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.
Further information for this forum can be found here: Northstowe Community Forum – South Cambs District Council (scambs.gov.uk)
Category: South Cambs District Council
Mobile Food Hub at Willingham
Have your say: Electric Vehicles and Charging Points survey
Good evening
The Combined Authority has launched a survey asking the public to share
their views on electric vehicles (EVs) and how best to meet the need for
more charging points across the region.
With the transition away from petrol and diesel vehicles affecting
everyone – whether they drive an EV or not – we’re encouraging as many
people as possible to have a say. Please share the survey among your
community noticeboards, publications and channels to help more people to
take part.
Working with Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City
Council, we are developing an Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy
and will be applying to the Government’s Local Electric Vehicle
Infrastructure (LEVI) fund to help build more charge points.
The Combined Authority wants to make sure they are planned for in the
right way, informed by people’s views.
The Combined Authority’s vision for charging points is:
_”For everyone in the region to have the necessary electric vehicle
charging infrastructure available in the right place at the time they
need. This charging infrastructure will be high quality, safe ,
affordable, environmentally sustainable and accessible. “_
The survey only takes five minutes and can be found here, along with
further information:
HTTPS://CAMBRIDGESHIREPETERBOROUGH-CA.GOV.UK/EV-CHARGING/ [1].
People have until MARCH 26, 2024, to take the survey before it closes.
You can download our survey poster [2]for sharing within your community
and networks. There is a QR code linking to the survey.
For those who prefer to email feedback, use
transport@cambridgeshirepeterborough-ca.gov.uk
For responding by post, request a hard copy of the survey by emailing
transport@cambridgeshirepeterborough-ca.gov.uk or call 01480 277180.
You can also read our news post about the survey here:
[3]
Thank you in advance for any support you can give in sharing this
survey.
Combined Authority Transport Team
Support for Ukraine Community Update – January 11 2024
Support for Ukraine community update for hosts in South Cambridgeshire, as well as District Councillors, community coordinators and parish council colleagues.
Contents
Happy New Year…………………………………………………………………1
Homes for Ukraine 2024 Host Survey……………………………………….2
Landlord Incentive Scheme..………………………………….….…….……..2
Reminder – Refugee Host Support Services………….……………..……..3
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.
Reminder: Refugee Host Support services
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.
Thank you once again for your on-going support.
Best wishes,
Bill Handley
Lead Cabinet Member for Communities
South Cambridgeshire District Council
Support for Ukraine Community Update
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.
My kindest regards and best wishes,
Bill
Bill Handley
Lead Cabinet Member for Communities
South Cambridgeshire District Council
Help with the Cost of Living this winter – South Cambs District Council
Cost of Living Support for South Cambs Residents
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.
Ukraine Community Update
September 21 2023
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.
Host Payments – first and last months
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.
If you need further clarification on this, please contact ukrainepayments@scambs.gov.uk
Useful Information for your guests
We thought we would also take this opportunity to make you aware of some of the useful information which is available on the Council website for your guests. It can be found in the Guest Information Hub covering Financial advice and support, Local travel support, Access to health and wellbeing services, Access to education and childcare, Hobbies and leisure activities and Moving On.
- a.young690@gmail.com
- Cambridge Russian-Speaking Society (CamRuSS) runs a helpline for guests and hosts with a translation service. Call 05603 025975 (9am-6pm weekdays, 10am-5pm Saturdays).
- Support for Families with Young Children Leaflets 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.
- Support to find a job for ages 15-24: Young guests aged 15-24 can access career guidance, apprenticeship advice, CV writing and interview preparation, online resources to training courses, and more. Email to tpluck@formthefuture.org.uk, see Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Region of Learning – Contact Form (office.com)
- 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.
- Barnardo’s Ukrainian Support Helpline: Children’s charity Barnardo’s has a Ukrainian Support Helpline open Monday–Friday 10.00-20.00 or Saturday 10.00-15.00. Call freephone on 0800 148 8586 or email to ukrainiansupport@barnardos.org.uk
A range of free or special offers are also available for Ukrainian guests:
- Better Health Centre (Off-Peak) membership
- Bizbike Community E-bike Service free rides
- Free bikes and Cycling UK (digital-only membership)
- Free Laptops
- Library membership
- Free admission to National Trust properties
- Small Grants to help reduce social isolation for guests
We continue to be extremely grateful for your support of Ukrainian guests and thank you for taking the time to read this latest update.
Best wishes,
Bill Handley
Lead Cabinet Member for Communities
South Cambridgeshire District Council
South Cambs Net Zero Now Course for Residents
Net Zero Now Overview
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.
Not sure whether Net Zero Now is right for you? We are also going to be holding an online and informal Q&A on Wednesday 27th September at 7pm to answer any questions on the programme. More info here: https://cambridgecarbonfootprint.org/events/net-zero-now-qa-is-it-right-for-you/.
Applications close on Sunday 8th October. Find out more and apply now.
Who is the programme for?
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.
Bin Collection Changes – Add the dates to your mobile phone
Bin days have changed for many residents.
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.
Find out how to do this – and check your bin collection days – at https://www.scambs.gov.uk/recycling-and-bins/find-your-household-bin-collection-day/
Bin Collection Day Changes from 18th September 2023
Bin collection changes
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.
Cambridge Matters – May 2023
Welcome to Cambridgeshire Matters May 2023
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. |
Homes for Ukraine Newsletter No. 52 – May 11 2023
Support for Ukraine community update for hosts in South Cambridgeshire, as well as District Councillors, community coordinators and parish council colleagues.
Contents
Guests Arriving and Leaving………………………………….….…………1
Nature Courses for Young Ukrainians……………..………………………2
English Lessons at Waterbeach……………………….……….…………..3
Storytime Event’s Big Welcome to Guests……………….….………..…4
Please continue to fill out the leavers and arrivals form for the following scenarios regarding your guests.
This enables us to provide the best support and ensure the correct financial help is available at the right time. It also allows us to keep up to date records and make the appropriate host payments.
Arrivals Form to inform us of your guests’ arrival:
- When your guests first arrive with you
- If they have been absent from your property for more than 4 weeks and they return
Leavers Form to update us when your guests:
- Are no longer coming
- Have vacated your property / moved elsewhere
- Plan to be / have been absent for more than 4 weeks.
Nature courses to help wellbeing of young Ukrainians
If you are hosting guests with children or teenagers, then please do encourage them to look at the two nature-based courses we are offering especially for Ukrainian young people. We gave details in last week’s newsletter to guests.
The courses are specifically tailored for Ukrainian children and teenagers aged between eight and 17. They are designed to help improve their wellbeing and self-confidence.
For young people aged 12 to 17 years: At Wandlebury Country Park starting 17 May and run by Find Your Wild with free outdoor activities in a woodland park setting. The sessions will be run by skilled activity instructors and youth workers with a Wellbeing officer who speaks Ukrainian. There are eight sessions on Wednesdays, 4pm to 6pm, running on 17 and 24 May, then from 7 June to 12 July. See the Council’s website for more information and to register for the scheme.
For children aged eight to 11 years: Forest School runs at Milton Country Park on Friday afternoons, 4pm to 6pm. The programme features bushcraft skills, playing games, making friends, building dens, pond-dipping, treasure hunts and more. The eight-week scheme is run by Cambridge Sport Lakes Trust in partnership with the Council. It will meet at the Wild Place at Milton Country Park from 4pm to 6pm on the following dates: 12, 19 and 26 May, 9, 16, 23 & 30 June, and 7 July. Young guests should register to take part by emailing ufs@cambridgesportlakes.org.uk
If your guests are currently participating in the ESOL lessons at Waterbeach, please let them know that these will be ending on 28 June and no new students are being accepted onto these classes.
Storytime Event’s Big Welcome to Ukrainian Guests
We have had news back of a successful event which welcomed Ukrainians to share in a garden Storytime event at Linton on 7 May with over 60 people and five families (some of them multi-generational) from Ukraine taking part, plus two young Ukrainian women who came from Cambridge to help tell the stories.
The Council helped to fund the event through our Small Grants scheme where up to £300 can be givento enable local groups to fund events which reduce social isolation for Ukrainian guests.
At the Storytime, there was bandura music from Sonya, a young Ukrainian musician currently living in Linton, Ukrainian snacks to try and a sunflower-themed mosaic-making activity. Authors Isabel Thomas and Catherine Emmet shared story readings. Cambridgeshire Libraries distributed free books in Ukrainian. Some photos from the event were shared on Facebook
The Small Grants scheme is for activities, events and projects being run by organisations such as parish councils, but also community groups or projects set up by individuals (with the written support of their Parish Council or District Councillor/s for the project) providing the event or project extends into the wider Ukrainian community. For more information and an idea of the sort of projects which could be eligible, see our website.
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.
Best wishes,
Bill Handley
Lead Cabinet Member for Communities
South Cambridgeshire District Council
Bin Collection Dates
Due to the Bank Holiday, please see the attached information regarding bin collections.
