Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council’s joint public health team is inviting residents to have their say on how new and existing communities can be healthy, supportive and inclusive.
Work is currently underway to develop the Healthy Places Joint Strategic Needs Assessment for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, a piece of work which will support the development of healthier, easy to access, and inclusive communities. To inform this, the team has launched a survey asking for views on access to healthcare services, inclusive and accessible green spaces, opportunities for active travel and healthy play and leisure, and the provision of affordable healthy food options.
The survey is open until Monday 15 April at 5pm and can be found at https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/WNC1CB/. It will take around 10-15 minutes to fill in and may be completed on behalf of yourself or someone you care for.
If you’d prefer to complete a paper copy of the survey, you can pick one up from your local library or New Shire Hall, Emery Crescent, Enterprise Campus, Alconbury Weald, Huntingdon PE28 4YE.
If you have any questions about the survey or the Healthy Places Joint Strategic Needs Assessment for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, please email healthinallpolicies@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
Families struggling to buy school uniform and shoes for children are being made aware of a special scheme which is providing vital help. The School Uniform Wardrobe project, run by Cambridgeshire County Council’s Think Communities team, is holding a series of uniform donation events over the coming weeks in Whittlesey and Wisbech. People can donate school uniform and shoes that they no longer need which will be used by families struggling financially due to the cost of living crisis. Anyone in need of school uniform can attend the events or contact the team and they will aim to find suitable attire for you. The scheme has already received backing from Tesco Extra, with the supermarket giants donating new items of uniform. At a recent donation event, shoppers were encouraged to buy an item of clothing to donate while doing their regular shopping. The next donation bank events will be at Tesco Extra in Wisbech tomorrow (Friday 26 August) from 10am – 3pm and at Whittlesey Library on Tuesday 30 August from 10am – 1pm. Councillor Tom Sanderson, Chair of the council’s Communities, Social Mobility and Inclusion, said: “We know that many people are struggling with the cost of living crisis and this time of year is also very expensive for families with new school uniform and other items needed as their children go back to school. We’re hoping that communities will get behind this truly worthwhile scheme to ease the pressure on those who are struggling. “Although the scheme is primarily aimed at those struggling financially, it will also help reduce the amount of clothing going to landfill waste. If people can help either by donating good quality second hand uniform they no longer need, or by buying items while shopping, then that will really help.” The scheme’s current round of support is focused in both Wisbech and Whittlesey, with similar support offered in March and Chatteris during October half-term. 
Are you worried about the rising cost of energy bills, food and transport? You are not alone; the cost of living crisis is affecting many of us. You may want help accessing grants and debt advice, support getting all the money you’re entitled to, or simply want to know more about the government’s recent support measures. Whatever your money worries may be, Cambridgeshire County Council has