Cambridge Student Communit Action
Student community volunteers
Cambridge SCA run a Big Siblings befriending service for disadvantaged children.
"Jamie loves spending time with Gloria (his 'Big Sibling'). He doesn't have many friends and the Big Sibs programme gives him the opportunity to have fun with someone nearer his own age, but also somebody I can feel totally confident will keep him safe. It gives me a couple of hours to do something for myself without feeling guilty." (Mother of beneficiary)
Our student volunteers run community based projects which assist vulnerable adults and children. We provide practical, educational and social support in a variety of ways and settings which enhance the lives of many disadvantaged people.
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"The best thing about being a Big Sib is seeing her smile and having fun. I feel as if what I am doing is worthwhile. She has made me numerous little gifts in the arts and crafts department at school and at the holiday group she goes to and from this I realise that I bring a bit of happiness to her life and that Big Sibs is such a worthwhile project." (Big Sibling Volunteer)
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Since 2008, Cambridge Student Community Action have received 12 grants through CCF.
In 2014, Cambridge SCA received a grant from the Comic Relief Local Communities Programme to run a free, weekly youth club in the centre of Cambridge called 'Bounce'.
The participants of 'Bounce' have a wide range of disadvantages, including children with learning, behaviour and physical difficulties. The majority of children that attend come from families who are struggling financially and where English is not their main language. A large number of children that attend are from single parent families and young carers.
We look forward to hearing how the project has gone later this year.
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A grant was also awarded in 2014, from the ESRI Charitable Fund for Cambridge towards 'Big Siblings', a befriending services for disadvantaged children.
"The grant has enabled children to take part in activities they would otherwise have missed out on for a variety of reasons including disability, financial restrictions or their parents being unable to take them. Time and time again we hear how the families find our volunteers visits invaluable and provide the whole family respite."
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In 2013, a grant was awarded from the Barclays Community Fund to buy a Mess Tent and Play Teepee, to enable Cambridge SCA to expand the activities they provide outdoors.
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Four grants were awarded in 2012:
Task Force: A Cambridge City South Cambs Reward Grant was given towards the Task Force Project, which provides practical assistance to residents in Cambridge.
- 7 clients who are wheelchair bound had a volunteer visit them weekly to take them out to town or round the park
- 15 clients had volunteer come and visit them for befriending purposes on a weekly basis
- 4 clients were assisted with gardening
- 7 adults were visited weekly and assisted with English
- 1 woman with triplets had three volunteers go in weekly to assist with childcare and transport
- 8 clients with various mobility problems were assisted on a weekly basis with their cleaning
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Young Carers Big Sibling Project was funded by the Mills & Reeve Cambridge Community Fund.
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Children from the Woman's Aid Centre Projects were run with funding from the Outlook Fund and the Birketts Community Endowed Fund.
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To find out more about Cambridge Student Community Action and how to get involved the image below.