January 2025

Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Voluntary Sector Network Update

‘Together for healthier communities’

Assura/NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Grant Programme

Round 2 is now open for applications! Funding up to £12,000 is available for local projects that tackle health inequalities and support wellbeing at an Integrated Neighbourhood level.

This round is targeted at those Integrated Neighbourhoods that did not have a project funded in Round 1. More information, including a list of those target areas, how to contact your Integrated Neighbourhood Manager and how to apply is available here. Closing date for expressions of interest is 26^th January.

Outcomes Framework

At our December meeting we heard from Matthew Smith about the ICS Outcomes Framework. This framework will track the health and wellbeing of local people and so help with planning services. More information is being developed and we will share these with the Network. The voluntary sector will also have a say in shaping the framework as it develops.

In the meantime, you can view the framework here. In the long term this could provide a way of bringing together all of that monitoring data that the sector produces. Have a chat with your commissioner about this next time you meet them. The framework should be referenced in all ICB, and in due course local authority, grants and contracts. In the coming year the VSN will be running some sessions on the framework, so we can all understand the potential and how we can contribute.

Data workshop

Michael from Cambridge CAB is running a session on 16^th February, on Teams 2-3.30pm, to talk about the data catalogue and how this can help your organisation. We also think that this could have potential to link in the outcomes framework (as above), so please come along and learn more and share your thoughts.

Support offers for staff and clients

The WorkWell hubs, are now open to referrals across Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, and Royston, offering free and dedicated support to people who are struggling to find or keep a job due to physical and/or mental health challenges. People can apply for support themselves or can be supported by someone with their referral, by completing a short form online or over the phone. More details are available on WorkWell website.

Please share widely with your staff, clients, and networks, so that they are aware of the support available. A toolkit has been developed with posters, social media templates, website content etc to making sharing even easier. You can access it here.

Meet Your Social prescriber

Come and learn more about social prescribing at the next Health and Wellbeing Network session on Tuesday 14^th January. It’s on Teams from 11.30am to 12.45pm. Book your place here.

The 2025 State of the Sector Survey

Don’t forget to respond to this really important survey. Gathering feedback from the sector is vital in understanding your challenges and experiences. Volunteers, staff, and trustees are all invited to submit their thoughts. Open until 17 February 2025.

Annual survey 2025

Voluntary Sector Network meetings

Here are all the dates for our 2025 meetings, please do put them in your diary. At our January meeting we will be launching our reviewed strategy and action plan, as well as hearing from Sharon and Miriam about the leadership sessions they have been involved in. They’ll be some very useful information, so please do come along if you can.

Further information

You can find more information about the work of the Network, notes from previous meetings and newsletters on our webpage here.