Voluntary Action Camden

VAC E-Bulletin 7th March 2025

High time for us to shine a light on our long time volunteer and artist in residence, Hasel Hooshiar! Today’s newsletter features a profile on Hasel and all the important work she does for VAC, as well as her emerging talent as an artist.

 

Elsewhere, we’ve got updates on the fallout from the Keir Starmer’s aid-spending cut, NIC contributions from small charities and news of a multi-year funding initiative from the Scottish government.

 

Local events include the Spring2Life Community Festival, Crossroads Women’s visit to the Wellcome collection in honour of International Women’s Day, and much more.

 

Plus the usual funding opportunities and new resources for charities and community groups.

 

You can read the newsletter here.

 

 

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VAC E-Bulletin 28th February 2025

This week we’re talking about a new report on mental health in small charity leadership, as well as a new coalition looking for help from the sector to rebuild communities.

 

Locally,  Camden are looking for emergency centre volunteers, and there are some really important events taking place over the next few weeks about experiences for migrants in the NHS and a summit on sexual wellbeing and reproductive health.

 

Newsletter here.

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VAC E-Bulletin 14th February 2025

We highlight Charity Reform Group’s Forces for Good report in this week’s newsletter, ahead of the release highly anticipated Civil Society Covenant.

There’s also opportunities for a young rapper in Camden to appear at the Royal Albert Hall, and

Local events include Camden’s Preparation for Adulthood for young people with special educational needs and disabilities, Castlehaven’s first screening in their Health on Film series, and Camden’s first night market at Inverness Street.

Catch up with the newsletter here.

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

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