Driving change

Cambridge solves the world’s hardest problems. But some of the toughest challenges are right here at home.

Too many young people leave school without the skills or networks to thrive, standing outside and looking in. Too many families are locked out of housing they can afford. Too many lives are shaped by inequality in the very city that defines opportunity.

The Cambridge Pledge can make an important contribution to change.

We’re building from a foundation of deep knowledge about what works – and with the rigour to measure impact, improve, and prove results, guided by evidence and experience.

Every pledge is invested into projects that help tackle systemic challenges. When those projects succeed, the money comes back and is invested again.

Money that works again and again.

The Cambridge Pledge helps address issues that are too complex for short-term fixes. Our first areas of focus are:
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Disadvantaged young people – building skills, confidence, and networks before exclusion takes hold
Helping to shape and deliver Included – a programme building a framework for clear pathways to fulfilling careers for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, including those who are NEET. 

Included aims to make sure every young person in Cambridge, no matter their background, gets real chances to explore careers, meet supportive people, and build confidence in their future.

It connects schools, families, employers, and existing initiatives to ensure every young person 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.
Children in care – bringing stability and opportunity, opening paths to adulthood
Investing to remove barriers to local homes for our most vulnerable children and young people.

We’ll unlock gold standard provision – secure, loving, cosy homes that help transform 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.
Families in crisis – backing models that step in earlier
Investing 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.
People experiencing 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.
Join the Cambridge Pledge.

Help change Cambridge for good.
Pledge