Existing two-year qualifying period for protections from unfair dismissal will be removed, to ensure all workers have a right to these from day one at work.
The bill will bring forward 28 individual employment reforms, from ending zero hours contracts and fire and rehire practices to establishing day one rights for paternity, parental and bereavement leave for workers. Statutory sick pay will also be strengthened, removing the lower earnings limit for all workers and cutting out the waiting period before sick pay kicks in.
Accompanying this will be measures to help make the workplace more compatible with people’s lives, with flexible working made the default where practical.
A new Fair Work Agency will be established to enforce rights such as holiday pay and support employers looking for guidance on how to comply with the law.
Small business support Grants up to £5,000 are still available for South Cambridgeshire small businesses looking to grow within the district as part of the Small Business Grant Scheme.
There are only a few days left to apply. Applications close on 31 October.
Full details and application form available on our website.
Improving the High Street Our new £200,000 Improving the High Street grant scheme recently launched to support projects that boost the heart of communities across the district.
Grants of between £5,000- £20,000 per project are available to local businesses, community groups and Parish Councils.
The scheme aims to improve the look of local high streets, promote rejuvenation, encourage residents to shop locally and attract more local businesses to the area.
Street trading policy changes
We are updating our street trading policy to allow greater flexibility and opportunities for businesses.
The new policy introduces two key changes to support the growth of street traders such as food vans, flower stalls and cake vans.
The changes are: A three-month trial for new premises. This allows traders to assess suitability or viability of a new location before committing to an annual consent. A new ad-hoc trading consent, enabling trading for up to four times a year in one location to meet business needs or assess viability.
Businesses must obtain consent issued by the District Council before they can trade in the street. Find out more about street trading licences.
Webinar: Encouraging diversity, equity, and inclusion in small businesses
Would you like to find out how developing a more diverse workforce and an inclusive culture could benefit your small business?
Monitoring diversity is normal for many large firms, but it can also add value to small businesses.
It can lead to better business performance, increased staff happiness and motivation and better outcomes for customers.
On 23 October we are hosting a free webinar from 1pm to 2pm where Mark Freed and Alana Stuart from Men For Inclusion will: Share personal experiences related to diversity, equity, and inclusion Explain how the “lived experience gap” creates additional barriers for underrepresented groups Help recognise unintentional sexist behaviours Explore what motivates or demotivates colleagues to show inclusive behaviours Identify personal reasons for change and learn how to influence others. Register for your free place
Help end violent behaviour and attitudes towards women
South Cambridgeshire District Council has recently been accredited by national charity White Ribbon UK, the leading charity engaging men and boys to end violent behaviour and attitudes towards women.
White Ribbon Accreditation is a commitment made by workplaces to work towards transformational culture change in their staff culture, systems and communities.
As part of our White Ribbon action plan, our male Ambassadors and female Champions raise awareness of the White Ribbon promise to “never use, excuse or remain silent about men’s violence against women”.
Find out how your organisation can help prevent harassment, abuse and violence against women and girls and upskill your staff by partnering with White Ribbon UK.
White Ribbon Day is on 25 November.
Shared workspace available Are you looking for space to set-up your business and co-create with like-minded people? Need a spacious setting to network and brainstorm ideas with specific groups from the community? For free?
South Cambs Connect in Cambourne is available for use by local entrepreneurs, start-up businesses, and community groups. Designed for people, businesses and communities to expand professional and personal horizons, network, and collaborate, South Cambs Connect is free of charge until December.
Help shape future services
Local businesses are being asked to help shape South Cambridgeshire District Council’s plans for the years ahead – to help ensure the area remains one of the best places to live and work in the country.
The Council has identified five key priorities to help achieve its goals, including helping local businesses thrive.
Councillors want to hear the views of local people so they can help influence the production of a full Corporate Plan for 2025 and beyond.
When finalised, the Plan will set out the actions, initiatives and strategies the Council will work through to meet its targets.
Anyone who completes the survey will have the chance to be entered into a prize draw to win one of two £50 One4All vouchers. To complete the survey via an alternative format, such as a printed copy or in an alternative language, please contact equality.schemes@scambs.gov.uk or call 01954 713 000.
Webinar: How to do business with the council Want to know how to win work with local authorities? On 6 November our Procurement Officer will be hosting a free webinar explaining how to write successful bids – and how not to.
Sign up for this practical, interactive online session and learn: How to find open tenders How to sell to local government Using the right language What social value is and why is it important What the changes to the Public Procurement Act are and what they mean for your business
Webinar: Introduction to Procontract and where to find public sector opportunities
Join Cambridgeshire County Council on 19 November from 12:30pm to 2pm for an informative online session demonstrating how to navigate Procontract and discover public sector opportunities. This event is perfect for any Cambridgeshire based SMEs looking to expand their business horizons. Learn about the benefits of Procontract and gain insights on where to find relevant opportunities in the public sector. Register for your free place.
New Fair Payment Code announced for small businesses
The government has announced measures to support small businesses and the self-employed by tackling late payments.
The government will consult on new laws which will hold larger firms to account and new legislation will be brought in that will require all large businesses to include payment reporting in their annual reports. The consultation, which will be launched in the coming months, will also consider a range of further policy measures that could help address poor payment practices.
A new Fair Payment Code has also been announced to replace the old Prompt Payment Code, which will be open to signatories this autumn. Businesses will need to prove they have met good payment standards before being awarded official code status.
Export insurance applications made simpler for businesses with new online portal
The government has announced that UK firms applying for government-backed export insurance will be able to use a new online portal now available on GOV.UK.
The new portal shortens the application process, making it easier for businesses to apply for and get the support they need to export. UKEF’s export insurance can cover up to 95% of potential losses under an export contract.
Can you support local food hub?
Are you a business based in or near Meldreth who would like to give something back to the local community? Can you help the local food hub survive?
Due to the cost-of-living crisis they have seen an increasing number of residents relying on their vital services. But they desperately need help to carry on delivering them.
The food hub is mainly in need of funds to support their service, but if you can donate food, drinks, toiletries, sanitary items, nappies or time please contact our team with any offers of support and we will pass them on.
With thanks to Meldreth food hub for the image.
British Business Bank’s Growth Guarantee Scheme
The Growth Guarantee Scheme from the British Business Bank is now open, offering access to finance for UK-based smaller businesses looking to invest and grow.
The scheme is available through accredited lenders, offering a wide range of products including: term loans overdrafts asset finance invoice finance asset-based lending
Enjoy an exciting two-course lunch at Madingley Hall on 29 November with guest speaker Prof Helen Pankhurst CBE. Helen is a women’s rights activist, scholar and writer, and currently CARE International’s senior advisor working in the UK and Ethiopia. She is the great-granddaughter of Emmeline Pankhurst and granddaughter of Sylvia Pankhurst.
Bring an ally! Males are an important part of the conversation and showing up for your female colleagues, contacts and friends is hugely important.
Ticket prices are £65 for Members and £85 for non-members, both plus VAT. Book your place now.
CambsB2B South
There’s only one month to go! Come along to IWM Duxford on 13 November for the region’s biggest flagship event of the year! This year’s themes are Green and Digital within our local region. With some fantastic guest speakers, sponsors and various activities throughout the day it is not to be missed! Find out more and register your attendance.
Health and safety updates Managing work-related violence and aggression Violence and aggression at work can have a serious impact on your workers’ physical and mental health.
It will help you assess the risks, put the right controls in place, report and learn from incidents.
We have specific guidance on how to support your workers after a violent incident. There are also examples drawn from typical situations where employers have reduced the risk of violence.
In addition, there is separate advice for workers, which explains how they can help employers prevent violent incidents at work.
First aid at work publications Earlier this year HSE updated two of their publications on first aid at work. First aid at work: Guidance on regulations This publication sets out what employers need to do to address first aid provision in the workplace. The updates include emphasising the responsibility to take account of workers’ mental health in their first aid needs assessment.
Selecting a first aid training provider: A guide for employers This guidance helps identify and select a competent training provider to deliver your business’ first aid training needs. It was updated to simplify what employers should consider when selecting a training provider.
The updates do not change what is required to comply with the law.
We want to know what local businesses think of the Business Support and Development Team’s service. If you’ve received any kind of support from our team, please let us know how we did. Perhaps you got help to apply for grant funding or attended one of our popular webinars.
It should take around 5 minutes to fill in this short online survey and tell us what you think we are getting right and where we need to improve. We really value your feedback.
Our website has a host of useful resources for local businesses. This includes information about starting a business, doing business with the council, business rates and valuations, help with reducing carbon and energy use, and information about UK Shared Prosperity Fund schemes.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, or would like a visit from one of our Business Engagement Officers, email the team and while we may not have all the answers we can offer as much FREE advice and support as possible.
Business Support and Development South Cambridgeshire District Council South Cambs Hall Cambourne Business Park Cambourne CB23 6EA
The next community forum for Northstowe will take place on Wednesday 11 September. Drop-in from 6.30pm, Forum at 7pm at Western Park Pavilion, Peppercorn Drive, Northstowe.
Support for Ukraine community update for hosts in South Cambridgeshire, as well as District Councillors, community coordinators and parish council colleagues.
We hope you all enjoyed the festive break with your guests. We reiterate our grateful thanks to you all for continuing to work with us in the Homes for Ukraine scheme in South Cambridgeshire, and we wish to reassure you of our support in the coming months as we hope and pray for a resolution to the conflict in 2024.
South Cambridgeshire District Council is conducting a new host/sponsor survey for 2024. Following the announcement that host ‘thank you’ payments have been extended to year 3 of the Homes for Ukraine scheme, we wanted to give hosts a chance to update the date until which they wish to continue to host. This enables SCDC to plan to provide the support to guests who need to move on. There is also an opportunity to provide SCDC with your feedback on the Homes for Ukraine scheme so far.
If you have already completed this survey, we thank you for taking the time to do so. If you have not, then please follow the below weblink, the survey will take no more than 5 minutes to complete:
South Cambridgeshire District Council has recently launched a Homes for Ukraine Landlord Incentive Scheme.
Landlords who provide properties in South Cambridgeshire to Homes for Ukraine guests who are resident in South Cambridgeshire will qualify for a financial incentive. These incentives differ depending on the size of the property, and if they provide the property at market rent or at local housing allowance. The landlord must also provide a minimum tenancy of 6 months from the outset. Please see the below table that details initial payments for a 6-month tenancy:
Number of bedrooms
Market rent incentive
LHA rate incentive
1 Bedroom
£1,140
£2,280
2 Bedroom
£1,300
£2,600
3 Bedroom
£1,350
£2,750
4 Bedroom
£1,410
£2,820
South Cambridgeshire District Council will help to source a Homes for Ukraine tenant if one is not lined up, and will also provide assistance with setting up the tenancy agreement if this support is required.
If you would be interested in signing up for this scheme, please complete the online form by following this link. Alternatively, you can contact the team at HFULiaison@Scambs.gov.uk or call them on 01954 713411.
We’d like to remind you of the free service available to you through our partnership with the Refugee Host Support service. This free service provides help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It includes:
24/7 assistance with unlimited access to accredited and qualified counsellors or psychotherapists.
Cognitive Behavioural therapy to help overcome common mental health problems.
Advice lines, including financial, legal, consumer and career advice.
Discounts at applicable brands.
Please look at this video tour to view the full package of support that this service offers. To sign up to the service, complete the online form using the reference word Anglesey
You will then receive a welcome email giving you all the information you need. You will also have immediate access to the Supporter Plan brought to you by www.refugeehostsupport.co.uk.
Your Homes for Ukraine guests also have access to a dedicated service tailored for them, and we would encourage you to let your guest know about this. They will be able to access 24/7 advice lines with Ukrainian speakers, online Ukrainian support groups, and have access to online therapy should it be needed. Details have been sent directly to all Ukrainian guests via email.
Support for Ukraine community update for hosts in South Cambridgeshire, as well as District Councillors, community coordinators and parish council colleagues.
We would like to wish all our hosts, and all the many organisations, groups and individuals who have worked so hard this year to accommodate Ukrainian visitors to our district, a very happy and relaxing Christmas. We are very grateful for all the many things you do for guests to make them feel welcome. This festive season is very much a time for family gatherings and will undoubtedly prove to be another difficult period for Ukrainian visitors who are unable to see and spend time with their loved ones and are worried for the safety and wellbeing of family members who have remained back in the Ukraine. We offer our continuing support and prayers for a resolution to the war in 2024.
We would also like to remind you of the service offered by our partners at Refugee Host Support which provides help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The service is available to hosts and guests free of charge.
It includes:
24/7 assistance with unlimited access to accredited and qualified counsellors or psychotherapists.
Cognitive Behavioural therapy to help overcome common mental health problems.
Advice lines, including financial, legal, consumer and career advice.
Discounts at applicable brands.
Please look at this video tour to view the full package of support that this service offers.
To sign up to the service, complete the online form. In the reference box, please use the word Anglesey. You will then receive a welcome email giving you all the information you need. You will also have immediate access to the Supporter Plan brought to you by www.refugeehostsupport.co.uk.
South Cambridgeshire residents are being encouraged to ensure they take advantage of all the cost-of-living support they are entitled to this winter. With the weather getting colder and communities spending more on heating, the District Council is beginning a new campaign to urge residents to make full use of assistance available. Research suggests that around 25% of some benefits go unclaimed. The Council is therefore encouraging residents to check they are claiming what they are legitimately entitled to. The campaign also reminds people that local foodbanks – all listed on the Council’s website – are there when needed, and you don’t need a voucher to use most of them. There is also an appeal for residents to get energy-saving advice and find out about grants for home improvements to cut spending on energy bills during the winter. Read more on the District Council’s website.
Support for Ukraine community update for hosts in South Cambridgeshire, as well as District Councillors, community coordinators and parish council colleagues.
We would like to reassure hosts that while our communications on any updates to the Homes for Ukraine scheme may now be more intermittent, we are committed to continuing our support for you in this crucial role while the war in Ukraine continues.
This week we have one note for you regarding clarification on host payments and have also included some of the regular reminders we are sending to your guests for your information.
Payments can only be made if the total number of days a guest is with their host in their first and last months combined is 16 days or more. The day the guest leaves is not included.
For example:
The guest arrived on 30 June 2022 – payment would not have been made for June 2022. They leave on 13 July 2023. The guests are treated as being with the host for 1 day in the first month and 12 days in the last month. As this period is less than 16 days, the last month to be paid would be June 2023.
The guest arrived on 26 June 2022 – payment would not have been made for June 2022. They leave on 15 July 2023. The guests are treated as being with the host for 5 days in the first month and 14 days in the last month. As this period is more than 16 days, the last month to be paid would be July 2023.
The guest arrived on 12 June 2022 – payment was made for June 2022 as they are with the host for the first month for more than 16 days. They leave on 15 July 2023. The guests are treated as being with the host for 14 days in the last month. As this period is less than 16 days, they will not receive a payment for July and the last month to be paid would be June 2023.
Support for Families with Young ChildrenLeaflets in English and Ukrainian are available for Ukrainian families with younger children to understand more about childcare choices in Cambridgeshire.
Free clothes at Sawston pop-up clothes shop: A pop-up shop at Sawston Free Church, High Street CB22 3BG, provides donated good quality clothing for Ukrainian guests and is open 2nd and 4th Friday of the month 4pm-6pm.
Cambridge Online Job Skills Club: Cambridge Online aims to help Ukrainian refugees learn new skills and how to apply for employment in the UK. Email help@cambridgeonline.org.uk or call 01223 300407.
Free courses from WEA: The Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) runs courses which Ukrainian guests can join for free if they meet the criteria. See wea.org.uk or call 0300 303 34 64.
Free digital help sessions:Bar Hall Library offers free drop-in digital help sessions on Mondays from 10.00-12.00. No need to book.
Community Forum Offering Help:Cambridge Ethnic Community Forum gives advice and support to Ukrainians on housing issues, finding a job, ESOL classes, education, access to public services and benefits. Email alla@cecf.co.uk or call 01223 655241.
Following on from the successful Spring Programme of Net Zero Now, applications are now open for another Net Zero Now course for residents of South Cambridgeshire. This is a free, 6-week community climate action course designed to provide you with the knowledge and confidence to support your community on its journey to net zero. This challenge to net zero is a unique opportunity to build communities that are not just more sustainable but also healthier, happier, and more resilient.
“Really enjoyed the course and found it very beneficial. … Great speakers and interesting, inspiring participants. It has been very informative and always interesting and engaging.” – Spring 2023 Net Zero Now Participant.
Run by Cambridge Carbon Footprint with the support of South Cambridgeshire District Council and the National Lottery Community Fund, Net Zero Now will give you the opportunity to connect with others working on community climate action in the area and discuss a range of themes including: how to communicate climate action effectively; engaging with volunteers; working towards a clear goal; and what support is available locally to you.
This course is relevant to Parish Councillors and residents of South Cambridgeshire 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.
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, 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 how to find and keep volunteers, how to engage with your local community, and how to foster and support local climate initiatives from clothes swaps to community energy schemes. You will be supported to create an action plan and leave the course ready to take the next steps.
You can add your bin collection dates to calendars on your Android or Apple devices.
If you have previously used South Cambridgeshire District Council’s website to add your bin collection dates to your phone’s calendar, you need to delete the old dates from that calendar and re-add your new dates.
Many residents will have changes to their bin collections from week starting 18 September 2023. This could be a change to the bin day or to which bins are collected on a particular week. Bins may also be emptied earlier or later than they are now, so all bins need to be out by 6am on your collection day. The frequency of collections will not change. If your bin collections are due to change, you will receive a letter in the post. You can find out more and check when your collections will be at www.scambs.gov.uk/binchanges.
Cambridgeshire Matters is our monthly newsletter which aims to share good news, highlights and updates from across Cambridgeshire to help our network of district, city and community members stay informed.
Find out about the great work that is taking place to support everyone in the county. Share this newsletter with your parish council colleagues and feel welcome to use any of the features in your own newsletter or on social media.
Two new county councillors appointed
Mike Black (Labour) and Bill Hunt (The Conservative Party) have been elected to Cambridgeshire County Council following by-elections held for seats in Arbury and Soham South & Haddenham. The by-elections took place on 4 May 2023 following the resignations of Cllr Dan Schumann and Cllr Hilary Cox Condron. Results for the by-elections are available here.
New Chair and Vice Chair of Cambridgeshire County Council appointed
At the annual meeting of Cambridgeshire County Council on 16 May, Cllr Sebastian Kindersley was elected to serve as Chair of Council for the next two years. Cllr Gerri Bird was elected Vice Chair. Cllr Kindersley takes over from Councillor Stephen Ferguson, and will be serving his second term as Chair having previously held this office from 2015 to 2017.You can read more about the new appointments on the council’s website and watch the full council meeting on CCC’s YouTube channel.
Extra commitment to tackle roads across the county
Cambridgeshire County Council has been provided with additional funding from the Department for Transport to help tackle road repairs.The funding will allow for a new proactive approach to be used to manage our response to the increasing number of potholes. The funding will be spent on additional programmes of work to ‘find, record and fix’ minor surface issues before they develop into potholes. Please continue to report any potholes or highways fault using the online tool.
County Council offers greater protection for care leavers
People who have spent time in care are to be granted ‘protected characteristic’ status by Cambridgeshire County Council. The unanimous agreement by Full Council on 16 May will give people of any age who are ‘care experienced’ special status to have their needs considered as part of any changes to Cambridgeshire services or spending decisions. This is already required by law for other groups who face potential discrimination because of their age, ethnicity, disability or gender.Cambridgeshire’s agreement was welcomed at the meeting by Cambridgeshire Care leaver Elle, who received a standing ovation after she spoke to Councillors. Cambridgeshire become the 3rd County Council and 30th local authority to recognise care experience as a protected characteristic.
Council agrees motion to support child minders
The County Council will be recommending to district and city councils that any new strategic developments which have restrictive covenants around childcare on domestic premises will be exempt where there is an identified need.The council agreed a motion put forward by Cllr Firouz Thompson to Full Council on Tuesday 16 May. Some house builders place restrictive covenants on their properties which prohibit residents living within them from running a business from home including childcare. As a restrictive covenant does not expire, it will be applicable indefinitely, even if the building is sold and the ownership changes.The motion also asked that district and city councils highlight the importance of such changes with developers and house builders to ensure that they are aware of the barrier that these covenants can cause.It was agreed to signpost childcare providers, and residents, to the appropriate support within the local authority when concerns are experienced.Childminders and nannies play an important role within the childcare sector, offering flexible childcare for families. It is the County Council’s duty to ensure there is sufficient and suitable quality early education and childcare places to enable parents to work, or to undertake education or training which could lead to employment and that there are enough places to meet current demand.
Help transform the lives of young people in Cambridgeshire
A new mentoring programme aimed at supporting young care leavers will soon be launched by Cambridgeshire County Council in partnership with Goal 17 Ltd.The programme will recruit and train mentors from across the county to provide guidance, advice, and support to young care leavers as they navigate the challenges of adulthood. This will help young people to build self-esteem, develop new skills, and achieve their full potential.Local people are currently being invited to volunteer as mentors in this forward-thinking programme. If you are interested in becoming a mentor, please email communications@cambridgeshire.gov.uk for more information.
Foster Care Fortnight
Cambridgeshire County Council supported the Fostering Network’s Foster Care Fortnight campaign this year to help find more people who can offer loving, stable homes for local young people in care. Foster Care Fortnight is the UK’s biggest foster care awareness raising campaign, and took place from 15-28 May. Over those two weeks, the council’s Fostering Service celebrated it’s ‘fostering communities’ by championing local carers and care leavers, organising foster walks to raise awareness, and hosting an event to welcome new carers.Listen to Tracey and Paul’s story about their experiences with fostering teenagers and why it’s important for young people to have good role models. More information on fostering for your local council can be found on the CCC website. Alternatively, you can contact the Fostering recruitment team by emailing fostering@cambridgeshire.gov.uk or calling 0800 052 0078. The council also holds regular sessions for those wanting to learn more about fostering – visit the CCC Fostering website for upcoming dates and to book yourself a free place.
Mental health campaign for LGBTQ+ young people
During Mental Health Awareness Week (15-21 May), Cambridgeshire County Council worked with The Kite Trust to deliver a campaign aimed at supporting young LGBTQ+ people in Cambridgeshire with their mental health. #MyWaysToWellbeing highlighted how individuals can use five different ways to keep themselves mentally well, whilst also stressing that there is no shame in accessing support.The five themes of the campaign were: Connect, Be Active, Keep Learning, Take Notice and Give. Read more about the campaign here. The Kite Trust is a charity which supports the wellbeing and creativity of LGBTQ+ young people in Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and the surrounding areas. Access support, useful information and resources on their website.
Cambridgeshire Archives needs YOUR help!
Cambridgeshire Archives are asking for Parish and Town Councils to donate any records of any event or activity carried out for either: the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the Accession of King Charles III or the Coronation of King Charles III.Any council with photos or programmes of such events held in their parish are being asked whether they would like to donate these to the Cambridgeshire Archives, so that they may be kept and stored to be viewed by future generations.Councils wanting to submit photos or programmes for inclusion in the archives should do the following:Firstly, contact the Cambridgeshire Archives to inform them of what you are submitting. They can be contacted on 01223 699399, or you can email them on archives@cambridgeshire.gov.uk.You will then be advised on how and where to send your documents.By donating photos, you can ensure that a record of your celebrations are maintained for generations to come and may be looked back at as a significant part of history.So, if you have photos or programmes of these events, please use the above instructions to contact the Cambridgeshire Archives.
First Migrant Champion appointed
A migrant advocate for Cambridgeshire has been appointed to support migrants and refugees living in the county.Cllr Alex Bulat will take up the new role which is part of a wide series of actions intended to make Cambridgeshire a welcoming place for people who have come here from abroad.The new Migrant advocate role will act as a political spokesperson for the council of asylum and migration issues and will correspond with political leaders at Cambridgeshire’s district and city councils on matters relating to asylum seekers and refugees.
We want to hear from you: be a part of our summer campaign
With summer just around the corner, we’re interested in finding out from our Parish and Town Councils about the free or low-cost events and activities you may have planned for the local community. We would love to feature these in a summer campaign to help promote physical activity and wellbeing in Cambridgeshire. If you have anything planned, or are thinking about organising activities in your area, then please email communications@cambridgeshire.gov.uk with the details.
Are your residents eligible for cheaper broadband and mobile tariffs?
If they receive benefit payments, they could be! Please spread the word that low-income families in your area could be eligible for discounted broadband and mobile phone services called social tariffs. Social tariffs are low-cost broadband and mobile phone package deals offered to customers on certain benefits and cost between £10 and £20 a month. As well as being much more affordable, social tariffs are usually on shorter-term contracts. Plus, there are no early exit fees – so you are not tied to the contract if your circumstances change, and you can leave without paying a penalty. Many providers offer reduced social tariffs to both new and existing customers claiming government benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance and Income Support – so they can pay less for internet access and mobile phone bills. The Connecting Cambridgeshire website has links to useful information about how to get reduced broadband and mobile tariffs or go straight to the Ofcom website for more details. Contact the Connecting Cambridgeshire team if you or your residents have any queries and concerns about broadband or mobile coverage. Email contact@connectingcambridgeshire.co.uk including details of the location and postcode, if relevant, to help the team investigate and respond as soon as possible.
Updates from the Communities Service
Cambridge City
This month Jess from the Cambridge City team presented at the Adults and Health Committee Development Session, which provided the opportunity to showcase work the team have been delivering across the local community, including Wellbeing Wednesdays and the cost of living pop-up events. It was a great opportunity to network with colleagues from Public Health and Care Together as well as local councillors. The team received lots of positive feedback on the work they have been carrying out to help support our communities to live happier and healthier lives.
East Cambridgeshire
The East Cambridgeshire team have been busy making connections across the community this month to help support the health and wellbeing of local people. Wendy from the team supported a resident who was concerned about a friend who needed support from the foodbank but could not face the stigma of asking for a voucher. Wendy liaised with the foodbank for them to issue one discretely. In addition to accessing food, the person also accepted offers of advice and support in relation to finance and benefits. Wendy also visited a coffee morning at Townsend Manor Care Home in Soham and spoke with Howard from the local Men’s Shed about the work he is currently carrying out in the community. Howard has recently partnered with the home and delivers bird box making workshops to the residents.
South Cambridgeshire
This month Scott from the South Cambridgeshire team attended the Histon & Impington Wellbeing Festival, where he offered advice and support on parent carers through drawing on his own lived experiences. The festival, hosted by charity Friends of Histon & Impington Community, featured talks and workshops on a variety of different subjects, including mental health, exercise, storytelling, arts, cooking on a budget, CPR training and much more.
Huntingdonshire
In April the Huntingdonshire team supported with the launch of the Pride in St Neots Youth Provision, which saw four young people attend the first session, followed by seven young people for the second. The provision is the first Pride youth group in Cambridgeshire outside of the work run by The Kite Trust, and has been supported by the Communities Service through access to the ‘Youth Provision in a Box’ (governance, policies, templates for membership forms etc.) The team have also directly supported the group by providing a space for the club to meet and four weeks of coaching for volunteers.
Fenland
The School Uniform Wardrobe Project rub by the Fenland team continues to be an extremely popular and well-used service within the local community.There are currently three libraries across the area acting as collection and drop-off points, and a range of volunteers are now onboard to help out with donated items. For more information about the scheme, including how to make donations or if you are in need of school uniform, visit the Communities Service Fenland Facebook page.
