CB2 3AR. Contact Irina Tsepova on irvik59zepova@gmail.com for more information.

In addition, CamRuSS holds free English language conversation group meetings in Cambridge led by native English speakers. These are every other Thursday at 16.30 upstairs at Caffè Nero, 11 Market Street, Cambridge CB2 3PA (hosted by Dick); and Mondays and Thursdays at 13.00 at The Vestry, St. Andrew’s Street Baptist Church, St Andrew’s Street, Cambridge CB2 3AR (hosted by George). No need to pre-book, just turn up.

The Society also offers free guided tours of Cambridge in Ukrainian for newly-arrived guests (call or text Tanya on 07815 101481 or check for updates at Tangential Cambridge) and runs a helpline to facilitate communication between Ukrainian refugees and their host families by providing a translation service (Russian, English and Ukrainian). The helpline on 05603 025975 runs from 9am-6pm weekdays and 10am-5pm on Saturdays. 

Barnardo’s Runs Workshops to Support Hosts

During March, the children’s charity Barnardo’s has been supporting host families with a five-week programme of free online workshops. The remaining three weeks of the programme will look at:

Understanding the impact of trauma (week commencing 13 March) exploring what trauma is, how it might present and what is helpful when supporting children, young people and families.

Responding to challenges (week commencing 20 March) looking at what can be helpful when dealing with difficult situations and emotions.

Understanding people’s rights (week commencing 27 March) exploring people’s rights, including children’s rights.

All workshops will take place online on Zoom. To book visit www.bookwhen.com/barnardos-workshops For more information contact hostfamilyworkshops@barnardos.org.uk

Iconic Ukrainian Author’s Work to be Performed in Cambridge

A retelling of the Trojan story, written by Ukraine’s iconic pioneering feminist writer Lesia Ukrainka, which was published in 1908, will be performed in Cambridge on March 20, 21 & 22.

Lesia Ukrainka (1879–1913) was a modernist author, anticolonial thinker and pioneering feminist at the forefront of contemporary European trends at the turn of the twentieth century. Despite censorship of the Ukrainian language during the Russian empire and Soviet Union, her legacy endured and now a new translation by Nina Murray, which won the Ukrainian Institute London’s 2021 Ukrainian literature in translation prize, brings her story to new audiences. 

The show, by the Live Canon ensemble, premiered in London last autumn and tours to Cambridge and Oxford this month as part of the UK/Ukraine Season of Culture.

The show will be at the Round Church, Bridge Street, Cambridge CB2 1UB, on 20, 21 & 22 March at 19.30 nightly.  Tickets: bit.ly/3J3oWn4

REMINDERS:

Bus Travel Scheme ending but current tickets valid to 31st July: The welcome offer to newly-arriving guests of free tickets for ten days of bus travel will end on 31 March. Anyone with unused travel tickets can still make use of them up until 31 July.  The tickets were made available by Stagecoach working in partnership with local councils during the initial phase of the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

Volunteering: CCVS (Cambridge Council for Voluntary Services) runs FREE Volunteering Workshops for Ukrainian refugees for them to learn how to become a volunteer. The next session is TODAY (Thursday 16 March), from 10am to 1pm, at 16-18 Arbury Court, Cambridge CB4 2JQ. For further information or to register to attend, call 07840989719 or email ellie@cambridgecvs.org.uk

News previously shared here can be found on our Support for Ukraine webpage and the Ukrainian Guest information hub which we encourage you to share with your guests who should be able to switch to view in their own language.

The next Northstowe Community Forum will be held in-person on Wednesday 29 March at Northstowe Secondary College. Drop in from 6:30pm, presentations from 7pm.

Forums are free, open, public meetings bringing together residents, planners, developers and other stakeholders to discuss and share information about new development. Everyone’s welcome. Find out more: www.scambs.gov.uk/community-safety-and-health/community-forums/northstowe-community-forum/

Given the wet weather we have been experiencing, should you need to report an issue, please use the link below to CCC reporting page for flooding issues on roads or pavements (overflowing drains and gullies) Report a flood – Cambridgeshire County Council

Support for Ukraine community update for hosts in South Cambridgeshire.

Contents

1. Moving On Information Events
2. Free Family Budgeting Webinar
3. Bus Travel Scheme
4. Online Forum for Hosts – 15 March
5. Reminders

TODAY: Moving On Information Event at Sawston Village College

We are running two information events for guests who are now considering Moving On to live more independently, or if their host has asked them to leave. Please share these details with your guests. Where we have contact details, we have also emailed guests direct.

    TODAY – In person event: Today’s in-person event will run from 6pm to 7.30pm this evening at Henry Morris Hall at Sawston Village College, New Road Sawston, Cambridge, CB22 3BP. This event is free to attend and will include short presentations in Ukrainian and English. There will also be time for guests to ask questions of council officers on areas such as finance, rents and private housing, as well as to chat to other guests who are in similar situations. Hosts and relevant organisations are also welcome to attend. If you’ve not yet been able to register online to attend, then please don’t worry and simply turn up at Sawston Village College this evening. We look forward to seeing you.

    THURSDAY 23 MARCH – Online event: For those unable to attend tonight, there will be a free online event onThursday 23 March. Time: 6pm to 7.30pm. Zoom link to join (no need to book, just log on) – https://bit.ly/HomesForUkraine-MovingOnOptionsVirtualEvent

TODAY: Free Family Budgeting webinar held in Ukrainian

A free Family Budgeting webinar for Ukrainians runs today (9 March) from 10-1pm. Held in Ukrainian, it will give advice on effective family budgeting to gain more control over your finances and move towards your goals. Every participant will receive £25 as a bonus. To sign up, email yuliakurienkova@runwaytraining.co.uk

Bus Travel Scheme ending but current tickets valid to 31st July

Guests who have taken advantage of the welcome offer of free tickets for ten days of bus travel will have until 31 July 2023 to use them. This offer has been available to newly arriving guests but is now ending on 31 March. However, anyone with unused travel tickets can still make use of them up until 31 July.  The tickets were made available by Stagecoach working in partnership with local councils during the initial phase of the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

Online forum for hosts – 15 March

The next online session from the Association for Family Therapy and Systemic Practice (AFT) – virtual meetings where all current hosts and hosts-to-be can meet with others to share the experiences and challenges of hosting – takes place on 15 March from 7.30-9pm. The content of the session is decided on the evening by those who attend but may include self-care, preparing for guests to arrive, the challenges and opportunities of hosting, accessing resources in your community, thinking about the impact of trauma on guests who are displaced from home, country and family, and helping with anonymised specific challenges. Sessions are free but hosts will need to register for tickets here

REMINDER:

Volunteering: CCVS (Cambridge Council for Voluntary Services) runs FREE Volunteering Workshops for Ukrainian refugees for them to learn how to become a volunteer. The next sessions are scheduled for today (9 March) and next Thursday (16 March), from 10am to 1pm, at 16-18 Arbury Court, Cambridge CB4 2JQ. For further information or to register to attend, call 07840989719 or email ellie@cambridgecvs.org.uk

Thank you in advance for your help in communicating this important information to your guests, and for your continued support.

Gareth Bell

Communications and Communities Service Manager

South Cambridgeshire District Council