Alex Charles

Membership is free, click on the link box above and sign up today

We also have information on a range of other local events and opportunities from around the Camden area.

VAC Consultancy Service 

VAC is delighted to announce the launch of our new VAC Consultancy Service. We offer expert support with any issue that affects your established or aspiring Camden VCS organisation, in all areas including funding, volunteers, setting up, governance and more.

Our staff have a vast knowledge of the Voluntary and Community Sector in Camden and if we don’t know the answer to your question, we know someone who will.

We’ll get back to your enquiry within 5 working days, and we’ll send you a list of free, helpful resources in the meantime.

Learn more and apply for support here

Social Prescribers Innovators Programme  
A new initiative is being delivered by the Camden Care Navigation and Social Prescribing Service, hosted by Age UK Camden (AUC) and Voluntary Action Camden.
The project aims to develop volunteering within the service as a way to help retain existing social prescribers and to support successful recruitment to new social prescriber roles.
Contact Mandira at mmanandhar@vac.org.uk if you are interested in volunteering on this new venture.

SMK Campaigner Survey 2022 

The Sheila McKechnie Foundation Campaigner Survey is now open for 2022. SMK wants to hear what the world is like for campaigners and change-makers. Whether you work alone or with others, as a volunteer or employee, they want to hear from you.

Complete the survey here

Free Community Festival in Swiss Cottage 

Thursday 26th Jan: 12-5pm at Likewise, 8 Fairhazel Gardens

The Zen Project and Mind in Camden bring you one of a series of monthly festivals to celebrate mental health and support the local Camden community. Activities are free and open to all, including free food, massage, mindfulness sessions and more. No need to book – just turn up.

Learn more here

Sadler’s Wells Tickets Offer: Peacock Theatre  

Sadler’s Wells is offering £12 tickets for performances of Familie Floz, acclaimed masters of mask- performance, who return to the London International Mime Festival for the first time since 2016. The offer is available for showings Thurs 2nd and Fri 3rd Feb at 7.30pm.

To book your £12 tickets, click here and enter the promo code: MIME12 at checkout.

Youth Nature Wellbeing Project on Hampstead Heath 

Heath Hands is launching a pilot project inviting young people aged 13-16 who struggle with school attendance to take part in nature activities on Hampstead Heath. The new project aims to promote mental wellbeing and practical skills through a combination of hands-on conservation work, nature art activities and forest-school style experiences. Sessions will run in February/March 2023.

Learn more here

Universal Credit Training 

Tuesday 24th Jan: 10am-4pm at Crowndale Centre, NW1 1BD

Good Work Camden has commissioned 6 Welfare Rights training sessions to help participants understand the benefits system. The first session concerns Universal Credit. Learners will gain awareness of who claims UC, when to claim and what they receive; rent and managed payments and common issues and how to resolve them.

To register your place, please contact urmi.kabir@camden.gov.uk

Volunteer Managers’ Forum  

Tuesday 28th Feb at 2pm: Online

Volunteer Centre Camden is hosting a Volunteer Managers’ Forum. Participants will benefit from peer support and networking and can choose the topics to discuss.

Register your place here

Camden & Islington Volunteering Fair

Thursday 2nd Feb at 12.30pm: Online

Want to volunteer in Camden and Islington? Volunteer Centre Camden and Volunteer Centre Islington are hosting a free, online volunteering fair. Participants can meet organisations currently recruiting volunteers, who will ‘pitch’ their volunteering roles in a Dragon’s Den style.

Register your place here

Camden Safer Neighbourhood Board 

Camden Safer Neighbourhood Board is holding a public meeting on 24 January 2023 at 6.30-9pm. It will concern Neighbourhood Policing and addressing Anti-Social Behaviour. The venue is Crowndale Centre, 218 Eversholt St, London NW1 1BD. Participants do not need to register in advance.

For more information, contact camdensnb@somerstown.org.uk

LDN London: Trustee Vacancy 

Learning Disability Network London is proud to have been supporting learning disabled Londoners for over 60 years. They are looking for a new Trustee with the enthusiasm, creativity and commitment to join their board of Trustees.

Learn more here

Education Gardener and Coordinator Vacancy 

Closing date: Monday 13th Feb at 9am

Global Generation is looking for someone who is passionate about involving the community in connecting to nature and gardening. As the Education Gardener and Coordinator, you will be responsible for engaging local children, young people, families and volunteers in Global Generation’s outdoor learning projects.

Learn more here

Newsletter Submissions
Please send any information (approximately 50-75 words long) that you would like included in our weekly newsletter to social@vac.org.uk

VAC Cost-of-Living Crisis Resource
VAC recognises that the cost-of-living crisis is a huge concern for families, businesses, and the Voluntary Community Sector.

We are collating information and resources to help community groups and residents in Camden navigate through the crisis. To find out more, click here

Energy Bills Discount Scheme 

The Government has announced a new Energy Bills Discount Scheme (EBDS) to run from 1 April 2023 for eligible non-domestic consumers in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The scheme is available to all non-domestic contracts, including voluntary sector organisations and charities. The discount will be automatically applied.

Learn more here

Proposed Updates to the Euston Area Plan 

Camden Council is consulting on proposed updates to the Euston Area Plan (EAP) – a planning document that will help to shape the future of the Euston area. The Council wants to hear your views on the proposed updates to the EAP. You can review the suggested changes and share your views online via the Council’s Commonplace website here

Women’s Safety in Camden Survey 

Camden Council would like to hear the experiences of all women and girls in Camden to understand how safe you feel living, working and travelling around the borough. The results of the survey will help the Council to work out the right steps to improve the safety of all women and girls in Camden.

The survey is confidential and takes about 15 minutes to complete. To have your say, click here

Local Newsletters:

SHAK
Young Camden Foundation (Funding Newsletter)
Young Camden Foundation (Events and Training Newsletter)
AWN (sign up)
London Sport (sign up)
Fitzrovia Community Centre
Coram’s Field Community Newsletter (sign up)
CAWH Newsletter
St Pancras Community Association (sign up)
Castlehaven in Bloom (sign up)
Abbey Community Centre Newsletter
Heath Hands
UCL Volunteering Service Newsletter (sign up)

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

VAC administered Google Grants
The VAC administered Google Grants scheme is still ongoing.

VAC have been funded by Google to provide up to £300 per quarter for small organisations looking to book one-off spaces to work in or to hold community sessions and training, and up to £600 for the ongoing rent of office and hot desking space.

It is available to small voluntary or community sector organisation with income under £150,000 a year looking to book a venue in Camden.

To find out more, please click here
or get in contact with Ricky at Rsingh@vac.org.uk

Camden Community Vaccine Project: Round 2

VAC and the C4 Consortium are inviting community groups and organisations in Camden, including unincorporated associations, to design new and expand existing initiatives to encourage vaccine take-up in the borough. This includes tackling misinformation surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccine programmes.

If you are interested in applying for this funding, or would just like to find out more, please click here

Sports England: Small Grants Programme 

The Small Grants Programme seeks to develop opportunities for communities to get more people physically active. New projects will be supported through providing National Lottery funding of between £300 and £15,000.

Learn more here

YCF Winter Community Fund 

Young Camden Foundation’s Winter Community Fund aims to support children and young people in Camden during winter 2022/23. In January 2023, YCF is reopening this fund on a rolling basis, with a focus on funding short projects during the February half term.

Learn more here

Love Camden: Community Festival Funding 

Closing date: 28th February 2023

Camden Council are delighted to announce that they are opening funding applications for local Community Festivals and Events. Applications are welcome for grants of £200 to £2,000.

Learn more here

Building Strong Communities Fund 

Closing date: 13th March 2023

The Mayor of London is offering funding for London equity-led voluntary and community sector organisations to enable communities to shape their recovery from COVID-19, through community-led projects that help meet certain outcomes.

Learn more here

London Community Energy Fund 

Closing date: 5th February 2023

The London Community Energy Fund provides much-needed support to get community energy projects up and running and deployed faster to reboot the economy and benefit hard-hit communities.

Learn more here

To re-discover funding removed from this list, please see our newsletter archive here

Other available funders include:

• Camden Giving
• Grants Online
• My Funding Central
• Idox Camden 4 Community
• VAC main funding page

VAC Free Safeguarding Training Courses 

What better way to start the new year than refreshing your organisation’s essential safeguarding skills?

VAC is offering 3 FREE safeguarding training sessions over the coming months:

Virtual Introduction to Safeguarding for Volunteers and New Starters 

Wednesday 25th January 2023: 10am – 11:30am

Register your place here

Virtual Introduction to Safer Recruitment for Small Organisations and Community Groups 

Tuesday 21st February 2023: 10am – 11:30am

Register your place here

Safeguarding Advanced: Developing Knowledge and Understanding (in-person) 

Wednesday 22nd March at Saint Pancras Community Association: 9:30am – 3:30pm

Aimed at increasing existing safeguarding knowledge for those who have had no safeguarding training in the last two years and need a refresher.

Designed for volunteers, supplementary schools, VCS groups and organisations delivering services to under 18’s and their families in Camden. Lunch and refreshments provided.

To register your place, or for more information, contact Dianne Carlton-Ogunyemi, VAC Community Safeguarding Lead at dogunyemi@vac.org.uk

Free Arthritis Action Clinic 

Monday 23rd Jan at Central YMCA Club

Central YMCA Club have partnered with Arthritis Action to offer a FREE Open Clinic to people living with Arthritis. The open clinic provides practical advice on how to reduce the pain of arthritis through self-management and lifestyle choices.

Click here to book your free, 15-minute session with dietitian Martin Lau

Birkbeck Career Pathways Workshops 

Want support with deciding your next career steps? Have a career in mind but unsure how to achieve it? Birkbeck is hosting free in-person and online career workshops throughout January, designed to give people without a degree space to reflect on their life and goals.

Find a workshop here

Free Digital Skills and Leadership Training 

London South Bank University, with funding from the European Social Fund, is offering free digital skills and leadership training to employed Londoners, with a focus on supporting those living/working in deprived areas, or who are subject to digital exclusion. The training, which is OCN Accredited, is aimed at both smaller employers/groups who cannot afford to upskill their workforces, as well as individuals who struggle to access and/or fund their personal development due to physical or mental disabilities.

Learn more here

SHAK Community Volunteering 

The South Hampstead & Kilburn Community Partnership is looking for community volunteers. Volunteers will help SHAK direct people towards the services available to them, including advice on housing and benefits. SHAK offers free IAG Level 1 training on 23rd and 24th Jan 2023, continuous support and a volunteer toolkit with useful online resources.

For more information, click here or contact SHAK on 02073727021 or info@shakonline.co.uk

Royal Free Charity Vacancy 

Royal Free Charity are hiring a Young Volunteer Programme Coordinator. The post is 37.5 hours a week over five days, and pays £25,000 – £30,450 per annum, subject to skills and experience.

Learn more and apply here

Single Homeless Project: Peer Mentoring 

Single Homeless Project are delighted to announce that they are accepting applications for their peer mentoring training & volunteering program.

To receive an application pack, or to find out more about the opportunity, please click here or contact peermentoring@shp.org.uk

Completed applications must be returned by 5pm on Wednesday 22nd February.

Long Covid Survey
The Community Links team at VAC are working with the University of Southampton to facilitate a study into Long Covid. If you had, or think you had, Covid 3 or more months ago and yet continue to experience symptoms that are not explained by any other health conditions, the study would like to talk to you about your experiences.

Symptoms can include, but are not limited to: exhaustion, memory or concentrations issues, breathlessness, persistent headaches and muscle aches, chest tightness, palpitations, dizziness and sleep disturbance.
As a token of appreciation, a £25 shopping voucher is available for participation.

The Community Links team at VAC can also assist Camden residents with access to the long covid clinic at UCLH.
For further information please contact Nasrin at nrashid@vac.org.uk or Donna Clutterbuck at LongCovid@soton.ac.uk or call/text  “Long Covid Research’’ on 07721520243.

Henna Asian Women’s Group 

Henna Asian Women’s Group provides a platform for people to connect through hybrid services, including exercise, music & singing, ESOL, art & crafts, Henna Support Group, Chai with Henna and the Wellbeing Hub. A hot meal and warm space are provided on Mondays and Wednesdays to support local residents in Kilburn and beyond during the cost-of-living crisis.

For more information, call 0207 372 9860

LIFT: Intro to Coding Course 

Application closing date: 5th February 2023

LIFT Intro to Coding is a 6-week beginner’s programme designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to start a career in the thriving world of software development. No prior coding experience is needed. You will gain core skills in software development and build a portfolio to show to prospective employers.

Find out more here

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

Find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here

Membership is free, click on the link box above and sign up today

We also have information on a range of local events and opportunities from around the Camden area.

VAC Cost-of-Living Forum 

Tuesday 29 Nov, Online: 11am – 1:15pm

Before we have begun to recover from the impact of the pandemic, the voluntary and community sector is faced with another crisis that will have even more profound and damaging effects.

The cost-of-living crisis threatens the continued resilience of the VCS sector, and VAC is calling for cross-sector unity and resistance to the much-anticipated reduction in public spending.

In October, VAC launched a member survey to better understand how the crisis is impacting the VCS, how community organisations are responding, and what further support the sector needs to tackle this new challenge.

Following a review of the survey results, VAC is holding a forum discussion with guest speakers from the sector to share the results of the survey, explore the challenges the VCS is facing and begin to identify practical and reliable solutions.

Learn more and register your free place here

Cost-of-Living Support in Camden 

Everyone is likely to need a bit of help this winter, so if you’re struggling, please reach out for help. Camden Council offers support with debt, mental health, food, rising energy bills, finding a job and more.

Learn more here or call Camden Council on 020 7974 4444 (Option 9).

BBC Children in Need: Emergency Essentials 

The BBC Children in Need Emergency Essentials Programme grants items to vulnerable children and young people facing a crisis, such as a bed to sleep in, or a cooker to provide a hot meal. In response to the cost-of-living crisis, the programme has introduced new items to form an individual package of support, tailored to each household’s needs. The new items include small kitchen appliances and items to help keep the individual warm.

Learn more here

London Community Foundation: Community Heroes

The London Community Foundation is calling for community groups to celebrate their staff and volunteers. To get involved, share a photograph of your nominated staff member with a few words about the person and why they are a hero. Use the hashtag #HeroesOfLondon and tag @London_cf on Twitter.

Learn more here

Gambling and Related Harms Webinar 

Tuesday 29th Nov: 10 – 11.30am

The subject of gambling and its associated harms is acknowledged by experts as a serious health issue, with far reaching consequences. It negatively affects finances, mental health and relationships, not just for the gambler but for the those around them. If you would like to know more about gambling addiction and related harms, please join this free, CPD-accredited webinar.

Sign up here

Health and Wellbeing Benefits of Outdoor Interventions 

Natural England is leading a cross-government research project to understand how practitioners, policy makers and providers evaluate the health and wellbeing benefits of outdoor interventions. This work aims to better understand current approaches to evaluations, and how data on the health and wellbeing benefits can be collected more effectively and consistently to support decision-making.

Share your thoughts in a survey here

Inclusive Education: Unheard Voices Panel  

Tuesday 6th Dec at the Greenwood Centre: 5:30 – 8pm

Inclusive Education: Unheard Voices is an event for SEN/education professionals and social care workers, organised by young people with learning disabilities and concerning their experience in education. The panel will feature young people, SEN specialists and an audience discussion.
Register your free place here

WAVE in a Box Resource 

WAVE in a Box is a resource created by WAVE for Change that offers support to those who want to create activities for people with and without learning disabilities to socialise together. This includes online resources packed with learning, downloadable assets and practical guidance. You will receive membership to WAVEmaker Forum, where you can meet like-minded people who want to see more vibrant, mixed-ability activities in their communities.

Learn more here

Castlehaven Community Association Vacancies 

Closing date: 5th December

Environmental Project Assistant (FT – £24k)

Health Haven Community Health Worker (FT – £27k)

Health Haven Project Manager (FT –  £33k)
Learn more and apply here

Newsletter Submissions

Please send any information (approximately 50-75 words long) that you would like included in our weekly newsletter to social@vac.org.uk

VAC Cost-of-Living Crisis Resource
VAC recognises that the cost-of-living crisis is a huge concern for families, businesses, and the Voluntary Community Sector.

We are collating information and resources to help community groups and residents in Camden navigate through the crisis. To find out more, click here

Camden Infrastructure Alliance: Cost-of-Living Crisis Joint Statement 

The Camden Infrastructure Alliance – Voluntary Action Camden, C4 and Volunteer Centre Camden – have published a joint statement urgently calling for targeted financial government support for the Voluntary and Community Sector in the face of the cost-of-living crisis.

We are deeply concerned about the additional pressures of a cold winter on Camden’s already overstretched community services.

To read the full statement, please click here

London’s Borough Poverty Profile 2022 

Trust for London has published an analysis of borough-level poverty in London, with new figures covering five years of data up to 2019/20. The report reveals that the impact of housing costs to poverty rates is acutely apparent within London at borough level.

Camden is among the top 10 boroughs where housing costs are having the biggest impact on poverty rates.

Read more here

Community Infrastructure Levy Funds

Closing date: Monday 19th Dec 2022

When new building projects take place in Camden, the developers are usually charged a fee known as the Community Infrastructure Levy. Camden Council is asking for your views and ideas to make sure local CIL funds are spent on the things most important to you.

Have your say here

Camden Estate Parking Changes 

Camden Council wants to hear your views on proposed changes to how parking is managed on Camden Council’s housing estates. The current system means it’s difficult to control parking on estates, and permit holders find it increasingly difficult to find a parking space.

Have your say on proposed changes here

Camden Local Plan Review 

Work has started on reviewing the Camden Local Plan 2017, which provides the framework for managing development in the borough. This is your opportunity to shape the future of Camden.

The engagement on the Local Plan Review is open from the 4th November 2022 to the 13th January 2023. This will inform the preparation of a draft Local Plan to be published in 2023.

Click here to have your say.

Charity Commission Guidelines: Political Activity

The Charity Commission has released a new ‘five-minute statement’ to advise charities of the rules around supporting, or opposing, a change in government policy or the law.

Read it here

Local Newsletters:

SHAK
Young Camden Foundation (Funding Newsletter)
Young Camden Foundation (Events and Training Newsletter)
AWN (sign up)
London Sport (sign up)
Fitzrovia Community Centre
Coram’s Field Community Newsletter (sign up)
CAWH Newsletter
St Pancras Community Association (sign up)
Castlehaven in Bloom (sign up)
Abbey Community Centre Newsletter

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

VAC administered Google Grants
The VAC administered Google Grants scheme is still ongoing.

VAC have been funded by Google to provide up to £300 per quarter for small organisations looking to book one-off spaces to work in or to hold community sessions and training, and up to £600 for the ongoing rent of office and hot desking space.

It is available to small voluntary or community sector organisation with income under £150,000 a year looking to book a venue in Camden.

To find out more, please click here
or get in contact with Ricky at Rsingh@vac.org.uk

CDA Social and Community Fund
Closing date: 1st December 2022
Central District Alliance have launched the second round of the Social and Community Fund via ActionFunder. The fund will support charities and organisations in Camden with grants of up to £3,000.
Learn more here

BBC Children in Need Core Costs Grant
BBC Children in Need is offering core cost grants to support essential organisational and administrative spending. Core costs include key expenses required to keep your organisation running. This funding stream has no application deadline – you can apply at any time.

Learn more here

Lloyd’s of London Foundation Grant

Closing date: 11th December 2022
Applications are now open for the Lloyd’s of London Foundation’s 2023 charity partnerships – this is an opportunity for charities to apply for a grant to support projects in the areas of employability, social mobility, mental health, climate and disaster avoidance and relief.
Learn more here

The Hampstead Wells and Campden Trust 

The principal objectives of The Hampstead Wells and Campden Trust are the alleviation of poverty and the advancement of health in the Trust’s area of benefit. They make grants to organisations, individuals and families.

Learn more here

North London Community Fund 

Closing date: 11pm on 16th December 2022

NLWA has established the North London Community Fund to support waste prevention initiatives in the north London area. This fund provides community-based (non-profit making) organisations with funding to develop new approaches to reduce waste and/or extend the reach and impact of existing waste prevention activity in north London.

Learn more here

NatWest Social & Community Capital  

NatWest Social & Community Capital offers support to social ventures looking to scale, through loans with flexible terms and business support. They offer alternative funding to business charities and social enterprises who don’t qualify for mainstream loans. Their community business loans offer funding from £30,000 to £750,000, with flexible terms and repayment holidays, including access to sector experts.

To learn more, click here or contact bertie.herrtage@natwest.com

Camden Childcare Grant 

If you’re a lone parent in Camden and you’re interested in looking for a new job, to re-enter employment, or want to expand your skillset by attending training or education sessions, you may be eligible for a grant worth up to £1,500 to cover childcare costs while attending job interviews, training or education sessions.

Learn more here

Propel Funding
Propel is a new fund launched by London Funders to enable organisations to explore, develop and lead collaborative approaches to tackle some of London’s biggest challenges. It has three priorities: A New Deal for Young People; Building Strong Communities and Robust Safety Net.
Learn more here

To re-discover funding removed from this list, please see our newsletter archive here

Other available funders include:

• Camden Giving
• Grants Online
• My Funding Central
• Idox Camden 4 Community
• VAC main funding page

St Pancras Community Association Christmas Fayre 

Saturday 10th Dec at 67 Plender Street: 11am – 4pm

SPCA is excited to announce their first ever Christmas Fayre. Bring your family and enjoy a whole host of festivities, including stalls, music, food, drinks and Santa’s Grotto.

Learn more here

Castlehaven Community Association: WinterFest Returns  

Friday 9th Dec: 3:30 – 7pm

Castlehaven Community Association’s festive extravaganza, WinterFest, is returning! Come along for a jam-packed afternoon of festive fun, stalls, performances and a mince pie or two.

If you’re a local business, organisation or community group that would like to run a stall, perform or volunteer at WinterFest, please contact info@castlehaven.co.uk

Student Volunteering at UCL Exhibition 

A new exhibition celebrating the twentieth anniversary of Students’ Union UCL’s Volunteering Service will be showcased at University College London. The exhibition is open to everyone, and highlights the partnership between UCL students and the voluntary and community sector within Camden and across London.

Learn more here

Maths on Toast: Autumn Community Join-In 

Take part in Maths on Toast’s Autumn Join-In: Snowflakes. Create a maths-inspired piece of artwork and send a picture for their online gallery. The Join-In runs for the whole of the Autumn Term, so it’s not too late to get started. This opportunity is open to everyone: community groups, uniformed groups, schools, libraries and families.

Learn more here

KOVE Annual Free Concert 

Monday 21st Nov at the Kiln Cinema: 1.30pm

KOVE is hosting a free community classical show, with a variety of entertainment provided by local people. Booking is not required.

Volunteering with VAC! Join our Community Links Team
Are you able to commit to at least 2 hours per week and interested in supporting people in your community to access health and wellbeing services?

Community Links Volunteers are a part of the Care Navigation and Social Prescribing Service in Camden. They support social prescribing in a variety of ways including signposting residents to community-based activities, helping with referrals, motivating users to connect with new interests and activities, accompanying residents to appointments and introducing them to a range of different opportunities in Camden.

For more info and to apply, please click here
Or contact Mandira Manandhar on mmanandhar@vac.org.uk or 020 7284 6573

Social Prescribers Innovators Programme  
A new initiative is being delivered by the Camden Care Navigation and Social Prescribing Service, hosted by Age UK Camden (AUC) and Voluntary Action Camden.
The project aims to develop volunteering within the service as a way to help retain existing social prescribers and to support successful recruitment to new social prescriber roles.
Contact Mandira at mmanandhar@vac.org.uk if you are interested in volunteering on this new venture.

VoiceAbility: Peer Mentors Needed 

VoiceAbility is urgently seeking volunteers to support people who are struggling with their mental health in Camden. Are you a good listener, non-judgemental, empathetic & understanding? Do you have lived experience of mental health challenges? If so, you could volunteer as a Peer Mentor.

Learn more here or contact volunteering@voiceability.org

Hampstead Wells and Campden Trust: Trustee Vacancy 

Closing date: 24th November

HWCT is seeking up to three new Trustees to share responsibility for governance and oversight of the Trust. The new Trustees will advise on either decision-making around poverty alleviation and/or addressing mental health, financial experience or commercial expertise in HR or legal matters.

Find out more and apply here

Compost Newham Vacancies 

Compost Newham is recruiting two roles to lead its Compost Newham project, a bespoke programme of working to support Newham’s Voluntary, Community and Faith Sector to grow and thrive. The work aims to offer a programme of development support including: capacity building, network development, events and training and building cross-sector relationships.

For more information, click here or contact mailto:anne@compostlondon.org.uk

Healthwatch Camden Vacancy: Research & Administrative Officer (PT) 

Healthwatch Camden is hiring a part-time Research & Administrative Officer to work on providing an information service for Healthwatch Camden, helping to ensure that it is readily accessible, and effectively directing people to the support or advice they need.

To apply, email your CV to info@healthwatchcamden.co.uk

SPCA Vacancy: Community Cafe Manager (PT) 

SPCA are seeking someone to manage and run their Community Café and team of volunteers. The manager will also promote the café in the community by arranging activities in the café setting.

To learn more and apply, click here

Symptoms can include, but are not limited to: exhaustion, memory or concentrations issues, breathlessness, persistent headaches and muscle aches, chest tightness, palpitations, dizziness and sleep disturbance.
As a token of appreciation there is a £15 shopping voucher available for participation.

The Community Links team at VAC can also assist Camden residents with access to the long covid clinic at UCLH.
For further information please contact Nasrin at nrashid@vac.org.uk or Donna Clutterbuck at LongCovid@soton.ac.uk or call/text  “Long Covid Research’’ on 07721520243.

‘Warm Welcome’ Spaces in Camden 

To help everyone stay warm this winter, ‘warm welcome’ spaces are available across Camden. You’ll find them in libraries, children’s centres and other community buildings across the borough. Everyone is invited to come in, relax and meet up with others in a safe and warm place.

Find a warm space here

Single Parent of Biracial Children Support Group 
IamIrish welcomes single parents of biracial children of Irish descent to join an online support group. Groups take place once a week and are free and child-friendly.
To sign up, contact Murray at community@iamirish.org

Community Kitchen & Warm Space  

SPCA are proud to announce the opening of their new Community Kitchen & Warm Space at St Pancras Community Association, 67 Plender Street. Come alone or with your family to get a free meal and join in with activities.

To learn more, click here

SPCA Boutique: Winter Warmers 

Free winter clothes are available at a new boutique on the ground floor of St Pancras Community Association, 67 Plender Street.

Donations of clean winter clothes and blankets are welcomed.

To learn more, click here

Startup School for Seniors: Green Economy Business 

Are you seeking to start a business with people, purpose or planet in mind? Startup School for Seniors is launching a new online course for entrepreneurs with a social conscience. Starting on 21st November, the full-time, two-week programme will equip you with the skills to turn your idea into a business or increase the trading income of an existing business. This programme is fully-funded for Londoners of any age.

To learn more, click here

Winter Wellness Project 

The Elizabeth House Winter Wellness Project supports older council tenants to keep warm and well during the winter. From October 2022, if you are over 65, Elizabeth House can help you access grants and support to keep your home warm, access flu jabs, learn about local activities and more.

For more information, click here

Past Voluntary Action Forums: Resources

You can find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here.

Membership is free, click on the link box above and join us today

We also have information on a range of local events and opportunities from around the Camden area.

The Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) provides essential support for those in need, but it also finds itself under enormous pressure as a result of the current cost-of-living crisis.

We are deeply concerned for the continued resilience of our sector and are calling for cross-sector unity and resistance to the much-anticipated reduction in public spending.

We have put together a short survey to help understand how your organisation is responding to the cost of living crisis, the ongoing and evolving impact and what further support you need to tackle this new challenge.

The results of this survey will inform plans to provide additional support to the sector. The survey shouldn’t take longer than 10 minutes and is available here

Free Community Festival: Zen in Mind 

Thursday 20th Oct at QCCA in Gospel Oak: 12pm-5pm

The Zen Project and Mind in Camden are hosting a series of monthly festivals to celebrate mental health and support the local Camden community. All activities are free, including massage, mindfulness sessions and more. Booking is not required- just turn up and drop in!

For more information, click here

Free Intensive Digital Media Training 

Calling all young creatives aged 18-25 with a passion for creating compelling content and a desire to work in the media. Apply now for 6 weeks of free intensive digital media training with BAFTA-winning company, Licklemor Productions. The award-winning training is based at the SKY TV Campus in Osterley and can grant you instant industry access, while teaching you how to excel in production.

For more information, click here

Club Matters Programme 

Club Matters is a Sport England, Lottery-funded programme that provides free resources, support, and guidance to grassroots sports clubs, groups and community organisations, as well as the workforce that supports them.

Click here to see their upcoming workshops programme.

Arts 4 Dementia Programme 

Every Friday from 28th Oct to 9th Dec at Cockpit Yard: 11:30am – 1pm

A new Arts 4 Dementia programme is aimed at people with early-stage dementia, mild cognitive impairment and their companions. Participants will have the opportunity to work with some of the UK’s best makers and learn the art of craft.

To register for the autumn programme, contact emily@arts4dementia.org.uk or call 0203 633 5401.

Henna Asian Women’s Group 

Become a member of Henna Asian Women’s Group and get access to weekly sessions. Henna can provide you with a way to connect with other people, whether it’s through exercise, music & singing, ESOL, arts & crafts or the Wellbeing Hub.

For more information, click here or call 0207 372 9860.

WAC Arts Vacancy: Senior Support Workers 

Closing date: 14th November

WAC Arts are looking to expand their current team of Senior Support Workers, who work with young people during their performing arts sessions. They are looking for people who are pro-active and flexible, with an eagerness to get to know the young people they work with and support their learning and wellbeing in sessions.

For more information and to apply, click here or contact recruitment@wacarts.co.uk

Newsletter Submissions

Please send any information (approximately 50-75 words long) that you would like included in our weekly newsletter to social@vac.org.uk

Camden Infrastructure Alliance: Cost-of-Living Crisis Joint Statement 

The Camden Infrastructure Alliance – Voluntary Action Camden, C4 and Volunteer Centre Camden – have published a joint statement urgently calling for targeted financial government support for the Voluntary and Community Sector in the face of the cost-of-living crisis.

We are deeply concerned about the additional pressures of a cold winter on Camden’s already overstretched community services.

To read the full statement, please click here

Cost of Living Support in Camden
We are all feeling the impact of the rise in the cost of living. We have collected a range of links below to help people to manage some of the challenges associated with the higher cost of living:

Home (shine-london.org.uk) – save money on energy bills
https://findfood.camden.gov.uk
Help With the Cost of Living | London City Hall
Free and impartial help with money, backed by the government | MoneyHelper
WISH Plus – Camden Council – Energy efficiency advice and income maximisation checks
Cost of Living Signposting Resource | London Plus
British Gas Energy Trust Grant

Institute of Health Equity Report: Fuel poverty, cold homes and health inequalities 

This report reviews the evidence on both the direct and indirect impacts of fuel poverty and cold homes on health; the effects of inequalities and the relationship between health inequalities and climate change. It makes the case for prioritising reducing fuel poverty through policy suggestions at both the national and local level.
Read the report here

Government Scheme to Cut Energy Bills

A new government scheme will see energy prices for non-domestic energy customers such as businesses, charities and public sector organisations cut – protecting them from rising energy costs. The scheme will cover energy use for 6 months from 1 October 2022 to 31 March 2023, and is in addition to the Energy Price Guarantee for households.
Read more here

Addressing Poverty in London:

London Challenge Poverty Week: 17-23 Oct 2022 

London Challenge Poverty Week is coming up soon. It is coordinated by 4in10: London’s Child Poverty Network. Find out more here

London Child Poverty Alliance Summit: 20 Oct 2022

The London Child Poverty Alliance are hosting the London Child Poverty Summit on 20 October. Find out more and book your tickets here

Call for ideas around addressing poverty 

Together with Joseph Rowntree Foundation, New Local has launched a Call for Learning & Ideas to explore local approaches to addressing these challenges. Find out more here

Local Newsletters:

SHAK
Young Camden Foundation (Funding Newsletter)
AWN (sign up)
London Sport (sign up)
Fitzrovia Community Centre
Coram’s Field Community Newsletter (sign up)
CAWH Newsletter
St Pancras Community Association (sign up)
Castlehaven in Bloom (sign up)

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

VAC administered Google Grants
The VAC administered Google Grants scheme is still ongoing.

VAC have been funded by Google to provide up to £300 per quarter for small organisations looking to book one-off spaces to work in or to hold community sessions and training, and up to £600 for the ongoing rent of office and hot desking space.

It is available to small voluntary or community sector organisation with income under £150,000 a year looking to book a venue in Camden.

To find out more, please click here
or get in contact with Ricky at Rsingh@vac.org.uk

Camden Youth Work Grant Funding 

Camden Council is accepting applications for youth work grant funding for 2023-25.

For more information and to apply, click here

ASDA Foundation Grants  

The Asda Foundation supports small, grassroots organisations in several ways throughout the year. Current funding available includes a Cost-of-Living Grant and an Empowering Local Communities Grant.

For more information and to apply, click here

Energy Saving Trust: Energy Redress Fund
Energy Saving Trust has been appointed to distribute payments from companies who may have breached Ofgem rules. Registered Charities, Community Interest Companies, Co-operative Societies and Community Benefit Societies can apply for funds to deliver energy related projects that meet the scheme priorities and benefit people in England, Scotland and Wales.
Learn more here

GLA Funding: Warmer Homes Programme
With energy bills continuing to rise, the Mayor is urging Londoners, local authorities, and community organisations to raise awareness of the Warmer Homes programme with anyone who may be eligible.
The scheme offers free energy efficiency grants of up to £25,000 to households with a residual income of up to £20,000 per year after rent/mortgage and council tax.
Learn more here

To re-discover funding removed from this list, please see our newsletter archive here

Other available funders include:

• Camden Giving
• Grants Online
• My Funding Central
• Idox Camden 4 Community
• VAC main funding page

Advanced Safeguarding Children Training: Developing Knowledge and Understanding

Tuesday 1st November 2022

This in-person training session is for voluntary, community and supplementary school groups and organisations delivering services to under-18s and their families in Camden. It aims to increase existing safeguarding knowledge for those who have had child protection training in the past three years and need a refresher. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of safeguarding issues relevant to local, micro and marginalised communities.

For more information or to book your place, please contact Dianne Carlton-Ogunyemi at dogunyemi@vac.org.uk

Free Health & Wellbeing Event  

Tuesday 1st November at Camley Street Natural Park: 10am-1pm

Camden Adult Community Learning will be hosting its free annual Health and Wellbeing event in partnership with Camden Libraries and Camley Street Natural Park. Try out art and craft activities, healthy recipes and simple exercises to keep fit. There will also be information about clubs, exhibitions, outdoor activities and support to lose weight and keep healthy.

Cost of Living Crisis Workshops 

Wed 19th Oct 10am-12:30pm via Zoom OR Thurs 20th Oct 10am-12:30pm via Zoom

Citizens Advice Camden are hosting workshops focusing on resources to support Camden residents experiencing financial hardship.

To book a space, contact financialcapabilityproject@camdencabservice.org.uk and include your name, which workshop you would like to attend, your organisation (if applicable) and contact number.

Camden’s Evening and Night-time Community Conversations

Camden Council wants to hear about your evening and night-time experiences in Camden. Drop into one of the following workshops to participate:

Tues 18th Oct at Castlehaven Community Centre: 7pm-9pm

Thurs 27th Oct at St Pancras Community Centre: 6:15pm-8:15pm

Wed 2nd Nov at Covent Garden Community Centre: 2pm-4pm and 6:30pm-8:30pm

Tues 15th Nov at Kiln Theatre: 2pm-5pm

For more information, contact nighttime@camden.gov.uk

Link UP London’s Flash Consulting: Digital Marketing 
Wednesday 19th October on Zoom: 6-7:30pm
The importance of digital communications could not be denied during the pandemic and, 2 years on, Social Good Organisations are continuing to develop their digital growth.
With a drive to improve but with limited funding available for support, the event provides a free 1-1 session with a digital expert.
To sign up, please click here

North London Waste Authority’s New Waste Prevention Plan  

Thurs 27th Oct via Microsoft Teams: 5:30–7:45pm

Camden Council is hosting an engagement session to inform and develop North London Waste Authority’s new Waste Prevention Plan for 2022-25. Stakeholders will meet NLWA and hear about the draft Plan, exchange ideas, share interests, and discuss ways to get involved going forward.
To sign up, please click here

The “B” Word Series Events 

Every Wednesday from 5th October at the London Irish Centre.

The series of events hosted by IamI includes the Spoken Word sessions ‘Enough Words’. Team up with facilitators to work towards producing your own piece and perform live to family and friends. The Melanin Rising Workshop explores the ingredients, special properties and the making of skin cream.
Book your space here

Volunteering with VAC! Join our Community Links Team
Are you able to commit to at least 2 hours per week and interested in supporting people in your community to access health and wellbeing services?

Community Links Volunteers are a part of the Care Navigation and Social Prescribing Service in Camden. They support social prescribing in a variety of ways including signposting residents to community-based activities, helping with referrals, motivating users to connect with new interests and activities, accompanying residents to appointments and introducing them to a range of different opportunities in Camden.

For more info and to apply, please click here
Or contact Mandira Manandhar on mmanandhar@vac.org.uk or 020 7284 6573

Social Prescribers Innovators Programme  
A new initiative is being delivered by the Camden Care Navigation and Social Prescribing Service, hosted by Age UK Camden (AUC) and Voluntary Action Camden.
The project aims to develop volunteering within the service as a way to help retain existing social prescribers and to support successful recruitment to new social prescriber roles.
Contact Mandira at mmanandhar@vac.org.uk if you are interested in volunteering on this new venture.

Elfrida Rathbone Camden Vacancy 

Closing date: 30th October

Elfrida Rathbone Camden is seeking a Finance and Office Manager to lead their Finance and Office functions. The post is full-time (35 hours per week). Application is by CV and covering letter.
For more information and to apply, click here

SPCA Vacancy: Director 

Closing date: 22nd October

St Pancras Community Association is looking for a director to lead and guide a highly skilled and motivated team. The goal is to make SPCA a community hub and a centre of excellence which has a positive impact on the lives of local residents.
For more information and to apply, click here

CAWH Vacancy: Keeping Well Together Project Organiser

Closing date: Wednesday 2nd November at 5pm

CAWH is an exciting community organisation which has been awarded funding to support local older people in keeping well and active. They are looking for a motivated and proactive worker with experience of setting up and delivering projects to develop and manage the programme.
For more information and to apply, click here

The Winch: Vacancies 

The Winch is currently hiring for the following positions:

Head of Communities (FT – £40k)

Participation Worker (PT – £28k pro rata)

Play Worker (PT – London Living Wage)

For more information and to apply, please click here

Kilburn Older Voices Exchange vacancy: Coordinator
Closing date: 17th October
KOVE are looking for someone with sound administrative skills and a knowledge of charity organisation to support their activities and help develop a more age-friendly Kilburn. You’ll need to work freelance, flexibly, from home for two days a week. A warm-hearted commitment to the full citizenship of all older people is essential.

To view the full job description please click here
The application process starts with an informal phone conversation with the former coordinator, Mel Wright. To apply for this role, please contact: melwillwright@gmail.com

Symptoms can include, but are not limited to: exhaustion, memory or concentrations issues, breathlessness, persistent headaches and muscle aches, chest tightness, palpitations, dizziness and sleep disturbance.
As a token of appreciation there is a £15 shopping voucher available for participation.

The Community Links team at VAC can also assist Camden residents with access to the long covid clinic at UCLH.
For further information please contact Nasrin at nrashid@vac.org.uk or Donna Clutterbuck at LongCovid@soton.ac.uk or on 07721520243

Homes for Ukraine: Host Families 

Since March 2022, over 200 Camden households have welcomed and supported Ukrainian arrivals by offering them a space in their home. The war in Ukraine is sadly still ongoing, with people and families being forced to flee their homes. If you’re able to help, consider signing up to the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
For more information, please contact ukrainesupport@camden.gov.uk

Survivors Can Shine – Trustees Needed 

Survivors Can Shine works to bring communities together and change perceptions around abuse; empowering children and young people to speak out, be heard, and be safe.

They are seeking individuals who are passionate about the cause to devote the necessary time, skills and commitment to their growing organisation.

For more information, contact rosa@survivorscanshine.org.uk or call 07956661690

Ethical Property Foundation: Energy Efficiency Service 
The Ethical Property Foundation is offering a consultancy service for charities looking to reduce their energy bill costs and ensure that their property improvements are cost effective.
For more information, contact simon.taylor@ethicalproperty.org.uk

Dog Control Public Spaces Protection Order: Consultation 

Camden Council is considering new measures to tackle issues around antisocial behaviour associated with irresponsible dog owners in the area.
Find out more and have your say here

LIFT: Affordable Coworking Spaces 

LIFT can help entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds in Camden, Islington, Hackney and Tower Hamlets to access co-working space, no matter your financial situation. This includes people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, women, lone parents and people with disabilities, who are underrepresented in these industry sectors.
For more information, contact lift.futures@islington.gov.uk

Camden Children’s Services BSL Video

Camden Council has published its first video explaining Camden’s children’s services and the support available to families in the borough in British Sign Language (BSL). The video, which features signing interpreters as well as full English subtitles, gives a detailed summary of services and support available for children and families, including Children in Need, Early Help and Child Protection services.
Watch the video here

Startup School for Seniors 

Advantages of Age is offering online courses for Londoners aged 50+ looking to start their own businesses.

The course is delivered online by entrepreneur Suzanne Noble and business coach Mark Elliott. They create a fun, interactive learning experience and support you to progress week by week. Fully sponsored places are available to residents of London.

Register your place on the next available course here.

Past Voluntary Action Forums: Resources

You can find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here.