Voluntary Action Camden e-bulletin 24th February 2017

See the Presentations from the VAC AGM;Camden set out the relationship with the 23 Strategic Partners; Workshop: How Do You Write a Successful Grant Application?; Local Budget; Health and Safety Training; Camden International Women’s Day event; Ageing Better in Camden Concerns and Gaps Scheme; Give it a Go! Open Day for Women; Crowdfunding Workshops; Camden Adult Community Learning Service Health & well-being event; Volunteer Centre Camden AGM; Mental Health Forum; One year on – NCIA ‘witness seminar’; + funding jobs, volunteers, events, training, offers and resources.

There has been a lot of discussion nationally on high level ambitions to involve more volunteers in public services for instance by creating a volunteer ‘help force’. After a collaboration with a think tank but little consultation the government has just issued six new guidance documents “to help public sector commissioners embed volunteering and social action in public services”
The six pieces of guidance are:
~ A description of social action;
~ Making the case for social action in the public sector;
~ Leadership and culture change to enable social action;
~ Commissioning for social action;
~ Creating the conditions for social action;
~ Enabling social action methodology.
All can be found here.
The Full story and links to the guidance in Civil Society.

Catch up on the Presentations from the VAC AGM
Our AGM this hear looked at the future of health and social care. You can view the presentations of the guest speakers; Doctor Caz Sayer, the Chair of the Camden Clinical Commissioning Group and Cllr Georgia Gould, the Cabinet member for Young People, Adults and Health. View on the VAC site.

Camden set out the relationship with the 23 Strategic Partners
In the February issue of Camden Magazine the council sets out the future of its 7 year relationship with the 23 strategic partners. There is also news of the new N1 centre to be run by Dragon Hall and Somali Youth Development Resource Centre. You can read the article here.

Workshop: How Do You Write a Successful Grant Application?
Saturday, February 25 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm or Wednesday, March 15 @ 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Mary Ward Centre, 42 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3AQ United Kingdom
Find out the secrets of writing funding applications by coming along to a practical workshop and learn about all of the dos and don’ts! Organised by VAC.
The sessions are for Camden based groups only and will focus on providing support for voluntary and community organisations with income of less than £100,000 a year. You can bring along a grant application that you are working on, or would like to work on. Following the workshop, you will also be offered one to one support to complete the application.
“We were successful to the tune of twenty thee thousand pound over two years from the Active Communities Fund. VACs involvement was a real benefit, particularly the one to one support. It was excellent”.Community Organisation NW5.
For further details contact Simone Hensby shensy@vac.org.uk. 020 7284 6555
Full details at the VAC website

Local Budget
There will be a budget debate at Camden council on the 27th February. Details will be available here. Cllr Theo Blackwell has written a long article setting out some of the difficulties that lie ahead.

Health and Safety Training 21st March 10.00 – 1.00.
Learn about your rights and how to enforce them. You get a certificate at the end of the course.
You will learn about:
~ 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 ideal for people new to health and safety or those wanting to refresh their knowledge. The course also covers all the requirements for running a community group safely. In particular, migrant workers or recent arrivals in the UK will gain important knowledge about their rights.
Working in a safe environment is a basic human right. Find out how to be safe and avoid ill health at work. Organised by VAC and London Hazards. To book please follow this link

Camden International Women’s Day event Women in the arts, media and creative industries
Wednesday 8 March 2017 11am to 3pm.
Book free places for this exciting forthcoming event, which will focus on women in the arts, media and creative industries and routes into training and employment in these fields.
Following last year’s hugely successful event in Camden, which focused on women in science, technology, engineering and maths, we are now celebrating the creative sector and looking at barriers to entry and achievement in the creative and arts fields. Details and booking at Eventbrite

Ageing Better in Camden invites you to the launch of Concerns and Gaps Scheme (CAG)
Monday 20th March 2017 10.30am-1pm
At Age UK Camden, Tavis House, 1-6 Tavistock Square WC1H 9NA
At this free event we will be launching CAG – a method for collecting evidence of concerns and gaps in services from staff working with older people and older people themselves across Camden.
Speaker: Jamie Spencer, Prevention & Wellbeing Service Manager from London Borough of Camden’s Adult Social Care team,
This event is for anyone involved or working with older people in Camden, for those with an interest in joining up services and working in partnership to influence change.
Please RSVP to ageingbetterincamden@ageukcamden.org.uk or call 020 7239 0400.

Give it a Go! Open Day for Women
To celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8th 2017 we’re offering a range of free sports and physical activity taster sessions to women across Camden. Free classes on offer range from Zumba to Boot Camp to Hatha Yoga, and there will be free access to the gym and pools at several leisure centres. To book your free session or find out more about the day, please email one of the leisure providers directly using the email addresses below. Alternatively, come along on the day to one of the participating centres and staff will be on hand to help you out.
~ Central YMCA 112 Great Russell Street, WC1B 3NQ – contact Sayed.Hamaki@YMCA.co.uk
~ Better (Oasis Sports Centre 32 Endell Street, WC2H 9AG. Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre Adelaide Road, NW3 3NF. Kentish Town Sports Centre Grafton Road, NW5 3DU. Pancras Square Leisure Centre 5 Pancras Square, N1C 4AG) – contact dominic.norton@gll.org
~ The Armoury 25 Pond Street, NW3 2PN – contact receptionarmoury@jubileehalltrust.org
On the day, women will also be able to pick up 3 free activity passes for participating leisure centres. . For more information about Give it a Go! please contact laura.stoll@islington.gov.uk.

Ageing Better in Camden (ABC) is seeking a Programme Evaluator.
ABC is a partnership of older people and agencies in Camden working closely together to tackle the social isolation and loneliness that many older people in the Borough experience. Camden’s diverse communities are at the heart of the Ageing Better in Camden approach. The programme will run from July 2015 – June 2021, and £4.5M has been successfully secured from the Big Lottery Fund.
The programme evaluation is essential to understanding and assessing the success of our programme locally; expanding understanding regarding what works in preventing and treating social isolation and in contributing to the national programme and its evaluation. This is a high profile initiative which aims to create systemic change, and is a significant opportunity to work with our partnership to evaluate its impact.
This contract will run from July 2017 – June 2021. The ITT sets out the requirements for bidding for this contract. Bidders will respond to these documents with their propositions. ABC will then evaluate the propositions before announcing the preferred bidder in May 2017. The ITT is available on http://www.ageingbetterincamden.org.uk/news-and-events/

Crowdfunding Workshops
14th March 3.00 – 5.00pm find out about crowdfunding and what it can do for you with VAC and our new Crowdfuning partners Hubbub.
21st March 3.00 – 5.00pm work on your own crowdfunding proposal and get support and help from a crowdfunding expert. Details to follow soon on the VAC events page https://vac.org.uk/events/

Camden Adult Community Learning Service Health & well-being event – Get Involved
At St Pancras and Somers Town Living Centre Ossulston Street side, NW1 1DF
Tuesday 28 March from 10:00 – 1:00
The event is for our current adult community learners, many of whom experience disadvantage and a range of barriers to getting involved in activities to improve their and their family’s health and well-being.
We hope that the event will provide information and an opportunity to get involved in interactive activities to give a taste of what’s available in Camden for adults (our learners are typically in the 30 – 60+ age range) and families. For example:
– Activities/exhibitions in local galleries, museums
– Physical activities: organised walks; gardening; exercise; sport; mindfulness
– Health: healthy cooking/eating; weight management; health checks; oral health; mental health
– Informal learning & leisure opportunities: choirs; art and craft; engaging with nature, the environment,
– Opportunities to give back: volunteering; charity work; community involvement
We want learners to leave with ideas and plans to get involved in activities over the Easter break and into the summer that are free or low cost.
If you would like your organisation to be involved, contact Bola at
adultlearning@camden.gov.uk by Monday 6 March at the latest.

Volunteer Centre Camden AGM and 50th Birthday Celebrations
It’s that time of year again when we gather for Volunteer Centre Camden’s Annual General Meeting.
However as it’s 2017, and we are officially 50 years old, we are also kicking off our 50th birthday celebrations with drinks and nibbles after the AGM.
This is your chance to hear about what we’ve been up to this year, as well as what volunteering will look like in 2067. Book your place on Eventbrite.

Mental Health Forum
For users of mental health services, carers, community and voluntary groups and Camden councillors
Chair: Cllr Georgia Gould, Cabinet Member for Young People, Adults and Health
Main Agenda Items:
Findings and outcomes from Camden’s review of forums
Opportunities for engagement in Camden
Thursday 9th March 2017 from 6.00pm to 8.00pm
At Charlie Ratchford Resource Centre, Belmont Street, London NW1 8HF
If you need help to travel to and from the forum, or to take part, then please contact Paul Kent by Telephone: 0207 974 6921 Email paul.kent@camden.gov.uk

One year on – NCIA ‘witness seminar’ Friday 10th March 1-5pm
London Welsh Centre, 157-163 Gray’s Inn Road, London WC1X 8UE
NCIA has closed! But long live the spirit of NCIA present! As promised we are having a ‘one year on’ witness seminar to see where the issues we have been fighting so hard for have now got to.
Themes (from): Independence, voice, dissent, public space, insiders & outsiders, campaigning, civil society, volunteering, activism, citizen action, democracy, space between state and market , radical action, critical perspectives. etc
Issues (from): migrants and refugees, women, youth work, regeneration, welfare benefits, poverty, austerity, privatisation of public space, xenopobia, etc
If you, colleagues or collaborators would like to come to the event, put the date in your diary now and drop an email to ausgesucht@yahoo.co.uk

Camden Carers Service
Camden Carers Service (CCS) offers advice, support and activities for family and other unpaid carers across the borough.
Help is just a phone call away on 020 7428 8950 or email info@camdencarers.org.uk – read more about our services at www.camdencs.org.uk or www.facebook.com

Camden Patient Participation Group – Elections and News
Don’t forget to nominate yourself to the CPPEG elections. Full details here. Find out more and read the latest Camden Patient Participation Group Newsletter here.

Healthwatch Camden
View the latest news and views from Healthwatch Camden here.

Camden Capacity Building Bulletin
The February Capacity Building Bulletin is available here.

Ageing Better in Camden
Read the Ageing Better in Camden Newsletter Spring Edition 2017 here

SHAK, Kentish Town Community Centre, Colindale Community Trust, Camden CCG, Opening Doors London, The Kids Network , NHS Community Navigators, VAC, Kings Cross Construction Centre 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

Disability in the News
An article on disabled children in England found that they were ‘finding it increasingly hard to access council care’. Since 2004 the number of children with disabilities has risen by 50% but fewer appear to qualify for council help, according to National Children’s Bureau.
As part of Disability at Work Week, the Guardian featured an article on “Disability discrimination: your legal rights”
The Guardian is beginning a video investigation into the impact of cuts on disabled people and is looking for people to tell their story. The debate often focuses on the elderly, ignoring the fact that a third of all social care users are disabled and over one million disabled people are now without the support they need. Find out more and share your story here.

BBC Arabic Festival 2017
The BBC Arabic Festival screens short films and documentaries about the dramatic social and political changes taking place in the Arab world today. Now in our third year, we present a bold and diverse range of films from across the Middle East, by Arab and non-Arab, professional and first-time filmmakers. The unique and timely programme also includes special talk series and exclusive presentations by award-winning filmmakers.
The festival takes place at the iconic art-deco BBC Radio Theatre in central London from Friday 24 March to Thursday 30 March 2017. The Festival culminates with our televised Awards Ceremony with special guest artists from the Arab world. Visit the BBC Arabic Festival website for more details.

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

UCL Grand Challenges Small Grants Scheme
Closing date: 9am, Monday, 22 May 2017
Up to £4,000 available for a wide range of research-informed, societally relevant, cross-disciplinary activities undertaken from 1 August 2017 to 31 July 2018
Up to £6,000 is available for proposals that address the GCSC Priority Theme of Urban Mobility, with additional funding from the UCL Transport Institute. Further details
Proposals must address a Priority Theme relating to one of the six UCL Grand Challenges – Global Health; Justice and Equality; Tranformative Tech; Human Wellbeing; Cultural Understanding; Sustainable Cities
Applications must be led by UCL academic staff members (honorary researchers included) at postdoctoral level (or equivalent) or above. Full details here.

Camden Community Festival Fund 2017 – Deadline 28th February
Camden Council is supporting this grants programme in recognition of the contribution made by community festivals and events to strengthening Camden communities and in developing a rich culture and economy within the borough.
The fund is to sustain and develop Camden’s rich culture, its strong communities and dynamic partnerships by supporting quality, creative events, projects and activities. This year the fund is managed by Voluntary Action Camden (VAC).
For more information and for a copy of the application forms & guidelines please go to : https://vac.org.uk/camden-community-festival-fund/

Team London small grants programme now open for applications – deadline 8th February
This year we will support organisations who are either aiming to recruit more volunteers in the 59+-69+ age-group, or for organisations that work with older people to be able to recruit more volunteers so that more services can be provided. The grants will be for between £5k and £10k for a 12 month project.
Find out more and apply here: https://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/volunteering/effective-community-engagement/team-london-small-grants.

Bid for Better scheme 2017 – Deadline 2nd March
The Bid for Better scheme awards grants of up to £400 towards activities or equipment to:
If you would like to apply for up to £400 for your project or idea then we will ask you to complete an application form giving us as much detail as possible. You can apply online.
or you can request a form by post or email by contacting the PPI team: ppi@tavi-port.nhs.uk
The closing date for applications is Thursday 2nd March 2017.
To be considered for funding you must be a Member of the Trust. If you are not a member already it is really easy to join via the Trust website. web: www.tavistockandportman.nhs.uk
If you have questions or need help contact by telephone on 020 8938 2068 or email or you can pop into the PPI office on the ground floor of the Tavistock Centre, 120 Belsize Lane, London NW3 5BA

Health and Safety Training 21st March 10.00 – 1.00.
Learn about your rights and how to enforce them. You get a certificate at the end of the course.
You will learn about:
~ The main UK health and safety laws
~ Who is responsible for health and safety at work
~ Basic risk assessment
~ Sources of information and support
The training is ideal for people new to health and safety or those wanting to refresh their knowledge. The course also covers all the requirements for running a community group safely. In particular, migrant workers or recent arrivals in the UK will gain important knowledge about their rights.
Working in a safe environment is a basic human right. Find out how to be safe and avoid ill health at work. Organised by VAC and London Hazards. To book please follow this link

How Do You Write a Successful Grant Application?
Saturday, February 25 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm or Wednesday, March 15 @ 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Mary Ward Centre, 42 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3AQ United Kingdom
Find out the secrets of writing funding applications by coming along to a practical workshop and learn about all of the dos and don’ts!
The sessions are for Camden based groups only and will focus on providing support for voluntary and community organisations with income of less than £100,000 a year. You can bring along a grant application that you are working on, or would like to work on. Following the workshop, you will also be offered one to one support to complete the application.
“We were successful to the tune of twenty thee thousand pound over two years from the Active Communities Fund. VACs involvement was a real benefit, particularly the one to one support. It was excellent”.Community Organisation NW5.
For further details contact Simone Hensby shensy@vac.org.uk. 020 7284 6555
Full details at the VAC website

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.

Crowdfunding
14th March find out about crowdfunding and what it can do for you with VAC and our new Crowdfuning partners Hubbub.
21st March work on your own crowdfunding proposal and get support and help from a crowdfunding expert. Mainly for Camden based groups with an income of under £100k. Details to follow soon on the VAC events page https://vac.org.uk/events/

Sustainability and Transformation Plans
Friday 17th March 2017 10.30 am – 2.00 pm Lunch at 1.00 pm
At Age UK London, Tavis House, 1-6 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9NA
Sustainability and transformation plans (STPs) are five year plans for the future of health and care services in local areas. NHS organisations have come together with local authorities and other partners to develop the plans in 44 areas of the country. STPs represent a very significant change to the planning of health and care services in England.
Please book your place early Email: zghods@ageuklondon.org.uk or call on 0207 820 6781

Spare Tyre presents Safe – Take risk away, and what’s left?
At New Diorama Theatre. Wednesday 15 – Saturday 18 March 2017
With a diverse cast of mainly local older people and people with learning disabilities, Safe is part of Spare Tyre’s 40th birthday celebrations. The show follows a theatre company as they attempt to stage a play. An interruption by a Health & Safety Officer sets off a spiral into absurdity. Details here.

Camden Youth Theatre are holding auditions
Monday 27 February at 7pm
Diorama Arts Studios, 201 Drummond Street, NW1 3FE
How to book an audition: Please email Rose at arts@fitzroviacentre.org
The auditions are very informal in a group setting, and nothing needs to be prepared in advance. They are open to anyone aged 13-19 and no acting experience is necessary.

Women’s Voices – In Celebration of International Women’s Day 2017
Does your charity support women? We’re offering you the chance to get free communications and campaigns advice from some of the most talented women from media and advertising on International Women’s Day.
8 March 2017 4.15pm – 7.15pm at Starcom, 63 Turnmill Street, London, EC1M 5RR
Women’s Voices event will bring together 25 charities that support, campaign and advocate for women and girls (and those who identify as women and girls) with 25 highly skilled teams of women from across the creative and media industry for an afternoon of brainstorming and advice. The aim? To make a difference to your marketing and communications. Full details at the Media Trust Website.

Free Family Activities at the British Library January – March 2017
Family Day: Festival of Maps Saturday 25 February 12.00 – 16.00
Join us for a fun and creative family day inspired by our exhibition, Maps and the 20th Century
Play on Words Saturday 25 March 10.30 – 12.00 and 13.00 – 14.30
Play with words and performance in this creative workshop. Families will have the chance to print, collage, write and make. Details: www.bl.uk/events/family-events
learning@bl.uk T +44 (0)20 7412 7797. The British Library 96 Euston Road London NW1 2DB

Rewired: the Brain, Art, and Innovation
Rewired features leading London-based neuroscience clinicians and researchers, tech innovators, and artists and is produced by and in aid of Movement for Hope.
The event aims to raise public awareness of neurological conditions using artistic collaborations and cutting-edge research.
This event is supported by UCL, Imanova and Alzheimer’s Research UK Dementia Network. UCL Departments involved include the Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation and the Leonard Wolfson Experimental Neurology Centre.
Friday 10th March, 2017, 19:00 – 21:00 GMT at the Ondaatje Theatre, Royal Geographical Society, 1 Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AR
Tickets and Booking General Admission: £12. Concession: £10 at Eventbrite
For further enquiries please contact emma.biondetti@movementforhope.org

Age Friendly Museums Network Cross-sector Conference
Thursday 16th February 2017
9.30 – 16.30 at the British Museum, London
Book your free place through Eventbrite
Join us to explore current age friendly thinking and practice in museums developed through cross sector collaborations.
Themes will include: Creativity and ageing; Demographic change and its potential impact; The value of partnerships between practitioners from different sectors; How museums can support age friendly communities; Innovative use of collections; Working with those living with dementia & stroke survivors

HR Support in Camden
Caroline Jepson, VAC’s HR Advisor, provides free HR advice and support to Camden voluntary organisations employing staff. Get in touch to discuss your HR consultancy needs, from recruitment to redundancy and everything in-between.
VAC’s HR support aims to help trustees and managers understand employment law and to have robust HR procedures that reflect good practice so fewer workplace issues arise, and HR crises are averted or managed effectively. Caroline normally works Thursdays but is available on other days by arrangement. Call 020 7284 6551 or email cjepson@vac.org.uk.
Also, the Communities and Third Sector team at Camden Council are offering Camden voluntary and community groups a series of HR training workshops. See below for full details.

Rethink Mental Illness Mental Health First Aid courses
FREE to anyone who either lives, works, studies or volunteers in Camden or Islington
Mental Health First Aid (Adult)
This course equips participants in the same way as a physical first aid course, teaching participants how to give initial support to someone experiencing a mental health problem until professional treatment can be accessed.
Youth Mental Health First Aid
This course delivers the same principals as the adult course, but is for anyone who lives or works with young people (11-18). It will also cover other topics specific to young people that include child, adolescent and family psychosis, bullying and promoting protective factors and good parenting.
Participants will receive a certificate and manual upon successful completion of the course.
If you have any further questions you can contact the Rethink Mental Illness Mental Health Promotion Team on training@rethink.org
You can book online at www.rethink.org/camdenislingtontraining. Courses run from 9.30am to 5pm

Recovery College
Recovery College Spring term has started. If you would like to find out more about the courses take a look at the Recovery College Spring 2017 course guide.

True Honour Awards 2017 Ceremony
6-9pm Tuesday 7th March 2017, The University of Law, 2 Bunhill Row, London EC1Y 4TY
Book at eventbrite. Nominations are opne: True Honour Award nominations

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 Restructure Wednesday 15th March 2017
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/managing-a-restructure-registration-27067674142
Managing Difficult Conversations at Work Wednesday 12th April 2017
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 is also a trained workplace mediator.

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

Kentish Town Community Centre seeks Youth Projects Coordinator
£19,819 (Pro rata, 14hrs per week) Closing Date: 17th March 2017
We are looking for someone with a passion for working with young people and who has the right enthusiasm and experience to provide coordination support in our core youth projects .They should have excellent communication skills, be highly organised and able to work as part of a team and under their own motivation. The successful applicant will have experience of working in an administrative role and this role will include working across various youth projects, supporting the Youth Services Manager and youth staff team in the planning, delivery and monitoring of the service. The successful applicant will have good experience of internal and external communications including publicity, supporting staff members with the administration of youth activities, multi agency working; a belief in the potential of young people and the ability to build a rapport with young people and external organisations. The successful applicant will also have a sound understanding of safeguarding practices.
All posts are subject to an enhanced DBS check. Please apply by visiting www.ktcc.org.uk or contact the Youth Services Manager Halima@ktcc.org.uk

The CCT is looking for a CEO
Colindale Communities Trust (CCT) have an exciting opportunity for an entrepreneurial, hands-on, imaginative and highly resourceful CEO to grow the organisation and steer their strategic direction towards fully meeting the needs of current and future communities in Colindale.
Working closely with the Chair and other Trustees the CEO will be responsible for helping the organisation develop new opportunities while delivering the Business Plan to improve the lives of people in Colindale. This position requires a strategic influencer with strong leadership, governance, sound financial management skills as well as being able to generate new partnership opportunities, projects and new income streams.
If you feel you have the imagination and drive to meet the large challenges required for this post an application pack and full details can be here

Camden CCG seeks Member Relations Manager
Camden CCG is a clinically-led organisation, made up of 35 general practice members. Our vision is to work with the people of Camden to achieve the best health for all. This role is focused on supporting opportunities for our member practices to be involved in CCG plans and services.
We’re looking for someone with genuine enthusiasm for engaging with healthcare professionals. The role includes running excellent member meetings, coordinating visits to practices, and developing engaging website and newsletter content.
The closing date is Sunday 5 March. Full details and how to apply here.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Francesca McNeil –Francesca.mcneil@camdenccg.nhs.uk

Opening Doors London seeks Social Opportunities Facilitator
£15.49/hour This is a rolling vacancy and applications will be considered as they are received.
Opening Doors London is the largest provider of information and support services with and for older Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans*people in the United Kingdom. We aim to ensure that older LGBT* people live happier, healthier and independent lives free from prejudice and discrimination. Everything we do is informed by the lived experience of LGBT* older people.
ODL currently provides over 40 social opportunities each month. This role will involve working alongside the team to provide support to existing groups and activities as well as developing new initiatives to meet the needs of our members.
You will be responsible for setting up and managing activities [such as arranging venues and speakers], recruiting and supporting volunteers and providing local marketing.
If you are interested in being one of our LGBT* sessional team, please see the application pack including the full job description and person specification at the following link in our website www.ageukcamden.org.uk / www.openingdoorslondon.org.uk or email HR@openingdoorslondon.org.uk

Voluntary Acton camden – Trustee Vacancies
Voluntary Action Camden (VAC) is seeking two new trustees to join its existing board. VAC supports individuals and groups to get involved in civil society and develops ways of sharing good practice and resources. We are looking for individuals who have an enthusiastic appreciation and understanding of Camden’s community sector and who want to see the sector thrive in the coming years. We are particularly interested in individuals with fundraising and marketing experience. If you would like more information, then please go to our website where you’ll find details of the job role and how to apply, together with more information about VAC’s strategic objectives and the work we do. If you would like an informal discussion before applying, please contac Simone Hensby shensby@vac.org.uk

Community Navigator
These innovative posts involve supporting people to become less lonely and to develop more social contact. The successful applicant will join a team of community navigators employed by Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust and will support people with enduring depression or anxiety who use mental health services in Camden, Islington or Barnet. These posts are part of a nationally-funded research study. The post holder will feedback to the research team and contribute to developing and evaluating this programme.
The role will require flexibility to meet people at mutually convenient times and to support them in going to community activities. The total amount of work for each post will average out at one day per week: post holders will be paid at this rate on an annualized hours basis. The post is until the end of February 2018, to start in April 2017 or as soon as possible thereafter. Any experience of working in services which support people with mental health problems, or voluntary sector community experience, are both assets for this work.
You can find more information about this post on the NHS jobs website: https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/xi/vacancy/9f27c8ce53a7d619995f3edb43ad7bb5/?vac_ref=914513220

SHAK seeks Wellbeing and Employment development worker
South Hampstead and Kilburn Community Partnership £26-27000 p.a
Lead an innovative Wellbeing project enabling residents to lead new health initiatives and expand their employment and progression horizons.
Full details at https://www.charityjob.co.uk/jobs/wellbeing-and-employment-development-worker/490402?tsId=8

SHAK seeks Community Engagement Manager
South Hampstead and Kilburn Community Partnership Salary Circa £30,000
Community Engagement Manager required to launch and lead an innovative Lottery funded project and manage other social engagement projects.
Full detials at https://www.charityjob.co.uk/jobs/view/490253?tsId=8

Become a Mentor with The Kids Network
We are excited to announce the launch of our 2017 pilot in partnership with our Champion school in Islington.
The pilot will involve a small scale cohort of volunteers who are:
~ Connected to our vision
~ Interested shaping The Kids Network for the future
~ Have a commitment to making a difference to a child in their local community
What will I do as a volunteer Mentor?
As a Mentor, you will hold weekly sessions with a child aged 8-11 in the community who will be referred through the school.
This will involve meeting the child from their home and spending two to three hours with them outside of their home or school routine.
You will be building confidence, supporting resilience and helping them to manage feelings through a series of fun and positive experiences and activities. Find out more and sign up online.

Kings Cross Jobs
You can view a constantly changing range of job vacancies on the Kings Cross website. For the latest news on jobs sign up to job alerts.

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
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.

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/

Changes to adult social care Consultations
The council are consulting on two specific proposals: day centres and financial contributions. Both consultations will run until 9 April 2017:
Financial contributions (paying for care):
Monday 6 February, 10am to 12 noon. Kingsgate Community Centre, 107 Kingsgate Rd, London NW6 2JH
Tuesday 14 February, 10am to 12 noon. Queen’s Crescent Community Centre, 45 Ashdown Crescent, NW5 4QE
Thursday 23 February, 1pm to 3pm. Great Croft Resource Centre, Cromer Street, WC1H 8LF
Day centres and services:
Friday 10 March, 10am to 12 noon. Henderson Court Resource Centre, 102 Fitzjohn’s Ave, NW3 6NS
Full details in the Healthwatch Camden website.

The Abbey Community Centre has rooms for Hire
We have various sized rooms to rent which would suit community groups looking to run meetings, classes, workshops & supervised recreational activities. Sorry, but we don’t cater for birthday parties, social functions or wedding receptions.
Office space for hire
We have fully furnished desk & office space available too, for short or long term rent from just £77 per week, ideal for a community project to share the fantastic atmosphere.
For more information on availability, rates and to arrange a visit to view the rooms please give us a call on 020 7624 8378 or email reception: reception@abbeycc-kilburn.org.uk & see our website:
http://abbeycc-kilburn.org.uk/index.php/room-hire/main-hall/

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.