Voluntary Action Camden

Charity spotlight 07/02/2024 – Crescent Kids

Crescent Kids started when Funmi Vanessa Ulam’s baby, just two weeks old, was diagnosed with Sickle Cell Disease. This serious blood disorder impacts people in different ways. In severe cases, it can be fatal. Funmi admits she didn’t know much about the condition until her family faced it, at which point she was thrown in at the deep end. While her son was in hospital for Sickle Cell crises, she met with medical teams and consultants. These crises are painful and can cause serious complications. She found out through her research and talks at the hospital that Sickle Cell is one of the fastest-growing genetic conditions worldwide, it has fewer resources and funds for research than other conditions. Health equity issues make this worse. Most people with Sickle Cell are black & brown-skinned.

 

Finding treatments, communities and vital resources for families is often challenging. Most details aren’t gathered in one place. With a better understanding of the condition and the lack of resources for families, Funmi set up Crescent Kids.

 

It wasn’t until the Covid pandemic however, that the organisation really got off the ground. Funmi registered with the Charity Commission. But, starting a charity alone and without funding can be a long, lonely journey, especially when looking after a child with complex medical needs. Funmi says she didn’t know where to start. The pandemic changed everything, though. Funmi vividly recalled her time in and out of hospital with her son, and this made her think of parents now facing tough decisions about taking their children to the hospital. To add to this, Funmi’s regular hospital was closed, so, they had to visit a new place. The staff there were unfamiliar and didn’t know hers son’s clinical history. Caring for a child with Sickle Cell became much more difficult.

 

Crescent Kids used fundraisers and social media to help spread awareness about Sickle Cell disease. They created care and wellness packs, offered online education on wellness, mindset, and pain management, and set up a support network.

 

 

Since then, the charity has grown from strength to strength. They have followers and team members across the world; Funmi met one of her team members on LinkedIn – Molille, who lives in Lagos, Nigeria. The charity is a great help for anyone with Sickle Cell disease or those caring for them. One of their latest projects is the Eli Health App – the first app aimed at children and carers, not just healthcare professionals. The app helps users by making things easier. It includes features like daily logs to track symptoms and comfort levels. Users get reminders to stay healthy and hydrated, which is crucial for those with Sickle Cell. Plus, it allows reporting that gives feedback to doctors and clinicians. The App has been chosen for the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur programme, which is the largest NHS initiative for innovators. The programme helps NHS employees and service users create effective health solutions.

 

 

Crescent Kids is also co-leading a new research project with UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health and NIHR. This project, called CARES Research, focuses on every child in England with Sickle Cell, and will explore their health and education outcomes. The aim is to understand how the disease impacts children’s quality of life.

 

The study will hold focus groups on:

 

22nd February in London
28th February in Manchester

8th March in Birmingham

 

Families with children who have Sickle Cell are encouraged to join and share their stories. The London focus group will take place at Crescent Kids office on Camden High Street.

 

To register interest, email your name and preferred location (London, Manchester, or Birmingham) to ichppp.cares@ucl.ac.uk.

 

Both projects are expected to provide a wealth of data for healthcare systems. This will help improve visibility and care for those with Sickle Cell disease. Funmi is determined for other parents not to have the experience she did of feeling isolated while looking after a sick child.

 

If you know someone who has Sickle Cell, check out the Crescent Kids website:

 

Crescent Kids – Happy Kids | Happy Lives

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VAC E-Bulletin 24th January 2025

This week’s newsletter features important news for charities that have fallen victim to fraud and updates on the data bill’s “soft opt in” amendment for the sector. Locally, there are some great opportunities to do with archiving as well as Zen’s mindful community festival and Fitzrovia’s repair workshops.

Click here to read this week’s newsletter.

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VAC E-Bulletin 10th January 2025

 

 


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New Year, New CEO


VAC are starting the year with a new face at the helm. But before we introduce you, we want to say a big thank you to Dianne, who took over as interim CEO during a tricky period, and steered us through with composure and compassion. Dianne stepped up to take over leadership duties while also giving training sessions in safeguarding and more, and we are very grateful to her!

Taking over from Dianne is our new CEO, Albie Stadtmiller, who is now coming to the end of his first week at VAC. As a way for all our partners and friends to get to know Albie a little better, we conducted a short interview with him, which you can read below. Welcome, Albie!


Can you tell us a little bit about your background? You’re from San Diego originally, how long have you been in the UK and what have you been up to here?

I’ve worked within local government and charities for the last 25 years. I spent almost 14 years at Ealing Council doing youth work, managing borough youth programmes and fundraising. For the last 10 years I’ve been a charity CEO, focusing on children and families, dementia support and most recently with Healthwatch in Enfield.

You’ve previously mentioned wanting to work in the borough for a while, what is it about Camden that appeals to you?

 

I’ve heard that Camden is a vibrant area with a lot to offer its residents. There is a rich history of music, diversity and cultural life. I’ve read that the residents of Camden have a strong sense of their borough and value where they live. I like the idea of coming into such a dynamic context, learning and trying to take on the concerns and mindset of Camden, and seeing what might come out of that immersion.

Did you work in the non-for-profit sector in the US, or do you otherwise have experience of it? If so, any observations on the differences between there and here?

When I was in the US, I worked within the faith-based sector, focusing on teens and young adults. Upon moving to the UK and working within the local Council, and working with young people, I had to change my vocabulary, approach, and learn to focus more on the needs and concerns reflected to me by those with whom I was working with.

Having lived here for 20 or so years, what’s your favourite place in London?

 

I think that my favourite place within London is anywhere there is lots of diversity, community engagement and a vibrant cultural sector. That is what makes London exciting to me – seeing a broad range of what makes London such an interesting place to live. I do like walking around the Crown Estate and seeing all the sightseeing attractions. I’m still thrilled to see a marching band go down the Mall with the uniforms, drums, horses and the way that the tourists crowd around to watch them go by.

What’s your favourite book and why?

 

My favourite book series is The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. I like these novels as they encourage imagination within me. I feel that imagination gives birth to looking beyond oneself and tapping into things like hope, opportunity and a desire to see things in new, enhanced or alternative ways. That keeps one flexible and open to learning, empathy and being able to serve according to one’s abilities.

Finally, what are you looking forward to in 2025, personally and professionally?

 

In 2025, I have some personal and professional goals.I’m hoping to keep challenging myself musically as one of my hobbies is playing guitar. Professionally, I want to know Camden better and how VAC can better support the charities and residents that live within the area.

Upcoming Training & Events

 

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
 

Tighter visa thresholds likely to impact charity recruitment

Rises in salary thresholds for immigration routes such as the skilled worker visa make it harder for charities to recruit, claims a new briefing from legal firm Bates Wells. April 2024 saw a number of changes to immigration rules which are likely to have a significant impact for faith-based charities in particular. Fadi Itani, chief executive of the Muslim Charities Forum, warned of a knock-on effect on service availability: “the current shortage of skilled workers in the UK suggests that these changes could adversely affect the provision of essential services that depend on skilled professionals, thereby worsening inequalities for some of the most vulnerable communities“.

Anticipation for Civil Society covenant builds

Ahead of the introduction of the new Civil Society covenant this Spring, charity bodies NAVCA and Civil Society published responses to the proposed framework before Christmas. This week, Prime Minister Keir Starmer shared his thoughts on the response from the sector to an initiative which has been promised as a “reset” in the relationship between the government and civil society.

UK ranks as second most generous country on GoFundMe

Online fundraising platform GoFundMe ranked Ireland as the most generous country for the sixth year in a row, while the UK ranked in second. GoFundMe’s Year in Help 2024 review used donation data to share information on worldwide donor habits and significant fundraising campaigns over the last year, including the major flooding in Spain and lesser known stories such as ecological efforts to support Volcano Axolotls amphibians in Mexico.

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!

 

  • CABWI Lifelong Learning and Development Fund for registered charities in the UK providing support that enables people to enter the labour market or gain additional skills to further develop their career.
  • Baobab Community Fund – Grants are available for Black and Global Majority individuals, organisations and collectives (18+) who are working towards racial justice in the UK. 
  • Delamere Dairy Foundation for charitable and community organisations in England, Scotland and Wales to support projects that deliver benefits for local communities.
  • Leeds Building Society Foundation is intended to support projects to improve the health, wellbeing and financial literacy of people who are experiencing homelessness.
  • Heat Network Efficiency Scheme has grants available for organisations operating across the public, private and third sectors in England and Wales to upgrade existing heat networks to reduce emissions and energy costs for households.
  • Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust offers funding for imaginative and inclusive approaches to tackling the climate crisis and building a just and equitable economy in order to protect the planet for future generations.

Free theatre & music places for children & young people

Angel Shed arts charity has free youth theatre places available for ages 10 to 13 and music places for ages 12 to 19 – all welcome, with no experience needed and no auditions. One-to-one support can be provided depending on capacity. You can be a resident in any borough to join. Angel Shed is based at City and Islington College, close to the border with Camden. Find out more and sign-up.

Spanish for Life course from Latin American House

Join our Spanish for Life Course, designed for adults eager to learn or improve Spanish for everyday conversations, travel, or career development. Open to beginners and intermediate learners, classes run online via Zoom every Thursday, 6–8 p.m., from 23rd January to 17 April 2025. Gain language skills in an engaging and supportive environment. Spaces are limited—register now! For more information, email admin@casalatina.org.uk.

QCCA Healthy Families Programme

FREE local activities including Family Fun Days, Gym and Yoga are available at The Dome, Queens Crescent, Camden. Please email Jhakkir@qcca.org.uk for the full programme or to enquire about services.

Zen in Mind – Free 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 an activity to help create some calm and ease anxiety. We have something for everyone. No need to book – just turn up. More information here. 30th January.

Spring Term at WAC Arts

Wac Arts Spring Term runs from Saturday 11th January 2025 to Sunday 30th March 2025, offering 10 weeks of affordable classes for all ages, with bursaries available. From performing and creative to digital arts, we have engaging weekend and evening classes for ages 4+. The programs encourage growth, progression, and a passion for the arts, providing young people with essential creative opportunities.

Digital Arts for neurodiverse children & young people

Explore all things digital such as filmmaking, animation and coding in these relaxed sessions from Holborn Community Association for neurodiverse children and young people and those with social communication difficulties. On Wednesdays, starting 15th January 2025. To book, email sudiksha@holborncommunity.co.uk or call 02074052370 (option 1 or 3).

Join in LGBT History Month 2025

LGBT Charity forum+ is curating the programme for Camden & Islington LGBT History Month 2025 and all the community is invited to join in the celebration of local LGBT culture, heritage and history. Events take place in February and the theme for 2025 is Activism and Social Change. To be featured in the official programme for Camden & Islington LGBT History Month please email info@forumplus.org.uk. The closing date for entries is Friday 10th January.

VCC Volunteer Managers’ Forum & Volunteering Fair

Volunteer Managers’ Forum  
Join Volunteer Centre Camden online for peer support in the company of volunteer managers from everywhere on Thursday 23rd January at 10.30am. Topics are decided by you on the day and booking is free.
Volunteering Fair 
Want to volunteer in Camden and Islington? Book your free place now to attend this lunchtime volunteering fair on Zoom on Wednesday 29th January, 12.30-2pm. Local organisations will be recruiting for their volunteering roles. And you will get a chance to ask more questions to them directly.

Curious about Pension Credit?

Want to see if you can top up your income and get help with dentists, Council Tax, Housing Benefits and much more. In 30 minutes, get an idea how it can help, if you can claim and where to get help with the form. Unlike the State Pension, even if you’re eligible for Pension Credit you have to claim to get it. This is a short talk followed by questions and answers. Light refreshments. Free and all welcome. No need to book.
A choice of two venues, both on Wed 29th January:
•         Marian Centre, 1 Stafford Rd, NW6 5RS, 1.30-2pm
or
•         Kilburn Library Centre, 2-22 Kilburn High Rd, NW6 5UH, 2.45-3.15pm

Free Business Sustainability Workshop

Join in person in Camden on Tuesday 14th January for a free half-day workshop on Business Sustainability. Learn how embedding sustainable practices can drive growth, strengthen your brand, and create long-term value for your business. Gain practical insights to improve efficiency, win tenders, and attract top talent. Click here to register.

 

Executive Assistant at Age UK Camden

 

Age UK Camden is recruiting a skilled and experienced Executive Assistant to support the Chief Executive in the areas of Governance and Quality. Age UK Camden is a local, independent and innovative charity which has provided services to older people in Camden for more than 50 years through diverse and inclusive services.  These services are highly valued by the residents of Camden and the voluntary and statutory sectors.
Closing date: 27th January 

Senior Fundraising Officer  | The Winch

 

The Winch is Based in North Camden, their mission is to help each child succeed, regardless of their circumstances. They are recruiting a Senior Fundraising Officer, with experience of working with trusts and foundations, and statutory funding. Working alongside the Head of Partnerships and Communications and Marketing Lead, you will be responsible for identifying funding opportunities, developing bids and nurturing relationships with funders. Full Time £35,000. Find out more.
Deadline: 12th January

Deputy Play Manager  | The Winch

The Winch are also hiring a hands-on Deputy Play Manager to run exciting after-school and holiday playschemes. Lead a team, inspire young minds, and create a space where children flourish and families feel supported. Full Time, £34,000 Find out more.

HCA Doorstep Help Project Coordinator

 

Holborn Community Association are recruiting a Doorstep Help Coordinator to help vulnerable older people and build a network of volunteers to support them. This 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. If you want to apply for this role, you can email on andrew@holborncommunity.co.uk.
Application deadline: Friday 10th January 2025.

Make a Difference: Volunteer as a Y’s Girls Mentor

Are you ready to empower the next generation of young women in London? The Y’s Girls Project is seeking compassionate volunteers to support girls facing challenges at school, at home, or with self-esteem. As a mentor, you’ll provide a safe, supportive space where girls can grow in confidence, explore interests, and try new things. Your guidance could help them realise their potential and build a brighter future. Learn more and apply today: full role pack here. You can apply to become a volunteer mentor here.

Biodiversity surveying volunteers required for March 2025

Friends of Waterlow Park in Highgate are looking for volunteers to help survey wildlife and botany. Small, friendly groups will meet up and collect data on Saturdays; once a month from March to mid-May, then fortnightly between mid-May and October. A volunteer commented ‘it’s a great way to spend time in the park, you’ll learn a lot about plants, and it’s fun to carry out surveys jointly between families and friends’. You don’t need any experience and everyone is welcome. To register your interest and sign up to join the Biodiversity volunteer mailing list, please contact – Friends of Waterlow Park.

People’s Museum Story Bike Promoter

Days: 1.5 days per week (with some flexibility)
Location: People’s Museum Somers Town / outdoor working
Payment: £12-15 per hour
1.    To help raise awareness of StoryBike as sustainable intergenerational taxi service
2.    To do outreach to engage community and build audience
3.    To develop and evaluate this service
4.    To develop museum awareness through outreach and communications

please email diana@aspaceforus.club with CV to apply.

Build Bengali Archives in Camden

Interested in archives? Do you want to learn more about preserving community history? Are you connected to Camden’s Bengali community? If that sounds like you, join curator and historian Julian Ehsan to explore archiving and how it can relate to you. As part of Camden’s initiative to Build Bengali Archives, Camden’s Local Studies and Archives Centre are hosting 3 sessions in January & February to visit different archives and gain the tools to build a new sonic archive. Sessions are free to attend but space is limited, so please fill out this brief form by 17 January to be involved. Contact julian.ehsan@camden.gov.uk.

Help Support Young Girls: Refer to the Y’s Girls Project

Do you know a young girl aged 9-14 in London who could benefit from mentoring? The Y’s Girls Project pairs girls with trained mentors who provide guidance, a listening ear, and a safe space to build confidence and explore new interests. If you know a girl who might benefit, contact Allison.Bishop@ymca.co.uk or make a referral here.  Download our information pack here. Together, we can create brighter futures.

Mayor of London’s Loved and Wanted Campaign

The Mayor’s office are looking for short stories that celebrate London’s values of diversity and unity by affirming how all Londoners are loved and wanted in the city. Has a person or place ever helped you to feel at home in London? Share your story here.

UCL Research Consult Clinic

The Research Consultancy Clinic, hosted by the Community Research Initiative, is the space to turn your data, evaluation and research needs into a quick and punchy project to be take on by our stellar research students. During the clinic you’ll take part in a bespoke, informal and friendly consultation with 1-3 trainee consultants to work out the details of a 2-3 month bite size research project. After the clinic, the team will take care of the rest, making sure you’re happy with the output, posting the advert on our online platform, and working to get you some students to support your work. Register here.

Families for Life Champion free volunteer training

Parents and carers can become Families for Life Champions with free volunteer training, starting from 16 January 2025 at Edith Neville Primary School. Parents and carers can improve their skills and CV, while helping other families to improve their health and wellbeing by signposting them to services and support. Email syria.chowdhury@camden.gov.uk for more information.

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 20th December 2024

 


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Camden Safeguarding Children Partnership

In our last newsletter of the year, we are taking an in depth look at a vital service for children in Camden.

Every child deserves to grow up in a safe, stable and loving home; but some children and young people need additional help, protection or high-quality effective support.

VAC’s Community Safeguarding Project is here to support you with your safeguarding arrangements and highlight the important role we all play as relevant agencies with responsibilities to safeguarding effectively. Funded by Camden’s Safeguarding Children Partnership (CSCP), this statutory body is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children within our community.

If you have any safeguarding questions for the CSCP or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact them at cscp@camden.gov.uk.

If you are an voluntary organisation, supplementary school, faith or community group delivering services to under 18’s in the borough; please contact our Community Safeguarding Lead, Dianne Carlton- Ogunyemi for information on safeguarding training, policy or support: dogunyemi@vac.org.uk

Please see below for further relevant links and services:
 

Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023

The Camden Safeguarding Children Partnership (CSCP) Multi-agency Safeguarding Arrangements.

CSCP Resources

CSCP Training Courses

Upcoming Training & Events

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
 

Parliament rejects amendments to NI Contributions bill


Proposed amendments to the National Insurance contributions bill were voted down in parliament this week, and the bill will now be put forward for debate in the House of Lords. The proposed changes to the bill would have maintained the current NI contributions rate for charities, hospices and some healthcare providers, exempting them from the 1.2 percentage point rise which has been forecast to cost the voluntary sector £1.4bn per year.

Survey & guide published on navigating EDI strategy


A survey of charity chairs and board members by the Association of Chairs found that over 50% said they are enthusiastic and motivated about Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) strategies, although 2 in 5 reported facing barriers to implementing them at their workplaces. The AoC published a guide for charities following the survey results, which includes practical tips to address some of the reported issues, such as using social media to promote vacancies and diversify contact networks.

Simpler DBS service suggested for volunteering in London


Simplifying safeguarding check systems could increase volunteering participation, a new report suggests, with managers claiming that the current DBS check service is unnecessarily confusing and time-consuming. The draft report, London Vision and Action Plan for Volunteering is currently inviting ongoing feedback until Jan 24 on a range of themes related to volunteering development in London.

 

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!

  • 7stars Foundation grants are available to support young people challenged by abuse and addiction, those who are young carers, and those who are homeless or without a safe place to call home.
  • The Flexible Finance Fund will be providing £4m of funding and support to 15-25 Black and Racially Minoritised charities and social enterprises in England with a material package of funding and support to help them to grow or take on assets and become more resilient.
  • The Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust is accepting applications from UK not-for-profit organisations to support projects in the UK aimed at working towards the creation of a peaceful and just world.
  • Charles Hayward Foundation has grants available to UK registered charities for projects in the following categories: Social and Criminal Justice; Overseas; and Older People.
  • Esmée Fairbairn Communities and Collections Fund – grants are available to museums and galleries in the UK for strategic development of their inclusive collections work and for partnership projects that improve inclusion and equitable working with community partners.
  • Big Give’s Green Match Fund is a funding campaign dedicated to helping charities playing a vital role in tackling pressing environmental issues, run in partnership with Environmental Funders Network (EFN).

 

Training Link Open Day


Do any of your service users want help with computers, or to improve spoken and written English or to find work?  Do they want to get free accredited certificates in useful skills such as Food Hygiene? Training Link in Kings Cross provides free courses, drop-ins and one to one support.  Small friendly centre, easy to get to. All are welcome at their open day on Thursday 9 January 2025, 11am to 6pm. Contact director@traininglink.org.uk for more information.

VCC Volunteer Managers’ Forum & Volunteering Fair


Volunteer Managers’ Forum  
Join Volunteer Centre Camden online for peer support in the company of volunteer managers from everywhere on Thursday 23rd January at 10.30am. Topics are decided by you on the day and booking is free.
Volunteering Fair 
Want to volunteer in Camden and Islington? Book your free place now to attend this lunchtime volunteering fair on Zoom on Wednesday 29th January, 12.30-2pm. Local organisations will be recruiting for their volunteering roles. And you will get a chance to ask more questions to them directly.

Curious about Pension Credit?


Want to see if you can top up your income and get help with dentists, Council Tax, Housing Benefits and much more. In 30 minutes, get an idea how it can help, if you can claim and where to get help with the form. Unlike the State Pension, even if you’re eligible for Pension Credit you have to claim to get it. This is a short talk followed by questions and answers. Light refreshments. Free and all welcome. No need to book.

A choice of two venues, both on Wed 29th January:
•         Marian Centre, 1 Stafford Rd, NW6 5RS, 1.30-2pm
or
•         Kilburn Library Centre, 2-22 Kilburn High Rd, NW6 5UH, 2.45-3.15pm 

Suicide Awareness Training – SPACES AVAILABLE


Space is still available on the in person Suicide Awareness Training course  to be delivered by Rethink Mental Illness on behalf of Camden Council on 23rd January at no cost to delegates. The course is suitable particularly for frontline workers, managers, volunteers and health champions, but also simply for people that are keen to learn. It is available to anyone who lives, works, studies or volunteers in Camden. This training has been specially co-produced by lived experience experts.

Free Business Sustainability Workshop


Join in person in Camden on Tuesday 14th January for a free half-day workshop on Business Sustainability. Learn how embedding sustainable practices can drive growth, strengthen your brand, and create long-term value for your business. Gain practical insights to improve efficiency, win tenders, and attract top talent. Click here to register.

Drug & Alcohol support drop in service


Change Grow Live’s Camden Drug and Alcohol Service supports residents 18+ to address drug/alcohol use. Services include: detox, treatment, counselling, harm reduction, activities to improve quality of life. If you’re using alcohol or drugs, live in Camden and want to get support, the best way to do this is by coming to our assessment drop-in service. You can visit Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 12-4pm at Kings Studios, NW1 0JR. Flexible locations, including GP surgeries and remote support, are available. Contact: 020 3227 4950 or camden.referrals@cgl.org.uk.

HCA – Male Carers


HCA have started a piece of work for Male Carers in Camden. A carer is someone of any age who, without payment, provides care and support to a partner, friend, relative or neighbour who could not manage without their help. At HCA, as part of our Male Carers Groups, we will give you time to talk about your caring situation, what you need, while also offering a space for you to meet new people and engage in welcoming, fun and free social activities. If you would like to talk more about this project, please feel free to get in touch, by emailing andrew@holborncommunity.co.uk or calling Millman Street Community Centre on 02074052370 (option 2).

End-of-Year Celebration at LAH with Orquesta Estelar and Coro de Clave


Join Latin American House for an evening of music and joy! Enjoy performances by Orquesta Estelar and Coro de Clave. Celebrate the end of the year in a vibrant, festive, and culturally enriching atmosphere. Don’t miss this unique experience! Taking place on Friday 20th December, make sure to pre-book your free tickets here.

Holiday Activities and Food programme – winter 2024-25


The Camden Holiday Activities and Food winter programme runs from 23 December-3 January and is open for children and young people aged 5-16 who live in Camden and are eligible for free school meals. The programme offers free, fun activities and nutritional education – from learning to make healthy meals, to creative activities, including photography, drama, arts and crafts, and sports such as football and basketball. A free hot meal is included as part of each day’s activities.

 

Senior Fundraising Officer  | The Winch

The Winch is Based in North Camden, their mission is to help each child succeed, regardless of their circumstances. They are recruiting a Senior Fundraising Officer, with experience of working with trusts and foundations, and statutory funding. Working alongside the Head of Partnerships and Communications and Marketing Lead, you will be responsible for identifying funding opportunities, developing bids and nurturing relationships with funders. Full Time £35,000. Find out more.

Deputy Play Manager  | The Winch


The Winch are also hiring a hands-on Deputy Play Manager to run exciting after-school and holiday playschemes. Lead a team, inspire young minds, and create a space where children flourish and families feel supported. Full Time, £34,000 Find out more.

HCA Doorstep Help Project Coordinator

Holborn Community Association are recruiting a Doorstep Help Coordinator to help vulnerable older people and build a network of volunteers to support them. This 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. If you want to apply for this role, you can email on andrew@holborncommunity.co.uk.
Application deadline: Friday 10th January 2025.

Costume Designer-Maker (theatre)


Further Than The Edge Productions C.I.C are currently seeking to collaborate with a Costume Designer-Maker on a Preparatory Scoping activity equivalent to 1 day’s work, in mid February 2025. To work with the writer/director and the puppet designer/maker to assess ways of working, materials, timeframes and costings for a later R&D phase. Closing date: Fri, 20 Dec 2024.

Biodiversity surveying volunteers required for March 2025


Friends of Waterlow Park in Highgate are looking for volunteers to help survey wildlife and botany. Small, friendly groups will meet up and collect data on Saturdays; once a month from March to mid-May, then fortnightly between mid-May and October. A volunteer commented ‘it’s a great way to spend time in the park, you’ll learn a lot about plants, and it’s fun to carry out surveys jointly between families and friends’. You don’t need any experience and everyone is welcome. To register your interest and sign up to join the Biodiversity volunteer mailing list, please contact – Friends of Waterlow Park.

Christmas 2024 Volunteering Roles at VCC


Volunteer Centre Camden has published a round up of Christmas volunteering roles. Check it out now on their website.

People’s Museum Story Bike Promoter


Days: 1.5 days per week (with some flexibility)
Location: People’s Museum Somers Town / outdoor working
Payment: £12-15 per hour
1.    To help raise awareness of StoryBike as sustainable intergenerational taxi service
2.    To do outreach to engage community and build audience
3.    To develop and evaluate this service
4.    To develop museum awareness through outreach and communications

please email diana@aspaceforus.club with CV to apply.

Camden’s Community Champions Programme


Camden Council are recommissioning their community champions programme from April 2025. The ‘invitation to tender’ will be published on the Find a Contract portal on Friday 20th December, with a closing date of 31st January 2025. The procurement tender will be conducted via Pro-contract Due North. Please contact participation@camden.gov.uk if you would like more information.

Showcase your talent in a charity fundraiser


The People’s Classroom, a new education charity based in Camden is running a talent show contest on Jan 31st at The Observatory Photographer’s Gallery (64 Marchmont Street, WC1N 1AB) from 6-9 pm. They are looking for contestants to take part in the talent show, which can any of the following performances:
•    Music
•    Dance
•    Poetry
•    Comedy
•    Circus
If you would like to take part please email: info@thepeoplesclassroom.com.

Scams Prevention & Support from Age UK Camden


If you have concerns about scams, think you may have been a victim of a scam or would like some tips on how to avoid them, then Age UK Camden can help. Their Information & Advice team are here to support you through providing awareness talks or 1-1 support for anyone over 50. Get in touch with an advisor today and see how they can help you: 020 7837 3777.

Have your say! – A new Padel court in Camden


Camden Council welcomes your views about an exciting proposal for a Padel Tennis court at Cantelowes Gardens – Camden believes this would be first Padel court in the borough and in a public park in the UK. Concession rates would be available, and Camden will work with the local voluntary sector to ensure an inclusive offer is available to their users.  Complete the online survey here

Shape Up & More Life Weight Management Programmes


Shape Up- Free Men’s Weight Management & Shape Up Sisters – Free Women’s Weight Management are delivered by Arsenal in the CommunityShape Up is a free 12-week programme to support overweight men to improve their nutrition, increase their activity, and reach a healthier weight.  The next session in Camden will start in January. Eligible patients can self-refer by contacting rratcliffe@arsenal.co.uk or calling 07548107576.
More Life is a weight management programme supporting people to eat healthier, set your own goals, and manage your weight.

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 13th December 2024

 

 


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

Upcoming Training & 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

 

10 wealthiest charities total £67.7bn in asset worth

Civil Society’s study of Charity Commission data concluded that the total asset worth of the top 10 richest charities in England and Wales reached £67.7bn at the end of 2023, a growth of 1% from the previous year. The figure represented 27% of the charity sector’s total assets in 2023, while assets in the entire charity sector increased by 2% to total £255bn.

Camden publish Climate Action Plan review

Camden Council’s current Climate Action Plan enters its final year in 2025, before the next installment launches, covering the period from 2026-2030. To find out more about the plan which includes the goal of making Camden a zero carbon borough by 2030, visit the homepage which has information on the scope of the project, upcoming events and a timeline. You can read the recently published Climate Action Plan review here.

Plea to keep soft opt-in for charity email marketing

A new bill on Data Usage and Access, which is currently going through parliament, proposes the removal of a soft opt-in option for charities’ email marketing. Organisations such as Oxfam and McMillan have called for an amendment to the bill in a letter to Peter Kyle (science, innovation and technology secretary) claiming that it could cost charities nearly £300m in annual donations. 

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!

 

  • We Make Camden Project Fund to support organisations making a difference to residents in the borough. Local not-for-profit organisations can now apply for grants between £5,000 and £20,000 a year to support a range of projects that make a difference to Camden communities. Link includes details of guidance, drop in sessions and webinars to inform about the fund, as well as the application form. 
  • Ford Britain Trust for projects that focus on education, environment, children, the disabled, youth activities and projects that provide clear benefits to the local communities close to the trust’s UK locations.
  • African Health Policy Network for Black and Global Majority-led organisations that are working to improve the health and well-being of Black and Global Majority communities whilst challenging and disrupting structural and systemic racism and racist practices.
  • Stef & Philips Foundation is offering grants to support organisations that deliver projects and activities that support individuals and families who are living in emergency or temporary accommodation across London.
  • The Idlewild Trust supports the arts, culture and conservation in the national arena, for example the conservation of cultural heritage of recognised national and international importance in museums, libraries, galleries, historic buildings, or landscapes accessible to the public
  • Hinrichsen Foundation offers one off grants for individuals, organisations or charities in the UK that work in the field of contemporary music in the classical tradition.

Digital Arts for neurodiverse children & young people

Explore all things digital such as filmmaking, animation and coding in these relaxed sessions from Holborn Community Association for neurodiverse children and young people and those with social communication difficulties. On Wednesdays, starting 15th January 2025. To book, email sudiksha@holborncommunity.co.uk or call 02074052370 (option 1 or 3).

Drug & Alcohol support drop in service

Change Grow Live’s Camden Drug and Alcohol Service supports residents 18+ to address drug/alcohol use. Services include: detox, treatment, counselling, harm reduction, activities to improve quality of life. If you’re using alcohol or drugs, live in Camden and want to get support, the best way to do this is by coming to our assessment drop-in service. You can visit Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 12-4pm at Kings Studios, NW1 0JR. Flexible locations, including GP surgeries and remote support, are available. Contact: 020 3227 4950 or camden.referrals@cgl.org.uk.

HCA – Male Carers

HCA have started a piece of work for Male Carers in Camden. A carer is someone of any age who, without payment, provides care and support to a partner, friend, relative or neighbour who could not manage without their help. At HCA, as part of our Male Carers Groups, we will give you time to talk about your caring situation, what you need, while also offering a space for you to meet new people and engage in welcoming, fun and free social activities. If you would like to talk more about this project, please feel free to get in touch, by emailing andrew@holborncommunity.co.uk or calling Millman Street Community Centre on 02074052370 (option 2).

Spring 2025 Digital Skills Courses from Camden ACL

Make a new year’s resolution to improve your digital skills! Camden Adult Community Learning can help you to improve your basic smartphone & laptop skills, sharpen up your CV, design a website, start using AI, try out digital photography, become a podcaster, or gain an OCN London microcredential in spreadsheets or presentation software. Courses are FREE for local residents, running across Camden community organisations and local libraries. For course information, click here, and to enrol, click here.

End-of-Year Celebration at LAH with Orquesta Estelar and Coro de Clave

Join Latin American House for an evening of music and joy! Enjoy performances by Orquesta Estelar and Coro de Clave. Celebrate the end of the year in a vibrant, festive, and culturally enriching atmosphere. Don’t miss this unique experience! Taking place on Friday 20th December, make sure to pre-book your free tickets here.

Join in LGBT History Month 2025

LGBT Charity forum+ is curating the programme for Camden & Islington LGBT History Month 2025 and all the community is invited to join in the celebration of local LGBT culture, heritage and history. Events take place in February and the theme for 2025 is Activism and Social Change. To be featured in the official programme for Camden & Islington LGBT History Month please email info@forumplus.org.uk. The closing date for entries is Friday 10th January.

Self Sufficient Women 5k run

Join SSW for the Women’s only 5K SSW Run Day Event! Lace up your sneakers and get ready to hit the pavement with fellow runners. This in-person event will take place at Parliament Hill Athletic track NW3 2JP, so mark your calendars for Saturday 14 December 11am- 4pm. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out, this event is perfect for the whole family. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enjoy a day of running, fun, and community.

People’s Museum Christmas fair, party & book launch

Christmas Fair – Phoenix Road Open Space – Friday 13th December 2pm-6.30pm
Live music | Hot food | Market Stalls | Art | Free Clothes Swap | Outdoor Games | Mayor of Camden | Everyone is welcome! | NW1 1TA
Followed by Party & Book Launch at the People’s Museum from 6pm – launching Lotus Stories: folk tales, songs and life stories of Sylheti women with the Mayor of Camden.
People’s Museum, 52 Phoenix Rd, NW1 1ES

Holiday Activities and Food programme – winter 2024-25

The Camden Holiday Activities and Food winter programme runs from 23 December-3 January and is open for children and young people aged 5-16 who live in Camden and are eligible for free school meals. The programme offers free, fun activities and nutritional education – from learning to make healthy meals, to creative activities, including photography, drama, arts and crafts, and sports such as football and basketball. A free hot meal is included as part of each day’s activities.

Children of The Sun with Moon Crescent Blood

Explore an art and poetry exhibition raising awareness for sickle cell disease. Children of The Sun with Moon Crescent Blood is on at the Akanji Studio at Swiss Cottage Gallery from 5 December – 16 January.

Christmas Season at the London Welsh Centre

 

🚶 Caroline James’ Christmas Walk Through London – 18th December
Discover London’s sparkling Christmas lights on a magical 90-minute walking tour led by the brilliant Caroline James. 

😂 Suspiciously Cheap Comedy – 22nd December
Get ready to laugh the night away with Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Jin Hao Li, Tarot Comedy, and the phenomenal Sara Pascoe.

For tickets and full details, click here.

HCA Door Stop Help Project Coordinator

 

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 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. If you want to apply for this role, you can email on andrew@holborncommunity.co.uk.
Application deadline: Friday 10th January 2025.

Costume Designer-Maker (theatre)

Further Than The Edge Productions C.I.C are currently seeking to collaborate with a Costume Designer-Maker on a Preparatory Scoping activity equivalent to 1 day’s work, in mid February 2025. To work with the writer/director and the puppet designer/maker to assess ways of working, materials, timeframes and costings for a later R&D phase. Closing date: Fri, 20 Dec 2024.

Biodiversity surveying volunteers required for March 2025

Friends of Waterlow Park in Highgate are looking for volunteers to help survey wildlife and botany. Small, friendly groups will meet up and collect data on Saturdays; once a month from March to mid-May, then fortnightly between mid-May and October. A volunteer commented ‘it’s a great way to spend time in the park, you’ll learn a lot about plants, and it’s fun to carry out surveys jointly between families and friends’. You don’t need any experience and everyone is welcome. To register your interest and sign up to join the Biodiversity volunteer mailing list, please contact – Friends of Waterlow Park.

Christmas 2024 Volunteering Roles at VCC

Volunteer Centre Camden has published a round up of Christmas volunteering roles. Check it out now on their website.

 

Lifeafterhummus Creative chef and community educator

 

Lifeafterhummus Community Benefit Society are looking for an experienced cook or chef with a passion for people, food waste and sustainability. This role will have a predominant focus on low-fat, high-fibre plant-based / vegan cooking but not exclusively given the nature of the surplus food the organisation collect. The post provides a range of experiences and requires a variety of skills. You will be supported with your ongoing development by the operations Manager. As the café grows, the staffing will grow. 

People’s Museum Story Bike Promoter

Days:        1.5 days per week (with some flexibility)
Location:        People’s Museum Somers Town / outdoor working
Payment:        £12-15 per hour
1.    To help raise awareness of StoryBike as sustainable intergenerational taxi service
2.    To do outreach to engage community and build audience
3.    To develop and evaluate this service
4.    To develop museum awareness through outreach and communications

please email diana@aspaceforus.club with CV to apply.

Blueprint for Developing Volunteering in London

The London Vision and Action Plan for Volunteering has just been published for consultation and is available for review on the London’s Lifelines website. This is a chance for all volunteer stakeholders, groups, organisations and businesses to have their say on how volunteering should be developed across the capital. To see the report and how to give your feedback visit here.

Linking Lives launch Going Deeper conversation resource

Linking Lives UK have released “Going Deeper“, a new resource for use by any organisation that gathers people together regularly. The resource contains a series of questions as conversation starters, and is aimed at at fostering connections and building deeper friendships. Organisations can also download an additional free User Toolkit to complement Going Deeper.

UCLH Birthing Buddies Scheme

Could you support pregnant women and birthing people from your community and be a Birth Advocate? UCLH are recruiting women from different backgrounds to be part of a pilot to provide support to those that are pregnant within their community. They need dedicated individuals based in Camden (18+) who will be trained and compensated to support women through their pregnancy journey. Email uclhmaternityvoices@gmail.com to find out more.

 

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 6th December 2024

 

 


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Camden, together

Campaign launches to reduce stigma of loneliness in Camden 

Voluntary Action Camden and Camden Council have launched the ‘Camden together’ campaign, which aims to reduce the stigma of loneliness and support residents to connect with other people in their community. 


We know that so much fantastic work is already going on in Camden to reduce loneliness and promote community connection and friendships. We would like to highlight some of these examples as part of Camden, together. We would love to hear what your organisation is doing – and please let us know about any Christmas dinners, festive events or any other free or low cost events that you would like us to promote over the coming weeks and we can share via our channels.

 

To be featured in Camden, together, share an event for us to promote or to request campaign materials channels, contact Grace Blackman.  

 

Upcoming Training & Events

 

Our events have finished for the current season, but you can always find out more about upcoming events 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

Fallout continues over NI contributions announcement

A survey by the Charity Retail Association reveals the various measures many charities are now considering after the recent budget announcement to increase national insurance contributions for employers, with a third of those surveyed anticipating they will have to cut staff. 25% of respondents said they will have to close shops once the NI rise comes in, while two thirds of charities say they will have to raise prices. Meanwhile in parliament, various politicians criticised the government’s decision in a debate on Tuesday, highlighting the danger to the sector.


*As an aside, if your charity has been affected by this issue or you would like to have your say on another aspect of the relationship between the VCS and government, please take a look at NCVO’s draft principles for the new Civil Society Covenant, which they are inviting feedback for – please see the Surveys, Opportunities & Resources section further down this newsletter.

 

Volunteering participation higher before pandemic 

The pandemic marked a clear divide in volunteering levels in England, shown in the new Community Life survey which studies aspects of community engagement in adults. 23% of adults volunteered regularly (at least once a month) in 2019/20, but that figure has since decreased year on year, with only 16% doing so in 2023/24. The survey also gives information on volunteering by age group and geographical area. 

 

Giving Tuesday success fails to translate to UK

One of the biggest dates in the US philanthropy calendar, Giving Tuesday (falling on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving), has not achieved the same relevance in the UK. Recent years have seen a push to build fundraising campaigns around Giving Tuesday in the UK, but Enthuse’s Christmas Giving report showed that more donations are received on other days in the festive period. 

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!

 

  • UK not-for-profit groups specialising in legal advice for immigration issues can once again apply for a grant from the Strategic Legal Fund, to support strategic legal work in the UK which benefits asylum seekers, refugees, and migrants who are experiencing disadvantage or discrimination as a result of their migration status.
  • The Elephant Trust has grants available to artists, small organisations and galleries within the UK to make it possible for artists and those presenting their work to undertake and complete projects when frustrated by lack of funds.
  • Sport England has just announced that its Movement Fund will give priority to sports and activities that need help to recover quickly from recent extreme weather in Storms Bert and Connall.
  • Amazon Literary Partnership 2025 – One-off annual grants are available for not-for-profit literary organisations in the UK that empower writers, helping them create, publish, learn, teach, experiment and thrive.
  • The US Embassy to the United Kingdom’s Annual Grants Programme offers grants to not-for-profit organisations, academic institutions, individuals, government institutions in the UK for projects that strengthen bilateral ties between the United States and the United Kingdom.
  • Art Fund Museum of the Year is an annual prize that recognises and celebrates outstanding work and projects across UK museums and provides a platform to encourage audiences to engage with museums far and wide.

Queerspace and Transpace

Weekly, alternating social support groups held by Likewise. Queerspace is for all LGBTQ+ people and Transpace is for Trans* people. The groups run from 5:30-7:00pm on Mondays in Swiss Cottage (full address is given via email). The groups are facilitated and have an intentional focus on mental health. They are open to anyone (18+) from the relevant communities.  If you’d like to find out more or want to register your interest, please get in touch. Email: lgbtspaces@likewise.org.uk. Phone: 02072784437. Instagram: @queerspace_transpace.

Camden’s Community Champions Programme

Camden Council are recommissioning their community champions programme and increasing the number of projects from three to five from April 2025. They are hosting an information session on Wednesday 11th December, 2:00 – 3:00pm in Training Room 5 at the Crowndale Centre, 218 Eversholt Street, NW1 1BD.   To find out more about the Community Champions programme and the re-commissioning process please attend. Email participation@camden.gov.uk to confirm attendance or to request more information.

Spring Term at WAC Arts

Wac Arts Spring Term runs from Saturday 11th January 2025 to Sunday 30th March 2025, offering 10 weeks of affordable classes for all ages, with bursaries available. From performing and creative to digital arts, we have engaging weekend and evening classes for ages 4+. The programs encourage growth, progression, and a passion for the arts, providing young people with essential creative opportunities.

We Care – Present making workshop 

Age: 8-12 year olds
Venue: Holborn House Community Centre
Make gifts to share with your friends and family!  Designers, makers, architects and engineers working with MillerKnoll will be hosting a making session for you on 12th December. Design gifts you can take home and give to friends and family for Christmas. Activities include illustration with the Quentin Blake Centre and fabric wall hangings. Refreshments available.
Parents/carers must remain in the venue. Younger siblings are welcome to wait with you in reception. 
Book here 

Race Equality Foundation webinar

The Race Equality Foundation, with a coalition of partners including the Muslim Charities Forum, are hosting a workshop on 12th December: ‘The Media’s Role: Narratives and Rhetoric of the Racist Riots’. This session will explore the impact of enduring Islamophobic and racist narratives, and will examine the media’s role in perpetuating this harmful rhetoric. The session will also open up a discussion on what steps the voluntary and public sectors can take to push back and challenge these harmful narratives. Secure your place here.

Children of The Sun with Moon Crescent Blood 

Explore an art and poetry exhibition raising awareness for sickle cell disease. Children of The Sun with Moon Crescent Blood is on at the Akanji Studio at Swiss Cottage Gallery from 5 December – 16 January.

Trauma-Informed Care for Professionals Working in Camden

Camden Council are hosting a free webinar on Trauma-Informed Care for Professionals Working in Camden. The webinar will be run by clinical psychologists from the Brandon Centre and take place online on 10th December. Find out more and sign up here.

Christmas Season at the London Welsh Centre

🎶 Nine Lessons and Carols – 8th December
Gather for a magical evening of traditional carols and readings. This cherished event is the perfect way to embrace the spirit of Christmas.

🍷 Ross Clarke: A Journey Through Wine – 11th December
Wine lovers, rejoice! Ross Clarke, award-winning food and wine writer, will guide us through the best supermarket wines for the season. 

🚶 Caroline James’ Christmas Walk Through London – 18th December
Discover London’s sparkling Christmas lights on a magical 90-minute walking tour led by the brilliant Caroline James. 

😂 Suspiciously Cheap Comedy – 22nd December
Get ready to laugh the night away with Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Jin Hao Li, Tarot Comedy, and the phenomenal Sara Pascoe.

For tickets and full details, click here.

 

Indulge in Festive Fun at Castlehaven

 

Join Castlehaven Community Association on Friday 6th December from 4 – 7 pm, for an unforgettable afternoon of festive family fun. From unique stalls, Santas grotto to live performances and delicious treats, there’s something for everyone, so don’t miss this wonderful community celebration!
For more information, please email info@castlehaven.org.uk.

 

EPF Property Webinar on Risk Assessments

 

In this informative, accessible webinar taking place on 10th December, Ethical Property Foundation’s experienced Associate Property Advisers will cover the basics of how to do a risk assessment on charity premises so that you understand what risks you need to look at, and how ignoring could affect the volunteers, staff and service users in your organisation. Participants will receive a resources kit with the opportunity to obtain free follow-up expert advice through our Ask a Property Expert Service. Sign up here.

Two vacancies at Mind in Camden 

 

Community Mental Health Recovery Support Worker
MIC are looking for a self-motivated, empathic, and dynamic Community Mental Health Recovery Support Worker to join their one-to-one mental health support service. The post involves working directly with service users, volunteers, and in partnership with colleagues across different sectors in Camden. You’ll be working collaboratively alongside partners and statutory providers to adapt the service offers to meet changing local needs. You will be contributing to the transformation of community mental health services across Camden.
Closing Date: 6th December


Resources Assistant
You’ll be the first point of contact for visitors and clients, and will manage and maintain the reception, and look after the admin phone and email account. You will also proactively assist with maintaining the building, performing regular checks, and engaging contractors. You’ll be responsible for keeping and maintaining accurate records for contracts and equipment, and taking the lead on a variety of admin tasks.
Closing Date: 5th December

Lifeafterhummus Creative chef and community educator

 

Lifeafterhummus Community Benefit Society are looking for an experienced cook or chef with a passion for people, food waste and sustainability. This role will have a predominant focus on low-fat, high-fibre plant-based / vegan cooking but not exclusively given the nature of the surplus food the organisation collect. The post provides a range of experiences and requires a variety of skills. You will be supported with your ongoing development by the operations Manager. As the café grows, the staffing will grow. 

 

People’s Museum Story Bike Promoter

Days:        1.5 days per week (with some flexibility)
Location:        People’s Museum Somers Town / outdoor working
Payment:        £12-15 per hour
1.    To help raise awareness of StoryBike as sustainable intergenerational taxi service
2.    To do outreach to engage community and build audience
3.    To develop and evaluate this service
4.    To develop museum awareness through outreach and communications

please email diana@aspaceforus.club with CV to apply.

NCVO takes views on Civil Society Covenant

Ahead of next year’s Civil Society Covenant, a new framework which is designed to reset the relationship between the government and civil society sector, NCVO have created a set of draft principles to be considered. They are inviting feedback from across civil society, including charities, community groups, social enterprises, cooperatives and funders. Have your say here

Free Four-Day Peer Mentor course from VoiceAbility

Voiceability want to hear from you if you have lived experience of mental health and wish to support others. This is a 4-day course slated for 30th January, 31st January, 6th February, 7th February, 2025 at The Living Centre, London. The course aims to give you ALL the skills required to volunteer as a Peer Mentor. For reservations or further information, email camden.peermentoring@voiceability.org or call Dede 07974419371/ Henriette 07562 625453.

Big Give – Acland Burghley’s Hall for All campaign

Hall for All is a campaign to restore the Assembly Hall at Acland Burghley School, Camden, to its former glory, establishing a world-class performance and exhibition space, preserving local heritage and giving current and future generations of local people – irrespective of background – access to a professional arts space. As part of the Big Give Christmas Challenge, running until Tuesday 10 December, donations to this cause will be doubled. 

Camden’s Survey on Alcohol Impact

Camden Council are developing a strategy aimed at reducing alcohol harms for residents, and they would like to hear from Camden residents about your experiences and understanding with regards to alcohol. The questions involved are asked without judgement, and the council highly value your opinions. The information you provide will be instrumental in shaping their initiatives and strategies moving forward.

 

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VAC E-Bulletin 29th November 2024

 


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

Reach out Camden

Reach Out Camden is a collaborative initiative offering free mental health and wellbeing support to residents in Camden. Delivered through a partnership of four charities—Mind in Camden, Likewise, The Advocacy Project, and VoiceAbility—it provides tailored, person-centred support to meet individual needs. Services include one-to-one support, peer support groups, and a range of wellbeing sessions, such as arts and crafts, exercise classes, admin support sessions, and nature walks. These activities aim to enhance life skills, build connections, and promote overall wellbeing. If you need support to identify which type of service might be most suited to you, one of Reach’s dedicated navigators can be allocated to work alongside you to figure this out. 

Camden residents aged 18+ who are living in or registered with a Camden GP can access Reach Out Camden by making a referral online, by phone, or in person. Alternatively, they can drop into the Likewise Community Centre to try out an activity or learn more. The initiative really values community involvement, facilitating engagement in shaping future services to better address the needs of residents. By simplifying access to mental health resources and breaking down barriers to care, Reach Out Camden strives to create a strong, inclusive community that supports wellbeing for all.

https://reachoutcamden.co.uk/

Upcoming Training & Events

 

Our events have finished for the current season, but you can always find out more about upcoming events 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

No exemptions for charities on National Insurance

Despite coordinated efforts from the sector imploring the government to reconsider the recent budget announcement on National Insurance Contributions for employers, the chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced that there will be no exemptions or reimbursements for charities. Sector bodies such as NCVO and ACEVO reacted with disappointment to the news, and the Charity Finance Group are documenting their ongoing response.

Misunderstanding of value is limiting charity impact


A new report by the Charity Reform Group suggests that third sector organisations have the history, expertise and creative potential to have a much higher impact on policies and public life. Arguing that the current public image of charities restricts them to service providers only, the Forces for Good report calls for a shift in the relationship with government and includes a set of recommendations for charities to re-think how to present themselves and improve collaboration with other sectors.

Report lays bare banking challenges for charities

92% of charities claimed they had faced issues with banking in the last 2 years, examined in a new report* published by the Civil Society Group. Changing signatories on bank account mandates was the most likely process to cause challenges, experienced by 75% of those surveyed, with many charities claiming that communication issues with banks and long delays are common when trying to get signatories changed.
*Accessible for CSG members only.

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!

 

  • We Make Camden Project Fund – Camden Council has launched a new fund to support organisations making a difference to residents in the borough. Local not-for-profit organisations can now apply for grants between £5,000-£20,000 a year to support a range of projects that make a difference to Camden communities. Application deadline 1pm Monday 27 January 2025. 
  • The Make It Big Pathway Fund is here to fill a crucial gap in support for Black and Global Majority-led charities and social enterprises, helping you strengthen your foundation and prepare for social investment.
  • Steel Charitable Trust – Grants are available to registered charities in the UK to deliver a variety of projects and activities that benefit children and young people under the age of 26.
  • The second annual Manchester Prize is now accepting applications, focusing on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in Clean Energy Systems.
  • Arts Council England’s Incentivising Touring scheme has repayable grants available for mid- and large-scale theatre and dance productions to tour in England, supporting new works, revivals, or remounts that demonstrate financial viability with Arts Council England’s investment.
  • The One Stop Community Partnership programme has grants through a partnership programme to support not-for-profit organisations with local community projects that address social welfare and environmental issues.

Race Equality Foundation webinar

The Race Equality Foundation, with a coalition of partners including the Muslim Charities Forum, are hosting a workshop on 12th December: ‘The Media’s Role: Narratives and Rhetoric of the Racist Riots’. This session will explore the impact of enduring Islamophobic and racist narratives, and will examine the media’s role in perpetuating this harmful rhetoric. The session will also open up a discussion on what steps the voluntary and public sectors can take to push back and challenge these harmful narratives. Secure your place here.

Children of The Sun with Moon Crescent Blood 

Explore an art and poetry exhibition raising awareness for sickle cell disease. Children of The Sun with Moon Crescent Blood is on at the Akanji Studio at Swiss Cottage Gallery from 5 December – 16 January.

Working Men’s College Craft Fair & Photography Exhibition

The Working Men’s College send warms wishes and invites you to see and buy some of the unique creations made by their talented and inspiring learners. They have two free events taking place on Wed 4th December, 11am-4pm:
1.    Craft Fair from 11am – 4pm, Book your free place here
2.    Creative Digital Arts and Photography Exhibition at 11am. 

Trauma-Informed Care for Professionals Working in Camden

Camden Council are hosting a free webinar on Trauma-Informed Care for Professionals Working in Camden. The webinar will be run by clinical psychologists from the Brandon Centre and take place online on 10th December. Find out more and sign up here.

Christmas Season at the London Welsh Centre

🎶 Nine Lessons and Carols – 8th December
Gather for a magical evening of traditional carols and readings. This cherished event is the perfect way to embrace the spirit of Christmas.

🍷 Ross Clarke: A Journey Through Wine – 11th December
Wine lovers, rejoice! Ross Clarke, award-winning food and wine writer, will guide us through the best supermarket wines for the season. 

🚶 Caroline James’ Christmas Walk Through London – 18th December
Discover London’s sparkling Christmas lights on a magical 90-minute walking tour led by the brilliant Caroline James. 

😂 Suspiciously Cheap Comedy – 22nd December
Get ready to laugh the night away with Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Jin Hao Li, Tarot Comedy, and the phenomenal Sara Pascoe.

For tickets and full details, click here.

Building Resilient Communities: The Case for Social Cohesion

Join for the launch of this timely report, commissioned by the Greater London Authority and produced by Protection Approaches, exploring the critical role of social cohesion in enhancing community resilience. 2nd December.

 

Indulge in Festive Fun at Castlehaven

 

Join Castlehaven Community Association on Friday 6th December from 4 – 7 pm, for an unforgettable afternoon of festive family fun. From unique stalls, Santas grotto to live performances and delicious treats, there’s something for everyone, so don’t miss this wonderful community celebration!
For more information, please email info@castlehaven.org.uk.

Open to all Dementia Information Event

 

Whether you’re a carer, family member, or just interested in understanding more about what we can do to support people living with dementia, this event is for you. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with others and gain a better understanding of dementia. The one hour information session from Camden Carers will cover:
•    What is dementia
•    Causes, signs and symptoms of dementia
•    Different types of dementia
•    Find local help and support and dementia-friendly activities
Register your interest here. The event takes place on 4th December at Holborn Library, 32-38 Theobalds Road, WC1X 8PA.

WAC Arts production of The Nutcracker 

 

On Sunday, 1st December there will be two performances of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker at the Old Town Hall, 213 Haverstock Hill, NW3 4QP. This special rendition of Tchaikovsky’s classic combines flute, piano, and narration to spark children’s imaginations through enchanting music and storytelling. It’s perfect for Nursery, Reception, and Years 1-4. Tickets are £10 and available at wacarts.co.uk

 

YCF Women & Non-Binary Leadership Forum

 

Are you a woman or non-binary professional in Camden’s Children & Young People Voluntary and Community Sector? Join Young Camden Foundation for the inaugural session of the Quarterly forum – a new space created by and for women and non-binary leaders to connect, share, and grow together. This forum is designed for all types of leaders, whether you’re a CEO, founder, director, manager, or an emerging leader. YCF welcome individuals who bring unique perspectives, whether you’re an established professional or an aspirational leader looking to make an impact. 3rd December

EPF Property Webinar on Risk Assessments

 

In this informative, accessible webinar taking place on 10th December, Ethical Property Foundation’s experienced Associate Property Advisers will cover the basics of how to do a risk assessment on charity premises so that you understand what risks you need to look at, and how ignoring could affect the volunteers, staff and service users in your organisation. Participants will receive a resources kit with the opportunity to obtain free follow-up expert advice through our Ask a Property Expert Service. Sign up here.

Two vacancies at Mind in Camden 

 

Community Mental Health Recovery Support WorkerMIC are looking for a self-motivated, empathic, and dynamic Community Mental Health Recovery Support Worker to join their one-to-one mental health support service. The post involves working directly with service users, volunteers, and in partnership with colleagues across different sectors in Camden. You’ll be working collaboratively alongside partners and statutory providers to adapt the service offers to meet changing local needs. You will be contributing to the transformation of community mental health services across Camden.
Closing Date: 6th December
Resources Assistant
You’ll be the first point of contact for visitors and clients, and will manage and maintain the reception, and look after the admin phone and email account. You will also proactively assist with maintaining the building, performing regular checks, and engaging contractors. You’ll be responsible for keeping and maintaining accurate records for contracts and equipment, and taking the lead on a variety of admin tasks.
Closing Date: 5th December

Lifeafterhummus Creative chef and community educator

 

Lifeafterhummus Community Benefit Society are looking for an experienced cook or chef with a passion for people, food waste and sustainability. This role will have a predominant focus on low-fat, high-fibre plant-based / vegan cooking but not exclusively given the nature of the surplus food the organisation collect. The post provides a range of experiences and requires a variety of skills. You will be supported with your ongoing development by the operations Manager. As the café grows, the staffing will grow. 

People’s Museum Story Bike Promoter

Days:        1.5 days per week (with some flexibility)
Location:        People’s Museum Somers Town / outdoor working
Payment:        £12-15 per hour
1.    To help raise awareness of StoryBike as sustainable intergenerational taxi service
2.    To do outreach to engage community and build audience
3.    To develop and evaluate this service
4.    To develop museum awareness through outreach and communications

please email diana@aspaceforus.club with CV to apply.

HCA Doorstep Help – Volunteers Needed

Holborn Community Association’s Doorstep Help Project aims to reduce loneliness and isolation, while empowering older adults to continue living independently, through meaningful, fun and engaging befriending matches, with local volunteers. If this sounds like it could be of interest and you would like to find out more, please get in touch!
You can email on felia@holborncommunity.co.uk or call 07484036879 or 02074052370 (option 2). 

After School Club and Holiday Play Scheme: Play Worker


Not a morning person?! Are you looking for work after school and during school holidays? Do you have experience of supporting primary aged children? The Winch are looking for Play Workers and would love to hear from you! Working from our facilities in Swiss Cottage, Camden, you will join a supportive and experienced team of play workers providing daily after-school and holiday activities.

Trustee at Camden Music Trust

Camden Music Trust seeks a trustee to become chair, in due course, of its dynamic and committed board of nine trustees. The well-respected local charity works to help children & young people living in Camden access music education regardless of any obstacles, financial or otherwise. It fundraises to support bursaries, Saturday centres, inclusive music programmes, activities that engage children with special educational needs, and more. The successful candidate will have a deep commitment to music and education, and ensuring that music education is accessible to all children and young people. S/he will work well in a team, and have leadership qualities. A connection with Camden is helpful but not essential. Contact chair@camdenmusictrust.org.

Volunteer for Home-Start Camden & Islington

 

Home-Start’s volunteers are trained and supported to give free, confidential help and practical assistance to local parents of children under 5 who are struggling. Interested? If you have parenting or childcare experience, they invite you to join their next training course in November. Please contact eleni@homestartcamden.org.

Positively UK recruiting new chair + trustees

Positively UK is a charity supporting people living with HIV. They are looking for a new Chair of the Board of Trustees, and three new trustees to join their board.

Become a SHAK trustee

SHAK is seeking 2-3 new trustees with skills and time to commit to fundraising.  They are particularly interested in recruiting people who live locally and increasing representation at board level from minority communities. You would be joining at an exciting time when SHAK are undertaking a strategic review and setting in place a new plan forward.
If you are interested in applying please click here.

Community Performance Opportunity – O2 Centre Finchley Road 

Euston-based dance organisation The Place is bringing the award-winning, community-led performance Super Normal Extra Natural by Requardt&Rosenberg to the O2 Centre this coming February. The show premiered last year at Croydon’s Whitgift Centre as part of London Borough of Culture. They’re looking for 20 community members (18+) to spend a week rehearsing and performing in the show. If you are interested in performance but have no experience in it, here’s an opportunity! You can find all relevant information here.  

Families for Life Champion free volunteer training 

Parents and carers can become Families for Life Champions with free volunteer training, starting from 16 January 2025 at Edith Neville Primary School. Parents and carers can improve their skills and CV, while helping other families to improve their health and wellbeing by signposting them to services and support.
Email syria.chowdhury@camden.gov.uk for more information.

Easyfundraising Advent Calendar 

Back by popular demand, easyfundraising’s Advent Calendar returns to bring some festive cheer. Open the Advent windows from 1st – 24th December for daily chances to win up to £200 for your organisation, charity, or CIC. Plus, every window opened is an automatic entry to win a big Christmas Day prize of £1,000! To take part, sign your organisation up here

 

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.

Become a Member
Use your own custom HTML
Opt in to receive VAC e-newsletter direct to your inbox

Copyright © 2021 |Voluntary Action Camden | All rights reserved.

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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