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Welcome to the September 2026 edition of Cambridgeshire Matters.

Latest news from across Cambridgeshire

Quality of life and happiness remains high across Cambridgeshire

Cambridgeshire residents are continuing to experience high levels of happiness, with fewer people suffering from loneliness or mental health challenges, according to the results of Cambridgeshire County Council's fourth Quality of Life survey. 

This year, 6,912 residents shared their views on living in the county. Key findings from the 2026 survey and about the county council this year, included:

• 84% of residents say they feel happy - this figure has remained consistent over four years.
• 87% of residents reporting that they personally feel concerned about the cost of living - the same as last year.
• 60% of residents say that the council keeps them well informed about the services it provides, representing a significant increase from 50% in 2025.
• Satisfaction with roads and pavements has risen for a second consecutive year to 32%, up from 21% in 2024.

Our upcoming #BeWinterWise campaign for 2026 will help raise awareness of issues of isolation, mental health and wellbeing, loneliness and the cost of living - signposting people to support available across Cambridgeshire. 

New Best Start Family Hubs to boost support for families 

across Cambridgeshire

New adoption campaign launches to find more adoptive families

Roads, transport and travel

Preparing our highways for winter

Winter is one of the toughest times of the year for our roads, but we're committed to getting ahead of the problem. 

Cambridgeshire County Council has invested an extra £5 million in our highways for winter readiness work. We have a total of 30 kilometres of preventative treatments planned across Cambridgeshire's roads, including general repairs, preventative and structural patching, and crack sealing. 

By fixing roads early, we can help prevent potholes and other damage caused by cold weather, heavy rain, and tired road surfaces. This is part of our commitment to improve our roads, ensure safer journeys, and create a more resilient highway network for everyone. 

Watch our short video to see some of our winter readiness work in action. 

Adults and older people

Free online self-assessment tool to stay steady on your feet

Falls are one of the most common causes of injury in older people and from the age of 65 the likelihood of a fall increases. 

The free Steady on Your Feet online self-assessment tool is designed to help older people understand their risk of falling and take the necessary steps to stay strong, safe and steady. It only takes a few minutes to complete and creates a personalised action plan to share with family, friends or health professionals. 

It also shares lots of simple tips for staying active, healthy and independent, including exercise guidance, activity ideas, and much more. 

A promotional poster is available to download and display in community areas. Please contact campaigns@cambridgeshire.gov.uk if you would like to access the full marketing pack to help spread the word in your area. 

Unclaimed Pension Credit campaign aims to put millions back into residents' pockets

700 eligible households across Cambridgeshire are currently missing out on claiming Pension Credit, which on average is worth around £4,300 a year.

Cambridgeshire County Council is working with district and city councils to contact those families identified as eligible with the aim of putting up to £2M per year back into residents' pockets. 

Each household has been contacted by letter, email and phone call to be advised of their eligibility and provided with support to help them apply for their unclaimed benefit. The council is also reminding residents that if they are ever in doubt about the authenticity of a letter or phone call, they can contact their district of city council directly to ask. 

Public Health

Let's quit smoking together this Stoptober

Stoptober is back, and we're calling on all smokers to join millions of others who have quit successfully with the campaign.

Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health. The good news is, if you quit smoking for 28 days, you're five times more likely to quit for good. It's much easier to stop smoking when you get the right help, and there's a wide range of free quit smoking support options available in Cambridgeshire:

• Smokefree app - get 24/7 stop smoking support at your fingertips. Access all features of the app and stop smoking aids for free. 
• Allen Carr's Easyway - join a free group seminar for a proven, medication-free approach to quitting smoking. Sign up for a seminar online. 
• Healthy You stop smoking service - free advice, support and encouragement tailored to you. Complete a self-referral form to get started.

Take the first step towards a healthier, smoke-free future with Stoptober. To promote the campaign in your local area, access free downloadable resources via the Campaign Resource Centre.  

Communities

Community partnership helps bring Somersham Repair Shed to life

A community-led project in Huntingdonshire has been brought to life through collaboration and support from the Communities Service at Cambridgeshire County Council. 

The Somersham Repair Shed, developed by Somersham Parish Council and the Somersham and Pidley Timebank, has transformed a shipping container into a welcoming space where residents can repair, reuse, learn new skills, and connect with others.

The Communities Service supported the project from its early development - providing advice on funding opportunities, helping connect the group with local networks and offering practical support to access resources. To find out more about support available through the Communities Service, contact communities@cambridgeshire.gov.uk.

Improving outcomes for Fenland residents through community networks and partnerships

The Communities Service has successfully enabled the continued growth of the Fenland Charities Network, a local partnership which brings together voluntary and community organisations committed to improving outcomes for 

Fenland residents.

Together, members identify funding opportunities, recruit volunteers, and deliver joint solutions that respond to local needs. 

The Communities Service supports similar networks across Cambridgeshire. For more information about local networks or support available in your area, please contact communities@cambridgeshire.gov.uk. 

Libraries, archives and culture

Discover new music, delve into history, and get creative with The Library Presents this autumn

The Library Presents has lots of feel-good events to keep you entertained from Friday 16 October to Saturday 12 December, with tickets available to book now.

This season has a line-up of different events, with a mix of live music, theatre, and workshops in art, craft, and dance. Hosted in 23 libraries across Cambridgeshire, there will be something on your doorstop to enjoy. 

Tickets can be purchased online, or by scanning the QR code in the programme brochure, by phone, in-person at participating libraries, or on the door (subject to availability). For more information, visit www.library.live/the-library-presents.

Climate change, energy and environment

Sharing the Warmth: Community-to-community workshop

Carbon Copy - a UK charity working to inspire local action for climate and nature - has invited Cambridgeshire County Council to participate in a 90-minute workshop about Swaffham Prior Heat Network. 

Councillor Ros Hathorn, Chair of the Environment and Green Investment committee, and Nicola Young, Head of Complex Infrastructure, will be guest speaking about the project and answering questions about its development, delivery and operational learning. 

They have been invited to participate in the workshop following their appearance on the Install Low-Carbon Heating episode of the Carbon Copy podcast last year.

Anyone wishing to join the workshop can find out more information by clicking the button below. A recording of the workshop will be made available online at a later date and a 30-minute podcast episode about Swaffham Prior Heat Network is expected to follow in November. 

For enquiries about Cambridgeshire Matters, please contact campaigns@cambridgeshire.gov.uk.

This email was sent to info@cityofelycouncil.org.uk using Microsoft Dynamics on behalf of Cambridgeshire County Council.

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