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Upcoming Training & Events

Our next VAC Trustees Network event: Fundraising Tips for Trustees.

The event, which will be co-hosted with Volunteer Centre Camden, will consist of three parts: we’ll be starting with some expert guest speakers from All Ways Network, following up with a Q&A facilitated session and then finally an opportunity to network with fellow attendees. To find out more, and book your tickets, visit our website.

• Understanding online gaming and gambling harms 27th June, 1pm-2pm
• Fundraising Tips for Trustees 12th July, 6pm-7pm.

More details in the Events and Training section

“Radical honesty” essential for inclusivity
Charity leaders have spoken about the need for radical honesty as a building block for anti-racist, inclusive organisations, at a panel on the Third Sector conference this week. Speakers from Reframing Race and Girls Friendly Society offered insights into how the sector can look at changing cultures and processes.

Government urged to improve volunteer movement
The Charity Retail Association (CRA) has published a manifesto with a list of recommendations for the next government to help promote a culture of reuse and waste reduction and make it easier for volunteers to move between charities. The manifesto centres the success and importance of charity shops and how, in order to maintain that, processes for volunteers must be improved. 

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!

• Rosa’s Stand With Us Fund – grants are available for not-for-profit women’s and girls’ organisations delivering frontline services in the UK addressing male violence against women and girls.
• Energy Saving Trust’s Carbon Emissions Reduction for not-for-profit groups in Great Britain for projects that empower householders to reduce their carbon emissions and engage positively with the transition to net zero and for the development of innovative products and services related to energy.
• Islamic Relief UK is offering grants of between £1,000 and £40,000 for voluntary, community, and social enterprise sector organisations across the UK to deliver projects that support marginalised and vulnerable people and their communities.
• Co-op Local Community Fund – supporting projects in Co-op members’ communities that help to create Sustainable Future for People and the Planet (the themes for this year).
• Ofgem Energy Industry Voluntary Redress Scheme – grants are available to registered charities for projects supporting people in or at risk of fuel poverty across England, Scotland and Wales.

VAC UPCOMING TRAINING

• Understanding online gaming and gambling harms 27th June, 1pm – 2pm
• Fundraising Tips for Trustees 10th July, 6pm-7pm

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

First-ever Camden Schools Art Biennale
This summer, a new Camden Schools Art Biennale hosted by Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London, with Camden Council and Camden Learning, is coming to Granary Square, King’s Cross. From 11 to 17 July, visitors to the free exhibition will be able explore hundreds of artworks by Camden schoolchildren, with creative work by every school and every key stage of learning – from primary and special schools to secondary schools, through to A-level.

Queer Brown Stories’ Launch Party!
Join for the launch of ‘Queer Brown Stories’! Expect fun activities, food, music, and stalls showcasing community groups and artists. ‘Queer Brown Stories’ is a mural celebrating the diverse experiences of Queer South Asian existence within cities and explores the community’s hopes for the future of Camley Street – and is part of Camden Council’s inclusive development of the neighbourhood.
7th July, Camley Street Underpass Gallery, near 120 Camley Street, N1C 4PG

Invitation: explore the past and present of Kilburn
The One Kilburn Community Fund winners, Electronic Sheep, would like to invite you on a journey through Kilburn’s history – exploring its vibrant past and dynamic present in motion for their film, Kilburn in Motion, on 29th June. This is the first of a series of workshops and events that forms part of the making of the film, Kilburn in Motion. There are 25 spaces available for this event. Find out more and reserve your free space here. Any questions, do not hesitate to get in contact with electronicsheep@gmail.com.

Young Camden Foundation’s Summer Party
YCF are celebrating their 7th birthday with a summer party – an evening filled with fun, laughter, and community spirit at Papier HQ in Camden. Including a raffle, refreshments and bubbly, performances by local talented performers and speeches, plus the opportunity to connect with community members, local businesses, councillors and young people and everyone in between. 
10th July, 39 Plender Street, NW1 0DT

Take back Control of the Climate Crisis Narrative
The climate crisis has dozens of causes, all together creating the existential threat the world faces. Weigh them all up in a facilitated game-based workshop, find out what others think from different world views and discuss where it leaves us. Forget about pessimism, take back control of the narrative.
June 24th, Islington Climate Centre, 21 Parkfield Street, N1 0PS

Heath Hands 25th Birthday + Community Fun Day
Heath Hands, the conservation and community charity for Hampstead Heath turns 25 this year and to celebrate, they’ve made a short film about their activities – view it here! You can also join them for the Hampstead Heath Community Fun Day at the Parliament Hill Bandstand from 1-5pm on Sunday 23rd June. Including hula hooping, South Asian dancing, live music, face painting, henna, nature activities, art activities, Bike MOTs and more! More information here.

Castlehaven Urban Gardening Talk 
Award-winning gardener Mark Soanes will be delivering a talk all about garden design principles and it’s correlation with the environment on the 29th June from 2 – 4 pm. Booking is essential – please catherine@castlehaven.org.uk.

VCC Volunteer Manager’s Forum
Join Volunteer Centre Camden online on Tuesday 2nd July for networking and peer support in the company of volunteer managers from everywhere. Topics are decided by you on the day and booking is free. VCC’s forums are peer-to-peer learning, in which the group on the day will work through solutions together.

Zen in Mind – Free Community Festival
The Zen Project and Mind in Camden bring to you one of a series of monthly festivals 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 one of many activities to help create some calm and ease anxiety. Something for everyone. No need to book – just turn up. More information here.
Thursday 27th June, 12pm-4pm, Swiss Cottage, 8 Fairhazel Gardens, NW6 3SG 

People’s Museum of Somers Town – various events
‘Rough City’ – Exhibition Opening – 21st-22nd June 5-9pm
BA Interior Architecture final year student work from Middlesex University focusing on the effect of the homogenisation of the built environment through design intervention in the Coal Drops Yard development in Kings Cross. 
Retro Vinyl Night – Thursday 27th June, 6pm
People’s Museum retro vinyl club, led by DJ Flytowhitneysmoon. Bring your own vinyls with you, or just come along and hear what others have to share.
All events are taking place at People’s Museum, 52 Phoenix Rd, NW1 1ES

CAWH Healthy Morning Walk
Free of Charge ( Pay for your drinks and snacks). Contact: Beatrice on 0207 794 3729 or by email beatrice@cawh.org.uk. An opportunity to meet at the centre and go for a healthy morning walk together to encourage each other and meet new people. Anyone can join! (over 18). Meet at the West Hampstead Community centre. 25th June from 11am to 12:30pm, West Hampstead Community Centre, 17 Dornfell Street, NW6 1QN.

Kurdish Community meeting
The next Kurdish Community meeting in London is on Sunday 23rd June from 2.00 – 6.00 pm at 24 Haverstock Hill, Chalk Farm, NW3 2BQ. The meetings are run on a monthly basis by Kurdish volunteers in order to help the community get together, celebrate ethnic identity, share knowledge in a sociable, cultural, educational and family friendly setting.  All ethnicities are welcome. 

Hearing Voices Projects Development Worker
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

Job Opportunity: Assistant Workshop Facilitator 
Camden are seeking an enthusiastic Assistant Workshop Facilitator to support Healing Choir, a new weekly vocal gathering in Kilburn’s Tin Tabernacle. The role involves assisting the lead artist, Sharon Gal, with preparation, organization, and participant support. Ideal candidates have experience with diverse groups, are friendly, resourceful, punctual, and knowledgeable about Health & Safety practices. A basic DBS check is required. To apply, send your CV and supporting statement to paprikacollective@gmail.com. 

Age UK Camden Day Care Centre Manager 
Age UK Camden are looking for a skilled and experienced Day Care Centre Manager for the centre – Great Croft, for older people in Camden –  based in Kings Cross. Their centres provide a wide range of activities as well as being specialist Day Care Centres caring for older people with complex needs. The Day Care Centres also provide a hot lunch and a range of special events. The dedicated, specialist team support people with care needs, including those living with mild – moderate dementia and complex needs.
Closing date: Monday 8th July 2024

Age UK Camden Fundraising Manager 
Age UK Camden are looking for a dynamic, experienced Fundraising Manager who will manage a portfolio of work that ranges from Fundraising, Income Generation in areas such as the Charity Retail Shop, Marketing and Communications and Community and Corporate Engagement. The role also involves working closely with the CEO and the external bid writer who focuses on funding from Trusts and Grants
Closing date: Monday 15^th July 2024 

Two Promoter Roles at People’s Museum Somers Town
Summer jobs – Story Bike: A chance to develop a new social action service from grounds up. Opportunity for an outgoing natural promoter keen to help less mobile people. Paid ‘Service Developer’ contract roles, cyclist and volunteer opportunities. More information about both roles here. Please contact with CV info@aspaceforus.club.

Little Village Baby Bank Manager
Do you have what it takes to lead an amazing team of staff and volunteers to make a big difference to families across London? Little Village are looking for a Baby Bank Manager who can unite and inspire members of the Camden Hub to help them to give more young children across the capital the things they need to thrive.
Deadline: 9th July 

Street Storage (Homelessness Charity) Seeks Volunteer
Street Storage is the only UK charity providing free, accessible and safe storage for people experiencing homelessness. They are looking for someone who can play a vital role in the safe storage of people’s most prized possessions and be part of a team who aims to create a warm, welcoming safe space for people who store with them. Duties would consist of getting people’s bags and cases to and from the storage unit when they drop in for belongings as well as greeting people, offering refreshments and generally being on hand for staff and people using Street Storage alike. So a people person with a bit of muscle would be perfect! Please contact caroline.allouf@streetstorage.org.

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. 

Youth Safety Multi-Media Competition – enter your project
Camden’s annual Youth Safety Multi-Media Competition aims to raise awareness of the issues affecting the safety of young people in Camden and encourage young people to come together and think about their concerns, aspirations and hopes for the future. The competition is open to children and young people in Camden aged 10 to 18. Entries must be by children and young people in partnership with their school, youth organisation or play centre.

Unlock your mentoring potential with the Winch
Looking for support with your mentoring programme? In partnership with the Mayor of London, The Winch are very excited to offer your organisation a unique opportunity to support your mentoring practice. Working with a team of grassroots professionals, you will gain access to micro grants, training and framework implementation masterclasses among others. Contact daniel@thewinch.org
Call for Proposal: Learning Partner
The Winch is seeking to commission a learning partner for the Good Neighbourhood Project, a three-year initiative that supports residents to lead in imagining and building towards fairer, greener local neighbourhoods. Their aim is to learn in order to embed practices and approaches and demonstrate accountability to the people they engage.

Carol Street Workshop Available to Lease
A property on Carol Street, close to Camden Underground, is available. This property owned by Camden Council and is being reserved for incorporated charities and community groups.  A further rent reduction of 50% is available for eligible organisations. An open day will take place on Wednesday 3rd July between 10-1pm.  For further details please visit the Council’s website. 

Free Courses from We Find Any Learner
New courses are available from We Find Any Learner, with three of the most popular online courses being offered free of charge. To find out more, head to the website, where you can sign up or look through the full list of courses. To sign up, you will need to be at least 19 years old, residing in England and not currently enrolled in an apprenticeship programme.

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