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Public Consultation Event – Thursday 20th July at Memorial Hall High Street Swavesey

The Traffic Management Centre (TMC) monitors the county’s road network and reports any variations to the traffic flow, we refer to these as ‘incidents’. We use the term ‘incident’ to describe something that has happened on the County’s road network which has an impact (of varying degrees) on usual traffic flows. This could include, for example, a Road Traffic Collision, a burst water main or temporary traffic lights for road works.

We are using a new web-based system to log and display these incidents in both map and report formats.

This system can be viewed by visiting; https://cadence247-ccc.controller.cityscience.com/

The TMC responded to 109 incidents on the road network throughout Cambridgeshire in June covering 22 weekdays. This is an increase to May and that of June 2022.  Please see the table below which illustrates the number of incidents over the last 6 months, compared to the same period last year;

Incidents by month/year

	January	February	March	April	May	June
2022	122	100	132	90	61	97
2023	167	138	132	79	73	109

Our @Cambs_Traffic Twitter account is our quickest engagement tool with the public and the interaction gives a good indication of how effective the messages are getting out to people.

Throughout June we gained 7 new followers. The number of tweets sent, and number of tweet impressions increased compared to the previous month. The number of profile visits also increased giving us our biggest jump up in 6 months.

Twitter Analytics	Jan-23	Feb-23	Mar-23	Apr-23	May-23	June-23
Number of Followers	16,575	16,716	16,720	16,739	16,749	16,756
Increase in followers from previous month	75	103	4	19	10	7
Number of Tweets sent	208	412	442	253	127	341
Number of profile visits	7,695	15,749	12,336	9,525	4,068	10,700
Number of Tweet impressions	549,000	591,485	500,851	384,560	536,664	583,226

Note:  The number of Tweets sent includes advance notice road works and event Tweets alongside live incident Tweets.

We have now completed uploading all the historic data from 2018 -2023 onto google maps which you can find via the links below. Not all of March’s has been uploaded yet, at the time of sending these we may not have entirely completed the previous months but please bear with us, they will be rolled out in the month following together with this email. If you have any queries or feedback, please do not hesitate to contact us at Tmc@cambridgeshire.gov.uk

TMC Incidents 2018

TMC Incidents 2019

TMC Incidents 2020

TMC Incidents 2021

TMC Incidents 2022

TMC Incidents 2023

Following on from the latest update of the City Science system where we record our incidents, please be aware that when first opening the application it will now default to only showing you the last 28 days of incidents. We found performance of the controller page was struggling when showing the full history. If you want to revert to the old view, you can use the Timespan dropdown at the top of the sidebar and clear the “From” date (the actual clearing procedure is browser dependent, but it should be along the lines of clicking the date input, clicking “Clear” and then “Apply”).

@Cambs_Traffic

The Care Together team would like to hear your views on our new approach to day opportunities for older adults (65+) in Cambridgeshire. 

An approach has been developed from what people have already told us, but we need to make sure we have considered all the possible affects this might have on people. 

Please give us your views via our formal consultation https://consultcambs.uk.engagementhq.com/a-new-approach-to-day-opportunities and please do share this information widely. 

Printed copies will be accompanied by a prepaid return envelope.

Tackling anti-social behaviour is a priority

This week is Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week. Anti-social behaviour (ASB) is an issue that is a focus for our Neighbourhood Policing Teams, as reported by concerns from our communities across the county.   What is Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB)? Defined in the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003, it is ‘behaviour by a person which causes, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to persons not of the same household as the person.’   There are three main types of ASB: ·  Personal ASB is when someone targets a specific individual or group ·  Nuisance ASB is when someone causes trouble, annoyance or suffering to a community ·  Environmental ASB is when someone’s actions affect the wider environment, such as public spaces or buildings   There are many things that are categorised as ASB, including: ·  Rowdy or inconsiderate behaviour ·  Littering ·  Drug use and littering of paraphernalia ·  Dangerous, nuisance or inconsiderate driving/riding   Have you heard of an ASB case review? An ASB case review can be launched when a victim of repeat ASB has reported it three times and is unsatisfied with the way the reports are being handled. The result of triggering this is a multi-agency case review where local authorities, the police, local health teams and registered providers of social housing come together to review the case. After the meeting, an action plan will be drafted and shared with the victim.   For more information on how to launch an ASB case review, visit your local council’s website via the relevant link below. ·  Peterborough ASB case reviews ·  Fenland ASB case reviews ·  Huntingdonshire ASB case reviews ·  East Cambs ASB case reviews ·  South Cambs ASB case reviews ·  Cambridge City ASB care reviews   For more information about ASB, as well as how to report concerns, please visit our website’s dedicated Antisocial behaviour page.   Kind regards,

Message Sent By Lauren Alexander (Police, Senior Communications Officer, Peterborough and Fenland)

Plea following cable thefts

We are urging people to report anything suspicious around cable thefts. Underground cables, which connect homes and businesses to the phone and broadband network, have been targeted by criminals in locations including the A10 Waterbeach, A1198 Cambourne, Linton, Mepal, Soham, Somersham, Wickham and Wooley. The damage caused often leaves hundreds of people without working phone or broadband for long periods of time. With the rising prices of scrap metal including copper and aluminium, cables are becoming a popular target amongst thieves. They will lift up manhole covers by grass verges or carriageways to access the underground cables often masquerading as legitimate contractors. The plastic sheathing on the cables will then be burnt in fields and the metal inside sold on. We’re working with Openreach to target suspects and areas we believe are at increased risk. What you can do: 👀 Look out for open manhole covers and be aware of bogus roadworks or suspicious activity around the covers. 👀Look out for thick acrid black smoke and fires in rural locations, this could be thieves burning the cables. 👀Cables are often pulled from the ground and dragged along farmer’s fields in order to cut them up. Be aware of this type of crop damage. Concerns or information can be reported online, quoting Op Akita. In an emergency always call 999. Openreach also has a dedicated area of their website Report cable theft | Openreach where you can find out more about their work to combat cable theft, along with details about how to contact their security team. Detective Chief Inspector Helen Tebbit

We are hosting our next Northstowe Community Forum on Wednesday 12 July at the Secondary College. Make your way to the main hall at Northstowe Secondary College, Stirling Road, Northstowe, CB24 1DJ. The Forum is from 7pm, drop-in from 6.30pm.

Come along to the forum to find out the latest on the temporary facility. AR Urbanism will also be holding a drop-in on the permanent community building from 5pm to give an update on the design of the building and hear your feedback.

www.scambs.gov.uk/community-safety-and-health/community-forums/northstowe-community-forum/

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.

Cambridgeshire launches quality of life survey to track the views of residents

As part of Cambridgeshire County Council’s vision to make Cambridgeshire greener, fairer and more caring, a countywide survey has been launched – speaking to a random sample of 5,500 residents to understand their views on the quality of their lives.The annual survey aims to track the responses over time to see how changes to council decisions and policies, and the work of other public sector bodies in the county, affect views and to give Members vital insight when they make business decisions.The 15 minute telephone survey – run by independent market research company Thinks Insight and their partner Team Search – aims to speak to 1,100 people aged 18+ living in each of the five Cambridgeshire district areas, broadly representing the area’s population. The survey is published on the County Council’s website for anyone who wants to take part.Survey activity will continue until August, allowing results to be fed back into the Council’s meetings from September onwards as Members begin to discuss priorities for the years ahead.If you are approached the market research team’s commissioned service, Team Search will identify themselves as working on behalf of Cambridgeshire County Council and will give contact details to allow people to check if they want to. No one will be asked for identifying personal details, or any financial information.

Help shape the future of your local fire and rescue service

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service are currently preparing its next plan for 2024-2028 and are seeking the views from people across Cambridgeshire to help shape how resources are used across the county. The plan will identify the fire and rescue related risks in the county and how the Service will mitigate them, as well as the opportunities that exist to continue improving services to local communities. Complete the survey here. The survey is open until the end of July and will take around 10-15 minutes to complete. There are also three £50 shopping vouchers up for grabs which you could be in with a chance of winning by completing the survey.

New support website for families with SEND children

Support for parents and carers of children with special educational needs and disability (SEND) in Cambridgeshire is now available through a new information hub. The website has been developed with local experts such as parents, health professionals and community organisations, and has been produced to help families and young people navigate the special needs journey and access information and advice.The hub contains guidance and resources for children of all ages, featuring topics like early years, education and preparing for adulthood. There are also specific sections on health, finding the right support, and social care – giving families unlimited access to information that can help them feel empowered and education on what is available locally.The hub is part of a large transformation programme led by Cambridgeshire County Council to improve support for children with SEND and their families. Learn more about the SEND information hub here.

Covid memorial woodland to be named Memory Wood following unveiling event

A Covid memorial woodland has been officially named following a competition for pupils from Fulbourn Primary School. Cambridgeshire County Council planted the woodland earlier this year to create a lasting legacy marking the difficulties faced and lives lost during the Covid pandemic. The woodland is an extension to one already on the site and the footpath creates a walk connecting Fulbourn and the Roman Road.The unveiling took place on the 15 June, which was also Clean Air Day, the global campaign which seeks to raise awareness of air pollution.

National Carers Week helps to raise the profile of carers

National Carers Week highlighted the challenges faced by unpaid carers and helped to recognise the contribution they make to families and communities in our region. This year’s theme focused on ‘Recognising and supporting carers in the community’ and aimed to bring communities together to recognise the huge contribution unpaid carers make to society. Being a carer can be rewarding, but it can also be very hard work. Support is available for anyone who care for someone else, whether they call themselves a ‘carer’ or not. This support can help make the caring role easier and it can free up more time for carers to take care of themselves.If you provide care for someone, our partners are on hand to help: Caring Together for adult carers in Cambridgeshire; Centre 33 supports young carers in Cambridgeshire and Making Space helps carers in Cambridgeshire who look after someone with mental ill health.Information for carers is available on the County Council website.

Enjoy a variety of performances and workshops this summer

A vibrant and inclusive arts programme has returned to Cambridgeshire this summer thanks to The Library Presents. An incredible line up is on offer with plenty of opportunities to enjoy fantastic live music, theatre, dance and comedy, as well as events to be enjoyed by the whole family. View the full line-up of events here. All events are welcoming and accessible as possible, with certain events including enhanced accessibility measures. Audience members are also welcome to get in touch to make specific access requests. Tickets are now on sale for performances and workshops on The Library Presents website.

Cambridgeshire Libraries supported HiVis fortnight 

This month Cambridgeshire Libraries supported HiVis Fortnight (1-14 June) – an annual, national campaign which highlights the work libraries do to keep people with a visual or print impairment in touch with reading.As part of HiVis Fortnight, Cambridgeshire Libraries, in partnership with Huntingdonshire Society for the Blind, held an annual showcase event for visual and print impaired readers at Huntingdon Library on 9 June. The event provided residents the opportunity to seek information and advice from a wide array of exhibitors, including DeafBlind UK, the Royal National Institute of Blind People, Healthwatch, and Blind Veterans. Cambridgeshire Libraries have a range of services for adults and children with a visual or print impairment – most of which are free and can be access from home. Learn more about what our libraries offer here.

Businesses urged not to miss out on free support to cut carbon and cut costs

Businesses across Cambridgeshire can find out how to cut carbon and cut costs as part of a free Low Carbon Business Support Programme. The programme aims to assist small and medium sized businesses to reduce energy use and costs and prepare for a low carbon future.There are a few places available for the final two-day training sessions taking place on Tuesday 4 and Thursday 6 July at New Shire Hall, Emery Crescent, Alconbury, PE28 4YE.No matter where businesses are on their low carbon journey, the workshop offers something for them with business diagnostics, technology reviews and training available from expert business advisors. The Low Carbon Business Support covers all areas of business operations and is tailored to the area/s most useful for each business – and all at no cost to the company. There is a particular focus on energy management.The workshops involve learning how to audit your energy usage, an introduction to the concept of carbon footprinting and an overview of low carbon technologies as well as guidance on how to find funding and procurement support. Information about future opportunities for low carbon business support measures will also be available at the workshops.Interested organisations can find out more on the Low Carbon Business Support Programme’s website.

Updates from Care Together

The Care Together team is excited to share the news that all the seed-funding proposals that were co-produced with partners in the different localities of Cambridgeshire, following identification of localised gaps and demand, were recently approved by the County Council and agreements are now in place for work with local partners to commence. These projects will enable local groups and organisations to support increasing numbers of older adults to do the things they want to do in the place they call home, with the people they want to do them with. This is part of our vision for the Care Together programme.Cambridge CityWorking with Cambridge City Council, an activity coordinator is being recruited to organise and promote activities for the physical and mental wellbeing of older adults living in sheltered housing, as well as others living in the local community. This will bring people together to combat social isolation and promote health and happiness.South CambridgeshireSeveral initiatives will be supported by funding for Mobile Warden Schemes, including the expansion of the Willingham Memory Box Dementia & Carers Café, to Over Day Centre, and the Bar Hill Knit & Natter and Reminiscence Group for Memory Loss.HuntingdonshireIn Huntingdonshire we are partnering with several local organisations to deliver health and fitness opportunities for older adults via a mobile gymnasium, a Dementia Choir & Reconnect Social Group, support for Volunteer Driver/Community Transport schemes in Sawtry, Stilton & Connington, and ‘Love to Move’ chair-based exercise programme in Huntingdon and St Neots. We are also providing support to the expansion of a Mobile Warden Scheme across Huntingdon to meet rising demand.East CambridgeshireGiven the overwhelming demand for the winter warm hubs to be maintained all year-round, we have partnered once again with Cambridgeshire ACRE to support local grass roots organisations to run community spaces for people of all ages to come together mostly for social interaction, free hot and cold drinks and information and advice when necessary.FenlandAcross the district there are activities and opportunities for older people to engage, including the Lunch Club and ‘Swap Not Shop’ in Wisbech, a mobile gymnasium for veterans and older adults, a good neighbour scheme in partnership with Newton-on-the-isle Parish Council and ‘Forever Fit’ strength and balance exercise opportunities for older adults in partnership with Active Fenland. We are also addressing some of the issues around community transport in Fenland by ensuring older people in rural villages can be transported for free to activities taking place nearby.

Updates from the Communities Service

Jill Buckingham, the newly appointed Head of Communities, started in post on 5 June. Jill has moved within Cambridgeshire County Council from Children’s Services, and has previously worked in schools, the NHS and the voluntary sector. Jill can be contacted by email at Jill.Buckingham@cambridgeshire.gov.uk.Our Armed Forces Covenant Officer, Tommy Kelly has been working very hard in the run-up to the recent Armed Forces Day, which included a flag raising event at New Shire Hall on 19 June. The flag was raised by Council Chair Cllr Sebastian Kindersley.All of our district based teams continue to work on shared priorities with our district, parish, health and community partners. In East Cambridgeshire, where the team supports the parish and community forum, the meeting at Soham Library last month saw its highest ever attendance – with more than 50 people joining in person and online. The event saw speakers from a variety of local partner organisations deliver presentations on funding opportunities, which would help to improve the health and wellbeing of residents in the area. The Fenland team have been working in partnership with the Libraries service where there are now 4 libraries supporting the School Uniform Project. This will help to reach even more families and prevent unwanted uniforms going to landfill. The project continues to be an extremely popular and well-used service within the local community.

Children in receipt of income-related free school meals can access a holiday scheme for up to 64 hours and will be offered enriching experiences, a meal and snacks daily. Ukrainian and other refugee families are also eligible as well as families just managing financially.

Please see the attached poster for information

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

• Buddying for Families Who Want to Share

• Furniture Pack Scheme

• Nature Course to help Wellbeing of Young Ukrainians

• REMINDERS

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