
East Cambridgeshire
Below is some information about activities running in the East Cambs area, and also some links to websites, which contain further information.
The information on this page is kept as up to date as possible but if you are aware of any information which is incorrect or missing please contact the DAAT on 01223 713067.
The information is organised into the following categories, click on one of the headings to go directly to that section :
What is available at local drug agencies?
What is available in the rest of the community?
WHAT IS AVAILABLE AT LOCAL DRUG AGENCIES?
Type of activity : Acupuncture Group sessions, help with detoxification and stress management Time and place : Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays Who can take part : anyone with a drug problem, by referral and assessment Cost / funding : free Regular attendance required : yes Contact information : Lucas Oliver, The Bridge, 01223 214614 |
Type of activity : Family Support Time and place : The Bridge Who can take part : Anyone affected by a relative or friend’s drug use Cost / funding : free Regular attendance required : negotiable Contact information : The Bridge, 01223 214614 |
Type of activity : Homeopathy Alternative therapy Time and place : Mill House, by individual appointment Who can take part : clients of Mill House Cost / funding : free Regular attendance required : no Contact information : Mill House, 01223 723020 |
Type of activity : Narcotics Anonymous Time and place : The Bridge, Wednesday, 12.30pm Who can take part : anyone with a desire to stop using drugs Cost / funding : free Regular attendance required : preferable Contact information : 020 7730 0009 |
Type of activity : One-to-one keyworking Time and place : The Bridge Who can take part : Anyone affected by their own or somebody else’s drug use Cost / funding : free Regular attendance required : negotiable Contact information : The Bridge, 01223 214614 |
Type of activity : Relapse prevention Learn strategies for preventing relapse of drug use Time and place : The Bridge Who can take part : anyone who is abstinent/stable on a prescribed medication wishing to maintain a drug-free lifestyle. assessment required Cost / funding : free Regular attendance required : yes, closed group Contact information : Annette Watts/Mandy Anderson, The Bridge, 01223 214614 |
Type of activity : Relaxation/Guided Imagery Behaviour change, improved sleep, decreased anxiety, Time and place : The Bridge Who can take part : anyone with a drug problem who attends the Bridge or is referred by their key worker Cost / funding : free Regular attendance required : negotiable Contact information : Annette Watts, The Bridge, 01223 214614 |
Type of activity : Support group Opportunity to gain support from others with similar experiences, and learn from each other Time and place : weekly, Mill House, Wednesdays 2 - 3, Thursdays 11 - 12 Who can take part : anyone with a drug or alcohol problem, assessment required Cost / funding : free Regular attendance required : yes Contact information : Rob Smithies, Mill House, 01223 723020 |
Type of activity : Womens in drugs Forum Opportunity to discuss issues relating to use of drug services by women Time and place : monthly Who can take part : clients and professionals with an interest in women in drug services Cost / funding : free Regular attendance required : no Contact information : Zoe Bethell, Mill House, 01223 723020 |
WHAT IS AVAILABLE IN THE REST OF THE COMMUNITY?
Activities available in the wider community can also be included in a structured day programme, according to the eligibility criteria. Below is some information about where to find further details about what is available locally.
The level of commitment to community activities will vary and will need to be considered before signing up to anything. If there is uncertainty about whether an activity is suitable please contact the DAAT SDP co-ordinator.
If you are in receipts of benefits, tuition fees are free for courses leading to a nationally recognised qualification. However you will be liable for registration and exam fees, but you may apply to a support fund for help with these. Basic Skills Courses are free. Education can be about leisure and fun, but also can help to increase confidence and skills.
You can search for courses available across the county at www.camlearn.net This has up to date information about short courses in almost any subject, in all locations.
Adult education classes take place at colleges or schools, and include a wide range of subjects from art to book keeping. Many offer taster sessions at the start of terms so that you can decide if a subject is right for you. Courses range in length from 10 – 30 weeks, but there is usually the option of signing up for one term at a time.
Skills for life courses which covers literacy and numeracy usually offer free tuition below level 2 (equivalent to GCSE grades a – c). Many basic IT courses are also available for free.
There are adult education departments in the following locations, each will be able to provide a list of courses available.
The East Cambs District Council has a link to adult and community education providers.
City of Ely Community College – Downham Road, Ely, Tel : 01353 664853, email – office@elycollege.co.uk
Bottisham Village College – Lode Road, Bottisham, Tel : 01223 811372
Burwell Village College – The Causeway, Burwell, Tel : 01638 613103
Soham Village College – Sand Street, Soham, Tel : 01353 724100
Witchford Village College – Manor Road, Witchford, Tel : 01353 664468
Library learning centres are located in Ely, Littleport, Bottisham, Burwell, Haddenham, Little Downham and Soham, further details can be found here
East Cambs on line provide community access points in community and public buildings for people living in rural areas who don’t have internet access at home.
Other centers for courses :
Workers Educational Association – provide a wide range of friendly, informal and enjoyable courses with expert tutors. All adults are welcome. Take place at Ely library, Wednesday mornings.
Tel : 01480 455080 e-mail : syoung@wea.org.uk
Learn direct provides an option to train at a time and place of your choosing. Many of the programmes at a basic level are free, and includes literacy, numeracy and IT skills. Visit the website for more
Cambridgeshire Learning Centres These provide Learndirect courses at Cambridgeshire libraries. A list of centres is available on the website.
Health for Life - Helps vulnerable or isolated people regain health, confidence and independence by encouraging them to attend village clubs and classes supported by volunteers. Various times and locations throughout East Cambs. Tel : 01223 811664
A wide range of leisure activities are available in East Cambs or Cambridge, which include clubs or societies. Details of some are below, use the links from each activity or the following websites for further information.
Information about many leisure activities in Cambridge city can be found here.
Information about current events and leisure activities in villages in East Cambridge can be found here.
Searchable information about clubs and societies running can be found on the Cambridgeshire County Council website.
Cambridgeshire net also has the option to search for leisure activities.
Museums
Burwell museum –Tel : 01638 605544
Ely museum – Tel : 01353 666655
Prickwillow drainage engine museum – Tel : 01353 688360
Stained glass museum – Tel : 01353 660347
Books and writing
Ely Writer's Circle – for experienced or new writers, aim to create an informal supportive atmosphere to share ideas and experiences. Meets at Ely Library, every 1st and 3rd Thursday 6.30 – 7.30.
Reading groups - Cambridgeshire Libraries supports a growing number of reading groups meeting in public libraries across the county. The website gives further information regarding these groups. Tel : 01353 616168
Games
Ely City chess club – for improvers and experienced players, meets at Ely Beet sports club, Thursday evenings. Tel : 01353 664645
Social activities
Ely Ladies Group – meets at the Cathedral Centre, Tuesday evenings, Tel : 01353 664223 (evenings)
Meridian Women's Club - A club to bring local women together to join in with various outdoor and indoor activities. Meets at the Memorial Hall, Swavesey, Tel : 01954 230484 (evenings, 01480 416471 (daytime)
A wide range of art activities are available in East Cambs and Cambridge City. Details of some are below, use the links from each activity or the following websites for further information.
Information about some arts activities in Cambridge city can be found here.
Searchable information about clubs and societies running can be found on the Cambridgeshire County Council website.
Cambridgeshire net also has the option to search for leisure activities.
Arts Development in East Cambridgeshire (ADeC) has a listing of arts acitivities
Music
Ely community samba band – every Monday at St. Mary’s school from 6 – 7.30. Each session costs £1, for anyone over the age of 10, no musical experience required.
Fenland Jam – opportunity for those interested in playing music together. Meets monthly on Thursdays in the Lamb Hotel, Ely
Clubs and societies
Ely decorative and fine arts society – lectures on various topics, visits and study days. Meets at King’s School, Ely on Thursday evenings. Tel : 01353 668438
Bottisham art group – painting, drawing and mixed media. Meets Tuesday evenings at Bottisham Village College. Tel : 01638 741420
Friday art group – provides a regular self help session for people of similar interests to meet and work together. Held Friday afternoons, Ely Library. Tel : 01353 723298 (evenings)
Haddenham art group – a group of artists of all abilities including complete beginners, tutored by a freelance natural history illustrator, with a programme designed for all. Meets Arkenstall Village Centre, Haddenham, Monday mornings. Tel : 01353 740810 (evenings)
Ely watercolour workshop – a forum for people of all abilities to enjoy watercolour painting, each member is encouraged to participate and enjoy mutual support as there is no teacher. Meets at Ely community college. Tel : 01353 610318
Bottisham and Burwell photographic club – weekly meetings for photographers of all ages and abilities. Meets Lode Chapel, Tuesday evenings, Tel : 01638 741106
Ely photographic club – set programme covering a wide selection of photographic interests, competitions and practical evenings. Meets at Ely community college, Wednesday evenings. Tel : 01353 860653
Arts Centres
The Willows Studio – art workshops held, 60 Ely Road, Tel : 01353 661508
For information about sports activities and sports centers covering East Cambridgeshire click here
Sports Centres
Bottisham Swimming Pool & Sports Centre, Lode Road, Bottisham Tel 01223-811121
Burwell Community Sports Centre, Buntings Path, Burwell Tel : 01638-742125
Ely Outdoor Sports Association, Downham Road Playing Fields, Tel 01353-662363
Littleport Sports Centre, Camel Road, Littleport, Ely, Tel 01353-860600
Paradise Sports Centre, Newnham Road, Ely, Tel : 01353–667580
Paradise Swimming Pool, Newnham Road, Ely, Tel : 01353–665481
Ross Peer Sports Centre, Sand Street, Soham, Tel 01353-722662
Yoga
Sivananda Yoga Studio – yoga classes near Ely at all levels of ability. Tel : 01353 698090, email : markmarion@surfanytime.net
Yoga With Salvina Baker – at various locations in Ely, Soham and Witchford. Tel : 01353 699471 (evenings), email : bsalvina50@aol.com
Table tennis
Sutton Table Tennis Club – table tennis for ages 18+, Wednesday evenings at Methodist Church School Room, Sutton. Tel : 01353 778115
Ely Table Tennis Club – all standards of player are welcome, plays in the Ely District league. Tel : 01353 610188 (evenings) / 01223 449348 (daytime)
Tennis
Ely Tennis Club – tennis playing facilities, coaching and membership. Tel : 01353 699811 (evenings) / 07881557984 (daytime)
Walking
Ely Walking Group - promotes walking, from the social and health aspect. Tel : 01353 667286
Walking for health Initiative is a national initiative to encourage walking as a way of getting and staying healthy and active. Each area has its own walks held on at least a weekly basis which are free to attend. Walks in East Cambs take place in Littleport, Soham, Ely, Haddenham, Burwell and Sutton. Check the walking for health website for up to date information about days and times.
Pilates
Pilates Class – suitable for beginners of any adult age, a gentle type of exercise. Classes Monday evenings and Friday mornings at the Octogon studios, Ely. Tel : 01353 699712
Martial arts
Ely "Fen Tiger" Karate Dojo – self defence for all abilities, classes in Ely Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Tel : 01353 778677 (evenings) / 07850098758 (daytime)
Ely Health Arts – classes in Tai Chi Chuan / Qigong in Ely and other locations. "Tai Chi For Free" Most Sundays 10.00am The Bandstand, Jubilee Park, Ely. All welcome. Tel : 01353 661582
Hockey
Ely City Hockey Club – mixed hockey club for all ages, based at Ely Outdoor Sports Association. Tel : 01353 740997
Badminton
Ely High Badminton Club - Social badminton for players of improvers standard or better. Wednesday and Thursday evenings at Needhams gym, Ely. Tel : 01353 699484
Ely Whipper Badminton Club – Thursday evenings (term time only) at Community Centre, Ely. Tel : 01353 661852
Assistance with employment specifically for people with drug or alcohol problems is available from Progress2work, which from April 2006 has been operated by The Shaw Trust. Referral is from a drug or alcohol agency or the job centre.
Other organisations which can help with getting back to work include :
Next step – provides free and impartial advice to all adults living and working in Cambridgeshire who need to find out about local jobs, training courses, funding, leisure activities and assistance for single parents. Nextstep promotes learning and work to all adults aged 20 and over.
Business for people – offers career guidance and employment support and skills coaching by referral from health or social services. Visit the website for more details or phone : 01480 861607
Richmond fellowship – provide employment support for people with mental health problems.
General information about volunteering can be found here.
Volunteer bureaus help to match potential volunteers with locations where they are needed. It is located in :
Ely and District Volunteering Centre – 41 Forehill, Ely, Tel : 01353 666556
Type of activity : Confidence and self esteem training mornings A series of short courses to boost your confidence and self esteem whether you are looking for a job or further education or if you just want to feel more confident about your skills and potential. Time and place : various dates from 17th May – 19th July (10 sessions) Ely Library, 9.30 – 12.00 Who can take part : anyone Cost / funding : free Regular attendance required : no, can attend all sessions or just those of interest Contact information : Red2Greens Amber team, 01223 811662 |