VAC Newsletter 26/4/2024

by Duncan Cordy27 April 2024

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Farewell to our IT and Digital Manager, Alex Charles

It’s a sad day for us here at VAC. Alex, who is our IT and Digital Manager in name but much much more than that in presence, contribution and stature, is leaving VAC after having been a key member of our team for such a long time. Alex has always been a great champion of VAC’s work, and has been a figure of support and encouragement for all of us here. Her absence is going to leave a significant hole and she will be sorely missed. In her own words:

“Having worked for VAC for close to 20 years in one role or another, it’s with a heavy heart to be moving on to new pastures. Throughout my time at VAC, I’ve remained deeply passionate about the incredible work VAC has done – and continues to do – supporting the Camden VCS. It’s been a wonderful journey for me getting to know Camden in-and-out and meet many groups and devoted and passionate people along the way; some of whom have been working in the Camden VCS for as long as, or longer than me. I will miss you all, and my wonderful colleagues, most of whom I’ve known for many years, but look forward to continuing to support VAC on it’s journey with Salesforce on a freelance basis. Keep doing the wonderful work you all do and may our paths cross again!”

Thank you Alex for all your help and expertise over the years!
We wish you all the best of luck in the future.

Upcoming Training

We’ve got just a few hot tickets left for our Budgeting and Financial Planning workshop next Tuesday! This day long session will cover the key ingredients and make you a pro in planning your organisation’s finances. The training will take place at the Crowndale Centre on 218 Eversholt Street, NW1 1BD. You can book your place using the link below.

Budgeting and Financial Planning 30th April, 9.30am – 4pm
Voluntary sector organisational structures; what’s right for you? 15th May, 10.00am – 12.00pm

More details in the Events and Training section

Creating Ultra-Low & Local Circular Food Waste Zones in Camden
Lifeafterhummus Community Benefit Society have shared their report on food waste in Camden (and beyond). In the summer of 2023 they interviewed 109 businesses and over 30 VCS partners in and around Somers Town on the barriers to giving and receiving surplus food. The research revealed that more food than previously thought is going to waste in Camden and has led to 4 recommendations to the Council.

The data also suggest that VCS organisations struggle to meet the demand for food related services and need additional resources. Widely requested by over 80% of respondents is Food, Goods, Transport and Funding. The organisation are now inviting councillors, officers, VCS partners and businesses to express an interest in attending a workshop (on a date to be agreed) to look at the possibilities of implementing these recommendations by taking an inter-departmental and collaborative approach.

Exclude us from marriage value changes, charities say
A number of charities have stressed to the government that they will lose millions in charitable funds if proposed changes to marriage value, which relates to property value increase when lease is extended, go through. This could be averted by an exemption for charities, argue key figures in the sector.

Xledger Charity Digital Financial Report
Along with Censuswide UK, Xledger have produced a repor t looking at digital transformation and the financial backdrop in the charity sector. Xledger’s CEO, Peter Hucker, has also written this piece in Civil Society about how financial tools can aid charities.

Every week VAC checks various sources for the latest funding opportunities relevant for Camden groups.
You can visit our website for a round up of the latest opportunities added this week: Search for Funding – Voluntary Action Camden (vac.org.uk).

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

VAC UPCOMING TRAINING

Budgeting and Financial Planning 30th April, 9.30am – 4pm
Voluntary sector organisational structures; what’s right for you? 15th May, 10.00am – 12.00pm

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

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

OTHER EVENTS

Cost of Living event – Camden Disability Action
Camden Disability Action is hosting a Cost of Living Event at the Greenwood Centre, Kentish Town, NW5 1LB on Tuesday 7th May. There will be presentations about benefits, grants, debt and energy. Attendees will then be able to speak directly to expert advisors from Camden Disability Action, Deaf Plus, Mary Ward Legal Centre, Citizen’s Advice, the Disability Job Hub, Energy and Tackling Poverty Team from Camden Council as well as other local services about any specific issues you may have and to hear what these services can help you with. Captions and BSL interpreters will be present at the event. Contact constance@camdendisabilityaction.org.uk with any questions about the event.

Grandparents in Taiwan – An Illustrated Talk
Photographer, Hsi Lun Chen (Shiloh), grew up on the island of Matsu off the coast of Taiwan. From 1956 to 1992 tight military control had restricted the use of cameras on the island. As a result, a whole generation of grandparents had few or no photos of themselves or their young families. In 2015 Shiloh set out to change this, photographing residents aged 85 and above and exploring their lives and untold stories. Book your tickets for this event at Community Association for West Hampstead on Friday 26th April.

Free steel pan music-making for young Camden residents
The Steel Pan Music team are inviting young people in Camden to their free music-making sessions, held in the Warren Centre on Mondays and Saturdays. Steel pan is learnt by rote, copying note patterns, not reading sheet music, so progress is fast and lots of fun! Contact hi@steelpanmusic.org.uk for more information.

Children’s Nature Garden Open Day
Join Castlehaven Community Association on Saturday, 27th April, for the opening of their Children’s Nature Garden at the Elm Haven Community Garden located on Barker Drive, NW1 0JW. Plant wildlife-friendly plants, participate in nature-themed arts & crafts and help name the garden. This event is open to all, but children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, please email environmentalteam@castlehaven.org.uk.

Mental Health Employment Specialist (IPS)
Hillside Clubhouse are recruiting an IPS Employment Specialist based within their Camden team. If you are passionate about supporting people with mental health into employment and want to join a well established IPS team, then this could be the role for you! Please apply here.
Closing Date: 18th May.

Calthorpe Community Garden office administrator

Calthorpe Community Garden is seeking an experienced and driven part time office administrator to take ownership of business stream management as well as the charity’s office tasks. This is a part time (fixed term contract) six month role with an aim to develop into a long term position at the charity, so they are looking for someone who is ready to become part of the team! To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter to info@calthorpecommunitygarden.org.uk by 30th April 2024.

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

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

Women + Health seek female trustee
Women + Health supports Camden residents with physical and mental health. They need a female fundraising trustee with fundraising experience, working on strategy, events, corporates and high net worth individuals. She will work with the director, MC and fundraising coordinator. BAME women and other underrepresented groups are welcomed. Have a look at the current board of trustees, and contact trustee@women-and-health.org.uk with your CV or any questions.
Deadline: Saturday 27th April

SHP Peer Mentoring Team open recruitment
SHP Peer Mentoring Team are looking for volunteers to join their peer mentoring service in Camden, Islington and Westminster with lived experience of substance use, mental health support, homelessness and the criminal justice system and who are now a minimum 6 months abstinent, are stable in their recovery and want to volunteer their time to help others. Send applications and enquiries to peermentoring@shp.org.uk by 28th April 2024.

Volunteer as a tutor with Action Tutoring
Action Tutoring are holding two events over the next two weeks where you can come and find out about volunteering to tutor disadvantaged children with their English and maths. The second event is part of the “Big Help Out” weekend on 7th-9th June. Find out more and sign up here.

Roundhouse Creative Leadership course
How to lead with clarity, confidence and purpose – The Roundhouse are accepting applications for their creative leadership course. Join a diverse group of emerging creative leaders and learn how to strategise, communicate effectively, and evolve into an impactful leader. For young people seeking roles in high-impact sectors such as government, the arts, business & philanthropy. Free to apply, pay only if selected.
Apply by Wednesday 1st May

Bayes Business School Charity Master’s Programmes
The Centre for Charity Effectiveness at Bayes Business School (formerly Cass) offer 5 specialist charities master’s programmes, aimed at empowering and supporting performance in the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector and nurturing the charity leaders of tomorrow. The programmes are taught in a part-time, flexible format, allowing students to balance work in the non-profit sector and study.

TikTok Charity Academy
For those who want to learn more about how to use TikTok for fundraising, advocacy and driving positive change, the social media platform is launching a new initiative along with Media Trust, giving over 100 charities the chance to get 3 weeks free training. Senior figures in the sector spoke at the launch event to explain the opportunities TikTok offers, and urged others not to underestimate the potential of the platform to reach young people. The academy will take place on 1-19 July and is now open to applications until 21st May.

Historic Royal Palace’s Community Access Scheme
This is a free opportunity for organisations supporting Camden residents to access tickets, resources and special event invitations to Historic Royal palaces (Tower of London, Kensington Palace, Hampton Court and more). Sign up to attend a short training session on either:
• Tuesday 28 May, 10:00-14:30 at Kensington Palace
• Tuesday 4 June, 10:00-14:30 at Kensington Palace
To register, please complete this online form by Tuesday 21st May:

Neighbourly platform for accessing local volunteer help
Neighbourly is a free to use platform for connecting charities and business with local volunteers. The service is all about making people aware of local resources and opportunities, such as time, money or product surplus, to create a positive impact in the community.

Local VCS Newsletters

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

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

Find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here

Got an item for the e-bulletin?

Send your item to social@vac.org.uk by noon on Wednesday for publication in the following Friday’s edition. Submissions should be 50 – 75 words. Please send plain text or a format that can be copied (ie not embedded in an image). Send links to documents rather than attachments. Make sure to include contact details.

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VAC e-bulletin 12th April 2024

by Duncan Cordy12 April 202412 April 2024

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Cultural Advocacy Project

This project is run jointly with Mind in Camden, who love the beautiful borough of Camden with all its opportunities, vibrancy and community as much as we do, but also want to make sure that the health inequalities in the borough don’t prevent some of the most vulnerable members of our community receiving the mental health support that they need.

Our cultural advocacy project works with communities in Camden to strengthen awareness of mental health support facilities and build relationships between partner organisations and our own peer support groups. It’s really important to us that we reach people who would benefit from this service, so if you or someone you know is looking for support, you can find out more information and share it here.

NEW – Safeguarding Training

Protecting Children in the Community 24th April, 10.00am – 12.30pm, & May 7th, 10:00am – 11.45 am
Dementia Awareness 25th April, 10.30am – 11.30am
Budgeting and Financial Planning 30th April, 9.30am – 4pm
Voluntary sector organisational structures; what’s right for you? 15th May, 10.00am – 12.00pm

More details in the Events and Training section

“Halo effect” can blind charities to unethical behaviour
Charitable organisations are prone to developing habits of ignoring unethical behaviour and diminished transparency due to a psychological phenomenon known as the “Halo effect”. A new report from lead researcher Dr Isabel de Bruin at the Rotterdam school of Management, has found that behaviours such as financial malpractice, racism and abuse is often excused or justified by those who have a strong belief in the moral superiority of their cause over all else.

British Muslims donate four times the national average
A new report from Consultancy Blue State has found that donations from British Muslims are four times the amount of the wider UK population, £708 per year compared to £165 for the average Brit. The study also showed that Muslims in the UK are more likely to raise money via community events and via personal challenges, for example running marathons.

Policy change on charities that ignore opt-out requests
The Fundraising Regulator has changed the way they report on charities that fail to implement requests from the public to opt-out of marketing communications. Previously, all groups who failed to act on just one such request would automatically be named on the regulator’s website, but it has been decided that a more appropriate threshold for public naming and shaming will now rise to three ignored requests.

UK-German Connection funds for schools & youth groups
UK-German Connection Instant Impact Grants are now available to support UK schools and youth groups planning visits to their counterparts in Germany this summer. The scheme is jointly funded and governed by the UK and German governments, British Council, and the Pädagogischer Austauschdienst, offering a dedicated linking service and funding opportunities for bilateral activities. Applications must be submitted at least six weeks before the planned visit.

Adult Social Care Training and Development Fund
Adult social care employers in England can claim varying levels of reimbursement for staff training costs. The government has issued guidance details for the programme, ahead of the launch of a digital online claims service later this year. The aim is to enable the ASC workforce and ASC employers to start planning their training and development for the financial year 2024 to 2025.

Mayor of London’s VRU Innovation fund
The Mayor of London’s Violence Reduction Unit is offering grants to community-led organisations and groups across London to test new approaches and ideas to support vulnerable Londoners who are either at risk or have been involved in violence. This round of funding will support organisations with online networking/ collaboration, capacity-building and other tools.

Paul Hamlyn Foundation’s Arts Fund
Not-for-profit cultural organisations working at the intersection of art and social change within the UK can apply for grants from the Arts fund, which supports the long-term development and transformation of these organisations as a route towards social justice and sustainability.

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

Upcoming safeguarding training
For all VCS organisations, supplementary, faith schools and groups delivering services to under 18’s in the borough.
In partnership with Camden’s Safeguarding Children’s Partnership:

Protecting Children in the Community 24th April, 10.00am – 12.30pm, & May 7th, 10:00am – 11.45 am
Dementia Awareness Workshop 25th April, 10.30am – 12pm
Budgeting and Financial Planning 30th April, 9.30am – 4pm
Voluntary sector organisational structures; what’s right for you? 15th May, 10.00am – 12.00pm

OTHER EVENTS

Wellbeing and Cancer Awareness workshop
Healthwatch Camden and Camden Disability Action are holding a workshop with important information on wellbeing and cancer awareness. Attendees will hear from a doctor about the signs and symptoms of cancer, as well as the experiences of a disabled person in fighting cancer. You can register for the event here, or email tom@camdendisabilityaction.org.uk.
Tuesday 23rd April, Greenwood Centre, Kentish Town, NW5 1LB.

Survivors Can Shine Ambassadors for Change event
Taking place on Hampstead Heath on Saturday 25th May, the Ambassadors for Change Community Event is bringing children, young people and the wider community together in collective strength in a positive movement for change. The day will be filmed as part of the documentary, and will include musical performances, food, games, activities and prizes. Register here and contact Lily if you want to volunteer or host a stall.

VCC Spring Fair and Volunteering Workshop
Volunteer Centre Camden are hosting two volunteering related events over the next couple of weeks. The first, on Wednesday 17th April, is their Camden and Islington Spring 24 Volunteering Fai r, an in-person event in Kings Cross where you can meet groups recruiting volunteers. Then on Wednesday 24th April, they are holding essential training for volunteer managers on how build volunteering in a strategic way that adds significant value to their mission, exploring the societal, economic, and technological environment that affects volunteering and trends that should be taken into account.

Google’s Community Affairs Q1 Community training day
This is a regular opportunity for local organisations to get together at Google King’s Cross office for a networking lunch, skills training and a chance to share lessons learned from community leaders. Register here before 29th April.
Thursday 9th May, Google, 6 Pancras Square, N1C 4AG

YCF & Beat webinar on understanding eating disorders
Young Camden Foundation are hosting a webinar along with Beat, the UK’s eating disorder charity, which aims to give attendees a proper understanding of the three major eating disorders. The webinar will also look at risk factors, early warning signs and learn how best to support someone with an eating disorder. You can book tickets here.
Tuesday 16th April, online.

Community Leadership Programme at Birkbeck University
Community Leadership returns to Camden! Would you like to further your skills in the area of community leadership, community development and network with others? Taught by tutors from Birkbeck, these workshops aim to help participants gain skills, knowledge and confidence. Learn more or sign up here.
Starts: 24 April 2024

Scene & Heard 25th birthday pop-up museum
Come see how Scene & Heard brings imaginations to life on and off the stage in Camden at a FREE pop-up museum. Explore interactive displays, galleries and incredible costumes inspired by the amazing imaginations of children. Suitable for all ages, open 10th-11th May, 11am – 7pm. Refreshments available all day.

Chair at Flourishing Lives
Flourishing Lives is the only London-wide body dedicated to older people, the arts and wellbeing. The organisation helps transform older people’s lives, by promoting community, expression, access and lifelong learning through engagement with the arts. They are looking for an enthusiastic Chair to help take their work forward. Full job description here.
Application deadline: 14th April

West Hampstead Jester Festival 2024 – volunteers needed
The annual Fortune Green Jester Festival takes place on July 6th, and they are looking for volunteers who can help local residents who organise the festival. Responsibilities include traffic management, setting up gazebos, selling raffle tickets, litter control and stewarding. Volunteers will get a free Jester T-shirt and a tabard and clipboard if needed! Contact mrj@mikejennings.co.uk with any queries, and have a look at last year’s festival.

Volunteers needed to lead Camden reading group
The Reader is a project put together by Camden Libraries for the visually impaired, which brings people together by reading stories and poems aloud. They are looking for volunteers to lead the reading group in Pancras Square library. The volunteers will receive in-depth training and support from the community of reader leaders. Contact filizemre@thereader.org.uk to find out more.

Charity Excellence AI Ethics & Governance Framework
Amid new recommendations from the Charity Commission that charities should consider developing internal AI policies, Charity Excellence have released a framework for managing the ethical challenges of using AI. This resource can be used to help create a new policy for your organisation, or as a tool for evaluating your existing policies. You can find the framework here, along with many other helpful resources for navigating AI.

Central YMCA launch two new initaitives
Project Move
Project Move focuses on empowering individuals to lead healthier lives, improve their physical fitness, and enhance their overall well-being. From swimming lessons to yoga, dance, and basketball, there are a variety of engaging sessions for young people no matter which type of movement they enjoy. If you’re interested in hearing more about this work or know someone who might be, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Lucia Lovine.
Y’s Girls Project
Central YMCA is launching the Y’s Girls Project in London, where girls between the ages of 9 and 14 will be paired with a trained mentor who will work with them to gain confidence, explore their interests, and learn new things in an informal and fun environment, and it opens opportunities for the girls to try new things that they might not get the chance to do otherwise. If you would like to learn more about the Y’s Girls Project or you’re interested in becoming a mentor or mentee, please reach out to Allison Bishop.

Camden Adult Community Learning – Digital skills classes
Camden Adult Community Learning runs free digital skills classes in community venues throughout Camden and online. You can enrol now for new courses, including:

•   Digital Portrait Photography at the recently-opened Euston Skills Centre and Swiss Cottage Library
•   Essential Digital Skills Qualification (EDSQ) at Training Link
•   Online courses in Design with Canva, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint & Digital Safety
•   Child Online Safety Workshops for Camden Parents

For a full list of courses see the Course Guide or visit the online enrolment page. You can also enrol in person on Thursday 18 April, at the Adult Learning Centre, Netley Campus, 74 Stanhope Street, NW1 3EX.

Could your charity get discounted energy?

Utility Aid has launched the National Charity Tender to help voluntary organisations get discounted energy through Group Energy Purchasing. Their offer is available for not for profit groups so you can get in touch to find out if this is the right option for your organisation.

Local VCS Newsletters

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

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

Find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here

Got an item for the e-bulletin?

Become a Member

Use your own custom HTML

Opt in to receive VAC e-newsletter direct to your inbox

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

Registered Charity Number 880216. Company Limited by Guarantee registered in England No: 2388150. Registered Office: Belmont Street, London, NW1 8HF

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VAC e-bulletin 5th April 2024

by Duncan Cordy5 April 2024

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Spotlighted Charity of the week – The Touch Project

Welcome to one of our Camden New Groups Network members – Touch Project, and its founder Kathy Breidenbach.

VAC has recently started the New Groups Network for support and peer mentoring, and we were delighted to meet Kathy and learn about her work and her organisation. Touch Project is a Not-for-Profit community interest company and is run by a team of experienced, qualified & caring volunteers.

Find out what Touch Project is about and what they do in Kathy’s own words and photos of her and her faithful assistant Joy:

“Our mission is to encourage learning, growing, and helping people connect to all aspects of themselves. If you want to reduce stress & improve relaxation, if you’d like to have fun while improving your wellbeing naturally and nurture more caring connection in your life, please come and join us as we co-create wellbeing workshops every Thursday evening and the last Sunday afternoon of the month.

Every week we joyfully explore connection, communication, boundaries, and enjoy home-made healthy goodies. Wellness skills nurture and improve your quality of your life! We have Joy the Labradoodle, so you can get some good puppy love at a fully accessible venue, the Old Diorama near Euston.”

Free female and helper tickets are available, please call Kathy on 07832737813.

https://www.touchproject.world/

NEW – Safeguarding Training

Protecting Children in the Community 24th April, 10.00am – 12.30pm, & May 7th, 10:00am – 11.45 am
Dementia Awareness 25th April, 10.30am – 11.30am
Budgeting and Financial Planning 30th April, 9.30am – 4pm
Voluntary sector organisational structures; what’s right for you? 15th May, 10.00am – 12.00pm

More details in the Events and Training section

Culture Secretary calls for automated gift aid
As part of a call for wider tax reform to benefit the charity sector, culture secretary Lucy Fraser has put forward plans to simplify the gift aid process. The treasury has heard how UK charities benefit less from gift aid than comparable countries and also receives fewer donations from wealthy donors. The proposed strategy would include automating gift aid to improve the situation.

Charity Retail Association reports online shopping boost
The annual report from the Charity Retail Association shows a significant growth in sales from online shopping. The period leading up to year end 2023 generated an increase of 19.4% in online income for charity shops, compared to the same period the previous year. The report also showed that holiday periods including Easter and Christmas continue to be lucrative for charity shop sales.

Lloyds Foundation CEO hails impact of small charities
Paul Streets, CEO of Lloyds Bank charitable foundation gave his thoughts on the importance of small charities and how vital they are in plugging the gaps that are so often missed by wider society. This article focuses on a Rochdale charity that treats addiction issues, giving a great insight into how smaller organisations operate and meet the needs of their communities.

Impetus Youth Endowment Fund
Funding is available for organisations in England and Wales to support themed interventions that aim to prevent children and young people from being affected by or becoming involved in violence. Applications can be made by any registered organisation including registered charities, companies, statutory bodies and community interest companies (CICs) supporting support children and young people in England and/or Wales.

Comic Relief fund to support young homeless people
This is a new funding opportunity for UK based not-for-profit organisations that specialise in providing holistic support to young people aged 16-25 in the UK, who are at risk of, or experiencing homelessness. Although not a requirement, there is interest in organisations who work to change public attitudes towards youth homelessness and/or reduce the stigma and discrimination that young people face.
Deadline of 7 May 2024

CBF fund for reducing suicide and isolation
City Bridge Foundation is offering grants for registered charities, community groups, community interest companies, and other not-for-profit organisations across Greater London, to deliver projects and activities that aim to reduce isolation and increase community connection among those at risk of suicide. Examples of the type of work that can be funded include peer support services, men’s sheds activities, crisis cafes, and creative activities such as film-making workshops or performing arts.

Trust for UK charities focused on disability
The Austin and Hope Pilkington Trust offers grants of £5,000 for projects that are focused on disability, specifically employment and training for people living with disabilities to ensure better access. Applications will not be accepted from CICs or non-profit organisations. The funding cannot be used for capital projects, minibuses or other vehicles.

OTHER EVENTS

Camden’s ‘Small Grants Funding’ Training
In partnership with Camden Adult Community Learning (ACL), this upcoming training will provide you with the basic understanding and structure you will require in order to apply for external funding to support your organisation and activities. The training is open to all residents but there is availability for up to 14 participants on a first come first served basis. If you or someone on your Committee is interested in attending, please email tp@camden.gov.uk or robert.quaye@camden.gov.uk.
9th April, Crowndale Centre, 218 Eversholt Street, NW1 1BD

Camden Highline “Tracking the Heritage” Exhibition
As part of the new Camden Highline project, a new free exhibition is being held at Camden Collective to explore the heritage of Camden Town. Delving into the history of the route proposed for the highline, the exhibition aims to share with the public the transition of the area from green hills to transport hub to cultural epicentre. You can book your ticket here.
14th-17th April.

Webinars from the Ethical Property Foundation
Everyday premises management
The Ethical Property Foundation are hosting two free webinars to support the UK voluntary sector, with the first on 23rd April, featuring experienced surveyors and property advisers. Attendees will find out about the finances and risks of property management, looking after tenants and what makes a greener workplace, as well as understanding the principles of effective maintenance management. The webinar will also include an information pack with the opportunity to obtain free follow-up expert advice. You can sign up here.

Negotiating and Managing Your Lease
Their second webinar will take place on 30th May and is all about helping you better understand the terminology, principles and common problem areas around negotiating your lease.

Workshop for Mayor of London’s Shared Endeavour Fund
In a recent newsletter, we shared information about the Mayor of London’s Shared Endeavour Fund, which is for registered charities, constituted community groups and other not-for-organisations working to tackle intolerance and extremism. To learn more about the grant programme and how to apply, register for a free online workshop taking place on Thursday 18 April, 12-2 PM. If organisations would like to discuss their application ideas with Camden Council, contact Jane.Murphy@camden.gov.uk. The application deadline for the Shared Endeavour Fund is midnight on Sunday 5 May 2024.

Part-time Community Engagement Worker

Camden Federation of Private Tenants are looking for somebody who is enthusiastic, creative and likes working with a wide variety of people out in the community. This 3 day a week role involves working with the Origin Tenants’ Voices (OTV) project to actively engage with and listen to more local residents about their concerns relating to their housing and other changes taking place in the area.
Deadline for applications: 5th April

Volunteer needed at Scotscare
Scotscare, the charity that supports Scots in need in London, is seeing a volunteer to cater for our popular choir. This involves 2 hours a week, 4.30-6.30pm Mondays in term time, preparing and serving food to around 20 clients who sing in the choir. Training and expenses are provided. Contact volunteering@scotscare.com.

Caretaker/ Cleaner at St Pancras Community Association
The Caretaker/Cleaner at SPCA provides a staff presence in the Community Centre during the evenings and at the weekend, so that people feel welcome and safe, and the building is secure. To find out more please call 020 7380 1501 or visit their website.

Guidance produced around political campaigning
A number of organisations have published guidance for charities on the rules around political campaigning which is especially relevant considering the high likelihood of a general election this year. NCVO, along with ACEVO, issued this in-depth report, while Lloyds Bank Foundation have also produced a guide specifically for small and local charities.

New tool for exploring local statistics
Those who need to gather statistics for use in projects or to prepare funding applications, may find this new service from the Office for National Statistics useful. You can search by local authority area and parliamentary constituency, and the data includes housing, household income and health and business information.

Local VCS Newsletters

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

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Greenwood Centre, Greenwood Place, London, NW5 1LB

Registered Charity Number 880216. Company Limited by Guarantee registered in England No: 2388150. Registered Office: Belmont Street, London, NW1 8HF

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VAC e-bulletin 29th March 2024

by Duncan Cordy2 April 2024

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Spotlight | Features , News and Policy | Funding | Events and Training |
Jobs and Volunteering | Surveys, Resources and Opportunities

Workshop on Budgeting and Financial Planning
As part of our training particularly aimed at new groups in the Camden area, and at anyone who is looking to gain skills for managing the finances of their organisation, we are running a day-long workshop on budgeting and financial planning. The session includes in-depth training on understanding the key principles of financial planning, as well as tools for developing business plans, funding applications and projections for major projects. If you’re responsible for the finances of your organisation or you’d just like to learn more about these areas, we strongly recommend you sign up for the workshop on April 30th. If you’re interested, you can find out more information here.

NEW – Safeguarding Training

Protecting Children in the Community 24th April, 10:00am – 12.30pm, & May 7th, 10:00am – 11.45 am
Dementia Awareness 25th April, 10.30am – 11.30am
Budgeting and Financial Planning 30th April, 9.30am – 4pm

More details in the Events and Training section

Fewer donors are giving more money, report finds
The Charity Aid Foundation’s annual UK Giving report has just been released, and has revealed that the total amount donated to charities is up from the previous year, but from fewer people. The report also gives a geographical picture of charitable giving, and includes some interesting findings about the data behind donations in the UK.

Fundraising Regulator badge inspires trust in donors
The Fundraising Regulator has carried out research into how people view their badge, which can be displayed by registered organisations to show they honor the Code of Fundraising Practice. The Regulator’s annual report surveyed donors, and found that 73% of them would be more confident supporting a charity displaying the badge.

One in six give to charities who have been criticised
New research from Enthuse has found that one in six people donate to charities after they have been criticised, for example in traditional or social media. The same percentage give money to show solidarity with a cause. You can find the research here, which includes insight into other giving habits and people’s perception on political parties in relation to charitable causes.

Funding from Hampstead Wells and Campden Trust (HWCT)
HWCT supports North Camden by funding organisations addressing poverty and enhancing well-being. They are offering small grants up to £2,500 and larger grants averaging £15,000. Projects in debt advice, homelessness support, and mental health are prioritised. All initiatives must benefit residents in our area of benefit. Visit their website for details.

Lloyds Bank Foundation Racial Equity Programme
This year, the Racial Equity Programme will be providing 42 unrestricted grants of £75,000 over three years (£25,000 per year) with tailored development support to registered charities and community interest companies which are led by and working with people who are experiencing economic inequity because of the race or ethnicity. The 2024 programme is open to small, local and specialist registered charities, charitable incorporated organisations (CIOs) and community interest companies (CICs) registered in England and Wales.

CAF Venturesome Impact Fund for social impact
CAF has launched their new Venturesome Impact Fund and invites enquires from charities, community groups and social enterprises from across the UK. This extensive and flexible social investment fund is open to all causes and areas in UK and is designed to deliver social impact, investing for three to five years into organisations.

Dementia Awareness Workshop 25th April, 10.30am – 12pm
Budgeting and Financial Planning 30th April, 9.30am – 4pm

OTHER EVENTS

ROUTES/ROOTS – a community art exhibition
Through sculpture, print, digital art and textiles, 100 community members have collaborated with Holborn Community Association and a range of exciting visual artists to ask: Where have you been? Where are you now? Where do you want to go?
Open: 4 – 10th April, 3-6pm (closed Sunday)
Family activities: 6th April & 9th April 3-5pm
Venue: The Bomb Factory, 103 Kingsway, London WC2B 6QX

Two free workshops at St. Pancras Community Association
Housing Conditions- Know your Rights FREE Workshop:
Want to know more about your rights as a tenant? Do you have a housing issue you cannot resolve? St Pancras Community Centre, in partnership with the University of Westminster Legal Advice Clinic, on Wednesday 27 March 2024, between 1-3pm. We will be giving a presentation on the law on housing conditions and what your rights are, followed by an opportunity to ask questions.
Immigration FREE Workshop:
Would you like to learn more about your immigration rights and speak with a professional in the field? St Pancras Community Association, in partnership with the University of Westminster Legal Advice Clinic on Wednesday 30 April 2024, 1-3pm. We will be giving a presentation on key immigration areas and your rights, followed by an opportunity to ask questions.

Free & low-cost Easter activities for children
The Easter holiday is almost here and there’s lots for children and young people to do. The Camden Holiday Activities and Food Easter programme, which runs from 2-12 April, is open for children and young people aged 5-16 who live in Camden and are eligible for free school meals. There are also Easter holiday sport and physical activities taking place from the 1 – 12 April. You can find a holiday play schemes for children aged 4 to 12 here, and older children and young people’s holiday activities here.

VAC – Freelance WordPress Technical Consultant
We are hiring! VAC are looking for a technical consultant with a solid background of providing expert technical assistance on WordPress, who, ideally, is familiar working with charities. The position is freelance, on an ad-hoc basis and would probably require 1-3 days/month, depending on need. This will vary from month-month. Main responsibilities include helping the organisation with technical troubleshooting and routine maintenance jobs. Please send a copy of your CV including, your day rate to alexcharles@vac.org.uk.

HCA Door Stop Help Project Co-ordinator
Holborn Community Association are recruiting a Door Stop Help Coordinator to help vulnerable older people and build a network of volunteers to support them. This new role offers the chance to make a real difference for vulnerable older adults and help them build meaningful relationships with others across the community, helping them long term.
Application deadline: 4th April

Part-time Community Engagement Worker

Castlehaven out-of-hours caretaker
Are you a Camden resident looking for an out-of-hours role? Castlehaven are looking for a local out-of-hours caretaker (zero-hours contract) to manage early morning, evening, and weekend bookings. From opening and closing buildings to greeting hirers and setting up furniture, the ideal candidate will be flexible and adaptable, have previous experience working in a public-facing role and have knowledge of health and safety regulations. Applications close on the 31st of March.

Generalist Advisor at Camden Disability Action

Camden Disability Action is recruiting a new Generalist Advisor (Welfare Benefits) who is committed to learning more about the Social Model of Disability and you will share our vision for a radically inclusive world where people with differences are never Disabled by the society in which they live.
Deadline for applications is Monday 1st of April 2024.

Community Leadership Programme at Birkbeck University
A special opportunity is available to Camden VCF staff, volunteers, and appropriate service users (who do not currently hold a degree from a UK university) who would benefit from a supportive environment to build their knowledge, skills and confidence in various aspects of community leadership and community development. Facilitators are trained to create an encouraging environment, including accessibility for a range of requirements such as Special Educational Needs.
Evening classes on Wednesdays from April 24. Sign up link.

Storybike Promoter – Social Action!
This is a fantastic opportunity to be involved in the start of an intergenerational initiative with social purpose, and get a qualification worth up to 28 UCAS points. Find out more here. Contact Somers Town People’s Museum on info@aspaceforus.club with your CV and/or email with experience/why you’d like to do this and your availability.
Deadline: April 20th

Startup School for Seniors
This online programme supports over 50s to become self-employed and starts on 18th April. In addition to a bank of video resources, learners will benefit from 1:2:1 support, a weekly group call via Zoom and additional, specialist live workshops. Places are fully funded for those in receipt of benefits, retired, or with caring responsibilities. Learners can register here.

Honest Grind Coffee opens café at Old Diorama Arts Centre
Honest Grind Coffee is a radical employability programme and specialty coffee roastery brought to you by Camden Council’s Integrated Youth Support Service. Honest Grind provides employability training and paid work to young people from some of London’s most disadvantaged communities. Their programmes build self-esteem, develop work skills and create clear pathways into employment. The new café, at Old Diorama Arts Centre, 201 Drummond Street, NW1 3FE, is open from Monday to Friday, 9am to 2pm and Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 2pm.

Museum Space for hire or free!
Need a unique space for a club, meeting or event? The People’s Museum in Somers Town is available to hire on most weeknights and Monday/Tuesday daytime to suitable small groups.
The space has a projector, piano, record player and a printing press. Discounted rates available for local groups on a budget. Contact info@aspaceforus.club with your requirements and for more info.

Local VCS Newsletters

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

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

Find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here

Got an item for the e-bulletin?

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

Registered Charity Number 880216. Company Limited by Guarantee registered in England No: 2388150. Registered Office: Belmont Street, London, NW1 8HF

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VAC e-bulletin 22nd March 2024

by Duncan Cordy22 March 2024

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Consultancy Service
At VAC we intend to be a channel for new groups and projects to find the resources they need to succeed. That’s why our consultancy service is one of the most important elements of our work, as it connects us directly to people and organisations who are looking for support. Get in touch with us if this applies to you! We can help with information on recruiting and managing volunteers and mental health support, but we also have a vast network of resources that we can point you to if we know someone else who is better placed to help. Contact us by email on info@vac.org.uk or fill out one of our consultancy forms.

NEW – Safeguarding Training

Dementia Awareness 25th April, 10.30am – 11.30am
Budgeting and Financial Planning 30th April, 9.30am – 4pm

More details in the Events and Training section

Impact report on London’s local infrastructure
The London CVS Network have produced a new report along with London plus, on the relationship between local infrastructure organisations and the London voluntary sector. Tony Wong, Chair of the network, said of the report’s findings: “This report serves as a wake-up call, emphasising the indispensable role CVSs play and the urgent need for meaningful investment to ensure they can continue to provide comprehensive support to London’s most marginalised communities“.

Organise conversations on AI, say sector leaders
The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Charities and Volunteering have heard from VCS leaders about the need for a sector-wide discourse on how to respond to AI. Charity infrastructure bodies and grantmakers should open up conversation s about how charities are using AI and the challenges faced in doing so, according to the key charity leaders and founders who were consulted.

Council budgets buckling from spending on homelessness
Massive increases in rates of homelessness in London boroughs have put council budgets under severe strain, new data has revealed. Spending reached £90 million a month in London boroughs alone last year, a rise of almost 40%, as the city struggles to cope with the need for more temporary accommodation and the devastating impact of homelessness.

Food bank charity chief exec aiming for dissolution
A new podcast from the Third Sector discusses the ongoing food bank crisis, and takes a look at what the VCS landscape might look like in a society able to eliminate food poverty. The podcast features an interview with the chief executive from the Trussell Trust, Emma Revie, in which she takes an existential look at how some cause-driven groups are, by their nature, striving for a scenario in which they are no longer needed.

The Fore funding programme for small charities
The Fore offers unrestricted funding to small charities across the UK that are making a big impact and who want to significantly grow, strengthen, become more efficient or resilient. The national funding programme is open to any sector and region within the UK with particular interest in grassroots organisations working with underserved communities. Applications for core costs must show how the funding will move the organisation forward rather than enabling ‘business as usual’.

Mayor of London’s Shared Endeavour Fund
Registered charities, constituted community groups and other not-for-organisations working to tackle intolerance and extremism in all its forms can now apply for the fifth call of the Shared Endeavour Fund, provided by the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC). It aims to provide the opportunity for creative, innovative, pioneering and sustainable work to grassroots organisations who can work with London’s diverse communities.

Youth Music Energiser Arts funding programme
Funding is available to arts organisations in England to support the delivery of projects which celebrate and energise creative practice with children, across a range of art forms. The funding is intended to foster change in early years creativity by promoting excitement, deeper understanding, and greater equity for marginalised and underestimated age groups; specifically, the co-design and participation in creative activities for 2-4-year-olds.

St Andrews Prize for the Environment
The St Andrews Prize for the Environment is a significant global initiative that identifies and champions innovative and inspiring responses to environmental challenges, including the climate crisis. Applications are now invited from individuals, multi-disciplinary teams, or community groups for the 2024 Prize. The 2023 Prize was awarded to Alianza Ceibo, for their Indigenous-led model for the sustainable protection of the Upper Amazon Rainforest.

Dementia Awareness Workshop 25th April, 10.30am – 12pm
Budgeting and Financial Planning 30th April, 9.30am – 4pm

OTHER EVENTS
Charity Meetup in April
Everyone is welcome at this friendly facilitated networking and skills-sharing event, “The Market for Something to Believe in is Infinite”. Meet like-minded people, share challenges and connect, and learn new practical skills and tactics to help further your professional development. There will be a mixing game, two talks and small group activities. Book tickets here – including a special discounted ticket for small charities.
Fri 12 Apr 2024, Impact Hub London Euston, NW1 3DX

Citizens Advice free First Aid training
Advice First Aid is a free training programme from Citizens Advice to help you support people with benefits, housing, debt and cost of living problems. There is introductory level training for staff and volunteers in community organisations and faith groups, with an in person event at Kentish Town Community Centre on 23rd of April, after which, you will be able to access free online short courses on benefits, housing, employment rights and other issues. Register here, and contact londonafa@cawandsworth.org with any questions.

Free Zen In Mind Community Festival
The Zen Project and Mind in Camden bring to you another of their monthly festivals to celebrate mental health and support the local Camden community. Open to all and all activities are free. Free food, massage, mindfulness sessions and more. Climb on board the big yellow American school bus and take part in activities to help create some calm and ease anxiety. With something for everyone, there is no need to book – just turn up. More information here.
Thursday March 28th, Likewise Community Centre, NW6 3SG

Talk for Health Free Taster Session
This free taster session from Talk for Health is designed to explore the true connection that happens when we let go of our social masks and start being who we really are. Focusing on, among others, open and truthful talking and empathic listening, you can also learn more about the peer to peer counselling network run by TFH.

Wednesday 27th March 6-8pm (online).

Part-time Community Engagement Worker

Generalist Advisor at Camden Disability Action

Camden Council Active for Life campaign
Camden Council has launched Active for Life, a 12 week behaviour change campaign to support adults aged 60 and over to build more physical activity into their daily routines. The campaign will showcase the wide range of free and low cost physical activities for over 60s – from walking groups and gardening sessions to kayaking and team sports. The first 500 Camden residents over 60 to join will receive a free one-day pass to use at any of Camden’s Better Leisure Centres.

New Camden Mental Health Core Teams Reference Group
Are you a current or previous service-user of the Camden Core Teams? Or the carer of someone who has accessed the service? A new group for service-users and carers is launching, to work with staff and think about how to shape and improve the service! No previous experience needed! The group will run monthly, between March and October 2024. The first meeting will be online, on Monday 27th March at 10.30am. Reward and recognition payments are offered to anyone joining this group, £25 per meeting. You can find an expression of interest form here. Contact Jamie Brown by email or on 020 7241 8988 if you have any questions.

Camden Faith & Belief Community Awards
Camden Council in partnership with The Faith & Belief Forum (F&BF) have announced their very first Camden Faith & Belief Community Awards. The awards will spotlight and celebrate the contribution of unsung faith and community projects, as well as individuals, who contribute selflessly to their local communities to foster understanding, unity and positive change. The awards seek to recognise those who have gone above and beyond in promoting these values, making a significant impact on the lives of local residents. Nominations are now open until Sunday 14 April, with the award ceremony is set to take on Thursday 23 May.

Nominations open for the Sally Joseph Award
Together with the Mayor of Camden, the Council is seeking nominations for the third annual Sally Joseph Award, which recognises an individual or team who have made an outstanding contribution to services for children looked after in the borough. The award is named after Sally, who was Camden Council’s Head of Service for Children’s Care Provision, and sadly passed away in 2021 after working for the Council for 37 years. The Sally Joseph Award, which includes a £1,000 grant to further the work for which the winner has been recognised, acknowledges excellent practice in how the Council and partners look after children in care. Nominations are open until 17 June.

Local VCS Newsletters

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

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

Find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here

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Ways to Get Involved

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

Registered Charity Number 880216. Company Limited by Guarantee registered in England No: 2388150. Registered Office: Belmont Street, London, NW1 8HF

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VAC e-bulletin 15th March 2024

by Duncan Cordy19 March 2024

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Working for Environmental Justice
This week we’re highlight work we carried out looking at the impact of some high profile national infrastructure projects on local communities. Take a look at our Environmental Justice page to find out more about this and discover resources for anyone seeking support in neighbourhood planning and developing green and communal spaces.

NEW – Safeguarding Training

Dementia, Mental Capacity, and Adult Safeguarding 21st March, 10am – 11am
Dementia Awareness 25th April, 10.30am – 11.30am
Budgeting and Financial Planning 30th April, 9.30am – 4pm

More details in the Events and Training section

Regulator stresses importance of ‘line of sight’ fundraising
The Fundraising Regulator held an annual event recently, in which chair Lord Harris encouraged charity trustees to exercise vigilance on subcontractor fundraising. After reports emerged of incidents around subcontracted fundraisers, the regulator emphasised the importance of charities having ‘line of sight’ of any fundraising carried out in their name.

Volunteering generates at least £4.6 billion per year to UK economy
The Royal Voluntary Service has released a report in conjunction with Pro Bono Economics, which looks at the role volunteering plays in relation to national productivity and the general economic picture. In what is pretty encouraging news for the VCS, the report analysed that the economy overall, as well as business and employees, benefit greatly from the contributions of the sector.

Report finds general improvement on diversity in grant-making foundations
A 3 year report from the Foundation Practice Rating project, which was set up to analyse 3 key practices of charitable grant-making foundations, has found an increase in diversity, although it remains the weakest area. The report, which you can read here, also measures accountability and transparency in UK charitable foundations.

Easyfundraising online egg hunt
Between 15th – 31st March, easyfundraising are donating £100 each day to good causes in their online Egg Hunt. Every day, the egg will be hiding in a new spot on the easyfundraising website – crack the clues for a chance to win £100 donation each day and an entry to win a further £5,000 donation too. You will need to register first with easyfundraising.

Skills Transition Fund
The Skills Transition Fund recognises a skills gap as the UK balances the challenges of securing energy and delivering its 2050 net zero target. Shell UK has created the Skills Transition Fund, which aims to invest in initiatives led by community organisations that could help people with the skills they need to get into employment. The funding put forward will go directly to UK-based non-profit projects that aim to drive tangible action and create measurable impact in local communities.

MOPAC Funding for Community Projects related to Policing and Crime Plan Priorities
Camden Safer Neighbourhood Board (CSNB) invites other Camden Community Organisations to work with them to apply for funding from MOPAC. They have around £10,000 available for between 2 and 3 projects in Camden that are related to the Police & Crime priorities. Please see the information here. This includes details of these Priorities and some examples of the sort of projects MOPAC funded last year. CSNB are only asking for expressions of interest at this stage.

Black & global majority-led groups resilience fund
Do it Now Now, in collaboration with City Bridge Foundation, is offering grants of up to £12,000 for Black and Global Majority-led organisations across Greater London to support groups to build financial resilience and operational readiness. The Innovate Now programme will support enterprise projects that can solve a problem experienced within Black and Global Majority communities, whilst bringing in trading income for the organisation that helps increase their chances of raising social investment and helps to create a sustainable future for the organisation.

Baring Foundation fund for collaborative legal action
Civil society organisations in the UK can apply now for grants of up to £150,000 over three years to use legal action collaboratively to achieve positive social change. The unrestricted grants can support hub activities which use legal action in all its forms, whether that is to empower individuals and groups, persuade public and private bodies, challenge government, or a mix of all three. The funding can be used for any costs related to the hub work, such as covering lawyers’ fees, towards the salaries of admin staff supporting hub work, or towards management costs to oversee the work.

Dementia, Mental Capacity, and Adult Safeguarding 21st March, 10am – 11am
Dementia Awareness Workshop 25th April, 10.30am – 12pm
Budgeting and Financial Planning 30th April, 9.30am – 4pm

OTHER EVENTS

People’s Museum Events Saturday 16th March
Typewriter Art Workshop 11am–1pm
A one-off artclub with Professor Esther Leslie and Barrie Tullett. Get to make your own typewriter art – paper, typewriters and ink provided!

Talk Q&A: From Q—M: a history of typewriter art 2–3pm
An illustrated lecture by Barrie Tullett, author of Typewriter Art: A Modern Anthology and co-author of RUHUMAN: The Typewriter Art of Keith Armstrong.
52 Phoenix Road, NW1 1ES

VCC workshop & Spring 24 Volunteering Fair
April workshop
Book now for this essential training for volunteer managers, to help charity leaders and volunteer managers build volunteering in a strategic way that adds significant value to their mission. Exploring the societal, economic, and technological environment that affects volunteering and trends that should be taken into account. Wednesday 24th April, 10am online. Free to attend.
Camden and Islington Spring 24 Volunteering Fair
Recruiting Volunteers? Book now for Volunteer Centre Camden’s Spring 2024 volunteering fair. This fair will be in person in King’s Cross on Wednesday 17th April, 12-2pm.

Free event for parents & carers of children with special educational needs & disabilities
Parents and carers of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) can come along to Swiss Cottage Library on Wednesday 20 March, from 10am to 1pm, to find information about support, activities and services for them and their family. Try out free wellbeing activities during taster sessions, find out about courses, workshops and activities, as well as local places that families of children with SEND can visit, especially at weekends and school holidays. This free event at Swiss Cottage Library, 88 Avenue Road, NW3, is jointly organised by Camden Adult Community Learning and Camden Libraries.

YPFI Social Action Project Launch
Young People for Inclusion are collaborating with Fitzrovia Youth in Action to deliver a social action project, supporting young people with learning difficulties and disabilities to shape their communities, boost their confidence and gain experience leading a project that delivers change around accessibility and inclusion in Camden. The project will be running every Friday evening out of Somers Town Community Association, 150 Ossulston Street, NW1 1EE, from this Friday 15th. Sessions include time for socialisation and games, before a structured activity. Contact Andy Forse make a referral and to discuss accessibility needs of young people.

Big Ideas and Pathways Workshop at Birkbeck University
‘Psychology of Spaceflight: What Happens to Human Brain and Behaviour in Space?’.
This talk is one of a series of free, thought-provoking lectures from Birkbeck. Professor Elisa Raffaella Ferre will discuss how understanding the impact of spaceflight on the human body and brain has never been more important. Elisa will discuss her findings on how behaviour changes during spaceflight. March 18th, the Living Centre, 6.30pm.
Pathways workshop
Want support with deciding what to do next and how to get there? Unsure of what job you’d be good at? Pathways offers free advice and training! Join this session for the enjoyable and interactive workshop which includes a free lunch.
March 20th, 10-13.30pm | Kentish Town Community Centre

NEW Health Walk on Hampstead Heath – Thursdays 11am
Heath Hands is expanding its programme of regular FREE Health Walks on Hampstead Heath, with a new walk meeting at 10.50 for an 11am start at the Parliament Hill Café every Thursday. No need to book, just turn up, find friendly volunteer walk leaders in hi vis and join the walk! Suitable for all abilities, including those new to walking. Can’t make Thursdays? Check out Monday walks and nature or mindfulness walks throughout the year on the walking webpage.

CAWH Art for the mind
A time to create and enjoy the present moment together, hosted by the Community Association of West Hampstead.
20th March
Contact Beatrice by email or on 0207 794 3729 for information. Taking place at West Hampstead Community Centre , 17 Dornfell Street, NW6 1QN.

Wednesday 27th March 6-8pm (online).

Part-time Community Engagement Worker

Generalist Advisor at Camden Disability Action

Chief Executive at Mind in Camden
Mind in Camden are undertaking ground-breaking partnership projects that work alongside people, organisations and communities to make positive changes in mental health. They are looking for a proven leader who will be experienced in all areas of the management, governance, strategy, fundraising and sustainability of an organisation. Diversity is valued at MIC and applications are welcome from all groups in the community. More details here.
Application deadline: 18th March.

Local VCS Newsletters

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

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

Find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here

Got an item for the e-bulletin?

Become a Member

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Opt in to receive VAC e-newsletter direct to your inbox

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

Registered Charity Number 880216. Company Limited by Guarantee registered in England No: 2388150. Registered Office: Belmont Street, London, NW1 8HF

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VAC e-bulletin 8th March 2024

by Duncan Cordy8 March 2024

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The Stroke Association

Our Community Links Referrals and Case Management Lead, Nasrin, has been working closely with the Stroke Association recently:

“The concept of Social Prescribing has become increasingly popular in recent times. However, I believe the voluntary sector truly shines in this area by offering support to the community. Whenever our clients need help accessing local services to enhance their well-being, we make every effort to connect them with the numerous outstanding groups and charities present in the borough. However, there may be occasions when a gap exists, and it is in such situations that VAC plays a crucial role in filling that gap and facilitating the establishment of the required group.

Our collaboration with the Stroke Association has revealed a critical gap in services in Camden. As a result, we have played a key role in facilitating the provision of suitable premises for the establishment of a much-needed Camden Communication Support group. The Stroke Association’s ability to now operate within the borough is truly remarkable. Caroline from the Stroke Association referred to the new opportunity to offer something “closer” to their residents in Camden. This initiative holds utmost importance for the community, as it has the potential to offer invaluable guidance, education, and emotional assistance. Furthermore, it will greatly benefit professionals such as social prescribers and clinicians, enabling them to connect individuals with community resources that can aid in their recovery and boost their confidence.”

Find out more about The Stroke Association and the Camden Care Navigation and Social Prescribing Service.

VAC Case Studies
This week we’re re-visiting the opening of the great Rock ‘N’ Roll Rescue Charity Shop in Camden Town. We spent some time with the shop’s founder, Ian M Carnochan, way back in 2015, to talk about the support he got from VAC, challenges facing a new organisation in starting up, and the state of the charity sector in general. You can read that interview here.

NEW – Safeguarding Training

Dementia, Mental Capacity, and Adult Safeguarding 21st March, 10am – 11am
Budgeting and Financial Planning 30th April, 9.30am – 4pm

More details in the Events and Training section

Happy International Women’s Day!
Today we’re highlighting this great feature from Charity Today on 6 fantastic organisations around the world who are working towards a brighter and more balanced future. The article covers organisations that have made a massive impact working on a diverse range of causes all relating to female empowerment.

Charity Commission guidance on accepting donations
The Charity Commission have warned against selective accepting of donations, amid fears about a future of dwindling resources for charities. Orlando Fraser, chairman of the commission, said that rejecting funds because of the personal views of high profile donors risks harming charities and their beneficiaries in the long run.

NCVO report on public underfunding
Following up on a story from a couple of weeks ago, a report from NCVO has again emphasised the effect of public underfunding on the charity sector. The True Cost of Delivering Public Services report describes the growing trend of charities and non-profit groups being forced to delve into their own fundraising to action services that should be government funded.

Camden Giving Equality Fund 2024
Camden Giving set-up a community-first fund called the Equality Fund towards the end of 2020, to ensure that Camden communities are still able to access vital services that may not be replaced if not urgently funded. As with previous years, a panel of Camden residents will award 2-year grants of £30,000.

VCFSE Small Grant Programme
North London Forensic Collaborative is offering grants to Voluntary Community Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) organisations based in North London, as part of its Small Grant Programme. The Grant Programme is open to VCFSE organisations who currently work with individuals accessing mental health forensic inpatient or community services, as well as organisations that are delivering health and wellbeing initiatives in local communities that with additional investment, could extend this offer to individuals accessing mental health forensic services.

COF Accepting Expressions of Interest
The Government has announced that ahead of the launch of the fourth and final round of the £150 million Community Ownership Fund (COF), it has published a new Expression of Interest (EOI) form. Proposals will need to prove the value of the asset to local people and that the asset can run sustainably for the long-term benefit of the community.

Learning Through Landscapes Nature Grants Programme
Learning Through Landscapes is offering outdoor learning training sessions and nature equipment for nurseries, schools, and other early learning providers to promote outdoor learning for children. The Local School Nature Grants Scheme will provide a two-hour outdoor learning training session, along with an assortment of equipment up to the value of £500.

7Stars Foundation opens second round of applications
7Stars Foundation is offering grants of up to £2,500 for registered charities with an annual turnover of less than £1.5 million across the UK to deliver projects and activities that support young people aged 16 years and under across the priority themes of abuse, addiction, child carers, and homelessness.

DfE’s Trust Capacity Fund 2023-25 Accepting Applications
The Department for Educations (DfE) is accepting applications for funding to help multi-academy trusts develop their capacity and take on underperforming schools, particularly in education investment areas. Local Academy Trust and local authority-maintained schools forming a multi-academy trust (MAT) can apply now for grants ranging from £50,000 to £100,000.

Dementia, Mental Capacity, and Adult Safeguarding 21st March, 10am – 11am
Budgeting and Financial Planning 30th April, 9.30am – 4pm

OTHER EVENTS

Survivors Can Shine Ambassadors for Change Event
Taking place on Hampstead Heath on Saturday 25th May, the Ambassadors for Change Community Event is bringing children, young people and the wider community together in collective strength in a positive movement for change. The day will be filmed as part of the documentary, and will include musical performances, food, games, activities and prizes. Register here and contact Lily if you want to volunteer or host a stall.

CAWH
Community coffee with PCSO
An opportunity to meet your local police community support officer and a chance to ask questions about the safety in your area. All are welcome!
Tuesday 12th March from 11am to 12:30pm, free of Charge
Music and art for the mind
A time to create and sing and enjoy the present moment together.
13th & 20th March
Contact Beatrice by email or on 0207 794 3729 for information on both events, which take place at West Hampstead Community Centre , 17 Dornfell Street, NW6 1QN.

London Repair week and events in Camden
Want to save money, gain skills and help the planet? Repair Week is taking place from 11 March and the next two Camden Fix and Do events will happen then – on 14 and 18 March. Find out more about these events and register interest here. Find more events and learn new skills for free in London.

Girls and young women invited to celebrate International Women’s Day
Girls and young women aged 11 to 18 (up to 25 with special educational needs or disabilities) are invited to a free day of activities to celebrate International Women’s Day 2024. The event is hosted by Camden’s Integrated Youth Support Service and lunch will be provided. Free activities on the day will include clay modelling, jewellery making, hair braiding, self-defence, baking, T-shirt printing, Chinese calligraphy, steel pans and more… To book your place for this free event, please fill in the online registration form.
Saturday 9 March, Somers Town Youth Centre, 134 Chalton Street, NW1 1RX

Litter picking and the Great British Spring Clean
Help keep Camden clean by taking part in Keep Britain Tidy’s Great British Spring Clean from 15 March to 31 March 2024. If you’re organising a community litter pick then Camden Veolia can provide litter picking equipment. Find out more and request equipment.

Wednesday 27th March 6-8pm (online).

Generalist Advisor at Camden Disability Action

Part time Guest Co-ordinator at Touch Project

The Touch Project are looking for a reliable, trustworthy, local person, ideally with a DBS, who would like one hours work on Thursday evenings at the Old Diorama Arts Centre, from 6-7pm each week. This person would ideally be female or non-binary, and would be responsible for room set up and welcoming guests. Please contact Kathy by text on 07932737813 if you would like to apply.

Free hip hop & street dance classes for ages 5-16
Remix Dance is a community dance project, which runs free weekly after-school hip hop and street dance classes – as well as offering performance opportunities – to children and young people aged 5 to 16 from the Regent’s Park Estate and across Camden borough. This year’s Wednesday after-school classes, which take place at Old Diorama Arts Centre (ODAC), 201 Drummond Street NW1, during term-time are now enrolling. For more information, email mariam@olddiorama.com.

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VAC e-bulletin 1st March 2024

by Duncan Cordy1 March 2024

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The Power of Trustees
Wednesday night’s annual trustee celebration event went down a storm. We got to meet so many great people across the borough who continue to provide their invaluable support and contributions to the VCS. Our CEO, Keith Morgan, highlighted the importance trustees have to the sector:

“We are forever grateful for the important role trustees play in keeping our Voluntary Community sector vibrant and healthy, meeting the needs of diverse communities across the borough…this event was held in the Claudia Jones room, which is apt because Claudia was a feminist, political activist, visionary, and pioneer, virtues that define the very best of what trustees do.”

The event was joint hosted with Volunteer Centre Camden, whose CEO Dominic Pinkney also paid tribute to unsung trustee heroes:

“It was an honour and privilege to help celebrate the amazing work that Camden Trustees do and to shine a spotlight on this undervalued role which is essential for the charity sector to function. It was great to see so many Trustees networking and sharing advice and experiences”.

One of the great things about this event is that we are reunited with success stories from the past. Hui Wang, who attended last year and decided to become a trustee for the first time, told us how much she is enjoying her role, and we are so proud to learn how she was inspired by the event last year.

Thank you so much to everyone who attended and shared their thoughts on Wednesday! Please remember to fill out the evaluation form once received, so we know how to keep taking our trustee network forward. For those of you who haven’t signed up, you can find more information here.

NEW – Safeguarding Training

Women and Girls’ Personal Safety and Awareness 13th March, 10am – 12pm
Dementia, Mental Capacity, and Adult Safeguarding 21st March, 10am – 11am

More details in the Events and Training section

NCVO “Road Ahead” Report for 2024

NCVO have produced this wide-ranging report, containing insights on the opportunities and challenges charities are likely to face over the year ahead. From the impact of a likely general election on the sector, as well as thoughts on how to prepare for economic, social and technological developments, the report presents a balanced and pragmatic view on what’s coming over the next 12 months.

Funding removed for 40 year old interfaith charity
The Inter Faith Network has had their funding shut off and are being forced to close after the appointment of a new trustee. Set up as a way to promote and improve dialogue between different faith groups, the charity have begun the process to close by April this year.

Charity Commission Strategy for 2024-2029
The release of a new five-year strategy laid out by the Charity Commission was accompanied by a speech from chair Orlando Fraser. Promoting the report, which details the key values and priorities of the commission, Fraser emphasised a commitment to remaining fair, balanced and independent.

SUEZ Communities Trust Landfill Communities Fund
Suez Communities Trust is offering grants of between £3,000 and £50,000 for not-for-profit groups across England to deliver projects that make physical improvements to community facilities, or repair buildings of religious worship or buildings of architectural or historic interest. Funding is available for capital improvement works to public amenity projects for community use.

London Catalyst Grants
Voluntary and community groups working with Greater London can apply for grants of between £1,000 and £5,000 for to deliver new and ‘catalytic’ initiatives and service developments targeted at people who are disadvantaged because of long-term ill health, disability, and poverty. Projects Grants can be used for reasonable and relevant project costs, such as salaries, training, volunteer expenses, management, supervision, and evaluation.

Fund for groups working with refugees & asylum seekers
Comic Relief’s new funding programme is offering grants of up to £200,000 over three to five years for UK organisations with an income of between £250,000 and £10 million. The aim of the Re-Rooted funding call is to help UK organisations address the challenges faced by the migration sector and to support refugees and asylum seekers to safely and securely rebuild their lives in the UK.

HRUK application windows for healthy heart grants
Heart Research UK will be offering grants of up to £15,000 again this year to registered charities and community interest companies (CICs) in the UK with an annual income of less than £1 million. The funding is for new projects that work with communities to prevent heart disease, particularly for vulnerable and isolated groups of individuals (adults) who are at an increased risk of developing heart problems in the future.

Women and Girls’ Personal Safety and Awareness
(In partnership with The Safeguarding Foundation)
Wednesday 13 March 2024, 10.00am – 12.00pm
Face to face at Ludham & Waxham TRA Hall, Lismore Circus, Camden NW3
To find out more or to secure your place, please visit our website or email the VAC Safeguarding Lead Dianne Carlton-Ogunyemi on: dogunyemi@vac.org.uk

OTHER EVENTS

Level Up: Turn Your Gaming Skills Into A Career
Want to get into the gaming industry? Attend this talk at the Roundhouse to learn how you can build an exciting creative career in the gaming ecosystem, spanning from development to content creation. The event will be followed by a Q&A and live-streaming demonstrations.
Ages 18-25 | Tue 26 March, 6.30-8pm | £5

Get Insights Into Your Fundraising with UCL
UCL are hosting a Behavioural Science showcase and they are looking for a handful of voluntary sector and community partners to come and connect with students who are working to understand what motivates people to donate to charities. Students will be presenting their work, and you can come and chat and share your take aways from the day during a small informal panel discussion. Email Molly on molly.mccabe@ucl.ac.uk if you are interested.
21 March 2024, UCL North Cloisters, Gower St, WC1E 6BT

Workshops at St. Pancras Community Association
SPCA are holding a number of workshops over the coming weeks, including one off events intended to help you make sure you know your rights on Immigration Rules and Housing Conditions, as well as recurring free Air Dry Clay Modelling classes on Wednesdays. Find out more about all their events here, or by contacting 020 7380 1501.

Volunteer Managers’ Forum – Peer Support and Networking
Volunteer Centre Camden are hosting a free to attend online forum on Wednesday 6th March – you choose the topics to discuss! Based on all things related to volunteer management. Find out more information and book your place here.

Part time Guest Co-ordinator at Touch Project

Foundation looking for participants in shadowing scheme
The John Ellerman Foundation are looking for three people from diverse backgrounds with lived experience of poverty, to take part in a six month shadowing scheme. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to learn more about charity governance within a charitable grantmaker, attending board and sub-committee meetings and observing and contributing to application assessments. The deadline for applications is 13th March.

“Keep it Local” Guidance for Integrated Care Systems
Locality have produced a guidance document for ICSs, which demonstrates how to harness the power of community to achieve key goals. The guide is accompanied by a report on health system funding, with information on identifying barriers to funding and how to proactively influence for greater involvement.

Getting on Board’s Trustee Learning Programme
Featuring high-quality webinars, clinics and panel discussions, this free programme embeds best equity, diversity and inclusion practices and includes trainers who are experts in the field, and who are all committed to making the training fully inclusive. Upcoming sessions for this Spring include “Trustee In-Tray”, “Where Are All of The Young Trustees?”, and “Faith and Trusteeship”. For any questions, please contact info@gettingonboard.org.

Camden’s Draft Local Plan & Draft Holborn Vision
Have your say on two public consultations on development in the local area. The draft new Local Plan sets out the Councils vision for future development in Camden for the next 15 years and includes planning policies and site allocations to help achieve this. The Draft Holborn Vision reflects changes in the last 5 years and your valuable feedback from the 2019 consultation.

Local VCS Newsletters

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

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

Find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here

Got an item for the e-bulletin?

Become a Member

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

Registered Charity Number 880216. Company Limited by Guarantee registered in England No: 2388150. Registered Office: Belmont Street, London, NW1 8HF

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Navigate to:

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Calthorpe Community Garden office administrator

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Part-time Community Engagement Worker

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Spotlight | Features, News and Policy | Funding | Events and Training | Jobs and Volunteering | Surveys, Resources and Opportunities

Part-time Community Engagement Worker

Generalist Advisor at Camden Disability Action

Navigate to:

Spotlight | Features, News and Policy | Funding | Events and Training | Jobs and Volunteering | Surveys, Resources and Opportunities

Part-time Community Engagement Worker

Generalist Advisor at Camden Disability Action

Navigate to:

Spotlight | Features, News and Policy | Funding | Events and Training | Jobs and Volunteering | Surveys, Resources and Opportunities

Part-time Community Engagement Worker

Generalist Advisor at Camden Disability Action

Navigate to:

Spotlight | Features, News and Policy | Funding | Events and Training | Jobs and Volunteering | Surveys, Resources and Opportunities

Generalist Advisor at Camden Disability Action

Part time Guest Co-ordinator at Touch Project

Navigate to:

Spotlight | Features, News and Policy | Funding | Events and Training | Jobs and Volunteering | Surveys, Resources and Opportunities

NCVO “Road Ahead” Report for 2024

Part time Guest Co-ordinator at Touch Project

Spotlight | Features , News and Policy | Funding | Events and Training |
Jobs and Volunteering | Surveys, Resources and Opportunities

Spotlight | Features , News and Policy | Funding | Events and Training |
Jobs and Volunteering | Surveys, Resources and Opportunities

Spotlight | Features , News and Policy | Funding | Events and Training |
Jobs and Volunteering | Surveys, Resources and Opportunities

Spotlight | Features , News and Policy | Funding | Events and Training |
Jobs and Volunteering | Surveys, Resources and Opportunities

Spotlight | Features , News and Policy | Funding | Events and Training |
Jobs and Volunteering | Surveys, Resources and Opportunities

Spotlight | Features , News and Policy | Funding | Events and Training |
Jobs and Volunteering | Surveys, Resources and Opportunities

Spotlight | Features , News and Policy | Funding | Events and Training |
Jobs and Volunteering | Surveys, Resources and Opportunities

Spotlight | Features , News and Policy | Funding | Events and Training |
Jobs and Volunteering | Surveys, Resources and Opportunities