May 2025

Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Voluntary Sector Network Update

‘Together for healthier communities’

Good-bye Julie – and thank you!

A sad good-bye and gigantic thanks go to Julie Farrow; the inspirational leader of Hunts Forum for 17 years and brilliant advocate for our sector. It was Julie’s vision and strategic insight that drove the first stages of the Health Alliance; creating a mechanism to place the VCSE sector front and centre of the Integrated Care Systems. This has proved a very sound platform on which to build. We wish Julie much happiness and fun time with her grandchildren in her very well-earned retirement.

CVS merger

Following Julie’s retirement, Hunts Forum and Cambridge CVS have taken this as an opportunity to merge into one CVS for Cambridgeshire; Support Cambridgeshire. The process is ongoing and the VSN is supporting that and helping plan for the future.

High Impact User Service

The May VSN meeting heard from Mary Barnes about the High Impact User Service, based at the County Council. This service provides support for people who frequently attend A&E (10+ times in 12 months), largely for social or environmental reasons rather than, or in addition to, medical reasons. The service currently only takes referrals from hospitals. However, there is another High Impact User programme that is available for frequent users of GP services.

Integrated Care Partnership representative

The VSN is looking for a voluntary sector representative to fill the VCSE place, which is now vacant with Julie Farrow’s retirement. The role description and application form have been circulated to VSN members. If you have not received this or would like further information, please let me know. sandie@supportcambridgeshire.org.uk

JOY Marketplace

This new Support Cambridgeshire webpage tells you everything you need to know about JOY Marketplace, including a beginners’ guide and advice about how to manage referrals: Introducing: JOY Marketplace is a Directory of Service of local and national non-clinical services – Support Cambridgeshire

Beyond Words Book Clubs

Cambridgeshire Libraries are organising a series of word-free storytelling sessions that support adults with learning disabilities to connect, communicate, and feel heard through imagery and shared conversation. They are hoping to grow their pool of volunteer facilitators to help bring these groups to life. Facilitator training is provided free of charge, and there’s flexibility in how volunteers get involved.

They are particularly interested in reaching potential volunteers, connecting with community groups who might be interested and/or any upcoming events or channels to link into. If your organisation would like to get involved, please email Ellie Addison: Ellie.Addison@cambridgeshire.gov.uk