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New VAC Forum – social isolation, loneliness, and community connectedness

We’ve recently new announced the latest VAC forum which will take place on Wednesday 12th June. Ahead of loneliness awareness week (10th-16th June), we will be highlighting a number of events and initiatives held by ourselves and other groups who are doing important work to challenge the stigma around loneliness. If your group in the Camden area is holding an event on this topic we’d like to hear from you, along with anyone else who is doing something to mark loneliness awareness week and what kinds of things you’ll be doing. Get in touch with us at social@vac.org.uk. 

New Groups Network

VAC’s Camden New Groups Network is a network for newly set-up organisations and anybody who considers starting a charity or social enterprise. The Network aims to bring people and organisations together to share, learn and develop for peer support, mentoring and networking.
To join in the Network please email VAC Membership Development Officer at vguetova@vac.org.uk 
The Network’s next online meeting will be on 29th of May from 12:00 to 13:00. To join in email vguetova@vac.org.uk for the online MS teams link.

Upcoming Training

• Dementia, Mental Capacity and Safeguarding Adults 11th June 10.00am – 16.00pm
• VAC Forum – Social isolation, loneliness and community connectedness 12th June, 10.00am – 11.00am
• Understanding online gaming and gambling harms 27th June, 1pm-2pm

More details in the Events and Training section

Barriers to volunteering affecting small charities the most
Reponses to Pro Bono Economics’ VCSE sector survey indicate that small charities experienced low volunteer numbers over the last 12 months, meaning many have been unable to meet their main objectives. The survey reports that volunteer recruitment challenges were less of an issue for large charities compared with last year, whereas small charities faced a struggle to recruit in the period up to May 2024.

Survey analyses cost-of-living crisis impact on the sector
Easyfundraising have released results from a new survey on how the cost-of-living crisis has affected charities over the last year. The survey focused on grassroots charities, and found that the vast majority of them reported worsening financial situations in 2023.

Every week VAC checks various sources for the latest funding opportunities relevant for Camden groups.

You can visit our website for a round up of the latest opportunities added this week:  Search for Funding – Voluntary Action Camden (vac.org.uk).

We’ve included a selection of the latest funds below but check out our new funding portal for many more opportunities.
If you need help sourcing or applying for funds, get in touch with our consultancy service, free for all Camden groups!

• Pilgrim Trust Young Women in Mind programme to help improve the mental health of women aged 16-25 in the UK.
• NHS Blood and Transplant’s Community Grants Programme for projects that address misinformation and barriers, share information, and increase support for donation among Black, Asian, mixed heritage and minority ethnic communities.
• Hubbub and Starbuck’s Eat it Up Fund to support UK registered organisations with an early-stage food waste project with potential for impact at scale.
• Scops Art Trust for registered charities, and other constituted, not-for-profit organisations to deliver projects and activities that help people to understand, participate in, and enjoy the arts, particularly the performing arts (music, drama, opera, and dance).
• Wolfson Foundation’s ‘Funding for Places’ Grants Programme accepting applications from charitable organisations and educational establishments in the UK who are seeking grants for capital initiatives, i.e. buildings (new build or refurbishment) and equipment.

VAC UPCOMING TRAINING

• Dementia, Mental Capacity and Safeguarding Adults 11th June, 10.00am – 16.00pm
• VAC Forum – Social isolation, loneliness and community connectedness 12th June, 10.00am – 11.00am
• Understanding online gaming and gambling harms 27th June, 1pm – 2pm

Find out more here: https://vac.org.uk/news-and-events/events/

Open to VAC Members only
If you are a voluntary service or group delivering services in Camden and are not a member of VAC, please join here: https://vac.org.uk/get-involved/membership

OTHER EVENTS

Invitation to Community Awards at UCL
Thursday, 30 May, 4:00 – 6:00 PM, Bloomsbury Theatre, UCL
A heartfelt thank you to the incredible volunteers and community organisations who make an impact on the communities in London! Join for an afternoon of inspiring stories, award presentations, and community building in the Bloomsbury Theatre before a catered reception. If you’re free earlier than 4:00pm, there’s the Volunteer Appreciation Social (book your space here) ahead of the ceremony from 2:30 PM, which includes an exciting array of board games and crafts activities, a photobooth, and some snacks and drinks to celebrate volunteering and kick off the awards with a blast You’ll get to meet student volunteers, counterparts in other community organisations and chat to the team ahead of the ceremony in the theatre.

Sounddelivery Media Festival of Learning 
Join Sounddelivery Media for their Festival of Learning – Harnessing the insights of leaders with lived experience including Charity Meetup on 11th – 20th June 2024. A festival pass will give you access to 20+ online masterclasses, learning lunches, peer discussions, wellbeing sessions, and a keynote talk by award-winning broadcaster Ashley John-Baptiste.  Create your own learning journey by picking & choosing from sessions on campaigning, pitching to the media, social media and more. 

Support the first ‘Lightning Hack’ event at UCL
Thursday 6th June 2.30-4.30pm
The Volunteering team at Students’ Union UCL have collaborated with Camden Council to host their first ever ‘Lightning Hack’ event – where groups of students will be connected with local community organisations to come up with ideas and solutions to current challenges pitched by you. 60 students are signed up so far and they are looking for 8 local community organisations to join on the day.  Please get in touch with oliver.peachey@ucl.ac.uk before Friday 31st May if you’d like to join.

CAWH’s special Film Night featuring The Grass Arena 
The Community Association for West Hampstead are inviting you to their special Film Night featuring The Grass Arena, directed by Gillies MacKinnon (who has a deep connection with the community centre, having once worked there as a volunteer) followed by Q&A with the director himself! The event will take place at West Hampstead Community Centre, 17 Dornfell Street, NW6 1QN, on Friday 24th May from 7pm, film starts at 7:30pm.

Sharing Spaces Sessions at Clarence Hall
Castlehaven Community Association has transformed Clarence Hall, nestled within the Clarence Way Estate (NW1 8RN), into a Sharing Space as part of a Think & Do Camden initiative to transform spaces into climate hubs. Throughout the summer, they will host a series of free and family-friendly workshops, talks and screenings on sustainable living, food growing, upcycling, energy usage, and more. Join them on Saturday, 8th of June, from 12pm for a free launch event and discover more about the workshops here.

Free Community Festival at the Likewise Community Centre 
The Zen Project and Mind in Camden bring to you another of their monthly festivals on Thursday 30th May to celebrate mental health and support the local Camden community. Open to all and all activities are free. Free food, massage, mindfulness sessions and more. Climb on board the big yellow American school bus and take part in activities to help create some calm and ease anxiety. With something for everyone, there’s no need to book – just turn up. More information here.

Talk for Health ‘Conscious Dance’ – celebrating movement
This Mental Health Awareness Week in 2024, Talk for Health is embracing the theme of ‘Movement’ with great enthusiasm. To celebrate, they’ve launched a unique event, ‘Conscious Dance,’ designed to encourage community and personal well-being through the joy of movement. Join them on Thursday 13th June 6-8pm @ Old Diorama Arts Centre. Sign up here.

Ambassadors for Change Community Event
Survivors Can Shine are delighted to invite you to this year’s Ambassadors for Change Community Event, taking place on Saturday 25th May 2024! SCS are thrilled to announce that the event will take place on the iconic Hampstead Heath, the first event of its kind to be held there! If you haven’t already, you can register here. The event will bring children, young people and the wider community together in collective strength in a positive movement for change. For more information email lily@survivorscanshine.org.uk or call 07878841675. 

Young Camden Foundation’s Pride Celebration
Did you know, in the Borough of Camden 17% of people do not identify as straight or heterosexual, higher than the national average! Join on Thursday 6th June for an evening of learning and conversation. From 6:00pm there will be a panel: Building Bridges: Strengthening Solidarity Between Camden’s LGBTQ+ CYP Organisations and Marginalised Communities featuring those working at leading LGBTQ+ organisations including Mosaic LGBT+ Young Persons’ Trust, Gendered Intelligence and ELOP. There will be a chance to network with others from within the sector and learn from each other on how to better support LGBTQ+ young people you work with.

Kurdish Community Meeting
A group of volunteers from the Kurdish Syrian Community Group are running events for the Kurdish Syrian diaspora and people from all ethnicities. The events are family-friendly with games, quizzes for adults, arts and fun activities for the kids.
The next Kurdish Community meeting in London is on Sunday 26th of May from 2.00-6.00pm at 24 Haverstock Hill, Chalk Farm, NW3 2BQ.

Senior Manager – Reach Out Camden & Community Services 

Would you like to take on an interesting and varied senior management role and be part of a community mental health charity? Mind in Camden are looking for someone with at least two years of management experience in mental health or related services who can lead and further develop Reach Out services. More information here.
Closing date: 10th June 2024

Hearing Voices Projects Development Worker
Also at Mind in Camden, this vacancy in the Hearing Voices Projects team involves supporting and developing innovative support services for people who hear voices, see visions, have other sensory experiences, altered states or unshared beliefs. Mind in Camden are looking for someone with knowledge of peer support and a range of perspectives on mental health. Job description and application details here.
Closing date: Sunday 30th June 2024

Trustees needed at The Winch
The Winch seeks three trustees passionate about child development and aligned with their values of integrity and collaboration. If you’re eager to enhance leadership skills and drive positive change in North Camden, apply by May 27. They seek expertise in property development, philanthropy, and financial strategy. Join them in fostering vibrant communities. Apply now. 

Age UK Camden Dementia Wellbeing Worker
Age UK Camden Dementia Wellbeing Service is looking to recruit a Dementia Wellbeing Worker to join their team working 35 hours per week on a permanent basis. The service supports Camden residents over the age of 55 in the early or moderate stages of dementia, to live independently and safely at home for as long as possible, stay socially engaged and carry on doing what they love. Age UK Camden are looking to fill this post on an immediate basis so they will be interviewing shortlisted candidates on a rolling basis.
Closing Date: 31st May.

Volunteering Opportunities at Abbey Community Centre
ACC are looking for volunteer befrienders to help reduce isolation by regularly visiting individuals over 60s in their homes and help provide ad hoc support. If you’re passionate in Children’s Services and family support, you can volunteer in assisting running creative and fun activities for under 5s whilst building relationships with their parents and carers. Other volunteering opportunities available, please contact vol-opps@abbeycc-kilburn.org.uk with any questions. 

Go! London Young Entrepreneurs Start Up Programme 
Does your organisation work with young people in London who may be interested in starting a sports-related business? The Go! London Young Entrepreneurs Start Up Programme is currently looking for 25 young people to take part in an exciting programme delivered by the School for Social Entrepreneurs in London. But they need help to find them! Those working with young people are invited to come along to a briefing session to find out more about the programme and give you the information you need to refer people to the programme. The session will take place on Thursday 23rd May from 5pm – 6pm, and you can register here.

Camden social isolation campaign
Are you working on loneliness or social isolation in Camden? Get in touch with Camden Council! They are launching a campaign to raise awareness of loneliness. As part of this, they are keen to showcase stories about the work local groups and organisations are doing to reduce loneliness in our borough and help residents connect with the local community. If you are delivering or have delivered a project to reduce loneliness or social isolation, contact lucy.jacob@camden.gov.uk.

Opportunities for Camden Young School Governors 
This free opportunity on Thursday 6th June from 12.30-1.30pm includes training and support, for those keen to learn about the Camden Young Governors’ Pathway to Governance Programme, and find out how you can give back to the borough while gaining valuable skills and knowledge by volunteering as a school governor. You can register or find out more here.

Healthwatch Camden are looking for volunteers
Do you want to help improve health and social care services in Camden? Healthwatch Camden are your local health champion, and they are seeking volunteers who will help them to engage directly with the local community and represent their voices to decision-makers. Depending on your interests, you can choose to help with research work, health promotion activities, or even become trained as authorised visitors to local services. Please contact info@healthwatchcamden.co.uk to sign up today.

Free one-day leisure centre pass for over 60s 
Last chance for over 60s to claim free one-day leisure centre pass! Camden over 60s can claim a FREE one-day leisure centre pass to try out swimming, classes and gym facilities in any Camden Better Leisure Centre. There are less than 100 free passes left. To claim yours and browse the wide range of free and low cost physical activities for over 60s in Camden visit here.

Panel recruitment for We Make Camden Kit fund
Camden Giving are aiming to recruit 10-12 Camden residents who will access training and support, to decide how this year’s funds are best spent through their participatory grant giving process. They particularly welcome applications from people from communities and groups that are underrepresented in decision making. These are LGBTQ+ people, men, people with disabilities, care leavers, people under 25 and people from the global majority.
Deadline for applications: Friday 30th May

Local VCS Newsletters

If you would like your Camden VCS newsletter added to this list, please email social@vac.org.uk

Looking for a previous newsletter entry? Find it in our archive here

Find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here

*Please note there will be no VAC newsletter next week (Friday 31st May). Instead look out for a quarterly update from our CEO, Keith Morgan!*

Our mailing address is:
Greenwood Centre, Greenwood Place, London, NW5 1LB

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