Welcome to Spring with all the ups and downs we expect from the weather! The last few months of 2021 have been a bit of a blur with lockdown easing and groups making plans for the next few months. The Team here at East Cambs Local are looking forward to meeting more of you over the coming weeks!
Sutton Timebank aims to engage and bring together the community, creating social and practical support networks that build a happier and healthier community. Timebank members can support each other and the community by exchanging skills, ideas or practical help.
Throughout covid restrictions Timebank members have supported residents by shopping, collecting medicines and friendly phone calls. On 17th March Sutton Time Bank celebrated its 1st year. During this period 1712 hours were volunteered.
Timebanking is also a great way to meet new people and connect with others. The Timebank has been holding social events virtually such as coffee catch ups, Quiz night and we have even enjoyed a virtual Cheese and Wine evening.
If you are interested in joining a Time Bank find your nearest Timebank
We’re Open!
Join us at Cambridgeshire Libraries! Our buildings are open, our mobile libraries are on the road and our online library services are available 24/7.
We’re Safe!
Cambridgeshire Libraries follows strict measures to ensure all our libraries are COVID-secure.
We’re Here for You!
Borrow books, use the internet, and find out important information. It’s free to join and our staff and volunteers are here to help. Find out more at link here or call us on 0345 045 5225.
Breaking News! Rhymetimes are back in Libraries from May 17th! Please see our website & social media for more information.
GPs and Clinicians refer patients to us for various non- medical reasons e.g. isolation, anxiety, depression and stress relating to work, finance, unemployment, housing, the pandemic etc. We aim to support people with whatever is not going right for them. We can simply find information for people, signpost or refer them to organisations. We can work 1:1 for a while, supporting people to make the changes they wish to in their lives related to improving health and wellbeing. If you would like to know more please get in touch with your Surgery and either ask your GP or Receptionist or ask for us by name and we will call you back.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Val Antell – Staploe Medical Centre (Ely South PCN)
Sarah Porter – Cathedral Medical Centre, Ely and St.George’s Medical Centre Littleport
Pearl Charalambos – St. Mary’s Surgery Ely and St. Geroge’s Medical Centre, Littleport
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Hi, I’m Wendy, Place Coordinator for East Cambridgeshire. Whilst I’m employed by Cambridgeshire County Council, my role is all about working alongside our communities in partnership with others including; local councils, NHS, voluntary and community groups. I love my job! For example, just recently I’ve been working with health colleagues and Caring Together on the Give Carers a Break project. This project addresses a growing concern which we have been hearing from our communities. People who - as part of their daily lives - provide care and support for family members, feeling exhausted. The demands of the role being exacerbated by the pandemic. Give Carers a Break invites volunteers to do what it says on the tin, and provide support for a few hours from time-to-time. You will hear more about it from the new Coordinator Chloe in this newsletter.
My background is in community, advocacy and social care. Outside of work I love walking, cooking and getting involved in my own community. Here’s a pic from last week helping to build a mini children’s green amphitheatre in my local community (I’m the one in the middle!)
The Health and Happiness event took place (digitally) on March 26th 2021, via a series of online events. These events could be watched live or as recordings later, with this year’s programme emphasising health and happiness activities that residents in their homes can undertake, including those who are vulnerable or may be shielding.
The day’s schedule included events from Cambridgeshire Libraries on phone buddies and computer assistance as well as a talk from Cambridgeshire Home Energy Support Service, part of Cambridgeshire ACRE.
There was a range of low-intensity exercise recordings to choose from while charity Age UK presented information on their visiting services designed to combat loneliness in elderly people.
Ian Cumming, a finalist from series 6 of The Great British Bake Off, also shared his expert knowledge on pastry making.
Here is the link to the YouTube playlist: link here
There are approximately 9000 informal/unpaid carers in East Cambs. A carer is someone of any age who looks after a family member or friend who could not manage without their help.
Carers UK has identified that 3 out of 5 or 60% of us will be a carer in our lifetime. Most people do not see themselves as carers as they are looking after someone they love.
Carers in East Cambs have told us that they are struggling without a break and that Covid 19 lockdowns although necessary have made caring harder.
Carers Week is an opportunity to focus on making caring visible and valued in our communities and workplaces. What could you do?
Please contact Caring Together for ideas at email
Could you help to give a carer in your village or town a break?
Over the past year hundreds of amazing volunteers from across villages and towns in East Cambs have offered their time and energy to help neighbours and members of their community through difficult times.
Caring Together would really like to build on this enthusiasm and would love to hear from people to give a couple of hours a week or a fortnight to support carers as a volunteer.
If you would like more details about this volunteer role contact Chloe Turner at email or on 07843 328637.
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