Cambridge Edition February 2021 - Web

COMMUNI T Y HEROES

ADDENBROOKE ’S CHARI TABLE TRUST (ACT )

HELPING HOSPITAL PATIENTS & STAFF THROUGH TOUGH TIMES It’s no surprise that ACT has been in overdrive in recent times given its work assisting Addenbrookes’ staff and users. During the first wave of the pandemic, ACT launched an emergency appeal that raised more than £1 million in just six weeks: money that allowed the charity to give much-needed support to hospital staff, helping them to deliver the very best care and treatment to patients. This included providing wellbeing spaces for critical care and theatre staff, offering psychological and counselling support for staff, and paying for Christmas hampers for all staff to say a big thank you. Throughout the rest of 2020, ACT also raised £5 million from 37,000 donations – with fundraisers getting creative in lockdown and taking on challenges ranging from head-shaving and fancy dress to a fundraising sea shanty from a Cambridge acapella group. Get Involved: To donate, visit helpyourhospital.co.uk/donate or to fundraise, go to justgiving.com/campaign/helpyourhospital.

THE CROSSROADS

PROVIDING EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Watching the gradual decimation of the hospitality sector over the past year is what inspired the team behind CrossROADS to take action, setting up a social enterprise to provide employment opportunities for those who have lost their jobs due to Covid. Located in Oakington, CrossROADS is looking for people to set up and run a business that offers coffee, gelato or handmade chocolates. The successful three applicants will receive rent-free premises, equipment, and advice from business mentors to help get them started. The premises are owned by kitchen cleaning company Bright Hygiene, which is offering the building rent free to give people a life-changing opportunity, as well as creating a welcoming venue for local people to meet and buy coffee, chocolate and ice-cream. Get involved: If you’ve lost your job in hospitality due to Covid and want to apply, or if you’re a business or an individual that can offer equipment, advice or any other support, call Ross on 07778 463597.

WOOD GREEN, THE ANIMALS CHARI T Y

PROVIDING A LIFELINE FOR ANIMALS AND PET OWNERS

A by-product of the pandemic has been an increase in pet ownership, so we’re lucky to have Wood Green, The Animals Charity, to help support pets and their owners every step of the way. Wood Green rehabilitates and rehomes around 3,500 dogs, cats and small animals from its centres in Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire each year. It also helps pets by supporting owners to be the best carers they can be, offering training, workshops and advice, which can be a lifeline for owners and have a huge impact on an animal’s quality of life. So if you’re struggling with a pet- related issue, big or small, contact Wood Green and see what solutions are on offer, and if you’re no longer able to care for a pet, their team can help with that too. Get Involved: Volunteer at a shop, make a donation via the Wood Green website, or help fundraise. The charity also requires foster homes for pets. To find out more, visit woodgreen.org.uk.

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