John Nellis

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

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 Free Safeguarding Training Course:
Safeguarding Advanced: Developing Knowledge and Understanding (in-person)
Wednesday 22nd March at Saint Pancras Community Association: 9:30am – 3:30pm
Aimed at increasing existing safeguarding knowledge for those who have had no safeguarding training in the last two years and need a refresher.
Designed for volunteers, supplementary schools, VCS groups and organisations delivering services to under 18’s and their families in Camden. Lunch and refreshments provided.
To register your place, or for more information, contact Dianne Carlton-Ogunyemi, VAC Community Safeguarding Lead at dogunyemi@vac.org.uk

Clean Air Action Plan launch
Today: 12-3pm at Doreen Bazell Hall, 1 Goldington Street, NW1 1UG

Camden Council are inviting everyone to come along today to the launch of the new Camden Clean Air Action Plan.
Clean air is so important for all of our health and our plan sets out what we will do over the next four years to realise our vision for a borough where no one suffers poor health because of the air they breathe.
Find out more about what we’re doing to improve air quality and what you can do, too – and enjoy some free, delicious local food.
To register your place, please click here

Affordable Spaces for Rent in Kilburn
Need a space for an event, activity, or class? Or a place to work, whether on an ad-hoc or permanent basis? Are you looking for a local and accessible space?

Latin American House offers a range of bright, recently renovated spaces, with prices ranging between £28 and £55 an hour. We are conveniently located in Kilburn close to several transport connections, and are always happy to discuss any accommodations you may require.
Please click here to find out more about our spaces. Remember that voluntary organisations in Camden can also rent a space at Latin American House for free with VAC’s Google Grants scheme.

Cost of Living Bus Event at Castlehaven
22nd March: 11am – 3pm

On Wednesday 22nd, Castlehaven Community Association are holding a Cost of Living Advice Bus Event in partnership with Camden Council at 23 Castlehaven Road, London NW1 8RU
Citizen Advice Bureaux (CAB), Mary Ward Legal Advice, Rent Arrears, Castlehaven services and lots more will be attending and you will be able to ask for 1-2-1 advice on a range of topics. These might include: Help with cost-of-living crisis funding applications, help with debt, help with energy bills, help with rent arrears and support with food.

If you cannot attend this date, there are other COL bus events happening in the borough, find out more here

Migrant Voice Media Lab
16th March: 3pm to about 7.30pm.
At the Migrant Voice office: VAI, 200A Pentonville Road, London N1 9JP

Migrant Voice are running a Media Lab on 16th March aimed at migrants (migrant workers, asylum seekers, refugees etc).
The focus of this session will be on learning how to “use social media to tell your story and raise awareness on issues you care about”.
There will be a number of workshops with experts and professionals along with mentoring sessions for participants.

Find more information and to register, please click here
For any questions, please contact ismail@migrantvoice.org

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

The Players of St. Peter seeking to rent storage area
The Players of St. Peter has been performing Medieval Mystery Plays for over 70 years and keeping alive an important English tradition. Since its inception in 1946 the group has performed pre-Reformation plays updated for a modern audience. Now based at St. Saviour’s church, South Hampstead, we welcome new actors and backstage helpers of all abilities. If you would like to join us please get in touch.

We are currently seeking to rent about 75 square feet of storage in the area to house our collection of costumes and props. If you are able to help then please get in touch at: info@theplayersofstpeter.org.uk

The French Connection
Excavations at St Pancras Burial Ground 2002-03
An illustrated talk by Phillip Emery
Tuesday 14th March 2023 at 6pm at Camden Local Studies & Archives Centre, 2nd Floor, Holborn Library, 32-38 Theobalds Road, London WC1X 8PA

In 2002 and 2003, during the construction of the Channel Tunnel Railway Link, archaeological works took place at St Pancras burial ground. In this talk, Phillip A. Emery FSA, who led the excavations, describes the findings and how they shed light on the diversity of the local population during the rapid urbanisation and industrialisation of the nineteenth century, with, among those buried, refugees from the French Revolution.
Admission is Free

The Royal Free Charity vacancy: Young Volunteers Programme Manager
This is a full-time role, 37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday that requires attendance in the office and travel between RFC sites (Chase Farm, Barnet, Finchley Memorial and Hampstead hospitals).

If you would like to view the job description please click here or email jobs@royalfreecharity.org
If interested, please submit a CV, equal opportunity form and supporting statement addressing how you meet the criteria set out in the job description and person specification.

Castlehaven Community Association vacancy: Ageactivity 60+ Project Co-ordinator
Closing date: 20th March

CCA is looking for a caring, organised person to deliver their over 60’s programme, Ageactivity 60+. This is a part-time role with a 12-month contract, perfect for someone who has experience working with older people.
Find out more about the role and how to 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

Future VCS Grants Programme (2024-2031)
Camden Council has made a clear financial commitment to our voluntary and community sector – agreeing in the annual budget to continue an investment of £4m per year in grant programmes from April 2024 to March 2031.

“Working with you as our partners with our communities is central to our ambitions for the borough, helping to develop thriving and resilient communities, promoting community cohesion, addressing poverty and inequality, and improving quality of life for residents.” (Camden Council)

Future investment will include multi-year core grant programmes and project funding and they will be working with the sector to make sure that investment meets the needs of the community.

Local Newsletters:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

Transforming Futures Fund
Closing date: 20th March

Funding to help create positive, lasting change for transgender people in England.
For more details, please click here

Building Strong Communities Fund
Round Three of the Building Strong Communities Fund is now open to receive applications until 1pm on Monday 13th March 2023.

The total funding pot is £200,000 and is made up of microgrants of between £1k to £6k. Microgrants are available for equity led groups with an annual turnover of £0 to £50k to support communities most impacted by Covid-19.
To learn more and apply, 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 us for a night of Salsa dancing with Pat M’Bella E followed by DJ Chrystilize playing all your favourite dance tunes!
This fundraising is for our Community Kitchen & Warm Space, which is thriving and we need to keep it going. We can do this with your help!
There are limited tickets at the door, so book now!

Free online training: Managing Access and Inclusion
21st March: 10am-12pm

This training is provided by the ASAS service (Access and Sustainability Advisory Service). The ASAS service primarily focuses on helping registered charities make their premises more accessible for people with a variety of different disabilities including physical, visual and hearing impairments.
The training will focus on: the principles of inclusive design, understanding different access needs, the Equality Act & legislation, access guide, access audit & design appraisals and support and resources for London based charities.
If you would like to attend, please contact ASAS@cae.org.uk

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.

Free Safeguarding Training
Far Right Awareness and Counter Narrative Training open to all voluntary sector organisations and groups in Camden.
Delivered in a 1 hour session, this training is specifically aimed at showing the impact far-right extremism has on families and what can be done to support them
If you would like to sign up for this session please click on the link (sign up to log-in)

•    Right Wing Extremism Awareness and Counter Narrative Training- Wednesday 15 March- 1pm- 3pm – online

Learn how to be a community reporter!
Camden Disability Action is running its Community Reporter Training programme on 23rd March, 30th March and 6th April from 1pm-3pm.

The training supports Disabled people in Camden to use phones, video and chat-apps to tell powerful stories about things that impact us, like the cost of living crisis.
You will also be offered one-one mentoring support.

If you would like to join, please contact Tom McDonough on tom@camdendisabilityaction.org.uk or call 0203 833 1111 or SMS 07908 746927
To see some examples of our current reporters’ stories, 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.

Royal Free Charity Vacancy: Welfare Rights Supervisor (full time)
Closing date: 13th March
Responsible for delivering sector-leading support, this role will sit at the heart of a successful team, whose core part is to provide a professional and efficient welfare rights advice service.
To view the job description please click here or email jobs@royalfreecharity.org

SPCA Vacancies:
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

Receptionist and Assistant to the Director (Full time)
Closing date: 15th March
St Pancras Community Association is looking for a Receptionist who will be the first point of contact for our Centre.
For more information, and apply please click here

Premises Manager – Full time
Closing date: 15th March
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.
For more information, and to apply please click here

SHAK Vacancy: Youth Centre Manager
Closing date: 17th March

SHAK is a resident led charity based on the Alexandra and Ainsworth estate in the Kilburn Ward of Camden, London, dedicated to supporting residents and young people living in an area of high deprivation.
We are looking for a talented and enthusiastic individual to manage and further develop the ARC youth club, coordinating youth activities and programmes based on and around the huge Alexandra & Ainsworth estate in NW London.

Learn more and apply here

Trustee Opportunity at HWCT
Closing date: 20th March

The Hampstead Wells and Campden Trust (HWCT) makes grants benefiting people in the northwest of Camden. We are seeking Trustees to help the charity soundly navigate its future while providing as much help as we can to voluntary groups and services working locally and to people in need in our community.
For more information, please click here

Holloway Neighbourhood Group vacancy: Chief Executive
Closing date: 13th March

Holloway Neighbourhood Group runs a well-established mental health service (the Stress Project) and a busy community centre (the Old Fire Station). We are seeking an experienced charity manager as our new Chief Executive to take responsibility for fundraising, financial management, strategic planning, and leading a committed and experienced team of staff and volunteers.

To learn more please click here

Voluntary Action Camden Annual Members Review
Understanding how we can better meet the needs of our Members is very important to us.

We have put together our Members questionnaire as an opportunity for you to feed back to us on the things we have done well – and the things that could have gone better in 2022/23
It is also an opportunity for us to check what support your organisation needs from us, and that the services we provide are fit-for-purpose in an ever changing, diverse and challenging landscape.

If you are a VAC member please check your inboxes for the questionnaire and upon its return to us you will be entered into our prize draw for £100 for your organisation.

Become a school governor in Camden
On National School Governors’ Awareness Day (28th February), we said thank you to our governors here in Camden who work hard to improve the educational outcomes and experiences of local children and young people.

Could you make a positive impact on a school in Camden? Hear what some of our Camden school governors have to say on what they enjoy most about this important volunteering role, as well as the importance of us having diverse governing bodies that represent our community, in this short film
Find out more and apply here

Affordable, convenient office space
The Winch is a charity working with local young people in Camden and nearby areas since 1973.  We work to build strong ties between local people and create more opportunities for them to find their place and feel like they belong in our community. The Winch has been a constant presence in the lives of so many children, young people and adults.
There is affordable, convenient office space at the heart of the community.
For more information, please click here

Youth Safety Multimedia Competition
Deadline for funded entries: 5pm on 10th March

Camden’s Youth Safety Multimedia Competition aims to raise awareness of the issues affecting the safety of young people in Camden. There is funding for up to 10 local organisations to use a maximum of £500 each to develop their multimedia project. We’re inviting creative or multimedia projects, based on the theme ‘Keeping children and young people in Camden safe’.
See previous examples here.

We encourage organisations to make joint applications – in particular, larger organisations working with smaller groups. Please complete and submit a short (downloadable form) – Expression of Interest Form – and email the form to youthsafety@camden.gov.uk
If you don’t need funding for your project, you have until 5th June 2023 to enter the competition

.
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.

Understanding how we can better meet the needs of our Members is very important to us.

We have put together our Members questionnaire as an opportunity for you to feed back to us on the things we have done well – and the things that could have gone better in 2022/23

It is also an opportunity for us to check what support your organisation needs from us, and that the services we provide are fit-for-purpose in an ever changing, diverse and challenging landscape.

If you are a VAC member please check your inboxes for the questionnaire and upon its return to us you will be entered into our prize draw for £100 for your organisation.

Future VCS Grants Programme (2024-2031)
Camden Council has made a clear financial commitment to our voluntary and community sector – agreeing in the annual budget to continue an investment of £4m per year in grant programmes from April 2024 to March 2031.

“Working with you as our partners with our communities is central to our ambitions for the borough, helping to develop thriving and resilient communities, promoting community cohesion, addressing poverty and inequality, and improving quality of life for residents.” (Camden Council)

Future investment will include multi-year core grant programmes and project funding and they will be working with the sector to make sure that investment meets the needs of the community.

Become a school governor in Camden
On National School Governors’ Awareness Day (28th February), we said thank you to our governors here in Camden who work hard to improve the educational outcomes and experiences of local children and young people.

Could you make a positive impact on a school in Camden? Hear what some of our Camden school governors have to say on what they enjoy most about this important volunteering role, as well as the importance of us having diverse governing bodies that represent our community, in this short film
Find out more and apply here

Events at West Hampstead Community Centre
The Reintroduction of Hedgehogs in West Hampstead – a talk by Dr Stephen Barabas tonight from 19:30.
There are only a few tickets left! Book your place here

The British Museum presents: Extraordinary Everyday – a special object handling event for art and history lovers! Organised in conjunction with The British Museum and WHeart. An event will be held on Monday, 6th March from 13:30.
It’s free and open to all!

Salsa & DJ Party: SPCA Fundraising Event
Saturday 11th March: 7pm – 10.45pm at St Pancras Community Association

Join us for a night of Salsa dancing with Pat M’Bella E followed by DJ Chrystilize playing all your favourite dance tunes!
This fundraising is for our Community Kitchen & Warm Space, which is thriving and we need to keep it going. We can do this with your help!
There are limited tickets at the door, so book now!

Free online training: Managing Access and Inclusion
21st March: 10am-12pm

This training is provided by the ASAS service (Access and Sustainability Advisory Service). The ASAS service primarily focuses on helping registered charities make their premises more accessible for people with a variety of different disabilities including physical, visual and hearing impairments.
The training will focus on: the principles of inclusive design, understanding different access needs, the Equality Act & legislation, access guide, access audit & design appraisals and support and resources for London based charities.
If you would like to attend, please contact ASAS@cae.org.uk

Affordable, convenient office space
The Winch is a charity working with local young people in Camden and nearby areas since 1973.  We work to build strong ties between local people and create more opportunities for them to find their place and feel like they belong in our community. The Winch has been a constant presence in the lives of so many children, young people and adults.
There is affordable, convenient office space at the heart of the community.
For more information, please click here

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.

NHS North Central London Integrated Care Board wants to talk to people aged 35+ to hear their experiences of NHS Maternity and Neonatal care in North Central London.

We are looking at ways to improve maternity, neonatal, and children and young people’s NHS services. Over the past 18 months, the NHS has looked at how services work today and developed some ideas for how they might work better in the future.
We are committed to making sure that the right care is available for all people and communities in our area.
We will be hosting an online discussion for people aged 35+ on Thursday 9th March at 19:00. You can register here if you would like to attend or read further information.
If you have any questions, please email nclicb.startwell@nhs.net

Royal Free Charity Vacancy: Welfare Rights Supervisor (full time)
Closing date: 13th March
Responsible for delivering sector-leading support, this role will sit at the heart of a successful team, whose core part is to provide a professional and efficient welfare rights advice service.
To view the job description please click here or email jobs@royalfreecharity.org

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

Pop-up Social Prescribing!
8th March: 11am to 1pm at Swiss Cottage Library, 88 Avenue Road, NW3

Come along and have a chat with the Community Links team from Camden’s Care Navigation and Social Prescribing Service and find out more about social prescribing, how it works, and what is on offer in your area.

Or perhaps you’d like to volunteer with us? Find out about Community Links volunteers and opportunities to join our scheme to support volunteers into social prescribing careers.

For more information please email Donna at dturnbull@vac.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
VAC recognises that the cost-of-living crisis is a huge concern for families, businesses, and the Voluntary Community Sector.

Full of information and resources to help community groups and residents in Camden keep up to date as they navigate through the crisis. To find out more, click here

Local Newsletters:

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

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

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

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)

Transforming Futures Fund
Closing date: 20th March

Funding to help create positive, lasting change for transgender people in England.
For more details, please click here

Building Strong Communities Fund
Round Three of the Building Strong Communities Fund is now open to receive applications until 1pm on Monday 13th March 2023.

The total funding pot is £200,000 and is made up of microgrants of between £1k to £6k. Microgrants are available for equity led groups with an annual turnover of £0 to £50k to support communities most impacted by Covid-19.

To learn more and apply, 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

•    Family Matters – Far Right Extremism (Lunch & Learn)- Wednesday 8 March- 11:30am- 12:30pm  – in person
•    Family Matters – Far Right Extremism (Lunch & Learn)- Wednesday 8 March- 1pm- 3pm – in person
•    Right Wing Extremism Awareness and Counter Narrative Training- Wednesday 15 March- 1pm- 3pm – online

Learn how to be a community reporter!
Camden Disability Action is running its Community Reporter Training programme on 23rd March, 30th March and 6th April from 1pm-3pm.

The training supports Disabled people in Camden to use phones, video and chat-apps to tell powerful stories about things that impact us, like the cost of living crisis.
You will also be offered one-one mentoring support.

If you would like to join, please contact Tom McDonough on tom@camdendisabilityaction.org.uk or call 0203 833 1111 or SMS 07908 746927
To see some examples of our current reporters’ stories, please click here

Hampstead Theatre’s free acting and writing programme for Camden residents
Hampstead Theatre is offering Camden residents free acting and writing activities this spring.

Following the success of last year’s Community Creates programme, Hampstead Theatre will be running two ten-week programmes in acting and writing every Tuesday and Thursday starting in March. The programmes are free to attend for Camden residents.
The Community Creates programme starts at Hampstead Theatre from 14th March and 16th March. The Writing and Acting programmes are free to attend, but places must be booked in advance.

For further details please click here, or call 020 7722 9301.

Irish History Month 2023
1st – 31st March at the Irish Cultural Centre, Hammersmith

As part of Irish History Month this year, I am Irish are proud to showcase the #IamIrish Portrait Exhibition after its Global travels!

Since 2016, the exhibition has visited numerous countries, highlighting the rich culture and diversity of those with Irish Heritage. It is now back in London and you are welcome to come along and view it at the Irish Cultural Centre, Hammersmith throughout March.

Event for girls and young women to celebrate International Women’s Day 2023
Camden’s Integrated Youth Support Service is hosting an event for girls and young women to celebrate International Women’s Day 2023.

The event is open to girls and young women aged 11 to 18, and up to 25 with special educational needs or disabilities. It will be held on Saturday 4th March, from 11am to 5pm, at Somers Town Youth Centre, 134 Chalton Street, NW1 1RX.
Register for the event and sign-up up for the free activities here

Well Together coffee morning – and meet our new organiser
At West Hampstead Community Centre starting on Tuesday 7th March from 11am to 12:30pm, and continuing every fortnight

This is an informal meet up around a cup of tea and biscuits to get to know people in the area and meet Beatrice, the New Keeping Well Organiser.
Come to tell us what you would like to see organised in the future and find out what we have available; meet your neighbours and enjoy good company

Invitation to Refer Individuals for Peer Mentor Training with VoiceAbility
Training will take place across four days, the next dates are 7th, 10th, 14th & 17th March.

At VoiceAbility we are committed to providing support to individuals who are facing mental health challenges. Our volunteer peer mentor program pairs individuals with a mentor who has lived experience of mental health challenges and can offer a supportive and understanding relationship.

You may have clients who would benefit from this program and who are able to offer their support. If you have someone in mind, please encourage them to apply, by requesting an application from camden.peermentoring@voiceability.org

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.

Volunteers needed at Fitzrovia Community Centre
Fitzrovia Community Centre is a community centre serving residents living in Camden and Westminster and we are looking for local volunteers to support the running of the Centre. If you are interested in:

•    Salesforce/database admin experience
•    Reception cover
•    Gardening
•    Maintenance work

Please email Gaby at gaby@fitzroviacommunitycentre.org

SPCA Vacancies:
Receptionist and Assistant to the Director (Full time)
Closing date: 15th March
St Pancras Community Association is looking for a Receptionist who will be the first point of contact for our Centre.
For more information, and apply please click here

Premises Manager – Full time
Closing date: 15th March
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.
For more information, and to apply please click here

SHAK Vacancy: Youth Centre Manager
Closing date: 17th March

SHAK is a resident led charity based on the Alexandra and Ainsworth estate in the Kilburn Ward of Camden, London, dedicated to supporting residents and young people living in an area of high deprivation.
We are looking for a talented and enthusiastic individual to manage and further develop the ARC youth club, coordinating youth activities and programmes based on and around the huge Alexandra & Ainsworth estate in NW London.

Learn more and apply here

Trustee Opportunity at HWCT
Closing date: 20th March

The Hampstead Wells and Campden Trust (HWCT) makes grants benefiting people in the northwest of Camden. We are seeking Trustees to help the charity soundly navigate its future while providing as much help as we can to voluntary groups and services working locally and to people in need in our community.
For more information, please click here

Holloway Neighbourhood Group vacancy: Chief Executive
Closing date: 13th March

Holloway Neighbourhood Group runs a well-established mental health service (the Stress Project) and a busy community centre (the Old Fire Station). We are seeking an experienced charity manager as our new Chief Executive to take responsibility for fundraising, financial management, strategic planning, and leading a committed and experienced team of staff and volunteers.

To learn more please click here

Vacancies at Mind in Camden:
Mental Health Link Worker
To find out more please click here or email recruitment@mindincamden.org.uk

Healthy Start – help to buy healthy food
Are you on low income and pregnant or have a child aged 3 or under?

You can get financial help to buy fruit, vegetables, pulses, milk, and infant formula for you and your family. You’ll be sent a prepaid card with weekly top-ups to spend on Healthy Start items.
To find out more and to apply, go to the Healthy Start website here

For help applying, visit your local Children’s Centre.
To find your local centre click here or call 0800 731 0232 or 0800 389 5789

Could you share your home with someone that needs support?
Shared Lives placement is different and the support you provide will depend on you and your life, and the person that you want to share your home with.
You do not need any qualifications as our carers comes from all different walks of life and join Shared Lives. All we ask is that you have a spare room.
We offer extensive training, lots of support and a generous package of around £25,000.

To find out more please click here or email sharedlives@camden.gov.uk

Youth Safety Multimedia Competition
Deadline for funded entries: 5pm on 10th March

Camden’s Youth Safety Multimedia Competition aims to raise awareness of the issues affecting the safety of young people in Camden. There is funding for up to 10 local organisations to use a maximum of £500 each to develop their multimedia project. We’re inviting creative or multimedia projects, based on the theme ‘Keeping children and young people in Camden safe’.
See previous examples here.

We encourage organisations to make joint applications – in particular, larger organisations working with smaller groups. Please complete and submit a short (downloadable form) – Expression of Interest Form – and email the form to youthsafety@camden.gov.uk
If you don’t need funding for your project, you have until 5th June 2023 to enter the competition

.
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.

Looking for a collaboration with like-minded groups working towards similar goals?

Looking for rooms to hire or, as winter slowly starts to recede, activities available on our local green spaces?

We hold a range of continually updated and detailed directories where you just might find exactly what you are looking for!

Have a look here

Pop-up Social Prescribing!
8th March: 11am to 1pm at Swiss Cottage Library, 88 Avenue Road, NW3

Come along and have a chat with the Community Links team from Camden’s Care Navigation and Social Prescribing Service and find out more about social prescribing, how it works, and what is on offer in your area.

Or perhaps you’d like to volunteer with us? Find out about Community Links volunteers and opportunities to join our scheme to support volunteers into social prescribing careers.

For more information please email Donna at dturnbull@vac.org.uk

Free Safeguarding Training
Far Right Awareness and Counter Narrative Training open to all voluntary sector organisations and groups in Camden.
Delivered in a 1 hour session, this training is specifically aimed at showing the impact far-right extremism has on families and what can be done to support them
If you would like to sign up for any of the sessions below, please click on the links (sign up to log-in)

•    Family Matters – Far Right Extremism (Lunch & Learn)- Wednesday 8 March- 11:30am- 12:30pm  – in person
•    Family Matters – Far Right Extremism (Lunch & Learn)- Wednesday 8 March- 1pm- 3pm – in person
•    Right Wing Extremism Awareness and Counter Narrative Training- Wednesday 15 March- 1pm- 3pm – online

Learn how to be a community reporter!
Camden Disability Action is running its Community Reporter Training programme on 23rd March, 30th March and 6th April from 1pm-3pm.

The training supports Disabled people in Camden to use phones, video and chat-apps to tell powerful stories about things that impact us, like the cost of living crisis.
You will also be offered one-one mentoring support.

If you would like to join, please contact Tom McDonough on tom@camdendisabilityaction.org.uk or call 0203 833 1111 or SMS 07908 746927

To see some examples of our current reporters’ stories, please click here

Healthy Start – help to buy healthy food
Are you on low income and pregnant or have a child aged 3 or under?

You can get financial help to buy fruit, vegetables, pulses, milk, and infant formula for you and your family. You’ll be sent a prepaid card with weekly top-ups to spend on Healthy Start items.
To find out more and to apply, go to the Healthy Start website here

For help applying, visit your local Children’s Centre.
To find your local centre click here or call 0800 731 0232 or 0800 389 5789

Could you share your home with someone that needs support?
Shared Lives placement is different and the support you provide will depend on you and your life, and the person that you want to share your home with.
You do not need any qualifications as our carers comes from all different walks of life and join Shared Lives. All we ask is that you have a spare room.
We offer extensive training, lots of support and a generous package of around £25,000.

To find out more please click here or email sharedlives@camden.gov.uk

Hampstead Theatre’s free acting and writing programme for Camden residents
Hampstead Theatre is offering Camden residents free acting and writing activities this spring.

Following the success of last year’s Community Creates programme, Hampstead Theatre will be running two ten-week programmes in acting and writing every Tuesday and Thursday starting in March. The programmes are free to attend for Camden residents.
The Community Creates programme starts at Hampstead Theatre from 14th March and 16th March. The Writing and Acting programmes are free to attend, but places must be booked in advance.

For further details please click here, or call 020 7722 9301.

Irish History Month 2023
1st – 31st March at the Irish Cultural Centre, Hammersmith

As part of Irish History Month this year, I am Irish are proud to showcase the #IamIrish Portrait Exhibition after its Global travels!

Since 2016, the exhibition has visited numerous countries, highlighting the rich culture and diversity of those with Irish Heritage. It is now back in London and you are welcome to come along and view it at the Irish Cultural Centre, Hammersmith throughout March.

Event for girls and young women to celebrate International Women’s Day 2023
Camden’s Integrated Youth Support Service is hosting an event for girls and young women to celebrate International Women’s Day 2023.

The event is open to girls and young women aged 11 to 18, and up to 25 with special educational needs or disabilities. It will be held on Saturday 4th March, from 11am to 5pm, at Somers Town Youth Centre, 134 Chalton Street, NW1 1RX.
Register for the event and sign-up up for the free activities here

Well Together coffee morning – and meet our new organiser
At West Hampstead Community Centre starting on Tuesday 7th March from 11am to 12:30pm, and continuing every fortnight

This is an informal meet up around a cup of tea and biscuits to get to know people in the area and meet Beatrice, the New Keeping Well Organiser.
Come to tell us what you would like to see organised in the future and find out what we have available; meet your neighbours and enjoy good company

Invitation to Refer Individuals for Peer Mentor Training with VoiceAbility
Training will take place across four days, the next dates are 7th, 10th, 14th & 17th March.

At VoiceAbility we are committed to providing support to individuals who are facing mental health challenges. Our volunteer peer mentor program pairs individuals with a mentor who has lived experience of mental health challenges and can offer a supportive and understanding relationship.

You may have clients who would benefit from this program and who are able to offer their support. If you have someone in mind, please encourage them to apply, by requesting an application from camden.peermentoring@voiceability.org

Volunteers needed at Fitzrovia Community Centre
Fitzrovia Community Centre is a community centre serving residents living in Camden and Westminster and we are looking for local volunteers to support the running of the Centre. If you are interested in:

•    Salesforce/database admin experience
•    Reception cover
•    Gardening
•    Maintenance work

Please email Gaby at gaby@fitzroviacommunitycentre.org

SPCA Vacancies:
Receptionist and Assistant to the Director (Full time)
Closing date: 15th March
St Pancras Community Association is looking for a Receptionist who will be the first point of contact for our Centre.
For more information, and apply please click here

Premises Manager – Full time
Closing date: 15th March
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.
For more information, and to 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 Cost-of-Living Crisis Resource
VAC recognises that the cost-of-living crisis is a huge concern for families, businesses, and the Voluntary Community Sector.

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

Charity Commission’s social media guidance
You may have seen the draft Charity Commission social media guidance, which was published earlier this week. The aim of the guidance is to help trustees develop ‘appropriate shared understanding of the charity’s use of social media and the particular risks it can bring,’ and to encourage charities to, ‘adopt a policy on social media as a way to set their charity’s approach.’
This article is a response and contains all the information needed to learn more

Local Newsletters:

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

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

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 Community Vaccine Project: Round 2
VAC and the C4 Consortium are inviting community groups and organisations in Camden, including unincorporated associations, to design new and expand existing initiatives to encourage vaccine take-up in the borough. This includes tackling misinformation surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccine programmes.
*Please note: while this fund is officially closed, we are still happy to receive applications
If you are interested in applying for this funding, or would just like to find out more, please click here

Community Festival Grant
Application deadline: 28th February

Camden Council have opened up their community festival funding applications for 2023.
This funding is for community organisations in Camden that are planning community events this year. The Fund welcomes applications from partnerships between multiple groups that demonstrate a commitment to community cohesion and improving inter-community relationships.

Applications are welcome for grants of £200 to £2,000
For any queries and for the application form, please contact the Camden Events Service at events@camden.gov.uk

Migrant Advice and Support Fund
Closing date: Monday 27 February at 9am
The Mayor of London is offering funding to frontline organisations providing specialist advice and/or holistic support to migrant Londoners.
Learn more here

Love Camden: Community Festival Funding 

Closing date: 28th February 2023

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

Learn more here

Building Strong Communities Fund
Round Three of the Building Strong Communities Fund is now open to receive applications until 1pm on Monday 13 March 2023.

The total funding pot is £200,000 and is made up of microgrants of between £1k to £6k. Microgrants are available for equity led groups with an annual turnover of £0 to £50k to support communities most impacted by Covid-19.

To learn more and apply, 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

Volunteer Managers’ Forum
Tuesday 28th Feb at 2pm: Online

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

Register your place here

Scams Prevention & Support Awareness from Age UK Camden
Age UK Camden are delivering Scams Prevention & Support Awareness across Camden through group presentations or one-to-one Scams Awareness Sessions.
They are able advise on different types of scams and offer tips on staying safe. The service is available to Camden residents aged 50+.
If this is of interest to you or your group please email:
ann-marie.carrol@ageukcamden.org.uk 
and/or paul.webley@ageukcamden.org.uk to arrange a suitable date and time that works for you.

New Make Every Contact Count (MECC) Courses available
New dates have been added for the Cost of Living Crisis and MECC course, and the Good Conversations for MECC course throughout February and March, both of which will help you learn how to use day to day interactions to better support residents who may be struggling.

Courses are free to staff working in Camden and Islington, to book a place 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.

Santé Refugee Mental Health Access Project Vacancies
Santé Refugee Mental Health Access Project is a small local NGO. We support refugees & asylum seekers.

We are looking for volunteers in the following roles:
. Treasurer/Bookkeeper
.  Administrative assistant
.  Befriender/caseworker/advocate

Further information is available on request: Call 020 7482 2903 or email Santeproject44@gmail.com
To learn more about the Santé project, please click here

Friends of University College London Hospitals volunteer role
The Friends of University College London Hospitals, a registered charity, need a volunteer to maintain and grow a membership/mailing list and carry out other administrative tasks, working mainly with the chair of the trustees in the first place.
A desk and work station is provided at the hospital. Time commitment is hard to estimate, but it is expected to be up to one day a week.
The role would suit someone with experience of work in healthcare. Good IT skills essential. Apply with brief CV to uclh.friendsofuclh@nhs.net.

SHAK Vacancy: Youth Centre Manager
SHAK is a resident led charity based on the Alexandra and Ainsworth estate in the Kilburn Ward of Camden, London, dedicated to supporting residents and young people living in an area of high deprivation.
We are looking for a talented and enthusiastic individual to manage and further develop the ARC youth club, coordinating youth activities and programmes based on and around the huge Alexandra & Ainsworth estate in NW London.

Learn more and apply here

Trustee Opportunity at HWCT
Deadline 20th March

The Hampstead Wells and Campden Trust (HWCT) makes grants benefiting people in the northwest of Camden. We are seeking Trustees to help the charity soundly navigate its future while providing as much help as we can to voluntary groups and services working locally and to people in need in our community.
For more information, please click here

One Kilburn Activators
‘SHAK (South Hampstead and Kilburn Partnership) are recruiting 3 new roles in Kilburn.
Know somebody local to Kilburn? Are they looking for a role to help and support their Community?
SHAK are looking for brilliant people for some brilliant roles.

For more info and to apply please click here

Let me know (LMK) is looking for a new Chief Executive
Closing date: 2nd March
Let Me Know (LMK) is a London-based education charity working with young people to prevent domestic violence, relationship abuse and sexual assault. We are led by survivors, parents and activists and we’re committed to creating a world where domestic violence, relationship abuse and sexual assault no longer exist, and where young people can build happy lives through healthy relationships.
This is an exciting opportunity to succeed our two co-founders and become LMK’s first Chief Executive.You’ll oversee our scaling-up journey, ensuring we’re in great shape for a strong future.

To learn more, please click here

Holloway Neighbourhood Group vacancy: Chief Executive
Closing date: 13th March

Holloway Neighbourhood Group runs a well-established mental health service (the Stress Project) and a busy community centre (the Old Fire Station). We are seeking an experienced charity manager as our new Chief Executive to take responsibility for fundraising, financial management, strategic planning, and leading a committed and experienced team of staff and volunteers.

To learn more please click here

Vacancies at Mind in Camden:
Mental Health Link Worker
To find out more please click here or email recruitment@mindincamden.org.uk

Young people’s mental health survey launched
Camden Youth Council want to find out more about the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people in Camden, as well as local mental health services and support that young people rely on.
Children and young people aged 12 to 19 – or those aged up to 25 with a special educational need or disability – who live or go to school in Camden are invited to respond to this survey before 28th April. It is anonymous and confidential. There’s also an optional prize draw to win £20. Please share this survey with young people that your organisation works with.

Camden Childhood Immunisations Survey
please respond before 28 February

Camden Council and our NHS partners would like to understand more about how parents make decisions around childhood vaccinations, regardless of whether they have chosen to have their children vaccinated or not, or if they are just unsure.
The views of our communities are important to us and will help us to improve our services for parents and carers throughout Camden, and provide relevant, key public health information for our communities, especially around specific issues that impact on childhood vaccination.

This survey is for Camden residents with children aged 0 to 5. Please share with families that your organisations works with.
If you have any questions, please email CIPHAdmin@islington.gov.uk

Youth Safety Multimedia Competition
Deadline for funded entries: 5pm on 10th March

Camden’s Youth Safety Multimedia Competition aims to raise awareness of the issues affecting the safety of young people in Camden. There is funding for up to 10 local organisations to use a maximum of £500 each to develop their multimedia project. We’re inviting creative or multimedia projects, based on the theme ‘Keeping children and young people in Camden safe’.
See previous examples here.

We encourage organisations to make joint applications – in particular, larger organisations working with smaller groups. Please complete and submit a short (downloadable form) – Expression of Interest Form – and email the form to youthsafety@camden.gov.uk
If you don’t need funding for your project, you have until 5th June 2023 to enter the competition

Could you foster a Camden child?
Do you have space in your home and heart to foster a Camden child? We need more people who are willing to provide our vulnerable children with care, stability and consistency. Camden residents who foster are exempt from paying council tax, as well as receiving generous financial support, specialist training and an allocated social worker.

Watch our short animated video, visit camden.gov.uk/fostering, email fostering@camden.gov.uk, call 020 7974 6783 or 0800 028 1436 (freephone) to find out more.

Henna Asian Women’s Group
We provide a platform for people to connect through our hybrid services whether it’s exercise, music & singing, ESOL, Art & Craft, Traditional Games Session, Henna Support Group, Chai with Henna, Befriending, Counselling, Advocacy & Signpost and the Wellbeing Hub.
A hot meal and warm space are provided on Mon & Wed to support local residents in Kilburn and beyond during cost of living crisis.
Call on 0207 372 9860 or email Info@hennaorg.co.uk to learn more

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

Come along and have a chat with the Community Links team from Camden’s Care Navigation and Social Prescribing Service and find out more about:

•    Community activities and support in your local area

•    What’s on offer at the library (And join up!)

•    What social prescribing is, and how it works in Camden

Or perhaps you’d like to volunteer with us? Find out about Community Links volunteers and opportunities to join our scheme to support volunteers into social prescribing careers.

The team are looking forward to meeting you – don’t forget some ID and proof of address if you’d like to join the library!

For more information please email Donna at dturnbull@vac.org.uk

Community Festival Grant
Application deadline: 28th February

Camden Council have opened up their community festival funding applications for 2023.
This funding is for community organisations in Camden that are planning community events this year. The Fund welcomes applications from partnerships between multiple groups that demonstrate a commitment to community cohesion and improving inter-community relationships.

Applications are welcome for grants of £200 to £2,000
For any queries and for the application form, please contact the Camden Events Service at events@camden.gov.uk

Young people’s mental health survey launched
Camden Youth Council want to find out more about the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people in Camden, as well as local mental health services and support that young people rely on.
Children and young people aged 12 to 19 – or those aged up to 25 with a special educational need or disability – who live or go to school in Camden are invited to respond to this survey before 28th April. It is anonymous and confidential. There’s also an optional prize draw to win £20. Please share this survey with young people that your organisation works with.

Camden Childhood Immunisations Survey
please respond before 28 February

Camden Council and our NHS partners would like to understand more about how parents make decisions around childhood vaccinations, regardless of whether they have chosen to have their children vaccinated or not, or if they are just unsure.
The views of our communities are important to us and will help us to improve our services for parents and carers throughout Camden, and provide relevant, key public health information for our communities, especially around specific issues that impact on childhood vaccination.

This survey is for Camden residents with children aged 0 to 5. Please share with families that your organisations works with.
If you have any questions, please email CIPHAdmin@islington.gov.uk

Youth Safety Multimedia Competition
Deadline for funded entries: 5pm on 10th March

Camden’s Youth Safety Multimedia Competition aims to raise awareness of the issues affecting the safety of young people in Camden. There is funding for up to 10 local organisations to use a maximum of £500 each to develop their multimedia project. We’re inviting creative or multimedia projects, based on the theme ‘Keeping children and young people in Camden safe’.
See previous examples here.

We encourage organisations to make joint applications – in particular, larger organisations working with smaller groups. Please complete and submit a short (downloadable form) – Expression of Interest Form – and email the form to youthsafety@camden.gov.uk
If you don’t need funding for your project, you have until 5th June 2023 to enter the competition

Could you foster a Camden child?
Do you have space in your home and heart to foster a Camden child? We need more people who are willing to provide our vulnerable children with care, stability and consistency. Camden residents who foster are exempt from paying council tax, as well as receiving generous financial support, specialist training and an allocated social worker.

Watch our short animated video, visit camden.gov.uk/fostering, email fostering@camden.gov.uk, call 020 7974 6783 or 0800 028 1436 (freephone) to find out more.

Volunteer Managers’ Forum
Tuesday 28th Feb at 2pm: Online

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

Register your place here

Henna Asian Women’s Group
We provide a platform for people to connect through our hybrid services whether it’s exercise, music & singing, ESOL, Art & Craft, Traditional Games Session, Henna Support Group, Chai with Henna, Befriending, Counselling, Advocacy & Signpost and the Wellbeing Hub.
A hot meal and warm space are provided on Mon & Wed to support local residents in Kilburn and beyond during cost of living crisis.
Call on 0207 372 9860 or email Info@hennaorg.co.uk to learn more

Santé Refugee Mental Health Access Project Vacancies
Santé Refugee Mental Health Access Project is a small local NGO. We support refugees & asylum seekers.

We are looking for volunteers in the following roles:
. Treasurer/Bookkeeper
.  Administrative assistant
.  Befriender/caseworker/advocate

Further information is available on request: Call 020 7482 2903 or email Santeproject44@gmail.com
To learn more about the Santé project, please click here

Friends of University College London Hospitals volunteer role
The Friends of University College London Hospitals, a registered charity, need a volunteer to maintain and grow a membership/mailing list and carry out other administrative tasks, working mainly with the chair of the trustees in the first place.
A desk and work station is provided at the hospital. Time commitment is hard to estimate, but it is expected to be up to one day a week.
The role would suit someone with experience of work in healthcare. Good IT skills essential. Apply with brief CV to uclh.friendsofuclh@nhs.net.

SHAK Vacancy: Youth Centre Manager
SHAK is a resident led charity based on the Alexandra and Ainsworth estate in the Kilburn Ward of Camden, London, dedicated to supporting residents and young people living in an area of high deprivation.
We are looking for a talented and enthusiastic individual to manage and further develop the ARC youth club, coordinating youth activities and programmes based on and around the huge Alexandra & Ainsworth estate in NW London.

Learn more and apply here

Trustee Opportunity at HWCT
Deadline 20th March

The Hampstead Wells and Campden Trust (HWCT) makes grants benefiting people in the northwest of Camden. We are seeking Trustees to help the charity soundly navigate its future while providing as much help as we can to voluntary groups and services working locally and to people in need in our community.
For more information, please click here

One Kilburn Activators
‘SHAK (South Hampstead and Kilburn Partnership) are recruiting 3 new roles in Kilburn.
Know somebody local to Kilburn? Are they looking for a role to help and support their Community?
SHAK are looking for brilliant people for some brilliant roles.

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

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

Charity Commission’s social media guidance
You may have seen the draft Charity Commission social media guidance, which was published earlier this week. The aim of the guidance is to help trustees develop ‘appropriate shared understanding of the charity’s use of social media and the particular risks it can bring,’ and to encourage charities to, ‘adopt a policy on social media as a way to set their charity’s approach.’
This article is a response and contains all the information needed to learn more

Local Newsletters:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Camden Community Vaccine Project: Round 2
VAC and the C4 Consortium are inviting community groups and organisations in Camden, including unincorporated associations, to design new and expand existing initiatives to encourage vaccine take-up in the borough. This includes tackling misinformation surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccine programmes.
*Please note: while this fund is officially closed, we are still happy to receive applications
If you are interested in applying for this funding, or would just like to find out more, please click here

Migrant Advice and Support Fund
Closing date: Monday 27 February at 9am
The Mayor of London is offering funding to frontline organisations providing specialist advice and/or holistic support to migrant Londoners.
Learn more here

Love Camden: Community Festival Funding 

Closing date: 28th February 2023

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

Learn more here

Building Strong Communities Fund
Round Three of the Building Strong Communities Fund is now open to receive applications until 1pm on Monday 13 March 2023.

The total funding pot is £200,000 and is made up of microgrants of between £1k to £6k. Microgrants are available for equity led groups with an annual turnover of £0 to £50k to support communities most impacted by Covid-19.

To learn more and apply, 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

VAC Free Safeguarding Training Courses 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scams Prevention & Support Awareness from Age UK Camden
Age UK Camden are delivering Scams Prevention & Support Awareness across Camden through group presentations or one-to-one Scams Awareness Sessions.
They are able advise on different types of scams and offer tips on staying safe. The service is available to Camden residents aged 50+.
If this is of interest to you or your group please email:
ann-marie.carrol@ageukcamden.org.uk 
and/or paul.webley@ageukcamden.org.uk to arrange a suitable date and time that works for you.

Introductory Networking Session
Locality are opening their Corsham Street office to community groups led by racialised people, with two sessions coming up in February and May. This will be an in-person, half-day offer to help increase the capacity for work around racial justice in London.
This session will be a chance to connect with others and find out what the London Spotlight programme has to offer.

Please consider coming along to this half-day in Old Street on 22nd February from 10am-1pm or contact liba.ravindran@locality.org.uk.

Salsa & DJ Party: SPCA Fundraising Event
Saturday 11th March: 7pm – 10.45pm at St Pancras Community Association
Join us for a night of Salsa dancing with Pat M’Bella E followed by DJ Chrystilize playing all your favourite dance tunes!
This fundraising is for our Community Kitchen & Warm Space, which is thriving and we need to keep it going. We can do this with your help!
There are limited tickets at the door, so book now!

Free 6 Week Media Training for young London residents at SKY TV Campus
Closing date: Tuesday 21st February
At MAMA Youth Program we are looking for younger people (18-30) interested in a career in the media industry. Through this 6-week intensive digital media training at Sky TV Campus, they will have lunch and travel expenses provided as well as lessons in production that grant instant industry connections.
To learn more and apply, please click here

Read about some of MAMA Youth Project’s success stories here

New Make Every Contact Count (MECC) Courses available
New dates have been added for the Cost of Living Crisis and MECC course, and the Good Conversations for MECC course throughout February and March, both of which will help you learn how to use day to day interactions to better support residents who may be struggling.

Courses are free to staff working in Camden and Islington, to book a place 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.

Let me know (LMK) is looking for a new Chief Executive
Closing date: 2nd March
Let Me Know (LMK) is a London-based education charity working with young people to prevent domestic violence, relationship abuse and sexual assault. We are led by survivors, parents and activists and we’re committed to creating a world where domestic violence, relationship abuse and sexual assault no longer exist, and where young people can build happy lives through healthy relationships.
This is an exciting opportunity to succeed our two co-founders and become LMK’s first Chief Executive.You’ll oversee our scaling-up journey, ensuring we’re in great shape for a strong future.

To learn more, please click here

Queen’s Crescent Community Association (QCCA) is recruiting a part-time food-bank co-ordinator.
Last year QCCA regularly supported around 100 people with our largely volunteer-led service. Due to increased demand because of the cost-of-living crisis, we now need someone to run it for larger numbers (and help us nurture the advice and guidance service that runs alongside). The role is for 16 hours a week, at £15 per hour.

Email jobs@qcca.org.uk or find our more here

Vacancy: Treasurer for Gospel Oak Action Link Youth Club (GOAL YC)
GOAL YC is seeking to appoint a new Honorary Treasurer to play a key role in supporting our activities.
We are a volunteer-led charity providing a range of free activities for young people working in partnership with Queen’s Crescent Community Association.

This is a voluntary post and we especially welcome local applications so please contact (even for just an informal chat to see if it might suit you) our chair of Trustees Adrian Mars on adrian@adrianmars.com or Dinah Gallop, our current Treasurer on dinah.gallop@blueyonder.co.uk who can also provide more details about the position.

Single Homeless Project are recruiting peer mentors
Closing date: 22nd February
Single Homeless Project are recruiting peer mentors for projects in Camden, Islington and Westminster – lived experience of substance use, mental health, homelessness or an offending history is essential.

For further details and an application pack please contact peermentoring@shp.org.uk

Pilates Tutor Wanted to Inspire Local People
Castlehaven Community Association is looking for qualified tutors to deliver weekly Pilates and Creative Writing sessions to the local Camden community. Classes need to be delivered within work hours on weekdays. If you, or someone you know, is interested in empowering local people to reach their full potential, please email scott@castlehaven.org.uk

Holloway Neighbourhood Group vacancy: Chief Executive
Holloway Neighbourhood Group runs a well-established mental health service (the Stress Project) and a busy community centre (the Old Fire Station). We are seeking an experienced charity manager as our new Chief Executive to take responsibility for fundraising, financial management, strategic planning, and leading a committed and experienced team of staff and volunteers.

To learn more please click here

Guaranteed jobs in coffee through Well Grounded course
Well Grounded’s next free 8-week coffee traineeship has a guaranteed job for all those who complete the course. It includes technical barista skills and accreditation, employability training, and a paid work placement.

The course will begin on 21st February, with in-person training taking place at their East London Academy (but is open to Londoners from any borough).

Contact info@wellgroundedjobs.co.uk for more information or here

Vacancies at Mind in Camden:
Community Mental Health Recovery Support Worker
To find out more please click here or email recruitment@mindincamden.org.uk

Mental Health Link Worker
To find out more please click here or email recruitment@mindincamden.org.uk

Community Mental Health Welfare Rights Development Worker
To find out more please click here or email recruitment@mindincamden.org.uk

Warm space at Lauderdale House
Lauderdale House is opening its doors this winter to anyone in search of a warm space. There will be tables set up for studying, free wifi and a quiet craft area.
The sessions run until 28 March, and take place on Tuesdays (3.30pm – 7.30pm) and Saturdays (10am – 2pm). No need to book in advance!
Everyone is welcome, but please note under 15s must be accompanied by a parent or older sibling aged 18+

To learn more, please click here

New Warm Spaces Initiative
Castlehaven Community Association has teamed up with The Pirate Castle and the London Irish Centre to provide free hot soup, warm spaces, activities, and one-to-one advice sessions for the local community

To find out more, please click here

Warm Hub at West Hampstead Community Centre
West Hampstead Community Centre offers a free warm space and a hot bowl of soup to anyone who needs it.
They are located on 17 Dornfell Street, NW6 1QN. The Warm Hub is open Monday to Thursday between 12:00 and 14:00. Everyone is welcome.
The Warm Hub is sponsored by Camden Council and The Hampstead Wells & Campden Trust

Roj Emergency Relief Campaign
Roj Women’s Association are launching an Emergency Relief Campaign to support civil society organizations that are providing immediate help and support to the people affected by the earthquakes in Turkey.
To support those in need please send your contribution directly to the bank account: IBAN: GB32 BUKB 2044 8620 4203 87 SWIFTBIC BUKBGB22 or by using this PayPal link
To learn more about Roj Women’s Association, please click here

Free Whiteboard available
Elfrida Rathbone Camden has an unwanted, unopened 150 cm x 100 cm (WxH) Whiteboard Drywipe Magnetic with Pen Tray and Aluminium Trim, which costs £81.34 from Amazon. We are happy to give it away to free to a Camden charity that can collect it.
Please email info@elfridacamden.org.uk if you are interested.

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

On our website we also hold a huge source of continual updated funding information, much more than we could ever fit here!

These current funding opportunities are split into 24 different categories to help you and your organisation find the local or national funding that is right for you.

We are also on-hand to provide help with the application, should you need it.

Learn more, or browse these funds here

VAC vacancy: WordPress Technical Consultant – Ad Hoc Opportunity
We are looking for a freelance consultant who can help the IT and Digital Manager with technical troubleshooting and routine maintenance jobs. This will be on an ad-hoc basis and would probably only require a couple of hours support each month, although the support requested would only be as and when needed, not a regular commitment. The work would be payable by invoice, based on an hourly or daily rate basis.

To find out more, please click here

Scams Prevention & Support Awareness from Age UK Camden
Age UK Camden are delivering Scams Prevention & Support Awareness across Camden through group presentations or one-to-one Scams Awareness Sessions.
They are able advise on different types of scams and offer tips on staying safe. The service is available to Camden residents aged 50+.
If this is of interest to you or your group please email:
ann-marie.carrol@ageukcamden.org.uk 
and/or paul.webley@ageukcamden.org.uk to arrange a suitable date and time that works for you.

Warm space at Lauderdale House
Lauderdale House is opening its doors this winter to anyone in search of a warm space. There will be tables set up for studying, free wifi and a quiet craft area.
The sessions run until 28 March, and take place on Tuesdays (3.30pm – 7.30pm) and Saturdays (10am – 2pm). No need to book in advance!
Everyone is welcome, but please note under 15s must be accompanied by a parent or older sibling aged 18+

To learn more, please click here

New Warm Spaces Initiative
Castlehaven Community Association has teamed up with The Pirate Castle and the London Irish Centre to provide free hot soup, warm spaces, activities, and one-to-one advice sessions for the local community

To find out more, please click here

Introductory Networking Session
Locality are opening their Corsham Street office to community groups led by racialised people, with two sessions coming up in February and May. This will be an in-person, half-day offer to help increase the capacity for work around racial justice in London.
This session will be a chance to connect with others and find out what the London Spotlight programme has to offer.

Please consider coming along to this half-day in Old Street on 22nd February from 10am-1pm or contact liba.ravindran@locality.org.uk.

Roj Emergency Relief Campaign
Roj Women’s Association are launching an Emergency Relief Campaign to support civil society organizations that are providing immediate help and support to the people affected by the earthquakes in Turkey.
To support those in need please send your contribution directly to the bank account: IBAN: GB32 BUKB 2044 8620 4203 87 SWIFTBIC BUKBGB22 or by using this PayPal link
To learn more about Roj Women’s Association, please click here

Salsa & DJ Party: SPCA Fundraising Event
Saturday 11th March: 7pm – 10.45pm at St Pancras Community Association
Join us for a night of Salsa dancing with Pat M’Bella E followed by DJ Chrystilize playing all your favourite dance tunes!
This fundraising is for our Community Kitchen & Warm Space, which is thriving and we need to keep it going. We can do this with your help!
There are limited tickets at the door, so book now!

Free Whiteboard available
Elfrida Rathbone Camden has an unwanted, unopened 150 cm x 100 cm (WxH) Whiteboard Drywipe Magnetic with Pen Tray and Aluminium Trim, which costs £81.34 from Amazon. We are happy to give it away to free to a Camden charity that can collect it.
Please email info@elfridacamden.org.uk if you are interested.

Free Community Festival: “Zen in Mind”
Thursday 16th February:  12pm-5pm
There is a free Community Festival at Likewise in Swiss Cottage, 8 Fairhazel Gardens, London, NW6 3SG “Zen in Mind”
The Zen Project and Mind in Camden bring to you one of a series of 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

Charity Commission’s social media guidance
You may have seen the draft Charity Commission social media guidance, which was published earlier this week. The aim of the guidance is to help trustees develop ‘appropriate shared understanding of the charity’s use of social media and the particular risks it can bring,’ and to encourage charities to, ‘adopt a policy on social media as a way to set their charity’s approach.’
This article is a response and contains all the information needed to learn more

Let me know (LMK) is looking for a new Chief Executive
Closing date: 2nd March
Let Me Know (LMK) is a London-based education charity working with young people to prevent domestic violence, relationship abuse and sexual assault. We are led by survivors, parents and activists and we’re committed to creating a world where domestic violence, relationship abuse and sexual assault no longer exist, and where young people can build happy lives through healthy relationships.
This is an exciting opportunity to succeed our two co-founders and become LMK’s first Chief Executive.You’ll oversee our scaling-up journey, ensuring we’re in great shape for a strong future.

To learn more, please click here

Queen’s Crescent Community Association (QCCA) is recruiting a part-time food-bank co-ordinator.
Last year QCCA regularly supported around 100 people with our largely volunteer-led service. Due to increased demand because of the cost-of-living crisis, we now need someone to run it for larger numbers (and help us nurture the advice and guidance service that runs alongside). The role is for 16 hours a week, at £15 per hour.

Email jobs@qcca.org.uk or find our more here

Vacancy: Treasurer for Gospel Oak Action Link Youth Club (GOAL YC)
GOAL YC is seeking to appoint a new Honorary Treasurer to play a key role in supporting our activities.
We are a volunteer-led charity providing a range of free activities for young people working in partnership with Queen’s Crescent Community Association.

This is a voluntary post and we especially welcome local applications so please contact (even for just an informal chat to see if it might suit you) our chair of Trustees Adrian Mars on adrian@adrianmars.com or Dinah Gallop, our current Treasurer on dinah.gallop@blueyonder.co.uk who can also provide more details about the position.

Single Homeless Project are recruiting peer mentors
Closing date: 22nd February
Single Homeless Project are recruiting peer mentors for projects in Camden, Islington and Westminster – lived experience of substance use, mental health, homelessness or an offending history is essential.

For further details and an application pack please contact peermentoring@shp.org.uk

Free 6 Week Media Training for young London residents at SKY TV Campus
Closing date: Tuesday 21st February
At MAMA Youth Program we are looking for younger people (18-30) interested in a career in the media industry. Through this 6-week intensive digital media training at Sky TV Campus, they will have lunch and travel expenses provided as well as lessons in production that grant instant industry connections.
To learn more and apply, please click here

Read about some of MAMA Youth Project’s success stories here

Job opportunity (Students’ Union UCL)
Closing date: 17th February
Passionate about collaborative working? Want to be the one who brings Voluntary & Community sector views and realities into student research?
The Community Research Initiative is offering a full time, 12-month post to create a Community Research Office and build a network for grassroots and small non-profits to enable them to collaborate with UCL students.
Informal info sessions available on Monday 13th February

Learn more and apply here

Pilates Tutor Wanted to Inspire Local People
Castlehaven Community Association is looking for qualified tutors to deliver weekly Pilates and Creative Writing sessions to the local Camden community. Classes need to be delivered within work hours on weekdays. If you, or someone you know, is interested in empowering local people to reach their full potential, please email scott@castlehaven.org.uk

Holloway Neighbourhood Group vacancy: Chief Executive
Holloway Neighbourhood Group runs a well-established mental health service (the Stress Project) and a busy community centre (the Old Fire Station). We are seeking an experienced charity manager as our new Chief Executive to take responsibility for fundraising, financial management, strategic planning, and leading a committed and experienced team of staff and volunteers.

To learn more 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
VAC recognises that the cost-of-living crisis is a huge concern for families, businesses, and the Voluntary Community Sector.

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

Local Newsletters:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Camden Community Vaccine Project: Round 2
VAC and the C4 Consortium are inviting community groups and organisations in Camden, including unincorporated associations, to design new and expand existing initiatives to encourage vaccine take-up in the borough. This includes tackling misinformation surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccine programmes.
*Please note: while this fund is officially closed, we are still happy to receive applications
If you are interested in applying for this funding, or would just like to find out more, please click here

Migrant Advice and Support Fund
Closing date: Monday 27 February at 9am
The Mayor of London is offering funding to frontline organisations providing specialist advice and/or holistic support to migrant Londoners.
Learn more here

Love Camden: Community Festival Funding 

Closing date: 28th February 2023

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

Learn more here

Building Strong Communities Fund
Round Three of the Building Strong Communities Fund is now open to receive applications until 1pm on Monday 13 March 2023.

The total funding pot is £200,000 and is made up of microgrants of between £1k to £6k. Microgrants are available for equity led groups with an annual turnover of £0 to £50k to support communities most impacted by Covid-19.

To learn more and apply, 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

VAC Free Safeguarding Training Courses 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Free family nature half term activities on Hampstead Heath
Join Heath Hands for a free family nature walk tomorrow at 10am and drop in nature activities from 1-3pm – find out more here

And if your community or youth group would like a free activity on the Heath or in Kenwood during half-term (e.g. nature crafts, fire lighting, bird watching etc.) do get in touch at info@heath-hands.org.uk

The Royal Free Charity and UCLH online talks for 16-25 year olds
The Royal Free Charity are collaborating with UCLH to host a series of online talks ‘Alternative Pathways into the NHS’, which are designed for 16-25 year olds and about the many different careers available in the NHS.
The talks will shed light on a range of careers in the NHS, beyond just medicine and nursing, and the first will take place on 14th February with the Head of Apprenticeships at the Royal Free Hospital, Paul Marijetic.

If you are interested in attending, please sign up here

New Make Every Contact Count (MECC) Courses available
New dates have been added for the Cost of Living Crisis and MECC course, and the Good Conversations for MECC course throughout February and March, both of which will help you learn how to use day to day interactions to better support residents who may be struggling.

Courses are free to staff working in Camden and Islington, to book a place 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.

Guaranteed jobs in coffee through Well Grounded course
Well Grounded’s next free 8-week coffee traineeship has a guaranteed job for all those who complete the course. It includes technical barista skills and accreditation, employability training, and a paid work placement.

The course will begin on 21st February, with in-person training taking place at their East London Academy (but is open to Londoners from any borough).

Contact info@wellgroundedjobs.co.uk for more information or here

Vacancies at Mind in Camden:
Community Mental Health Recovery Support Worker
To find out more please click here or email recruitment@mindincamden.org.uk

Mental Health Link Worker
To find out more please click here or email recruitment@mindincamden.org.uk

Community Mental Health Welfare Rights Development Worker
To find out more please click here or email recruitment@mindincamden.org.uk

LDN London: Trustee Vacancy 

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

Learn more here

Education Gardener and Coordinator Vacancy 

Closing date: Monday 13th Feb at 9am

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

Learn more here

Warm Hub at West Hampstead Community Centre
West Hampstead Community Centre offers a free warm space and a hot bowl of soup to anyone who needs it.
They are located on 17 Dornfell Street, NW6 1QN. The Warm Hub is open Monday to Thursday between 12:00 and 14:00. Everyone is welcome.
The Warm Hub is sponsored by Camden Council and The Hampstead Wells & Campden Trust

Free Immigration Law Advice Clinic 

Weds 15th Feb at St Pancras Community Association: 2-4:30pm

An immigration solicitor from The University of Westminster will deliver a short presentation on an aspect of immigration law and follow with a Q&A session. Come with your questions about immigration and get advice. No registration necessary

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 sign up today

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

Learn more here

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

January was another full month with the launch of our Consultancy Service, our community projects – Community Links and Cultural Advocacy as well as providing Safeguarding training – continuing their busy schedules and the consideration of our future plans.

We have written about this in more detail in our latest update and if you would like to learn more about what VAC has been up to, please click here

Free family nature half term activities on Hampstead Heath
Join Heath Hands for a free family nature walk on Saturday 11th February at 10am and drop in nature activities on the 11th from 1-3pm – find out more here

And if your community or youth group would like a free activity on the Heath or in Kenwood during half-term (e.g. nature crafts, fire lighting, bird watching etc.) do get in touch at info@heath-hands.org.uk

The Royal Free Charity and UCLH online talks for 16-18 year olds
The Royal Free Charity are collaborating with UCLH to host a series of online talks ‘Alternative Pathways into the NHS’, which are designed for 16-18 year olds and about the many different careers available in the NHS.
The talks will shed light on a range of careers in the NHS, beyond just medicine and nursing, and the first will take place on 14th February with the Head of Apprenticeships at the Royal Free Hospital, Paul Marijetic.

If you are interested in attending, please sign up here

Climate event at Phoenix Court
7th February: 2pm – 5pm

Phoenix Court regularly host community days where we bring together neighbouring organisations and close partners to workshop how we can collectively respond to live global issues with a local lens.
At this event we plan to spend time discussing the Climate crisis. We’d like to bring together people who have live projects responding to the crisis to hear about the work they are doing and we will facilitate breakout sessions to get input from people who we know will have thoughtful and relevant insights.

If you are able to attend please RSVP to rachel@phoenixcourt.co, and we’ll share more details next week.

New Make Every Contact Count (MECC) Courses available
New dates have been added for the Cost of Living Crisis and MECC course, and the Good Conversations for MECC course throughout February and March, both of which will help you learn how to use day to day interactions to better support residents who may be struggling.

Courses are free to staff working in Camden and Islington, to book a place click here

Warm Hub at West Hampstead Community Centre
West Hampstead Community Centre offers a free warm space and a hot bowl of soup to anyone who needs it.
They are located on 17 Dornfell Street, NW6 1QN. The Warm Hub is open Monday to Thursday between 12:00 and 14:00. Everyone is welcome.
The Warm Hub is sponsored by Camden Council and The Hampstead Wells & Campden Trust

Guaranteed jobs in coffee through Well Grounded course
Well Grounded’s next free 8-week coffee traineeship has a guaranteed job for all those who complete the course. It includes technical barista skills and accreditation, employability training, and a paid work placement.

The course will begin on 21st February, with in-person training taking place at their East London Academy (but is open to Londoners from any borough).

Contact info@wellgroundedjobs.co.uk for more information or here

Vacancies at Mind in Camden:
Community Mental Health Recovery Support Worker
To find out more please click here or email recruitment@mindincamden.org.uk

Mental Health Link Worker
To find out more please click here or email recruitment@mindincamden.org.uk

Community Mental Health Welfare Rights Development Worker
To find out more please click here or email recruitment@mindincamden.org.uk

Resources Team Assistant
To find out more please click here or phone 020 7911 0822 (24hrs), or email recruitment@mindincamden.org.uk

Alliance Network CMS Administrator
To find out more please click 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
VAC recognises that the cost-of-living crisis is a huge concern for families, businesses, and the Voluntary Community Sector.

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

Energy Bills Discount Scheme 

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

Learn more here

Proposed Updates to the Euston Area Plan 

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

Local Newsletters:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Camden Community Vaccine Project: Round 2

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

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

Migrant Advice and Support Fund
Closing date: Monday 27 February at 9am
The Mayor of London is offering funding to frontline organisations providing specialist advice and/or holistic support to migrant Londoners.
Learn more here

Love Camden: Community Festival Funding 

Closing date: 28th February 2023

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

Learn more here

Building Strong Communities Fund 

Closing date: 13th March 2023

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

Learn more here

London Community Energy Fund 

Closing date: 5th February 2023

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

Learn more here

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

Other available funders include:

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

VAC Free Safeguarding Training Courses 

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

VAC is offering 2 FREE safeguarding training sessions over the coming months:

Virtual Introduction to Safer Recruitment for Small Organisations and Community Groups 

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

Register your place here

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

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

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

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

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

SPCA Volunteer Fest 

Thurs 2nd March: 11am – 1pm at St Pancras Community Association

Get the experience you need to further or start your career by volunteering with the SPCA. Come to the Volunteer Fest this March to hear from volunteers about the benefits of their roles at the centre, from meeting new people to upskilling in the area they’re interested in.

Register your place here

Volunteer Managers’ Forum  

Tuesday 28th Feb at 2pm: Online

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

Register your place here

LIFT: Intro to Coding Course 

Application closing date: 5th February 2023

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

Find out more here

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.

SPCA Community Café Manager Vacancy (PT) 

Manage and run our Community Café and team of volunteers and help promote it within the community by arranging activities within the café setting.

Our new Community Café will provide a warm space, healthy eating options at a low cost, as well as a range of other community benefits such as reduced social isolation and skills development.

Learn more here

LDN London: Trustee Vacancy 

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

Learn more here

Education Gardener and Coordinator Vacancy 

Closing date: Monday 13th Feb at 9am

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

Learn more here

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

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

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

Camden Youth Safety Multimedia Competition

This annual competition aims to raise awareness of the issues affecting the safety of young people in Camden. It is part of Camden Youth Safety Week, which will be held this summer. Up to 10 organisations will receive a maximum of £500 each to develop their multimedia project.

Camden Council invites expressions of interest for creative or multimedia projects, based on the theme of ‘Keeping Children and Young People in Camden Safe’, before 27th February.

Learn more here

Free Immigration Law Advice Clinic 

Weds 15th Feb at St Pancras Community Association: 2-4:30pm

An immigration solicitor from The University of Westminster will deliver a short presentation on an aspect of immigration law and follow with a Q&A session. Come with your questions about immigration and get advice. No registration necessary.

Coram’s Fields: Nursery Spaces Available 

Places are still available at Coram’s Fields Nursery for children starting this year. The nursery provides full-day childcare for up to 36 children aged 2-5 years old. The team delivers high-quality childcare with access to their seven-acre park.

Learn more here

Camden Council: Free Co-Working Space 

Camden Council has partnered with LABS to offer up to 10 free co-working spaces to start-ups, SMEs and established businesses in Camden. The aim of this scheme is to support growth and break down one of the barriers between business owners and their goals.

Learn more and apply here

Youth Nature Wellbeing Project on Hampstead Heath 

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

Learn more here

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 sign up today

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

VAC Consultancy Service 

Are you looking for expert support and advice for your Camden VCS organisation? The VAC Consultancy Service can offer help in the following areas:

• Grant and funding applications.

• Governance and policies.

• Volunteer recruitment and management.

• Building connections and influence.

And much more! If you have a question, we can help you find the answer you need.

Learn more and apply for support here

Camden Youth Safety Multimedia Competition

This annual competition aims to raise awareness of the issues affecting the safety of young people in Camden. It is part of Camden Youth Safety Week, which will be held this summer. Up to 10 organisations will receive a maximum of £500 each to develop their multimedia project.

Camden Council invites expressions of interest for creative or multimedia projects, based on the theme of ‘Keeping Children and Young People in Camden Safe’, before 27th February.

Learn more here

Free Immigration Law Advice Clinic 

Weds 15th Feb at St Pancras Community Association: 2-4:30pm

An immigration solicitor from The University of Westminster will deliver a short presentation on an aspect of immigration law and follow with a Q&A session. Come with your questions about immigration and get advice. No registration necessary.

Warm Hub at West Hampstead Community Centre 

West Hampstead Community Centre offers a free warm space to anyone who needs it. They are located on 17 Dornfell Street, NW6 1QN. The Warm Hub is open Monday to Thursday between 12:00 and 14:00. Everyone is welcome.

Remembering Dr Beryl Gilroy 

Friday 3rd Feb: 7:30pm
The Community Association for West Hampstead is hosting a Zoom talk about the first Black Headteacher at West Hampstead Primary School. Darla Jane Gilroy tells the story of her mother, Beryl Gilroy, pioneering teacher, writer, psychotherapist and Camden’s first black headteacher, drawing on her unique memoir, ‘Black Teacher’.

Register your place here

Stratford East Theatre Ticket Offer 

2 for 1 tickets are available for How Not To Drown, the true story of 11-year-old unaccompanied asylum seeker Dritan Kastrati. The offer is valid for Band A and Band B tickets for performances on Thurs 26, Fri 27 and Sat 28 Jan.

To claim this offer, click here and enter promo code THICKSKIN241 at checkout.

Camden Council: Free Co-Working Space 

Camden Council has partnered with LABS to offer up to 10 free co-working spaces to start-ups, SMEs and established businesses in Camden. The aim of this scheme is to support growth and break down one of the barriers between business owners and their goals.

Learn more and apply here

SPCA Volunteer Fest 

Thurs 2nd March: 11am – 1pm at St Pancras Community Association

Get the experience you need to further or start your career by volunteering with the SPCA. Come to the Volunteer Fest this March to hear from volunteers about the benefits of their roles at the centre, from meeting new people to upskilling in the area they’re interested in.

Register your place here

Coram’s Fields: Nursery Spaces Available 

Places are still available at Coram’s Fields Nursery for children starting this year. The nursery provides full-day childcare for up to 36 children aged 2-5 years old. The team delivers high-quality childcare with access to their seven-acre park.

Learn more here

Community Café Manager Vacancy (PT) 

Manage and run our Community Café and team of volunteers and help promote it within the community by arranging activities within the café setting.

Our new Community Café will provide a warm space, healthy eating options at a low cost, as well as a range of other community benefits such as reduced social isolation and skills development.

Learn more here

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

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

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

Energy Bills Discount Scheme 

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

Learn more here

Proposed Updates to the Euston Area Plan 

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

Local Newsletters:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Camden Community Vaccine Project: Round 2

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

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

Migrant Advice and Support Fund
Closing date: Monday 27 February at 9am
The Mayor of London is offering funding to frontline organisations providing specialist advice and/or holistic support to migrant Londoners.
Learn more here

Sports England: Small Grants Programme 

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

Learn more here

YCF Winter Community Fund 

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

Learn more here

Love Camden: Community Festival Funding 

Closing date: 28th February 2023

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

Learn more here

Building Strong Communities Fund 

Closing date: 13th March 2023

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

Learn more here

London Community Energy Fund 

Closing date: 5th February 2023

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

Learn more here

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

Other available funders include:

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

VAC Free Safeguarding Training Courses 

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

VAC is offering 2 FREE safeguarding training sessions over the coming months:

Virtual Introduction to Safer Recruitment for Small Organisations and Community Groups 

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

Register your place here

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

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

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

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

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

Volunteer Managers’ Forum  

Tuesday 28th Feb at 2pm: Online

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

Register your place here

Camden & Islington Volunteering Fair

Thursday 2nd Feb at 12.30pm: Online

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

Register your place here

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.

LDN London: Trustee Vacancy 

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

Learn more here

Education Gardener and Coordinator Vacancy 

Closing date: Monday 13th Feb at 9am

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

Learn more here

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

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

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

Youth Nature Wellbeing Project on Hampstead Heath 

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

Learn more here

SMK Campaigner Survey 2022 

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

Complete the survey here

Henna Asian Women’s Group 

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

For more information, call 0207 372 9860

LIFT: Intro to Coding Course 

Application closing date: 5th February 2023

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

Find out more here

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

Find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here

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 sign up today

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

VAC Free Safeguarding Training Courses 

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

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

Virtual Introduction to Safeguarding for Volunteers and New Starters 

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

Register your place here

Virtual Introduction to Safer Recruitment for Small Organisations and Community Groups 

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

Register your place here

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

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

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

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

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

SHAK Community Volunteering 

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

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

Somers Town Future Neighbourhoods 2030 

Thursday 19th Jan: 12pm – 3pm at St Pancras & Somers Town Living Centre

Somers Town is hosting a workshop to help create a long-term plan for Somers Town as part of the Mayor of London’s Future Neighbourhoods 2030 programme. It will be a chance for everyone to decide how Somers Town might be in the future, and how Somers Town can help to tackle the climate crisis.

To book a place email info@thelivingcentre.org with your contact details, or for more information email sarah@somerstown.org.uk

Young Persons Resilience Workshop  

Wednesday 18th Jan: 4pm – 5:30pm

SPCA is proud to be hosting the Amy Winehouse Foundation Resilience Training Workshop. Aimed at young people aged 14-18, it will be an informative session with a view to help them to make safer choices around drugs, alcohol and their wellbeing.

Register your place here

Henna Asian Women’s Group 

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

For more information, call 0207 372 9860

Free Arthritis Action Clinic 

Monday 23rd Jan at Central YMCA Club

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

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

Energy Bills Discount Scheme 

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

Learn more here

Proposed Updates to the Euston Area Plan 

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

Camden’s Evening and Night Time Citizens’ Assembly 

Closing date: 20th January 2023

Camden Council are inviting residents to join a Citizens’ Assembly about Camden’s Evening and Night-Time. Participants will develop a vision for the future of Camden’s evening and night time and make recommendations about how the Council, businesses and Camden’s communities could achieve this. The Assembly is on 18th Feb, 25th Feb, 4th March 2023.

Find out more here or complete their Commonplace survey here

LIFT: Intro to Coding Course 

Application closing date: 5th February 2023

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

Find out more here

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

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

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

Women’s Safety in Camden Survey 

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

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

Local Newsletters:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Camden Community Vaccine Project: Round 2

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

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

Origin Housing: Community Fund
Closing date: 20^th January 2023
Origin Housing awards grants of up to £2,000 for projects that address a need in the local community and benefit their residents. Origin Housing resident groups, local voluntary and community groups, charities, social enterprises and any not-for-profit organisations can apply.
Learn more here 

NFP Research: Small Charity Research Award 

The Small Charity Research Award is an opportunity for a charity with an income under £1 million / €1 million to receive a £10,000 research project for free. The nfpResearch team will work closely with the successful charity to design a research project to fulfil your charity and research objectives.

Learn more here

Community Action Fund 

The Community Action Fund provides one-off grants between £2,500 and £20,000. These grants are available to grassroots organisations that are building the power of their community and campaigning for long-term change.

Learn more here

BME Youth Together Fund 

BME Youth is inviting clubs, groups, associations and organisations to apply for Together Fund to deliver sports and physical activities to culturally diverse communities, disabled people, lower socioeconomic groups and people with long term health conditions to improve their health and wellbeing.

Learn more here

London Plus: Community Resilience Fund 

London Plus is working with the Greater London Authority to deliver the community resilience fund. Grants will be awarded for community and voluntary sector infrastructure organisations.
The deadline for applications is 5pm on Wednesday 25th January 2023.

Learn more here

The Span Trust Funding 

Closing date: 27th January 2023

The Span Trust seeks to fund London-based projects by awarding grants between £5,000 and £20,000 that will alleviate poverty, disability, age or ill health, and advance urban regeneration through the improvement of the built environment.

Learn more here

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

Other available funders include:

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

Birkbeck Career Pathways Workshops 

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

Find a workshop here

Free Digital Skills and Leadership Training 

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

Learn more here

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.

Royal Free Charity Vacancy 

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

Learn more and apply here

Single Homeless Project: Peer Mentoring 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Startup School for Seniors 

On 13th January, Startup School for Seniors is launching a new eight-week online course, ‘Developing your Creative Business’, alongside their award-winning Startup School for Seniors programme. The course is an opportunity to turn your passion into a business venture. Fully funded places are available for Londoners aged 50+.

Learn more here

Family Learning Awards Now Open 

The Family Learning Awards from Campaign for Learning celebrate creative, innovative and inclusive learning. This year, there are four categories in which you can enter your family learning activity, event or initiative. Applications are open to any UK organisation working with families. The awards are free to enter and close on 31st January 2023.

Learn more here

ORT Jump in Camden 

Due to recent funding, ORT UK’s flagship programme JUMP, a career-related mentoring programme aimed at Year 12 students, is expanding into Camden! The aim of the programme is to ensure that participants are better informed about their future career and educational options by identifying their strengths and gaining the confidence to take the next steps in their career journey.

Learn more here

Link UP London: Developmental Support in 2023 

Are there any potential improvements your charity or social enterprise is looking to make in 2023? Link UP London provides access to bespoke Skilled Support for charities, social enterprises and community groups for FREE. Link UP Volunteers have industry specific knowledge in areas of crucial importance to any charitable organisation’s development, such as finance, legal, human resources, communications, data analysis, social media, and much more.

Click here to book a chat, or click here to register your place

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Free Digital Skills and Leadership Training 

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

Learn more here

Link UP London: Developmental Support in 2023 

Are there any potential improvements your charity or social enterprise is looking to make in 2023? Link UP London provides access to bespoke Skilled Support for charities, social enterprises and community groups for FREE. Link UP Volunteers have industry specific knowledge in areas of crucial importance to any charitable organisation’s development, such as finance, legal, human resources, communications, data analysis, social media, and much more.

Click here to book a chat, or click here to register your place

Single Homeless Project: Peer Mentoring 

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

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

Completed applications must be returned by 5pm on Monday 30th January.

Good Work Camden Education and Training Fair 

Friday 13th Jan at Old Diorama Arts Centre: 10am – 2pm

Good Work Camden is hosting an Education and Training Fair, open to all residents to meet with local education and training providers. It’s a great chance for anyone to find out more about the opportunities available for them to upskill.

Register your free place here

Startup School for Seniors 

On 13th January, Startup School for Seniors is launching a new eight-week online course, ‘Developing your Creative Business’, alongside their award-winning Startup School for Seniors programme. The course is an opportunity to turn your passion into a business venture. Fully funded places are available for Londoners aged 50+.

Learn more here

Family Learning Awards Now Open 

 The Family Learning Awards from Campaign for Learning celebrate creative, innovative and inclusive learning. This year, there are four categories in which you can enter your family learning activity, event or initiative. Applications are open to any UK organisation working with families. The awards are free to enter and close on 31st January 2023.

Learn more here

ORT Jump in Camden 

Due to recent funding, ORT UK’s flagship programme JUMP, a career-related mentoring programme aimed at Year 12 students, is expanding into Camden! The aim of the programme is to ensure that participants are better informed about their future career and educational options by identifying their strengths and gaining the confidence to take the next steps in their career journey.

Learn more here

Birkbeck Career Pathways Workshops 

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

Find a workshop here

North London Cares Vacancies 

North London Cares are hiring for the following vacancies.

Social Clubs Coordinator (FT) – £28k

Outreach and Engagement Coordinator x2 (PT) – £15,680

Learn more and apply here

Royal Free Charity Vacancy 

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

Learn more and apply here

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

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

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

Women’s Safety in Camden Survey 

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

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

Local Newsletters:

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

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

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

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

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

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

London Plus: Community Resilience Fund 

London Plus is working with the Greater London Authority to deliver the community resilience fund. Grants will be awarded for community and voluntary sector infrastructure organisations.
The deadline for applications is 5pm on Wednesday 25th January 2023.

Learn more here

The Span Trust Funding 

Closing date: 27th January 2023

The Span Trust seeks to fund London-based projects by awarding grants between £5,000 and £20,000 that will alleviate poverty, disability, age or ill health, and advance urban regeneration through the improvement of the built environment.

Learn more here

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

Learn more here

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

Camden’s Evening and Night Time: Citizens’ Assembly 

18th and 25th Feb and 4th March 2023

Camden Council is inviting residents to join a Citizens’ Assembly about Camden’s Evening and Night Time. Participants will develop a vision for the future of Camden’s evening and night time and make recommendations about how the Council, businesses and Camden’s communities could achieve this vision.

Learn more 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.

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

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

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

MoreLife: Tier 2 Adult Weight Management Service 

A new tier 2 adult weight management service, delivered by MoreLife, will be launching at the beginning of January in Camden and Islington. For Camden and Islington residents (or those registered with a GP in either borough), the service will be delivered in-person and online. Lasting 12 weeks, the programme will take a psychologically-informed and evidence-based approach to weight management.

Individuals can self-refer into the service now by calling 0333 222 1333. An online self-referral form will be available soon.

Learn more here

SMK National Campaigner Awards 

Nominations for the SMK National Campaigner Awards are now open. Each year, SMK celebrates the best campaigns and campaigners. What all nominees have in common is the determination to secure a specific change that will make things better.

Learn more here

Past Voluntary Action Forums: Resources

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

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

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

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You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Christmas 2022 Update to Members and Subscribers

16th December 2022

Merry Christmas from Voluntary Action Camden! Scroll down for new Camden VCS funding, local warm spaces and free meals, and festive entertainment recommendations.

Camden Council is set to announce new funding for the local voluntary and community sector in the coming days.

Click here to sign up to the Camden VCS newsletter and to be notified as soon as the funding is announced.

You can also watch VAC’s recent Cost-of-Living Crisis Forum here to find out more about the challenges the sector is facing and the resources that are available.

When the VAC team sat down this month to discuss our recent work, one topic loomed large over the conversation – the cost of living. This crisis has affected almost every aspect of VAC’s work and it was the focus of our latest Voluntary Action Forum.

The Cultural Advocacy Project and Community Links team have been discussing the subject with groups and individuals across Camden. They have been helping residents to connect with resources to assist with energy bills, to get them the food they need, to access mental health support services and much more.

The cost-of-living crisis has meant that more residents than ever before need advice and support, and with pressure rising on local resources, VAC staff continue to provide safeguarding training for organisations that require it. New and innovative pilot safeguarding courses are currently been arranged for the new year.

Beyond the cost-of-living, members of the team are also collaborating with the University of Southampton to research the effects of Long Covid, meeting with local hospitals to discuss referral support, and recruiting volunteers to assist with our community work.

In November, VAC and Volunteer Centre Camden celebrated Trustee Week with a highly successful Trustee Appreciation and Networking Event, which sought to provide the recognition that Trustees in Camden deserve.

Elsewhere, and in collaboration with local VCSE organisations, VAC has been working on a Community Action Research project. Neighbourhood-based research partners are looking for solutions to the challenges of accessing health services and alleviating social isolation.

As one member of the Community Links team commented “social prescribing work never ends” and nor does VACs commitment to a healthy, prosperous and connected Camden.

With energy costs soaring, many people will be at home with only limited heating during the Christmas period.

If you’re looking for somewhere warm in Camden to relax, work or catch up with friends during the festive period, click here to find a warm, welcome space near you.

Community Champions Camden are also offering free, Community Kitchen meals to eat together or take-away throughout December. Click here to sign up.

Keith recommends:
Watch: Can’t Get You Out of My Head (BBC iPlayer)

Read: Decolonial Marxism by Walter Rodney

Eat: Mince pies and brandy sauce

Alex recommends:
Listen to: ‘The Science of Everything’ and ‘Radio Lab’ podcasts

Watch: SAS Rogue Heroes (BBC), The Peanut Butter Falcon (Netflix), I Shouldn’t Be Alive (Prime)

Eat: anything from Marion’s Kitchen – delicious and (some) fairly simple Asian dishes to cook at home!

Donna recommends:

Read – Tim Spector’s ‘Food for Life’ – myth busting about health, and nutrition, and exposing misinformation from the food industry (oh… and coffee and wine are good for you!).

Listen – I’m a bit addicted to ‘The Rest is Politics’ podcast

Make for keeping warm – sew 3 sides of a cotton bag (no plastic-based or metallic fabrics), fill 1/3^rd with pearl barley, or another cheap grain, sew up the 4^th side. Microwave for 1 minute. Use instead of a hot water bottle – cheaper than boiling a kettle!

Hasel recommends: 

Watch: The Martian – a film with Matt Damon who’s alone in space

Read: Short stories – try ‘Grimm Tales for the Young and Old’ by Philip Pullman or ‘Best British Short Stories 2020’ by Nicholas Royle.

Make: I love a sticky toffee pudding, especially in cold weather. It’s nice and warming.

Ella recommends:

Watch: FIFA Uncovered (Netflix) – shocking layers of scandal and corruption!

Read: ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens. The societal issues it deals with – the criminalisation of poverty and the privilege of affording warmth – are very timely today.

John recommends:

Watch: Andor (Disney+)

Read: ‘The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August’ by Claire North

Dianne recommends:

Watch: Invasion (Apple TV+)

Read: ‘Rationality’ by Steven Pinker

Make: My favourite sticky toffee pudding recipe

Play: Hedbanz – a fun game to play with the kids and currently £8 in Argos

Nasrin recommends:

Watch: The Courier – a cold war thriller based on a true story of friendship and sacrifice. For something more festive, watch Klaus to bring out your inner child (both on Netflix).

Read: ‘Life after Life’ by Kate Atkinson about the journey of life and alternative possibilities.

Play: Monopoly Deal Card Game, a classic in card version (no need to search for those missing pieces!).

Mandira recommends: 

Make –  MoMo, a type of Nepalese dumpling!

VAC Festive Opening Hours

Voluntary Action Camden will be closed from 24/12/22 – 3/1/23.

The Community Links team will also not be working during this period – in an emergency, please contact Camden Council on 020 7974 4444.

The regular newsletter will resume on Friday 6th January 2023.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas from Keith & the VAC team: Alex, Dianne, Donna, Hasel, John, Ella, Mandira, Manuella, Nasrin, Ricky and Lola and all the Trustees and Volunteers.

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

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