Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council’s joint public health team is inviting residents to have their say on how new and existing communities can be healthy, supportive and inclusive.
Work is currently underway to develop the Healthy Places Joint Strategic Needs Assessment for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, a piece of work which will support the development of healthier, easy to access, and inclusive communities. To inform this, the team has launched a survey asking for views on access to healthcare services, inclusive and accessible green spaces, opportunities for active travel and healthy play and leisure, and the provision of affordable healthy food options.
The survey is open until Monday 15 April at 5pm and can be found at https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/WNC1CB/. It will take around 10-15 minutes to fill in and may be completed on behalf of yourself or someone you care for.
If you’d prefer to complete a paper copy of the survey, you can pick one up from your local library or New Shire Hall, Emery Crescent, Enterprise Campus, Alconbury Weald, Huntingdon PE28 4YE.
If you have any questions about the survey or the Healthy Places Joint Strategic Needs Assessment for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, please email healthinallpolicies@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
Share this article
Tell us about your experiences
NHS and social care staff are doing everything they can to keep us well during these challenging times, but there might be things that can be improved.
Your feedback can help services spot issues that are affecting care for you and your loved ones.
England has launched its first Men’s Health Strategy, aiming to improve physical and mental health for men and boys. Find out how Healthwatch has helped shape the plan and what it means for local communities.
Winter bugs and viruses are usually mild, but can sometimes become more serious, particularly in younger children or if an infection spreads to a vulnerable family member. It can be hard to know what to do when your baby/child is ill and when you can manage this at home or need to see a doctor or nurse for more help. These pages give you information about some common childhood illnesses and how to look after your child when they feel poorly with a common illness.
Do you or a loved one need help with everyday tasks, support at home, or care after illness or injury? Adult social care may be able to help.
Social care is different from the treatment you receive from the NHS. While it can include some medical support, social care focuses on practical help so people can live as independently as possible. This care is usually delivered at home, in a care home, or in the community rather than at a GP practice or hospital.
Understanding what support is available – and how to pay for it – can feel overwhelming. Here are the key things you need to know.
✅ How do I get help through adult social care?
The first step is to contact your local council’s adult social care team and request an assessment.
Depending on your situation, you may receive:
A Care/Needs Assessment – if you need support yourself
A Carers Assessment – if you provide unpaid care for someone else
Discharge to Assess / Home First – if you have just left hospital and need support at home
NHS Continuing Healthcare (NHS CHC) – for people with very complex medical needs and ongoing care requirements (this involves a separate assessment)
Assessments are free, and all adults aged 18 or over are entitled to one.
✅ Who can access adult social care?
You may be able to receive support if you are:
An older person
Living with a disability or long-term condition
Recovering from illness, surgery or hospital treatment
Struggling with daily activities at home
If you have family or friends helping with your care, you may not need to pay for all services. Unpaid carers can also receive support with training, wellbeing and respite breaks.
If you qualify, your council will work with you to create a personalised care plan tailored to your needs.
✅ How do I pay for social care?
The council will carry out a financial assessment (often called a “means test”) to decide whether:
Your care will be free
You will contribute towards the cost
You will pay the full cost
This assessment looks at your income, savings, property and other financial assets.
If you qualify for financial support, your council will give you a personal budget that can be used to pay for local services.
Some people with very complex health needs may receive free NHS Continuing Healthcare. If not eligible, you may still qualify for NHS-funded nursing care, where the NHS pays for nursing support in a care home.
✅ What support can social care provide?
Local authorities are responsible for arranging care services. These may be delivered directly by the council, or by local care providers.
Support can include:
Reablement / short-term support to help people regain skills after illness or injury
Personal care – washing, dressing, getting up, using the toilet
Help with household tasks – cleaning, cooking, shopping, eating
Day services – social activities, meals, health support, meeting others
Respite care / carers breaks – short-term care so unpaid carers can take time off
Support with housing for people who are homeless and have care needs
✅ Where can I get more information?
All local authorities have an information and advice service to help you understand:
Care assessments
Eligibility and financial support
Choosing care providers
Personal budgets
Advocacy
Safeguarding concern
If you or a loved one are struggling to get the social care you need, we want to hear from you. Your experiences help us challenge local services and improve support for everyone.
📞 Contact Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
📧 information service@healthwatchcambspboro.co.uk
✅ What’s your experience?
Is getting the support you need too complicated?
Have you been refused care or struggled after hospital discharge?
Click on the link below to tell us your story or to contact Peterborough City Council
Your feedback helps services improve.
