Cambridge 2030 launched a new 5-year strategy at its recent forum, hosted with Cambridge Ahead.
Julie Spence OBE, Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire and ambassador for Cambridge 2030, highlighted the growing need for inclusive growth, to recognise and address the issues and impact of inequality on communities across the city and county.
She said: “We have the opportunity to become a genuine example of inclusive growth—where success is felt across every community.
“I’m heartened by the way our local businesses, institutions, and public and voluntary sectors are beginning to work together with real purpose to create lasting change, helping us move beyond the label of inequality towards a fairer and more prosperous future for all.”
Committee member Jonathan Martin, CEO, YMCA, set out the new strategic focus, which will be place-based and initially prioritise two of the city’s most disadvantaged neighbouring wards, Arbury and King’s Hedges.
He said: “We will continue to listen, learn and collaborate and, initially, seek to address needs already identified as: therapeutic support for children, young people and their families; bespoke work experience, mentoring, skills development, role models, careers guidance and employment opportunities; increased enrichment opportunities in the form of trips, excursions and clubs that build cultural capital.
“We will be seeking support from the wider community and businesses, in the form of funding, resources and volunteers to facilitate provision of these things, working closely with North Cambridge Academy and organisations like Form the Future and North Cambridge Community Partnership, to ensure we are aligned and adding to, not duplicating efforts.
“We will also be tracking and telling the stories of young people and families in the community so that we can assess the impact of this work.”
Cambridge 2030 is working with Cambridgeshire Community Foundation to develop a Cambridge 2030 Fund which individuals and organisations can donate to, and which will be allocated to priority communities.
A forum highlight was a joint presentation by Jane Driver, of North Cambridge Academy, along with Richard Girvan, Principal of the Stephen Perse Foundation, and Michael Darvell of Costello Medical.
The talk detailed the long-term partnership between the two education providers and the global company.
Richard said: “Our partnership with North Cambridge Academy and Costello Medical provides a tangible framework for us to address real and complex challenges in our community. It has enabled us to show how an independent school can be part of the solution to inequality, providing opportunities that drive social mobility.
“We are delighted to announce that AstraZeneca will be joining this important collaboration focused on expanding pathways and inspiring young people in Cambridge.
“Building on the great work and support of the Costello Medical team, our aim is to provide valuable in-school enrichment opportunities as well as expanding the bursary provision. We look forward to kicking this off and sharing more details as activities progress.”
