Rising to the challenge

The University is helping local groups to make a difference to their community.

Again this year, the University has sponsored the region's Community Challenge Awards. The scheme, run by the Cambridge Evening News, gives grants to small groups who run a wide variety of initiatives. The University teamed up with Anglia Polytechnic University to sponsor worthwhile projects in the 'Children's and Youth Support' categories, and the 'Schools and Community Foundations' category.

Some of those who benefited from the University's sponsorship were: East Road Toddlers' and 8 Group, a playgroup which accepts all children, irrespective of the parents' ability to pay; Ambaby's, a group which plans to use the money to fund days out for families from the King's Hedges area; and St John Ambulance Youth, who will be using the money to buy new equipment to help with their courses on racism, sexism, and the problems caused by drugs, alcohol and smoking.

The University works hard throughout the year to support the local community. In March each year, the University opens its doors and invites visitors to take part in National Science Week, and last year, thanks to a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, a Museums Outreach Officer was appointed to develop and promote the resources offered by the Whipple Museum for the History of Science, the Sedgwick Museum of Geology, the Museum of Zoology and the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology.