VAC Weekly Newsletter
28th August 2020 |
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| New Health Champions Training; Tech Support Survey; Loss Project and Bereavement Training; Community Conversations with London Faiths Network and Ubele; Outdoor Gym Training; Accessible Transport Surveys; Stronger Voices Opens + news + Resources + funding + jobs + volunteers and more |
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COVID-19 Health Champion programme
Tuesday 1st, Wednesday 2nd, Thursday 3rd September
A new course developed by Camden and Islington Public Health.
As a COVID-19 health champion, individuals can:
~ Take part in FREE & accredited Good Conversations training which will equip champions to pro-actively provide COVID-19 messaging and support to residents, especially those who are struggling to follow COVID-19 measures.
~ Be provided with the latest and most up to date guidance to share with their communities (i.e. Test & Trace, Social Distancing, Self-Isolation, shielding).
~ Join a supportive network of other individuals who want to do their bit for their community by attending weekly virtual drop in sessions.
~ Able to take advantage of weekly online drop-in sessions to provide ongoing support and to provide a mechanism for reporting what is and isn’t working
~ An active and engaged cohort in case the community has to be mobilised around a new set of behaviours
Anyone can access the training which can be booked directly by visiting https://www.camdenmecc.org.uk/ or https://www.islingtonmecc.org.uk/
Sign up to become a COVID-19 Health Champion by emailing CHC@islington.gov.uk
If you would like bespoke sessions then please get in touch.
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IT and Digital Support Needs Survey for Camden and Islington Groups
Voluntary Action Camden (VAC) is working in partnership with Voluntary Action Islington (VAI) and the Worshipful Company of Information Technologists (WCIT) to help shape a programme of IT and digital support across the two boroughs. Please spend a few minutes completing our survey to help us understand what challenges you have with IT and digital and how we can best support you.
The Loss Project
The Loss Project aims to generate a community response to grief, loss and trauma and has a new programme of free workshops starting in September. We have our loss themed spoon room which is a space for you to connect with others, creative writing workshops centred around exploring bereavement, and “Navigating the New You” helping you to explore your identity around losing employment and job losses. Events page and sign up here.
Help keep cases of coronavirus low in Camden
Help keep cases low by following public health advice and encouraging your members and users to do the same.
~ Washing your hands regularly – including leaving and arriving home
~ Wearing a face covering when you need to – including on public transport
~ Staying a safe distance from other people
If you develop symptoms, self-isolate and get tested.
London Boroughs Faiths Network Community Conversations
~ Poverty & Economic Divide, Tuesday 1st September 5.00-6.30pm
~ Green New Deal, Wednesday 2nd September 5.00-6.30pm
~ A Strong Civil Society, Thursday 3rd September 5.00-6.30pm
These conversations are particularly targeted at those people and smaller groups who are often left out of strategic planning discussions and have not taken part in another community conversation on these topics. If you have a view on any of these issues please join us – and encourage colleagues, neighbours and friends to join us too.
To register please email convener@lbfn.org with your name and organisation by Friday 28th August.
Ubele Initiative Community Conversations
The Ubele Initiative is hearing from London based, BAME community organisations and sharing their views with the London Recovery Board on Mission 5 – A Strong Civil Society. Take the survey here.
Free online bereavement awareness training
You may find that during the coronavirus pandemic you have more contact than usual with people who are grieving the death of a friend or family member.
Bereavement awareness training is designed to support you to feel confident to talk to bereaved people in a simple, empathetic way, to be able to find the right words, and to provide signposting to support where needed.
The training is delivered by Cruse, a specialist bereavement charity, and will provide tips and do’s and don’ts to guide conversations.
Thursday 10th September – Loss and Bereavement seminar 10:15am
Free Outdoor Gym training – 9th and 10th September
There are 9 outdoor gyms in Camden, now open to everyone (aged over 14) and are free to use with covid 19 guidance in place to keep yourself and others safe.
The Sport and Activity Team are offering free training to anyone with an existing instructor qualification to learn how to use this kit to support residents during the warmer weather.
Sessions must be booked in advance and rules to keep Covid-19 safe will apply.
Wednesday 9th September
Alf Barrett 10.00 – 10.30
Cumberland Market 11.30 – 12.00
Polygon Open Space 13.00 – 13.30
Cantelowe Gardens 15.00 – 15.30
Thursday 10th September
Limsore Circus 10.00 – 10.30
Swiss Cottage 11.00 – 11.30
Sidings / Maygrove Park 12.30 – 13.00
Kilburn Grange 14.00 – 14.30
Calling all Dial-A-Ride and Taxicard users
What is your experience of using these services? What problems do you encounter? What do you want to see improved?
Take the surveys and have your say
Dial-A-Ride: https://bit.ly/3aYOz5S Taxicard: https://bit.ly/3gHhaOt
London Transport Museum Offer to Residents in Holborn, Bloomsbury and Kings Cross
The Museum will be reopening on 7th September and is offering residents in walking distance of Covent Garden (Holborn, Bloomsbury and Kings Cross) £5 off an annual adult ticket (normally £18.50). Children go free.
Stronger Voices 2020/21
Media Trust in partnership with Equally Ours launched the Stronger Voices Programme 2020/21. This communications training programme has been specifically designed to strengthen the voices of equality organisations across London.
15 equality organisations in London will have the opportunity to take part in a six-month programme of communications training and mentoring to amplify their voices through expert communications and digital training. In light of the challenges presented by Covid-19 the programme has been re-designed with the needs of the sector in mind. Full details and how to apply here.
Activities and Services in your community
Young Camden Foundation
Camden Disability Action
West Euston Partnership (WEP)
Healthwatch Camden
All Ways Network
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Far Right Target Asylum Seekers in Camden
It has been reported that far right, ‘Britain First’, supporters attempted to harass asylum seekers at a Camden hostel and that this is part of a pattern of far right attacks across the country. More details in the Huffington Post and Independent. |
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See the Funding pages on VAC’s website for all the latest information.
Funding Available to Make London Greener
Grants of between £5,000 and £50,000 for projects that will:
~ green the built environment,
~ create more opportunities for all Londoners to get outdoors
~ address the inequality in access to open space
~ support London’s diversity of environmental organisations & groups
Information webinars taking place on 8 September (3pm – 4:30pm), 10 September (11am – 12:30pm) or 14 September (5:30pm – 7pm). Further information here.
The deadline for applications is 5pm on 5 October 2020.
The Phoenix Fund
Racial justice is at the heart of COVID-19 pandemic response. The Phoenix Fund will support a network of Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic charities and groups in England that are working in the heart of their communities, providing essential and emergency services, support, and education tailored to the BAME community. There will be 4 rounds. The Initiative aims to:
~ Offer core funding to BAME grassroots groups across England working with BAME communities
~ Raise awareness of the unique challenges facing BAME communities across England
~ Establish an effective, innovative partnership to improve and promote community-based organisations Application deadline for round 2: 2nd Sept
Lloyds Bank Covid Recovery Fund
The Fund will provide unrestricted grants of £50,000 over 2 years. Charities who receive grants will be supported by a Development Partner to help them to identify and address any organisational challenges they are facing. The deadline for the submission of applications is 5pm on the 11th September.
At least 25% of awards will be to charities led by Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities.
In Camden the Fund is open to charities supporting asylum seekers and refugees, care leavers, young parents, people experiencing homelessness or who are vulnerably housed, people experiencing sexual abuse and exploitation, trafficking and modern slavery. Full details and how to apply on the website.
COVID Recovery Fund from Lloyds Bank foundation
Lloyds Bank foundation launched a £7.4 million fund to supporting charities to recover beyond the immediate crisis on Monday 3rd August.
Organisations can apply for a two-year unrestricted grant of £50,000 and will get a Development Partner to help charities navigate a tumultuous future.
Power to Change
Power to Change, Locality, The Ubele Initiative and Social Investment Business on behalf of the National Lottery Community Fund Covid-19 Community-Led Organisations Recovery Scheme for community organisations in England who are facing difficulties caused by Covid-19. Up to £100k. More details here.
Ubele Fundraising Support for BAME Organisations
Every Thursday at 3:30pm Ubele host fundraising webinars on a variety grant funds that are available with techniques on writing better applications. These webinars are free of charge and the presentations/resources are uploaded on our website. Registration for Fundraising Webinars here.
Lists of Emergency Funders
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VAC Events
Voluntary Action Forums: (web page here)
Follow ups to the Opening Community Buildings (23rd September) and the BAME disproportionality forum (date tbc) coming up.
SPLN (Social Prescribing Learning Network) Food poverty in Central Camden PCN area (invite only)
Keep in eye on our Events Calendar to book and for more info.
Introduction to Microsoft 365 Video and Notes
The video of the workshop and notes from the session are available here.
Camden Voluntary Action Forum
The forum is open to all Camden voluntary and community groups and organisation, community activists, social entrepreneurs, volunteers and anyone interested in local voluntary action.
Safeguarding Courses:
VAC is working with funders so that safeguarding courses can continue online. Further details to come. There are some basic safeguarding videos on the home page and on the COVID19 Update page.
Tel: 020 7 284 6575 | Email: dogunyemi@vac.org.uk email (Mon – Wed)
More details on the VAC website: https://vac.org.uk/events/ |
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Online peer support sessions for voluntary sector Leaders
More slots are available on the online peer support programme, offered by The Institute for Voluntary Action Research (IVAR). Sign up here – dates available to end of September.
These 90 minute sessions, for up to 10 voluntary sector leaders at a time, will give you the opportunity to explore and discuss the challenges you are currently experiencing, precipitated by the COVID-19 outbreak. IVAR understand that you may be facing huge stress and uncertainty, and hope that these sessions will offer a space to share experiences, dilemmas and worries.
The FSI London Online Training – 8th – 9th September
Choose from a wide range of full day interactive webinars covering the popular topics: Fundraising Strategy, Corporate Fundraising, Risk Management, Project Management, Community & Events Fundraising. Developing Your Earned Income, Supporting and Managing Volunteers, Major Donor Fundraising. Book here.
Camden Safeguarding Children’s Board Training
10 September 2020 — 9.30am-4.00pm
Designated Safeguarding Lead — New DSLs
18 September 2020 — 9.30am-1.00pm
Early Years and the Impact of Abuse
18 September 2020 — 9.30am-12.30pm
Designated Safeguarding Lead — Refresher Session
24 September 2020 — 10.00am-11.30am
Counter Extremism and WRAP
Full details and how to apply here
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Young Camden Foundation seeks Fundraising Officer
£28,000 – £30,000.00 per year, 15 hours per week Contract, Part-time
The main area of responsibility is to work with YCF members on a one to one basis to increase members fundraising capabilities. This post will also support and promote the development of larger partnership bids as and when required. Closing date: 04 September. Full details here.
London Irish Centre seeks Advice Service Manager
Manager (interim, for three months, with possibility of extension)
Full time, salary up to £35k (depending on experience)
Exciting opportunity for a proven leader to develop a team and service, helping lift people out of poverty.
To apply, visit the website: https://www.londonirishcentre.org/workwithus
Food For All needs volunteers
Food For All are looking for volunteers to help produce and distribute thousands of meals to the vulnerable every day from our hub in Camden and in the surrounding boroughs. We are entirely voluntary led so our work depends heavily on help from the community. There are several ways to get involved as a volunteer for us: ·
~ Preparing & packing meals at our central London kitchen, near Holborn Viaduct
~ Delivering meals in your car, on your bike or even riding one of our rickshaws
~ Handing out meals at one of our food hubs around London
~ Helping with admin tasks at home on your computer
See more info here: https://foodforalluk.com/volunteer/
UCL Volunteering Service is recruiting
The UCL Volunteering Service is recruiting an administrator for our Student-Led Volunteering Programme. Duties include the administration of key processes such as training and event registration, obtaining DBS checks and references for volunteers, processing expenses claims as well as supporting a caseload of student-led projects. If anyone is interested, further details can be follow on the UCL Vacancies page.
Henna Asian Women’s Group seeks Digital and Information Technology worker
Responsible for the management of Hennas social media accounts and the development of digital and information technology to support the charity’s digital systems.
Salary: £10.75 per hour Hours: 7 hours per week Term of Contract: 6 months
Henna Asian Women Group is looking for a dedicated employee who will manage Henna’’s social media accounts and develop digital and information resources to support the charity’s new database system.
If you are interested please contact Rafat on rafat@hennaorg.co.uk
Camden Carers seeks Support & Wellbeing Worker (Learning Disabilities Lead)
Full Time 35 Hours per week £31,059 per annum
This is exciting new opportunity to join our dynamic team at Camden Carers and make a difference to the lives of people and families in Camden. We are looking for a hardworking, enthusiastic and flexible team member who is able to adapt to ever changing and challenging times
Full details and application pack on the Camden Carers Website
Deadline for applications: Midnight 31st August Interviews: 8th & 10th Sept
Hopscotch Homecare urgently need Care Workers.
Hopscotch Homecare are a very caring,well-established and expanding care agency that has been providing care workers to clients in and around Camden for 20 years. We are looking for care workers who would like to help our clients to continue living safely and independently in their own homes.
Day/Night hours available and must be able to work at least two late shifts a week and alternate weekends Contact:recruitment@hopscotchawc.org.uk
Fitzrovia Youth in Action seeks Trustees
FYA is recruiting some new trustees. We’d love to hear from you if you’re interested in supporting the work of our great local charity. You don’t need board experience. We’re looking for people who reflect the community in which we work and who have a range of skills and experiences. In particular, we’d love to hear from Camden residents or people who work in Camden.
For more information and a job description, please visit http://www.fya.org.uk/join-us/. For questions contact Andre Schott, Chief Executive andre.schott@fya.org.uk. Submit a CV, including a paragraph explaining why you are interested in the role. The deadline for applications is 31st August.
Shak seeks Treasurer
Shak (South Hampstead and Kilburn Community Partnership) is a resident led charity based on the iconic Alexandra and Ainsworth estate* in the Kilburn ward of Camden NW London, which is an area of high rates of deprivation and poverty but big potential. Due to the local nature of our organisation we are looking for a trustee who is resident to the area where we operate.
Candidates will need to have or be willing to undertake a DBS check and child protection training.
The deadline for applications is: Monday 31st August.
If you would like further information or wish to apply for this role please contact John Boyle by email at johnboyle@shakonline.co.uk enclosing a current CV and cover letter explaining why you are interested in the post.
Paid work opportunities for people who have been laid off/ reduced income
Local Adult social care providers are still recruiting, and as they support the NHS to move vulnerable adults out of hospital to stay well at home, their need is growing. Contact Proud to Care.
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Covid-19 Information and Guidance in Community Languages
~ Infographics and videos in this Google drive on social media. This Includes: Vietnamese, Cantonese, Turkish, Bengali, Kurdish, Romanian, Spanish, Portuguese, Bulgarian, Polish, Urdu, Punjabi (Pakistan), Punjabi (India), Gujarati and Yiddish.
~ Translated audio guidance by Doctors of the World.
~ website with further translated information by Doctors of the World.
~ Employment Rights Hub for information about different employment rights plus details of what to do if you’re having trouble at work – translated into 20 languages.
~ Further resources created by London councils including information on Test and Trace.
Sharing infographics in community WhatsApp groups and social media:
~ Download the translated health guidance asset for your WhatsApp group or social media.
~ Post it in the relevant WhatsApp group or social media group with a note to say:
~ The Mayor of London and Doctors of the World have provided translated COVID-19 guidance, please forward this on to your contacts who speak [insert language] language, and find more here: www.doctorsoftheworld.org.uk/coronavirus-information
A Chance to hear about your Experience of the Pandemic
Camden and Islington Public Health team would like to invite residents from Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds; identify as LGBTQIA; carers; refugees; affected by disability; affected by mental health and/or other long terms conditions
… to take part in online group discussions so that we can learn more about how the pandemic is affecting you during this time.
We are holding online group sessions If you decide to take part in a discussion you will be provided with a £10 shopping voucher.
Contact us on covid19survey@islington.gov.uk.
#BuildBackBetter Resources
We’ve added more resources to our #BuildBackBetter/ Planning for the Future pages including Camden specific guides, risk assessment templates and downloadable signs. Find it all on the VAC website here.
Camden Social Prescribing and Care Navigation update
Social Prescribing and Care Navigation delivered by Age UK Camden, Voluntary Action Camden and Wish+ is operational, and adapted, as a point of access to services and support during the COVID 19 emergency.
Referral form can be found here. Minimum requirements are contact details and permission to contact the person needing support.
Freephone: 0800 193 6067 (please leave a message if no answer)
Secure NHS email (referrals only): camccg.socialprescribingreferral@nhs.net
Community Links email (enquiries and referrals): communitylinks@vac.org.uk
Keep in touch and up-to-date via the e-bulletin and @onecamden twitter. We have a comprehensive COVID-19 update page and a resources page.
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