Voluntary Action Camden e-bulletin 4th November 2016

Trustees’ Week; Governance Course for Trustees; Making Digital Work: 12 Questions for Trustees; New Chairs’ briefing session; New Open University Leadership Courses; Charity Commission Annual Report Templates; Improving Mental Heatlh Services; Best practice working with and for older LGBT people; Green Infrastructure and Air Quality; Smoking Cessation Service Provider Event; ‘; + funding jobs, volunteers, events, training, offers and resources.

This year’s Trustees’ Week is 7-13 November. You can find out more on the Trustees’ Week website. This week’s e-bulletin has a trustee theme, with articles on demonstrating impact, making digital work for your organisation and trustees under pressure; events around London; trustee vacancies; courses for trustees such as Mary Ward’s Governance course and more – all aimed at trustees. We hope that if you are staff or a volunteer that you forward this to your trustees and encourage them to sign up for their own weekly copy (just email info@vac.org.uk to be subscribed).

Governance in the Voluntary and Community Sector
18 May 2017 – 22 June 2017 6 Thursday evenings 17:30-20:30 in Camden
A short course for members of governing bodies or anybody who is interested in developing the
knowledge and skills required to be a member of a governing body in the voluntary or community sector. With the knowledge gained from this course you can become an effective participant in the governance of new and existing organisations. Full details at the Mary Ward website.

Making Digital Work: 12 Questions for Trustees
If you’re interested in how digital can add value to your charity and are unsure where to start, have a look at the new tool. The contains 12 questions to get you started. Download it from the Charity Commission website.

New Chairs’ briefing session
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm, Monday 12 December 2016 at Charities Aid Foundation, London EC4
This workshop is aimed at Chairs who are new in post or about to take up the post.
The focus is on the role in practice, for example looking at preparing and chairing board meetings, working with your CEO/lead officer, as well as building a collaborative and effective governing body. The session will also explore the leadership skills and knowledge that will make you the most effective Chair you can become – and the support that you might need.
The event is free to members of the Association of Chairs who also have priority booking. Non-members are welcome to attend at a cost of £40. Our thanks to CAF for hosting the event.
The briefing will be repeated on Wednesday 8 February, 2:00pm – 5:00pm also at CAF in London
Full details and booking on the Association of Chairs website.

New Open University Leadership Courses
The Centre for Voluntary Sector Leadership (CVSL) is a new initiative developed by the Open University Business School. The Centre aims to provide voluntary sector organisations with access to free leadership development modules and research-led insight. Find out more at the OU website.

Charity Commission Annual Report Templates for small charities
Template to help non-company charities with incomes of less than £500,000 prepare their trustees’ annual report and accruals accounts in accordance with Charities SORP FRS 102. Download it here.

Are You Interested in Being Involved in Improving Mental Heatlh Services?
In North Central London an experts by experience reference group is being developed to help develop work to support the population to live well.
The requirements:
1. You live in Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey or Islington
2. You have experience of mental ill health, either personally or of someone close to you
3. You are interested in being involved in the development of work to improve support for mental ill health across these boroughs
If you meet the above requirements you may be interested in applying to be part of the North Central London Mental Health Programme Experts by Experience Reference Group.
To find out more and apply, please apply here Application deadline 18thNovember 2016

Best practice working with and for older LGBT people workshop
Tuesday 6th December 10.am – 1pm at Lumen Church & Community Centre
Please register your details here https://equalitiesdec16.eventbrite.co.uk – where you will also find more information and the full programme

Green Infrastructure and Air Quality
24th November 17:30 – 20:30 at University College London, Chadwick Building G07, London WC1
Green Infrastructure (open green space, parks, gardens, street trees, green roofs, green walls, rain gardens and ponds) have many potential benefits such as reducing water pollution, local flood risk, improving human health and wellbeing as well as enhancing local biodiversity. There is also some evidence that green infrastructure can reduce the impact air pollution. However, there are substantial gaps in the research about these benefits and any associated costs and risks.
At this event we will explore the role of Green Infrastructure in London with a specific focus on what we know of the impacts on air pollution. We want to engage with community groups, academics, planners, policy makers and practitioners about what is known in relation to green infrastructure and how we can work together to improve our knowledge .
The event will include some short, thought-provoking, presentations from keynote speakers on air quality and green infrastructure. After the presentations there will be a debate about the subject.
More information here or contact Ana Bernardo at a.bernardo@lsx.org.uk or 0207 234 9404.

Free HR Courses for Camden Organisations
The Communities and Third Sector team at Camden Council are offering Camden voluntary and community groups a series of HR training workshops. See Other Events section below for full details.

Camden Patient Participation Groups Newsletter
You can read the latest newsletter online here.

Kings Cross Vacancies, Being Human Festival, Living Centre Partnership, Somers Town Job Hub, Simon Community, Age UK Camden and Camden PA are recruiting. See Jobs and Volunteers section below.

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

Trustees Feel Under Pressure
More than a quarter of charity trustees have considered quitting because of pressure, survey finds
Research carried out in partnership with Third Sector indicates that almost three quarters of board members think the demands on them are increasing and almost a quarter thought that the pressure had become too much. Read the full article in Third Sector.

Demonstrating impact essential for smaller charities
New research by Think:Learn:Do commissioned by NAVCA highlights difficulties smaller charities have when using data to demonstrate their value. The research, titled In Sickness and in Health, also looked at how local infrastructure can best support them to overcome these difficulties.
This research shows that more needs to be done to support charities to demonstrate impact. Without this support commissioners may wrongly disinvest in smaller charities. The lack of evidence may mean that services providing value for money and producing the best outcomes are overlooked.

Call for action to tackle growing ethnic segregation across UK
Expert on community cohesion reveals figures that show rapid decline of white population in some areas. “It is clear we cannot carry on with a laissez-faire approach to integration in our country. Integration is a two-way street and all parts of society have a role to play in preventing the UK becoming more fragmented. The Guardian

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

Smoking Cessation Service – Provider Event for the commissioning of Stop Smoking Services 16th November 2016 – 9.30am – 12.30pm
At LIFT, 45 White Lion St, London N1 9PW
This event is being organised by Camden and Islington Councils. It is aimed at organisations who are interested in delivering services to support people who want to stop smoking.
The aim is to provide three levels of service:
· Self Help
· Community Support
· Specialist addiction
There is a keen interest to utilise community assets. Camden and Islington Councils would like to see Voluntary and Community being involved individually or in a partnership.
Contract start date – April 2017
Duration – 2 years with an extension option
If you are interested in attending the event or require further details, please contact Joana Heliotrope. Email: Joana.Heliotrope@camden.gov.uk

Localgiving Offering Free Membership and Match Funding
You can join Localgiving and take advantage of;
· One year’s free membership of Localgiving
· £300 ring-fenced Match Funding
· Access to a London development fundraising expert
· Dedicated tech and processing support from the Holborn HQ
· A tailored online fundraising training programme
In addition to the £300 pounds match funding through the London Development Programme, groups are also eligible to take part in the ”Grow Your Tenner” campaign we launched on October 18th. You can join Localgiving here using the promo code ”LONDON75” and there is more information about the Grow Your Tenner campaign here.

Heritage Lottery Young Roots
Grants from £10,000 to £50,000
Apply for a grant of £10,000-£50,000 to help young people aged 11 to 25 to explore their heritage, from green spaces, museums, and historic sites to language, local memories and youth culture. Full details at https://www.hlf.org.uk/looking-funding/our-grant-programmes/young-roots

GALAXY Hot Chocolate Fund opens on 7th November
Through the Fund, Galaxy will be donating seventy awards of £300 to warm hearted community projects and people. The fund is open from 7 November to 26th February. For information go to www.galaxyhotchocolate.com

Bright Ideas Fund is open
The Community Business Bright Ideas Fund aims to give your community group the support and tools to start setting up your community business. It will also give your group the early stage finance that you need need to carry out consultation with local people and feasibility studies to develop a community business idea the community wants and needs.
A programme of support and grants of up to £20,000 is available to develop your community business idea. See full details at the Locality website.

Food for London
In 2016/17 the Fund will shine a light on the disconnect between the high levels of food poverty that exist in London and the tonnes of surplus food that is thrown away, sent to anaerobic digestion or is fed to animals. Food for London will provide support to groups and charities who are using creative ways to repurpose surplus food or provide solutions to address hunger and food waste in London. Grants of between £1,000 and £20,000 are available to support work where there is clear evidence of benefit to those experiencing food poverty, disadvantage or isolation in London.
Full details and how to apply are available on the London Community Foundation website.

Bringing people together
Origin Housing is a charitable housing and care provider, founded in the 1920’s as a slum clearance organisation but with a belief that “housing is not enough”.
Crowdfunder is working with Origin Housing to bring people together and build stronger communities in the north London and Hertfordshire area.
We have £13,500 of extra funding to distribute to projects that make those neighbourhoods a great place to live.
Add your idea to Crowdfunder and gather support to prove its potential impact.
When you hit 25% of your target, you could get up to 50% of your total fundraising target – up to £1,000. And once you hit your target, you can make your idea happen and make a difference.Find out more at http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/plus/origin/origin-housing

VAC’s Mental Health Training Programme for BMER groups
Are you a BMER group or do you work with BMER communities?
For more information about our any of our courses, please go to https://vac.org.uk/events/category/health-mental-health/. Mental Health First Aid and Youth Mental Health First Aid training courses are 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. Contact mentalhealthteam@vac.org.uk

Free English classes
Starting Monday 21st November to Monday 12th December, 10 – 11.30.
Held at the Hpod, Cumberland Market, off Varndell Street, NW1 3RH.
Receive a £35 voucher & a certificate!
You will connect with people at www.learnwithe3.com and make friends at classes! Contact us to build your confidence speaking English at work, at the supermarket, at the doctor and at your children’s school.
~ Are you over 18?
~ Do you need English?
~ Are you unemployed?
~ Do you need work skills?
~ Do you have the right to remain?
If the answer is ‘YES’, join us! Get basic English lessons on your phone, online and in groups.
Practise your new English skills by doing community work, volunteering or opening a market stall
To book your place, contact West Euston Partnership on 020 7388 7932 or email David.hermanstein@camden.gov.uk

Camden adult social care is launching a new online marketplace: Camden Care Choices
Provider event Tuesday 29th November. You can attend one of the three sessions being held: 10am-11.30am, 11.30-1pm or 1.30-3pm. Come and find out more
Register for tickets at Eventbrite
If your organisation has not registered on the new Camden Care Choices yet, please kindly do so to ensure you are listed in the directory of services. The marketplace will allow users including resident and professionals to find the care and support services you are offering. You will be required to describe your service, complete some steps and where applicable you will be able to upload images and descriptions of services or products offered i.e. handrails, walking stick etc. This will enable people to find local services they want to help them live independently, with the benefit of a potential increase in the number of people using your service.
Please use the link below to register (and click the word “register” at the top of the tool bar). After registering you will need to validate your email within 7 days.
http://camden.assistdirect.co.uk/
If you have any enquiries please email ccc@camden.gov.uk

Mental Health Working: Employment Support Day
Tuesday 15th November 2016
Employment opportunities and speed interviews available on the day!
Hear success stories from people who have got into work and guest speakers from:
Working can have a positive effect on your mental health wellbeing. With the right support in the right job, you can enjoy a fulfilling and lasting career
Free advice, information on training, in work support, volunteering, employment options and benefits.
Guest speakers from; Volunteer Centre Islington; The Recovery College; Welfare Benefit Information and Other support agencies.
Conference Hall, St Pancras Hospital, 4 St Pancras Way, London NW1 0PE 10am to 3pm
Refreshments provided. Contact Details: 0300 456 8206 or mhworking@remploy.co.uk

Do You Need Health and Safety Training?
VAC and London Hazards are planning health and safety training for community groups in Camden. We want to target those who may not have had such training before. Do you have staff, volunteers or users who could benefit from this training? The course could cover areas such as: The main UK health and safety laws; Who is responsible for health and safety at work; Who enforces health and safety; Basic risk assessment; Sources of information and support.
The training is free. To find out more contact Kevin – knunan@vac.org.uk

House of Memories dementia awareness
Workshops for family carers are being held at The British Museum on Thursday 1 December 2016. Run by National Museums Liverpool and commissioned by the Department of Health, workshops will take place twice-daily from 9:30am – 12:30pm and 1:30pm – 4:30pm.
Free places can be booked by emailing learning@liverpoolmuseums.org.uk or calling 0151 478 4240.

Camden SAPB safeguarding adults conference
Working together towards lives free from abuse – Wed 30 November 2016
This year’s conference will focus on how we can work together more efficiently and share information to keep Camden residents safe.
The conference will be an excellent opportunity for front-facing practitioners working with Camden communities to get together and share their experiences, as well as learn from each other’s practice.
A detailed conference programme will be circulated closer to the date. The event is free to attend for anyone working or volunteering with Camden adults, but we strongly advise booking your place early to avoid missing out. Holiday Inn Bloomsbury, Coram Street, London WC1N 1HT 9:00-17:00
Book your place HERE.

Free HR training workshops for Camden voluntary and community groups
Free and will take place between 9.45 and 1pm at the Town Hall Judd Street.
The workshops are for managers and trustees of voluntary and community groups based in Camden.
Managing Misconduct Wednesday 16th November 2016
This workshop will focus on managing employees who are underperforming due to misconduct
The training will reflect the ACAS Code of Practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/managing-misconduct-registration-27067000126
Handling Workplace Investigations Wednesday 7th December 2016
There are many occasions when an employer may wish to undertake an internal investigation including as part of the disciplinary and grievance process
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/handling-workplace-investigations-registration-27067050276
Staff Appraisals Thursday 12th January 2017
Appraisal is a two-way process of looking backwards to analyse past job performance, and looking forward into the future with a view to improving future performance.
The overall objective of an effective appraisal scheme should be to help each employee to maximise his or her job performance for the joint benefit of the employee and the organisation.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/staff-appraisals-registration-27067569830
Managing Sickness Absence Thursday 9th February 2017
The aim of this workshop is to increase managers’ confidence and ability to manage staff absence.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/managing-sickness-absence-registration-27067617974
Managing Restructure Wednesday 15th March 2017
Many voluntary and community organisations are considering some kind of restructuring in response to the current economic climate. This might include closing a team, amalgamating core functions, general downsizing or some sort of relocation.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/managing-a-restructure-registration-27067674142
Managing Difficult Conversations at Work Wednesday 12th April 2017
Most of us dislike confrontation; we sometimes avoid it which can often lead to even more difficulty, misunderstandings and possible conflict.
In the current climate of continued economic uncertainty, we may find ourselves working with reduced budgets, constant organisational change and ongoing performance issues, as people try to make sense of all this.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/managing-difficult-conversations-at-work-registration-27067711253
The workshops will be run by Shirley Briggs. Shirley is an independent HR consultant. Her background is in social housing where she worked as a HR manager for a number of large housing associations. She managed the PEACe (HR) service at LVSC from 2006-2016 supporting many hundreds of voluntary and community organisations with HR and employment law advice, consultancy and training. She is also a trained workplace mediator.

‘Made of Money’ is running a 2 day Facilitator Training in London on 7th & 8th December
We also offer ‘in house’ trainings for any organisation or group of organisations to suit you.
‘Made of Money’ is an award winning financial literacy resource, developed by anti-poverty charity Quaker Social Action. It aims to help groups talk about money and its impact on their lives, as well as learn vital money management skills. It is ideal to help front line workers offer support to those on low income, particularly in the run up to the introduction of Universal Credit, and welfare benefit changes.
The cost per person for the 2-day training, (incl lunch), depending on the size of your organisation (£100 for small organisations).
You will also need a set of workshop resources, charged at a subsidised rate of £115. This gives you everything you need to run Made of with groups and 1:1 sessions. (These can be shared within the organisation or between groups of organisations)
Contact mompartner@qsa.org.uk

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

Trustee Vacancies in Camden
If you would like to become a trustee, then go to the Volunteer Centre Camden trustee recruitment pages where you will find information about the vacancies available in Camden.

Turkish-speaking Bilingual Maternity Mentor (Maternity cover position)
Hours: 16 hours per week
Salary: £9,557 (pro-rata for 16 hours per week based on full-time salary of £21,503.25)
This is an exciting opportunity for a committed and motivated individual to join our Bright Beginnings Project, which works to improve the health and well-being of pregnant women, new mothers and families from refugee and migrant backgrounds in Islington and neighbouring boroughs.
Due to the nature of this role, it is for female applicants only and is exempt under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010.
For a recruitment pack, please email norma@manorgardenscentre.org or download via www.manorgardenscentre.org/jobs
Closing date for applications: Friday 25th November at 5pm.
Provisional dates for interviews: Monday 5th December (PM)
The successful candidate will need to be available to start in role on Monday 16th January 2017

London Zoo seeks Community Participation Officer
(Full-Time / 6 Months Fixed-Term Contract)
£29,722 (Inclusive of London Weighting)
ZSL is looking for a Community Participation Officer to join our Discovery and Learning team. This role will work closely with a range of internal ZSL colleagues to research and consult with target audiences for the Heritage Lottery Funded (HLF) redevelopment of the Snowdon Aviary and associated programming and activity.
The position is initially offered as a full-time, 6 months FTC and the working hours are a basic 37.5 hours for this position. The position may also require working away from the main office, either at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo or be required to carry out visits to external conferences and organisations as and when necessary.
Apply online at the ZSL website.
Closing date for applications: Midnight Thursday 10th November 2016
Anticipated date for interviews: Monday 21st November 2016 at ZSL London Zoo

Age UK Camden seeks Personal Health Budgets Direct Payments Support Worker
(17.5 hours per week) Fixed Term Contract up to 31st March 2017
Local Government Scale SO1 £29,133 to £30,830 pa pro rata for 17.5 hours (£14,566.50 to £15,415 pa) plus 6% contributory pension.
Personalisation Support In Camden (PSIC) is a subsidiary of Age UK Camden. It is a new venture, which has been set up to provide Direct Payments support to under 65’s in Camden until a new disability user led organisation is established.
You will promote the direct payments service, with particular emphasis on Personal Health Budgets for Mental Health service users and also assist in providing support to disabled people, including those with learning difficulties, under 65 years of age, mental health service users, and parents of Disabled Children who wish to receive or are receiving direct payments from the London Borough of Camden.
PSIC offers a contributory pension, membership of a health cash plan and a season ticket or bicycle loan facility. The post is based at Phoenix Road, London, NW1 with easy access via Euston and Kings Cross main lines or Euston Square tube.
If you are interested in the above vacancy please see the application pack including the full job description and person specification our website www.ageukcamden.org.uk or email jobs@ageukcamden.org.uk.
The closing date for receipt of completed application forms is 9 am on Friday 18th November 2016 and interviews will be held on Thursday 24th November 2016

Age UK Camden seeks Dementia Wellbeing Worker
Scale S01 Scp 29 to 31 £29,133 to £30,830 pa FTE incl. London Weighting. Pro rata £23,306.40 to £24,664 pa for 28 hours (one year contract)
We have remodeled our dementia offer here at Age UK Camden and are excited about launching our new Dementia Wellbeing Service in January 2017. The new model will provide more flexibility and ongoing support to people living with memory loss and dementia in Camden to live well and stay independent for as long as possible whilst ensuring that they have choice and control.
Working to the Dementia Wellbeing Co-ordinator you will be responsible for managing a caseload of clients and providing practical and emotional support to meet their needs. This will include an initial home visit where you will work closely with the individual, their family and carers to produce a personalised wellbeing plan. Ongoing support will include weekly, bi-weekly or monthly visits to the client’s home directed by the clients wishes and needs.
This is an exciting time for you to join Age UK Camden and to work collaboratively with them to continue to deliver high quality services and further develop the organisation to continue to meet the needs of the older people in Camden.
Closing date: Monday 14th November 9.30 am Interview date: Monday 21st November
These posts are based in Tavis House, Tavistock Square near Euston Station which has excellent transport links. AUC offers a contributory pension, and season ticket or bicycle loan facility.
For further details and an application form visit our website www.ageukcamden.org.uk or email jobs@ageukcamden.org.uk or telephone 020 7239 0400. No CVs, no agencies please.

Vacancies in Kings Cross
Apply online at www.kingscross.co.uk/vacancies
Subscribe to Job Alerts https://kxrecruit.kingscross.co.uk/alerts
Housekeeping/ Cleaning Operative (Permanent)
Retail Team Leader (Permanent) Retail
Bench Security Officer (Permanent) Security
Waiters, Food & Drink Runners (Permanent) Hospitality/catering
Security Officer (Permanent)
Cafe Assistant (Permanent)
Part Time Centre Manager (Permanent) Office/admin/professional
Part Time Employment and Training Adviser (Fixed Term) Human Resources
Night Team Member (Permanent) Retail
Early Morning Retail Team Member (Permanent) Retail
Banqueting Assistant – Event Worker (Permanent)

Senate House is University of London’s Hub for the Being Human Festival
We’re hosting an exciting and diverse programme of events, exhibitions and performances as part of the national festival of the humanities, so if you’re London based and interested in gaining public engagement experience there couldn’t be a better opportunity to get involved!
We are looking for volunteers for a number of different roles, including:
~ Welcoming visitors and audiences during the festival
~ Helping with the smooth running of events
~ Assisting with social media
~ Assisting with this year’s festival evaluation
The Festival runs from 17-25 November (except Sunday 20 and Tuesday 22) and we need volunteers during the day and early evening on all days.
For exact times, to find out more and to sign up, visit http://beinghumanfestival.org/volunteer/

Christmas Volunteering
Volunteer Centre Camden is looking for Christmas volunteering opportunities so that they can add them to their volunteering advent calendar. This could be anything for individuals or groups from one-off events to seasonal volunteering which can take place over a number of days in December or early January. If yes, contact Operations Manager Sheila with all of the details.

Employment and Training Adviser Somers Town Job Hub
20 hours per week. £29,120 p.a pro rata (£16,640 actual)
The Somers Town Job Hub is a physical centre based in the heart of the community where local people can come to receive employment advice on a one-to-one and group basis, find out about job vacancies, volunteering and benefits; join employability related clubs, activities and training courses; access support for application forms, CVs and interview techniques; find out about other support and advice services linked to their employment situation (e.g. healthcare, childcare, language); and meet and exchange experiences with people in similar circumstances.
Email: kazi@somerstown.org.uk or telephone 0207 388 6088 for an application pack.
Closing date: Midnight 7th November . Interviews week commencing 14th November

Simon Community seeks Volunteer Drivers
The Simon Community is looking for early morning driver volunteers to help drive our tea run van Monday – Friday 0:630-08:30 where serve London street homeless. Can you help?‎
Early morning Tea Runs go out on Monday to Friday 06:30-08:30 People can get some breakfast – a hot tea and coffee, sandwiches and pastries to start the day.
https://www.simoncommunity.org.uk/services.html
Volunteer Applications: https://www.simoncommunity.org.uk/volunteering.html

Volunteers are needed in GP practices!
Voluntary Action Camden (VAC) would like to hear from you! We are training volunteers to become Community Health Advocates in local GP practices.
• 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.
For more information, please contact:
Mandira Manandhar, Health Advocate Volunteer Co-ordinator (Mon, Tues and Thurs) 020 7284 6550/07930669417 or email: mmanandhar@vac.org.uk
Peter Simonson on 020 7284 6550 or email: projectsupport@vac.org.uk
Please note, we cannot book people on to the course without discussing the project with them first. The RSPH training is provided FREE by on the understanding that participants are available to volunteer for the project and able to attend the regular training and support sessions. After 2 months in placement Health Advocate Volunteers will have access to other VAC training free of charge subject to availability.

Are you looking to employ an assistant to help with your care needs? CamdenPAs can help
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

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

Local Offer
The Local Offer sets out information about support for children and young people (aged 0-25) with special educational needs and disabilities, and their families. During November 2016, we will be seeking your feedback on the Local Offer to see what you think about the Local Offer as a whole, as well as the website. What’s good, what’s not so good and how can it be improved.
If you’re a parent or carer, you can send your feedback online here.
If you’re a young person, you can send your feedback online here.
If you would like a paper version, a version in another format or for more information, you can email localoffer@camden.gov.uk or call 020 7974 6345. Visit www.localoffer.camden.gov.uk to find out more.

Debt Advice Service Seeks VCS Partners
Within Camden the report estimates as many as 39,000 are struggling with money and bills.
Capitalise is a London wide free debt advice network of voluntary organisations which for the last 10 years has been delivering free face-to-face advice which is independent, accredited, non-judgmental.
We have a central Hub which anyone can ring to locate their nearest advice centre – Freephone 0808 164 2480 – and begin their journey to being debt free.
We are eager to work with the voluntary groups in Camden and identify how we can help any of your service users (or staff/volunteers) who may be struggling with money and bills.
To find out more about Capitalise we currently have some pages on the Toynbee Hall website (http://www.toynbeehall.org.uk/our-partners ) whilst our new site is being finalised (www.capitalise.org.uk) – If you would like discuss Capitalise, how we can work together or would like to have some posters sent to you please contact michael.dunlop@toynbeehall.org.uk

Healthwatch Camden has moved
The new address is Healthwatch Camden, 150 Ossulston Street, Somers Town, London, NW1 1EE
Telephone – 020 3771 3930 email info@healthwatchcamden.co.uk

VAC has moved to Euston
Don’t forget, our new address is Voluntary Action Camden is 29- 31 Hampstead Rd, London NW1 3JA. Opening hours, email addresses and phone numbers all remain the same.

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.