Author: Clerk

Free community climate action course, Net Zero Now! Applications will close at the end of this week on 30th April.

The course is run by Cambridge Carbon Footprint – go to their website to apply: www.cambridgecarbonfootprint.org

Who is the programme for?

This course is relevant to Parish Councillors and residents who are interested in supporting their community’s move to net zero but who are either unsure where to start or feel that they would benefit from gaining additional tools or confidence to increase the impact of their activities.

Why has the course been created?

The course is being run by local charity Cambridge Carbon Footprint with support from the South Cambridgeshire District Council Zero Carbon Communities Fund. We have developed this course as nearly two thirds of the changes needed to reach net zero by 2050 will require changes to the way we live our lives. We’ll need to reduce energy use, change the way we travel, what we eat, how much we buy and how we dispose of things. With the policies and actions currently in place still taking more time than we have, it’s important that we all do what we can to move closer towards net zero.

This means that, alongside calling for the UK Government to implement top-down policies to reduce the nation’s carbon footprint and support these changes, we have a fantastic opportunity to create communities that are not only sustainable, but healthier, happier, and more resilient.

So, if you would like to see this where you live, could Net Zero Now help you on your way?

What have previous participants achieved?

As a result of attending the course, previous participants have supported their parish councils to declare climate emergencies and create climate action plans, improved biodiversity through planting wildflowers and trees, and connected with surrounding towns and villages to share resources and expertise.

What does the course consist of? This is an exciting opportunity to be part of the move to net zero where you live. The programme consists of six weekly workshops between 7 June and 12 July, a mix of online and in-person, bringing you together with other communities and individuals in the area to support and learn from each other to deliver effective carbon reduction activities, events and communications. The programme will cover topics such as choosing an action, community engagement, influencing and communicating. You will be supported to create an action plan and leave the course ready to take the next steps. So whether you would like to set up a regular clothes swap or repair café, run an eco-fair or set up a community energy scheme, Net Zero Now is here to support you to take action where you live

Cambridge and Peterborough Against Scams Partnership

Casp View as a webpage
scam warning Clickbait ads on Facebook pages Watch out for Facebook pages that are using simple games or number puzzles to bait users into engaging with their posts so they can be lured into sharing their personal and/or financial information via private messaging, or a fake website. Your data is gold to fraudsters and there’s a lot of these “clickbait” posts around. In fact, one of our eagle-eyed Cambridgeshire residents has just shared one she’s spotted on local Facebook groups (see below) where the user is asked to “spot the number” in an image and offered a cash prize. The scammers ask you to private message (whether you give the right answer or not) to see if you have won the prize (there is no prize, of course). If you do question them, they might claim that they’re issuing the prize money on behalf of a reputable company like Aldi, but we know organisations like that (or their employees) wouldn’t operate like this. As always, if it is too good to be true, it usually is. Report fake Facebook ads here: How to report an ad | Meta Business Help Center (facebook.com) fake Facebook ad Fake Facebook ad Follow us on Twitter| Facebook|Cambridgeshire.gov.uk/against-scams CCC PCC

Ukraine Community Update

April 13, 2023

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

Contents

  1. Translated Newsletter for Guests

Translated Newsletters for Guests

Please be aware that last week we sent the first translated Guest Newsletter out, packed with information for guests who are on our email list.  Some of the items in this newsletter will have been included in the Guest Newsletter, but please do mention these items to your guests in case they have questions or need help accessing further information. We are constantly updating our email lists and if any of your guests are not yet on our list but would like to receive the new newsletter direct to their personal Inbox, then please ask them to email us at duty.communities@scambs.gov.uk

Buddying – for Families Who Want to Share

For families who are at the Moving On stage of their time in the UK and are now looking for independent accommodation, we wanted to remind people that we have a scheme to help two families share a property.

We know that private rental is very expensive locally and sharing accommodation can bring down the cost, so it is more affordable. We are encouraging guests to consider all options as renting alone may not be affordable and the availability of properties is also limited.

Sharing accommodation is an option for all guests, whether they receive benefits or not.

Our team will support people who are keen on sharing to explore the option, and we will help try to match them with another family where possible too. Guests can contact HFULiaison@Scambs.gov.uk or call on 01954 713411 for more information.

House available for buddying:  We have been offered a large house in Great Wilbraham, perfect for ‘buddying’, which two families could rent together.

The house is partly furnished and has 4 bedrooms, lots of living space and an enclosed garden. The village has a number of facilities, including a village shop, a primary school and a daily bus service to Cambridge City Centre. Secondary-age children attend nearby Bottisham Village College.

The Ukraine Liaison Team can offer support with setting up the tenancy and, depending on guests’ income, may also be able to help with money towards the rent deposit and furniture.  There is a local group of residents in Great Wilbraham already supporting Ukrainian refugees in the village who would be there to help. For more information, please contact us on hfuliaison@scambs.co.uk or call 01954 713411.

Furniture Pack Scheme

Please let your guests know there is a furniture scheme available from the Council to help with essential items when they move into independent accommodation, providing families with furniture items up to the value of £2,000. These items will be delivered directly to their new home and they can choose from the list below:

  • 2-seater sofa
  • 3-seater sofa
  • Double bed with mattress
  • Single bed with mattress
  • Wardrobe
  • Bedding (double and/or single), including pillows and duvet
  • Cooker, including fitting
  • Fridge freezer 
  • Under counter fridge and/or freezer
  • Washing machine

Please note, this scheme has qualifying criteria and every application will be assessed on a case-by-case basis to ensure that guests are eligible. If you would like more information, please contact our Moving On team on HFULiaison@scambs.gov.uk or 01954 713411. 

Nature courses to help wellbeing of young Ukrainians

Please alert your guests who have children and teenagers aged between 8 and 17 of two free outdoor-based nature programmes which are designed to help improve the wellbeing of young Ukrainians.  The two programmes will be running over the next couple of months in the South Cambridgeshire area.

For young people aged 12-17 years: At Wandlebury Country Park starting from 17 May, the 8-week Nature in Mind course will be run by Find Your Wild and supports mental wellbeing for young people in small groups (max of 12) with free outdoor activities in a woodland park setting, making the most of the natural environment. The sessions will be run by skilled activity instructors and youth workers with a Wellbeing officer who speaks Ukrainian. The course runs on Wednesdays 4-6pm beginning on 17 and 24 May, with a break for a week (half term) and then continuing to run again from 7 June to 12 July. See the Council’s website for more information and to register for the scheme.

For children aged 8-11 years:  This programme is run by Forest School at Milton Country Park on Friday afternoons from 4-6pm. It aims to encourage children to learn in a natural setting to help develop their confidence and self-esteem with a programme featuring bushcraft skills, playing games, making friends, building dens, pond-dipping, treasure hunts and more. The 8-week scheme is run by Cambridge Sport Lakes Trust in partnership with the Council. Forest School learning materials will provided for children to continue learning at home. Those wishing to attend should meet at the Wild Place at Milton Country Park from 4-6pm on the following dates: 12/19/26 May, 9/16/23/30 June and 7 July.

REMINDERS:

Free English Classes at Cottenham, Sawston, Waterbeach: In partnership with A Learning Place (ALP), the Council provides free weekly English classes in Cottenham (Tuesdays 17.30), Sawston (Thursdays 16.15, 17.30, 18.45) and Waterbeach (Wednesdays 16.30, 17.40). Adults and young people can enrol; younger children welcome (toys and activities provided). Contact Amy on 07753 282967, hello@alearningplace.co.uk or complete our short form: www.bit.ly/ALP-English-classes. 

Free English Classes from CamRuSS: The Council funds an English language teaching project for Ukrainian guests run by 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 guests and hosts with a translation service available on 05603 025975 (9am-6pm weekdays & 10am-5pm Saturdays). 

FREE Courses available to guests: Ukrainian guests can access free courses run by The Workers’ Educational Association (WEA). To register on the courses or skills check meetings (which are held prior to some courses to determine ability level), guests should apply either online at wea.org.uk or by ringing 0300 303 34 64. Courses include:

Teaching Assistant qualifications and Teaching qualifications 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 Schools, Parenting and Child Development, Helping in Schools: Introduction to Teaching Adults in the Community (C2229457) (wea.org.uk)

Introduction to Information, Advice and Guidance Professional Development, Preparation for work: Introduction to Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) (C2229464) (wea.org.uk)

Community Interpreting Online Skills Check Meetings Wednesday 26 April 2023, 9.15-12.15.  https://enrolonline.wea.org.uk/Online/2022/CourseInfo.aspx?r=C2229765

Marketing for Starting Your Own Business (Taster) Using Computers, Mobile Devices, Software & Social Media, Creating Publicity: Cambridgeshire – Marketing for Starting Your Own Business (Taster) (C2229040) (wea.org.uk) or Using Computers, Mobile Devices, Software & Social Media, Computer Skills for Work: Cambridgeshire – Marketing for Starting Your Own Business (C2229041) (wea.org.uk)

Tenancy Courses Personal Development, Life Skills: A Home of Your Own – Tenancy Rights and Responsibilities (C2229290) (wea.org.uk)

 Developing Self Confidence Courses  Healthy Living: Developing Self Confidence (C2229817) (wea.org.uk)

Parenting Courses  Schools, Parenting and Child Development, Supporting your Child: Help your Child with Difficult Behaviour and Anxiety (C2229783) (wea.org.uk) orSchools, 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.

Ukrainian Employment Survey: Please could you make your guests aware of our Ukrainian Employment/Skills Survey. This is designed to help provide us with a picture on how we can best support guests into suitable employment. The Government has confirmed that Ukrainian refugees are able to work in the UK for up to three years. South Cambridgeshire District Council is collaborating with local partners, communities, and businesses to ensure we understand the barriers Ukrainian guests are facing in finding suitable employment.

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, 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

Scam Alert from Cambridgeshire and Peterborough against Scams.

WhatsApp account takeover scam

Criminals have been 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: Depending on your phone, 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. Please share this alert with your friends and family to warn them and others.

UK Government new Emergency Alerts System

The UK government’s new Emergency Alerts system is now live.  The system will enable people to be contacted via their mobile phone when lives are in danger. 

Emergency Alerts are sent to compatible mobile phones within an area  of risk.  They don’t track your location, need your phone number, or collect  personal data, and only the emergency services can send them.  An Emergency Alert is a loud, siren-like sound with a message on  your screen.  If you receive an alert, read the alert carefully and follow the instructions. You can check an alert is genuine at gov.uk/alerts.

You can opt out of receiving emergency alerts; for more information on how to opt out please go to gov.uk/alerts

If you don’t have a mobile phone, you’ll still be kept informed through other channels. To find out more about Emergency Alerts, visit gov.uk/alerts

On Sunday 23 April 2023 at 3pm, there will be a national test of the Emergency Alerts service.

A UK-wide alerts test will take place at 15.00 on Sunday 23 April which will see people receive a test message on their mobile phones.