April 2025

Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Voluntary Sector Network Update

‘Together for healthier communities’

Support for our colleagues

The Voluntary Sector Network extends its very best wishes to all NHS staff who are currently facing an uncertain future as a result of recent government announcements. We understand what a difficult time this is and will do all within our power to support colleagues.

NHS England abolished

Following the announcement to abolish NHS England, the Department of Health and Social Care will be taking on more responsibilities, as will local Integrated Care Systems. However, there is no clarity on how this will work in practice as significant cuts to Integrated Care Board workforce have also been announced. It is highly likely that there will be opportunities for the voluntary sector and the VSN is well placed, working alongside the CVSs, to make sure that the voluntary sector voice is clearly heard. We await more detail on the changes and will keep VSN members updated as these emerge.

In the short term the voluntary sector should not be directly impacted. If you experience any sudden change in funding or service please let me know as we are keeping a record. sandie@huntsforum.org.uk

Local Government Devolution

More change is on its way with the government announcements to move to unitary authorities. Discussions are underway between Council Leaders about how this will look in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. This NAVCA briefing sets out an explanation of the changes and how the voluntary sector is contributing nationally. Local government is changing – how do we work together?

Locally, infrastructure organisations are part of the conversation to minimise the impact on the voluntary sector and in fact, take advantage of opportunities arising from the changes.

Supporting people in the community – The WorkWell Programme

Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and South Lincolnshire (CPSL) Mind has been working hard to deliver a free programme that helps people who may be struggling to find or keep a job due to a health problem.

The WorkWell pilot programme matches local people with a work and health coach who can establish what they need help with, overcome barriers and help them find the right local support. The work and health coaches provide personalised support, and can connect people with different services, such as health professionals, community sector services and local support groups.

The service has had a great response in Cambridgeshire and CPSL Mind has created a strong team who are well on the way with supporting individuals to achieve their goals and personal outcomes. The WorkWell team have now taken up a regular residency at Cambridge Job Centre plus, so that individuals can self-refer to the service whilst attending their Job Centre Plus appointment, working collaboratively with Job Centre Plus disability and work coaches. Many new relationships have been developed, and the team is working collaboratively with other organisations in the voluntary, medical and health and wellbeing sectors.

To hear from one of the CPSL Mind health and work coaches, visit: WorkWell – The story so far

To find out more information and for referral visit: https://www.growthworkswithskills.com/employer-hub/workwell/

NHS services over Easter

NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough’s Communications Team is pleased to share with you this year’s Easter social media toolkit, which is now live, until to 11.59pm on Easter Monday (21 April). With assets for a variety of platforms, suggested posts and alt text, it is available for seven days via WeTransfer.

This toolkit is to help ICS partners share important health and care information with local people as Easter weekend approaches and over the bank holiday weekend. We’d love it if you could please share these messages on your channels to support the health and wellbeing of our communities.

Mini showcases

Two mini-showcases were held last month and as ever they were very popular. 24 colleagues from all sectors attended the first on mental health VCSE providers. 20 colleagues came to the one on community support. Many thanks to all organisations who contributed. This is a great way to increase awareness of what we do and how we work. More showcases to follow later this year.

Investing in Community Health Fund: Transforming lives through VCSE partnerships

A reminder about this grant programme, hosted by Cambridgeshire Community Foundation on behalf of North Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Care Partnership and North West Anglia Foundation Trust. It is now open to registered non-profit organisations across Fenland, Peterborough and Huntingdonshire. Information including application guidance, FAQs and the online application form can be found here. The deadline for applications is 1st May 2025.

Core20PLUS5 survey

This survey is seeking views of all ICS staff and that includes the voluntary sector. Please find 10 munites from your busy day to respond – this is a great opportunity to get voluntary sector voices heard. To take part, simply click here. Closing date is 22nd April.

Thank you Debbie!

Last but by no means least we sadly say good-bye to Debbie this month. Huge thanks to all of us who have benefitted from Debbie’s super-human feats of connecting and sharing information. We will miss her massively and wish her all the very best for a happy retirement.