Cambridge United today launched ‘Here For U’s’, a new scheme to provide practical, emotional and physical support to the local community at this difficult time.
These are uniquely challenging times for everyone. The community has always been at the heart of the Football Club and now is the time to step up to do even more to help those who need it most in whatever way we can.
‘Here for U’s’ starts today and will aim to give practical, emotional and physical support to as many people as possible.
PRACTICAL SUPPORT
COMMUNITY CARELINE
We know people will need help with different tasks so...
Local residents over 70 can call our Community Careline number to ask for help with their everyday needs - from picking up prescriptions or shopping to walking the dog. The helpdesk will then liaise with our staff, volunteers and local services to give the help required. This will be live from 10am Monday morning.
In partnership with the Cambridge Food Poverty Alliance, the Club’s kitchens will be utilised to provide food for those in most need. This works with Cambridge City Council alongside other local partners. The Club will work with local Cambridge Foodbanks to encourage donations with our staff members collecting items from people in self-isolation.
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
We know people will find the coming weeks hard and will want someone to talk to so...
PHONE A FRIEND
From Monday 23rd March 2020, Club staff working from a single telephone number will be available for local residents to call if they want a friendly chat or to provide details of additional support services available. Our players and first team staff will participate once their period of isolation is concluded. We pride ourselves on being a Mentally Healthy Club
PHYSICAL SUPPORT
We know people will need different and new ways to look after their physical wellbeing so...
GET ACTIVE
The Club will start new digital ways to promote physical health and well-being - from virtual ‘community bootcamps’ targeted at a full range of age groups to different ways of keeping mentally healthy and fit with the first team
Ian Mather, Cambridge United CEO said:
“This is a really difficult time for everyone and we want to do everything we can to help. We will always be United for Cambridge and this is the time to show it most. The Trust is doing great work already and with no football for the foreseeable future the new ‘Here for Us’ scheme will now become the main focus of the Club.”
Sam Gomarsall, Community Trust Manager said:
“Here for U’s is all about providing the people who need it with practical, emotional and physical support. These are unprecedented times and the Club wants to do everything it can to play its part in helping the community through it. We will need volunteers so please get in touch if you think you can help.”
Our Community Careline number to call is 01223632129. Lines will be open from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday, starting from Monday 23rd March 2020.
Work has already begun with Community Trust staff checking in via telephone with over 100 elderly participants from projects such as Seniors’ Afternoon Tea, Seniors’ Lunch and the “United by Memories” Dementia Sports Café. An online bootcamp took place on Wednesday evening across Club and Community Trust Facebook channels, and work is also well underway to prepare academic content that demonstrates how sport can be used as tool for education to young people.
Want to offer your help for Here for U’s? Please email: communitytrust@cambridge-united.co.uk or call our Community Careline 01223 632 129 from Monday morning.