Local Support Groups
LOCAL SUPPORT GROUPS
CPFT RCE Wellbeing Hub
Summer timetable of FREE online and in person workshops that boost wellbeing: https://www.cpft.nhs.uk/rce-wellbeing-hub/
To find all the local activities in the local community visit : How Are You South Cambs? | Home
Melbourn Hub Weekly SEN Chat
Weekly SEN Chat at Melbourn Hub Starting Monday 7th July 9am-11am. Drop in for a coffee and a chat, meet other parents and families of children with SEN. Hosted by Jo Grazebrook, SEND Advocate who can be contacted by email senchat@sendjo.org or you can find out more on the website https://www.sendjo.org/
Coffee, Cake, Conversation and More! at Bar Hill Library
Starting on 1st July 10.30am-11.30am join a monthly coffee, cake and conversation sessions, on the first Tuesday of the month. Each month there will be something ‘More’ such as an author talk, board games or simple crafts. Everyone is welcome and and whilst it is a free activity, donations towards refreshments will be appreciated.
Cambridgeshire Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme
The Cambridgeshire Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme offers fully funded holiday scheme places during the Easter, summer and Christmas school holidays for families on lower incomes. A range of fun experiences, a healthy lunch and snacks are provided. Running from 24 July to 29 August 2025, each eligible child can be booked onto a maximum of 64 hours across all holiday schemes (subject to availability). To find out more about what’s available, who is eligible and booking info check out the link below. Cambridgeshire Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme | Cambridgeshire County Council
Cambourne Toy Library
If you have babies and small children, but not much cash or space for new toys or bigger bits of play equipment, why not join the new Cambourne Toy Library? Run by volunteers with the support of South Cambridgeshire Child and Family Centres, there’s more info on this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575053858455
Cake & Cuppa at Melbourn Springs Care Home
This is held on the first Wednesday of each month for local older people. Come along with friends for a nice relaxing chat over a nice cup of tea & a slice of cake. If you’d like to know more, you can contact the team via the website: https://www.barchester.com/home/melbourn-springs-care-home
Crafty Folk Get Together in Girton
Crafty Folk meet at St Vincent’s Close community room, 10am to 4pm on Tuesdays. It’s an arts and crafts drop-in but you don’t have to sew, knit or paint to join in. There are free refreshments and everyone is welcome to pop in for a chat. Cambridgeshire ACRE Village Agent, Kari, also attends to support residents with any health and wellbeing issues.
Let’s talk about…death, dying and loss
This workshop is open to anyone who would like to talk more openly about death, dying and bereavement on Monday 22 September from 10.30-12noon at The Old Schoolhouse, Market Hill in Royston. Book via patchattcommunitygroup@gmail.com
Hope Again Bereavement Support
Group-based bereavement support programme every Thursday (2-4pm) for six weeks in Histon from 25 Sept – 30 October at the Methodist Church Hall in Histon. Places are limited and fill up fast – contact HABG1@icloud.com to book.
Melbourn Sports Centre
Now open for classes, gym and swimming following a refurbishment! It will offer a reduced timetable of activities, classes and sessions for a short while – so follow the Facebook page for updates or check out the website for details https://www.melbournsportscentre.org/
Special Needs Community Information Point (SCIP)
Contact Joan Adamson at Cambridgeshire County Council if you would like to join the SCIP email network to find out about support, activities, opportunities and events for families with children and young people with Special Needs – Joan’s regular email is a goldmine of useful info: Joan.Adamson@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
Step-Up Coaching Programme Intro Day with Lifecraft, Cambridgeshire & Peterborough
Thursday August 14th 10.30 to 3.00pm at Lifecraft on Gwydir Street in Cambridge. FREE to anyone over 18+ who has low confidence and/or mental health difficulties. The intro training day will touch on topics such as personal values and boundaries, communications, body language and importantly we look at what is coaching as opposed to therapy and counselling.Participants also have the option of signing up for one-to-one coaching on the day (you have to attend the day to access the coaching). The coaching offer is four, one-hour meetings online or in-person at Lifecraft, for free. There is no expectation or pressure to sign up for the coaching – you are welcome to just come for the training day. To sign up or ask questions email maria@lifecraft.org.uk
Northstowe Makers
Taking place on the second Thursday of the month from 11th September, from 1pm to 3pm, at The Cabin on Pathfinder Way. Participants will be supported by the Makers coordinator and guided to create by a creative specialist at the start of each new project. During three sessions, once per month, you can make whatever you choose based around the theme of the project. No experience necessary and inclusive to all adults and abilities. Sessions are free of charge and all materials are provided, find out more on this link: All About Creativity – Northstowe Makers
To find all the information on all Carers Hubs and support in the South Cambridgeshire area please click on the link: https://www.caringtogether.org/support-for-carers/adult-carers/carers-hubs/
Carers Cafes
For anyone caring for a friend, neighbour, partner or family member, even if you aren’t a patient with Maple or Willingham Surgeries, you can come along to our meetings. You can bring the person you are caring for with you.
This gives you the opportunity to talk to other people in the same situation, feel that you are not alone, ask for support, or advice, from our social prescribing link worker and the hub team.
Bar Hill Carers Cafe
The cafe’s are held on the second Monday of every month between 10am-11.30am.
Address:
Church Centre
Memorial Garden
Viking Way
Bar Hill
Cambridge
CB23 8EH
Willingham Carers Cafe
Cafe’s run on the first Wednesday of every month in the Surgery 2pm-4pm
Address:
Willingham Medical Practice
52 Long Ln
Willingham
Cambridge
CB24 5LB
Hearing Voices Cambridgeshire
Hearing Voices Cambridgeshire offer online and in-person peer support groups for adults who hear voices and/or experience visions, tactile sensations or other sensory experiences. They have a website with information, tips and coping strategies and links to other resources.
https://haysouthcambs.co.uk/support/hearing-voices-cambridgeshire/
Addicted to Football
Addicted to Football is a community group supporting individuals facing mental health challenges and/or addiction. They provide a welcoming space where people can unwind, have fun and connect with others through playing football. Meeting weekly in Cambridge and Sawston.
https://haysouthcambs.co.uk/support/addicted-to-football/
Local Care Micro-Enterprises
Some new local Care Micro-Enterprises have been added to the Care Together Help at Home Directory (and the How Are You South Cambs webpage has been updated: https://haysouthcambs.co.uk/support/micro-enterprises-care-and-support-for-older-and-disabled-people/).
ATTEND Study for Young People Experiencing Low Mood
Researchers at CPFT and the University of Cambridge have developed a new mindfulness treatment to help young people and their carers to cope better with negative emotions. Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) combines training in mindfulness meditation with principles from cognitive therapy. The ATTEND study is looking for young people aged between 15-18 years who are currently experiencing low mood or depression, and who have previously had help but are still struggling. If someone you know would like to take part, get in touch with the study team via attend@medschl.cam.ac.uk
Meet our new Village Agents in South Cambs
Kari and Sophie have joined Angela and Lisa from Cambridgeshire ACRE to support Community Hubs in South Cambs – find out more here: https://haysouthcambs.co.uk/support/community-hubs-village-agents/
Free Activities for Local Older People at Arlington Manor Care Home in Girton
Arlington Manor welcomes non-residents to attend these weekly activities which are FREE to attend but do let Martin know in advance so he can sign visitors in: martin.dickson@hallmarkcarehomes.co.uk
- Card & Board Games Club: Mondays 11.30am – 12.30pm
- Songs & Smiles Mother & Baby Group: Wednesday 11am – 12pm
- Classical Music Club: Wednesday 3.45pm – 4.30pm
- Memory Cafe: 3rd Friday of the month 2pm – 3.30pm
- Caring Together Charity Group: 3rd Tuesday of the month 11.30am – 1pm
Community Grief Training with Cruse & Co-op
On 20 March in Cambridge, Cruse Bereavement Support & Community Connections Cambridgeshire and Peterborough are running a Community Grief Training workshop to empower people to have conversations about grief and support people in their communities who might be feeling alone. If you’d like to attend, use the link below to sign up:
https://www.cruse.org.uk/community-grief-training/
NHS Volunteer Responders Telephone Support
NHS Volunteer Responders help by giving you or someone you know a friendly call and a listening ear. Whether it’s a one-off chat or regular support, anyone can use this free service – just call 0808 196 3646 or visit https://nhscarevolunteerresponders.org/id-like-support to register.
Connecting Nature & Heritage at Fitzwilliam Museum
The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge is running a FREE 8-week creative programme for adults aged 65+ called ‘Connecting Nature and Heritage’ – a hands-on, creative programme that nurtures health and wellbeing. Book onto one of these programmes:
- Wednesdays (10:30 – 12:30) – 5th March to 23rd April 2025
- Tuesdays (10:30 – 12:30) – 13th May to 1st July 2025
Booking required as places are limited. For more information and to book, please contact Christina Bulow: cb2293@cam.ac.uk or call 01223 333 230.
Drama-based Dementia Workshop at Royston Library
Free ‘Escape to the Sea’ Workshop at Royston Library – tickets available from Royston Library for this drama based workshop for people living with dementia and their carers. 2-3pm on 13 March with playwright and actress Jenny Ayres. Seated event with limited places, refreshments available.
Live Online Strength & Balance Classes
Twice weekly live online Strength & Balance classes with Lou from Cambridge Bootcamps – first session is FREE but booking is essential via https://gocbc.fit/
BPHA Northstowe Cuppa & Chat
Every second Thursday in the month 9.30-11.30am, you can have a cuppa and a chat in The Cabin with housing association BPHA about housing, volunteering or getting a local group or activity off the ground. No need to book, just drop-in.
South Cambs Neighbourhood Policing
Get to know the local Neighbourhood Policing team for South Cambs as well as details of events that residents can attend to discuss what matters to them: https://www.cambs.police.uk/police-forces/cambridgeshire-constabulary/areas/campaigns/nhp/neighbourhood-policing/South-Cambridgeshire/
