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Welcome to the July 2025 edition of Cambridgeshire Matters.

Latest news from across Cambridgeshire

'Get Activated' this summer with free and low-cost family events across Cambridgeshire

The council's Get Activated summer activity campaign is back for 2025. 

At locations across Cambridgeshire, the county council and our partners are running free or low-cost activities and events to keep children and families busy, entertained and active during the summer holidays.

From sports, arts and crafts, and outdoor adventures, to wellbeing sessions and community events - there's something for everyone. 

Follow our #GetActivated hashtag on Facebook and LinkedIn for regular updates.

Success at council's Preparing for Adulthood SEND Festival

Share your views to help shape the future of pharmacy services in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

Roads, transport and travel

Highways communications step up a gear

• Since 2023/24, the amount Cambridgeshire County Council spends on highway maintenance has increased by over 140%, from £24m to £59m. 
• Building on last year's record investment, the council has allocated more than £73m for highways maintenance in 2025/26. 
• Over the last five years, the council has repaired an average of 55,400 individual potholes each year. 

Have an active summer cycling, walking, running or wheeling

Summer is here and the warm temperatures are encouraging us to get out and about. As well as our Get Activated programme, there are several other initiatives underway this summer to help us stay active - including Dr Bike sessions between July and November, the Street Tag challenge, and the Cambridge Criterium on Sunday 24 August at Jesus Green.

You can keep up to date with future opportunities on our active travel activities and events webpage. 

Climate and nature

Shape the future of nature in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) consultation is now open and is an opportunity to review the proposals for creating and enhancing nature across the county. 

Cambridgeshire is one of the most nature depleted counties in England, and a LNRS can help to support the recovery of nature in the region. 

On the consultation website you can complete the survey, view all documents and find links to resources - including the draft LNRS, summary document, online habitat portal, and story maps. The survey closes on Thursday 11 September. 

Communities Service

Creating a dementia-friendly East Cambridgeshire

The Communities Service has been supporting the work of East Cambs Dementia Friendly Communities to bring together and support people living with dementia and their carers. 

Together, local organisations have been offering fun activities and a chance to connect with others who understand and share similar experiences - including drop-in craft sessions in Littleport, dementia support groups at Ely Library, and singing groups in Ely and Soham. 

For more information, watch an animation from local artist Bob Banks which showcases the activities on offer or call Tracey Knott, Neighbourhood Carers Lead for Ely Primary Care Networks on 07523 269754. 

Working together for young people

The Communities Service has been supporting Witchford Parish Council to grow and develop 'Fire & Chill', a not-for-profit youth group for young people in Witchford and the surrounding villages.

Open to young people in years six to nine, the group meets weekly for two hours and offers traditional youth club fun alongside adventurous outdoor adventures. Alongside games, crafts, and trips, members can enjoy bushcraft activities and hands-on forest-based play - providing a safe, inclusive and inspiring environment where young people can group in confidence and connect with nature. 

The group is a great example of community partners coming together to support local young people. 

Celebrating the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day

To celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ) Day on Friday 15 August, Tommy Kelly, Armed Forces Covenant Partnership Coordinator and work experience students Lewin Robinson and Cameron Davie from Northstowe Sixth Form College have created a booklet which summarises the war in the Far East and the events that led to VJ Day in August 1945. 

Care Together

This month's update from Care Together features lots of positive news stories from across the county - including the creation of a new Men's Shed space in Huntingdon, one-pot cookery sessions in March, and fun exercise sessions at new locations across East Cambridgeshire. 

Read the July update to learn more about how we're supporting older people in Cambridgeshire to remain independent for longer. For more information on Care Together, visit the council's website or contact the team at care.together@cambridgeshire.gov.uk. 

Cambridgeshire Libraries

Nurture children's imagination with the Summer Reading Challenge

Children can nurture a passion for reading this summer by signing up to the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge at Cambridgeshire Libraries. 

This year's theme, Story Garden, aims to encourage children to explore the magical connection between stories and nature.

The Challenge is free to take part in and is open to pre-school and primary school aged children of all reading abilities. 

Children can sign up at their local (or mobile) library to receive a special collector's folder. To complete the Challenge, they will need to read six library books of their choice during the holidays. 

Children have until Saturday 13 September to complete the Challenge. When they finish, they will receive a certificate and medal, with a special stick medal for under 3s. 

To celebrate this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, creative and green-fingered craft-based activities and events will be taking place across Cambridgeshire’s libraries throughout the summer holidays. To find out what’s happening at your nearest library visit the Library.Live website. 

Cambridgeshire Fostering Service

Cambridgeshire Fostering Service is looking for compassionate individuals and families across Cambridgeshire to become foster carers. 

By offering a stable, loving home, you can make a life-changing difference for children and young people who are unable to live with their families.

Fostering doesn't have to be a long-term commitment - we also need carers for short-term fostering and respite care. If you have the time, space and heart to help a child thrive, we'd love to hear from you.

Get in touch to find out more about becoming a foster carer - call 0800 052 0078 or visit our website. You can also keep up to date with news and events on our Facebook and Instagram channels.

We often have a stall at events across the county to promote fostering - if you know of any other events we could attend, please email fostering@cambridgeshire.gov.uk. 

Cambridgeshire Skills

Browse the new 2025-26 course guide

Whether you're looking to boost your career, gain essential qualifications, or explore a new passion, there's something for everyone at Cambridgeshire Skills - from functional skills in English and maths, to horticulture and counselling.

Courses are delivered in venues across Cambridgeshire, with flexible learning options and expert tutors, making it easier than ever to learn locally. 

Explore the full course guide on the Cambridgeshire Skills website or contact your local centre for more information. 

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

This email was sent to jon.chitty@bramptonpc.co.uk using Microsoft Dynamics on behalf of Cambridgeshire County Council.

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