Here To Help Fair

ORGANISED and hosted by the East Cambridgeshire Strategic Partnership, the first Here to Help fair opened its doors to the community on February 25, from 2pm till 7pm at Littleport s Sports and Leisure Centre in Camel Road. Heralded by all as an unqualifi

ORGANISED and hosted by the East Cambridgeshire Strategic Partnership, the first Here to Help fair opened its doors to the community on February 25, from 2pm till 7pm at Littleport's Sports and Leisure Centre in Camel Road.

Heralded by all as an unqualified success, this unique community event (aimed at providing information and advice on a wide range of issues) was attended by more than 150 people from all age groups, many of whom were unaware of just how much expertise is on offer in the local area.

Organisations as diverse as the Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service; Dial-A-Ride, Citizens Advice Bureau, East Cambridgeshire Care and Repair, Cambridgeshire Constabulary and East Cambridgeshire District Council's many service providers were in attendance, all united under the common goal of providing local residents with the opportunity to talk freely, in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, about issues affecting the quality of their lives.

"We are thrilled with the communities' response to this our first Here to Help fair," said the event's organiser, and Local Strategic Partnership support officer, Annette Fontaine.

"Everyone seemed to be having a good time, and we estimate the financial value of additional benefits and services accessed by the community to be in excess of £200 000.

"No-one went away empty handed - the Energy Saving Trust saw to that by handing out low energy light bulbs and table lamps - and all the organisations in attendance are looking forward to the next Here to Help Fair, which takes place in Isleham, on April 21."

INFO: Details of the Isleham and other Here to Help fairs are available by contacting Annette at the council's offices on 01353 665555.