Voluntary Action Camden e-Bulletin 2nd October 2015

Keyboard Shortcuts Tips; Ageing Better in Camden Launch; A Celebration for World Mental Health Day; Indices of Deprivation 2015; Sharing Learning About Domestic Abuse within Asian Communities in Camden; Green Marks of Achievement Drop-in Sessions; Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Survey; Give and Take Days; Camden CCG Patient Participation Group Newsletter; Health and Safety for Marginalized Communities; Using Freedom of Information requests as part of your campaign; Age UK Camden AGM; Inspiring Trusteeship; + jobs, volunteers, events, training, offers and resources.

Speed up your work by becoming a keyboard shortcut wizard
The better you understand how to use your computer to your advantage the more quickly you can get things done. Doing things the long way round, like switching back and forth between the keyboard and mouse, can be time-consuming. But did you know, many of the actions that we undertake on the computer can be performed much faster and easier by getting to grips with a few easy-to-remember keyboard shortcuts? Take a look at this blog for quick and easy to remember guide.
 

Ageing Better in Camden Launch 12th November 2015 (postponed from 16th October)
This morning only event aims to answer all your questions about Ageing Better in Camden – what it is; what it offers; how you can get involved. It is open to all and is aimed particularly at older people and people and organisations working with older people. It will have workshops, information stalls and introductory speeches. Please register at ageingbetterincamden@ageukcamden.org.uk or telephone 02072390400.
Ageing Better in Camden has published the Invitation to Tender information for the St Pancras and Somerstown Community Action Project. Please fill in the form to register your interest in tendering (and you will receive emails of any questions and answers that other bidders post). Deadline back 19th November 2pm. http://www.ageuk.org.uk/camden/ageing-better-in-camden/

A Celebration for World Mental Health Day
October 9th at St Pancras Hospital
VoiceAbility and VAC are supporting the Camden Borough User Group (CBUG) to hold an event to celebrate World Mental Health Day. It will be at the conference Hall, St Pancras Hospital on the 9th October between 11am and 4pm.
If you or anyone you support would be interested in attending, then please print off the attached flyer and spread the word. The event will have a social focus with hot food, music, speakers, performance, stalls and more.
We are also holding a photography competition and all entries will be displayed on the day, there is a flyer attached about this too.
For any further details please contact us at by email or by phone on:
camdenuserinvolvement@voiceability.org Telephone: 020 3355 7113

Indices of Deprivation 2015
The English Indices of Deprivation 2015 have just been published. This provides information that you can use to understand and demonstrate local need. It can help you in funding bids and also can help you when supporting your users.

Sharing Learning About Domestic Abuse within Asian Communities in Camden
Hopscotch Asian Women’s Centre invites you to an event to share information and learning from an innovative project, which aims to tackle domestic abuse within Asian communities in Camden.
This event will share findings from our research, details of the approaches used to empower women at risk of abuse, and the valuable role of Community Leaders in challenging cultural norms. There will be presentations from Hopscotch, the Community Safety Unit and the Imam of Holborn Mosque.
Wednesday, 7th October 2015 10:00am – 12:30pm (Registration and light breakfast from 9.30am)
London Irish Centre, 50-52 Camden Square, London NW1 9XB
Please RSVP by 2nd October, email: info@hopscotchawc.org.uk

Green Marks of Achievement Drop-in Sessions
The Camden Marks of Achievement certification scheme is a free and externally supported award scheme. These marks are a visible demonstration of your commitment to taking local action to tackle climate change, and can be used as evidence for applying for awards, bidding for contracts, applying for grants, and achieving further certification.
There are three levels of awards (Going Green, Cutting Carbon and Carbon Champion) and a ‘Team Green’ award for staff engagement and behaviour change. Applications are now open and the deadline for applications is 31 October 2015.
For those who are interested in applying but want to discuss their application with us before doing so, we are providing pre-booked half hour slots during our Marks of Achievement Drop-in week, starting 26 October. During this week you can come in to our office to discuss your application face-to-face, or discuss it over the phone.
Deadline for applications is 31 October 2015. Award winners will be recognised on our website and at our Annual Green Drinks.
Marks of Achievement Drop-in Sessions will be held from 26-30 October. To book your half hour slot please email ana.lopez@camden.gov.uk. Please state which days and times you are available. We will be confirming times the week commencing 12 October.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Survey
UCLH is currently leading a re-design of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) services in Camden, and as part of this programme we are working with The British Lung Foundation to engage with COPD patients. To achieve this we have created an online questionnaire.
COPD encompasses a number of conditions including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, and primarily affects older people who have had long term exposure to cigarette smoke, fumes or dust. There is no cure for COPD but there are treatments to improve symptoms and reduce the occurrence of dangerous exacerbations.
This is an opportunity for any readers suffering from COPD to influence how Camden Services improve going forward.
The questionnaire will be live until Friday 16th October. Click here to go to the survey.

Give and Take Days
Your chance to pass on things you no longer need and pick up something you do for FREE.
Camden on Sunday 11 October 2015 at Highgate Library Civic and Cultural Centre, Children’s Corner, Croftdown Road, London, NW5 1HB.
The event will run from 12 until 3 pm – You can donate from 12 to 1.45 pm and take items for free from 2 to 3 pm.
You can donate books, DVDs/CDs, garden ware, IT, tools, clothes/shoes, small furniture, small electrical items and toys. We also accept: large furniture and white goods. We will NOT accept broken or unsafe items.
Items too large? You can have large furniture and white goods collected for free email manuela@lcrn.org.uk or text 07811237329.
Repair workshop – you will have the opportunity to repair your own electrical items and learn the most common DIY by participating to our repair workshop.

Camden CCG Patient Participation Group Newsletter
You can read the very first edition of the PPG newsletter here
Follow the link to find out more about what Camden CCG is doing around Patient Public Involvement and comment on Camden CCG’s commissioning intentions

Health and Safety for Marginalized Communities 26th November, am, free
Too many people are working in dangerous and unhealthy conditions – and often working long hours for low pay. Job insecurity pushes people to keep their heads down and just get on with the job, even if it’s risking their health. Lots of people may not have the help and support of a trade union. If this sounds like you, then make that change. Attend the VAC/London Hazards Centre training and have some fun learning about your rights and how to enforce them.
Targeted in particular at migrant workers, unpaid carers, cleaners and people working in the hospitality industry. Some of the most marginalised people – probably working long hours, in dangerous conditions and on low pay. More information and booking at the VAC website.

Using Freedom of Information requests as part of your campaign
Tuesday 13th October 2015
1.30pm – 5.00pm (Please arrive no later than 1.15pm for registration)
Raindance Film Centre (very near Charing Cross/Embankment)
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 can be an extremely powerful campaigning tool. This workshop will take you through how to make a Freedom of Information request to a statutory body, how it should integrate into your wider campaign objectives, and tactical aspects of making requests and using the data that you have gathered. More information and to book go to the Train to Campaign website.

Age UK Camden Annual General Meeting (AGM) 10th November 2015 – Save the Date
Age UK Camden’s 2015 Annual General Meeting will be on Tuesday 10th November, 3.30-5.30pm at Tavis House, 1-6 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9NA. The guest speaker is Leisha Fullick, Chair of Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust. After the AGM, from 5.30-8pm, there will be a social event to mark the Charity’s first 50 years as a borough-wide organisation. Age UK Camden was formed as a borough-wide organisation in 1965 initially as Camden Old People’s Welfare Association (OPW) by the merger of smaller/local OPWs covering Hampstead, Holborn and St Pancras. More on the Age UK Camden website www.ageukcamden.org.uk RSVP info@ageukcamden.org.uk

Inspiring Trusteeship – a governance conference for London, Greater London Volunteering
Monday, 16 November 2015 from 10:00 to 16:00
City Hall, The Queen’s Walk, SE1 2AA, London, United Kingdom
Inspiring Trusteeship is our free event for everyone interested in the governance of London’s voluntary and community sector.
Join us and over 200 other delegates for: plenary sessions with Dr Alice Maynard, the Association of Chairs and other speakers looking at new perspectives on governance, and looking at what makes an effective Chair/CEO relationship; workshops on legal issues affecting Trustees, and tips on recruiting Trustees; and a networking lunch to meet with people involved in charity governance from across London, in a marketplace of organisations able to provide you with information and support on charity governance.
To register click here

Opening Doors London Commended in Prestigious European Award
Opening Doors London, the regional Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Trans older people’s service based at Age UK Camden, was highly commended at the 2015 European Diversity Awards on 30th September.
ODL took second place in Marketing Campaign of the Year to winners Barclay’s Bank, beating others on the shortlist including the BBC and VisitSweden.
More at www.openingdoorslondon.org.uk

Free training, outings and events for unpaid carers in Camden
For a full list of events of carers in Camden please visit the Camden Carers website.

Healthwatch Camden
Latest Information DIgest is on the Healthwatch Camden website.
Catch up with the latest Camden news and what’s happening on Our Blog

The Camden Capacity Building Bulletin is produced monthly, targeting the community and voluntary sector in Camden. It provides up to date/recently live information and news on funding and training. To access the latest information please follow the Link www.camden.gov.uk/cbbulletin

Somers Town Community Association, VAC, Construction Youth Trust, Abbey Community Centre, Helen Bamber Foundation, Age UK Camden, Calthorpe Project and Camden PA are recruiting. See Jobs and Volunteers section below.

Camden Shares. The website for exchanges in Camden. www.camdenshares.org.uk

You can join in on Facebook. Like us if you like us.

Follow all the Camden Voluntary Sector news on OneCamden on Twitter.

You can read more about all of these stories on our news page at www.vac.org.uk/new

Charities Under Fire but Camden Charity Leads the Fightback
The Daily Express seems to acknowledge that all of the negative campaining by the press is damaging the whole sector and quotes Esther Rantzen as saying: “The charitable sector depends entirely on trust. Without public belief in its good intentions and careful stewardship, it will collapse.” Alexis Keir of local Camden charity Elfrida Rathbone was given a chance to set the record straight.

‘Why most of what’s written about charities is total rubbish’
Charities – individually and collectively – seem to be under constant attack at the moment. The misdeeds of a minority have opened the floodgates for wide-ranging criticism of the whole sector, much of which seems to be driven by worryingly (and willingly) ill-informed arguments. Read the full article on the DSC website.

Outrage at “grubby backroom deal” over Right to Buy
A proposed agreement between the Government and the National Housing Federation to extend the Right to Buy to 2.3m housing association has been attacked as a “backroom deal” that will result in the loss of much-needed affordable housing. If the Housing Associations accept the ‘voluntary’ agreement they will not be compelled by legislation. Full details at Local Government Executive.

Big Society Dead (Again)
David Walker is the latest broadsheet journalist to pronounce the Big Society idea dead in this week’s Guardian and states that ‘David Cameron’s love affair with the voluntary sector over’.

See the Funding pages on VAC’s website for all the latest information.

Stepping Stones Fund
All interested charities and social enterprises in the Greater London area are invited to an information session about the Stepping Stones Fund, a £1m social investment readiness grant programme of City Bridge Trust and UBS.
The second round of the Fund is now open for applications. This programme provides grants and risk finance to enterprising organisations that wish to prepare themselves for social investment in order to improve their social outcomes. There are three strands you can consider:
1. obtain capacity building support that will help you better access social investment in the future
2. pilot new ways, ideas or business models aiming for better social outcomes
3. secure risk finance that can catalyse a social investment package.
The deadline for applications is 12 o’clock on November 16, 2015.
For more information and to register for a place on:
5th October 2015
15 October 2015
29th October

Free Sport
About FreeSport – FreeSport is part of the Mayor’s Sports Legacy Programme, enabling organisations and community groups to apply for grants between £400 and £1,500 to run free sports activities for Londoners. We fund activities of all kinds of activities from football or rugby to circus or ‘chairobics’!
Projects must:
· Provide a minimum of 8 hours activity, with 70% of participants taking part in at least six hours.
· Ensure that 10% of participants consider themselves to have an impairment, disability or need assistance to take part in activities.
· Aim for 20% of participants being inactive (not done any physical exercise for four weeks) prior to taking part in the sessions.
We offer guidance and support to applicants about how they can deliver these targets. FreeSport aims to inspire people of all ages and abilities to try a new sport, but also to inspire organisations to run sports sessions more regularly.
How to apply – It’s a straight forward process and we have lots of information for those who may never have applied for a grant before. Applications open until 26 October 2015 – Midday. FreeSport activities must take place between the 15 January 2016 and 15 April 2016.
To find out more about FreeSport, you can visit: www.london.gov.uk/freesport

Mishcon Green Fund now open to projects in London
Through the Mishcon Green Fund we will provide grants up to £2,000 per project to initiatives that have a positive environmental impact and which are situated within London. There is a total of £15,000 available in the pot for 2015.
All applications need to be submitted by midnight on Sunday, 11th October 2015. Before applying please read the application guidelines and criteria here, there are some tips for answering the questions in there too.
Please note this grant is available for non-formal community groups, charities and not-for-profit organisations in London. It’s not open for profit making entities.
Please use the online application form.
If you’re having any problems or questions, please email us on mishcongreenfund@projectdirt.com.

The Edge Fund
The Edge Fund support work run by and for communities facing discrimination and injustice. We fund work carried out by individuals and grassroots groups in Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England that find it difficult to get funding elsewhere. Specifically, we fund work that challenges abuses of power and aims to change society by bringing an end to the systems that cause injustice. While applicants may be working on short term reforms, ​we are looking for applicants that ultimately aim to end or replace these systems with a just alternative, rather than trying to improve or reform them.
To apply for a grant of up to £3,000 you need to answer 5 questions in no more than 2 pages. The deadline for applications is 5pm Sunday 25 October. Read more.

Crowdfunding?
Don’t forget that there is a dedicated page on Spacehive just for Camden projects. And set up costs are free to Camden groups. Find out more at Spacehive Camden.

Don’t forget to sign up to Funding Central for free email funding alerts. Go to www.fundingcentral.org.uk/

VAC’s Mental Health Training Programme for BMER groups
Are you a BMER group or do you work with BMER communities? If so, then our Mental Health Training Programme is for you! Our next courses are as follows:
• Mental Health First Aid (two-day course: 22nd and 29th October)
• Stigma and Mental Health (half-day workshop: 2nd November)
• Youth Mental Health First Aid (two-day course: 12th and 19th November)
• Introduction to Mental Health Awareness (one day workshop: 9th December)
• Mental Health First Aid (two-day course: 9th and 16th February 2016)
For more information about our any of our courses, please go to https://vac.org.uk/events/category/health-mental-health/. Click on the course you are interested in and follow the instructions to book your place and pay by card (if applicable). The charge for our Mental Health First Aid and Youth Mental Health First Aid training courses is heavily subsidised at only £25 per person. All other mental health workshops are free.
Please note that VAC can only accept bookings from organisations working with BMER communities based in Camden, or which serve Camden BMER residents. Places are limited on each course to a maximum of two people per organisation. If you have any queries, please contact us on our team email address: mentalhealthteam@vac.org.uk

VAC has a full programme of courses coming up: Click here to find out more. All courses are £25 for members (unless otherwise stated).

Streets of London music project for people with mental health issues Autumn ’15 -Spring ’16
Band workshops
Wednesdays 12-2pm at Fitzrovia Centre Foley street W1W 6DN
– guided walk on London’s rich music history and eclectic community for inspiration
– performance opportunities
– recording studio experience
The project is free and no personal budget is required.
No previous experience necessary. All welcome
E: lucia@upbeatmusic.org T: 07762151783 W: http://www.upbeatmusic.org

Silver Sunday
Celebrating older Londoners
4 October 2015 12 noon – 4pm at City Hall
Bring your family and friends for fun, food,singing, dancing, quizzes and more.
To get free tickets call 020 7983 4904 or email linda.kiff@london.gov.uk

Opening Doors London Annual Information Fair
Drop in between 2:00pm and 6:30pm on Thursday 15th October 2014
Tavis House, 1-6 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9NA
This is a chance for our older LGBT community to attend an information fair focused on Planning Ahead.
Book your free ticket here: https://odlfair.eventbrite.co.uk
• Key Note Talk at 2pm
• Information Stalls from 3.30pm
• Workshops
• Meditation Session
• Play Reading
• Panel Discussion
• Legal Advice
These activities will be delivered by a variety of community partners that support the LGBT Community.
Contact Kate Hancock kate.hancock@ageukcamden.org.uk or 020 7239 0400.

Outcome launch and day of celebration for women of the LGBT community
Outcome, the LGBT service of Islington Mind Open day 13th October, 11:45 – 15:45
Tasters from our activities (including head massage and ear acupuncture)
Focus group for ideas for a future women only group.
Poetry reading and other entertainments. Free lunch
Join us at 35 Ashley Road, N19 3AG
RSVP: sigal.avni@islingtonmind.org.uk

Women making a difference: Social Action in Islington.
Children and Young People’s Voluntary Sector Forum – CYPVSF
Tuesday, 3 November 2015 from 09:30 to 14:00
Women have been at the helm of social change and tackling injustice. In Islington women have been at the forefront of the strong, vibrant and innovative voluntary sector in Islington, challenging our politicians, creating new opportunities and developing and defending crucial services.
As we experience further political change and immense challenges that impact on the lives of children and young people, this work becomes even more essential.
Islington Children and Young People’s Voluntary Sector Forum are hosting this Conference to illustrate and highlight the remarkable impact women have had on our borough and beyond, and the difference that their passion, dedication and commitment has made to the environment and lives of children and young people in Islington.
Keynote speaker will be Shami Chakrabarti, Director of Liberty and there will be
A full buffet lunch will be provided. Early registration is advised due to limited places.

Volunteering Fairs
Autumn is one of the most popular times of the year for people wanting to start volunteering.
Wednesday 7th October 6.30-8pm at the Wellcome Collection
Wednesday 21st October 12-2pm at the Working Men’s College
To book your place and to find our more information have a look at Eventbrite

Caring, Survival & Justice vs. the Tyranny of the Market
Saturday 14 November – Sun 15 November
international women’s conference which the Global Women’s Strike is organising with others, including WinVisible
Venue Wac Arts, Hampstead Old Town Hall, 213 Haverstock Hill, London NW3 4QP. Full wheelchair access
Tel 020 7482 2496 email: gws@globalwomenstrike.net web: www.globalwomenstrike.net

London for All
London for All / LVSC have a full programme of courses available for the voluntary sector. Go to the London for All website for full details.

Camden Carers’ Service
Has a full range of events and activities for unpaid carers in Camden. Find out more on the Camden Carers’ Service website www.camdencs.org.uk/activities

Don’t forget that Camden TDS run a full programme of course which are subsidised or free for voluntary sector partner organisations. There is a link to a list of partner organisations on the home page.

Find more Training Opportunities at www.vac.org.uk

Somers Town Community Association seeks Operations Manager
Permanent position £35,000 (Pro Rata £30,000) per annum 30hrs a week.
You will have the skills to identify and implement a diverse range of enterprise models whilst also providing leadership. You will demonstrate the ability to support and develop the competence and expertise of our staff team, particularly our youth and community café teams. This represents an excellent opportunity for a highly motivated Operations Manager to make their mark, help shape, strengthen and expand our services.
The successful candidate will have excellent written and verbal communication with strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise, plan and manage workload effectively.
Email: admin@somerstown.org.uk or telephone 0207 388 6088 for a full application pack – Closing date 30 October 2015 at 5.00pm

Volunteer Vacancy at VAC
Do you live, work or volunteer in Camden? Would you like to support people in your community to improve their health and their access to services that will help them to maintain good health and wellbeing? Do you want to develop experience and skills in the field of public health? Can you commit at least 2 hours per week?
VAC is offering free Royal Society of Public Health (RSPH) Level 1 training to those who want to volunteer their time to become Community Health Advocates. The RSPH Level 1 training is a two days course, with a 20 question multiple choice test at the end of the second day of training. It could provide a useful skill set and experience for people who may be interested in following a health related career path in the future.
After completing the training, VAC will support local teams of volunteers to act as links between community based services and GPs. You may wish to take advantage of additional opportunities to increase your knowledge, for example smoking cessation, cancer awareness, diabetes etc.
In return for your commitment to the project for 2 hours a week we offer support, out of pocket expenses and other professional development opportunities. Details on the VAC website.
Mandira Manandhar (Mon, Tues and Thurs) 020 7284 6573 or email: mmanandhar@vac.org.uk
Peter Simonson (Mon and Thurs) 020 7284 6568 or email: projectsupport@vac.org.uk

Budding Builders from Construction Youth Trust
Budding Builders is a Construction Youth Trust programme which helps to remove barriers to employment by providing young people with an opportunity to learn new, demand-led skills in a variety of different trades; offer CSCS card training and support; and clear progression routes into work or further training.
There is a course in Camden starting the 26th of October, in partnership with Kings Cross Construction Skills Centre. The aim is to target young women who are considering the industry as a career. The course will provide an introduction to the trades, raise awareness about the industry, support and advise the women with future plans and opportunities. We pride ourselves on making the industry accessible to all and inspire people to go beyond our short courses. The course will be led by an experienced female carpenter and we will have female guest speakers to talk to our budding female operatives.
The success of our projects depends on the partnerships we create. We are seeking organisations that would like to refer women onto our October course and organisations who would like to act as our community practical partner for our 2016 projects. Please get in contact with Nicola Mason on 0207 467 9540 or nicola.mason@constructionyouth.org.uk

Abbey Community Centre in Kilburn is currently recruiting to two vacancies
Centre Operations Manager, full time (35 hours per week). Salary £27,877. Application deadline: Monday 28th September 9am.
Older Men’s Activities (CHAPS project) Coordinator, part time (21 hours per week). Actual salary £15,124. Deadline: Wednesday 7th October 9am.
Both post holders will enjoy 6 weeks annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays (pro rata for part time).
For more information please see www.abbeycc-kilburn.org.uk

Camden Psychotherapy Unit seeks Administration Assistant
The post is £10 per hour for 10 hours per week. Working hours can be flexible according the post holder’s circumstances.
Please send your CV & covering letter via the ‘Apply’ button on the Timewise Jobs website.

Helen Bamber Foundation seeks Welfare & Housing Casework Volunteer
Providing casework and administrative support to the Welfare & Housing Caseworker
Location: Camden, London Minimum 4 month commitment, 2 days per week
The Helen Bamber Foundation provides specialist medical consultation, therapeutic care, legal protection and practical support to survivors of human rights violations, helping men, women and children heal the emotional and physical damage they have suffered through torture, trafficking or other forms of cruelty.
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Welfare & Housing Casework Service, a service aimed at preventing social deprivation and increasing the socio-economic well-being of our client group.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
~ Assisting clients to access asylum support, community care, housing and mainstream benefits, within the remit of prevention of homelessness and destitution
~ Assisting clients to access education, leisure and other opportunities
~ Referring clients internally and externally as appropriate for specialist help with issues that fall outside the remit of the welfare & housing casework service, including health/therapeutic services, referrals to immigration/housing/community care solicitors.
~ Making individual grant applications for clients with welfare and education needs
~ Liaising with statutory bodies (Asylum Support, DWP, local authorities), NHS, solicitors and voluntary agencies to ensure client needs are met
~ Other administrative duties as required, including database management and filing
Please send your CV and short Cover Letter outlining your relevant skills and experience to helen.malpass@helenbamber.org by 7 October 2015. Full job description and person specification available.
Please note that successful candidates will be offered the volunteer position subject to a DBS check and suitable references.

Calthorpe Project seeks Sports Development Manager
The Calthorpe Project is a vibrant community center and garden working to improve the health and wellbeing of residents in and around Kings Cross.
We are looking for an exceptional person to develop and manage a day to day progamme of sporting activities based on our 5-a-side sports pitch. You will engage community groups, young people and the corporate sector and implement a sustainable income maximization strategy.
Salary £29,838 gross annually for flexible 35 hour week.
Download an application pack from our website: www.calthorpeproject.org.uk
Or request a pack by emailing info@calthorpeproject.org.uk
Completed applications can be returned by post or email:
Louise Gates, Calthorpe Project, 258-274 Grays Inn Rd, WC1X 8LH
Deadline for completed applications-12noon Friday September 25th 2015
Interviews – Friday October 9th

Are you looking to employ an assistant to help with your care needs? CamdenPAs can help you.
CamdenPAs.org.uk is a new service that makes it easy to find a personal assistant (PA) and puts you in control of your care and support.
If you have care needs, you can employ a PA to help you to live as independently as possible.
CamdenPAs features an online ‘marketplace’ for you to browse through a list of profiles of PAs in the borough. Profiles give details about the services they provide, their skills, experience and personal interests.
You can look through the list to find suitable matches and choose someone you like to help support you.
When you find a match you can contact the PA to arrange an interview and see how you get on. If you like them you can then work out contract details such as hours, duties and wages, and hire them.
If you do not find anyone suitable, you can set up your own a profile describing your requirements and interests, for PAs to look through and contact you.
You can employ a PA whether you receive a direct payment or fund your own care. If you receive direct payments you can get support with the employment from Personalised Support In Camden or AgeUK Camden.
Become a PA
If you’re a PA looking for work or are just starting out, CamdenPAs can help you. As well as helping you finding a job, the site features advice on looking for work, becoming a PA and where to get training.
Why not set up your profile today? Find out more, visit: camdenpas.org.uk or p hone: 020 7278 4437

Socially Responsible Recruiting
A new, award-winning skills matching service that connects employers with skilled and experienced people to do one-off or part-time jobs has launched in Camden, with a strong social benefit ethic.
“There is a very large number of people in Camden who are fantastically skilled and work-ready but are off the radar to employers because they’re not looking for full-time work and aren’t constantly scouring the job ads,” says Jonathan Collie, founder of Trading Times.
These people are highly skilled over 50s, and family carers. Trading Times brings them to you. It’s free to candidates. It costs you only £35, and only when you are connected to the perfect candidates.
Paul Fordham of Abbey Community Centre in Camden said: “”We posted our occasional job opportunity on Trading Times because we at the Abbey Community Centre recognise the value of the flexibility that can come with age. Trading Times offers a tailored means to directly target opportunities at an older group that the vast majority of other job sites simply do not seem to tap.”
Register at https://tradingtimes.org.uk/ and let Trading Times match you with the right local people for your needs.

Find Jobs and Volunteering opportunities at https://www.vac.org.uk/

Office with Consulting Rooms to Let
VAC has a medium size office to let that would suit a small organisation needing space for approximately 4 or 5 desks. Unusually, we are able to offer a number of consulting rooms as well. Conveniently located in Kentish Town will all usual mod cons. Contact Kevin at VAC knunan@vac.org.uk

Camden Council and Camden’s Voluntary and Community Sector Consultation
LB Camden’s consultation can be found here. The proposals can be found in a downloadable document here. You can give your views directly to the council via an online questionnaire.

New Evelyn Oldfield Women’s Project – Consultation
Please take 10 minutes to fill in this consultation. We are responding to requests to build a new women’s project. We would like to further explore the ideas you have given us so far and have designed this survey as such. We take all of your opinions on board.
Your responses will be confidential and you can choose whether to give your name and organisation.
Anyone can fill in the survey.
If you have any questions, contact Sarah or Alexandra – sarah@evelynoldfield.co.uk / alexandra@evelynoldfield.co.uk.

Camden Consultations
Other consultations out at the moment include a consultation on Camden Future Libraries and Camden VCS strategy and changes to early education and childcare and children’s centre services. You can find all Camden consultation on the Wearecamden consultation hub.

FREE VAC Membership for Unfunded Groups: Voluntary Action Camden Small organisations with no paid staff and a turnover of less than £1,500 can now join for FREE. To take advantage of this offer just fill in the membership on the online form here.