Voluntary Action Camden e-bulletin 29th January 2016

New Strategic Partners Fund; Changes to public toilets meeting for older people; CPPEG Open Meeting Thursday 11th February at 2pm; UCL launches free online dementia course; A Tale of Two Cities; Deaf Achieve; Disability Hate and Mate crime DVD; district Nursing Services Survey; Upbeat Presents: Streets of London EP Launch Event; + jobs, volunteers, events, training, offers and resources.

Details of the Council’s new Strategic Partners Fund for the local voluntary sector have been published
This is part of the Council’s new Voluntary and Community Sector Investment Programme 2017-2024.
The web-page www.camden.gov.uk/strategicpartnersfund explains the process which led to the creation of this fund, and includes everything you need to apply to the fund.
The first fund to launch under this new programme will be the Strategic Partners Fund, which contains funds for both Neighbourhood Strategic Partners and Equalities Strategic Partners.
The web page contains details of the fund, application forms and Handy Guides and should answer most questions about the Strategic Partners Fund. There are also two identical events where you can ask questions. Places are on a first-come, first-served basis, and interested organisations should send a maximum of two staff or trustees.
The events are both at the Old Town Hall on Euston Road, 9 to 11am on 2 February and 6 to 8pm on 4 February. They will include time for attendees to network with other interested organisations.
To register, email vcs@camden.gov.uk saying which event you want to attend.

Changes to public toilets meeting for older people, Wednesday 24 February
Cllr Larraine Revah, champion for older people is hosting a meeting for older residents in Camden to come and hear about the about changes to public toilet provision in Camden and to provide ideas and suggestions on developing a new approach.
The Council has decided to reduce the money it spends on public toilets by £260,000, Full details at https://consultations.wearecamden.org/culture-environment/changes-to-public-toilet-provision-in-camden
To make this saving the council are proposing to:
* close three toilets, in Pond Square, South End Green and West End Lane
* work with local businesses and community organisations to develop community toilet schemes in these three areas
* work with a new provider to have pay to use toilets, at Camden Town and Lincoln’s Inn Fields
Camden are inviting ideas which the Council can explore if it would avoid toilet closures and are therefore inviting you to attend a meeting for older residents in Camden about the changes:
2-4pm on Wednesday 24th February 2016 at The Council Chamber, Camden Town Hall, Judd Street WC1

CPPEG Open Meeting Thursday 11th February at 2pm
The meeting will be held at St Pancras Hospital in the conference room. NB this meeting was originally scheduled for Monday 8th February but had to be moved to Thursday 11th February
The presentations for the open meeting are as follows:
~ Camden Integrated Digital Record (CIDR) update Presenter: Nigel Slator, Implementation Lead, Camden CCG. Find you all you need to know about how this will affect you and issues around obtaining consent, accessing digital records and opting out
~ Camden Community Connectors Presenter: Corinna Gray, Ageing Better in Camden. Find out more about how Ageing Better in Camden are supporting older people who are lonely or socially isolated and we are reconnecting people with local communities.
If you are able to attend Please RSVP Bethany Golding, Communications & Engagement Manager
Tel: 020 3688 2456. Email: Bethany.Golding@camdenccg.nhs.uk

UCL launches free online dementia course
UCL has announced a free four-week online course “The Many Faces of Dementia” aiming to provide valuable insights into dementia through the stories, symptoms and science behind four less common diagnoses. The interactive MOOC (massive open online course) features interviews with world-leading experts, people with dementia and their families as well as articles and discussion.
This free online four-week course will give you a unique insight into dementia through the stories, symptoms and science behind four of the less commonly diagnosed forms of dementia. More information and sign up for free at http://www.ucl.ac.uk/lifelearning/courses/dementia-many-faces

A Tale of Two Cities
Hosted by Take Back The City X Decolonising Our Minds Society. From poets to Hip-Hop artists and filmmakers, A Tale of Two Cities brings together young artists from across London to share their stories of the city. This evening is an opportunity to release the tensions that come with the daily struggle of (just about) surviving in the city. We celebrate art as the expression of a resistance to cuts, racist policing and other acts of state violence, but also art as the opportunity for respite and healing. Join the facebook event here. 30th January 2016 19:30 Rich Mix London E1 6LA

Deaf Achieve
This is a Big Lottery funded project that will continue to deliver free workshops, health groups, job clubs, travel groups, financial capability training and one to one support until 2018. These are for the deaf community, aged 18-65, living in any of the London boroughs. If want to know more information about Deaf Achieve please contact: deafachieve2@royaldeaf.org.uk.

Disability Hate and Mate crime DVD
Camden People First engage professionals, people with learning difficulties and students through presentation and workshops about hate and mate crime. The team identify the differences between the two, they share their experiences and give advice on the various ways these crimes can be handled.
We share our agenda to STOP the bullying and prejudice towards people with learning difficulties.
Recently we made a DVD on Disability Hate and Mate crime as a part of our project. The purpose of this is to raise awareness about disability hate and mate crime, and how to respond to these crimes.
The cost of the DVD is £1.50. Contact Florelle@CamdenPeopleFirst.co.ukto purchase copies.

District Nursing Services Survey
Camden CCG is conducting a survey looking at the local district nursing service run by Central and North West London Foundation Trust (CNWL).
In 2014/15 the CCG undertook a review of the community health services provided by CNWL and the findings recommended that we spend more on district nursing services.
The improvements to the district nursing service will include looking at ways of investing in community nursing with CNWL. In addition, it has been highlighted that some GP practices have problems recruiting practice nurses, so we are exploring the different ways that we may be able to offer support with this. Take the survey here.

Upbeat Presents: Streets of London EP Launch Event
Friday 29th January 2016 6-9 pm
Fitzrovia Centre. 2 Foley Street, London W1W 6DL
Free fun for all. Live Music, Dance, Poetry & Special Guests Refreshments
https://www.facebook.com/events/1654616981422136/
E: upbeat@upbeatmusic.org T: 07762151783 www.upbeatmusic.org

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

Camden Safeguarding Children Board, Nordoff Robbins, New Horizon Youth Centre, British Somali Community, Alexandra Road Park, 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

Labour takes to the road to reconnect with disabled people
Shadow disability minister Debbie Abrahams is angry at the effects of welfare reform and says Labour’s new roadshows will consult people on how to create a more humane system. VAC will publisize the dates as soon as we have them.

Innovation in the NHS in Rotherham
The evaluation findings for the Voluntary Action Rotherham social prescribing service, which focuses on people with long term health conditions, have been launched.
The conclusions drawn in the report include:
~ Positive impact on reducing emergency admission and A&E attendances
~ Cost reductions for commissioners
~ Improved patient experience and satisfaction with care
~ Improved health and wellbeing of local people, through more engaged communities and a more sustainable and vibrant VCS
~ Contribution to the growing national reputation and interest in social prescribing
A full and summary report have been published describing the evaluation in more detail.

Troubled Families
“It is clear that a family-centred approach is very valuable, but one of the key things it does is help families to access other forms of assistance. Where can they go when those areas are cut?” The Economist reviews this major programme. NB in Camden the term ‘complex families’ is used in place of ‘troubled families’.

NGOs Syria Hub
In advance of the Syria civil society conference on 3 February, Bond are curating examples of the work of NGOs with Syrian people in and around the country.
The aim of this Syria Hub is to provide the context of what Bond members and other NGOs are doing in Syria and the region, to amplify that work and to create a useful resource of material to share on social media.
If you have useful material you think we should include here, please contact Bond.

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

Direct Action Project – Islington mental health promotion service
The Direct Action Project for mental health promotion is now live on the London Tenders Portal.
Information for potential bidders:
· You will find the contract listed under ‘1516-835 Direct Action Project’.
· Any questions regarding this procurement must be submitted through the Portal

Greggs Foundation new Environmental Fund
Greggs Foundation new Environmental Fund which is awarding grants of up to £2,500 and £10,000. The preference is always small, community-based organisations helping people in need.
Improving People’s lives by improving their environment aims to make a difference to people in need at the heart of their local communities.
Full details at http://www.greggsfoundation.org.uk/environmental-grants

RBS Skills and Opportunities Fund Opens for Applications on 1 February
The £2.5 million RBS Skills and Opportunities Fund was set up last year by the Royal Bank of Scotland in support of organisations that help people in disadvantaged communities develop, create or access the skills and opportunities they need to help themselves, skills that will enable them to get into work or start a business, now or in the future.
The funding is aimed at projects that will promote education, develop skills for employment and help people to start a business. No more than 25% of the project spend can be capital costs. Large capital costs are not eligible, eg buildings, land purchase, refurbishments, large items of equipment. Small items of capital equipment are allowed if they are used within the delivery of the project.
The maximum grant is £35,000 or 20% of the applicant’s previous year’s turnover. The upper limit of turnover is £5 million. There is no turnover restriction for schools or colleges.
Not-for-profit organisations or an eligible state funded education body, such as a charity, social enterprise, community group, school, college can apply.
To be eligible, applicants must:
~ Be based in either the UK or Republic of Ireland.
~ Be able to demonstrate experience of working in and or with disadvantaged communities.
~ Be able to demonstrate experience in measuring impact of the projects.
~ Have a turnover of less than £5 million and have been trading for at least two years.
~ Be able to complete the project within 18 months of the award.
The deadline for applications is 19 February 2016 (noon). Full details at the RBS website

Postcode Local Trust
Small Projects Funding Guide. In 2016, the Trust will invite applications that encourage lasting benefits by bringing people together to improve local ecology and habitats, encourage bio-diversity and benefit the wider environment.
Registered charities can apply from £500 – £20,000 (£10,000 in Wales) for projects meeting the above remit, whilst other organisations may apply for up to £2,000. Full details at the Postcode Local Trust website.

Lloyds Bank Foundation
Invest provides longer term core or delivery funding for charities which meet the programme aim and are delivering clear outcomes as a result of their work.
We fund ‘core’ organisational costs (including running costs and salaries). By ‘core’ costs we mean those related to the day to day running of your charity. We also fund costs associated with the direct delivery of your work. Full details here.

Comic Relief Local Communities Programme Launches Second Round
Applications are now being accepted for the Comic Relief Local Communities Programme in London with a deadline of 1 March 2016 (5pm).
Grants are available to charitable organisations and groups for projects that improve people’s life skills, education, employability and enterprise.
Grants of between £1,000 and £10,000 are available and must be for at least 30% of the total costs of the project.
Projects should be run by people directly affected by the issues being dealt with, and priority will be given to small, locally-based groups or organisations in areas of disadvantage that have a clear understanding of the needs of their community.
Examples of activities that can be funded through this programme include, but are not limited to, the following:
~ Furniture projects.
~ Benefit advice services.
~ Community sport initiatives.
~ Food co-ops.
~ Initiative designed to combat fuel poverty.
~ Employment and employability projects.
~ Community consultation exercises.
~ Training schemes for committee members, volunteers and staff.
Funding can be used to cover core costs, salaries and project costs.
The deadline for applications is 1 March 2016 (5pm). Full details here.

Lloyds Bank Social Entrepreneurs Programme
Lloyds Bank and Bank of Scotland Social Entrepreneurs Programme gives social entrepreneurs the best possible chance of success by providing access to support and funding. To date the Lloyds Bank Social Entrepreneurs Programme has supported 750 social entrepreneurs.
The programme will be open for applications again from 1st February until 21st March 2016. There are two courses on offer, Start Up and Scale Up.
~ Start Up will help you get a new organisation up and running
~ Scale Up will help you grow a sustainable social enterprise

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:
• 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).

Working with Black/African Children & Families (London)
Thursday, 11th February 2016 9:30am – 4:30pm £40.00
At City of Westminster College, Paddington Green Campus, London W2 1NB
Target Group: All practitioners working with black African children and families, including: Pupil Inclusion Managers, Teachers, Mental Health Workers, Social Workers, Youth Offending Teams, Family Support Workers, Education Welfare Officers and others.
All practitioners working with Black African children and families, including: Pupil Inclusion Managers, Teachers, Mental Health Workers, Social Workers, Youth Offending Teams, Family Support Workers, Education Welfare Officers and others.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/safeguarding-children-working-with-blackafrican-children-families-london-tickets-18568312322
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) as a Child Safeguarding Issue (London).
Wednesday, 2nd March 2016 9:30am-4:30pm £40.00
At TPP Recruitment, Sherborne House, 119-121 Cannon Street, London EC4N 5AT
Target Group: Child Protection Officers, Education Welfare Officers, Teachers, Health practitioners, Crime Prevention Officers.
To explore the issue of Female Genital Mutilation(FGM) and the impact on victims. Practitioners will also gain further knowledge around the socio-cultural and religious factors underpinning the practice and skills in identifying at risk individuals. The training will also explore debates around informed consent and male circumcision
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/female-genital-mutilation-fgm-as-a-child-safeguarding-issue-london-tickets-19117032559
Training Course: Child Abuse linked to a Belief in Witchcraft & Juju (London)
Thursday, 10th March 2016 9:30am-4:30pm £40.00
At City of Westminster College, Paddington Green Campus, London W2 1NB
Target Group: Senior Managers and Front-line staff
This unique training course will enable front line staff and their managers develop new skills and competencies around culture and beliefs and how these are linked to witchcraft abuse. Participants will work on a range of case studies in order to strengthen their skills intervening in families where there have been accusations of witchcraft and spirit possession, gaining new strategies on how to work with community and faith organisations in order to support families and change practices.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/training-course-child-abuse-linked-to-a-belief-in-witchcraft-juju-london-tickets-19116981406
Please note that cancellations made two weeks before a
training course cannot be refunded.
If you prefer to pay by cheque, invoice or BACS please contact training@afruca.org and request for a booking form. Please note that we charge an administrative fee of £8 for invoices.
For further information please contact: training@afruca.org or call: 02077042261
or visit: www.afruca.org

Wild Bunch Valentines Party
Valentines Party on Thursday 11th February at Electrowerkz so do come along and celebrate love, relationships & friendship.
Thursday 11th February 7-11pm, £5 on the door, Electrowerkz, 7 Torrens Street, EC1. Wheelchair Access over 18s. Siren 020 7359 7443.

London Mayoral Election 2016 Hustings for Older Londoners
Age UK London has invited four leading London Mayoral Election 2016 candidates to answer questions and say how they will make London ‘A Great Place to Grow Older.’
Sian Berry, Green Party councillor for Highgate, Camden Council
Zac Goldsmith, Conservative MP for Richmond Park and North Kingston
Caroline Pidgeon, The Leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group
25 February 11am to 1pm at Clifford Chance, 10 Upper Bank St, London E14 5JJ
This event is free. You must pre-book. A light lunch will be provided.
For more information, to submit a question and to book your place visit the event website or contact Danny Elliott on delliott@ageuklondon.org.uk or 020 7820 6778.

Charities Regulation Under Scrutiny Free Event at Birkbeck
Tuesday, 16 February 2016 from 18:30 at Keynes Library – 43 Gordon Square, WC1
What are charities for, why are they special and what is the purpose of regulating them? How should they be regulated? How do and should they organise their funding? Why do charities fail? What are the ideas behind our current system and how are these changing? What is the appropriate role of the regulator? Book at eventbrite.

Winter Volunteering Fair
Our fairs are a perfect way to meet people who want to volunteer in Camden.
Wednesday 24th February 12-2pm – Working Men’s College
And you can easily book your places via Eventbrite here.
If you have any questions about this, contact Rupal by email, phone 020 7424 9990

Mange Your Health at KTCC
Starting Monday 1st February Mondays 1pm-5pm for six weeks.
Do you have a long term health condition? If so you may benefit from attending a free self-management course.
To reserve a place please telephone 0800 988 5560 or 03333 445 840 or email hello@selfmanagementuk.org
Kentish Town Community Centre, 17 Busby Place
www.ktcc.org.uk/events/selfmanagementuk

Promoting Change Training
Promoting Change is a free, 1-day experiential training course funded by Camden and Islington Public Health, incorporating health promotion, motivational interviewing and goal setting.
The ‘Promoting Change’ training course has been designed for professionals to equip you with the transferable skills needed to have effective conversations with your service users to encourage them to make healthy lifestyles changes.
Next training dates: Wednesday 3rd February 2016, Friday 19th February 2016, Friday 4th March 2016 & Wednesday 23rd March 2016. 9.30am 17.00pm
Places are allocated on a first come, first served basis http://promotingchangetraining.eventbrite.com
Can’t make any of these dates? Contact Paula Prince at Whittington Health NHS for alternative dates or for more information: paula.prince@nhs.net Tel: 0207 527 1189

Mind Matters Winter Events 2016
Mind in Camden is hosting a series of winter talks and discussions and an all day workshop for people working or volunteering in mental health services across London. These are FREE events to help stimulate and support you in your work. Please book on as many different events as you like using http://tinyurl.com/mind-matters2016. As places are limited please book.
Viv Fongenie – A Culture of Voices – Does our culture help or hinder the lives of voice hearers?
Thursday 11th Feb, Mind in Camden, Barnes House, 9-15 Camden Road, NW1 9LQ 6.30pm-8.15pm
Rai Waddingham: Re-thinking Violent Voices
Thursday 25th Feb, Mind in Camden, Barnes House, 9-15 Camden Road, NW1 9LQ 6.30pm-8.15pm
Nicky Forsyth – Talk for Health: therapy without therapists’
Thursday 24 March: Mind in Camden, Barnes House, 9-15 Camden Road, NW1 9LQ 6.30pm-8.15pm
Rosalie Dores – mindfulness: present to self, present to others.
Saturday 26th March: 10.30am-4pm

LVSC Mayoral Hustings 2016
With the 2016 London Mayoral election campaign hotting up, LVSC is hosting a hustings to find out more about the candidates’ policies on the issues that matter to the capital’s voluntary sector. Chaired by Professor Danny Dorling, the hustings will be an opportunity for the voluntary and community sector to find out how the candidates propose to improve the lives of the people that the sector supports.
For more information on LVSC’s position, check out our 2016 Mayoral Manifesto, The Big Ask, containing our six asks for the next Mayor of London.
Please take the time to send us your question for the candidates before the event.
3rd February 2016 2:45 PM to 6:00 PM at ORT House, 126 Albert Street, London, NW1 7NE
See more at: http://civi.lvsc.org.uk/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=867

West Euston Partnership Courses
Free Level 1 Child Safeguarding training offered on Wednesday 3rd February at West Euston Partnership, 29-31 Hampstead Road, NW1 3JA.
9.30 – 12.30 An Induction for anyone who has never done this training before;
1.30 – 4.30 A Refresher for those who have done this training before
You must be working with children and families in Camden either paid or volunteer.
Contact diana@westeuston.org to book your place.

The adult community learning team is running Free Everyday Computer Skills workshops in more venues including:
• Kentish Town Library (NW5 2AA) – Thursdays 10 – 12
• Kilburn Library (NW6 5UH) – Tuesdays 10 – 11.45
• Latin American House (NW6 4TA) – Wednesdays 10 – 12
• Adult Learning Centre, Netley Campus (NW1 3EX) Tuesdays 1-3
The workshops provide support to residents who may have limited or no computer skills to access Council services and information online – including setting up a Camden account, accessing information and advice on care and support via the Camden Care Choices website, registering with Universal Jobmatch, booking doctor’s appointments, completing benefit applications – and much more.
No need to book. They can come along for just one session – or as many as you like.
We can adapt the workshops to include content appropriate to your clients – just get in touch Email: adultlearning@camden.gov.uk Phone: 020 7974 2148

Jewish Mental Health Forum
Next Meeting, Thursday 10th March 2016, 2.30 – 4.30pm The Brenner Community Centre, 91-93 Stamford Hill, London N16 5TP.
Jami runs The Jewish Mental Health Forum to promote awareness and understanding of mental health related issues among professionals working in health and social care. In addition to the Forum, Jami has recently launched Head Room an adult learning programme aimed across the Jewish community.
We will hear from Jami’s Head of Service, Tanya Harris speak on the subject of “Mental Health and Physical Activity: Supporting Our Wellbeing” which will explore how our health and wellbeing is intrinsically linked to our mental health.
To reserve your place for the Forum please email my colleague Clive Helman: clive.helman@jamiuk.org or telephone Jami on 020 8458 2223.

Camden Chinese Community Centre New Year Celebration held on Saturday 6th February from 11am to 3pm.
The event will be held at The Camden Centre, Bidborough Street, London, WC1H 9BT. The nearest tube station will be at Kings Cross St Pancras.
Tickets are £5 for adults and £2 for children.
At the event there will be lion dancing, acrobats, magic show, Chinese opera & New Year songs, Chinese traditional & folk dance, Peking noodles making demonstration and raffle draw.
There will be a raffle draw at the event, raffle tickets are sold for £1 each.
· First prize one return air ticket to Hong Kong (sponsor: See Woo Group)
· £388 banquet at The Phoenix Palace Restaurant (Phoenix Palace Restaurant)
· £238 banquet at The Good Earth Restaurant (The Good Earth Restaurant)
· £188 banquet at New Joy King Lau (New Joy King Lau)
If you are interested in purchasing the raffle tickets please speak to Silvia Chui.
If you would like to book on to the event please contact Silvia her email is silvia.chui@camdenccc.co.uk or call her on 020 7388 8883.

KOVE Bench to Bench Walks
Programme of five gentle healthy-living walks for over 60’s with community seating in Kilburn and West Hampstead . All Tuesday’s at 1.30pm
1) Tuesday 2nd February House of stars – Meet outside Kilburn Station NW6 7QL.
2) Tuesday 16 Feb Art up the Hill – Meet Tesco Express, 176 West End Lane NW6
3) Tuesday 1 March Kilburn’s battleship – Meet Kilburn High Road Station, NW6 5UA
4) Tuesday 15th March The Park you never knew was there! Meet at Abbey Community Centre, Belsize Road, NW6
5) Tuesday 5 April Famous Faces. Meet outside Kilburn High Road Station NW6 5UA
Enquiries to Mel Wright, KOVE Tel: 07539390786 Email: melwillwright@gmail.com c/o Kingsgate Resource Centre, 208 Webheath, Palmerston Road, NW6 2JU
All walks are free and we finish with refreshments at a nearby café.

New Courses @ Maiden Lane Community Centre
156 St Paul’s Crescent, NW1 9XZ To book a place call 020 7267 9586
Tuesdays 10am-12pm – MS Word skills for work and life
Tuesday 1 – 3pm – Improve your internet and email skills
Wednesdays 10am-3pm – Create a website with WordPress
Wednesdays 10am-12pm Starts 24th February Introduction to Photoshop

Camden Disability Action Annual General Meeting
Monday 15 Feb 6 – 8 pm at Arlington Conference Centre, 220 Arlington Road, NW1
Guest speakers Cllr. Sally Gimson, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care & Health.
To register, contact Anju Bhatt via email on abhatt@vac.org.uk or 0207 284 6550.

Understanding & Supporting People with Paranoia & Beliefs (2 days)
Mind in Camden. Wednesday, 3rd and Friday 5th February 2016 at 10:00 – 4:30
Do you want to find out a bit more about the experience of voices and beliefs?
Are you supporting someone and want to improve your knowledge and confidence?
Or perhaps you already run a Hearing Voices group and/or a Paranoia & Beliefs Group and want to brush up in your awareness and skills?
The course will cover the following main areas:
Understanding the experience of Voices and Beliefs
Different ways of making sense and coping with voices and beliefs
Testimony from people with lived experience
At New Horizon Youth Centre, 68 Chalton St NW1. Book at Eventbrite

Free Speakeasy – ready to run course
It involves three days of training after which you will be able to deliver either a full FPA Speakeasy course or elements of the FPA Speakeasy course without accreditation.
Training aims
By the end of the two days you will:
• understand key aspects of sexual health and sexuality – especially as they relate to work with parents in talking with their children
• know how to deliver the FPA Speakeasy course for parents and carers without accreditation.
Training requirements and time commitments
• Participants need to attend all three days of the training on (March 1st, 2nd and 3rd 9:30am – 1pm at 5 Pancras Square, Room 1.4 Coram, London, N1C 4AG)
• Run at least one parents group at their local school or community group in Camden.
FPA Speakeasy course for parents and carers (without accreditation)
The Speakeasy course for parents and carers offers a non-threatening, group-based opportunity for parents and carers to acquire the confidence and skills they need to talk to their children about growing up, relationships, sex and sexuality. It is designed to be a fun and relaxed course, providing an atmosphere where parents can learn together from one another’s experiences.
To book a place please contact Sandra Soteriou on sandra.soteriou@camden.gov.uk

CSE In Plain Sight -Free training
We are offering free training and guidance to parents to help inform you how best to protect your children and young people from sexual exploitation after dark.
The training will cover all aspects of CSE, advising you how you can safeguard your children both on and offline.
Please come along on February 10th from 11am – 12.30pm Crowndale Centre, Ground Floor , Mezzanine The Eversholt, 218 Eversholt St, NW1 1BD.
Nightwatch is a one year Training and Outreach pilot funded by the Department for Education.
To book a place please contact Sandra Soteriou on sandra.soteriou@camden.gov.uk

Camden and Islington Recovery College
The Spring 2016 prospectus is now ready and is available online at http://www.candi.nhs.uk/our-services/education-and-employment/recovery-college.

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

Volunteering Opportunity at CSCB
The Camden Safeguarding Children Board (CSCB) is recruiting a Camden resident to become a Lay Member of the Board. We are looking for one person (or two) with knowledge of local child safety and issues within the local community, who could speak on behalf of the community – representing their views and needs. You will act as an independent, yet informed observer who is able to ask questions that professionals closely involved in the work might not think to ask. This is an opportunity to help make sure that agencies and organisations in Camden are safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people across the borough effectively. As a full member of Camden Safeguarding Children Board you will be expected to attend six two-hour meetings per year and a small number of working groups.
This is a voluntary post, but induction training and travel expenses will be provided if needed.
For further information please go to www.cscb.org.uk. To apply contact: Dameshk Wijesinha, CSCB Development Officer Email: dameshk.wijesinha@camden.gov.uk Tel: 020 7974 8716.

Nordoff Robbins Seeks Volunteers
Nordoff Robbins is a music therapy charity with a Centre in Kentish Town.
We are looking for a pool of volunteers to work on reception, carrying out front of house and administrative duties and welcoming all our beneficiaries.
For more information go to http://www.nordoff-robbins.org.uk/content/jobs

Management Committee Volunteers Wanted
A group of volunteers have helped turn a church in West Hampstead into a thriving concert venue. Following an inaugural concert involving both local and international musicians, the church has been host to musical fund-raising events for Save the Children and Camden Music Trust and last summer the church launched its “Fordwych Master Series”.
Our aim is to bring high quality performers to Camden residents as well as providing a venue for budding local talent.
We are seeking a volunteer to join our management committee to assist in our finances, administration and publicity.
Contact David Gee david.gee123@ntlworld.com
fordwychmasterconcerts.wordpress.com/

New Horizon Youth Centre seeks Volunteers
Looking for a challenge, reward or a change in direction? Come and volunteer to support young homeless/vulnerable people achieve positive futures in Kings Cross. New Horizon Youth Centre’s twice award winning training programme will facilitate your volunteering in our youth work or advice teams. We provide regular support, lunch, travel expenses and the chance to work alongside dynamic and creative teams of professionals and young people. Please visit http://nhyouthcentre.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer to download a pack or to find out more.

Marketing and Communications Volunteer
British Somali Community is a women led charity based in Camden, London which has operated for 20 years. We are focused on improving Somali children’s educational achievements, improving access to health and social services and improving the overall well-being of the Somali community.
We are looking for a creative and tech-savvy volunteer to join the team and help drive our marketing and communication. The volunteer will help develop a marketing and communication strategy for the BSC and support the team in creating marketing materials for our services, assist in organizing events and some office administrative duties when required. Although this is a voluntary role, with lunch and travel expenses covered, there is a possibility of it becoming a funded role.
Please send your CV and a short covering letter explaining your interest in the position as soon as possible to: info@britishsomali.org

Alexandra Road Park Seeks Volunteers
This new park seeks volunteers who can help with conservation and promotion of Alexandra Road Park. Contact Jenny Kurktchieva, Jenny.Kurktchieva@camden.gov.uk or call 020 7974 2367.

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 phone: 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/

Desk to rent at Camden Federation of Private Tenants (CFPT)
Rent a desk by the hour in our new Kentish Town office. For more details, call Robert Taylor on 020 7383 0151, email rtaylor@cfpt.org.uk or go to our website at: http://cfpt.org.uk/rent-a-desk-by-the-hour/

Help co-produce an Information and Advice Strategy for adult social care
We all need good quality information and advice to make sound decisions.
Information and advice for Camden residents is available from voluntary sector partners in the community. This is why Camden council want to want to co-produce an Information and Advice Strategy for adult social care and an action plan with partners.
If your organisation is interested in working together with staff and residents to produce an Information and Advice Strategy for adult social care please email: shana.nessa@camden.gov.uk to confirm your attendance.
We are meeting on Thursday 21st January 2015 at 10.30am at our offices in Pancras Square.

Decision made at Camden’s Cabinet
The report ‘A New Strategic Relationship with the Voluntary Sector’ was approved at cabinet in December. The press release is on the Camden council website. The full report that went to cabinet is available here. You can also watch a video of the meeting here.

Office Space for Hire
Camden Cypriot Women’s Organisation in Kentish Town, have office space for hire within a community building which is centrally located, The building is a few minutes walk from Kentish Town tube and mainline services as well as various bus stops.
The office, which is spacious is roughly 6 metres square, fits 4 desks freely and has a corridor which is also good for use, would be suitable for meetings or one to one sessions. Both spaces are light and airy and a viewing is highly recommended.
The building has step free access.
For further information or to view, please call Koula Ioannou on Tel: 0207 267 7194 or email koula@ccwo.org.uk

Camden Community Connectors
Tackling social isolation among older people
Camden Community Connectors is a new six year project working across Camden to tackle social isolation and loneliness among older people. Our team of five local Area Coordinators is working with volunteers to identify and support people aged 60+ and help them reconnect to local activities and meet new people. We’re also building up an accessible ‘asset map’ of all services that support older people in Camden. We’d love to hear from you if you want to work with us, refer an older person, volunteer or if you just want to know more.
We’re part of the Ageing Better in Camden programme funded by Big Lottery. To find out more, check out our website or call us free on 0800 161 5716 .

Need some online Help?
Don’t forget VAC’s toolkits and resources pages at www.vac.org.uk/our-work/toolkits-and-resources
There are resources to help you in many areas of work. For instance our HR resources can be found here: https://vac.org.uk/our-work/toolkits-and-resources/employment-hr-resources/

Camden Consultations
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.