John Nellis

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

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

On the 8th June, from 8.45am – 10.15am, VAC is launching the CEO Network with the event ‘Good Leadership in difficult times’

This breakfast meeting will be held at the British Library and tickets are almost sold out.

If you are a CEO, or otherwise titled leader, of a Camden VCS organisation and you would like to be a part of this opening event, an event where you will be free to network with your peers, share ideas, issues and support, and listen to our excellent guest speakers… Please sign up now, registration closes on the 6th June

You can find more information about both this event, and the benefits of the CEO Network here

Volunteers’ Week 2023
Volunteers’ Week is an annual celebration of the contribution millions of people make across the UK through volunteering in their communities. This years events began yesterday and run until 7th June.

To learn more and get involved, please click here

UCL Community Research Network Boost Your Research + Evaluation! Mixer Event
The UCL Community Research Initiative are bringing together voluntary and community organisations at Kentish Town Community Centre on Thursday 6th July, 5.30pm – 7.30pm to:

Meet organisation leaders in the same position as you.
Connect with UCL researchers and academics.
Learn about our support network with training opportunities and tailored support.

To register, please click here
For any questions, please contact Molly from the UCL Community Research Initiative at molly.mccabe@ucl.ac.uk

UN CRPD call for evidence
The United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD) has issued a call for evidence. They are conducting a follow-up review of their 2016 inquiry into the UK and the recommendations they made at the time.
Organisations can submit written evidence to inform this follow-up review by the 1st August or they can share evidence in-person as part of the oral briefing on the 28th August.

If you would like more information on this, please contact the Secretariat for the UN CRPD at Jorge.araya@un.org or ohchr-crpd@un.org
To read the original report please click here

Green City Projects Open Gardens Weekend
Green City Projects are delighted to invite you to visit 2 of our gardens:
Little Mix of a Garden, Kentish Town, 10th June 11.30am – 4pm.
This garden is the work of the Integrated Learning Disabilities gardening group.

St Paul’s Woodland Garden Project, Camden Square, 11th June 11.30am –
3.30pm
Here we work with a number of groups including people from St Pancras Hospital and the wider community.
Refreshments will be available to purchase on both days.
To learn more, please click here

Volunteer Managers’ Forum
Thursday 8th June, 2-3pm: online

Book Now For everything you wanted to know about “DBS for Volunteer Managers”, a workshop from Volunteer Centre Camden.
The event is free to attend.
Learn more and sign up here

Charity Job salary report 2023
In their latest report CharityJob highlights how charity salaries have changed since the pandemic. The data is based on over 60,000 paid roles that were posted on their website last year. The report analyses average salaries by job type, experience level and charity size and compares this to data from 2019.
To read the report, please click here

Stratford East Two for One ticket for Tambo and Bones
Join Tambo (Rhashan Stone) and Bones (Daniel Ward) on their journey from comedy double-act to hip-hop superstars, to activists in an America at the epicentre of the global Black Lives Matter movement.

The two for one (Band A and Band B) tickets are available for performances on the following dates: Fri 16th – Wed 21st June at 7.30pm.
To book please call the Box Office on 0208 534 0310 or click here, and use the promocode BONES241

British Library vacancy: Local Opportunities Programme Manager
Closing date: 16th June

This is an exciting new role with lots of scope for bringing your own ideas and flair to help The British Library further strengthen our relationships with local communities.
Based in our small but ambitious Community Engagement team, and working across the organisation, you will be responsible for the development and delivery of an exciting co-designed programme of tangible opportunities for local people.
To learn more and apply, please click here

Queens Crescent Fixing Factory looking for a volunteer admin assistant.
The Queens Crescent Fixing Factory is a community repair hub where people are able to get their electronic items fixed, learn repair skills and much more.
We are looking for admin volunteers to support us in our operations whilst gaining new skills and learning with us.
To read the job description please click here, and, if you’re interested email hello@fixingfactory.org

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

Camden Mela 2023: Celebrating the beauty of our culturally diverse community

The famous Camden Mela has been announced for 2023, promoting sustainability, community cohesion and better health.
It will be held on Sunday 2nd July: 12pm – 6pm on Coram’s Fields (93 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1DN)

Arts & crafts, food stalls, live music & dance and a funfair come together at this community festival celebrating the richness of British cultural diversity. A marquee will provide health information and advice and there will be plenty of free family activities to keep kids busy.

Entry is free and every year 4000-5000 people attend

To learn more, please click here
To book a stall or for more information, please contact Nasim Ali OBE on nasim.ali@kcbna.org.uk or call 07852 223 403

VAC Consultancy Service
Contact us today if you need advice or support to develop any aspect of your established or aspiring Camden voluntary and community sector organisation.
Learn more here

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

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

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

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

Camden Youth Social Action Grants of up to £5,000 available
Closing date: Midnight on Friday 23rd June

Camden Youth Council (CYC) have an exciting opportunity for young people in Camden to make a real difference through social action – by offering grants of up to £5,000 to help tackle three areas of concern for local young people.
These areas are: Young people’s safety, The environment & Skills for life – CV writing, finding a job, managing finances and how to secure a home in the future.
These three grant areas are aimed at young people aged 12 to 19, or up to 25 with a special educational need or disability, who live, work or go to school in Camden.
All applications must be supported by a partner organisation such as your school or youth club.
Find out more and download an application form here

Hilden Charitable Fund Now Accepting UK Applications
Deadline: 4pm on Friday 7th July

The Hilden Charitable Fund is an endowed grant-making foundation and a registered charity. They fund smaller UK-based organisations delivering projects within the UK to support social justice and to tackle disadvantage in specific areas of focus – providing unrestricted, core or project funding. They also fund projects overseas in Malawi, Tanzania and Uganda.
For more details, please click here

Night Shelter Transformation Fund
Rolling deadline
The government has announced a £3.3m funding boost for night shelters across England.
Shelters will use the funding, which is part of the Night Shelter Transformation Fund, to provide more beds and support services to homeless people.
To learn more, please click here

The Philological Foundation grants
The Philological Foundation provides grants to students and schools in Camden and Westminster.
It helps schools enable children to take part in school journeys or to provide special benefits such as playground equipment, library books or musical instruments.
Grants are available for young people under the age of 26 whose families cannot provide them with financial support.
To learn more, please click here

Climate Action Fund – Energy and Climate
This funding aims to inspire and support communities across the UK to address the energy and climate crisis. We’re looking for projects that show how communities can address climate change while tackling the energy challenges through community-led climate action.
To learn more, please click here

National Lottery Awards for All
This is a quick way to apply for smaller amounts of funding between £300 and £10,000.
This programme is here to support communities with the things that are important to them, including mitigating the impact of the cost-of-living crisis and supporting them as they seek to recover, rebuild and grow following the Covid-19 pandemic.
To learn more, please click here

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

Other available funders include:

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

To register, please click here or contact Ricky at rsingh@vac.org.uk for more information.

Art Club: Camden – A CSKX Studios and People’s Museum Somers Town project
Saturdays: 11am-1pm: Meet People’s Museum Somers Town – 52 Phoenix Road, NW1 1ES

Beginning in June CSKX Studios and People’s Museum Somers Town are running a free weekly and holiday art workshops for young people aged 11-18yrs.
Workshops will include: Drawing and Painting, Street Art, Photography, Printing, and Gallery & Museum visits.
When and where possible the workshops will be held outdoors.
Workshops are free and basic materials will be supplied

To register interest or for further information from CSKX Studios please click here, or email info@cskx.org, or call 020 8001 5357
Or contact People’s Museum at info@aspaceforus.club
Alternatively, information and sign up sheets can also be picked up directly from the People’s Museum.

Sainsbury Wellcome Centre annual Lecture
Sainsbury Wellcome Centre will be hosting our annual SWC Lecture on Tuesday 6th June from 12-1pm in the SWC Lecture Theatre.

This year’s speaker will be Professor Stephen Reicher who will talk to us on:
The wrong psychology? What Covid-19 taught us about behavioural science in society.

“The Covid-19 pandemic taught us about the integral role of behavioural science (alongside other sciences) in responding to major societal challenges. However, by the same token, it showed us the costs of making erroneous assumptions about the drivers of action and the limitations of the perspectives currently dominant in Government behavioural science.”

The talk is open to all and free to attend, but a ticket is required.
To register, please click here

Discover-Me Project from Laamiga
Staring: 12th June  6.30-8.30 pm

Are you a woman aged over 18 from a Black, Asian, minority ethnic, refugee and migrant background living in Camden and Islington?
Would you like to develop your self-confidence, communication and creativity skills?
Laamiga warmly invite you to join the Discover-Me Project.

There are monthly online webinars, starting on 12th June, 6.30-8.30pm, in storytelling, communication and creativity skills for women from minority ethnic, refugee, & migrant backgrounds aged over 18 in Camden and Islington.
For more information email info@laamiga.org with your name, email address and telephone number or call 0208 257 7317 and leave your contact details.

Camden Private Renters Forum
On Thursday 8th June at 5pm, Camden is hosting a new Camden Private Renters Forum.
Many renters are not aware of their rights.
This forum will provide expert advice on how to negotiate rent increases, manage any issues with damp/mould, signpost to further help on the rising cost of living and explain what the Council can do to help.
Private renting can be difficult so it’s important that renters across Camden know how to access support and advice.
The forum will be hosted on Zoom and is open to anyone renting privately in Camden.
Residents can find out more information and register here

Free Youth Work & Youth Justice Training
Wipers Youth CIC is an award-winning social enterprise which specialises in working with vulnerable and disadvantaged young people.
We offer exceptional youth work and youth justice training courses, and have a limited number of free spaces available on the courses below:

Tuesday 6th June (virtual)
• Trauma and Child Criminal Exploitation 10am – 1pm
• Cultural Competency 1:30pm – 4:30pm

Wednesday 7th June (at Voluntary Action Islington, Kings Cross, 200A Pentonville Road, N1 9JP)
• Coaching and Mentoring Young People from 10am – 1pm
• Delivering Effective Group Work from 1:30pm – 4:30pm

To enquire about booking a space please email training@wipers.org.uk
Or, for more information please click here

Third Sector Fundraising Summit
6th – 7th June
This event will be held at Events@No6, London (from £95) or online (free) and will hear from UK charities on how to get the most from your fundraising strategy.
It is designed to offer you key insights into remaining creative and authentic with your fundraising strategy through a series of case studies, fireside chats, roundtable sessions and expert panel discussions.
Tickets are available here, in-person space is limited

Wild Camden Festival
London Wildlife Trust will be hosting the ‘Wild Camden Festival’ on 4th June at Camley Street Natural Park (N1C 4PW) between 12 & 4pm.
We will be celebrating World Environment Day and showcasing ways that local residents can take action towards sustainable living and using local green spaces to promote wellbeing.
We still have spaces for local organisations to run a stall or an activity showcasing their work.
Please contact Fiona at fmcgain@wildlondon.org.uk for further details

Membership Development Officer
22.5 hours per week
Closing date: 14th June at 11.30pm
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced, passionate, and dynamic individual to join Voluntary Action Camden (VAC) as the Membership Development Officer.
VAC is a membership organisation and crucial to the success of the role will be the ability to support our members to achieve their objectives.

For the full job description and to apply, please click here

St Giles & St George Alms charity – Trustee Vacancy
Closing Date: Monday 12 June 2023
St Giles & St George Alms is an old parochial foundation based in the Bloomsbury and Covent Garden area. Our objective is to relieve poverty and we help local residents facing hardship in different ways:

– Almshouse accommodation for eight older women
– Grants for Individuals who need new/placement appliances and furniture
– Grants for Organisations supporting isolated older people or tackling homelessness.

We are particularly looking for someone who has prior experience of supporting older people and could become a champion for our Almshouse provision.
To learn more and apply, please click here

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

Vacancies at Latin American House
Latin American House is currently recruiting for the following three roles

Communities & Cultures Coordinator
To lead the implementation of its Communities & Cultures programme
Closing date – 8th June

Children & Young People Coordinator
To lead the implementation of its Children & Young People programme
Closing date – 7th June

Level 3 Early Years Practitioner
Level 3 Early Years practitioner to join the team at its bilingual nursery, Centro Infantil Menchu.
Closing date – 5th July

Full job descriptions and instructions on how to apply can be found here

Become a Trustee of SHAK
Closing date: 7th June
SHAK (South Hampstead and Kilburn Community Partnership) is a resident led charity based on the iconic Alexandra and Ainsworth estate in the Kilburn ward of Camden NW London, an area of high rates of deprivation and poverty but big potential. Our mission is to enable young people and adults to overcome barriers to economic and social inclusion.

We are seeking new trustees with skills in the areas of safeguarding, fundraising, strategy development etc. . We are particularly interested in increasing representation at board level from minority communities
To learn more and apply, please click here

Cancer Care Map Resources
Cancer Care Map provides a free to access, online directory of cancer care services in the UK. We list over 3,700 local and national support services and all information is checked and updated regularly

Find information on support for families, loved ones and carers as well as those living with cancer themselves
Find psychological and emotional support, health and wellbeing services, and practical help wherever you are in the UK

To access the directories, please click here
We are also available on Twitter and Instagram @CancerCareMap and find us on Facebook.com/CancerCareMap

Local VCS Newsletters:

SHAK
Young Camden Foundation (Funding Newsletter)
Young Camden Foundation (Events and Training Newsletter)
AWN (sign up)
London Sport (sign up)
Fitzrovia Community Centre
Coram’s Field Community Newsletter (sign up)
CAWH Newsletter
St Pancras Community Association (sign up)
Castlehaven in Bloom (sign up)
UCL Volunteering Service Newsletter (sign up)
Latin American House
London Irish Centre
A Space for us
North London Cares: Upcoming Clubs

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

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

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

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

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

It is with great sadness that we heard of the recent death of Sue Dowd. Sue was a valued member of the Voluntary Action Camden team, joining us when we were developing early approaches to social prescribing in the borough, and later working with the VAC Mental Health Champions.

Sue was a skilled and enthusiastic trainer who delivered accredited Royal Society of Public Health and Mental Health First Aid trainings for VAC’s then Health Advocate Volunteers. Over the years graduates of the training and volunteering eventually progressed into employment in health services or gained confidence to embark on Public Health degree courses and careers. The Community Links team at VAC, part of the successful Camden Care Navigation and Social Prescribing Service set up in 2018, all benefitted from Sue’s support.

Sue was an active Camden resident, and in semi-retirement pursued her love of creative writing by inspiring others, working with VAC, Mind in Camden and the London Irish Centre convening creative writing groups for residents with mental health challenges. Sue will be greatly missed but very much remembered for touching the lives and careers of those she worked with.

Camden Mela 2023: Celebrating the beauty of our culturally diverse community

The famous Camden Mela has been announced for 2023, promoting sustainability, community cohesion and better health.
It will be held on Sunday 2nd July: 12pm – 6pm on Coram’s Fields (93 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1DN)

Arts & crafts, food stalls, live music & dance and a funfair come together at this community festival celebrating the richness of British cultural diversity. A marquee will provide health information and advice and there will be plenty of free family activities to keep kids busy.

Entry is free and every year 4000-5000 people attend

To learn more, please click here
To book a stall or for more information, please contact Nasim Ali OBE on nasim.ali@kcbna.org.uk or call 07852 223 403

Art Club: Camden – A CSKX Studios and People’s Museum Somers Town project
Saturdays: 11am-1pm: Meet People’s Museum Somers Town – 52 Phoenix Road, NW1 1ES

Beginning in June CSKX Studios and People’s Museum Somers Town are running a free weekly and holiday art workshops for young people aged 11-18yrs.
Workshops will include: Drawing and Painting, Street Art, Photography, Printing, and Gallery & Museum visits.
When and where possible the workshops will be held outdoors.
Workshops are free and basic materials will be supplied

To register interest or for further information from CSKX Studios please click here, or email info@cskx.org, or call 020 8001 5357
Or contact People’s Museum at info@aspaceforus.club
Alternatively, information and sign up sheets can also be picked up directly from the People’s Museum.

Cancer Care Map Resources
Cancer Care Map provides a free to access, online directory of cancer care services in the UK. We list over 3,700 local and national support services and all information is checked and updated regularly

Find information on support for families, loved ones and carers as well as those living with cancer themselves
Find psychological and emotional support, health and wellbeing services, and practical help wherever you are in the UK

To access the directories, please click here
We are also available on Twitter and Instagram @CancerCareMap and find us on Facebook.com/CancerCareMap

Sainsbury Wellcome Centre annual Lecture
Sainsbury Wellcome Centre will be hosting our annual SWC Lecture on Tuesday 6th June from 12-1pm in the SWC Lecture Theatre.

This year’s speaker will be Professor Stephen Reicher who will talk to us on:
The wrong psychology? What Covid-19 taught us about behavioural science in society.

“The Covid-19 pandemic taught us about the integral role of behavioural science (alongside other sciences) in responding to major societal challenges. However, by the same token, it showed us the costs of making erroneous assumptions about the drivers of action and the limitations of the perspectives currently dominant in Government behavioural science.”

The talk is open to all and free to attend, but a ticket is required.
To register, please click here

St Giles & St George Alms charity – Trustee Vacancy
Closing Date: Monday 12 June 2023
St Giles & St George Alms is an old parochial foundation based in the Bloomsbury and Covent Garden area. Our objective is to relieve poverty and we help local residents facing hardship in different ways:

– Almshouse accommodation for eight older women
– Grants for Individuals who need new/placement appliances and furniture
– Grants for Organisations supporting isolated older people or tackling homelessness.

We are particularly looking for someone who has prior experience of supporting older people and could become a champion for our Almshouse provision.
To learn more and apply, please click here

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

VAC CEO Network
Last week we announced that we are kicking off the launch of the new VAC CEO Network with an event entitled ‘Good leadership in difficult times’

This new network is for leaders of local voluntary sector organisations in Camden to discuss issues and ideas for the mutual benefit of the VCSE sector. The Network is there to encourage, guide, support and develop voluntary, community and social enterprise sector leaders.

If you would like to know more, including the benefits and upcoming event information, please click here

VAC Consultancy Service
Contact us today if you need advice or support to develop any aspect of your established or aspiring Camden voluntary and community sector organisation.
Learn more here

Vietnamese Mental Health Service to close
Vietnamese Mental Health Service will close its operation from 30th September 2023.
From 15th May no new referral can be accepted.

The next 4 months will focus on the transitioning plan, assisting and supporting current users to access local mainstream Mental Health Services.
The Management Committee would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank everyone for your support and assistance over the past 35 years.

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

VAC works hard to keep our cost-of-living resource page continually updated as part of our efforts to help community groups and residents in Camden navigate through the crisis.

To find out more on the support available, which includes information about local warm hubs, local assistance schemes, Council resources and more, please click here

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

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

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

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

Camden Youth Social Action Grants of up to £5,000 available
Closing date: Midnight on Friday 23rd June

Camden Youth Council (CYC) have an exciting opportunity for young people in Camden to make a real difference through social action – by offering grants of up to £5,000 to help tackle three areas of concern for local young people.
These areas are: Young people’s safety, The environment & Skills for life – CV writing, finding a job, managing finances and how to secure a home in the future.
These three grant areas are aimed at young people aged 12 to 19, or up to 25 with a special educational need or disability, who live, work or go to school in Camden.
All applications must be supported by a partner organisation such as your school or youth club.
Find out more and download an application form here

The Philological Foundation grants
The Philological Foundation provides grants to students and schools in Camden and Westminster.
It helps schools enable children to take part in school journeys or to provide special benefits such as playground equipment, library books or musical instruments.
Grants are available for young people under the age of 26 whose families cannot provide them with financial support.
To learn more, please click here

Lloyds Bank Foundation Launches New £3m Racial Equity Fund
Closing date: 31st May

Applications are now open for unrestricted grants from Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales, supporting small charities and CICs led by and working with people who face inequity because of their race or ethnicity.  Around 40 grants will be awarded to focus on immediate and long-term support to help people break free from poverty.
To learn more, please click here

Climate Action Fund – Energy and Climate
This funding aims to inspire and support communities across the UK to address the energy and climate crisis. We’re looking for projects that show how communities can address climate change while tackling the energy challenges through community-led climate action.
To learn more, please click here

London Catalyst’s ‘Partners for Health’ grants
Closing date: Thursday 1st June – 5:00pm

Is your charity tackling health inequalities?
London Catalyst’s ‘Partners for Health’ grants are now open for applications for projects that can demonstrate:
Positive outcomes for people facing significant barriers to health.
A new approach or thoughtful development of service.
Partnership between health and community organisations
For more information, please click here

National Lottery Awards for All
This is a quick way to apply for smaller amounts of funding between £300 and £10,000.
This programme is here to support communities with the things that are important to them, including mitigating the impact of the cost-of-living crisis and supporting them as they seek to recover, rebuild and grow following the Covid-19 pandemic.
To learn more, please click here

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

Other available funders include:

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

To register, please click here or contact Ricky at rsingh@vac.org.uk for more information.

Discover-Me Project from Laamiga
Staring: 12th June  6.30-8.30 pm

Are you a woman aged over 18 from a Black, Asian, minority ethnic, refugee and migrant background living in Camden and Islington?
Would you like to develop your self-confidence, communication and creativity skills?
Laamiga warmly invite you to join the Discover-Me Project.

There are monthly online webinars, starting on 12th June, 6.30-8.30pm, in storytelling, communication and creativity skills for women from minority ethnic, refugee, & migrant backgrounds aged over 18 in Camden and Islington.
For more information email info@laamiga.org with your name, email address and telephone number or call 0208 257 7317 and leave your contact details.

Camden Private Renters Forum
On Thursday 8th June at 5pm, Camden is hosting a new Camden Private Renters Forum.
Many renters are not aware of their rights.
This forum will provide expert advice on how to negotiate rent increases, manage any issues with damp/mould, signpost to further help on the rising cost of living and explain what the Council can do to help.
Private renting can be difficult so it’s important that renters across Camden know how to access support and advice.
The forum will be hosted on Zoom and is open to anyone renting privately in Camden.
Residents can find out more information and register here

Free Youth Work & Youth Justice Training
Wipers Youth CIC is an award-winning social enterprise which specialises in working with vulnerable and disadvantaged young people.
We offer exceptional youth work and youth justice training courses, and have a limited number of free spaces available on the courses below:

Tuesday 6th June (virtual)
• Trauma and Child Criminal Exploitation 10am – 1pm
• Cultural Competency 1:30pm – 4:30pm

Wednesday 7th June (at Voluntary Action Islington, Kings Cross, 200A Pentonville Road, N1 9JP)
• Coaching and Mentoring Young People from 10am – 1pm
• Delivering Effective Group Work from 1:30pm – 4:30pm

To enquire about booking a space please email training@wipers.org.uk
Or, for more information please click here

Third Sector Fundraising Summit
6th – 7th June
This event will be held at Events@No6, London (from £95) or online (free) and will hear from UK charities on how to get the most from your fundraising strategy.
It is designed to offer you key insights into remaining creative and authentic with your fundraising strategy through a series of case studies, fireside chats, roundtable sessions and expert panel discussions.
Tickets are available here, in-person space is limited

Wild Camden Festival
London Wildlife Trust will be hosting the ‘Wild Camden Festival’ on 4th June at Camley Street Natural Park (N1C 4PW) between 12 & 4pm.
We will be celebrating World Environment Day and showcasing ways that local residents can take action towards sustainable living and using local green spaces to promote wellbeing.
We still have spaces for local organisations to run a stall or an activity showcasing their work.
Please contact Fiona at fmcgain@wildlondon.org.uk for further details

Membership Development Officer
22.5 hours per week
Closing date: 14th June at 11.30pm
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced, passionate, and dynamic individual to join Voluntary Action Camden (VAC) as the Membership Development Officer.
VAC is a membership organisation and crucial to the success of the role will be the ability to support our members to achieve their objectives.

For the full job description and to apply, please click here

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

Iam Irish Youth, Community and Playworker Sessional Vacancies.
Iam Irish are currently recruiting sessional Youth, Community and Playworkers for forthcoming projects.
For more information, or to apply with your CV, please email hello@iamirish.org

Vacancies at Latin American House
Latin American House is currently recruiting for the following three roles

Communities & Cultures Coordinator
To lead the implementation of its Communities & Cultures programme
Closing date – 8th June

Children & Young People Coordinator
To lead the implementation of its Children & Young People programme
Closing date – 7th June

Level 3 Early Years Practitioner
Level 3 Early Years practitioner to join the team at its bilingual nursery, Centro Infantil Menchu.
Closing date – 5th July

Full job descriptions and instructions on how to apply can be found here

Become a Trustee of SHAK
Closing date: 7th June
SHAK (South Hampstead and Kilburn Community Partnership) is a resident led charity based on the iconic Alexandra and Ainsworth estate in the Kilburn ward of Camden NW London, an area of high rates of deprivation and poverty but big potential. Our mission is to enable young people and adults to overcome barriers to economic and social inclusion.

We are seeking new trustees with skills in the areas of safeguarding, fundraising, strategy development etc. . We are particularly interested in increasing representation at board level from minority communities
To learn more and apply, please click here

Local VCS Newsletters:

SHAK
Young Camden Foundation (Funding Newsletter)
Young Camden Foundation (Events and Training Newsletter)
AWN (sign up)
London Sport (sign up)
Fitzrovia Community Centre
Coram’s Field Community Newsletter (sign up)
CAWH Newsletter
St Pancras Community Association (sign up)
Castlehaven in Bloom (sign up)
UCL Volunteering Service Newsletter (sign up)
Latin American House
London Irish Centre
A Space for us
North London Cares: Upcoming Clubs

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

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

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

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

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

Camden Youth Social Action Grants of up to £5,000 available
Closing date: Midnight on Friday 23rd June

Camden Youth Council (CYC) have an exciting opportunity for young people in Camden to make a real difference through social action – by offering grants of up to £5,000 to help tackle three areas of concern for local young people.
These areas are: Young people’s safety, The environment & Skills for life – CV writing, finding a job, managing finances and how to secure a home in the future.
These three grant areas are aimed at young people aged 12 to 19, or up to 25 with a special educational need or disability, who live, work or go to school in Camden.
All applications must be supported by a partner organisation such as your school or youth club.

Find out more and download an application form here

Discover-Me Project from Laamiga
Staring: 12th June  6.30-8.30 pm

Are you a woman aged over 18 from a Black, Asian, minority ethnic, refugee and migrant background living in Camden and Islington?
Would you like to develop your self-confidence, communication and creativity skills?
Laamiga warmly invite you to join the Discover-Me Project.

There are monthly online webinars, starting on 12th June, 6.30-8.30pm, in storytelling, communication and creativity skills for women from minority ethnic, refugee, & migrant backgrounds aged over 18 in Camden and Islington.
For more information email info@laamiga.org with your name, email address and telephone number or call 0208 257 7317 and leave your contact details.

Camden Private Renters Forum
On Thursday 8th June at 5pm, Camden is hosting a new Camden Private Renters Forum.
Many renters are not aware of their rights.
This forum will provide expert advice on how to negotiate rent increases, manage any issues with damp/mould, signpost to further help on the rising cost of living and explain what the Council can do to help.
Private renting can be difficult so it’s important that renters across Camden know how to access support and advice.
The forum will be hosted on Zoom and is open to anyone renting privately in Camden.
Residents can find out more information and register here

Free arthritis management advice
Central YMCA Club have partnered with Arthritis Action to offer a free Open Clinic to people living with Arthritis on Monday 22nd May.

The open clinic provides practical advice on how to reduce the pain of arthritis through self-management and lifestyle choices, and will be held at Central YMCA Club, just 1 minute walk from Tottenham Court Road station.
Book your free 15-minute session with Dietitian Martin Lau here

Free Community Festival: “Zen in Mind”
Thursday May 25th, 12pm-5pm
At the Surma Community Centre (1 Robert Street, NW1 3JU)

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 our big yellow American school bus and take part in one of our activities to help create some calm and ease anxiety.
We have something for everyone. No need to book – just turn up.
For more information please click here

Vietnamese Mental Health Service to close
Vietnamese Mental Health Service will close its operation from 30th September 2023.
From 15th May no new referral can be accepted.

The next 4 months will focus on the transitioning plan, assisting and supporting current users to access local mainstream Mental Health Services.
The Management Committee would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank everyone for your support and assistance over the past 35 years.

EcoCounts Climate Workshop
Saturday 20th May at 11am

Are you looking for a comprehensive overview of climate change science, based on the UN IPCC reports?
Climate Fresk is an engaging workshop that teaches and entertains and EcoCounts are running one tomorrow at Space4, 2nd Floor, 113-115 Fonthill Road, N4 3HH.
You can’t know too little or too much to appreciate this workshop.
For more details and to sign up, please click here

Free Youth Work & Youth Justice Training
Wipers Youth CIC is an award-winning social enterprise which specialises in working with vulnerable and disadvantaged young people.
We offer exceptional youth work and youth justice training courses, and have a limited number of free spaces available on the courses below:

Tuesday 6th June (virtual)
• Trauma and Child Criminal Exploitation 10am – 1pm
• Cultural Competency 1:30pm – 4:30pm

Wednesday 7th June (at Voluntary Action Islington, Kings Cross, 200A Pentonville Road, N1 9JP)
• Coaching and Mentoring Young People from 10am – 1pm
• Delivering Effective Group Work from 1:30pm – 4:30pm

To enquire about booking a space please email training@wipers.org.uk
Or, for more information please click here

Iam Irish Youth, Community and Playworker Sessional Vacancies.
Iam Irish are currently recruiting sessional Youth, Community and Playworkers for forthcoming projects.
For more information, or to apply with your CV, please email hello@iamirish.org

Vacancies at Latin American House
Latin American House is currently recruiting for the following three roles

Communities & Cultures Coordinator
To lead the implementation of its Communities & Cultures programme
Closing date – 8th June

Children & Young People Coordinator
To lead the implementation of its Children & Young People programme
Closing date – 7th June

Level 3 Early Years Practitioner
Level 3 Early Years practitioner to join the team at its bilingual nursery, Centro Infantil Menchu.
Closing date – 5th July

Full job descriptions and instructions on how to apply can be found here

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

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

VAC works hard to keep our cost-of-living resource page continually updated as part of our efforts to help community groups and residents in Camden navigate through the crisis.

To find out more on the support available, which includes information about local warm hubs, local assistance schemes, Council resources and more, please click here

VAC CEO Network
Last week we announced that we are kicking off the launch of the new VAC CEO Network with an event entitled ‘Good leadership in difficult times’

This new network is for leaders of local voluntary sector organisations in Camden to discuss issues and ideas for the mutual benefit of the VCSE sector. The Network is there to encourage, guide, support and develop voluntary, community and social enterprise sector leaders.

If you would like to know more, including the benefits and upcoming event information, please click here

London CVS Network Impact Report
This is the first ever collective impact report from the London CVS Network. It aims to spotlight the vital role of local CVSs (and other local infrastructure organisations) in connecting, supporting and strengthening the sector.

It shows the extensive reach of the network into communities through their own networks of voluntary and community groups. It highlights the number of organisations supported and represented by London’s infrastructure organisations. It spotlights activities over the course of an unprecedented year, with large sums leveraged into the wider sector. It also shows the potential that could be reached if there were similar organisations in every London borough.
Read the report here

VAC Consultancy Service
Contact us today if you need advice or support to develop any aspect of your established or aspiring Camden voluntary and community sector organisation.
Learn more here

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

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

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

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

Women’s Urgent Support Fund
Round One Deadline 5pm Today.

Smallwood Trust is delivering this programme with £3 million in funding from the National Lottery Community Fund.
The programme will provide emergency funding which helps to meet the following objectives:
•    Women affected by the cost-of-living crisis and poverty gain confidence, tools, skills and support to build their financial resilience and improve their mental health.
•    Vital frontline jobs/roles and services are safeguarded or enhanced by the additional funding, allowing organisations to meet the increased need for their services.
Over two rounds of funding, the Trust aims to commit 50% of the grants to projects that support women experiencing racial inequality and/or women with disabilities.
Grants of £15,000 to £60,000 are available across three years.
To learn more, please click here

The Philological Foundation grants
The Philological Foundation provides grants to students and schools in Camden and Westminster.
It helps schools enable children to take part in school journeys or to provide special benefits such as playground equipment, library books or musical instruments.
Grants are available for young people under the age of 26 whose families cannot provide them with financial support.
To learn more, please click here

Lloyds Bank Foundation Launches New £3m Racial Equity Fund
Closing date: 31st May

Applications are now open for unrestricted grants from Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales, supporting small charities and CICs led by and working with people who face inequity because of their race or ethnicity.  Around 40 grants will be awarded to focus on immediate and long-term support to help people break free from poverty.
To learn more, please click here

Climate Action Fund – Energy and Climate
This funding aims to inspire and support communities across the UK to address the energy and climate crisis. We’re looking for projects that show how communities can address climate change while tackling the energy challenges through community-led climate action.
To learn more, please click here

London Catalyst’s ‘Partners for Health’ grants
Closing date: Thursday 1st June – 5:00pm

Is your charity tackling health inequalities?
London Catalyst’s ‘Partners for Health’ grants are now open for applications for projects that can demonstrate:
Positive outcomes for people facing significant barriers to health.
A new approach or thoughtful development of service.
Partnership between health and community organisations
For more information, please click here

National Lottery Awards for All
This is a quick way to apply for smaller amounts of funding between £300 and £10,000.
This programme is here to support communities with the things that are important to them, including mitigating the impact of the cost-of-living crisis and supporting them as they seek to recover, rebuild and grow following the Covid-19 pandemic.
To learn more, please click here

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

Other available funders include:

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

To register, please click here or contact Ricky at rsingh@vac.org.uk for more information.

Third Sector Fundraising Summit
6th – 7th June
This event will be held at Events@No6, London (from £95) or online (free) and will hear from UK charities on how to get the most from your fundraising strategy.
It is designed to offer you key insights into remaining creative and authentic with your fundraising strategy through a series of case studies, fireside chats, roundtable sessions and expert panel discussions.
Tickets are available here, in-person space is limited

Wild Camden Festival
London Wildlife Trust will be hosting the ‘Wild Camden Festival’ on 4th June at Camley Street Natural Park (N1C 4PW) between 12 & 4pm.
We will be celebrating World Environment Day and showcasing ways that local residents can take action towards sustainable living and using local green spaces to promote wellbeing.
We still have spaces for local organisations to run a stall or an activity showcasing their work.
Please contact Fiona at fmcgain@wildlondon.org.uk for further details

Stories of St James’ Burial Ground
An Historical Exhibition by Museum of London Archaeology.
9th May – 30th August

This event will explore the history of St James’ burial ground, archaeological
excavations at the site and the lives of local people buried there.
Open Mondays 10-6, Tuesdays 10-6, Thursdays 10-7, and alternate Saturdays 11-5
At Camden Local Studies and Archives Centre
2nd Floor, Holborn Library
32-38 Theobalds Road, London WC1X 8PA
Admission is free

Making Every Contact Count Training
Camden Council provide free Making Every Contact Count training to anyone living and working in Camden.
MECC equips staff to have brief but beneficial conversations with residents, supporting their health and wellbeing in areas like lifestyles, finance and housing issues. We have still have spaces on our two main courses!

•    Good Conversations for Camden: 24/05/23 and 13/06/23
•    The Cost-of-Living Crisis and MECC: 17/05/23 and 06/06/23

You can learn more and book a place here

Online CVSL Conference: VCS response to the rise in cost of living
25th May: 9:30am – 3pm

Join the Centre for Voluntary Sector Leadership (CVSL) to explore the vital role the third sector is playing when it comes to supporting communities facing economic challenges. CVSL is an Academic Centre of Excellence and part of The Open University Business School. The conference will convene practitioners, policymakers, funders and researchers to discuss their experiences and share ideas on how the sector can support the communities facing the cost of living crisis.
This event will be held online and is free to all, book your free place here

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

Mind in Camden vacancy: Community Development Manager (28 hours/ week)
Closing Date: 24th May at 13.00pm

This is an exciting opportunity with Mind in Camden to lead and develop a Community Development Service as part of the new Camden Mental Health Alliance.
You will manage an established team and have experience of working with BME groups, community development and networking.
This is an opportunity to make a significant contribution to a new partnership and make a real difference to people’s wellbeing.
To find out more and download an application pack, please click here, or phone 020 7911 0822 (24hrs), or email recruitment@mindincamden.org.uk

Volunteer Drivers needed for Castlehaven Food Bank
Castlehaven Community Association is looking for friendly, reliable volunteers with their own car/van to pick up food from our suppliers and deliver it to the Food Bank in Camden Town on Wednesday mornings, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Please email anna@castlehaven.org.uk to apply

Henna Asian Women’s Group vacancy: part-time Project Support Officer (3 days/21 hours)
Closing date: TODAY at 5 pm

Henna Asian Women’s Group are looking for a person who is a quick learner and can take their own initiative, someone who has admin skills to support the manager in providing excellent service to women, especially to older women.
This role will require you to be supportive and understanding, and be able to deal with any issues that may arise confidently.
12 months contract with the possibility of extension, depending on funding.
For more information, an application form, job description and personal specification, please email info@hennaorg.co.uk

Become a Trustee of SHAK
Closing date: 7th June
SHAK (South Hampstead and Kilburn Community Partnership) is a resident led charity based on the iconic Alexandra and Ainsworth estate in the Kilburn ward of Camden NW London, an area of high rates of deprivation and poverty but big potential. Our mission is to enable young people and adults to overcome barriers to economic and social inclusion.

We are seeking new trustees with skills in the areas of safeguarding, fundraising, strategy development etc. . We are particularly interested in increasing representation at board level from minority communities
To learn more and apply, please click here

Fitzrovia Community Centre looking for community partners
Fitzrovia Community Centre is looking for community partners to provide centre-based activities during the school summer holidays to complement a programme of off—site trips.
We are particularly looking for youth providers but are open to projects for all ages. There are 3 rooms available, a small garden, kitchen and use of IT and AV equipment.
Partners will need to have secured funding for delivery.
Please contact Donna at donna@fitzroviacommunitycentre.org or on 07403 099939 to arrange a visit.

Camden’s Windrush 75 Programme
22nd June 2023 marks the 75th anniversary of the arrival of HMS Windrush in 1948.
This is a significant milestone; it is the last chance to honour the living pioneers but to also open a wider public conversation about the past, present and future of the UK.
As part of the programme, Camden’s Culture Team will be creating a series of podcasts which explores Camden’s Windrush generation past, present, and future and are inviting members of the community to participate throughout May.
For more information and to get involved please email culture@camden.gov.uk

Local VCS Newsletters:

SHAK
Young Camden Foundation (Funding Newsletter)
Young Camden Foundation (Events and Training Newsletter)
AWN (sign up)
London Sport (sign up)
Fitzrovia Community Centre
Coram’s Field Community Newsletter (sign up)
CAWH Newsletter
St Pancras Community Association (sign up)
Castlehaven in Bloom (sign up)
UCL Volunteering Service Newsletter (sign up)
Latin American House
London Irish Centre
A Space for us
North London Cares: Upcoming Clubs

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

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

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

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

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

To this end we have our new VAC CEO Network, where the leaders of local VCS organisations can discuss their concerns and work together to overcome them.

We have our Community Organisations Directory, where you are able to search for, and connect with other groups working towards similar goals.

You are also able to contact us through our Consultancy Service. Here you are able to ask us anything about working to develop your VCS organisation, including help to build your network.

And, of course, you are able to use this newsletter to advertise and find your next exciting opportunity to connect in Camden.

Together we are all stronger

International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia
On Wednesday 17th May forum+ is hosting an online event for the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. The event will explore the importance of IDAHOBIT and will cover practical ways we can all support LGBTQ+ inclusion. forum+ will be in conversation with Rita Hirani, co-founder of legendary Club Kali, social entrepreneur and trainer. The event is an open and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ people, and allies, who are interested in learning about LGBTQ+ rights.
To register for this event, please click here

Third Sector Fundraising Summit
6th – 7th June
This event will be held at Events@No6, London (from £95) or online (free) and will hear from UK charities on how to get the most from your fundraising strategy.
It is designed to offer you key insights into remaining creative and authentic with your fundraising strategy through a series of case studies, fireside chats, roundtable sessions and expert panel discussions.
Tickets are available here, in-person space is limited

Wild Camden Festival
London Wildlife Trust will be hosting the ‘Wild Camden Festival’ on 4th June at Camley Street Natural Park (N1C 4PW) between 12 & 4pm.
We will be celebrating World Environment Day and showcasing ways that local residents can take action towards sustainable living and using local green spaces to promote wellbeing.
We still have spaces for local organisations to run a stall or an activity showcasing their work.
Please contact Fiona at fmcgain@wildlondon.org.uk for further details

Volunteer Managers’ Forum
Thursday 18th May, 10am online

Book Now For Peer Support and Networking at Volunteer Centre Camden’s Volunteer Managers’ Forum on Thursday 18th May, 10am (online).
It is free to attend and you choose the topics to discuss.
Learn more and sign up here

Health & Wellbeing Open Day
Tuesday 16th May: 11am – 1pm

Kings Cross Surgery will be hosting a Health & Wellbeing Open Day for all patients and the public on Tuesday 16th May between 11am and 1pm at the N1C Centre, Kings cross.
Come along and chat with members of practice staff, get free mini health checks and meet Camden Carers, the Camden Musculoskeletal (MSK) Service, the Camden Council Air Quality Programme, Pancras Square Leisure Centre staff, the Somali Youth Development Resource Centre, and Rethink who will provide information on mental illness.
Free Refreshments will be provided along with free kids activities.
Everyone is welcome

Camden’s Windrush 75 Programme
22nd June 2023 marks the 75th anniversary of the arrival of HMS Windrush in 1948.
This is a significant milestone; it is the last chance to honour the living pioneers but to also open a wider public conversation about the past, present and future of the UK.
As part of the programme, Camden’s Culture Team will be creating a series of podcasts which explores Camden’s Windrush generation past, present, and future and are inviting members of the community to participate throughout May.
For more information and to get involved please email culture@camden.gov.uk

Stories of St James’ Burial Ground
An Historical Exhibition by Museum of London Archaeology.
9th May – 30th August

This event will explore the history of St James’ burial ground, archaeological
excavations at the site and the lives of local people buried there.
Open Mondays 10-6, Tuesdays 10-6, Thursdays 10-7, and alternate Saturdays 11-5
At Camden Local Studies and Archives Centre
2nd Floor, Holborn Library
32-38 Theobalds Road, London WC1X 8PA
Admission is free

Mind in Camden vacancy: Community Development Manager (28 hours/ week)
Closing Date: 24/05/23 at 13.00pm

This is an exciting opportunity with Mind in Camden to lead and develop a Community Development Service as part of the new Camden Mental Health Alliance.
You will manage an established team and have experience of working with BME groups, community development and networking.
This is an opportunity to make a significant contribution to a new partnership and make a real difference to people’s wellbeing.
To find out more and download an application pack, please click here, or phone 020 7911 0822 (24hrs), or email recruitment@mindincamden.org.uk

Become a UCLH governor and help shape our future!
This year UCLH are seeking eight Trust members*, who are keen to represent the interests of our public, patient and carer communities, to join our Council of Governors.
Self-nominations open on Monday 15th May.
Find out more here or contact: uclh.members@nhs.net
*You can join the UCLH membership online here

Volunteer Drivers needed for Castlehaven Food Bank
Castlehaven Community Association is looking for friendly, reliable volunteers with their own car/van to pick up food from our suppliers and deliver it to the Food Bank in Camden Town on Wednesday mornings, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Please email anna@castlehaven.org.uk to apply

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

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

VAC works hard to keep our cost-of-living resource page continually updated as part of our efforts to help community groups and residents in Camden navigate through the crisis.

To find out more on the support available, which includes information about local warm hubs, local assistance schemes, Council resources and more, please click here

VAC CEO Network
Last week we announced that we are kicking off the launch of the new VAC CEO Network with an event entitled ‘Good leadership in difficult times’

This new network is for leaders of local voluntary sector organisations in Camden to discuss issues and ideas for the mutual benefit of the VCSE sector. The Network is there to encourage, guide, support and develop voluntary, community and social enterprise sector leaders.

If you would like to know more, including the benefits and upcoming event information, please click here

London CVS Network Impact Report
This is the first ever collective impact report from the London CVS Network. It aims to spotlight the vital role of local CVSs (and other local infrastructure organisations) in connecting, supporting and strengthening the sector.

It shows the extensive reach of the network into communities through their own networks of voluntary and community groups. It highlights the number of organisations supported and represented by London’s infrastructure organisations. It spotlights activities over the course of an unprecedented year, with large sums leveraged into the wider sector. It also shows the potential that could be reached if there were similar organisations in every London borough.
Read the report here

VAC Consultancy Service
Contact us today if you need advice or support to develop any aspect of your established or aspiring Camden voluntary and community sector organisation.
Learn more here

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

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

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

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

Women’s Urgent Support Fund
Round One Deadline 5pm 19th May 2023

Smallwood Trust is delivering this programme with £3 million in funding from the National Lottery Community Fund.
The programme will provide emergency funding which helps to meet the following objectives:
•    Women affected by the cost-of-living crisis and poverty gain confidence, tools, skills and support to build their financial resilience and improve their mental health.
•    Vital frontline jobs/roles and services are safeguarded or enhanced by the additional funding, allowing organisations to meet the increased need for their services.
Over two rounds of funding, the Trust aims to commit 50% of the grants to projects that support women experiencing racial inequality and/or women with disabilities.
Grants of £15,000 to £60,000 are available across three years.
To learn more, please click here

The Philological Foundation grants
The Philological Foundation provides grants to students and schools in Camden and Westminster.
It helps schools enable children to take part in school journeys or to provide special benefits such as playground equipment, library books or musical instruments.
Grants are available for young people under the age of 26 whose families cannot provide them with financial support.
To learn more, please click here

Lloyds Bank Foundation Launches New £3m Racial Equity Fund
Closing date: 31st May

Applications are now open for unrestricted grants from Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales, supporting small charities and CICs led by and working with people who face inequity because of their race or ethnicity.  Around 40 grants will be awarded to focus on immediate and long-term support to help people break free from poverty.
To learn more, please click here

Climate Action Fund – Energy and Climate
This funding aims to inspire and support communities across the UK to address the energy and climate crisis. We’re looking for projects that show how communities can address climate change while tackling the energy challenges through community-led climate action.
To learn more, please click here

London Catalyst’s ‘Partners for Health’ grants
Closing date: Thursday 1st June – 5:00pm

Is your charity tackling health inequalities?
London Catalyst’s ‘Partners for Health’ grants are now open for applications for projects that can demonstrate:
Positive outcomes for people facing significant barriers to health.
A new approach or thoughtful development of service.
Partnership between health and community organisations
For more information, please click here

National Lottery Awards for All
This is a quick way to apply for smaller amounts of funding between £300 and £10,000.
This programme is here to support communities with the things that are important to them, including mitigating the impact of the cost-of-living crisis and supporting them as they seek to recover, rebuild and grow following the Covid-19 pandemic.
To learn more, please click here

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

Other available funders include:

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

To register, please click here or contact Ricky at rsingh@vac.org.uk for more information.

Making Every Contact Count Training
Camden Council provide free Making Every Contact Count training to anyone living and working in Camden.
MECC equips staff to have brief but beneficial conversations with residents, supporting their health and wellbeing in areas like lifestyles, finance and housing issues. We have still have spaces on our two main courses!

•    Good Conversations for Camden: 24/05/23 and 13/06/23
•    The Cost-of-Living Crisis and MECC: 17/05/23 and 06/06/23

You can learn more and book a place here

Bereavement Awareness Training
Camden Council are partnered with Cruse Bereavement care to provide a free bereavement awareness course to Camden staff and residents.
The course aims to provide participants with the confidence to talk to people who are bereaved in an empathetic way, finding the right words and providing simple signposting.
Previous sessions of the course have been highly popular, with 100+ participants attending each session and highly positive feedback.
Spaces fill up quickly, to book a place, please click here

Locality in-person event: Open day for racialised community groups
17th May: 10am-1pm
At Locality, 33 Corsham Street, London, N1 6DR

This will be a free, in-person half-day event to help increase the capacity for work around racial justice in London. The space will be for people from racialised groups to network and connect with each other whilst exploring topics relevant to their community organisations. There will be opportunities for peer support, 1-to-1 consultations with Locality staff, and specific thematic guidance around things like funding and addressing London’s Recovery Missions.
To find out more and book, please click here

Online CVSL Conference: VCS response to the rise in cost of living
25th May: 9:30am – 3pm

Join the Centre for Voluntary Sector Leadership (CVSL) to explore the vital role the third sector is playing when it comes to supporting communities facing economic challenges. CVSL is an Academic Centre of Excellence and part of The Open University Business School. The conference will convene practitioners, policymakers, funders and researchers to discuss their experiences and share ideas on how the sector can support the communities facing the cost of living crisis.
This event will be held online and is free to all, book your free place here

Camden Jobs and Skills Event
Thursday 18th May 2023, 10am – 3pm
Regents Place 10 Brock Street Regents Place, Camden London NW1 3FG

Are you interested in changing careers, finding a new role, or upskilling to access high-growth sectors? If so, this is an opportunity to network, meet local and inclusive employers and get the latest tips to give you the edge in the labour market.

•    Talk to employers, recruiters and training providers face-to-face
•    Network with dozens of professionals that will help you build your career
•    Have a specialist review your CV and provide improvement tips
•    Find local jobs and training courses
•    Attend pop-up workshops, delivered by recruitment specialists Matrix
•    Get a professional photo taken for your LinkedIn profile

To register, please click here
Or for further information, email goodwork@camden.gov.uk or call 0207 947 1666

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

Third Age Project – New Job Opportunity as Deputy Manager
Closing Date: 15th May 2023

This is an exciting and rewarding full-time, permanent position within a successful grassroots older people’s Charity who will support and act as a successor to the General Manager, who has announced their retirement. Our focus is in reducing the stark social, economic, health inequalities that exist and empowering older people in taking on volunteering roles as co-producers of our services.
If you would like to view the job description please email tony@thirdageproject.org.uk
If interested, please submit a CV, and covering letter highlighting your skills and experience.

St Pancras Community Association vacancies:
Premises Manager (Full time)
St Pancras Community Association are looking for a highly motivated, experienced Premises Manager to ensure the Community Centre is maintained to the highest possible standards. The role includes undertaking all of the Centre’s Health and Safety requirements, as well as taking responsibility for our Hall Hire business.
For more information, and to apply please click here

Programme and Fundraising Manager (Full time)
St Pancras Community Centre are looking for an experienced Programme and Fundraising Manager, with well-honed project management skills to help us deliver our exciting programme of work, impressing both our partners and funders in the process.
For more information, and to apply please click here

Henna Asian Women’s Group vacancy: part-time Project Support Officer (3 days/21 hours)
Closing date: Friday 19th May 2023 at 5 pm

Henna Asian Women’s Group are looking for a person who is a quick learner and can take their own initiative, someone who has admin skills to support the manager in providing excellent service to women, especially to older women.
This role will require you to be supportive and understanding, and be able to deal with any issues that may arise confidently.
12 months contract with the possibility of extension, depending on funding.
For more information, an application form, job description and personal specification, please email info@hennaorg.co.uk

Mind in Camden vacancies:
Resources Director: Closing Date: 14/05/23 at 13.00pm
We are looking for someone with substantial management, administration and human resources experience to manage a small team of staff engaged in providing Admin, IT, HR and Premises support to the organisation.

Operations Director: Closing Date: 14/05/23 at 13.00pm
We are looking for an experienced service manager and leader to manage and develop services to take our operations, values and vision forward.

To learn more and apply for either role: download an application pack here, or phone 020 7911 0822 (24hrs), or email recruitment@mindincamden.org.uk

Culpeper Community Garden Islington Vacancy
Closing date: 15th May
Culpeper Community Garden Islington is seeking  a Community Gardener for 21hrs per week
For the full details, the job description and how to apply, please email gardenworker@gmail.com

Become a Trustee of SHAK
Closing date: 7th June
SHAK (South Hampstead and Kilburn Community Partnership) is a resident led charity based on the iconic Alexandra and Ainsworth estate in the Kilburn ward of Camden NW London, an area of high rates of deprivation and poverty but big potential. Our mission is to enable young people and adults to overcome barriers to economic and social inclusion.

We are seeking new trustees with skills in the areas of safeguarding, fundraising, strategy development etc. . We are particularly interested in increasing representation at board level from minority communities
To learn more and apply, please click here

Fitzrovia Community Centre looking for community partners
Fitzrovia Community Centre is looking for community partners to provide centre-based activities during the school summer holidays to complement a programme of off—site trips.
We are particularly looking for youth providers but are open to projects for all ages. There are 3 rooms available, a small garden, kitchen and use of IT and AV equipment.
Partners will need to have secured funding for delivery.
Please contact Donna at donna@fitzroviacommunitycentre.org or on 07403 099939 to arrange a visit.

Why friendship makes us healthier
As part of this article by the BBC, which looks at the health and wellbeing benefits of friendship, the author spoke to VAC staff member Donna Turnbull.
Alongside other contributors, Donna discusses social isolation and the benefits that social prescribing can have for those of all ages.
To read the full article, please click here

UCL Press Publication: Engaging Communities in City-Making
This publication aims to consider community voices in the co-production of urban environments and the outcomes this engagement can have in the processes and structures of city making.
It is a highly detailed and interesting read, and VAC staff have contributed to Chapter 7 “Collaborating for environmental justice: Somers Town air quality”
To read more, please click here

Local VCS Newsletters:

SHAK
Young Camden Foundation (Funding Newsletter)
Young Camden Foundation (Events and Training Newsletter)
AWN (sign up)
London Sport (sign up)
Fitzrovia Community Centre
Coram’s Field Community Newsletter (sign up)
CAWH Newsletter
St Pancras Community Association (sign up)
Castlehaven in Bloom (sign up)
UCL Volunteering Service Newsletter (sign up)
Latin American House
London Irish Centre
A Space for us

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

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

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

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

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

VAC is delighted to announce that our in-person AGM will be held on 4th July 2023, 5:45pm – 8pm.

We will announce further details soon, but you can now register for your place and lock the date in your diary! You won’t want to miss this free event!
The event will be held at the Greenwood Centre, Greenwood Place, NW5 1LB and include guest speakers, good food, networking and the launch of VAC 2026

To register, please click here or contact Ricky at rsingh@vac.org.uk for more information.

VAC CEO Network
Last week we announced that we are kicking off the launch of the new VAC CEO Network with an event entitled ‘Good leadership in difficult times’

This new network is for leaders of local voluntary sector organisations in Camden to discuss issues and ideas for the mutual benefit of the VCSE sector. The Network is there to encourage, guide, support and develop voluntary, community and social enterprise sector leaders.

If you would like to know more, including the benefits and upcoming event information, please click here

Why friendship makes us healthier
As part of this article by the BBC, which looks at the health and wellbeing benefits of friendship, the author spoke to VAC staff member Donna Turnbull.
Alongside other contributors, Donna discusses social isolation and the benefits that social prescribing can have for those of all ages.
To read the full article, please click here

UCL Press Publication: Engaging Communities in City-Making
This publication aims to consider community voices in the co-production of urban environments and the outcomes this engagement can have in the processes and structures of city making.
It is a highly detailed and interesting read, and VAC staff have contributed to Chapter 7 “Collaborating for environmental justice: Somers Town air quality”
To read more, please click here

Camden gears up for Coronation weekend
Camden is getting ready to celebrate the Coronation of The King and The Queen Consort with over 30 street parties set to be held across the borough.
There are also a number of free, open to all events and activities you can take part in with your family over the Coronation weekend.
Learn more here

Making Every Contact Count Training
Camden Council provide free Making Every Contact Count training to anyone living and working in Camden.
MECC equips staff to have brief but beneficial conversations with residents, supporting their health and wellbeing in areas like lifestyles, finance and housing issues. We have still have spaces on our two main courses!

•    Good Conversations for Camden: 24/05/23 and 13/06/23
•    The Cost-of-Living Crisis and MECC: 17/05/23 and 06/06/23

You can learn more and book a place here

Bereavement Awareness Training
Camden Council are partnered with Cruse Bereavement care to provide a free bereavement awareness course to Camden staff and residents.
The course aims to provide participants with the confidence to talk to people who are bereaved in an empathetic way, finding the right words and providing simple signposting.
Previous sessions of the course have been highly popular, with 100+ participants attending each session and highly positive feedback.
Spaces fill up quickly, to book a place, please click here

Fitzrovia Community Centre looking for community partners
Fitzrovia Community Centre is looking for community partners to provide centre-based activities during the school summer holidays to complement a programme of off—site trips.
We are particularly looking for youth providers but are open to projects for all ages. There are 3 rooms available, a small garden, kitchen and use of IT and AV equipment.
Partners will need to have secured funding for delivery.
Please contact Donna at donna@fitzroviacommunitycentre.org or on 07403 099939 to arrange a visit.

Third Age Project – New Job Opportunity as Deputy Manager
Closing Date: 15th May 2023

This is an exciting and rewarding full-time, permanent position within a successful grassroots older people’s Charity who will support and act as a successor to the General Manager, who has announced their retirement. Our focus is in reducing the stark social, economic, health inequalities that exist and empowering older people in taking on volunteering roles as co-producers of our services.
If you would like to view the job description please email tony@thirdageproject.org.uk
If interested, please submit a CV, and covering letter highlighting your skills and experience.

St Pancras Community Association vacancies:
Premises Manager (Full time)
St Pancras Community Association are looking for a highly motivated, experienced Premises Manager to ensure the Community Centre is maintained to the highest possible standards. The role includes undertaking all of the Centre’s Health and Safety requirements, as well as taking responsibility for our Hall Hire business.
For more information, and to apply please click here

Programme and Fundraising Manager (Full time)
St Pancras Community Centre are looking for an experienced Programme and Fundraising Manager, with well-honed project management skills to help us deliver our exciting programme of work, impressing both our partners and funders in the process.
For more information, and to apply please click here

Henna Asian Women’s Group vacancy: part-time Project Support Officer (3 days/21 hours)
Closing date: Friday 19th May 2023 at 5 pm

Henna Asian Women’s Group are looking for a person who is a quick learner and can take their own initiative, someone who has admin skills to support the manager in providing excellent service to women, especially to older women.
This role will require you to be supportive and understanding, and be able to deal with any issues that may arise confidently.
12 months contract with the possibility of extension, depending on funding.
For more information, an application form, job description and personal specification, please email info@hennaorg.co.uk

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

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

VAC works hard to keep our cost-of-living resource page continually updated as part of our efforts to help community groups and residents in Camden navigate through the crisis.

To find out more on the support available, which includes information about local warm hubs, local assistance schemes, Council resources and more, please click here

London CVS Network Impact Report
This is the first ever collective impact report from the London CVS Network. It aims to spotlight the vital role of local CVSs (and other local infrastructure organisations) in connecting, supporting and strengthening the sector.

It shows the extensive reach of the network into communities through their own networks of voluntary and community groups. It highlights the number of organisations supported and represented by London’s infrastructure organisations. It spotlights activities over the course of an unprecedented year, with large sums leveraged into the wider sector. It also shows the potential that could be reached if there were similar organisations in every London borough.
Read the report here

VAC Consultancy Service
Contact us today if you need advice or support to develop any aspect of your established or aspiring Camden voluntary and community sector organisation.
Learn more here

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

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

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

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

Women’s Urgent Support Fund
Round One Deadline 5pm 19th May 2023

Smallwood Trust is delivering this programme with £3 million in funding from the National Lottery Community Fund.
The programme will provide emergency funding which helps to meet the following objectives:
•    Women affected by the cost-of-living crisis and poverty gain confidence, tools, skills and support to build their financial resilience and improve their mental health.
•    Vital frontline jobs/roles and services are safeguarded or enhanced by the additional funding, allowing organisations to meet the increased need for their services.
Over two rounds of funding, the Trust aims to commit 50% of the grants to projects that support women experiencing racial inequality and/or women with disabilities.
Grants of £15,000 to £60,000 are available across three years.
To learn more, please click here

The Philological Foundation grants
The Philological Foundation provides grants to students and schools in Camden and Westminster.
It helps schools enable children to take part in school journeys or to provide special benefits such as playground equipment, library books or musical instruments.
Grants are available for young people under the age of 26 whose families cannot provide them with financial support.
To learn more, please click here

Lloyds Bank Foundation Launches New £3m Racial Equity Fund
Closing date: 31st May

Applications are now open for unrestricted grants from Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales, supporting small charities and CICs led by and working with people who face inequity because of their race or ethnicity.  Around 40 grants will be awarded to focus on immediate and long-term support to help people break free from poverty.
To learn more, please click here

Climate Action Fund – Energy and Climate
This funding aims to inspire and support communities across the UK to address the energy and climate crisis. We’re looking for projects that show how communities can address climate change while tackling the energy challenges through community-led climate action.
To learn more, please click here

London Catalyst’s ‘Partners for Health’ grants
Closing date: Thursday 1st June – 5:00pm

Is your charity tackling health inequalities?
London Catalyst’s ‘Partners for Health’ grants are now open for applications for projects that can demonstrate:
Positive outcomes for people facing significant barriers to health.
A new approach or thoughtful development of service.
Partnership between health and community organisations
For more information, please click here

The Ubele Initiative – The Phoenix Way
Closing date: 8th May

Grants up to £20,000 are available for Black and racially minoritised community organisations working with children and young people at risk of becoming involved in violence, that have or will suffer disruption to their programmes due to the current inflation and cost of living crisis. Successful organisations will be working with young people or women and girls who are at risk.
To learn more, please click here

National Lottery Awards for All
This is a quick way to apply for smaller amounts of funding between £300 and £10,000.
This programme is here to support communities with the things that are important to them, including mitigating the impact of the cost-of-living crisis and supporting them as they seek to recover, rebuild and grow following the Covid-19 pandemic.
To learn more, please click here

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

Other available funders include:

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

Join Castlehaven Community Association for the opening of their new community space!
From 3-7pm today, there will be performances, games, and yummy food and drink for the whole family.
Everyone is welcome
To learn more, please click here

Your local Kentish Town community centre needs you!
On Sunday 7th May the Kentish Town Community Centre are hosting a street party to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles.
We are looking for team players who can help run our information point, run our bar, stop cars from coming down the road (Busby Place, which will be officially closed) and help us collect donations for our foodbank.
As a volunteer you will get a free lunch and a free specially printed Coronation t-shirt.
If you are interested please email alice@ktcc.org.uk and include your name, date of birth and phone number.

Locality in-person event: Open day for racialised community groups
17th May: 10am-1pm
At Locality, 33 Corsham Street, London, N1 6DR

This will be a free, in-person half-day event to help increase the capacity for work around racial justice in London. The space will be for people from racialised groups to network and connect with each other whilst exploring topics relevant to their community organisations. There will be opportunities for peer support, 1-to-1 consultations with Locality staff, and specific thematic guidance around things like funding and addressing London’s Recovery Missions.
To find out more and book, please click here

Online CVSL Conference: VCS response to the rise in cost of living
25th May: 9:30am – 3pm

Join the Centre for Voluntary Sector Leadership (CVSL) to explore the vital role the third sector is playing when it comes to supporting communities facing economic challenges. CVSL is an Academic Centre of Excellence and part of The Open University Business School. The conference will convene practitioners, policymakers, funders and researchers to discuss their experiences and share ideas on how the sector can support the communities facing the cost of living crisis.
This event will be held online and is free to all, book your free place here

Free online digital skills and leadership training
London South Bank University, through its Dagile project, is offering free online digital skills and leadership training to employed Londoners.
The training courses are accessible online 24/7 to fit around people’s busy schedules and is supported throughout by experienced tutors. The courses, covering IT Skills, Digital Marketing and Leadership are all accredited by OCN London.
To learn more, please click here

Camden Jobs and Skills Event
Thursday 18th May 2023, 10am – 3pm
Regents Place 10 Brock Street Regents Place, Camden London NW1 3FG

Are you interested in changing careers, finding a new role, or upskilling to access high-growth sectors? If so, this is an opportunity to network, meet local and inclusive employers and get the latest tips to give you the edge in the labour market.

•    Talk to employers, recruiters and training providers face-to-face
•    Network with dozens of professionals that will help you build your career
•    Have a specialist review your CV and provide improvement tips
•    Find local jobs and training courses
•    Attend pop-up workshops, delivered by recruitment specialists Matrix
•    Get a professional photo taken for your LinkedIn profile

To register, please click here
Or for further information, email goodwork@camden.gov.uk or call 0207 947 1666

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

The Philological Foundation Trustee vacancy
The Philological Foundation is an educational charity making grants to students and schools in Westminster and Camden.
We currently have a vacancy for a trustee and are keen to recruit someone who can contribute to our work by bringing experience and knowledge of one or more of the following: The challenges facing young people and students today, Secondary schools in Camden and Westminster, Tertiary education, Marketing and promotion
If you are interested in finding out more about us, please click here
The Chair of Trustees, Clio Whittaker, is also available for an informal chat, please email her at thephilological@gmail.com to arrange a date and time for a call.

The Royal Free Charity vacancy: Welfare Rights Advisor
This is a full-time role, 37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday.
If you would like to view the job description please click here or email jobs@royalfreecharity.org
If interested, submit a CV, equal opportunity form and supporting statement addressing how you meet the criteria set out in the job description and person specification

Mind in Camden vacancies:
Resources Director: Closing Date: 14/05/23 at 13.00pm
We are looking for someone with substantial management, administration and human resources experience to manage a small team of staff engaged in providing Admin, IT, HR and Premises support to the organisation.

Operations Director: Closing Date: 14/05/23 at 13.00pm
We are looking for an experienced service manager and leader to manage and develop services to take our operations, values and vision forward.

To learn more and apply for either role: download an application pack here, or phone 020 7911 0822 (24hrs), or email recruitment@mindincamden.org.uk

Coram’s Fields Trustee vacancy
Coram’s Fields, a charity dedicated to supporting children and young people, is delighted to invite applications to join its Board of Trustees. We are looking for between 4-6 new Trustees to join our committed Board and are keen to hear from anyone who shares our enthusiasm for giving young people the best start in life.
More information and instruction on how to apply can be found here

Culpeper Community Garden Islington Vacancy
Closing date: 15th May
Culpeper Community Garden Islington is seeking  a Community Gardener for 21hrs per week
For the full details, the job description and how to apply, please email gardenworker@gmail.com

Become a Trustee of SHAK
Closing date: 7th June
SHAK (South Hampstead and Kilburn Community Partnership) is a resident led charity based on the iconic Alexandra and Ainsworth estate in the Kilburn ward of Camden NW London, an area of high rates of deprivation and poverty but big potential. Our mission is to enable young people and adults to overcome barriers to economic and social inclusion.

We are seeking new trustees with skills in the areas of safeguarding, fundraising, strategy development etc. . We are particularly interested in increasing representation at board level from minority communities
To learn more and apply, please click here

The Servers’ Society Relocates to Whitechapel
The Servers’ Society UK Association which had been running guided meditation groups, groups for the study of the self, spiritual healing appointments and weekend events on wellbeing and spirituality in everyday life has relocated from 4 Carol Street, Camden to 15 Romford Street, Whitechapel.
The new location presents the opportunity to offer more services over more days.
To find out more, please click here

Do you want to diversify your board?
Getting on Board free practical guide: How to Diversify your Charity’s Board is aimed at charitable organisations, charitable networks, funders and federations that want to recruit and retain new and diverse trustees but do not have the skills to do so.
How to Diversify Your Charity’s Board: a practical guide offers a comprehensive overview of every stage charities need to address to organise and execute a successful recruitment and induction strategy.
There are case-studies, practical exercises, free templates and thought leadership pieces throughout. You can download it for free here

Local VCS Newsletters:

SHAK
Young Camden Foundation (Funding Newsletter)
Young Camden Foundation (Events and Training Newsletter)
AWN (sign up)
London Sport (sign up)
Fitzrovia Community Centre
Coram’s Field Community Newsletter (sign up)
CAWH Newsletter
St Pancras Community Association (sign up)
Castlehaven in Bloom (sign up)
UCL Volunteering Service Newsletter (sign up)
Latin American House
London Irish Centre
A Space for us

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

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

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

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

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

We are kicking off the launch of the new VAC CEO Network with an event entitled ‘Good leadership in difficult times’.
It is a breakfast event and will be held at The British Library.

The CEO Network is for leaders of local voluntary sector organisations in Camden to discuss issues and ideas for the mutual benefit of the VCSE sector. The Network is there to encourage, guide, support and develop voluntary, community and social enterprise sector leaders.

This event will explore the importance and value of building resilience, enhancing your coping skills and extending your perspective during challenging times.
We will be joined by guest speaker Jane Ide, Chief Executive of ACEVO who will be sharing her thoughts on the subject. We will also have a Q&A session facilitated by Rashid Iqbal, Chief Executive of The Winch.

The event will be followed by an opportunity for attendees to have a guided tour of the British Library exhibition.
To purchase your free ticket, please click here

RCN strike: Choose the right NHS service for you and your family
The Royal College of Nursing has announced that members will take strike action from Sunday 30th April to Monday 1st May 2023. This period includes a bank holiday Monday. This will impact some hospitals but not all in Camden and Islington.
Nurses make up a significant proportion of the NHS workforce so there is likely to be a great impact upon local services.
If you need medical assistance this bank holiday weekend, please choose NHS services wisely to make sure care is available to patients who need it most.
This includes using 111 online as the first port of call for health needs and continuing to only use 999 if it is a life-threatening emergency.

University College London Hospital is working hard to maintain safe care for their most critically ill patients who are in hospital during the strike.
UCLH will provide care in its emergency department for patients with a life-threatening illness or injury only. Please see their website for public information on the services provided.
The NHS is asking patients to choose services wisely over this period and take simple steps to help ensure care is available to patients who need it most.

In addition, some GP and dental services will be available over the bank holiday weekend. If you have a health concern, try to contact your local practice, or use the NHS 111 online service for quick health advice.

Ahead of the bank holiday weekend, please make sure you have enough of any medication you need as some pharmacies may have different opening hours or be closed. Use the NHS Find a Pharmacy site, which will be updated regularly.

Celebrate Castlehaven’s New Community Hub
Friday 5th May

Join Castlehaven Community Association for the opening of their new community space!
From 3-7pm on Friday 5th May, there will be performances, games, and yummy food and drink for the whole family.
Everyone is welcome
To learn more, please click here

London CVS Network Impact Report
This is the first ever collective impact report from the London CVS Network. It aims to spotlight the vital role of local CVSs (and other local infrastructure organisations) in connecting, supporting and strengthening the sector.

It shows the extensive reach of the network into communities through their own networks of voluntary and community groups. It highlights the number of organisations supported and represented by London’s infrastructure organisations. It spotlights activities over the course of an unprecedented year, with large sums leveraged into the wider sector. It also shows the potential that could be reached if there were similar organisations in every London borough.
Read the report here

The Servers’ Society Relocates to Whitechapel
The Servers’ Society UK Association which had been running guided meditation groups, groups for the study of the self, spiritual healing appointments and weekend events on wellbeing and spirituality in everyday life has relocated from 4 Carol Street, Camden to 15 Romford Street, Whitechapel.
The new location presents the opportunity to offer more services over more days.
To find out more, please click here

Your local Kentish Town community centre needs you!
On Sunday 7th May the Kentish Town Community Centre are hosting a street party to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles.
We are looking for team players who can help run our information point, run our bar, stop cars from coming down the road (Busby Place, which will be officially closed) and help us collect donations for our foodbank.
As a volunteer you will get a free lunch and a free specially printed Coronation t-shirt.
If you are interested please email alice@ktcc.org.uk and include your name, date of birth and phone number.

Do you want to diversify your board?
Getting on Board free practical guide: How to Diversify your Charity’s Board is aimed at charitable organisations, charitable networks, funders and federations that want to recruit and retain new and diverse trustees but do not have the skills to do so.
How to Diversify Your Charity’s Board: a practical guide offers a comprehensive overview of every stage charities need to address to organise and execute a successful recruitment and induction strategy.
There are case-studies, practical exercises, free templates and thought leadership pieces throughout. You can download it for free here

The Philological Foundation Trustee vacancy
The Philological Foundation is an educational charity making grants to students and schools in Westminster and Camden.
We currently have a vacancy for a trustee and are keen to recruit someone who can contribute to our work by bringing experience and knowledge of one or more of the following: The challenges facing young people and students today, Secondary schools in Camden and Westminster, Tertiary education, Marketing and promotion
If you are interested in finding out more about us, please click here
The Chair of Trustees, Clio Whittaker, is also available for an informal chat, please email her at thephilological@gmail.com to arrange a date and time for a call.

The Royal Free Charity vacancy: Welfare Rights Advisor
This is a full-time role, 37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday.
If you would like to view the job description please click here or email jobs@royalfreecharity.org
If interested, submit a CV, equal opportunity form and supporting statement addressing how you meet the criteria set out in the job description and person specification

Mind in Camden vacancies:
Resources Director: Closing Date: 14/05/23 at 13.00pm
We are looking for someone with substantial management, administration and human resources experience to manage a small team of staff engaged in providing Admin, IT, HR and Premises support to the organisation.

Operations Director: Closing Date: 14/05/23 at 13.00pm
We are looking for an experienced service manager and leader to manage and develop services to take our operations, values and vision forward.

To learn more and apply for either role: download an application pack here, or phone 020 7911 0822 (24hrs), or email recruitment@mindincamden.org.uk

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

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

VAC works hard to keep our cost-of-living resource page continually updated as part of our efforts to help community groups and residents in Camden navigate through the crisis.

To find out more on the support available, which includes information about local warm hubs, local assistance schemes, Council resources and more, please click here

VCSE Health and Wellbeing Cost of Living Crisis guidance
The VCSE Health and Wellbeing Alliance has launched guidance on ‘Tackling the cost of living crisis and impacts on health and wellbeing: Key actions health and care policy makers, commissioners and provider organisations can take’. The resource brings together insights from across the sector and discusses how the cost of living crisis is having a significant impact on health and wellbeing with particularly acute challenges being faced by groups who already face health inequalities.
You can read the guidance here

VAC Consultancy Service
Contact us today if you need advice or support to develop any aspect of your established or aspiring Camden voluntary and community sector organisation.
Learn more here

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

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

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

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

Women’s Urgent Support Fund
Round One Deadline 5pm 19th May 2023

Smallwood Trust is delivering this programme with £3 million in funding from the National Lottery Community Fund.
The programme will provide emergency funding which helps to meet the following objectives:
•    Women affected by the cost-of-living crisis and poverty gain confidence, tools, skills and support to build their financial resilience and improve their mental health.
•    Vital frontline jobs/roles and services are safeguarded or enhanced by the additional funding, allowing organisations to meet the increased need for their services.
Over two rounds of funding, the Trust aims to commit 50% of the grants to projects that support women experiencing racial inequality and/or women with disabilities.
Grants of £15,000 to £60,000 are available across three years.
To learn more, please click here

The Philological Foundation grants
The Philological Foundation provides grants to students and schools in Camden and Westminster.
It helps schools enable children to take part in school journeys or to provide special benefits such as playground equipment, library books or musical instruments.
Grants are available for young people under the age of 26 whose families cannot provide them with financial support.
To learn more, please click here

Lloyds Bank Foundation Launches New £3m Racial Equity Fund
Closing date: 31st May

Applications are now open for unrestricted grants from Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales, supporting small charities and CICs led by and working with people who face inequity because of their race or ethnicity.  Around 40 grants will be awarded to focus on immediate and long-term support to help people break free from poverty.
To learn more, please click here

Climate Action Fund – Energy and Climate
This funding aims to inspire and support communities across the UK to address the energy and climate crisis. We’re looking for projects that show how communities can address climate change while tackling the energy challenges through community-led climate action.
To learn more, please click here

London Catalyst’s ‘Partners for Health’ grants
Closing date: Thursday 1st June – 5:00pm

Is your charity tackling health inequalities?
London Catalyst’s ‘Partners for Health’ grants are now open for applications for projects that can demonstrate:
Positive outcomes for people facing significant barriers to health.
A new approach or thoughtful development of service.
Partnership between health and community organisations
For more information, please click here

The Ubele Initiative – The Phoenix Way
Closing date: 8th May

Grants up to £20,000 are available for Black and racially minoritised community organisations working with children and young people at risk of becoming involved in violence, that have or will suffer disruption to their programmes due to the current inflation and cost of living crisis. Successful organisations will be working with young people or women and girls who are at risk.
To learn more, please click here

National Lottery Awards for All
This is a quick way to apply for smaller amounts of funding between £300 and £10,000.
This programme is here to support communities with the things that are important to them, including mitigating the impact of the cost-of-living crisis and supporting them as they seek to recover, rebuild and grow following the Covid-19 pandemic.
To learn more, please click here

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

Other available funders include:

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

Registration: If you would like to come, please let us know by 26th April 2023 at: DisabilityOversightPanel@Camden.gov.uk

Transport: If you require travel assistance to attend the meeting, please let us know by 26th April at DisabilityOversightPanel@Camden.gov.uk Or call 020 7974 4476
There will be BSL Interpreters and a Speech to Text Reporter available at this meeting

Locality in-person event: Open day for racialised community groups
17th May: 10am-1pm
At Locality, 33 Corsham Street, London, N1 6DR

This will be a free, in-person half-day event to help increase the capacity for work around racial justice in London. The space will be for people from racialised groups to network and connect with each other whilst exploring topics relevant to their community organisations. There will be opportunities for peer support, 1-to-1 consultations with Locality staff, and specific thematic guidance around things like funding and addressing London’s Recovery Missions.
To find out more and book, please click here

Your Community, Your Imperial – scholarships for students of Black heritage
Imperial has created new scholarships for students of Black heritage as part of a £10 million investment to drive inclusivity of Black and underrepresented students, with a long-term vision of creating a legacy of Black scientists and researchers.
Find out more about these opportunities, the scholarships and life at Imperial by registering your interest here

Online CVSL Conference: VCS response to the rise in cost of living
25th May: 9:30am – 3pm

Join the Centre for Voluntary Sector Leadership (CVSL) to explore the vital role the third sector is playing when it comes to supporting communities facing economic challenges. CVSL is an Academic Centre of Excellence and part of The Open University Business School. The conference will convene practitioners, policymakers, funders and researchers to discuss their experiences and share ideas on how the sector can support the communities facing the cost of living crisis.
This event will be held online and is free to all, book your free place here

Community Health Event – Camden Council and NHS
29th April, 12:00pm – 4:00pm
At: Lismore Circus, 1-2 Lismore Circus, NW5 4QF

As part of our long-term health inequalities work, Camden Council, in partnership with NHS colleagues from Brondesbury Medical Centre, are holding a Community Health event in Lismore Circus.
It is an opportunity to bring people together to open up the conversation of health and wellbeing, and to get more people engaged in health services.
This event will include education, physical activity, NHS health checks, family activities and more.

Free online digital skills and leadership training
London South Bank University, through its Dagile project, is offering free online digital skills and leadership training to employed Londoners.
The training courses are accessible online 24/7 to fit around people’s busy schedules and is supported throughout by experienced tutors. The courses, covering IT Skills, Digital Marketing and Leadership are all accredited by OCN London.
To learn more, please click here

Camden Jobs and Skills Event
Thursday 18th May 2023, 10am – 3pm
Regents Place 10 Brock Street Regents Place, Camden London NW1 3FG

Are you interested in changing careers, finding a new role, or upskilling to access high-growth sectors? If so, this is an opportunity to network, meet local and inclusive employers and get the latest tips to give you the edge in the labour market.

•    Talk to employers, recruiters and training providers face-to-face
•    Network with dozens of professionals that will help you build your career
•    Have a specialist review your CV and provide improvement tips
•    Find local jobs and training courses
•    Attend pop-up workshops, delivered by recruitment specialists Matrix
•    Get a professional photo taken for your LinkedIn profile

To register, please click here
Or for further information, email goodwork@camden.gov.uk or call 0207 947 1666

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

Coram’s Fields Trustee vacancy
Coram’s Fields, a charity dedicated to supporting children and young people, is delighted to invite applications to join its Board of Trustees. We are looking for between 4-6 new Trustees to join our committed Board and are keen to hear from anyone who shares our enthusiasm for giving young people the best start in life.
More information and instruction on how to apply can be found here

Culpeper Community Garden Islington Vacancy
Closing date: 15th May
Culpeper Community Garden Islington is seeking  a Community Gardener for 21hrs per week
For the full details, the job description and how to apply, please email gardenworker@gmail.com

Street Storage Are Recruiting For A Referral Support Worker
Applications close midnight Sunday 30th April

Street Storage is an ambitious and innovative homelessness charity providing free, accessible storage for people experiencing homelessness. Founded in 2019, we have grown exponentially in the past 18 months and have developed a strong reputation in the sector and the homelessness community.
We are looking for a Referral Support Worker (full time) to work on site at our storage units in Camden and Hackney (soon to be Highbury & Islington) and to support our existing Referral & Outreach Manager with the management of referrals, appointments, drop in times and storage administration.

For a full JD/further details about the application process please click here

Become a Trustee of SHAK
SHAK (South Hampstead and Kilburn Community Partnership) is a resident led charity based on the iconic Alexandra and Ainsworth estate in the Kilburn ward of Camden NW London, an area of high rates of deprivation and poverty but big potential. Our mission is to enable young people and adults to overcome barriers to economic and social inclusion.

We are seeking new trustees with skills in the areas of safeguarding, fundraising, strategy development etc. . We are particularly interested in increasing representation at board level from minority communities
To learn more and apply, please click here

Celebrating and Collecting Camden’s Black History
Camden Local Studies & Archives Centre have published a new news item on our web page about the new Camden Black History Hub and the “Hidden Voices” project which they hope will result in the addition of new archives of Camden’s Black history for the collections of Camden Local Studies and Archives Centre.
Read the article here

Local VCS Newsletters:

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

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

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

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

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

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

We spend so much of our lives surrounded by brickwork and concrete, but not too far lies the green freedom of Camden’s parks and green spaces.

If you click on our Green Social Prescribing directory, linked below, you will find a wide range of activities and social opportunities including walking groups, community gardening projects, finding the art in nature and much more.

If you want to get out and about in your free time, take a look now.
To learn more, please click here

Disability Oversight Panel Meeting
Tuesday 2nd May: 6.10pm – 8.10pm
At The Greenwood Centre, 37 Greenwood Place, NW5 1LB
This Disability Oversight Panel meeting will provide an opportunity to talk about Transport
We will hear about how the Council and Transport for London support d/Deaf and Disabled residents.

Registration: If you would like to come, please let us know by 26th April 2023 at: DisabilityOversightPanel@Camden.gov.uk

Transport: If you require travel assistance to attend the meeting, please let us know by 26th April at DisabilityOversightPanel@Camden.gov.uk Or call 020 7974 4476
There will be BSL Interpreters and a Speech to Text Reporter available at this meeting

Locality in-person event: Open day for racialised community groups
17th May: 10am-1pm
At Locality, 33 Corsham Street, London, N1 6DR

This will be a free, in-person half-day event to help increase the capacity for work around racial justice in London. The space will be for people from racialised groups to network and connect with each other whilst exploring topics relevant to their community organisations. There will be opportunities for peer support, 1-to-1 consultations with Locality staff, and specific thematic guidance around things like funding and addressing London’s Recovery Missions.
To find out more and book, please click here

Your Community, Your Imperial – scholarships for students of Black heritage
Imperial has created new scholarships for students of Black heritage as part of a £10 million investment to drive inclusivity of Black and underrepresented students, with a long-term vision of creating a legacy of Black scientists and researchers.
Find out more about these opportunities, the scholarships and life at Imperial by registering your interest here

Online CVSL Conference: VCS response to the rise in cost of living
25th May: 9:30am – 3pm

Join the Centre for Voluntary Sector Leadership (CVSL) to explore the vital role the third sector is playing when it comes to supporting communities facing economic challenges. CVSL is an Academic Centre of Excellence and part of The Open University Business School. The conference will convene practitioners, policymakers, funders and researchers to discuss their experiences and share ideas on how the sector can support the communities facing the cost of living crisis.
This event will be held online and is free to all, book your free place here

VCSE Health and Wellbeing Cost of Living Crisis guidance
The VCSE Health and Wellbeing Alliance has launched guidance on ‘Tackling the cost of living crisis and impacts on health and wellbeing: Key actions health and care policy makers, commissioners and provider organisations can take’. The resource brings together insights from across the sector and discusses how the cost of living crisis is having a significant impact on health and wellbeing with particularly acute challenges being faced by groups who already face health inequalities.
You can read the guidance here

Community Health Event – Camden Council and NHS
29th April, 12:00pm – 4:00pm
At: Lismore Circus, 1-2 Lismore Circus, NW5 4QF

As part of our long-term health inequalities work, Camden Council, in partnership with NHS colleagues from Brondesbury Medical Centre, are holding a Community Health event in Lismore Circus.
It is an opportunity to bring people together to open up the conversation of health and wellbeing, and to get more people engaged in health services.
This event will include education, physical activity, NHS health checks, family activities and more.

Free online digital skills and leadership training
London South Bank University, through its Dagile project, is offering free online digital skills and leadership training to employed Londoners.
The training courses are accessible online 24/7 to fit around people’s busy schedules and is supported throughout by experienced tutors. The courses, covering IT Skills, Digital Marketing and Leadership are all accredited by OCN London.
To learn more, please click here

EcoCounts Climate Workshop
Tuesday 25th April: 6.30pm in Finsbury Park
Do you want a comprehensive overview of the whole climate change science, based on the UN IPCC reports?
Climate Fresk is an engaging, well-thought-out workshop that teaches and entertains with the next one happening on Tuesday 25th at 6:30pm in Finsbury Park.
Climate change is something that should be considered in every decision we make – you can’t know too little or too much to appreciate this workshop.
To learn more and sign up, please click here

Celebrating and Collecting Camden’s Black History
Camden Local Studies & Archives Centre have published a new news item on our web page about the new Camden Black History Hub and the “Hidden Voices” project which they hope will result in the addition of new archives of Camden’s Black history for the collections of Camden Local Studies and Archives Centre.
Read the article here

Coram’s Fields Trustee vacancy
Coram’s Fields, a charity dedicated to supporting children and young people, is delighted to invite applications to join its Board of Trustees. We are looking for between 4-6 new Trustees to join our committed Board and are keen to hear from anyone who shares our enthusiasm for giving young people the best start in life.
More information and instruction on how to apply can be found here

Culpeper Community Garden Islington Vacancy
Closing date: 15th May
Culpeper Community Garden Islington is seeking  a Community Gardener for 21hrs per week
For the full details, the job description and how to apply, please email gardenworker@gmail.com

Street Storage Are Recruiting For A Referral Support Worker
Applications close midnight Sunday 30th April

Street Storage is an ambitious and innovative homelessness charity providing free, accessible storage for people experiencing homelessness. Founded in 2019, we have grown exponentially in the past 18 months and have developed a strong reputation in the sector and the homelessness community.
We are looking for a Referral Support Worker (full time) to work on site at our storage units in Camden and Hackney (soon to be Highbury & Islington) and to support our existing Referral & Outreach Manager with the management of referrals, appointments, drop in times and storage administration.

For a full JD/further details about the application process please click here

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

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

VAC works hard to keep our cost-of-living resource page continually updated as part of our efforts to help community groups and residents in Camden navigate through the crisis.

To find out more on the support available, which includes information about local warm hubs, local assistance schemes, Council resources and more, please click here

VAC Consultancy Service
Contact us today if you need advice or support to develop any aspect of your established or aspiring Camden voluntary and community sector organisation.
Learn more here

Links to Local VCS Newsletters has been moved to the end of this newsletter

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

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

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

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

Women’s Urgent Support Fund
Round One Deadline 5pm 19th May 2023

Smallwood Trust is delivering this programme with £3 million in funding from the National Lottery Community Fund.
The programme will provide emergency funding which helps to meet the following objectives:
•    Women affected by the cost-of-living crisis and poverty gain confidence, tools, skills and support to build their financial resilience and improve their mental health.
•    Vital frontline jobs/roles and services are safeguarded or enhanced by the additional funding, allowing organisations to meet the increased need for their services.
Over two rounds of funding, the Trust aims to commit 50% of the grants to projects that support women experiencing racial inequality and/or women with disabilities.
Grants of £15,000 to £60,000 are available across three years.
To learn more, please click here

Lloyds Bank Foundation Launches New £3m Racial Equity Fund
Closing date: 31st May

Applications are now open for unrestricted grants from Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales, supporting small charities and CICs led by and working with people who face inequity because of their race or ethnicity.  Around 40 grants will be awarded to focus on immediate and long-term support to help people break free from poverty.
To learn more, please click here

Climate Action Fund – Energy and Climate
This funding aims to inspire and support communities across the UK to address the energy and climate crisis. We’re looking for projects that show how communities can address climate change while tackling the energy challenges through community-led climate action.
To learn more, please click here

London Catalyst’s ‘Partners for Health’ grants
Closing date: Thursday 1st June – 5:00pm

Is your charity tackling health inequalities?
London Catalyst’s ‘Partners for Health’ grants are now open for applications for projects that can demonstrate:
Positive outcomes for people facing significant barriers to health.
A new approach or thoughtful development of service.
Partnership between health and community organisations
For more information, please click here

The Ubele Initiative – The Phoenix Way
Closing date: 8th May

Grants up to £20,000 are available for Black and racially minoritised community organisations working with children and young people at risk of becoming involved in violence, that have or will suffer disruption to their programmes due to the current inflation and cost of living crisis. Successful organisations will be working with young people or women and girls who are at risk.
To learn more, please click here

National Lottery Awards for All
This is a quick way to apply for smaller amounts of funding between £300 and £10,000.
This programme is here to support communities with the things that are important to them, including mitigating the impact of the cost-of-living crisis and supporting them as they seek to recover, rebuild and grow following the Covid-19 pandemic.
To learn more, please click here

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

Other available funders include:

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

Are you interested in changing careers, finding a new role, or upskilling to access high-growth sectors? If so, this is an opportunity to network, meet local and inclusive employers and get the latest tips to give you the edge in the labour market.

•    Talk to employers, recruiters and training providers face-to-face
•    Network with dozens of professionals that will help you build your career
•    Have a specialist review your CV and provide improvement tips
•    Find local jobs and training courses
•    Attend pop-up workshops, delivered by recruitment specialists Matrix
•    Get a professional photo taken for your LinkedIn profile

To register, please click here
Or for further information, email goodwork@camden.gov.uk or call 0207 947 1666

IT HUB for local Disabled people at the Greenwood Centre.
Camden Disability Action will be running an IT HUB at the Greenwood Centre every Monday (bar the Bank Holiday Mondays) from 5pm to 9pm in the main foyer/reception area from now until 12th June 2023.
The IT HUB offers a warm space to local Disabled people and their friends, family and support workers. People who register on arrival, will have free use of laptops with accessible equipment plus Wi-Fi. Tea and Coffee will be provided.

To learn more, e-mail: reception@camdendisabilityaction.org.uk, call 0203 833 1111, or drop in to us at The Greenwood Centre, 37 Greenwood Place, London NW5 1LB

Talk for Health events:
Talk for Health is running a peer counselling skills programme from Friday, 21st April for 4 consecutive Fridays between 10am – 4pm at Cripplegate Foundation.
Our Programme teaches the skills of authentic talking, empathic listening and managing a group. This enables all our graduates to go on and join or set up their own ongoing groups for connection and wellbeing.
To find out more and register, please click here

Talk for Health also have an Online Special on Breathwork with practical breathing exercises to help connect the body and the mind on Wednesday, 19th April from 6pm – 8pm
To find out more and register, please click here

Celebrate Earth Day at Castlehaven
Enjoy nature-themed activities for the entire family in Castlehaven’s Community Park from 10am – 2:30pm TOMORROW.
Activities include, a scavenger hunt, making clay tree faces, hanging decorations, and making a wishing tree.
This drop-in event is free; no registration is needed. Children will need to be accompanied by an adult.
For more information, please email our Environmental team at environmentalteam@castlehaven.org.uk

Startup School for Seniors
This fully sponsored, eight-week e-Learning course is specifically designed for aspiring entrepreneurs aged 50+ in London.
Starting on 11th May, you’ll learn from entrepreneur Suzanne Noble and business coach Mark Elliott as they guide you through the process of starting a successful business of any type. Alongside the main programme is the opportunity to join their sector-specific courses aimed at Creative and Green Economy businesses.
It is a chance to learn, network and get your business off the ground.
To find out more and register, please click here

The Story of Holborn and it’s Music Halls in Ten Songs
Performed by The Good Companions
Thursday 27th April: 6pm – 7.30pm
At Camden Local Studies & Archives Centre, 2nd Floor, Holborn Library, 32-38 Theobalds Road, London WC1X 8PA

Between 1860 and 1940 Holborn was at the heart of London’s music scene. The Holborn Empire was among the most popular theatres in the city and its stars were household names.
Join the Good Companions for a musical romp through Holborn’s colourful and dramatic history, with rousing, singalong performances of the era’s classic songs.
Admission is free

Free Community Leadership Course
Starting Tuesday April 25th at St. Pancras and Somers Town Living Centre

This free, 5-week course is for Camden volunteers, VCF staff and residents (without a UK degree) who wish to develop their confidence, skills, and knowledge of community work.
Taught by Birkbeck tutors, the course covers topics such as community engagement and development, wellbeing and resilience, and project evaluation. These sessions are a great opportunity to meet others in the sector and network.
To sign up or learn more about eligibility, please click here or email a.hetherton@bbk.ac.uk with any questions.

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

Programme and Fundraising Manager (Full time)
Closing date: 24th April

St Pancras Community Centre are looking for an experienced Programme and Fundraising Manager, with well-honed project management skills to help us deliver our exciting programme of work, impressing both our partners and funders in the process.
To learn more, please click here

Third Age Project vacancy: Deputy Manager
This is an exciting and rewarding full-time, permanent position within a successful grassroots older people’s Charity who will support and act as a successor to the General Manager.
We focus on reducing social, economic, health inequalities and empowering older people in taking on volunteering roles as co-producers of our services.
To view the job description please email tony@thirdageproject.org.uk and if you are interested, please submit a CV, and covering letter highlighting your skills and experience to the same address.

Become a Trustee of SHAK
SHAK (South Hampstead and Kilburn Community Partnership) is a resident led charity based on the iconic Alexandra and Ainsworth estate in the Kilburn ward of Camden NW London, an area of high rates of deprivation and poverty but big potential. Our mission is to enable young people and adults to overcome barriers to economic and social inclusion.

We are seeking new trustees with skills in the areas of safeguarding, fundraising, strategy development etc. . We are particularly interested in increasing representation at board level from minority communities
To learn more and apply, please click here

Earthquake Support Group
Roj Women provides group sessions in Turkish for those who were affected by the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. The sessions will be facilitated by two therapists to offer a safe space to think and talk about the impact of earthquakes on the community.
1st Group is for women on Mondays 17-24 April & 1 May at 11:30am at Selby Centre
2nd Group is for everyone on Sundays 16-23 & 30 April at 1:30pm at Kurdish Community Centre

Interested in saving money and energy?
Come along to Castlehaven Community Centre from 11am – 12:30pm on the 27th April for a free advice session with Camden Think & Do and Power Up North London.
Learn the tips and tricks that can help you save money, reduce your carbon footprint, and make your home more energy efficient.
For more information, please email ellie@thinkanddocamden.org.uk

Camden Libraries fine amnesty
Please return your overdue library books to any of the Camden Libraries before 30th June and all existing fines on the returned books will be waived.

North London Cares social clubs
Each month North London Cares run free social clubs in the community, either outdoors or in a local venue, online and on the phone.
We understand that being involved and connected can look different for everyone and hope there is something coming up this month that appeals to you.
To find out more please click here or call 0207 118 3838 – option 1 for Social Clubs.

Volunteer Week 2023
Volunteers’ Week 2023 (1st -7th June) is an annual celebration of the contribution millions of people make across the UK through volunteering in their communities.
This year’s website is now live and it is full of information and resources, have a look here

Local VCS Newsletters:

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

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

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

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

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

We also have a bumper issue, stuffed full of information on a huge range of local events and opportunities from around the Camden area.

Camden Council VCS Grants Programme (2024-2031) Survey
Closing date: Thursday 20th April

Camden Council would like to hear your views on their new 7 year funding programme. The results of the survey will be used to inform the design of this £4 million-per-year grants programme.
The survey is anonymous and takes about 20 minutes to complete.
You can complete the survey here

Camden Jobs and Skills Event
Thursday 18th May 2023, 10am – 3pm
Regents Place 10 Brock Street Regents Place, Camden London NW1 3FG

Are you interested in changing careers, finding a new role, or upskilling to access high-growth sectors? If so, this is an opportunity to network, meet local and inclusive employers and get the latest tips to give you the edge in the labour market.

•    Talk to employers, recruiters and training providers face-to-face
•    Network with dozens of professionals that will help you build your career
•    Have a specialist review your CV and provide improvement tips
•    Find local jobs and training courses
•    Attend pop-up workshops, delivered by recruitment specialists Matrix
•    Get a professional photo taken for your LinkedIn profile

To register, please click here
Or for further information, email goodwork@camden.gov.uk or call 0207 947 1666

IT HUB for local Disabled people at the Greenwood Centre.
Camden Disability Action will be running an IT HUB at the Greenwood Centre every Monday (bar the Bank Holiday Mondays) from 5pm to 9pm in the main foyer/reception area from now until 12th June 2023.
The IT HUB offers a warm space to local Disabled people and their friends, family and support workers. People who register on arrival, will have free use of laptops with accessible equipment plus Wi-Fi. Tea and Coffee will be provided.

To learn more, e-mail: reception@camdendisabilityaction.org.uk, call 0203 833 1111, or drop in to us at The Greenwood Centre, 37 Greenwood Place, London NW5 1LB

West Hampstead Memory Cafe
Wednesday 19th April: 1.30pm – 3.30pm
At West Hampstead Community Centre, 17 Dornfell Street. NW6 1QN

This free event is funded by Right at Home and is an afternoon of lunch, coffee and Art and Movement for those aged over 60 who live with memory challenges.
Carers and family members are also welcome.
For more information please call 0203 921 1111 or email camden.hampstead@rightathome.co.uk

Talk for Health events:
Talk for Health is running a peer counselling skills programme from Friday, 21st April for 4 consecutive Fridays between 10am – 4pm at Cripplegate Foundation.
Our Programme teaches the skills of authentic talking, empathic listening and managing a group. This enables all our graduates to go on and join or set up their own ongoing groups for connection and wellbeing.
To find out more and register, please click here

Talk for Health also have an Online Special on Breathwork with practical breathing exercises to help connect the body and the mind on Wednesday, 19th April from 6pm – 8pm
To find out more and register, please click here

Earthquake Support Group
Roj Women provides group sessions in Turkish for those who were affected by the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. The sessions will be facilitated by two therapists to offer a safe space to think and talk about the impact of earthquakes on the community.
1st Group is for women on Mondays 17-24 April & 1 May at 11:30am at Selby Centre
2nd Group is for everyone on Sundays 16-23 & 30 April at 1:30pm at Kurdish Community Centre

Interested in saving money and energy?
Come along to Castlehaven Community Centre from 11am – 12:30pm on the 27th April for a free advice session with Camden Think & Do and Power Up North London.
Learn the tips and tricks that can help you save money, reduce your carbon footprint, and make your home more energy efficient.
For more information, please email ellie@thinkanddocamden.org.uk

Celebrate Earth Day at Castlehaven
Enjoy nature-themed activities for the entire family in Castlehaven’s Community Park from 10am – 2:30pm on Saturday 22nd April.
Activities include, a scavenger hunt, making clay tree faces, hanging decorations, and making a wishing tree.
This drop-in event is free; no registration is needed. Children will need to be accompanied by an adult.
For more information, please email our Environmental team at environmentalteam@castlehaven.org.uk

Camden Libraries fine amnesty
Please return your overdue library books to any of the Camden Libraries before 30th June and all existing fines on the returned books will be waived.

Startup School for Seniors
This fully sponsored, eight-week e-Learning course is specifically designed for aspiring entrepreneurs aged 50+ in London.
Starting on 11th May, you’ll learn from entrepreneur Suzanne Noble and business coach Mark Elliott as they guide you through the process of starting a successful business of any type. Alongside the main programme is the opportunity to join their sector-specific courses aimed at Creative and Green Economy businesses.
It is a chance to learn, network and get your business off the ground.
To find out more and register, please click here

North London Cares social clubs
Each month North London Cares run free social clubs in the community, either outdoors or in a local venue, online and on the phone.
We understand that being involved and connected can look different for everyone and hope there is something coming up this month that appeals to you.
To find out more please click here or call 0207 118 3838 – option 1 for Social Clubs.

Volunteer Week 2023
Volunteers’ Week 2023 (1st -7th June) is an annual celebration of the contribution millions of people make across the UK through volunteering in their communities.
This year’s website is now live and it is full of information and resources, have a look here

The Story of Holborn and it’s Music Halls in Ten Songs
Performed by The Good Companions
Thursday 27th April: 6pm – 7.30pm
At Camden Local Studies & Archives Centre, 2nd Floor, Holborn Library, 32-38 Theobalds Road, London WC1X 8PA

Between 1860 and 1940 Holborn was at the heart of London’s music scene. The Holborn Empire was among the most popular theatres in the city and its stars were household names.
Join the Good Companions for a musical romp through Holborn’s colourful and dramatic history, with rousing, singalong performances of the era’s classic songs.
Admission is free

The next talk in the Camden Local Studies and Archives Centre
Tuesday 18th April: 7.30pm
The next talk in the Camden Local Studies and Archives Centre will be by John Conen on “The Bombing of London 1940-41 – The Blitz and its Impact on the Capital”.
For more details, please click here

Programme and Fundraising Manager (Full time)
Closing date: 24th April

St Pancras Community Centre are looking for an experienced Programme and Fundraising Manager, with well-honed project management skills to help us deliver our exciting programme of work, impressing both our partners and funders in the process.
To learn more, please click here

Third Age Project vacancy: Deputy Manager
This is an exciting and rewarding full-time, permanent position within a successful grassroots older people’s Charity who will support and act as a successor to the General Manager.
We focus on reducing social, economic, health inequalities and empowering older people in taking on volunteering roles as co-producers of our services.
To view the job description please email tony@thirdageproject.org.uk and if you are interested, please submit a CV, and covering letter highlighting your skills and experience to the same address.

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

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

VAC works hard to keep our cost-of-living resource page continually updated as part of our efforts to help community groups and residents in Camden navigate through the crisis.

To find out more on the support available, which includes information about local warm hubs, local assistance schemes, Council resources and more, please click here

Camden’s Windrush 75 Programme
22nd June 2023 marks the 75 anniversary of the arrival of HMS Windrush in 1948.
This is a significant milestone; it is the last chance to honour the living pioneers but to also open a wider public conversation about the past present and future of the UK.
As part of the programme, Camden’s Culture Team will be creating a series of podcasts which explores Camden’s Windrush generation, past, present, and future and are inviting members of the community to participate throughout May.
For more information and to get involved please email culture@camden.gov.uk

Cost of Living Document
London Plus’ cost of living support and resources document is filled with useful resources for those experiencing difficulties as a result of the the cost of living crisis. It is always being updating, so it’s worth checking to see if there’s anything new

Cost of Living Good Practice
London Plus also have an organisational good practice document, which spotlights some of the great work from the sector, helping to mitigate the impact of the cost of living crisis. If you have anything useful that could be added to these documents, please contact Henry at info@londonplus.org

Food Aid Resources
The London’s Lifelines website now has a page dedicated to food aid resources, specifically for organisations providing food to those hardest hit by the crisis. It’s still in the early stages and they are looking for more content to add, so if you are a food aid organisation and would like us to include any information, please contact lvsg@londonplus.org

Links to Local VCS Newsletters has been moved to the end of this newsletter

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

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

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

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

Lloyds Bank Foundation Launches New £3m Racial Equity Fund
Closing date: 31st May

Applications are now open for unrestricted grants from Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales, supporting small charities and CICs led by and working with people who face inequity because of their race or ethnicity.  Around 40 grants will be awarded to focus on immediate and long-term support to help people break free from poverty.
To learn more, please click here

Climate Action Fund – Energy and Climate
This funding aims to inspire and support communities across the UK to address the energy and climate crisis. We’re looking for projects that show how communities can address climate change while tackling the energy challenges through community-led climate action.
To learn more, please click here

London Catalyst’s ‘Partners for Health’ grants
Closing date: Thursday 1st June – 5:00pm

Is your charity tackling health inequalities?
London Catalyst’s ‘Partners for Health’ grants are now open for applications for projects that can demonstrate:
Positive outcomes for people facing significant barriers to health.
A new approach or thoughtful development of service.
Partnership between health and community organisations
For more information, please click here

Cost of Living Support for Youth Organisations
Rolling deadline

Charitable and not-for-profit youth organisations delivering high-quality youth provision whose work is being hindered, curtailed, or cut back due to rising core costs can apply for funding to address these unprecedented demands.
UK Youth, in partnership with Pears Foundation, is offering unrestricted multi-year grants for charitable and not-for-profit youth organisations with an annual turnover of less than £500,000 to help them cover rising prices and increased costs due to the cost-of-living crisis.
To learn more, please click here

National Lottery Awards for All
This is a quick way to apply for smaller amounts of funding between £300 and £10,000.
This programme is here to support communities with the things that are important to them, including mitigating the impact of the cost-of-living crisis and supporting them as they seek to recover, rebuild and grow following the Covid-19 pandemic.
To learn more, please click here

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

Other available funders include:

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

This free, 5-week course is for Camden volunteers, VCF staff and residents (without a UK degree) who wish to develop their confidence, skills, and knowledge of community work.
Taught by Birkbeck tutors, the course covers topics such as community engagement and development, wellbeing and resilience, and project evaluation. These sessions are a great opportunity to meet others in the sector and network.
To sign up or learn more about eligibility, please click here or email a.hetherton@bbk.ac.uk with any questions.

Free Arthritis Management Group Workshop
Thursday 20th April: 11.30am – 1.30pm

Central YMCA have partnered with Arthritis Action to offer a free group workshop for people living with Arthritis.
The workshop provides practical advice on how to reduce the pain of arthritis through self-management and lifestyle choices, and will be held at Central YMCA KX, just a 5-minute walk from Kings Cross St Pancras station.
Book your place on this free group workshop here

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

Heath Hands vacancy: Office Assistant (part-time)
Closing date: 19th April
Heath Hands are recruiting for a part-time Office Assistant to join our staff team on Hampstead Heath. You will work in one of the most amazing green spaces in London, helping with administration, communications and the delivery of our volunteering, conservation and community programmes.
To learn more, please click here

Become a Trustee of SHAK
SHAK (South Hampstead and Kilburn Community Partnership) is a resident led charity based on the iconic Alexandra and Ainsworth estate in the Kilburn ward of Camden NW London, an area of high rates of deprivation and poverty but big potential. Our mission is to enable young people and adults to overcome barriers to economic and social inclusion.

We are seeking new trustees with skills in the areas of safeguarding, fundraising, strategy development etc. . We are particularly interested in increasing representation at board level from minority communities
To learn more and apply, please click here

Local VCS Newsletters:

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

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

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

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

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

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

Learn more here

Next week we will have a quarterly update, and, due to the Easter break, there will not be a newsletter the following week.

The newsletter will return on 14th April.

Free Community Leadership Course
Starting Tuesday April 25th at St. Pancras and Somers Town Living Centre

This free, 5-week course is for Camden volunteers, VCF staff and residents (without a UK degree) who wish to develop their confidence, skills, and knowledge of community work.
Taught by Birkbeck tutors, the course covers topics such as community engagement and development, wellbeing and resilience, and project evaluation. These sessions are a great opportunity to meet others in the sector and network.
To sign up or learn more about eligibility, please click here or email a.hetherton@bbk.ac.uk with any questions.

Coronation Champions Awards and Coronation Big Lunch
To mark the Coronation of Their Majesties, The Coronation Champions Awards, with the support of Her Majesty The Queen Consort, will celebrate and recognise inspiring volunteers who have made an exceptional difference in their communities.
To learn more and nominate a volunteer, please click here

Little Amal comes to Camden for a festival of hope and art
In a year when Passover, Easter and Ramadan coincide, Little Amal, a ‘global symbol of human rights,’ returns to London to meet multi-faith communities across Camden.
Little Amal, a 12-foot puppet of a 10 year old Syrian refugee child carries a message of hope for displaced people everywhere, especially children who have been separated from their families.
To find out more information on the different events and how you can get involved – at home, within the community as well as on the day, please click here

SPACE4 Finsbury Park – Free masterclass
27th March: 6pm – 8pm
This free masterclass focuses on career advice and being interview ready.

These sessions are for those looking to get back into work, those looking for a new role and anyone wanting to brush up on interview skills that could be applied to networking or presenting.

It is an opportunity to master the tools to come across more confidently during an interview, explore what interviewers really want and to work on voice and body language skills.
Everyone welcome, please sign up here ( if you can’t pay the £5 deposit please contact natasha@outlandish.com and we will send you a free registration link)

Invitation: meeting on tackling the climate and ecological crises
Greenwood Centre – Tuesday, 28 March 7pm–9pm
Extinction Rebellion (XR) Camden is inviting representatives of all Camden-based groups and organisations with the aim to join forces in tackling local and global climate and ecological issues – together we can have more of an impact.
Points of discussion: The “Big One” – an ambitious, peaceful project to bring 100,000 people onto the streets of Westminster – 21 to 24 April. Plus local relationship and alliance building.
To register, please click here or for more information please email camdenxr@gmail.com

Free Legal Advice Workshop: How to protect your business
28th March, 7 – 8:30pm, St Pancras Community Association, 67 Plender Street, NW1 0LB
Join SPCA for this free workshop to learn how to protect the valuable assets in your business. Covering topics such as copyrights, trademarks and NDAs

Opening of new nature interpretation centre on Hampstead Heath
Heath Hands are opening a new nature interpretation centre at the Kenwood Dairy from 1st April. If you’re out for a walk with the nicer weather, why not pop in on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday to find out more about nature and wildlife on the Kenwood Estate and wider Heath?
To find out more, please click here

Free Arthritis Management Group Workshop
Thursday 20th April: 11.30am – 1.30pm

Central YMCA have partnered with Arthritis Action to offer a free group workshop for people living with Arthritis.
The workshop provides practical advice on how to reduce the pain of arthritis through self-management and lifestyle choices, and will be held at Central YMCA KX, just a 5-minute walk from Kings Cross St Pancras station.
Book your place on this free group workshop here

Half Price Tickets Offer for Gone Too Far! at Stratford East Theatre
Stratford East Theatre have allocated some half priced tickets for Bola Agbaje’s Olivier Award-winning play Gone too far!
A comic and vibrant play that examines identity and heritage.
You can get 50% off Band A (£32.50) and Band B (£22.50) seats for performances on Fri 24th – Mon 27th March and Wed 29th Mar – Sat 1st April.

To book tickets please call the Box Office on 0208 534 0310 or click here and use promo code GTF50

Old Diorama Arts Centre vacancies
Old Diorama Arts Centre (ODAC) is an arts creation and community centre, and is currently recruiting two roles:

Project Producer: Stories of Regent’s Park Estate (deadline 2nd April) – coordinating and delivering the Story Trail community engagement, artistic commissions and installation, and supports the delivery of Regent’s Park Estate Community Festival. For more information please click here

Fundraising Manager (deadline 11th April) – seeking an experienced and strategic fundraiser to join our small but ambitious team, to expand our fundraising capacity and contribute to income diversification plans. For more information please click here

The Children’s Society vacancy: Project Worker
The Children’s Society is looking to recruit a determined, engaging person to join our dynamic, ambitious team in our Stride Service.
A key part of this role will be to reduce harm to boys and young men who have been affected by trafficking, exploitation or those who have been missing, by ensuring they are given better support to improve their mental health and wellbeing, increase their understanding of past/current exploitation, increase young person safety through joint working with police, local authority and voluntary organisations to give them better access to protection

For more information please click here

Heath Hands vacancies:
Do you want a varied role in a friendly team on Hampstead Heath?
Heath Hands are recruiting for a project officer (3 days a week, deadline 26th March), an office assistant (2 days a week, deadline 21st April) and some session leaders (casual contracts, deadline 3rd April).
Check out the vacancies here

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

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

VAC works hard to keep our cost-of-living resource page continually updated as part of our efforts to help community groups and residents in Camden navigate through the crisis.

To find out more on the support available, which includes information about local warm hubs, local assistance schemes, Council resources and more, please click here

Sector Infrastructure Funding Report
Voluntary sector infrastructure bodies perform vital roles supporting and enabling voluntary and community organisations, both locally and at a national level. This report from 360 Giving explores how the voluntary sector infrastructure has changed over the last 12 years, particularly by looking at its finances and funding. It highlights a number of challenges around the funding of these organisations.

To read more, including a summary of the key conclusions, please click here

Camden’s Windrush 75 Programme
22nd June 2023 marks the 75 anniversary of the arrival of HMS Windrush in 1948.
This is a significant milestone; it is the last chance to honour the living pioneers but to also open a wider public conversation about the past present and future of the UK.
As part of the programme, Camden’s Culture Team will be creating a series of podcasts which explores Camden’s Windrush generation, past, present, and future and are inviting members of the community to participate throughout May.
For more information and to get involved please email culture@camden.gov.uk

Cost of Living Document
London Plus’ cost of living support and resources document is filled with useful resources for those experiencing difficulties as a result of the the cost of living crisis. It is always being updating, so it’s worth checking to see if there’s anything new

Cost of Living Good Practice
London Plus also have an organisational good practice document, which spotlights some of the great work from the sector, helping to mitigate the impact of the cost of living crisis. If you have anything useful that could be added to these documents, please contact Henry at info@londonplus.org

Food Aid Resources
The London’s Lifelines website now has a page dedicated to food aid resources, specifically for organisations providing food to those hardest hit by the crisis. It’s still in the early stages and they are looking for more content to add, so if you are a food aid organisation and would like us to include any information, please contact lvsg@londonplus.org

Links to Local VCS Newsletters has been moved to the end of this newsletter

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

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

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

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

Go! London Partnership
Expressions of interest deadline: 28th March

The purpose of Go! London is to use the power of sport and physical activity to transform the lives of young Londoners. The focus is on under-served children and young people aged 4-24, those at a higher risk of poverty, social exclusion and discrimination.
To discover more about the initiatives this fund, please click here

Climate Action Fund – Energy and Climate
This funding aims to inspire and support communities across the UK to address the energy and climate crisis. We’re looking for projects that show how communities can address climate change while tackling the energy challenges through community-led climate action.
To learn more, please click here

Hong Kong Community Fund
Closing date: 27th March

The Greater London Authority (GLA) has launched the Hong Kong Community Fund for 2023, following on from the success of the Welcoming Hongkongers Fund.
The fund aims to support Hongkongers, to make them feel welcomed and build a sense of belonging in their new communities in London.
For more information, including details on an online application support session, please click here

London Catalyst’s ‘Partners for Health’ grants
Closing date: Thursday 1st June – 5:00pm

Is your charity tackling health inequalities?
London Catalyst’s ‘Partners for Health’ grants are now open for applications for projects that can demonstrate:
Positive outcomes for people facing significant barriers to health.
A new approach or thoughtful development of service.
Partnership between health and community organisations
For more information, please click here

Cost of Living Support for Youth Organisations
Rolling deadline

Charitable and not-for-profit youth organisations delivering high-quality youth provision whose work is being hindered, curtailed, or cut back due to rising core costs can apply for funding to address these unprecedented demands.
UK Youth, in partnership with Pears Foundation, is offering unrestricted multi-year grants for charitable and not-for-profit youth organisations with an annual turnover of less than £500,000 to help them cover rising prices and increased costs due to the cost-of-living crisis.
To learn more, please click here

Grants to Improve Accommodation for Domestic Abuse Survivors
The Mayor of London, working in partnership with the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) is offering a new programme supporting safe, psychologically informed environments (PIE) for survivors of domestic abuse
To learn more, please click here (login required)

National Lottery Awards for All
This is a quick way to apply for smaller amounts of funding between £300 and £10,000.
This programme is here to support communities with the things that are important to them, including mitigating the impact of the cost-of-living crisis and supporting them as they seek to recover, rebuild and grow following the Covid-19 pandemic.
To learn more, please click here

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

Other available funders include:

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

For more information, please email syria.chowdhury@camden.gov.uk or call 07734 603 060.

Free ‘Making Every Contact Count’ training
The council is providing free Making Every Contact Count training courses to all staff, volunteers and residents working or living in Camden.
Even short conversations can be used to help to someone who is struggling. MECC is designed to help you to make the most of everyday conversations with residents, and support them with whatever challenges they may be facing.
To view the courses and book, please click here

Free Community Festival at the Likewise Community Centre – “Zen in Mind”
Thursday 30th March, 12pm-5pm

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. The festival is open to all and all the activities are free: free food, massage, mindfulness sessions and more.
Climb on board the big yellow American school bus and take part in one of our activities to help create some calm and ease anxiety. We have something for everyone.
No need to book – just turn up.
For more information, please click here

SWC brain workshop
Have you ever walked passed the big, wavy building on Howland Street and wondered what research goes on there?
Sainsbury Wellcome Centre are designing some fun things about the brain to display to the public. They want to know what local people think, feel, know (and want to know!) about how the brain works.

Join a Brain Workshop on 28th or 29th March. No experience required, £50 voucher for attending.
To find out more and register, please click here

Good Work Camden: Supporting refugees into council vacancies
28th March: 12.30 – 2pm
At 5 Pancras Square, N1C 4AG

In collaboration with Camden Council’s HR department, Good Work Camden is delivering an insight session to support refugees into council vacancies.
The session will:
Provide an overview of Camden Council job applications, including reasonable adjustments.
Give you an overview of how to apply to temporary work with the council through our Talent Pool.
Share live vacancies with hiring managers in attendance.
An interview tips and mock interview session to support your journey into work.
Insight in to the benefits of an apprenticeship and how to apply.

Translators will also be available.
For further information, please click here or contact jobhub@camden.gov.uk to register

NHS and Camden Council: Community Health Event
Saturday 25th March: 12pm-4pm
Location: Lismore Circus, 1-2 Lismore Circus, NW5 4QF

As part of our long-term health inequalities work, Camden Council, in partnership with NHS colleagues from Brondesbury Medical Centre, are holding a Community Health event in Lismore Circus.
This event will bring together and highlight all aspects of health which will include education, physical activity, NHS health checks, family activities and many more to be confirmed.
It is an opportunity to bring people together to open up the conversation of health and wellbeing and get people engaged in health services.

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

Mind in Camden vacancy – Community Development Manager
Closing Date: 3rd April at 1.00pm

This is an exciting opportunity with Mind in Camden to lead and develop a Community Development Service as part of the new Camden Mental Health Alliance.
Taking ownership of our the newly rebranded Community Development Service that works with local BME communities, you will ensure that we continue to reach under-served communities.
To learn more and download an application pack, please click here, or phone 020 7911 0822 (24hrs), or email recruitment@mindincamden.org.uk

Become a Trustee of SHAK
SHAK (South Hampstead and Kilburn Community Partnership) is a resident led charity based on the iconic Alexandra and Ainsworth estate in the Kilburn ward of Camden NW London, an area of high rates of deprivation and poverty but big potential. Our mission is to enable young people and adults to overcome barriers to economic and social inclusion.

We are seeking new trustees with skills in the areas of safeguarding, fundraising, strategy development etc. . We are particularly interested in increasing representation at board level from minority communities
To learn more and apply, please click here

Talk for Health vacancy: Programme Manager
Closing date: 13th April

Talk for Health is a small, innovative and award-winning mental health social enterprise on a mission to make therapy accessible to all.
We teach people the skills of therapeutic talk and enable them to participate and/or lead in a network of ongoing groups to support theirs and others mental wellbeing.
We are looking for a Programme Manager who will lead on our service operations across Camden and Islington.
To learn more and apply, please click here

SPCA Vacancy: Caretaker Cleaner (Part-time)
Closing date: 31st March
St Pancras Community Association are looking for a reliable and energetic Caretaker/Cleaner to join our part-time caretaking team.
For more information and to apply please click here

Litter picking and the Great British Spring Clean
Help keep Camden clean by taking part in Keep Britain Tidy’s Great British Spring Clean from 17th March to 2nd April.
If you’re organising a community litter pick then Camden Veolia can provide litter picking equipment.
To find out more, please click here

Young People for Inclusion
Young People for Inclusion is re-launching on 31st March 2023!
YPFI is a youth group for 16- to 25-year-olds who are disabled, learning disabled or neurodivergent: we run activity based sessions combined with life skills, independence building and youth empowerment, and we support young disabled people to create change in the community.
Delivered by Elfrida Rathbone, and based at Somers Town Community Association once every 2 weeks until summer.
Contact andy@elfridacamden.org.uk, and see the webpage for more info and dates.

Local VCS Newsletters:

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

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

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

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.