Cambridge United Community Trust has today announced its’ first-ever Community Trust Impact report.
To view the report with some interactive video content click: here
To download the report click: here
The report outlines the impact that the Community Trust had over the 2019-20 season and how they responded to the coronavirus pandemic providing real support for our community.
2020 was of course a year unlike any other, with the coronavirus pandemic affecting every part of our society both here and abroad. Yet in Cambridge, we were determined to be part of the solution and not far off 12 months ago, we launched the Here For U’s programme of support. We opened up a Community Careline for over 70’s to ring up asking for help with their everyday needs - from picking up prescriptions or shopping as well as having a friendly chat. Moreover, utilising the club staff, first-team players and board of directors – we made over 1200 calls to seniors in the next 3 months. We also partnered with Cambridge Food Poverty Alliance to cook and deliver over 1700 meals for those families at risk of food poverty, delivering over 300 education activity packs at the same time to families attempting home education.
Sam Gomarsall, Community Trust Manager, was rightly proud of the work his team put in over this past year but also paid tribute to United fans amongst others:
“During the past year, everyone has been affected by the pandemic in some way but the response of everyone involved within this football club has been humbling to see. It is evident that the work we were able to achieve in both national lockdowns, and throughout this whole period, simply would not have been possible without the partnership of Cambridge United Football Club and its’ incredible fanbase. The level of support from club staff members, board members, players, supporters & volunteers has been phenomenal. The journey has certainly not been an easy one over this period, but I have also never been prouder of the caring & collaborative staff we have at the Trust as they adapted to the ever-changing circumstances to continue to make a positive difference on our city.
I hope that as people read this report, and in particular the stories from our participants, they can see the profound ability sport has to change lives and create meaningful impact in our communities. As we look to navigate a route out of the pandemic, divisions which already exist in Cambridge have the potential to be exacerbated. Yet we will strive to help Cambridge build back better as a healthier, stronger and more equal city and we will continue to be there for those who need us most.”
Graham Daniels, Chair of Trustees of Cambridge United Community Trust and one of the directors at Cambridge United FC said:
“Over this past year, it has never been clearer to me that Cambridge United Football Club can make a tangible difference in empowering our community and changing lives for the better. I’m proud that our vision over this period didn’t change, though the means by which we delivered this vision did.
We hope you find that our ‘United For Cambridge Impact Report’ provides a beneficial insight into the work our Community Trust does across our city & community and we hope that you are inspired by the impact we have.”
If you want to find out more, we will be hosting an event called “United For Cambridge: An Impact Evening” on March 31st at 6pm via the club’s Facebook event page.
Join us for as we look back over a year since our Here For U’s programme was launched and an insight into Cambridge United’s work in the community. We will be hearing direct from participants who have benefited from the work of the Community Trust as well as being joined by Head Coach Mark Bonner and United players, speaking about everything Cambridge United. This is an event not to be missed so look out for more announcements!
Later this year, Cambridge United Community Trust will be launching its’ 3-year strategy to help Cambridge build back better as a stronger, healthier and more equal community.