Driving Change

Change that lasts.

The Cambridge Pledge helps address issues that are too complex for short-term fixes.

Our first four areas of focus will see coordinated action change long-term outcomes.

01

Pathways into employment and inclusion - building skills, confidence, and networks before exclusion takes hold.

Helping to shape and deliver Included – a Cambridge-wide programme building pathways tofulfilling careers for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Currently 3.9% of young people in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough are not in education, employment or training (higher than the national average, and highest since 2016).

_{Cambridgeshireand Peterborough Combined Authority, 2026}

Our mission is to have every young person in Cambridge aged 16-25 in education, employment or training by 2035.

And that means starting much earlier, connecting schools, families, employers, and existing initiatives to ensure our young people can explore careers, build confidence, and grow into meaningful work. By joining up what already exists, identifying gaps, and testing new approaches together, Included strengthens the local system of support and opportunity.

We know we will have failed if the growth of Cambridge, and its region, in yearsto come doesn’t improve the lifechances of young people in its poorest parts, so is a priority for us all.”

'Cambridge can' letter to the PM, July 2026

02

Stable care systems and transitions to adulthood - bringing stability and opportunity

Investing to remove barriers to loving local homes for our most vulnerable children andyoung people.

This will unlock gold standard provision – secure, loving, cosy homes that helptransform lives by addressing deep trauma, nurturing contact with kin (where this is beneficial), and continuing to support children into adulthood including with funding to support them at critical moments.

03

Stabilising families in crisis - backing models that step in earlier

Investing in local systems that strengthen family resilience and helping to tackle the drivers of inequality – poor housing, financial insecurity, mental ill-health,and social isolation.

Working with trusted community anchors, these investments help deliver early, coordinated support that makes an important contribution to preventing crisis and building long-term wellbeing.

The return is measured in stronger families, healthier communities, and reduced public cost – a model of inclusive growth that pays forward.

04

Housing-led recovery from homelessness - building pathways to secure futures

Investing to help break the cycle of homelessness which can only be achieved addressing its root causes – insecure housing, poor health, low income, and system gaps that trap people in crisis.

If you're ready

Pledge now

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If you're not, find out more, or come along to one of our Pledge events

Change that lasts.

Pathways into employment and inclusion - building skills, confidence, and networks before exclusion takes hold.

Stable care systems and transitions to adulthood - bringing stability and opportunity

Stabilising families in crisis - backing models that step in earlier

Housing-led recovery from homelessness - building pathways to secure futures

Come on in.The water's lovely.

Come on in.
The water's lovely.