New Support for Fenland Groups 

An exciting new project funded by the National Lottery Community Fund is now available to help communities and charities across the whole of the Fenland District. Known as ‘Support Fenland’ this is a five-year project delivered by the Support Cambridgeshire partnership (Hunts Forum and CCVS). The results of a pilot project in 2021, funded by Lloyds Foundation Bank, made it possible to identify the areas of support needed by Voluntary and Community sector (VCS) groups within the Fenland area.  

We are delighted to announce that help is now available through Support Fenland. The project enables the team to work alongside those groups, identifying their needs and provide the necessary support they require to maximise their potential and flourish within their communities. 

The support available ranges from training, advice, resources and guidance on areas such as identifying funding sources, how to make successful grant applications, structuring a group or charity, writing polices, governance, volunteering and much more. This is complemented by relevant events and networking opportunities organised throughout the year on a local and district level enabling groups to share information and work together. 

The new team spearheading the project are Marija Lysak, Fenland Development Officer and Didem Ucuncu, Fenland Communities Officer who both bring a wealth of experience. They have both lived and worked in the Fenland area for many years and have firsthand experience of some of the challenges facing community groups. They are passionate to see communities within the area, thrive and go from strength to strength.   

Marija has over 25 years of experience of working in the private, education and charity sectors as a Business Development Manager, Education Consultant, Outreach Manager for a refugee support charity and Pastoral roles. Outside of work Marija volunteers on the Whittlesey Festival Steering Committee, helping to organise this popular community event. She has strong links with local schools and enjoys taking sessions that inspire all ages to get involved in the performing and creative arts.  

Didem (Dee) has 14 years of experience in the private sector and as well as being a busy mum, has dedicated the past two years to volunteering within Wisbech. She currently volunteers as a Walk Leader for the Ramblers Wellbeing Walks, a Timekeeper at Parkrun, Vice President of the Wisbech Lions Club, and a Community Listener/Community Project Researcher for Healthwatch Peterborough & Cambridgeshire.  

The Support Fenland project will be launched at an event on Tuesday 24 September in Wisbech. This will be an opportunity to hear more about the project, meet the team and see how you can be involved. For further information about the event or to find out more about Support Fenland please email Marija at marija@huntsforum.org.uk or Dee  at didem@huntsforum.org.uk