The HemingfordHub Good Neighbour Scheme was established in August 2019 thanks to funding from three sources, which has enabled us to be legally compliant and ready to meet the challenges currently facing the two villages.
Cambridgeshire County Council’s Innovate and Cultivate Scheme awarded the Hub £2,300 in August 2019. This seed funding helped us establish the group and meet our compliancy requirements.
Thanks to this funding, we have been able to pay for Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for our 'befrienders', as well as run a Safeguarding Adults training session. We are also fully-insured and have paid for publicity posters and flyers for all Hemingfords’ residents. The funding also paid for venue hire, guidance and support from Care Network and membership of HuntsForum.
In addition, Hemingford Grey Parish Council awarded us £500, which will help us focus on supporting villagers who will be self-isolating as a result of the Covid-19 epidemic.
Finally, the A14 Community Fund granted us £750 to specifically help us support wildlife in the villages. This environmental funding will enhance the lives of the house-bound or those feeling lonely because of self-isolation. It will also help protect endangered animals and insects.
We are extremely grateful to our funders for their support. Additional funding is, of course, always very welcome and would be put to good use for the benefit of the Hemingfords.