Alex Charles

• 16th – 23rd February: Mental Health First Aid
• 17th February: Budgeting for your Project
• 18th February: Project Management
• 19th February: Project Management Starter
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• 6th March: Fundraising and Income Generation Strategy
• 13th March: Project Management Introduction
• 31st March: Introduction to Social Enterprise and Business Planning

News From VAC
Voluntary Action Camden e-Bulletin 16th January 2015

Highlights: Visiting the VCS; Housing allocation consultation 2015; Camden Learning Disabilities Forum; Camden Council VCS Engagement; Ageing Better in Camden; Setting up Parish Councils ; VoiceAbility Dual Diagnosis Report; Camden People First hate and mate crime; SOAS Concert Series; First Thursday London ; Waccess; Superfast Broadband Vouchers; Camden Dear BSL Event; plus news, funding, events, jobs, volunteering and more.

NEWS

Visiting the VCS
Starting in early 2015 the Community and Third Sector team would like spend a bit more time working more closely with Camden’s voluntary and community organisations to see at first hand some of the challenges – as well as the achievements – that you face. The team would like you to invite one person from our team who will work from your building or office for one day per month for three months (or longer if all goes well!). We will bring our laptops – all we will need is a table or desk and access to your wi fi – perhaps there would be space in your reception area. We will be getting on with our own work – but happy to lend a hand informally if needed. Hopefully this will enable the Community and Third Sector team and VCS colleagues to get to know each other better and help us have a better understanding of some of your day to day work. If you are interested in taking part please email Noor.Al-Baddawy@camden.gov.uk or call her on 020 7974 6626.

Housing allocation consultation 2015
There will be a special lunchtime briefing for people working in the voluntary sector on Monday 23rd February at 11.30am-1pm at: 5 Pancras Square, London, N1C 4AG
To book a place, please contact Zoe Goldblum or Giovanni Bruggi (see below).
If your organisation has a regular meeting (either with staff or service users) and you would like a member of the housing allocation consultation team to attend to give a presentation on the proposed changes to the scheme and answer any questions, please contact either Zoe Goldblum or Giovanni Bruggi (see below).
For more information, to book a place for a workshop or the special briefing or to arrange another meeting, please contact:
• Zoe Goldblum, Senior Policy Officer, Zoe.Goldblum@camden.gov.uk or call 020 7974 4544.
• Giovanni Bruggi, Business Support Officer, Giovanni.Bruggi@camden.gov.uk or call 020 7974 5519

Camden Learning Disabilities Forum Wednesday 4th February, 6pm – 8pm
At Charlie Ratchford Resource Centre, Belmont Street Chalk Farm, NW1 8HF.
Topics for discussion we will be :
• Learning about computers
• The Care Act
• A Camden Financial Challenge update
If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact:
Rena Toufexis, Engagement Coordinator, Telephone: 020 7974 3265 Rena.Toufexis@camden.gov.uk

Camden Council VCS Engagement
Message from Cllr Abdul Hai, Cabinet Member for Customers, Communities & Culture: The voluntary and community sector in Camden makes an enormous contribution in supporting local communities and helping us as a Council deliver for our residents. However, as a sector you have told us that our relationships are not as clear or consistent they might be. Also, we face significant financial challenges. By 2017, our funding from central government will have been cut in half. The scale of these cuts mean that changes to our funding arrangements with the sector will be unavoidable.
In early December we invited the VCS organisations we currently fund to give us their perspective on our current relationship and what needs to change to ensure we are able to work together more effectively in the future. The workshop was well attended, with over 70 people including staff and trustees from the invited organisations, Council Cabinet members, and senior council officers. A summary of what the VCS attendees told us is at http://www.wearecamden.org/tackling-the-financial-challenge-with-the-vcs/
We wish to use that feedback to begin a process where together we redesign our relationship to deliver better outcomes in our local communities. The process will include organisations we do not support financially as well as those we currently fund.
The next event will take place at the Camden Centre, on 27th January between 9.30 and 12.30. If you want to attend, please contact noor.al-baddawy@camden.gov.uk . This engagement process will run until the end of March, so if you cannot attend you will not have missed your opportunity to contribute – just let us know and you will receive feedback from the event and notification of how to get involved in the future.
We greatly appreciate the sector’s contribution to our aims and I hope you will take the opportunity to get involved, whether we fund you or not.

Ageing Better in Camden, funded by the Big Lottery, will be advertising tenders for contracts from January 2014:
· Community Connectors (volunteers support isolated older people to re-engage with their local communities)
· Intergenerational Projects
· Men’s Projects
· Digital Inclusion Projects (tablet training)
· Evaluation of the Programme
· LGBT Asset Based Community Development
· Other aspects of the programme including work with the Bangladeshi community, and neighbourhood approaches (Somers Town & St Pancras; Gospel Oak and Haverstock; Regents Park; and one area to be identified) will be tendered at a later date
These will be advertised from January 23rd 2014 onwards in VAC bulletin and on Age UK Camden’s website. VAC has offered to hold a ‘register of partners’. If you are interested in bidding for a tender with Ageing Better in Camden as a partner you can register that interest with VAC, who will share your details with other interested organisations. Please note that Ageing Better in Camden is seeking to contract with one organisation or consortia per contract. If you enter into a partnership you will need to decide which organisation is responsible for legal, financial and delivery matters within your partnership. If you want to be on the ‘register of partners,’ please contact Ricky or Monica on 02072846550, or download the form here.
In addition if you are looking to develop an intergenerational project application, Camden adult social care can offer advice, training and networking to support you to find local partners, and help you to plan and run your intergenerational activities and programmes. Contact: Vanda Carter, Intergenerational development officer vanda.carter@camden.gov.uk / 020 7974 2810.
For more information on Ageing Better in Camden please visit www.ageukcamden.org.uk or contact corinna.hyman@ageukcamden.org.uk or Julia.shelley@ageukcamden.org.uk

Setting up Parish Councils in London Neighbourhoods on 22nd January 2015 1-3pm
VAC will be hosting a seminar about setting up Parish Councils in London neighbourhoods.
National Association of Local Councils (NALC) will explain changes that will make it easier for Neighbourhood Planning Forums to become Parish Councils, and how community groups can access funds to support new campaigns.
We will also hear from groups who have just received grants to explore the feasibility of Parish Councils in their neighbourhoods in Camden and Southwark. Further details will be sent out in early January! You can contact Donna Turnbull to book a place. Email dturnbull@vac.org.uk Tel: 0207 284 6567

VoiceAbility Dual Diagnosis Report Published
Camden service users, supported by VoiceAbility, have been working on a dual diagnosis project. It has brought together people with experience of mental health and substance use issues to look at the support they have received from local health and social care services.
The research found that it was often difficult for service users to get support for their mental health issues and substance use issues at the same time. This sometimes resulted in people not wanting to be open about the different issues they have for fear it may affect the support they receive.
Recommendations made by the group include:
· To support frontline staff to help service users feel they can be honest about their experiences
· To make greater efforts to engage people at different stages of their recovery
· To explore a ‘no wrong door’ service that can support people with a dual diagnosis
· To conduct further research into the experiences of people with dual diagnosis
The project’s full report is launched today (available online here).

Camden People First hate and mate crime community project
Camden Peole First offer 1 to 1 support from the office in Camden. We give hate and mate crime workshops on Mondays. To find out more about Camden People First. call 020 73 88 20 07 or email: info@camdenpeoplefirst.co.uk or come to 215 Eversholt Street (Ampthill Square), London NW1 1DE

SOAS Concert Series in 2015
Friday 16 January 2015 LONDON SACRED HARP: Early Music from the New World
Friday 23 January 2015 OLCAY BAYIR:Anatolian Song Sketches
Friday 06 February 2015 A OCA:Earthy yet Sophisticated Amazonian Traditions
Monday 23 February 2015 UK CHINESE MUSIC ENSEMBLE: The Sound of Silk and Bamboo
Monday 16 March 2015 JYOTSNA SRIKANTH: Carnatic Nomad with a Violin
Thursday 23 April 2015 LONDON KLEZMER QUARTET: Fresh and Timeless: Klezmer As We Love It!
SOAS World Music Summer School. In June/July 2015 the SOAS Music Dpt will run again its successful World Music Summer School. The course programme will be announced in February.
Check www.soas.ac.uk/summermusicschool for details and updates. Enquiries: E musicevents@soas.ac.uk, T 020 7898 4500

First Thursday London Thursday, February 5, 2015 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Back at The British Library, this month’s event is all about Social Finance and Investment.
We’ve got a great speaker; Caroline Forster is the Group Director of Investments and Deputy Chief Executive of the Social Investment Business Foundation.
Caroline will be sharing some of her thoughts about social finance, how it can help grow your business and help realise the potential in your business.
As ever, there will also be the usual news updates and the opportunity to meet like minded people.
At The Business & Innovation Centre The British Library Click here to register.

Waccess
A Youth Club Event as part of Disabled Access Day on Saturday 17th January, 4 – 6pm at Wac Arts. Open to all young people 12 – 18 years old. Games, table tennis, drumming and more.
RSVP to Kate kate.watson@wacarts.co.uk

Superfast Broadband Vouchers
Super Connected Cities enables organisations (includes SME, registered charities, social enterprises or sole traders) to apply for up to £3000 of funding for a faster broadband connection. This will enable participating organisations to transfer data quickly, work in the cloud and access high speed broadband (usually of 30Mbit/s or more) to increase productivity.
The voucher scheme offer ends on 31 March 2014. More details at the Super Connected Cities website.

Are you Deaf from Camden? Do you use BSL?
Come and tell us what you think about GP Services for Deaf people in Camden
Local people have told Healthwatch Camden that it can be difficult to communicate with GP practices when you are Deaf.
We are keen find out more by talking to people who are Deaf. We’d like to know about the ways in which being Deaf may make it more difficult for you to access the GP services to which you are entitled. Do you have suggestions for what might make things easier?
Friday 23rd January 2015, 10am – 12 noon at Voluntary Action Camden, 2nd Floor Meeting Room
293-299 Kentish Town Road, London, NW5 2TJ
Discussion will be conducted in BSL. BSL interpreters provided.
To register please contact: Graham Welton, BDA at cdolondon@bda.org.uk or Anna Wright, Healthwatch Camden anna.wright@healthwatchcamden.co.uk

The Capacity Building Bulletin is produced monthly, targeting the community and voluntary sector in Camden. It provides up to date/recently live information and news on funding and training. To access the latest information please follow the Link www.camden.gov.uk/cbbulletin

Women’s Therapy Centre, Camden Federation of Private Tenants, Kentish Town City Farm, Kentish Town Community Centre, Henna Asian Women’s Group and Camden PA are recruiting. See Jobs and Volunteers section below.

Camden Shares. The website for exchanges in Camden. www.camdenshares.org.uk

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

FUNDING NEWS

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

Opportunity for capital funding for VCS organisations in:
1) Holborn & Covent Garden Ward
2) Kings Cross Ward
The Council is in receipt of money arising from property developments in both of the wards above, as a result of Section 106 (S106) obligations on property developers, under Camden’s Planning Guidance.
This opportunity relates only to money provided to improve community facilities, it does not relate to S106 money received for other purposes, such as infrastructure and parks and open spaces.
If you would like to make a proposal for S106 capital money for community facilities, and your premises and service provision fits these criteria, please provide a brief description:
• How much money you are seeking – an estimate is fine at this stage
• What it will be used for
• Any relevant deadlines
• Please provide a brief statement that relates to each of these criteria:
• Any allocation needs to ensure that the recipient’s facilities / services are available for the local community to mitigate impact of the development that provides the S106 money.
• Has the organisation / facility received S106 Community Facilities funding before? If yes, when, how much and for what purpose?
• Does the capital project requiring support have any match funding or pledges of match funding?
• How the improvement or expansion of the existing community facility meet Camden Plan priorities (www.camden.gov.uk/camdenplan) and the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy four investment tests (www.camden.gov.uk/ccm/content/council-and-democracy/publications-and-finances/twocolumn/camden-financial-challenge-.en?page=3).
• Is the community facility one of the following:
o Owned by the organisation?
o Occupied on a long-term lease?
o Owned by the council?
• Recipients should allow their services to be accessible to the whole community.
Please provide this by the 30th of January, officers intend to consider the proposals during February, and discuss with relevant ward councillors and Cabinet Members.
Note that there are two separate processes, one for each ward.
For Kings Cross Ward, please contact adam.demosthenous@camden.gov.uk
For Holborn & Covent Garden Ward, please contact jeff.hopwood@camden.gov.uk

Origin Housing Community Chest grant programme.
You can apply for grants of up to £500 for a projects in neighbourhoods where Origin Housing has homes. The application process is extremely quick, simple and completely on-line. The application literally takes 5-10 minutes to complete. We are particularly interested in funding projects that fall within one of these three themes:
1. Building stronger communities
2. Celebrating our heritage
3. Gardening and environmental
For more information, including application guidelines, detailed criteria and the application form please visit our website here: http://www.originhousing.org.uk/community/community-grants-programme.aspx
If you have any queries or would like to have an informal chat about a project please get in touch with Jon Foster, Resident Involvement & Community Initiatives Coordinator, Origin Housing. Tel: 020 7209 9267 Mobile: 07872 002 353 email: jon.foster@originhousing.org.uk
Please click here to see a map showing where Origin Housing has homes.
The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday 30th January. Please get your applications in early to avoid disappointment, as the next round of applications won’t open until April 2015.

The Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust- Bid for Better
The Bid for Better membership engagement scheme awards grants of up to £400 towards activities or equipment to improve patient experience, promote mental wellbeing or make our services more accessible.
As well as Trust service users, we would like to encourage bids from external organisations whose service users would be benefitted in any of the above ways.
Your idea should benefit two or more patients or service users. 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 all as much detail as possible.
You can apply online http://www.tavistockandportman.nhs.uk/about-us/join-us/patient-and-public-involvement-ppi/bid-better/apply-bid-better-funding
or you can request a form by post or email by contacting the PPI team.
The closing date for applications is Thursday 5th March 2015.
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.
If you have questions about the process or need help to complete your application form, a member of the PPI team will be more than happy to assist you. Please contact us by telephone or email or you can pop into the PPI office on the ground floor of the Tavistock Centre.
Email: PPI@tavi-port.nhs.uk Telephone: 020 8938 2059

The Galaxy Hot Chocolate Fund
The Galaxy hot Chocolate Fund is open for applications again, offering small grants to help small, local community groups and charities across the UK and Ireland.
Now in its fourth year, the Fund will distribute five £300 awards each week, one of which will be for the applicant that attracts the most support on the Fund’s website that week.
The Fund is open for entries until 23 February 2015.
Applications for funds from the Galaxy Hot Chocolate Fund can be made here.

Camden Carers Service Urgent Brief Breaks
Every carer knows when things reach a critical pitch and the pressure valve is about to blow.
That’s when you may need an Urgent Brief Break!
If you provide unpaid care for someone who lives in the London Borough of Camden then you may be eligible
Referrals can be made by a Professional or you can refer yourself
For more information please call Angela 020 7428 8950 or email referrals@camdencarer.org.uk

Don’t forget to sign up to Funding Central for free email funding alerts. Go to www.fundingcentral.org.uk/

VAC EVENTS

VAC has a full programme of courses coming up: Click here to find out more. All courses are ?25 for members (unless otherwise stated).

Mental Health First Aid Training at VAC
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a nationally approved two-day course, designed for anyone without specialist mental health training. The course promotes awareness of mental health issues, and trains non-mental health professionals to recognise those affected by mental health problems and to offer initial help and guidance towards professional support. This can lead to improved outcomes for those affected, their families, friends, colleagues and employers.
Participants will receive a copy of the MHFA manual and certificate on completion of the course.
Do you have any questions or want to book a place?
Contact the Mental Health Team at Voluntary Action Camden:
Maureen Brewster on mbrewster@vac.org.uk or 020 7284 6563
Ann Wolfe on awolfe@vac.org.uk or 020 7284 6565
Sue Dowd on sdowd@vac.org.uk or 020 7284 6559
Next course dates: Monday 16th February and Monday 23rd February 2015

New VAC Training Programme

• 22nd January: Project Management Starter
• 29th January: Effective Minute Taking
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• 16th – 23rd February: Mental Health First Aid
• 17th February: Budgeting for your Project
• 18th February: Project Management
• 19th February: Project Management Starter
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• 6th March: Fundraising and Income Generation Strategy
• 13th March: Project Management Introduction
• 31st March: Introduction to Social Enterprise and Business Planning

Dementia Friends Information Sessions
Would you like to improve your understanding of dementia and what it might be like to live with the condition?
People with dementia sometimes need a helping hand to go about their daily lives and feel included in their local community. Dementia Friends is about raising awareness and encouraging people to do the small things that can make a difference to people living with dementia – from helping someone find the right bus to spreading the word about dementia. The initiative, run by the Alzheimer’s Society, aims to create a network of one million Dementia Friends across England by 2015.
Dementia Friends Information Sessions are short, interactive and fun. If you would like VAC to run a session for your organisation or community group, please contact Ann Wolfe on awolfe@vac.org.uk or call 020 7284 6565. For more information see the Dementia Friends website: http://www.dementiafriends.org.uk/
OTHER EVENTS

Introduction to Volunteering workshop, Tuesday 20th January
There are still some spaces left at this participatory workshop next week. We will be looking at different ways of getting involved in the local community, the benefits that come from giving your time to help others, and practical ways to go about this. We’ll also hear from a current volunteer, and there’ll be a chance to sign up on the day for one of a range of exciting local opportunities. Snacks and drinks provided.
Tuesday 20th January, 10am – 12pm, 1A Arts Centre, 1A Roseberry Avenue, Clerkenwell, EC1R 4SR
To sign up, contact
Shadin Dowson-Zeidan, BME Project Worker at Volunteer Centre Camden:
shadin@volunteercentrecamden.org.uk | 020 7424 9990
or Hanif Ahmed, Bangladeshi Community Outreach Worker at Holborn Community Association:
hanif.ahmed@holborncommunity.co.uk | 020 7405 2370 Ext 3

Mental Health Forum, Tuesday 27th January 2015 at 6pm – 8pm
In the Conference Hall, Conference Centre, St Pancras Hospital.
Topics for discussion:
~ Assuring quality in services at the Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust – Colin Plant, Director of Integrated Care
~ The Prevention Fund – Richard Elphick/Julia Chappell. Strategic Commissioning Team Mental Health Camden Council
Chair: Councillor Maeve McCormack
Do you need help to travel to and from the forum or to take part? If so, please contact Rena Toufexis by Thursday 22 January 2015; Telephone: 020 7974 3265; Email: rena.toufexis@camden.gov.uk; Text Phone: 020 7974 6866

Camden CCG and Cancer Research UK are delivering a cancer awareness workshop for individuals who work or volunteer within the Camden community.
This is particularly relevant for those who work with people at risk of developing cancer, such as the elderly. The workshop empowers volunteers and community members in Camden with the knowledge, skills and confidence to talk about Cancer.
By attending the workshop you will:
~ Increase your knowledge of key messages around cancer prevention, screening and early diagnosis
~ Build your confidence to talk to the public about cancer
~ Help you to encourage people to make lifestyle changes, access local services and visit their GP promptly with any concerns
The workshop will be held from 9:00 to 12:00 on Thursday, 19 February 2015 at St Pancras Hospital.
The event is sponsored by Camden CCG’s Long Term Conditions and Cancer programme. Free.
To book a ticket or for more information contact ltceducation@camdenccg.nhs.uk or telephone 0203 688 2071.

Creating Connections 9
Thursday 5th February 6 – 8pm, UCL Main Quad Events Venue, Gower Street, WC1E 6BT
Creating Connections is our regular networking event that brings together university staff and postgraduate students with representatives from community organisations, charities, residents’ groups, social enterprises and statutory organisations. The evening is a mixture of themed discussions in small groups with more informal hob-nobbing; the aim is to find areas of common interest and collaborative working.
Our February event will have a particular focus on the commissioning of public services. It will be of value to anyone interested in how the higher education and the voluntary & community sectors can collaborate.
Themes will include:
~ Criminal Justice / Rights & Advice services
~ Health
~ Education
~ Innovation
~ Social Enterprise
~ The changing face of commissioning
Note that the event is a short networking event for people interested in these issues – a starting point for finding like-minded people you might want to collaborate with. It’s intended for experts, beginners and everyone in between. It’s not a conference and there won’t be long plenary speeches or workshops!
Light refreshments will be provided. Register at uclu.org/creating-connections

Community Voices for Health (CV4H) Network event Monday 9th February 2015, 2 – 5pm
Help us shape our future health priorities at Conference room, Voluntary Action Islington
This half day event is aimed at CV4H members [see also below for non members]. It will:
• Provide an overview of LVSC and University of East London discussions with UCL Partners
• Explain more about the UCL Partners programme and hear from Fiona McKenzie, Patient Experience and User Involvement Project Manager for London Cancer, the Integrated Cancer System for North Central and North East London and West Essex within UCL Partners.
• Report on VCS impact on reducing Health Inequalities – feed-back from conference and next steps?
• Help to shape potential future priorities for CV4H in the context of UCL Partners’ programme, as well as inform LVSC’s strategic health programme through its membership of Regional Voices.
• Help to shape future priorities for VCS engagement to inform LVSC strategic priorities.
I hope you will join us. If you aren’t currently a member of the network (or aren’t sure if you are) but would like to come to the event, please contact Sandra van der Feen, LVSC: sandra@lvsc.org.uk in the first instance.

The Living Centre: supplier day 30th January 2015
The Wellcome Trust, Gibbs Building, 215 Euston Road, London, NW1 2BE
From the Crick’s inception, engaging with the local community and being a good neighbour has been a priority. To help achieve our goals, we’ve been developing plans for an exciting new venture: a community space in the Crick, independent from the institute – called the Living Centre – that will be run in partnership with the community.
The Crick will be looking for an organisation or consortium to run the Living Centre, and is planning to hold a half-day workshop with interested suppliers to help in the development of the specification and evaluation for the procurement of an operator for the Living Centre.
Organisations who are interested in attending the supplier day can find more information by emailing tenders@crick.ac.uk There is more information on the website.

Volunteer Centre Camden Volunteering Fairs
Evening volunteering fair on Wednesday 21st January, 6-7.30pm at Swiss Cottage Library.
Lunchtime fair on Wednesday 14th January, 12-2pm at Arlington Conference Centre.
Daytime fair details here.
Evening fair details here.
If you want to volunteer, just turn up on the day – there is no need to book.
If you are an organisation, please book your place by email or phone 020 7424 9990.

Living History at the Crossroads Women’s Centre
Friday 23 January 2015 6 – 9pm
Crossroads Story Film Screening (7pm)
The multi-racial Crossroads Women’s Centre started as a Wages for Housework Campaign squat near Euston station in 1975. This new film traces the different buildings and activities of the Centre over 40 years up to its current home in Kentish Town. A much-used drop-in and community resource, it now hosts over 15 groups.
Created by young people as a training project the film includes archive photographs, a pop-up book, film clips, interviews with some of the founders and users, and more.
Made Possible by Squatting Exhibition Opening (6pm)
Made Possible by Squatting presents “an archive of histories and stories of how Londoners have met their need for housing through squatting the empty buildings which fill our city.”
From housing homeless families, war veterans and survivors of domestic violence to enabling community shops and cafes, advice centres of all kinds, and a Really Free School, MPBS celebrates the energy and creativity of the squatting movement against the backdrop of recent government criminalisation of squatting residential buildings.
Sections of the original exhibition from September 2013 will be on display at the Women’s Centre after the opening night from 26th January 2015 to 6th of February 2015. Monday to Friday 1-6pm, Wednesday 1-7pm.
www.madepossiblebysquatting.co.uk
Sing-along with June Turvey (8pm)
We are honoured to have June perform at our Centre. She is the legendary pianist at the Duke of Kendal Pub on Sundays, a wonderful reminder of a time when almost every pub in London had its own piano and community singing.
Drinks and refreshments.
Crossroads Women’s Centre, 25 Wolsey Mews, London NW5 2DX
contact@crossroadswomen.net or tel: 020 7482 2496

Camden Carers Service Events
Most events, outings, training and other activities are open to all carers who are registered with us, unless stated for a particular group by condition, or other criteria. Please check with CCS if in doubt about your eligibility for an event or activity.
1. Outings and Guided Tours – We offer a selection of activities around London all of which are available for free for carers.
2. Carers Yoga – fortnightly classes for carers of all abilities. Wear loose fitting clothes
3. Benefits Training with Mary Ward – a 3-session course on offer to both Male Carers and also to all Carers in partnership with Mary Ward Legal Centre. The course offer hands on advice and experience with how to use websites, talk on the phone with benefits officers and raise your benefits claims in a manner that gets results.
4. 1st Aid Training with St John’s Ambulance – A new scheme to train carers around London.
5. Art Social Workshop – A space to socialise and get artistic.
6. Mindfulness for Carers- 2-session introduction course for Carers by Robert Mitcham. Robert runs weekly mindfulness sessions on Monday evenings in Euston that are free for all carers.
7. Male Carers Group – a new group for Male Carers. The aim of the group is to provide a space for Male Carers to be men while offering tools for energy maintenance and carer related training.
We also have two very SPECIAL EVENTS: Thursday 26th February – Life Outside Caring Fair – lots of interesting activities, stalls and information for you to find something different to do outside your caring role – with lunch! Tuesday 3rd March – Special Interactive Training Day on Keeping Safe whilst Caring – with Kevin Morgan and Nick Llewellyn bringing the issues to life. There are many more events – please see the website for further details. www.camdencs.org.uk

NCiFoundations Fundrasing Event
NCiFoundations, a registered charity (RCN 1151520), based in Camden is having its 1st fund-raising event on Saturday the 28th of February 2015 from 11am-4pm, venue at: 14 Cleveland Street W1T 6QG.The event will be to raise funds to support desperate orphans in Kenya and Uganda who are in desperate need of clothing, feeding, education sponsor and creating an awareness to end Female Genital Mutilation. Our event will also be promoting NCiFoundations other aims and objectives which involve supporting UK Local community projects to enhance and protect our UK local borough community.
At the event we will be showcasing beautiful handcraft artworks made by the orphans
For more information please visit our website: www.ncifoundations.org.
Email: info@ncifoundations.org . Tel: +44(0) 7900928873. Also interested sponsors please do get in touch as well. Venue: 141 Cleveland Street W1T 6QG (11-4pm) nearest station to venue is Warren Street Station.

Re-energising Camden Event
Collaborative investment in local green projects
Wednesday 28 January, 4.00pm-8.30pm at Arup’s Offices (near Warren Street Station)
The Camden Climate Change Alliance is hosting an event that will bring together businesses, schools and community groups who want to work collaboratively to explore and develop low carbon energy projects in Camden.
For more information and to reserve your free place at the event, please register. A range of specialists will be showcasing just how green energy can strengthen your core business operations whilst offering financial and carbon benefits. The event will combine case studies, knowledgeable speakers and the latest policy developments to provide your business with the tools and support you need to collaborate in low carbon initiatives.
For more information and to reserve your free place at the event, please register online via the Eventbrite page.
If you have any questions, please email camdencca@camden.gov.uk or call 020 7974 3901.
We hope to see you at the event!

Volunteer Centre Camden: AGM, Volunteer Coordinators’ Forum and Trustee Speed-Matching: Tuesday 27th January 2015
Full details will be announced in the coming weeks.
As always we promise to give you good food, and good networking opportunities.
http://volunteercentrecamden.org.uk/

“An Introduction to Intergenerational Working” – training day Tuesday 3 February 2015
This session run by Camden adult social care will be of particular interest to community workers, youth workers, school teaching staff, early years staff, care staff in sheltered housing, resource centres or residential work, community arts workers and anyone else in Camden who would like to begin to organise intergenerational events or improve their intergenerational practice.
The session is ideal for people who have recently started intergenerational work who would like to organise activities or events for Camden intergenerational week 2015.
The session is free for anyone who works, lives, volunteers or studies in the Borough of Camden.
For further information or to book a place, contact:
Rena Toufexis, Engagement coordinator, Camden adult social care
Email: rena.toufexis@camden.gov.uk / Tel: 020 7974 3265

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

JOBS AND VOLUNTEERS

Elfrida Rathbone Camden seeks Sessional Advocacy Caseworker
£15.51 hourly rate 0 hours contract (minimum 7 hours per week with possibility of additional hours)
Job purpose to provide casework, advice and advocacy to the following groups and individuals; parents of children with SEND, adults and CYP with disabilities and vulnerable families.
• To support the running of weekly drop-in support sessions
• To coordinate and supervise drop-in support and advise volunteers.
Closing date: Monday 2nd February 2015 (midnight)
Further details and application form at Elfrida Rathbone Camden website.

Fairtrade Volunteer Wanted
Mayu with Fairtrade Camden Network are supporting coffee farmers in Oromia, Ethiopia. The new caffe and show room for organic and single origin coffee now opened in 13 Brecknock road, London N7 0BL. Volunteers are needed in the coffee shop to promote Fairtrade and ethical trading. Contact Demissie Tulu email: d2robi@yahoo.co.uk

The Ethiopian Community in Britain is recruiting a Part Time Co-ordinator
– The post holder will be responsible for the management of the day to day activities of the Ethiopian Community in Britain to achieve its overall aims and objectives.
– The post holder is expected to carry out duties of a level of responsibility appropriate to the post
– The post holder will also be expected to deputise in other areas with a similar level of responsibility as and when required by the Board of Trustees.
The Candidate Profile:
– A commitment to promote the aims and objectives of the ECB
– A GSCE level education with 4 years relevant experience or a Degree level education with 2 years relevant experience.
– Ability to develop and manage various community-based projects and raise funds
– Ability to liaise with and negotiate with various statutory and non-statutory bodies
– Experience of managing Volunteers, facilities and resources
– Excellent communication skills both in English and Amharic
– A sound knowledge of Charity Organisations and various relevant legislations
– Ability to use own initiative and prioritise conflicting demands of the role
– A good organisational and administrative skills and ability to use the Microsoft Office packages
– Understanding and commitment to equal opportunities
Gross annual salary: £10,000.- (21 hours per week for 1 year with a possibility of extension subject to availability of funding)
Closing Date for Application: 20 January 2015 at 4pm.
For application pack, please send an A4 size envelope with 80p SAE to: Ethiopian Community in Britain, 2A Lithos Road, London NW3 6EF or interested applicants can collect the pack from the office Monday to Friday between 10am and 4pm
For more information on the job advert, please contact:
Mr Alemahu Dessie, email: postmaster@ethiopiancommunity.co.uk ; tel: 020 7794 4265

Women’s Therapy Centre seek Office and Operations Manager (female)
We are looking for an experienced candidate to join Women’s Therapy Centre as an Office and Operations Manager. With strong management, written communication, interpersonal and IT skills, you will be working in a fast-paced therapeutic charity and have proven ability to multitask and be able to work under pressure.
Section 158 of the Equality Act 2010 applies to this post.
To apply for the post please visit our website on: www.womenstherapycentre.co.uk
Closing date: Monday 19th January 2015 by 5pm
Interview date: Wednesday 28th January 2015
Salary £27,666 pro rata for 31 hours per week

Kentish Town City Farm is recruiting a Trustee.
The City Farm is a long established Camden organisation and is looking for a new addition to the board of trustees. Please contact Rachel@ktcityfarm.org.uk for information

£3000 AGE grant for employers recruiting an apprentice – available for six months only
Between January and June 2015, London-based employers of 250 staff or fewer can access a grant of £3,000 if they choose to recruit an apprentice aged 16-24. The grant is available exclusively to employers who have not recruited an apprentice in the last twelve months. Grants are available after the apprentice has been in post for thirteen weeks.
Apprenticeships are a cost-effective way to tackle skills shortages, helping organisations across all industries to harness fresh talent.
For advice on accessing the grant and support in recruiting an apprentice in recruiting an apprentice, please contact the Camden Apprenticeships team on 0207 974 1736 or email apprenticeships@camden.gov.uk

Trustee / Management Committee Member for Camden Federation of Private Tenants
We need enthusiastic and committed individuals to contribute to the development and growth of our small but important housing charity, which gives a voice to vulnerable and disadvantaged private renters, who now make up over a third of Camden’s households
We particularly need people with skills, knowledge and experience in one or more of
the following areas, but an interest in private tenants’ issues, commitment and reliability are also important:
Fundraising; Communications; Marketing; Social Media
Full details at Do-it.org.uk

Business Planning Consultant at Kentish Town Community Centre
Kentish Town Community Centre is seeking to employ a consultant to provide support in developing a new 3-year business plan and fundraising strategy to increase the organisation’s long term sustainability. The consultant would also be required to facilitate a strategic planning day with staff and trustees in the new year, analyse the existing operational structure of the organisation, understand the needs identified in the local area, and make recommendations where necessary.
For more information or to apply, please visit the KTCC Website, contact the Centre on 020 7482 3212, or email cliff@ktcc.org.uk.
Closing date: 20th January 2015

Socially Responsible Recruiting
A new, award-winning skills matching service that connects employers with skilled and experienced people to do one-off or part-time jobs has launched in Camden, with a strong social benefit ethic.
“There is a very large number of people in Camden who are fantastically skilled and work-ready but are off the radar to employers because they’re not looking for full-time work and aren’t constantly scouring the job ads,” says Jonathan Collie, founder of Trading Times.
These people are highly skilled over 50s, and family carers. Trading Times brings them to you. It’s free to candidates. It costs you only £35, and only when you are connected to the perfect candidates.
Paul Fordham of Abbey Community Centre in Camden said: “”We posted our occasional job opportunity on Trading Times because we at the Abbey Community Centre recognise the value of the flexibility that can come with age. Trading Times offers a tailored means to directly target opportunities at an older group that the vast majority of other job sites simply do not seem to tap.”
Register at https://tradingtimes.org.uk/ and let Trading Times match you with the right local people for your needs.

Henna Asian Women’s Group Befriending Service 2015
Henna Asian Women’s Group is opening their Befriending service to all individuals that are in need for extra help to improve their social circle in the new year. We will reach out to the most vulnerable individuals that live in any Borough of London. Henna volunteers will pay regular weekly visits to clients and support them into taking steps to come out of the home and access different services.
We are recruiting both Male and Female volunteers to become Befrienders on this project. If you have a few hours to spare each week, would like to gain experience in the health and social care sector or simply just want to give something back to the community then please contact us.
Contact Ammarah Ahmad, ammarah_hennaorg@yahoo.co.uk, Telephone: 020 7372 9860, Volunteer Coordinator, Henna Asian Women’s Group, www.hennaorg.co.uk

SkillShare
Skillshare is an easy way to find skilled people to support your organisation. What sort of skills are on your wish list? Current skills on offer include: furniture restoration, photography, Nia technique instructor and food and textiles teacher, plus many more. Thirty local organisations are already signed up and accessing our database of skilled volunteers. The last volunteer we placed was a photographer who is going to be taking photographs of Camden for two local organisations.
For more information contact SkillShare, skillshare@volunteercentrecamden.org.uk or 020 7424 9990.

CamdenPAs – personal assistants in health and social care
A new website www.camdenpas.org.uk has been created in partnership with HCCT, Camden Council, DISC and Age UK Camden to boost the market of health and social care personal assistant and provide more choice for the employers of PAs.
CamdenPAs is new way for those wanting to employ a personal assistant to find a PA who meets their interests and needs. Employers can look through PA profiles or post their own advertisement to specify what they are looking for.
The site is also an opportunity for those with an interest/experience in health and social care roles to promote themselves in this expanding market. The site is an exciting, flexible opportunity to gain entry into employment since more and more people have personal budgets and direct payments and are becoming employers. It
is also an opportunity for trainees or those who have worked as unpaid carers.
The site matches Personal Assistants with potential employers. It allows PAs to add ‘profiles’ promoting their skills, experience and interests. They can also view and respond to the ‘ads’ of those wanting to employ a PA.
Access CamdenPAs at: www.camdenpas.org.uk
If you have any questions do get in touch via the email below, or contact DISC and Age UK Camden who can assist potential employers interested in recruiting PAs or creating their ad. contact@camdenpas.org.uk

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

OFFERS, RESOURCES and ANNOUNCEMENTS

Hate Crime Survey
Camden Council is conducting research to help us learn more about the impact of hate crime in Camden. Hate crime and hate incidents are when someone is targeted because of personal characteristics. This could be because of race, faith, sexual orientation, disability or transgender identity. You can help by taking part in our online survey, and passing this message on to colleagues and users of your organisation who would be interested in giving their views on hate crime in Camden: wearecamden.org/hatecrimesurvey

Pop Up Volunteering
Once a week, VCC will pop-up somewhere across the borough to let people know about volunteering and how we can help them get started. If you have a venue we could use, or if there’s anything else you’d like to know about pop-ups, contact Rupal by email, phone 020 7424 9990.

Camden Housing Services Survey
You may be asked to take part in a Camden Council survey next month. The Survey of tenants and residents (STAR) will be asking a randomly selected group of over 7,000 people for their views on the council’s housing services. If you’re asked to take part, you’ll receive a survey and letter with further details in January. The survey opens on 12 January and runs until 16 February. Results will be released in the first week of April – and these help Camden to measure satisfaction levels, listen to your feedback and benchmark services for future years. More information is on Camden’s website

Tricycle Theatre Special Offer: Secret Theatre’s A Series Of Increasingly Impossible Acts 12 – 31 January 2015.
Returning to London due to popular demand and following excellent reviews. It would be of particular interest to theatre fans and young people and community centres. Young people under 26 can join our new Trike membership scheme for FREE which will give them reduced price £10 tickets to A Series Of Increasingly Impossible Acts and a FREE workshop with Lyric Artistic Director Sean Holmes, Associate Director Ellen McDougal or playwright Caroline Bird.
We also have a joint booking offer available when you book for both A Series Of Increasingly Impossible Acts and the hilarious one-woman show, Happy Birthday Without You.
Book by phone on 020 7328 1000 or online at www.tricycle.co.uk

OneCamden is the website to help you access Voluntary and Community Sector support in Camden. Find support to help you volunteer, or find volunteers; support for your voluntary organisation (from charity registration to Community Accountancy); or get advice on starting a Social Enterprise. There are links and resources on this site and links to the partner’s sites. If you would like to request support use the ‘Get Help’ button on the top right to let us know what support you need and we will be in touch.
This is a new initiative for Camden so do let us know what you think, or if you have any suggestions to make OneCamden better.

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 form which can be downloaded from the VAC website or you can enter your details via our sector survey here.

News From VAC
Voluntary Action Camden e-Bulletin 19th December 2014

Highlights: Ageing Better in Camden; Setting up Parish Councils in London Neighbourhoods; Supporting wellbeing in times of austerity; 1,000 Shovels; Camden’s Joint Health & Wellbeing Strategy workshops; Torriano solstice celebration; Camden housing services survey; Camden Chinese Community Centres carers project; Prince’s Trust Team; Post-Christmas ‘Re-gifting’; Sportivate; People’s Health Trust; plus news, funding, events, jobs, volunteering and more.

NEWS

Seasons Greetings to all our readers. This is the last VAC e-bulletin of 2014. The next one will be on Friday 9th January 2015. The VAC offices will be closed from Christmas Day to New Year’s day inclusive.

Ageing Better in Camden, funded by the Big Lottery, will be advertising tenders for contracts from January 2014:
· Community Connectors (volunteers support isolated older people to re-engage with their local communities)
· Intergenerational Projects
· Men’s Projects
· Digital Inclusion Projects (tablet training)
· Evaluation of the Programme
· LGBT Asset Based Community Development
· Other aspects of the programme including work with the Bangladeshi community, and neighbourhood approaches (Somers Town & St Pancras; Gospel Oak and Haverstock; Regents Park; and one area to be identified) will be tendered at a later date
These will be advertised from January 23rd 2014 onwards in VAC bulletin and on Age UK Camden’s website. VAC has offered to hold a ‘register of partners’. If you are interested in bidding for a tender with Ageing Better in Camden as a partner you can register that interest with VAC, who will share your details with other interested organisations. Please note that Ageing Better in Camden is seeking to contract with one organisation or consortia per contract. If you enter into a partnership you will need to decide which organisation is responsible for legal, financial and delivery matters within your partnership. If you want to be on the ‘register of partners,’ please contact Ricky or Monica on 02072846550, or download the form here.
All those who have completed the expression of interest questionnaire will be invited to an information and networking event on Thursday 15th January at 10am.
In addition if you are looking to develop an intergenerational project application, Camden adult social care can offer advice, training and networking to support you to find local partners, and help you to plan and run your intergenerational activities and programmes. Contact: Vanda Carter, Intergenerational development officer vanda.carter@camden.gov.uk / 020 7974 2810.
For more information on Ageing Better in Camden please visit www.ageukcamden.org.uk or contact corinna.hyman@ageukcamden.org.uk or Julia.shelley@ageukcamden.org.uk

Supporting wellbeing in times of austerity – the real value of the community and voluntary sector.
Report to Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee from Healthwatch Camden and Voluntary Action Camden
A report was made in response to an invitation to make presentations related to the council’s financial strategy. It outlines the potential for community and voluntary organisations to play a constructive role in underpinning the quality of life. It draws on discussions with voluntary organisations involved in supporting people who use health and social care services. It offers examples of good use of community organisations to serve local people and to bring new resources into the borough ). It also includes brief discussion of unhelpful commissioning practices that have made it harder for local organisations to play a role.

Setting up Parish Councils in London Neighbourhoods on 22nd January 2015 1-3pm
VAC will be hosting a seminar about setting up Parish Councils in London neighbourhoods.
National Association of Local Councils (NALC) will explain changes that will make it easier for Neighbourhood Planning Forums to become Parish Councils, and how community groups can access funds to support new campaigns.
We will also hear from groups who have just received grants to explore the feasibility of Parish Councils in their neighbourhoods in Camden and Southwark. Further details will be sent out in early January! You can contact Donna Turnbull to book a place. Email dturnbull@vac.org.uk Tel: 0207 284 6567

1,000 Shovels to Help Local Communities Over the Winter
Community help at a local level will really help to keep Camden moving. The shovels are completely free of charge and are available to groups such as tenant and resident associations, volunteer groups and local business groups.
Shovels are available to be picked up in person from Regis Road recycling and re-use centre, Kentish Town, NW5 3EW. Shovels are also available for collection from 211 Arlington Road, NW1 &HD. You can pick the shovels up between 10am and 3pm from Monday to Friday. You will need to leave your contact details and information on where the shovels will be used.
A maximum of four shovels per group is allowed. If groups need more than four then they will need to contact environmental services on 020 7974 4444. Shovels can be kept but unfortunately can’t be replaced if lost.

Camden’s Joint Health & Wellbeing Strategy 2014-17 – Consulting the voluntary and community sector
You are invited to one of two workshops to talk about the priorities for Camden’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy.
Dates
Either: 17th December 2014
5pm to 7pm at Voluntary Action Camden 2nd Floor Training Room
293 – 299 Kentish Town Road NW5 2TJ
Or: 19th December 2014
10am to 12pm at the St Pancras Community Association Meeting Room
30 Camden St, London NW1 0LG
For more details and to book, contact: Ricky S Tokhi on 020 7284 6553 or Email acharles@vac.org.uk

Come All Ye, a Torriano solstice celebration
21st December – 6pm Come All Ye, a solstice celebration, bring poetry, music, stories, friends, food, drink to share. Contact Gianna Lapini for menu co-ordination, let her know what you are bringing and she can counterbalance the mincepies email: giannalapini@hotmail.com

National News
NAVCA supports MPs call for better commissioning
NAVCA has welcomed the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee report on transforming contract management. The report contains the findings of the Committee’s inquiry into government contracting of £90 billion of public services. The report says that the government is over-reliant on a small number of contractors, is failing to monitor contracts to get value for money and that the ethical standards of the large contractors have been found wanting. Full details here.

Camden Housing Services Survey
You may be asked to take part in a Camden Council survey next month. The Survey of tenants and residents (STAR) will be asking a randomly selected group of over 7,000 people for their views on the council’s housing services. If you’re asked to take part, you’ll receive a survey and letter with further details in January. The survey opens on 12 January and runs until 16 February. Results will be released in the first week of April – and these help Camden to measure satisfaction levels, listen to your feedback and benchmark services for future years. More information is on Camden’s website

Get involved with Camden Chinese Community Centres new carers project
Are you an unpaid carers who living in Camden, providing unpaid support to someone who has physical health needs, frailty, dementia, mental health problems or other disability?
Camden Chinese Community Centre is running a new project supporting Chinese cares living in Camden.
If so, there are lots of activities to get involved with to help improve your health and wellbeing including:
· Free advocacy and advisory support.
· Free haircuts
· Free trips
· Free ESOL, singing classes, Chinese painting, Mandarin class, flower arranging and cookery classes
To find out more information or get involved please contact us at info@camdenccc.co.uk or call us on 020 7388 8883. You can also find out more information on our facebook page www.facebook.com/camdenccc.

Camden Council Opening Times
All Camden services, including Contact Camden – the customer service team – will be open as normal over the festive period, apart from a small number of services listed here. In an emergency, call 020 7974 444 (24 hours a day).

Opportunity for 16 – 25 year olds to take part in 12 week Programme.
Prince’s Trust Team is a 12-week personal development course, offering work experience, a qualification in employment, teamwork and community skills, practical skills, mentoring, community projects and a one week residential. More than 70% of unemployed participants go on to jobs, training or education within three months of completing. Through building their confidence and motivation, team members are encouraged to think about their futures; this includes preparing a post-programme development plan.
Young people join a team of up to 18 participants. A team typically comprises around 16 unemployed people and one or two employed people sponsored by their employers.
During the 12 week programme, Team members: Spend a week away at a residential activity centre; Undertake a project based in their local community; Complete a work placement; Participate in a team challenge, involving caring for others; Stage a team presentation, during which they recount their experiences and receive their achievement certificates.
Eligibility: Young people aged 16 – 25:
Especially if they are part of The Trust’s other target groups, which are: people leaving care, young offenders, educational underachievers and the long term unemployed
If you know someone that might be interested in joining our upcoming teams please contact either Team Leader monique.morgan@epiccic.org.uk/ 07739314180 or Assistant Team Leader nathaniel.forte@epiccic.org.uk/ 07534398828/07713711540 for more information.

Post-Christmas ‘Re-gifting’ Give & Take
Beat the January blues by coming along to the Transition Dartmouth Park Give & Take. Bring along any presents you’d like to exchange, and take away something you prefer.
During the event you’ll learn more about setting up a community energy company and the Transition Dartmouth Park’s local food growing initiative. The event will finish with an open ideas session for 2015.
For more information visit the Give & Take event page.
2-4pm, Sunday 11 January, Highgate Library Civic and Cultural Centre, Croftdown Road, N19 5DH

Camden Frontline service user newsletter.
You can view the latest edition of the newsletter online.

The Capacity Building Bulletin is produced monthly, targeting the community and voluntary sector in Camden. It provides up to date/recently live information and news on funding and training. To access the latest information please follow the Link www.camden.gov.uk/cbbulletin

Kentish Town Community Centre, IARS, West Hampstead Women’s Centre, Henna Asian Women’s Group and Camden PA are recruiting. See Jobs and Volunteers section below.

Camden Shares. The website for exchanges in Camden. www.camdenshares.org.uk

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

FUNDING NEWS

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

The Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust- Bid for Better
The Bid for Better membership engagement scheme awards grants of up to £400 towards activities or equipment to improve patient experience, promote mental wellbeing or make our services more accessible.
As well as Trust service users, we would like to encourage bids from external organisations whose service users would be benefitted in any of the above ways.
Your idea should benefit two or more patients or service users. 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 all as much detail as possible.
You can apply online http://www.tavistockandportman.nhs.uk/about-us/join-us/patient-and-public-involvement-ppi/bid-better/apply-bid-better-funding
or you can request a form by post or email by contacting the PPI team.
The closing date for applications is Thursday 5th March 2015.
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.
If you have questions about the process or need help to complete your application form, a member of the PPI team will be more than happy to assist you. Please contact us by telephone or email or you can pop into the PPI office on the ground floor of the Tavistock Centre.
Email: PPI@tavi-port.nhs.uk Telephone: 020 8938 2059

MOPAC Victims Fund from London Community Foundation
The London Community Foundation is is launching The MOPAC Victims Fund to benefit victims of crime across London. The aim of the Fund is to build the capacity and maximise the potential of voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations to help ensure the continued and improved provision of vital services to support victims of crime.
Grants of between £10,000 and £80,000 are available to cover any costs relating to work which builds the capacity of organisations working to support victims of crime. This could include assistance with fundraising, recruiting and training volunteers and staff training.
If you have any queries then please contact me directly on sam@londoncf.org.uk or 020 7582 5117.

The Sportivate Programme applications for 1st April 2015 – 31st March 2016 is now open for all.
This is opportunity to local community and voluntary sector organisations across the borough who may wish to use sport and physical activity to meet local community’s needs.
The deadline for this round of application is Monday 5th January 2015. There are three other rounds available for applying for Sportivate in 2015. They are in April, June and fourth round application (date to be confirmed).
Please visit the link below for further details and relevant documents on Sportivate.
http://www.londonsport.org/page.asp?section=00010001000100420013&sectionTitle=Sportivate

People’s Health Trust
Active Communities in Greater London is a funding programme for local people wanting to create fairer places to grow, live, work and age.
Using money raised by HealthHope through The Health Lottery, People’s Health Trust is looking to invest in projects that support people living in the most disadvantaged neighbourhoods of Camden.
Active Communities is a funding programme for not-for-profit groups with an income of less than £350,000 a year, seeking investment of between £5,000 and £50,000 for projects lasting up to two years. The projects should take place within a small area for a small group of people, such as 20 or 30 streets or a couple of villages.
The closing date for applications is 1pm on 14 January 2015.
To apply for funding, visit www.peopleshealthtrust.org.uk.

Camden Primary Care Mental Health: Team around the Practice
Camden CCG is seeking a suitably qualified provider to develop a holistic service to patients with mental health needs across our 37 GP practices. This will include:
• psychological interventions
• social prescribing
• care coordination
• education and training.
Camden has a rich tapestry of services for patients with mental health needs and we are looking to develop this local intelligence within a Lead Provider model. The contract value is capped at £4.6m over a four year period and the service is expected to commence in May 2015. This is a new service and TUPE will not apply.
Through a restricted procurement process, the CCG seeks to identify a qualified and experienced provider to deliver a service which supports GPs and other practice staff to improve outcomes of people with mental health needs.
More information can be found at:
http://www.camdenccg.nhs.uk/news-articles/team-around-the-practice.htm
Prequalification questionnaire is available via the Contracts Finder portal here.

The Galaxy Hot Chocolate Fund
The Galaxy hot Chocolate Fund is open for applications again, offering small grants to help small, local community groups and charities across the UK and Ireland.
Now in its fourth year, the Fund will distribute five £300 awards each week, one of which will be for the applicant that attracts the most support on the Fund’s website that week.
The Fund is open for entries until 23 February 2015.
Applications for funds from the Galaxy Hot Chocolate Fund can be made here.

New grant programme to tackle homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying
Details of a new grant programme to support projects that tackle homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying were announced by the Department for Education in partnership with the Government Equalities Office.
You can find full details of the grant programme here.

Camden Carers Service Urgent Brief Breaks
Every carer knows when things reach a critical pitch and the pressure valve is about to blow.
That’s when you may need an Urgent Brief Break!
If you provide unpaid care for someone who lives in the London Borough of Camden then you may be eligible
Referrals can be made by a Professional or you can refer yourself
For more information please call Angela 020 7428 8950 or email referrals@camdencarer.org.uk

Don’t forget to sign up to Funding Central for free email funding alerts. Go to www.fundingcentral.org.uk/

VAC EVENTS

VAC has a full programme of courses coming up: Click here to find out more. All courses are ?25 for members (unless otherwise stated).

Mental Health First Aid Training at VAC
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a nationally approved two-day course, designed for anyone without specialist mental health training. The course promotes awareness of mental health issues, and trains non-mental health professionals to recognise those affected by mental health problems and to offer initial help and guidance towards professional support. This can lead to improved outcomes for those affected, their families, friends, colleagues and employers.
Participants will receive a copy of the MHFA manual and certificate on completion of the course.
Do you have any questions or want to book a place?
Contact the Mental Health Team at Voluntary Action Camden:
Maureen Brewster on mbrewster@vac.org.uk or 020 7284 6563
Ann Wolfe on awolfe@vac.org.uk or 020 7284 6565
Sue Dowd on sdowd@vac.org.uk or 020 7284 6559
Next course dates: Monday 16th February and Monday 23rd February 2015

New VAC Training Programme

• 14th January: Business Start Up for Social Enterprise
• 15th January: ILM Leadership qualification
• 22nd January: Project Management Starter
• 29th January: Effective Minute Taking

Dementia Friends Information Sessions
Would you like to improve your understanding of dementia and what it might be like to live with the condition?
People with dementia sometimes need a helping hand to go about their daily lives and feel included in their local community. Dementia Friends is about raising awareness and encouraging people to do the small things that can make a difference to people living with dementia – from helping someone find the right bus to spreading the word about dementia. The initiative, run by the Alzheimer’s Society, aims to create a network of one million Dementia Friends across England by 2015.
Dementia Friends Information Sessions are short, interactive and fun. If you would like VAC to run a session for your organisation or community group, please contact Ann Wolfe on awolfe@vac.org.uk or call 020 7284 6565. For more information see the Dementia Friends website: http://www.dementiafriends.org.uk/
OTHER EVENTS

Free Skills Conference for Small Charities: 11th February 2015, London
The FSI’s Skill Conference is coming back to London on February 11th 2015, providing 160 places for small charities to access a range of expert speakers on a variety of topics essential to effective working. Delegates will take away relevant and practical skills from a choice of four interactive workshops throughout the day. Topics include HR and Management, Law, IT, Finance, Governance, Policy, Strategy and Planning and Impact Measurement. It fills up fast, so book your free place today to access this fantastic training opportunity.
Visit http://www.thefsi.org/services/conferences/skills-conference/ for more information and bookings.

Re-energising Camden Event
Collaborative investment in local green projects
Wednesday 28 January, 4.00pm-8.30pm at Arup’s Offices (near Warren Street Station)
The Camden Climate Change Alliance is hosting an event that will bring together businesses, schools and community groups who want to work collaboratively to explore and develop low carbon energy projects in Camden.
For more information and to reserve your free place at the event, please register. A range of specialists will be showcasing just how green energy can strengthen your core business operations whilst offering financial and carbon benefits. The event will combine case studies, knowledgeable speakers and the latest policy developments to provide your business with the tools and support you need to collaborate in low carbon initiatives.
For more information and to reserve your free place at the event, please register online via the Eventbrite page.
If you have any questions, please email camdencca@camden.gov.uk or call 020 7974 3901.
We hope to see you at the event!

Welcome Training Workshops London based services and the British Museum;
January 2015 Welcome Training Workshop for Mental Health Services
Workshop theme; Making the museum accessible| working with groups in the museum| Object handling and gallery based activities| Cultural identity and literacy| Leaning Activities & Resources
Workshop dates to choose from are as follows; Friday 16th Jan 5:00pm – 8:00pm OR Thursday 29th Jan 2:30pm – 5:30pm OR Saturday 31st Jan 12:00pm – 3:00pm
March 2015 Welcome Training Workshop for ESOL, migrant and refugee groups
Workshop theme; Making the museum accessible| working with groups in the Museum| Connecting Cultures| Leaning Activities & Resources
Workshop dates to choose from are as follows; Monday 9th Mar 12:00pm – 4:00pm or Friday 13th Mar 4:00pm – 8:00pm or Saturday 14th Mar 12:00pm – 4:00pm
For further information or to book a workshop please contact Danielle Dewsbury DDewsbury@britishmuseum.ac.uk 0207 323 8398

Volunteer Centre Camden: AGM, Volunteer Coordinators’ Forum and Trustee Speed-Matching: Tuesday 27th January 2015
Full details will be announced in the coming weeks.
As always we promise to give you good food, and good networking opportunities.
http://volunteercentrecamden.org.uk/

“An Introduction to Intergenerational Working” – training day Tuesday 3 February 2015
This session run by Camden adult social care will be of particular interest to community workers, youth workers, school teaching staff, early years staff, care staff in sheltered housing, resource centres or residential work, community arts workers and anyone else in Camden who would like to begin to organise intergenerational events or improve their intergenerational practice.
The session is ideal for people who have recently started intergenerational work who would like to organise activities or events for Camden intergenerational week 2015.
The session is free for anyone who works, lives, volunteers or studies in the Borough of Camden.
For further information or to book a place, contact:
Rena Toufexis, Engagement coordinator, Camden adult social care
Email: rena.toufexis@camden.gov.uk / Tel: 020 7974 3265

Training to work for Relate in London?
Relate London North West will be offering the Diploma in Relationship counselling (level 5) in Harrow starting March 2015.
This course, accredited by the CPCAB (Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body) provides training for practitioners wishing to work as relationship counsellors with Relate and other organisations. A Level 4 counselling qualification and previous working experience are required to enroll on the course.
The taught element of the programme consists of 13 days study and students must also complete 50 hours of clinical work with a Relate centre which should be completed within one year.
Relate London North West works in eight London boroughs and will be looking for placement students to work in the boroughs of Camden, Islington and Westminster in particular. Other Relate centres may also be able to offer placements and need to be contacted by students directly. For more details of the course including dates, cost and and how to apply:
http://www.relateinstitute.ac.uk/courses/l5_dip_rel_counselling_harrow.aspx
or email info@relatelondonnw.org.uk

New management course starting in the New Year at Mary Ward Centre
Need to boost your performance as a team member and make the transition from working in a team to leading a team? Why not take the first step to qualifying in community and voluntary sector management? Take an internationally recognised Institute of Leadership and Management qualification. This new short Certificate in Team Leading course is delivered in a classroom with a tutor to teach, guide and assist your learning. It may be free or at a subsidised cost but you will need to commit your time. Please follow this link to complete a short assessment form and return it by email. To download the form Click here

Living Together with Dementia? A new intervention
Living Together with Dementia is designed to improve communication and promote engagement with everyday activities. Living Together with Dementia is a free service funded by Camden Council, and is carried out by trained therapists and professionals who specialise in dementia care. This service is about having the opportunity to talk and does not involve any medical procedures. Meetings will take place either at your home or
at The Tavistock Centre for Couple Relationships, which is near Warren Street Station in central London.
Contact Us If you are interested in taking part and helping us develop this intervention, or would like more information please call 0207 380 1950 or email hwilliamson@tccr.org.uk

Don’t forget that Camden TDS run a full programme of course which are subsidised or free for voluntary sector partner organisations. There is a link to a list of partner organisations on the home page.

Find more Training Opportunities at www.vac.org.uk

JOBS AND VOLUNTEERS

Business Planning Consultant at Kentish Town Community Centre
Kentish Town Community Centre is seeking to employ a consultant to provide support in developing a new 3-year business plan and fundraising strategy to increase the organisation’s long term sustainability. The consultant would also be required to facilitate a strategic planning day with staff and trustees in the new year, analyse the existing operational structure of the organisation, understand the needs identified in the local area, and make recommendations where necessary.
For more information or to apply, please visit the KTCC Website, contact the Centre on 020 7482 3212, or email cliff@ktcc.org.uk.
Closing date: 20th January 2015

IARS Internship opportunity: Fundraising Events Assistant
IARS is looking for a Fundraising events assistant intern who will support the organisation with fundraising events for the Abused No More project with refugee and asylum-seeking women. The role will also involve exploring alternate fundraising options for the project.
Each role is designed to challenge the intern and allow them the chance to gain an insightful introduction to life within an international think-tank. This internship offers rich and high quality experience that will enhance future job prospects.
Role: Events management intern (fundraising)
Start date: ASAP (after 19th January) Days/ hours to volunteer: 1-2 days a week (flexible)
Duration: For 3 months with possibility for renewal Expenses: Up to £12 a day for lunch and travel
Benefits: Training in the form of staff seminars, personal development plans, CV review scheme, guaranteed interview scheme when paid opportunities become available.
Requirements:
· Position would suit a graduate/postgraduate who is looking to pursue a role in fundraising or someone seeking commercial experience;
· Good IT skills, particularly excel and website content management systems;
· Good written, oral and communication skills;
· Work well independently;
· Able to take a proactive approach to undertaking further relevant tasks independently;
· Interest in migration, gender and refugee issues.
Application process: Applicants are requested to send a CV and covering letter to contact@iars.org.uk. Please state “Fundraising events assistant (Internship)” in the subject line.
You can find more information by following the link to the application pack.
Deadline: 12 January 2015. Interview date: 16 January 2015

Female Volunteer Development Worker
21 hours per week £ 24,880 pro rata (Includes LW)
To run our Volunteer Development Project and to support and train our volunteers.
For an application pack contact West Hampstead Women’s Centre on 020 7328 7389 or email begona@whwc.org.uk
Section 7 of the Sex Discrimination Act applies
Charity number: 3919511
Closing date: 16th January 2015 at 5.00 pm

Socially Responsible Recruiting
A new, award-winning skills matching service that connects employers with skilled and experienced people to do one-off or part-time jobs has launched in Camden, with a strong social benefit ethic.
“There is a very large number of people in Camden who are fantastically skilled and work-ready but are off the radar to employers because they’re not looking for full-time work and aren’t constantly scouring the job ads,” says Jonathan Collie, founder of Trading Times.
These people are highly skilled over 50s, and family carers. Trading Times brings them to you. It’s free to candidates. It costs you only £35, and only when you are connected to the perfect candidates.
Paul Fordham of Abbey Community Centre in Camden said: “”We posted our occasional job opportunity on Trading Times because we at the Abbey Community Centre recognise the value of the flexibility that can come with age. Trading Times offers a tailored means to directly target opportunities at an older group that the vast majority of other job sites simply do not seem to tap.”
Register at https://tradingtimes.org.uk/ and let Trading Times match you with the right local people for your needs.

Henna Asian Women’s Group Befriending Service 2015
Henna Asian Women’s Group is opening their Befriending service to all individuals that are in need for extra help to improve their social circle in the new year. We will reach out to the most vulnerable individuals that live in any Borough of London. Henna volunteers will pay regular weekly visits to clients and support them into taking steps to come out of the home and access different services.
We are recruiting both Male and Female volunteers to become Befrienders on this project. If you have a few hours to spare each week, would like to gain experience in the health and social care sector or simply just want to give something back to the community then please contact us.
Contact Ammarah Ahmad, ammarah_hennaorg@yahoo.co.uk, Telephone: 020 7372 9860, Volunteer Coordinator, Henna Asian Women’s Group, www.hennaorg.co.uk

SkillShare
Skillshare is an easy way to find skilled people to support your organisation. What sort of skills are on your wish list? Current skills on offer include: furniture restoration, photography, Nia technique instructor and food and textiles teacher, plus many more. Thirty local organisations are already signed up and accessing our database of skilled volunteers. The last volunteer we placed was a photographer who is going to be taking photographs of Camden for two local organisations.
For more information contact SkillShare, skillshare@volunteercentrecamden.org.uk or 020 7424 9990.

CamdenPAs – personal assistants in health and social care
A new website www.camdenpas.org.uk has been created in partnership with HCCT, Camden Council, DISC and Age UK Camden to boost the market of health and social care personal assistant and provide more choice for the employers of PAs.
CamdenPAs is new way for those wanting to employ a personal assistant to find a PA who meets their interests and needs. Employers can look through PA profiles or post their own advertisement to specify what they are looking for.
The site is also an opportunity for those with an interest/experience in health and social care roles to promote themselves in this expanding market. The site is an exciting, flexible opportunity to gain entry into employment since more and more people have personal budgets and direct payments and are becoming employers. It
is also an opportunity for trainees or those who have worked as unpaid carers.
The site matches Personal Assistants with potential employers. It allows PAs to add ‘profiles’ promoting their skills, experience and interests. They can also view and respond to the ‘ads’ of those wanting to employ a PA.
Access CamdenPAs at: www.camdenpas.org.uk
If you have any questions do get in touch via the email below, or contact DISC and Age UK Camden who can assist potential employers interested in recruiting PAs or creating their ad. contact@camdenpas.org.uk

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

OFFERS, RESOURCES and ANNOUNCEMENTS

Camden Telecare
Telecare is Camden’s community alarm service. It provides equipment to help at risk people in the borough get help in an emergency. Most of those helped are frail elderly or disabled people, but others are eligible too, for example people at risk of harassment or domestic violence. For more information at Telecare call 020 7974 5877 or visit the web page: camden.gov.uk/carelinetelecare

Tricycle Theatre Special Offer: Secret Theatre’s A Series Of Increasingly Impossible Acts 12 – 31 January 2015.
Returning to London due to popular demand and following excellent reviews. It would be of particular interest to theatre fans and young people and community centres. Young people under 26 can join our new Trike membership scheme for FREE which will give them reduced price £10 tickets to A Series Of Increasingly Impossible Acts and a FREE workshop with Lyric Artistic Director Sean Holmes, Associate Director Ellen McDougal or playwright Caroline Bird.
We also have a joint booking offer available when you book for both A Series Of Increasingly Impossible Acts and the hilarious one-woman show, Happy Birthday Without You.
Book by phone on 020 7328 1000 or online at www.tricycle.co.uk

Desk Space for Hire
The Gorilla Organization currently has desk space available to rent at its offices in Primrose Hill for one to three people working for registered charities or non-profit organisations.
The overall office is the size of a small shop on two floors, with the desk space in question located in the basement. The office has its own kitchen and bathroom facilities. Internet connection can be shared. Rent is negotiable, depending on the number of desks required.
Please call 020 7916 4974 and ask for Jillian.

Office to rent
Camden Cypriot Women’s Centre have a room available at their building in Kentish Town.
The first floor room is a little over 4.5m x 4.5m (approx 21 square meters), and so can easily accommodate four desks.
The room is well decorated, has its own lockable door, has good natural light and inbuilt floor to ceiling shelving on one wall. Some other furniture may be available. There is another similar sized room on the third floor which can be hired on an hourly basis for meetings, training or workshops.
The building has full disabled access and is located five minutes from Kentish Town Tube and Thameslink station. Buses 134, 214, C2 and 393 stop nearby
Rent is £600 per calendar month and includes heating, lighting, hot water and full access to kitchen facilities.
For more information contact Koula Ioannou on 020 7267 7194 or koula@ccwo.org.uk

Desk Space at Latin American House
The Latin American House (LAH) offers a space and support for Latin Americans, Spanish and Portuguese speakers and other communities in London. The Association, which has been in existence for over 30 years, runs a community centre with a range of services.
LAH has a room to hire at the moment with space for four or more desks.
£433 per month (utility bills included) contact: admin@casalatina.org.uk

OneCamden is the website to help you access Voluntary and Community Sector support in Camden. Find support to help you volunteer, or find volunteers; support for your voluntary organisation (from charity registration to Community Accountancy); or get advice on starting a Social Enterprise. There are links and resources on this site and links to the partner’s sites. If you would like to request support use the ‘Get Help’ button on the top right to let us know what support you need and we will be in touch.
This is a new initiative for Camden so do let us know what you think, or if you have any suggestions to make OneCamden better.

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 form which can be downloaded from the VAC website or you can enter your details via our sector survey here.

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To get discounts on training, room hire and many more benefits click here to join Voluntary Action Camden

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