John Nellis

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.

Our new JustGiving page is now live. This page provides a new way for VAC to receive donations towards our work in the Camden community.

We understand that not everyone has the capacity to donate during these difficult times. If you are able to, and would like to make a donation to VAC, please click here

Family Festive Nature Crafts on Hampstead Heath 

Join Heath Hands for a free afternoon on Hampstead Heath, making festive decorations from natural materials and finding out about nature in winter.

Register your place here

Join Castlehaven for festive extravaganza, WinterFest
Head to Castlehaven Community Association from 3:30 to 7 pm today (Friday 9th Dec) for a jam-packed afternoon of festive fun, stalls and performances. There will be delicious food and drink, a visit from Santa, and activities for the whole family to enjoy.

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

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

Camden Winter Reading Challenge 

Children aged up to 12 years can get involved in Camden’s Winter Reading Challenge by reading four or more books by 20th February 2023. They can receive a certificate, stickers and more for completing the challenge.

Join for free by visiting your local Camden library.

Community Engagement and Active Citizenship: Studentship Opportunity 

Closing date: 12pm on 11th January 2023

The Department of Geography at the Open University is collaborating with Camden Council to conduct research into questions of active citizenship and community engagement on estates in Camden. This project would be of interest to a student with a background in Geography, Sociology, Urban Studies, Migration Studies, or similar disciplines.

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

Voluntary Action Forum: Cost of Living
On 29th November VAC held our latest VAF on the cost of living crisis. It was an incredible overview of an often harsh reality and included information from VAC, members of the Camden VCS and Camden Council.

This event was recorded and you can view the stream here

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

Camden Infrastructure Alliance: Cost-of-Living Crisis Joint Statement 

The Camden Infrastructure Alliance – Voluntary Action Camden, C4 and Volunteer Centre Camden – have published a joint statement urgently calling for targeted financial government support for the Voluntary and Community Sector in the face of the cost-of-living crisis.

We are deeply concerned about the additional pressures of a cold winter on Camden’s already overstretched community services.

To read the full statement, please click here

Cost-of-Living Support in Camden 

Everyone is likely to need a bit of help this winter, so if you’re struggling, please reach out for help. Camden Council offers support with debt, mental health, food, rising energy bills, finding a job and more.

Learn more here or call Camden Council on 020 7974 4444 (Option 9).

The Children’s Society Report: Young People with SEND Experiences of School Exclusions
The Children’s Society has published A Report on Young People with SEND Experiences of School Exclusions. The report is informed by young people with SEND who have experienced exclusions and concludes with recommendations for schools, local authorities and government.
You can read the report here

London’s Borough Poverty Profile 2022 

Trust for London has published an analysis of borough-level poverty in London, with new figures covering five years of data up to 2019/20. The report reveals that the impact of housing costs to poverty rates is acutely apparent within London at borough level.

Camden is among the top 10 boroughs where housing costs are having the biggest impact on poverty rates.

Read more 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

Co-op Future Communities Fund

Closing date: 12pm on 23rd December
A new first round of the Co-op Future Communities Fund will offer unrestricted and flexible grants of up to £30,000 a year for five years to organisations helping diverse young people develop the skills to become future leaders and activists.
Learn more here

London Marathon Charitable Trust: Active Spaces Fund 

The Active Spaces Fund aims to distribute grants up to £50,000 for projects that will improve and activate spaces, places and facilities that will help children and young people and marginalised groups and communities to lead active and healthy lives.

The first round of applications is open until December 16th. Future application rounds will close on 10th March, 7th July, and 8th September.

Learn more here

BBC Children in Need: Emergency Essentials 

The BBC Children in Need Emergency Essentials Programme grants items to vulnerable children and young people facing a crisis, such as a bed to sleep in, or a cooker to provide a hot meal. In response to the cost-of-living crisis, the programme has introduced new items to form an individual package of support, tailored to each household’s needs. The new items include small kitchen appliances and items to help keep the individual warm.

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

Lloyd’s of London Foundation Grant

Closing date: 11th December 2022
Applications are now open for the Lloyd’s of London Foundation’s 2023 charity partnerships – this is an opportunity for charities to apply for a grant to support projects in the areas of employability, social mobility, mental health, climate and disaster avoidance and relief.
Learn more here

The Hampstead Wells and Campden Trust 

The principal objectives of The Hampstead Wells and Campden Trust are the alleviation of poverty and the advancement of health in the Trust’s area of benefit. They make grants to organisations, individuals and families.

Learn more here

North London Community Fund 

Closing date: 11pm on 16th December 2022

NLWA has established the North London Community Fund to support waste prevention initiatives in the north London area. This fund provides community-based (non-profit making) organisations with funding to develop new approaches to reduce waste and/or extend the reach and impact of existing waste prevention activity in north London.

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

Regent’s Place Community Space Open Day and Workshop 

Tuesday 13th December: Online

Regent’s Place Community Space is currently vacant and looking for new occupant(s). The upcoming workshop will help British Land get to know organisations that are interested in the space and understand the type of spaces that local organisations are in need of.

Register your place here

Free Childrens Yoga Classes for Camden residents aged 5-11
Saturday 10th and 17th December: 11am-12pm at Old Diorama Arts Centre NW1 3FE

These classes give children the opportunity to explore yoga through breathing exercises, poses, partner work, games and meditation. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a bottle of water. Yoga mats will be provided.

To book a place, please email cherylreynald@yahoo.co.uk or message 07838214534.

St Pancras Community Association Christmas Fayre 

Saturday 10th Dec at 67 Plender Street: 11am – 4pm

SPCA is excited to announce their first ever Christmas Fayre. Bring your family and enjoy a whole host of festivities, including stalls, music, food, drinks and Santa’s Grotto.

Learn more here

Castlehaven Community Association: WinterFest Returns  

Friday 9th Dec: 3:30 – 7pm

Castlehaven Community Association’s festive extravaganza, WinterFest, is returning! Come along for a jam-packed afternoon of festive fun, stalls, performances and a mince pie or two.

If you’re a local business, organisation or community group that would like to run a stall, perform or volunteer at WinterFest, please contact info@castlehaven.co.uk

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

Mind in Camden Vacancy: Mental Health Welfare Rights Development Worker 

Closing date: Monday 19th Dec at 1pm

Mind in Camden are seeking a Mental Health Welfare Rights Development Worker to join a new Core Team within Camden. You’ll be responsible for maintaining up-to-date welfare rights information, supporting colleagues with challenging welfare cases and ensuring that the team is equipped to support people with welfare rights issues and linked up with other welfare rights providers.

Learn more and apply here

The Royal Free Charity is looking for musicians
The Royal Free Charity is looking for musicians to play at a Christmas party for hospital volunteers. Whether it’s with festive tunes or classical accompaniment, they would love to say thank you to the volunteers who work so hard to support the hospital patients and staff.

The party is on Tuesday 13th December, 2-4pm, at the Pears Building (NW3).
If you are available, please contact Rebecca.McMahon@royalfreecharity.org

VoiceAbility: Peer Mentors Needed 

VoiceAbility is urgently seeking volunteers to support people who are struggling with their mental health in Camden. Are you a good listener, non-judgemental, empathetic & understanding? Do you have lived experience of mental health challenges? If so, you could volunteer as a Peer Mentor.

Learn more here or contact volunteering@voiceability.org

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.

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

Maths on Toast: 24 Days of Christmaths 

If you’re looking for free family activities to do at home during December, the family maths charity Maths on Toast has the answer. They are revealing a different creative maths activity each day on their social media channels @mathsontoast, beginning on 1st December.

To download a free, festive maths pack, click here

Healthy Start Pre-Paid Card and Free Vitamins

Do you receive income support? Are you pregnant or do you have any children under the age of four? You may be eligible for a Healthy Start prepaid card. The Healthy Start payments can be used to buy milk, fruit, vegetables, and infant formula.

Learn more and apply here

London Ambulance Service NHS Trust Survey 

Healthwatch Camden are conducting research on behalf of London Ambulance Service NHS Trust (LAS) for the development of their new strategy. This strategy will describe the LAS vision and goals for the next five years, including how they will improve urgent and emergency care.

To complete the survey, click here

Henna Asian Womens Group
Henna Asian Womens Group provides a range of ways to connect with other people. Their services include exercise, music & singing, ESOL, Art & Craft, Henna Support Group, Chai with Henna and the Wellbeing Hub. It is also a place to get information and support.

For more information, click here or call 0207 372 9860.

Could you foster a Camden child?
Have you got space in your heart and home to foster a Camden child? Camden needs 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.
Visit camden.gov.uk/fostering, email fostering@camden.gov.uk, call 020 7974 1283 or 0800 028 1436 (freephone) to find out more.

Past Voluntary Action Forums: Resources

You can 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 a reminder about the upcoming VAF on the cost of living challenges and information on a range of other local events and opportunities from around the Camden area.

Alongside our upcoming Voluntary Action Forum on Tuesday 29th November, which will discuss the cost of living crisis and the challenges we are all facing, we would like to remind you all that the Camden Care Navigation and Social Prescribing Service can help residents to access the local services that they may need, including help with issues related to the cost of living.

The VAC team works in partnership with Age UK Camden, Wish Plus and the North Central London Integrated Care Board and is available for both self referral or the referral of another who may be in need of some assistance.

To learn more or contact the service, please click here

Before we have begun to recover from the impact of the pandemic, the voluntary and community sector is faced with another crisis that will have even more profound and damaging effects.
The cost-of-living crisis threatens the continued resilience of the VCS sector, and VAC is calling for cross-sector unity and resistance to the much-anticipated reduction in public spending.

In October, VAC launched a member survey to better understand how the crisis is impacting the VCS, how community organisations are responding, and what further support the sector needs to tackle this new challenge.

Following a review of the survey results, VAC is holding a forum discussion with guest speakers from the sector to share the results of the survey, explore the challenges the VCS is facing and begin to identify practical and reliable solutions.

Learn more and register your free place here – please be aware that if you are unable to book a spot, please check back later on, we are in the process of adding additional places.

The Children’s Society Report: Young People with SEND Experiences of School Exclusions
The Children’s Society has published A Report on Young People with SEND Experiences of School Exclusions. The report is informed by young people with SEND who have experienced exclusions and concludes with recommendations for schools, local authorities and government.
You can read the report here

To supplement the learning within the report, The Children’s Society are holding a series of webinars. The practitioner focused webinar will be on 30th November 2022.
To register for this event, please click here

Free Childrens Yoga classes for Camden residents aged 5-11
Saturday 26th November, 3rd ,10th and 17th December: 11am-12pm at Old Diorama Arts Centre NW1 3FE

These classes give children the opportunity to explore yoga through breathing exercises, poses, partner work, games and meditation. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a bottle of water. Yoga mats will be provided.

To book a place, please email cherylreynald@yahoo.co.uk or message 07838214534.

Could you foster a Camden child?
Have you got space in your heart and home to foster a Camden child? Camden needs 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.

Visit camden.gov.uk/fostering, email fostering@camden.gov.uk, call 020 7974 1283 or 0800 028 1436 (freephone) to find out more.

The Royal Free Charity is looking for musicians
The Royal Free Charity is looking for musicians to play at a Christmas party for hospital volunteers!
Whether it’s with festive tunes or classical accompaniment, we would love to say thank you to our volunteers who work so hard to support the hospital patients and staff.
The party is on Tuesday 13th December, 2-4pm, at the Pears Building (NW3).
If you are available, please contact Rebecca.McMahon@royalfreecharity.org

Calling all local performers, choirs and community groups
Castlehaven Community Association is looking for performers to showcase their talents at their annual winter festival, WinterFest, on the 9th of December.
The performance can be anything from dance, music, magic or theatre – as long as it’s family-friendly.

If you’re interested in participating, please email scott@castlehaven.org.uk

UCL’s students putting their research skills to good use
UCL’s Community Research Initiative recently held the first in-person Community Research Clinic for voluntary & community sector organisations to access research support from their friendly neighbourhood university!
Over 40 PhD students, already with great research skills, underwent training in consultancy skills on 10th November 2022. Now new trainee consultants, they were ready to work with the clinic’s first ‘clients’ during a fantastic afternoon where ideas were turned into project briefs.

Read all about it here

A meeting for d/Deaf and hard of hearing people in the Community
Monday 5th December: 5:30pm – 7:30pm at The Greenwood Centre 37 Greenwood Place, NW5 1LB

University College London Hospital (UCLH) Transformation and Patient Experience teams have arranged a meeting for d/Deaf and hard of hearing people who use the hospital.
It’s an opportunity to share insights about the experience of using UCLH services and discussing any improvements that can be made.

Numbers are limited and priority will be for d/Deaf and hard of hearing community members. Hearing members of the community will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis

Please email uclh.ppi@nhs.net and let us know what communication support you may need to attend.

Henna Asian Womens Group
Henna Asian Womens Group provides a range of ways to connect with other people. Our services include exercise, music & singing, ESOL, Art & Craft, Henna Support Group, Chai with Henna and the Wellbeing Hub.
It is also a place for you to also get information and support.

The Henna Asian Womens Group AGM will be on the 5th of December 2022 from 1pm – 3pm. Please call us on 0207 372 9860 to confirm your attendance before 28th November.

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

Camden Infrastructure Alliance: Cost-of-Living Crisis Joint Statement 

The Camden Infrastructure Alliance – Voluntary Action Camden, C4 and Volunteer Centre Camden – have published a joint statement urgently calling for targeted financial government support for the Voluntary and Community Sector in the face of the cost-of-living crisis.

We are deeply concerned about the additional pressures of a cold winter on Camden’s already overstretched community services.

To read the full statement, please click here

Cost-of-Living Support in Camden 

Everyone is likely to need a bit of help this winter, so if you’re struggling, please reach out for help. Camden Council offers support with debt, mental health, food, rising energy bills, finding a job and more.

Learn more here or call Camden Council on 020 7974 4444 (Option 9).

London’s Borough Poverty Profile 2022 

Trust for London has published an analysis of borough-level poverty in London, with new figures covering five years of data up to 2019/20. The report reveals that the impact of housing costs to poverty rates is acutely apparent within London at borough level.

Camden is among the top 10 boroughs where housing costs are having the biggest impact on poverty rates.

Read more here

Community Infrastructure Levy Funds

Closing date: Monday 19th Dec 2022

When new building projects take place in Camden, the developers are usually charged a fee known as the Community Infrastructure Levy. Camden Council is asking for your views and ideas to make sure local CIL funds are spent on the things most important to you.

Have your say here

Camden Estate Parking Changes 

Camden Council wants to hear your views on proposed changes to how parking is managed on Camden Council’s housing estates. The current system means it’s difficult to control parking on estates, and permit holders find it increasingly difficult to find a parking space.

Have your say on proposed changes here

Camden Local Plan Review 

Work has started on reviewing the Camden Local Plan 2017, which provides the framework for managing development in the borough. This is your opportunity to shape the future of Camden.

The engagement on the Local Plan Review is open from the 4th November 2022 to the 13th January 2023. This will inform the preparation of a draft Local Plan to be published in 2023.

Click here to have your say.

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

BBC Children in Need: Emergency Essentials 

The BBC Children in Need Emergency Essentials Programme grants items to vulnerable children and young people facing a crisis, such as a bed to sleep in, or a cooker to provide a hot meal. In response to the cost-of-living crisis, the programme has introduced new items to form an individual package of support, tailored to each household’s needs. The new items include small kitchen appliances and items to help keep the individual warm.

Learn more here

CDA Social and Community Fund
Closing date: 1st December 2022
Central District Alliance have launched the second round of the Social and Community Fund via ActionFunder. The fund will support charities and organisations in Camden with grants of up to £3,000.
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

Lloyd’s of London Foundation Grant

Closing date: 11th December 2022
Applications are now open for the Lloyd’s of London Foundation’s 2023 charity partnerships – this is an opportunity for charities to apply for a grant to support projects in the areas of employability, social mobility, mental health, climate and disaster avoidance and relief.
Learn more here

The Hampstead Wells and Campden Trust 

The principal objectives of The Hampstead Wells and Campden Trust are the alleviation of poverty and the advancement of health in the Trust’s area of benefit. They make grants to organisations, individuals and families.

Learn more here

North London Community Fund 

Closing date: 11pm on 16th December 2022

NLWA has established the North London Community Fund to support waste prevention initiatives in the north London area. This fund provides community-based (non-profit making) organisations with funding to develop new approaches to reduce waste and/or extend the reach and impact of existing waste prevention activity in north London.

Learn more here

Camden Childcare Grant 

If you’re a lone parent in Camden and you’re interested in looking for a new job, to re-enter employment, or want to expand your skillset by attending training or education sessions, you may be eligible for a grant worth up to £1,500 to cover childcare costs while attending job interviews, training or education sessions.

Learn more here

Propel Funding
Propel is a new fund launched by London Funders to enable organisations to explore, develop and lead collaborative approaches to tackle some of London’s biggest challenges. It has three priorities: A New Deal for Young People; Building Strong Communities and Robust Safety Net.
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

Gambling and Related Harms Webinar 

Tuesday 29th Nov: 10 – 11.30am

The subject of gambling and its associated harms is acknowledged by experts as a serious health issue, with far reaching consequences. It negatively affects finances, mental health and relationships, not just for the gambler but for the those around them. If you would like to know more about gambling addiction and related harms, please join this free, CPD-accredited webinar.

Sign up here

Inclusive Education: Unheard Voices Panel 
Tuesday 6th Dec at the Greenwood Centre: 5:30 – 8pm

Inclusive Education: Unheard Voices is an event for SEN/education professionals and social care workers, organised by young people with learning disabilities and concerning their experience in education. The panel will feature young people, SEN specialists and an audience discussion.
Register your free place here

St Pancras Community Association Christmas Fayre 

Saturday 10th Dec at 67 Plender Street: 11am – 4pm

SPCA is excited to announce their first ever Christmas Fayre. Bring your family and enjoy a whole host of festivities, including stalls, music, food, drinks and Santa’s Grotto.

Learn more here

Castlehaven Community Association: WinterFest Returns  

Friday 9th Dec: 3:30 – 7pm

Castlehaven Community Association’s festive extravaganza, WinterFest, is returning! Come along for a jam-packed afternoon of festive fun, stalls, performances and a mince pie or two.

If you’re a local business, organisation or community group that would like to run a stall, perform or volunteer at WinterFest, please contact info@castlehaven.co.uk

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.

Castlehaven Community Association Vacancies 

Closing date: 5th December

Environmental Project Assistant (FT – £24k)

Health Haven Community Health Worker (FT – £27k)

Health Haven Project Manager (FT –  £33k)
Learn more and apply here

VoiceAbility: Peer Mentors Needed 

VoiceAbility is urgently seeking volunteers to support people who are struggling with their mental health in Camden. Are you a good listener, non-judgemental, empathetic & understanding? Do you have lived experience of mental health challenges? If so, you could volunteer as a Peer Mentor.

Learn more here or contact volunteering@voiceability.org

Compost Newham Vacancies 

Compost Newham is recruiting two roles to lead its Compost Newham project, a bespoke programme of working to support Newham’s Voluntary, Community and Faith Sector to grow and thrive. The work aims to offer a programme of development support including: capacity building, network development, events and training and building cross-sector relationships.

For more information, click here or contact mailto:anne@compostlondon.org.uk

Healthwatch Camden Vacancy: Research & Administrative Officer (PT) 

Healthwatch Camden is hiring a part-time Research & Administrative Officer to work on providing an information service for Healthwatch Camden, helping to ensure that it is readily accessible, and effectively directing people to the support or advice they need.

To apply, email your CV to info@healthwatchcamden.co.uk

SPCA Vacancy: Community Cafe Manager (PT) 

SPCA are seeking someone to manage and run their Community Café and team of volunteers. The manager will also promote the café in the community by arranging activities in the café setting.

To learn more and apply, click here

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 there is a £15 shopping voucher 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.

London Community Foundation: Community Heroes

The London Community Foundation is calling for community groups to celebrate their staff and volunteers. To get involved, share a photograph of your nominated staff member with a few words about the person and why they are a hero. Use the hashtag #HeroesOfLondon and tag @London_cf on Twitter.

Learn more here

Health and Wellbeing Benefits of Outdoor Interventions 

Natural England is leading a cross-government research project to understand how practitioners, policy makers and providers evaluate the health and wellbeing benefits of outdoor interventions. This work aims to better understand current approaches to evaluations, and how data on the health and wellbeing benefits can be collected more effectively and consistently to support decision-making.

Share your thoughts in a survey here

WAVE in a Box Resource 

WAVE in a Box is a resource created by WAVE for Change that offers support to those who want to create activities for people with and without learning disabilities to socialise together. This includes online resources packed with learning, downloadable assets and practical guidance. You will receive membership to WAVEmaker Forum, where you can meet like-minded people who want to see more vibrant, mixed-ability activities in their communities.

Learn more here

‘Warm Welcome’ Spaces in Camden 

To help everyone stay warm this winter, ‘warm welcome’ spaces are available across Camden. You’ll find them in libraries, children’s centres and other community buildings across the borough. Everyone is invited to come in, relax and meet up with others in a safe and warm place.

Find a warm space here

Single Parent of Biracial Children Support Group 
IamIrish welcomes single parents of biracial children of Irish descent to join an online support group. Groups take place once a week and are free and child-friendly.
To sign up, contact Murray at community@iamirish.org

Community Kitchen & Warm Space  

SPCA are proud to announce the opening of their new Community Kitchen & Warm Space at St Pancras Community Association, 67 Plender Street. Come alone or with your family to get a free meal and join in with activities.

To learn more, click here

SPCA Boutique: Winter Warmers 

Free winter clothes are available at a new boutique on the ground floor of St Pancras Community Association, 67 Plender Street.

Donations of clean winter clothes and blankets are welcomed.

To learn more, click here

Winter Wellness Project 

The Elizabeth House Winter Wellness Project supports older council tenants to keep warm and well during the winter. From October 2022, if you are over 65, Elizabeth House can help you access grants and support to keep your home warm, access flu jabs, learn about local activities and more.

For more information, click here

Past Voluntary Action Forums: Resources

You can 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 local events and opportunities from around the Camden area.

Charity Trustees Networking and Appreciation Event  

Monday 7th Nov at LABS House Bloomsbury: 6:30 – 8pm

Celebrate the achievements and contributions of Camden trustees and join us to kick off Trustees’ Week 2022 in style. This event is brought to you by Voluntary Action Camden, Volunteer Centre Camden and Camden Council.

The Mayor of Camden, Councillor Nasim Ali, Councillor Nadia Shah, and Sophia Moreau from Getting on Board, will be attending to show their appreciation for the contribution that you make to Camden.

The evening will include an opportunity for you to meet and network with other Camden trustees. We look forward to seeing you there!

Booking is essential.
To register your place, click here

Camden Local Plan Review 

Work has started on reviewing the Camden Local Plan 2017, which provides the framework for managing development in the borough. This is your opportunity to shape the future of Camden.

The engagement on the Local Plan Review is open from the 4th November 2022 to the 13th January 2023. This will inform the preparation of a draft Local Plan to be published in 2023.

Click here to have your say.

Flash Consulting: Strategy & Planning 

Thursday 17th Nov at Scratch Hub, Battersea Arts Centre: 6 – 8pm

Join Link Up London for a free Flash Consulting session and tap into the expertise of London’s top strategy talent! You will be matched with a consultant to get support in creating a new strategy for your organisation, refining your existing strategy for 2023, or developing your current strategy into an Operational Plan.

Register your place here

Open Training Session on Gambling and Related Harms 

Monday 7th Nov: 2 – 3.30pm

The subject of gambling is acknowledged by experts as a serious health issue, with far reaching consequences. It negatively affects finances, mental health and relationships, for both the gambler and those around them. If you would like to know more about gambling addiction and related harms, please join this free, CPD-accredited webinar.

Register your place here

Green and Energy Efficient Buildings Seminar 

Wednesday 16th Nov: 12 – 2pm

Do you want to make your premises greener and more energy efficient? The Ethical Property Foundation is hosting a free seminar for organisations leasing buildings from Camden Council. This will look at understanding energy performance certificate (EPCs), eco initiatives and pay back periods, green habits, environmental jargon and lots more.

Register your place here

Managing Access and Inclusion Training Session 

The Access and Sustainability Advisory Service at the Centre for Accessible Environments are running a free online training session for London-based, not-for-profit organisations. The two-hour session is on ‘Managing Access and Inclusion’ and provides an introduction on managing access for disabled people.

For more information, click here

To book your place, contact asas@cae.org.uk

KOVE Annual Free Concert 

Monday 21st Nov at the Kiln Cinema: 1.30pm

KOVE is hosting a free community classical show, with a variety of entertainment provided by local people. Booking is not required.

North London Cares Vacancy: Programme Coordinator 

Closing date: 14th November

North London Cares is looking for a creative, confident and versatile Programme Coordinator to join their team and lead their Social Clubs programme, working across Camden and Islington.

To learn more and apply, click here

Compost Newham Vacancies 

Compost Newham is recruiting two roles to lead its Compost Newham project, a bespoke programme of working to support Newham’s Voluntary, Community and Faith Sector to grow and thrive. The work aims to offer a programme of development support including: capacity building, network development, events and training and building cross-sector relationships.

For more information, click here or contact mailto:anne@compostlondon.org.uk

Healthwatch Camden Vacancy: Research & Administrative Officer (PT) 

Healthwatch Camden is hiring a part-time Research & Administrative Officer to work on providing an information service for Healthwatch Camden, helping to ensure that it is readily accessible, and effectively directing people to the support or advice they need.

To apply, email your CV to info@healthwatchcamden.co.uk

Newsletter Submissions

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

VAC Cost-of-Living Crisis Resource

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

Cost of Living Crisis Survey to Camden Voluntary Sector Groups

The Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) provides essential support for those in need, but it also finds itself under enormous pressure as a result of the current cost-of-living crisis.

We are deeply concerned for the continued resilience of our sector and are calling for cross-sector unity and resistance to the much-anticipated reduction in public spending.

We have put together a short survey to help understand how your organisation is responding to the cost of living crisis, the ongoing and evolving impact and what further support you need to tackle this new challenge.

The results of this survey will inform plans to provide additional support to the sector. The survey shouldn’t take longer than 10 minutes and is available here

Camden Infrastructure Alliance: Cost-of-Living Crisis Joint Statement 

The Camden Infrastructure Alliance – Voluntary Action Camden, C4 and Volunteer Centre Camden – have published a joint statement urgently calling for targeted financial government support for the Voluntary and Community Sector in the face of the cost-of-living crisis.

We are deeply concerned about the additional pressures of a cold winter on Camden’s already overstretched community services.

To read the full statement, please click here

Charity Commission Guidelines: Political Activity

The Charity Commission has released a new ‘five-minute statement’ to advise charities of the rules around supporting, or opposing, a change in government policy or the law.

Read it 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)

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

The Hampstead Wells and Campden Trust 

The principal objectives of The Hampstead Wells and Campden Trust are the alleviation of poverty and the advancement of health in the Trust’s area of benefit. They make grants to organisations, individuals and families.

Learn more here

North London Community Fund 

Closing date: 11pm on 16th December 2022

NLWA has established the North London Community Fund to support waste prevention initiatives in the north London area. This fund provides community-based (non-profit making) organisations with funding to develop new approaches to reduce waste and/or extend the reach and impact of existing waste prevention activity in north London.

Learn more here

NatWest Social & Community Capital  

NatWest Social & Community Capital offers support to social ventures looking to scale, through loans with flexible terms and business support. They offer alternative funding to business charities and social enterprises who don’t qualify for mainstream loans. Their community business loans offer funding from £30,000 to £750,000, with flexible terms and repayment holidays, including access to sector experts.

To learn more, click here or contact bertie.herrtage@natwest.com

Camden Childcare Grant 

If you’re a lone parent in Camden and you’re interested in looking for a new job, to re-enter employment, or want to expand your skillset by attending training or education sessions, you may be eligible for a grant worth up to £1,500 to cover childcare costs while attending job interviews, training or education sessions.

Learn more here

Propel Funding
Propel is a new fund launched by London Funders to enable organisations to explore, develop and lead collaborative approaches to tackle some of London’s biggest challenges. It has three priorities: A New Deal for Young People; Building Strong Communities and Robust Safety Net.
Learn more here

ASDA Foundation Grants  

The Asda Foundation supports small, grassroots organisations in several ways throughout the year. Current funding available includes a Cost-of-Living Grant and an Empowering Local Communities Grant.

Learn more here

GLA Funding: Warmer Homes Programme
With energy bills continuing to rise, the Mayor is urging Londoners, local authorities, and community organisations to raise awareness of the Warmer Homes programme with anyone who may be eligible.
The scheme offers free energy efficiency grants of up to £25,000 to households with a residual income of up to £20,000 per year after rent/mortgage and council tax.
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

Introduction to Safeguarding for Trustees 

Wednesday 9th Nov: 10am – 11.30am via Zoom

The theme for Trustees Week this year is ‘Making a Difference in Changing Times’. Join us to find out more about a trustee’s responsibilities and ensure your organisation is doing all it can to protect its volunteers, staff and beneficiaries. This virtual introduction session is free for all new trustees delivering services to children, young people and vulnerable adults in Camden.

To register your place, click here

Camden and Islington Trustees Recruitment Fair 

Thursday 17th Nov: 7 – 8:30pm

Recruiting trustees or looking to become a trustee? Meet potential trustees or find out about trustee roles available locally at Volunteer Centre Camden’s online recruitment fair.

To sign up as a volunteer, click here

If you’re looking to recruit a trustee, contact Shafia at shafia@volunteercentrecamden.org.uk

Volunteers & The Law Workshop

Thursday 17th Nov: 10am – 12pm

Volunteer Centre Camden is hosting an online workshop for volunteer managers based everywhere. The session will cover volunteer roles and the law, the Equality Act, duty of care and more.

To register your place, click here

Camden Interfaith Week Workshop

Camden Council are working with The Faith & Belief Forum to develop a one-year, action-oriented working plan for 2023-24 for Camden Faith Leaders Forum.

This interactive group workshop will explore key questions to understand what is needed in Camden, and how different stakeholders can work together to have an impact. Anyone who lives, works, or worships in Camden is welcome.

To learn more, click here

Free Legal Clinic: SPCA 

Wednesday 16th Nov: 5 – 7.30pm

In partnership with the University of Westminster Legal Advice Clinic, St Pancras Community Association will be hosting a free Housing Law Information and Advice Session. This will be an opportunity to learn more about your rights as a tenant, or gain advice on a housing issue you cannot resolve.

For more information, click here

We Were Here Talk 

Friday 11th Nov at West Hampstead Community Centre: 7:30pm

To celebrate Black History Month, Community Association West Hampstead is hosting a talk by Emily Momoh (Camden Black British History Lead). ‘We Were Here’ is a collection of eight biographies of significant individuals of African and Caribbean heritage who lived, worked or studied in Camden.

To register your place, click here

Free Research Clinic from UCL 

Thursday 10th Nov: 2pm – 4:30pm

UCL’s Community Research Initiative is hosting their second annual research clinic. Participants will be assigned trainee research consultants, who will help to develop your ideas to create research project briefs. Project briefs can be uploaded onto the Community Noticeboard resource, which is used by hundreds of master’s students looking for a real-world, useful project for their dissertation.

To register your place, click here

Greening Community Buildings Seminar 

Wednesday 16th Nov: 12-2pm via Zoom

Camden Council and the Ethical Property Foundation are hosting a seminar for charities who own or lease a community building. Participants will gain advice and ideas on how to make their building greener and more energy efficient.

For more information, contact Sam Rowe on sam.rowe2@camden.gov.uk

To register your place, click here

Free Intensive Digital Media Training 

Calling all young creatives aged 18-25 with a passion for creating compelling content and a desire to work in the media. Apply now for 6 weeks of free intensive digital media training with BAFTA-winning company, Licklemor Productions. The award-winning training is based at the SKY TV Campus in Osterley and can grant you instant industry access, while teaching you how to excel in production.

For more information, click here

Arts 4 Dementia Programme 

Every Friday from 28th Oct to 9th Dec at Cockpit Yard: 11:30am – 1pm

A new Arts 4 Dementia programme is aimed at people with early-stage dementia, mild cognitive impairment and their companions. Participants will have the opportunity to work with some of the UK’s best makers and learn the art of craft.

To register for the autumn programme, contact emily@arts4dementia.org.uk or call 0203 633 5401.

Camden’s Evening and Night-time Community Conversations
Tuesday 15th Nov at Kiln Theatre: 2pm-5pm
Camden Council wants to hear about your evening and night-time experiences in Camden. Drop into one of the following workshops to participate:

For more information, contact nighttime@camden.gov.uk

Volunteering with VAC! Join our Community Links Team
Are you able to commit to at least 2 hours per week and interested in supporting people in your community to access health and wellbeing services?

Community Links Volunteers are a part of the Care Navigation and Social Prescribing Service in Camden. They support social prescribing in a variety of ways including signposting residents to community-based activities, helping with referrals, motivating users to connect with new interests and activities, accompanying residents to appointments and introducing them to a range of different opportunities in Camden.

For more info and to apply, please click here
Or contact Mandira Manandhar on mmanandhar@vac.org.uk or 020 7284 6573

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 Vacancy: Community Cafe Manager (PT) 

SPCA are seeking someone to manage and run their Community Café and team of volunteers. The manager will also promote the café in the community by arranging activities in the café setting.

To learn more and apply, click here

Royal Free Charity: Volunteer Piano Tuner

The Royal Free Charity is in need of a piano tuner to help fix the hospital piano at Barnet Hospital. They have a number of volunteer musicians who would love to make use of the piano to brighten up the days of patients and staff in the hospital.
If you can help, please contact rebecca.mcmahon@royalfreecharity.org

The Kids Network: Volunteer Opportunity 

The Kids Network are looking for volunteers to mentor children across North London. The programme matches children aged 8 to 11 with positive role models and local volunteer heroes from the community. Could you spend 1-2 hours a week supporting a child, having fun and exploring London? You will receive training, 1-1 support, networking events, a monthly budget and travel expenses.

Click here to apply.

Castlehaven Food Bank: Volunteer Drivers

The Castlehaven Food Bank is a lifeline for many in the local community struggling to make ends meet. To meet demand, Castlehaven is looking for volunteers with a full driving licence and a car to help deliver food parcels every Thursday.

To find out more, contact carmen@castlehaven.org.uk

Hillside Clubhouse Vacancy: IPS Employment Specialists
Closing date: 7th November 2022

Hillside Clubhouse is hiring 3 new IPS Employment Specialists to join their busy and exciting teams working across Camden & Islington. Have you ever considered working within the Mental Health Sector and supporting people back into paid employment? This is an opportunity to offer ongoing support to people developing the tools and skills required to transform their lives.

For more information and to apply, click here

WAC Arts Vacancy: Senior Support Workers 

Closing date: 14th November

WAC Arts are looking to expand their current team of Senior Support Workers, who work with young people during their performing arts sessions. They are looking for people who are pro-active and flexible, with an eagerness to get to know the young people they work with and support their learning and wellbeing in sessions.
For more information and to apply, click here or contact recruitment@wacarts.co.uk

Survivors Can Shine – Trustees Needed 

Survivors Can Shine works to bring communities together and change perceptions around abuse; empowering children and young people to speak out, be heard, and be safe.

They are seeking individuals who are passionate about the cause to devote the necessary time, skills and commitment to their growing organisation.

For more information, contact rosa@survivorscanshine.org.uk or call 07956661690

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 there is a £15 shopping voucher 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.

Community Kitchen & Warm Space  

SPCA are proud to announce the opening of their new Community Kitchen & Warm Space at St Pancras Community Association, 67 Plender Street. Come alone or with your family to get a free meal and join in with activities.

To learn more, click here

SPCA Boutique: Winter Warmers 

Free winter clothes are available at a new boutique on the ground floor of St Pancras Community Association, 67 Plender Street.

Donations of clean winter clothes and blankets are welcomed.

To learn more, click here

Startup School for Seniors: Green Economy Business 

Are you seeking to start a business with people, purpose or planet in mind? Startup School for Seniors is launching a new online course for entrepreneurs with a social conscience. Starting on 21st November, the full-time, two-week programme will equip you with the skills to turn your idea into a business or increase the trading income of an existing business. This programme is fully-funded for Londoners of any age.

To learn more, click here

Winter Wellness Project 

The Elizabeth House Winter Wellness Project supports older council tenants to keep warm and well during the winter. From October 2022, if you are over 65, Elizabeth House can help you access grants and support to keep your home warm, access flu jabs, learn about local activities and more.

For more information, click here

Central YMCA Club Kids Programme 

The Central YMCA Club is running a programme to support children aged 4-13 to develop a broad range of physical, mental and social skills, whilst having fun. Opportunities on offer include after-school sports clubs, swim school and holiday playschemes. Childcare vouchers are also accepted for all these programmes.

For more information, click here

Club Matters Programme 

Club Matters is a Sport England, Lottery-funded programme that provides free resources, support, and guidance to grassroots sports clubs, groups and community organisations, as well as the workforce that supports them.

Click here to see their upcoming workshops programme

Henna Asian Women’s Group 

Become a member of Henna Asian Women’s Group and get access to weekly sessions. Henna can provide you with a way to connect with other people, whether it’s through exercise, music & singing, ESOL, arts & crafts or the Wellbeing Hub.

For more information, click here or call 0207 372 9860.

Past Voluntary Action Forums: Resources

You can 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 local events and opportunities from around the Camden area.

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

Charity Trustees Networking and Appreciation Event  

Monday 7th Nov at LABS House Bloomsbury: 6:30 – 8pm

Celebrate the achievements and contributions of Camden trustees and join us to kick off Trustees’ Week 2022 in style. This event is brought to you by Voluntary Action Camden, Volunteer Centre Camden and Camden Council. Booking is essential.

To register your place, click here

Hopscotch Women’s Centre: An Evening with Monica Ali 

Tuesday 1st Nov at Lauderdale House: 8-9pm

Hopscotch Women’s Centre and the Mayor of Camden are hosting a fundraising event in conversation with acclaimed novelist Monica Ali. Monica will be discussing her life journey from Dhaka to London, and her new novel, Love Marriage. All profits are in support of Hopscotch, the Mayor’s chosen charity for his mayoral year.

To register your place, click here

Community Kitchen & Warm Space  

SPCA are proud to announce the opening of their new Community Kitchen & Warm Space at St Pancras Community Association, 67 Plender Street. Come alone or with your family to get a free meal and join in with activities.

To learn more, click here

SPCA Boutique: Winter Warmers 

Free winter clothes are available at a new boutique on the ground floor of St Pancras Community Association, 67 Plender Street.

Donations of clean winter clothes and blankets are welcomed.

To learn more, click here

Camden and Islington Trustees Recruitment Fair 

Thursday 17th Nov: 7 – 8:30pm

Recruiting trustees or looking to become a trustee? Meet potential trustees or find out about trustee roles available locally at Volunteer Centre Camden’s online recruitment fair.

To sign up as a volunteer, click here

If you’re looking to recruit a trustee, contact Shafia at shafia@volunteercentrecamden.org.uk

Volunteers & The Law Workshop

Thursday 17th Nov: 10am – 12pm

Volunteer Centre Camden is hosting an online workshop for volunteer managers based everywhere. The session will cover volunteer roles and the law, the Equality Act, duty of care and more.

To register your place, click here

Free Legal Clinic: SPCA 

Wednesday 16th Nov: 5 – 7.30pm

In partnership with the University of Westminster Legal Advice Clinic, St Pancras Community Association will be hosting a free Housing Law Information and Advice Session. This will be an opportunity to learn more about your rights as a tenant, or gain advice on a housing issue you cannot resolve.

For more information, click here

Charity Commission Guidelines: Political Activity

The Charity Commission has released a new ‘five-minute statement’ to advise charities of the rules around supporting, or opposing, a change in government policy or the law.

Read it here

Camden Interfaith Week Workshop

Camden Council are working with The Faith & Belief Forum to develop a one-year, action-oriented working plan for 2023-24 for Camden Faith Leaders Forum.

This interactive group workshop will explore key questions to understand what is needed in Camden, and how different stakeholders can work together to have an impact. Anyone who lives, works, or worships in Camden is welcome.

To learn more, click here

Beekeeping Talk 

Friday 28th Oct at West Hampstead Community Centre: 7:30pm

There are still spaces available for David Scott’s talk on beekeeping in West Hampstead. David will be talking about his beekeeping experiences, what the bees forage on and hopefully have some honey for sale.

To register your place, click here

We Were Here Talk 

Friday 11th Nov at West Hampstead Community Centre: 7:30pm

To celebrate Black History Month, Community Association West Hampstead is hosting a talk by Emily Momoh (Camden Black British History Lead). ‘We Were Here’ is a collection of eight biographies of significant individuals of African and Caribbean heritage who lived, worked or studied in Camden.

To register your place, click here

Royal Free Charity: Volunteer Piano Tuner

The Royal Free Charity is in need of a piano tuner to help fix the hospital piano at Barnet Hospital. They have a number of volunteer musicians who would love to make use of the piano to brighten up the days of patients and staff in the hospital.
If you can help, please contact rebecca.mcmahon@royalfreecharity.org

Startup School for Seniors: Green Economy Business 

Are you seeking to start a business with people, purpose or planet in mind? Startup School for Seniors is launching a new online course for entrepreneurs with a social conscience. Starting on 21st November, the full-time, two-week programme will equip you with the skills to turn your idea into a business or increase the trading income of an existing business. This programme is fully-funded for Londoners of any age.

To learn more, click here

Sadler’s Wells Tickets Offer: Birmingham Royal Ballet 

Sadler’s Wells is offering £9 tickets for performances of Carlos Acosta’s Birmingham Royal Ballet – Into The Music. The offer is available for all performances from 2nd – 5th November.

To book your £9 tickets, click here and enter the promo code: BID9 at checkout.

SPCA Vacancy: Community Cafe Manager (PT) 

SPCA are seeking someone to manage and run their Community Café and team of volunteers. The manager will also promote the café in the community by arranging activities in the café setting.

To learn more and apply, 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

Cost of Living Crisis Survey to Camden Voluntary Sector Groups

The Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) provides essential support for those in need, but it also finds itself under enormous pressure as a result of the current cost-of-living crisis.

We are deeply concerned for the continued resilience of our sector and are calling for cross-sector unity and resistance to the much-anticipated reduction in public spending.

We have put together a short survey to help understand how your organisation is responding to the cost of living crisis, the ongoing and evolving impact and what further support you need to tackle this new challenge.

The results of this survey will inform plans to provide additional support to the sector. The survey shouldn’t take longer than 10 minutes and is available here

Camden Infrastructure Alliance: Cost-of-Living Crisis Joint Statement 

The Camden Infrastructure Alliance – Voluntary Action Camden, C4 and Volunteer Centre Camden – have published a joint statement urgently calling for targeted financial government support for the Voluntary and Community Sector in the face of the cost-of-living crisis.

We are deeply concerned about the additional pressures of a cold winter on Camden’s already overstretched community services.

To read the full statement, please click here

UCL Community Research Initiative Showcase 

On Thursday 29th September, UCL’s Community Research Initiative hosted a Dissertation Showcase. UCL students and local Community Partners presented their findings after spending the summer working together on a research project. The showcase included a talk by VAC CEO Keith Morgan, who expressed his enthusiasm for the cross-sector collaboration fostered by the Community Research Initiative.

Read more here

Institute of Health Equity Report: Fuel poverty, cold homes and health inequalities 

This report reviews the evidence on both the direct and indirect impacts of fuel poverty and cold homes on health; the effects of inequalities and the relationship between health inequalities and climate change. It makes the case for prioritising reducing fuel poverty through policy suggestions at both the national and local level.
Read the report here

Government Scheme to Cut Energy Bills

A new government scheme will see energy prices for non-domestic energy customers such as businesses, charities and public sector organisations cut – protecting them from rising energy costs. The scheme will cover energy use for 6 months from 1 October 2022 to 31 March 2023, and is in addition to the Energy Price Guarantee for households.
Read more 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)

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

Veolia’s Sustainability Fund 

Closing date: 4th November 2022

Do you have a project idea that will help transform your local community or environment?

Veolia’s new Sustainability Fund could help your project come to life with a cash donation, resources or volunteers.

Learn more here

Propel Funding
Propel is a new fund launched by London Funders to enable organisations to explore, develop and lead collaborative approaches to tackle some of London’s biggest challenges. It has three priorities: A New Deal for Young People; Building Strong Communities and Robust Safety Net.
Learn more here

Camden Youth Work Grant Funding 

Camden Council is accepting applications for youth work grant funding for 2023-25.

Learn more here

ASDA Foundation Grants  

The Asda Foundation supports small, grassroots organisations in several ways throughout the year. Current funding available includes a Cost-of-Living Grant and an Empowering Local Communities Grant.

Learn more here

Energy Saving Trust: Energy Redress Fund
Energy Saving Trust has been appointed to distribute payments from companies who may have breached Ofgem rules. Registered Charities, Community Interest Companies, Co-operative Societies and Community Benefit Societies can apply for funds to deliver energy related projects that meet the scheme priorities and benefit people in England, Scotland and Wales.
Learn more here

GLA Funding: Warmer Homes Programme
With energy bills continuing to rise, the Mayor is urging Londoners, local authorities, and community organisations to raise awareness of the Warmer Homes programme with anyone who may be eligible.
The scheme offers free energy efficiency grants of up to £25,000 to households with a residual income of up to £20,000 per year after rent/mortgage and council tax.
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

Introduction to Safeguarding for Trustees 

Wednesday 9th Nov: 10am – 11.30am via Zoom

The theme for Trustees Week this year is ‘Making a Difference in Changing Times’. Join us to find out more about a trustee’s responsibilities and ensure your organisation is doing all it can to protect its volunteers, staff and beneficiaries. This virtual introduction session is free for all new trustees delivering services to children, young people and vulnerable adults in Camden.

To register your place, click here

Advanced Safeguarding Children Training: Developing Knowledge and Understanding

Tuesday 1st Nov at Saint Pancras Community Association: 9:30am – 3:30pm

We have just a few more spaces left on our face-to-face safeguarding training session for voluntary, community and supplementary schools, groups and organisations delivering services to under-18s and their families in Camden.

This session is aimed at increasing existing safeguarding knowledge for those who have had no child protection training in the last two years and need a refresher. Guest speakers include: Camden Prevent; Understanding Radicalisation and Terrorism and Lightbulb Learners: Understanding Cyber bulling, the internet and peer on peer abuse.

For more information or to book your place, please contact Dianne Carlton-Ogunyemi at dogunyemi@vac.org.uk

Free Arthritis Action Clinic 

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.

To book your free 15-minute session with dietitian Martin Lau, click here

Free Research Clinic from UCL 

Thursday 10th Nov: 2pm – 4:30pm

UCL’s Community Research Initiative is hosting their second annual research clinic. Participants will be assigned trainee research consultants, who will help to develop your ideas to create research project briefs. Project briefs can be uploaded onto the Community Noticeboard resource, which is used by hundreds of master’s students looking for a real-world, useful project for their dissertation.

To register your place, click here

Greening Community Buildings Seminar 

Wednesday 16th Nov: 12-2pm via Zoom

Camden Council and the Ethical Property Foundation are hosting a seminar for charities who own or lease a community building. Participants will gain advice and ideas on how to make their building greener and more energy efficient.

For more information, contact Sam Rowe on sam.rowe2@camden.gov.uk

To register your place, click here

Free Intensive Digital Media Training 

Calling all young creatives aged 18-25 with a passion for creating compelling content and a desire to work in the media. Apply now for 6 weeks of free intensive digital media training with BAFTA-winning company, Licklemor Productions. The award-winning training is based at the SKY TV Campus in Osterley and can grant you instant industry access, while teaching you how to excel in production.

For more information, click here

Arts 4 Dementia Programme 

Every Friday from 28th Oct to 9th Dec at Cockpit Yard: 11:30am – 1pm

A new Arts 4 Dementia programme is aimed at people with early-stage dementia, mild cognitive impairment and their companions. Participants will have the opportunity to work with some of the UK’s best makers and learn the art of craft.

To register for the autumn programme, contact emily@arts4dementia.org.uk or call 0203 633 5401.

Free Health & Wellbeing Event  

Tuesday 1st Nov at Camley Street Natural Park: 10am-1pm

Camden Adult Community Learning will be hosting its free annual Health and Wellbeing event in partnership with Camden Libraries and Camley Street Natural Park. Try out art and craft activities, healthy recipes and simple exercises to keep fit. There will also be information about clubs, exhibitions, outdoor activities and support to lose weight and keep healthy.

Camden’s Evening and Night-time Community Conversations

Camden Council wants to hear about your evening and night-time experiences in Camden. Drop into one of the following workshops to participate:

Wed 2nd Nov at Covent Garden Community Centre: 2pm-4pm and 6:30pm-8:30pm

Tues 15th Nov at Kiln Theatre: 2pm-5pm

For more information, contact nighttime@camden.gov.uk

Volunteering with VAC! Join our Community Links Team
Are you able to commit to at least 2 hours per week and interested in supporting people in your community to access health and wellbeing services?

Community Links Volunteers are a part of the Care Navigation and Social Prescribing Service in Camden. They support social prescribing in a variety of ways including signposting residents to community-based activities, helping with referrals, motivating users to connect with new interests and activities, accompanying residents to appointments and introducing them to a range of different opportunities in Camden.

For more info and to apply, please click here
Or contact Mandira Manandhar on mmanandhar@vac.org.uk or 020 7284 6573

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

The Kids Network: Volunteer Opportunity 

The Kids Network are looking for volunteers to mentor children across North London. The programme matches children aged 8 to 11 with positive role models and local volunteer heroes from the community. Could you spend 1-2 hours a week supporting a child, having fun and exploring London? You will receive training, 1-1 support, networking events, a monthly budget and travel expenses.

Click here to apply.

Mental Health Alliance: User Involvement Roles 

Closing date: 31st October 2022

The Mental Health Alliance is looking for people who would like to get involved in shaping mental health services in the community in Camden. If you are over 18, live in Camden and have experience of using mental health services like those offered by Likewise, Mind and Voiceability, or have experience of primary or secondary mental services, please get in touch.

For more information, contact katja@advocacyproject.org.uk

Castlehaven Food Bank: Volunteer Drivers

The Castlehaven Food Bank is a lifeline for many in the local community struggling to make ends meet. To meet demand, Castlehaven is looking for volunteers with a full driving licence and a car to help deliver food parcels every Thursday.

To find out more, contact carmen@castlehaven.org.uk

Hillside Clubhouse Vacancy: IPS Employment Specialists
Closing date: 7th November 2022

Hillside Clubhouse is hiring 3 new IPS Employment Specialists to join their busy and exciting teams working across Camden & Islington. Have you ever considered working within the Mental Health Sector and supporting people back into paid employment? This is an opportunity to offer ongoing support to people developing the tools and skills required to transform their lives.

For more information and to apply, click here

WAC Arts Vacancy: Senior Support Workers 

Closing date: 14th November

WAC Arts are looking to expand their current team of Senior Support Workers, who work with young people during their performing arts sessions. They are looking for people who are pro-active and flexible, with an eagerness to get to know the young people they work with and support their learning and wellbeing in sessions.
For more information and to apply, click here or contact recruitment@wacarts.co.uk

Elfrida Rathbone Camden Vacancy 

Closing date: 30th October

Elfrida Rathbone Camden is seeking a Finance and Office Manager to lead their Finance and Office functions. The post is full-time (35 hours per week). Application is by CV and covering letter.
For more information and to apply, click here

CAWH Vacancy: Keeping Well Together Project Organiser

Closing date: Wednesday 2nd November at 5pm

CAWH is an exciting community organisation which has been awarded funding to support local older people in keeping well and active. They are looking for a motivated and proactive worker with experience of setting up and delivering projects to develop and manage the programme.
For more information and to apply, click here

The Winch: Vacancies 

The Winch is currently hiring for the following positions:

Head of Communities (FT – £40k)

Participation Worker (PT – £28k pro rata)

Play Worker (PT – London Living Wage)

For more information and to apply, please click here

Survivors Can Shine – Trustees Needed 

Survivors Can Shine works to bring communities together and change perceptions around abuse; empowering children and young people to speak out, be heard, and be safe.

They are seeking individuals who are passionate about the cause to devote the necessary time, skills and commitment to their growing organisation.

For more information, contact rosa@survivorscanshine.org.uk or call 07956661690

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 there is a £15 shopping voucher 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.

Winter Wellness Project 

The Elizabeth House Winter Wellness Project supports older council tenants to keep warm and well during the winter. From October 2022, if you are over 65, Elizabeth House can help you access grants and support to keep your home warm, access flu jabs, learn about local activities and more.

For more information, click here

Central YMCA Club Kids Programme 

The Central YMCA Club is running a programme to support children aged 4-13 to develop a broad range of physical, mental and social skills, whilst having fun. Opportunities on offer include after-school sports clubs, swim school and holiday playschemes. Childcare vouchers are also accepted for all these programmes.

For more information, click here

Club Matters Programme 

Club Matters is a Sport England, Lottery-funded programme that provides free resources, support, and guidance to grassroots sports clubs, groups and community organisations, as well as the workforce that supports them.

Click here to see their upcoming workshops programme

Henna Asian Women’s Group 

Become a member of Henna Asian Women’s Group and get access to weekly sessions. Henna can provide you with a way to connect with other people, whether it’s through exercise, music & singing, ESOL, arts & crafts or the Wellbeing Hub.

For more information, click here or call 0207 372 9860.

Homes for Ukraine: Host Families 

Since March 2022, over 200 Camden households have welcomed and supported Ukrainian arrivals by offering them a space in their home. The war in Ukraine is sadly still ongoing, with people and families being forced to flee their homes. If you’re able to help, consider signing up to the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
For more information, please contact ukrainesupport@camden.gov.uk

Past Voluntary Action Forums: Resources

You can 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 local events and opportunities from around the Camden area.

Practical Help for Camden VCS Organisations  

VAC offers free consultations for charities and community groups in the Camden area.

We can provide support with any aspect of running a Camden VCS organisation, from good governance, to finance, to volunteer management.

To find out how we can help, click here

Introduction to Safeguarding for Trustees 

Wednesday 9th November: 10am – 11.30am via Zoom

The theme for Trustees Week this year is ‘Making a Difference in Changing Times’. Join us to find out more about a trustee’s responsibilities and ensure your organisation is doing all it can to protect its volunteers, staff and beneficiaries. This virtual introduction session is free for all new trustees delivering services to children, young people and vulnerable adults in Camden.

To register your place, click here

Voluntary Action Forum Report: Delivering the North Central London VCSE Strategy 

VAC would like to extend our gratitude to everyone who took part in the Voluntary Action Forum: Delivering the North Central London VCSE Strategy on 21st September.

We have collated a summary of the ideas and issues raised during this session, which explore voluntary sector participation in the new health and care system.

To read the report, click here and follow the link highlighted under ‘Summary’.

Black History October Walk 

Tuesday 25th October: 1:30 – 2:30pm

The People’s Museum Somers Town is hosting a lunchtime walk on the topic of ‘Anti-Colonial Routes & Black Radicals’. Led by Professor Esther Leslie, the walk will cover a decolonising history of St Pancras Somers Town. The meeting place is the People’s Museum Somers Town, where refreshments, an exhibition, library and publications can be found.

To register your place, click here

Free Youth Zine Project 

24th – 28th October: 12 – 4pm

The People’s Museum Somers Town is hosting a zine project to celebrate Black History Month 2022. Inspired by local Pan-Africanist publication ‘International African Opinion’, workshop participants will gain useful skills in journalism, teamwork and editing. This event is open to young people aged 16 and over.

To register your place, click here

Free October Half-Term Activities for Young People 

The Castlehaven Community Association is running four free days of activities from the 24th – 27th October. The Activ8 Zone is for children aged 8-13 and the Re-bound Zone is for young people aged 11-17. Each session will provide a safe & welcoming space for young people to get active, make new friends and try something new. Sessions are run by qualified, DBS-checked tutors.

For more information, click here

Greening Community Buildings Seminar 

Wednesday 16th November: 12-2pm via Zoom

Camden Council and the Ethical Property Foundation are hosting a seminar for charities who own or lease a community building. Participants will gain advice and ideas on how to make their building greener and more energy efficient.

For more information, contact Sam Rowe on sam.rowe2@camden.gov.uk

To register your place, click here

Winter Wellness Project 

The Elizabeth House Winter Wellness Project supports older council tenants to keep warm and well during the winter. From October 2022, if you are over 65, Elizabeth House can help you access grants and support to keep your home warm, access flu jabs, learn about local activities and more.

For more information, click here

The Kids Network: Volunteer Opportunity

The Kids Network are looking for volunteers to mentor children across North London. The programme matches children aged 8 to 11 with positive role models and local volunteer heroes from the community. Could you spend 1-2 hours a week supporting a child, having fun and exploring London? You will receive training, 1-1 support, networking events, a monthly budget and travel expenses.

Click here to apply.

Castlehaven Food Bank: Volunteer Drivers

The Castlehaven Food Bank is a lifeline for many in the local community struggling to make ends meet. To meet demand, Castlehaven is looking for volunteers with a full driving licence and a car to help deliver food parcels every Thursday.

To find out more, contact carmen@castlehaven.org.uk

Free Arthritis Action Clinic 

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.

To book your free 15-minute session with dietitian Martin Lau, click here

Central YMCA Club Kids Programme 

The Central YMCA Club is running a programme to support children aged 4-13 to develop a broad range of physical, mental and social skills, whilst having fun. Opportunities on offer include after-school sports clubs, swim school and holiday playschemes. Childcare vouchers are also accepted for all these programmes.

For more information, click here

Stratford East Theatre: Half-Price Tickets 

Stratford East Theatre is offering half-price tickets for Shakespeare’s comedy Much Ado About Nothing. Please note that this offer must be booked by Wednesday 26th October.

To book, please call the Box Office on 020 8534 0310 or click here and enter promocode TRUELOVE50 at checkout.

Free Research Clinic from UCL 

Thursday 10th November: 2pm – 4:30pm

UCL’s Community Research Initiative is hosting their second annual research clinic. Participants will be assigned trainee research consultants, who will help to develop your ideas to create research project briefs. Project briefs can be uploaded onto the Community Noticeboard resource, which is used by hundreds of master’s students looking for a real-world, useful project for their dissertation.

To register your place, click here

UCL Community Research Initiative Showcase 

On Thursday 29th September, UCL’s Community Research Initiative hosted a Dissertation Showcase. UCL students and local Community Partners presented their findings after spending the summer working together on a research project. The showcase included a talk by VAC CEO Keith Morgan, who expressed his enthusiasm for the cross-sector collaboration fostered by the Community Research Initiative.

Read more here

Mental Health Alliance: User Involvement Roles 

Closing date: 31st October 2022

The Mental Health Alliance is looking for people who would like to get involved in shaping mental health services in the community in Camden. If you are over 18, live in Camden and have experience of using mental health services like those offered by Likewise, Mind and Voiceability, or have experience of primary or secondary mental services, please get in touch.

For more information, contact katja@advocacyproject.org.uk

Likewise Vacancy: Community Development Worker 

Closing date: 24th October at 9am

Likewise is looking for a new Community Development Worker to join their team and support their work as part of the transformation of mental health services happening in Camden. A unique and exciting role, they are looking for someone who is passionate about people, has excellent interpersonal skills, and is open to learning.

For more information and to apply, click here

Hillside Clubhouse Vacancy: IPS Employment Specialists

Hillside Clubhouse is hiring 3 new IPS Employment Specialists to join their busy and exciting teams working across Camden & Islington. Have you ever considered working within the Mental Health Sector and supporting people back into paid employment? This is an opportunity to offer ongoing support to people developing the tools and skills required to transform their lives.

For more information and to apply, click here

Camden Council Vacancy: Community Liaison Assistant 

Closing date: 27th October

Camden is looking to recruit someone to work alongside stakeholders to help the Council respond to the impact of the High Speed 2 (HS2) construction. You will be participating in a new way of working with a wide range of stakeholders to develop and deliver community involvement and engagement in the HS2 project.

For more information and to apply, 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

Cost of Living Crisis Survey to Camden Voluntary Sector Groups

The Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) provides essential support for those in need, but it also finds itself under enormous pressure as a result of the current cost-of-living crisis.

We are deeply concerned for the continued resilience of our sector and are calling for cross-sector unity and resistance to the much-anticipated reduction in public spending.

We have put together a short survey to help understand how your organisation is responding to the cost of living crisis, the ongoing and evolving impact and what further support you need to tackle this new challenge.

The results of this survey will inform plans to provide additional support to the sector. The survey shouldn’t take longer than 10 minutes and is available here

Camden Infrastructure Alliance: Cost-of-Living Crisis Joint Statement 

The Camden Infrastructure Alliance – Voluntary Action Camden, C4 and Volunteer Centre Camden – have published a joint statement urgently calling for targeted financial government support for the Voluntary and Community Sector in the face of the cost-of-living crisis.

We are deeply concerned about the additional pressures of a cold winter on Camden’s already overstretched community services.

To read the full statement, please click here

Cost of Living Support in Camden
We are all feeling the impact of the rise in the cost of living. We have collected a range of links below to help people to manage some of the challenges associated with the higher cost of living:

Home (shine-london.org.uk) – save money on energy bills
https://findfood.camden.gov.uk
Help With the Cost of Living | London City Hall
Free and impartial help with money, backed by the government | MoneyHelper
WISH Plus – Camden Council – Energy efficiency advice and income maximisation checks
Cost of Living Signposting Resource | London Plus
British Gas Energy Trust Grant

Institute of Health Equity Report: Fuel poverty, cold homes and health inequalities 

This report reviews the evidence on both the direct and indirect impacts of fuel poverty and cold homes on health; the effects of inequalities and the relationship between health inequalities and climate change. It makes the case for prioritising reducing fuel poverty through policy suggestions at both the national and local level.
Read the report here

Government Scheme to Cut Energy Bills

A new government scheme will see energy prices for non-domestic energy customers such as businesses, charities and public sector organisations cut – protecting them from rising energy costs. The scheme will cover energy use for 6 months from 1 October 2022 to 31 March 2023, and is in addition to the Energy Price Guarantee for households.
Read more 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)

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

Propel Funding
Propel is a new fund launched by London Funders to enable organisations to explore, develop and lead collaborative approaches to tackle some of London’s biggest challenges. It has three priorities: A New Deal for Young People; Building Strong Communities and Robust Safety Net.
Learn more here

Camden Youth Work Grant Funding 

Camden Council is accepting applications for youth work grant funding for 2023-25.

Learn more here

ASDA Foundation Grants  

The Asda Foundation supports small, grassroots organisations in several ways throughout the year. Current funding available includes a Cost-of-Living Grant and an Empowering Local Communities Grant.

Learn more here

Energy Saving Trust: Energy Redress Fund
Energy Saving Trust has been appointed to distribute payments from companies who may have breached Ofgem rules. Registered Charities, Community Interest Companies, Co-operative Societies and Community Benefit Societies can apply for funds to deliver energy related projects that meet the scheme priorities and benefit people in England, Scotland and Wales.
Learn more here

GLA Funding: Warmer Homes Programme
With energy bills continuing to rise, the Mayor is urging Londoners, local authorities, and community organisations to raise awareness of the Warmer Homes programme with anyone who may be eligible.
The scheme offers free energy efficiency grants of up to £25,000 to households with a residual income of up to £20,000 per year after rent/mortgage and council tax.
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

Advanced Safeguarding Children Training: Developing Knowledge and Understanding

Tuesday 1st November 2022

This in-person training session is for voluntary, community and supplementary school groups and organisations delivering services to under-18s and their families in Camden. It aims to increase existing safeguarding knowledge for those who have had child protection training in the past three years and need a refresher. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of safeguarding issues relevant to local, micro and marginalised communities.

For more information or to book your place, please contact Dianne Carlton-Ogunyemi at dogunyemi@vac.org.uk

Free Intensive Digital Media Training 

Calling all young creatives aged 18-25 with a passion for creating compelling content and a desire to work in the media. Apply now for 6 weeks of free intensive digital media training with BAFTA-winning company, Licklemor Productions. The award-winning training is based at the SKY TV Campus in Osterley and can grant you instant industry access, while teaching you how to excel in production.

For more information, click here

Arts 4 Dementia Programme 

Every Friday from 28th Oct to 9th Dec at Cockpit Yard: 11:30am – 1pm

A new Arts 4 Dementia programme is aimed at people with early-stage dementia, mild cognitive impairment and their companions. Participants will have the opportunity to work with some of the UK’s best makers and learn the art of craft.

To register for the autumn programme, contact emily@arts4dementia.org.uk or call 0203 633 5401.

Free Health & Wellbeing Event  

Tuesday 1st November at Camley Street Natural Park: 10am-1pm

Camden Adult Community Learning will be hosting its free annual Health and Wellbeing event in partnership with Camden Libraries and Camley Street Natural Park. Try out art and craft activities, healthy recipes and simple exercises to keep fit. There will also be information about clubs, exhibitions, outdoor activities and support to lose weight and keep healthy.

Camden’s Evening and Night-time Community Conversations

Camden Council wants to hear about your evening and night-time experiences in Camden. Drop into one of the following workshops to participate:

Thurs 27th Oct at St Pancras Community Centre: 6:15pm-8:15pm

Wed 2nd Nov at Covent Garden Community Centre: 2pm-4pm and 6:30pm-8:30pm

Tues 15th Nov at Kiln Theatre: 2pm-5pm

For more information, contact nighttime@camden.gov.uk

North London Waste Authority’s New Waste Prevention Plan  

Thurs 27th Oct via Microsoft Teams: 5:30–7:45pm

Camden Council is hosting an engagement session to inform and develop North London Waste Authority’s new Waste Prevention Plan for 2022-25. Stakeholders will meet NLWA and hear about the draft Plan, exchange ideas, share interests, and discuss ways to get involved going forward.
To sign up, please click here

The “B” Word Series Events 

Every Wednesday from 5th October at the London Irish Centre.

The series of events hosted by IamI includes the Spoken Word sessions ‘Enough Words’. Team up with facilitators to work towards producing your own piece and perform live to family and friends. The Melanin Rising Workshop explores the ingredients, special properties and the making of skin cream.
Book your space here

Volunteering with VAC! Join our Community Links Team
Are you able to commit to at least 2 hours per week and interested in supporting people in your community to access health and wellbeing services?

Community Links Volunteers are a part of the Care Navigation and Social Prescribing Service in Camden. They support social prescribing in a variety of ways including signposting residents to community-based activities, helping with referrals, motivating users to connect with new interests and activities, accompanying residents to appointments and introducing them to a range of different opportunities in Camden.

For more info and to apply, please click here
Or contact Mandira Manandhar on mmanandhar@vac.org.uk or 020 7284 6573

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.

WAC Arts Vacancy: Senior Support Workers 

Closing date: 14th November

WAC Arts are looking to expand their current team of Senior Support Workers, who work with young people during their performing arts sessions. They are looking for people who are pro-active and flexible, with an eagerness to get to know the young people they work with and support their learning and wellbeing in sessions.
For more information and to apply, click here or contact recruitment@wacarts.co.uk

Elfrida Rathbone Camden Vacancy 

Closing date: 30th October

Elfrida Rathbone Camden is seeking a Finance and Office Manager to lead their Finance and Office functions. The post is full-time (35 hours per week). Application is by CV and covering letter.
For more information and to apply, click here

CAWH Vacancy: Keeping Well Together Project Organiser

Closing date: Wednesday 2nd November at 5pm

CAWH is an exciting community organisation which has been awarded funding to support local older people in keeping well and active. They are looking for a motivated and proactive worker with experience of setting up and delivering projects to develop and manage the programme.
For more information and to apply, click here

The Winch: Vacancies 

The Winch is currently hiring for the following positions:

Head of Communities (FT – £40k)

Participation Worker (PT – £28k pro rata)

Play Worker (PT – London Living Wage)

For more information and to apply, please click here

Survivors Can Shine – Trustees Needed 

Survivors Can Shine works to bring communities together and change perceptions around abuse; empowering children and young people to speak out, be heard, and be safe.

They are seeking individuals who are passionate about the cause to devote the necessary time, skills and commitment to their growing organisation.

For more information, contact rosa@survivorscanshine.org.uk or call 07956661690

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 there is a £15 shopping voucher 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.

Club Matters Programme 

Club Matters is a Sport England, Lottery-funded programme that provides free resources, support, and guidance to grassroots sports clubs, groups and community organisations, as well as the workforce that supports them.

Click here to see their upcoming workshops programme

Henna Asian Women’s Group 

Become a member of Henna Asian Women’s Group and get access to weekly sessions. Henna can provide you with a way to connect with other people, whether it’s through exercise, music & singing, ESOL, arts & crafts or the Wellbeing Hub.

For more information, click here or call 0207 372 9860.

Homes for Ukraine: Host Families 

Since March 2022, over 200 Camden households have welcomed and supported Ukrainian arrivals by offering them a space in their home. The war in Ukraine is sadly still ongoing, with people and families being forced to flee their homes. If you’re able to help, consider signing up to the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
For more information, please contact ukrainesupport@camden.gov.uk

Ethical Property Foundation: Energy Efficiency Service 
The Ethical Property Foundation is offering a consultancy service for charities looking to reduce their energy bill costs and ensure that their property improvements are cost effective.
For more information, contact simon.taylor@ethicalproperty.org.uk

LIFT: Affordable Coworking Spaces 

LIFT can help entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds in Camden, Islington, Hackney and Tower Hamlets to access co-working space, no matter your financial situation. This includes people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, women, lone parents and people with disabilities, who are underrepresented in these industry sectors.
For more information, contact lift.futures@islington.gov.uk

Camden Children’s Services BSL Video

Camden Council has published its first video explaining Camden’s children’s services and the support available to families in the borough in British Sign Language (BSL). The video, which features signing interpreters as well as full English subtitles, gives a detailed summary of services and support available for children and families, including Children in Need, Early Help and Child Protection services.
Watch the video here

Startup School for Seniors 

Advantages of Age is offering online courses for Londoners aged 50+ looking to start their own businesses.

The course is delivered online by entrepreneur Suzanne Noble and business coach Mark Elliott. They create a fun, interactive learning experience and support you to progress week by week. Fully sponsored places are available to residents of London.

Register your place on the next available course here.

Past Voluntary Action Forums: Resources

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

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

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

Camden Infrastructure Alliance: Cost-of-Living Crisis Joint Statement 

The Camden Infrastructure Alliance – Voluntary Action Camden, C4 and Volunteer Centre Camden – have published a joint statement urgently calling for targeted financial government support for the Voluntary and Community Sector in the face of the cost-of-living crisis.

We are deeply concerned about the additional pressures of a cold winter on Camden’s already overstretched community services.

To read the full statement, please click here

Cost of Living Crisis Survey to Camden Voluntary Sector Groups

The Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) provides essential support for those in need, but it also finds itself under enormous pressure as a result of the current cost-of-living crisis.

We are deeply concerned for the continued resilience of our sector and are calling for cross-sector unity and resistance to the much-anticipated reduction in public spending.

We have put together a short survey to help understand how your organisation is responding to the cost of living crisis, the ongoing and evolving impact and what further support you need to tackle this new challenge.
The results of this survey will inform plans to provide additional support to the sector.
The survey shouldn’t take longer than 10 minutes and is available here

Advanced Safeguarding Children Training: Developing Knowledge and Understanding

Tuesday 1st November 2022

This in-person training session is for voluntary, community and supplementary school groups and organisations delivering services to under-18s and their families in Camden. It aims to increase existing safeguarding knowledge for those who have had child protection training in the past three years and need a refresher. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of safeguarding issues relevant to local, micro and marginalised communities.

For more information or to book your place, please contact Dianne Carlton-Ogunyemi at dogunyemi@vac.org.uk

Homes for Ukraine: Host Families 

Since March 2022, over 200 Camden households have welcomed and supported Ukrainian arrivals by offering them a space in their home. The war in Ukraine is sadly still ongoing, with people and families being forced to flee their homes. If you’re able to help, consider signing up to the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
For more information, please contact ukrainesupport@camden.gov.uk

Roundhouse Music Accelerator  

Closing date: Monday 10th October at 11pm

The Roundhouse Music Accelerator programme helps young music entrepreneurs aged 18-30 take their business idea to the next level. Successful applicants will receive weekly workshops, pitch practice and mentoring.
For more information and to apply, click here

Free Health & Wellbeing Event  

Tuesday 1st November at Camley Street Natural Park: 10am-1pm

Camden Adult Community Learning will be hosting its free annual Health and Wellbeing event in partnership with Camden Libraries and Camley Street Natural Park. Try out art and craft activities, healthy recipes and simple exercises to keep fit. There will also be information about clubs, exhibitions, outdoor activities and support to lose weight and keep healthy.

Cost of Living Crisis Workshops 

Wed 19th Oct 10am-12:30pm via Zoom OR Thurs 20th Oct 10am-12:30pm via Zoom

Citizens Advice Camden are hosting workshops focusing on resources to support Camden residents experiencing financial hardship.

To book a space, contact financialcapabilityproject@camdencabservice.org.uk and include your name, which workshop you would like to attend, your organisation (if applicable) and contact number.

Volunteer Managers Forum  

Tuesday 11th October at 10am: Online Event

Volunteer Centre Camden is hosting a volunteer managers forum to discuss all things related to volunteer management. Participants will be able to decide the topics that are discussed.
To sign up, please click here

Free Healthy Cooking Workshop 

Tuesday 11th October at Castlehaven Centre: 12:30pm-2pm

Join Castlehaven Community Association for a free, hands-on cooking class. Experienced cooking teacher, Antonia, will help attendees cook a delicious, healthy two-course meal on a budget. Each attendee will receive a food parcel and a recipe card to cook the meal at home.
For more information, please email scott@castlehaven.org.uk or call 020 7692 2238

Camden’s Evening and Night-time Community Conversations

Camden Council wants to hear about your evening and night-time experiences in Camden. Drop into one of the following workshops to participate:

Tues 18th Oct at Castlehaven Community Centre: 7pm-9pm

Thurs 27th Oct at St Pancras Community Centre: 6:15pm-8:15pm

Wed 2nd Nov at Covent Garden Community Centre: 2pm-4pm and 6:30pm-8:30pm

Tues 15th Nov at Kiln Theatre: 2pm-5pm

For more information, contact nighttime@camden.gov.uk

Survivors Can Shine – Trustees Needed 

Survivors Can Shine works to bring communities together and change perceptions around abuse; empowering children and young people to speak out, be heard, and be safe.

They are seeking individuals who are passionate about the cause to devote the necessary time, skills and commitment to their growing organisation.

For more information, contact rosa@survivorscanshine.org.uk or call 07956661690

Elfrida Rathbone Camden Vacancy 

Closing date: 30th October

Elfrida Rathbone Camden is seeking a Finance and Office Manager to lead their Finance and Office functions. The post is full-time (35 hours per week). Application is by CV and covering letter.
For more information and to apply, click here

SPCA Vacancy: Director 

Closing date: 22nd October

St Pancras Community Association is looking for a director to lead and guide a highly skilled and motivated team. The goal is to make SPCA a community hub and a centre of excellence which has a positive impact on the lives of local residents.
For more information and to apply, click here

CAWH Vacancy: Keeping Well Together Project Organiser

Closing date: Wednesday 2nd November at 5pm

CAWH is an exciting community organisation which has been awarded funding to support local older people in keeping well and active. They are looking for a motivated and proactive worker with experience of setting up and delivering projects to develop and manage the programme.
For more information and to apply, click here

The Winch: Vacancies 

The Winch is currently hiring for the following positions:

Head of Communities (FT – £40k)

Participation Worker (PT – £28k pro rata)

Play Worker (PT – London Living Wage)

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

Home (shine-london.org.uk) – save money on energy bills
https://findfood.camden.gov.uk
Help With the Cost of Living | London City Hall
Free and impartial help with money, backed by the government | MoneyHelper
WISH Plus – Camden Council – Energy efficiency advice and income maximisation checks
Cost of Living Signposting Resource | London Plus
British Gas Energy Trust Grant

Institute of Health Equity Report: Fuel poverty, cold homes and health inequalities 

This report reviews the evidence on both the direct and indirect impacts of fuel poverty and cold homes on health; the effects of inequalities and the relationship between health inequalities and climate change. It makes the case for prioritising reducing fuel poverty through policy suggestions at both the national and local level.
Read the report here

Government Scheme to Cut Energy Bills

A new government scheme will see energy prices for non-domestic energy customers such as businesses, charities and public sector organisations cut – protecting them from rising energy costs. The scheme will cover energy use for 6 months from 1 October 2022 to 31 March 2023, and is in addition to the Energy Price Guarantee for households.
Read more here

Help shape Clean Air Action in Camden 

Camden Council is consulting on a new Clean Air Action Plan which sets out their plan for the next 4 years to clean Camden’s air. Share your thoughts and ideas to shape their projects and policies, and find out how you can help by reducing air pollution and protecting your health.
Learn more here

Addressing Poverty in London:

London Challenge Poverty Week: 17-23 Oct 2022 

London Challenge Poverty Week is coming up soon. It is coordinated by 4in10: London’s Child Poverty Network. Find out more here

London Child Poverty Alliance Summit: 20 Oct 2022

The London Child Poverty Alliance are hosting the London Child Poverty Summit on 20 October. Find out more and book your tickets here

Call for ideas around addressing poverty 

Together with Joseph Rowntree Foundation, New Local has launched a Call for Learning & Ideas to explore local approaches to addressing these challenges. Find out more here

Local Newsletters:

SHAK
Young Camden Foundation (Funding 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)

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 Youth Work Grant Funding 

Camden Council is accepting applications for youth work grant funding for 2023-25.

For more information and to apply, click here

ASDA Foundation Grants  

The Asda Foundation supports small, grassroots organisations in several ways throughout the year. Current funding available includes a Cost-of-Living Grant and an Empowering Local Communities Grant.

For more information and to apply, click here

Energy Saving Trust: Energy Redress Fund
Energy Saving Trust has been appointed to distribute payments from companies who may have breached Ofgem rules. Registered Charities, Community Interest Companies, Co-operative Societies and Community Benefit Societies can apply for funds to deliver energy related projects that meet the scheme priorities and benefit people in England, Scotland and Wales.
Learn more here

GLA Funding: Warmer Homes Programme
With energy bills continuing to rise, the Mayor is urging Londoners, local authorities, and community organisations to raise awareness of the Warmer Homes programme with anyone who may be eligible.
The scheme offers free energy efficiency grants of up to £25,000 to households with a residual income of up to £20,000 per year after rent/mortgage and council tax.
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

Link UP London’s Flash Consulting: Digital Marketing 
Wednesday 19th October on Zoom: 6-7:30pm
The importance of digital communications could not be denied during the pandemic and, 2 years on, Social Good Organisations are continuing to develop their digital growth.
With a drive to improve but with limited funding available for support, the event provides a free 1-1 session with a digital expert.
To sign up, please click here

Pascal Theatre Company: Free workshop for 13-16 year-old girls 
Saturday 8th October near Euston Station: 2.30-4.30pm
Pascal Theatre Company invites girls aged 13-16 to a workshop on Saturday 8 October to share experiences of, and opinions on, expectations of girls. The event celebrates The Day of the Girl Child (11th October).
The workshop will be led by trained, DBS-checked professionals. Refreshments provided.
For more information and to sign up, contact sally@pascal-theatre.com 

KOVE: Annual General Meeting 

Thursday 13th October at Mazenod Social Club: 1.30-3.30pm

Come and join KOVE at their Annual General Meeting for the launch of KOVE@20 – a celebration of 20 years of campaigns and activities. The guest speaker is Councillor Pat Callaghan, Deputy Leader, Camden Council.
For more information, contact Lynda Stuart on 07773 267505 or John Miles on 07817 424356.

North London Waste Authority’s New Waste Prevention Plan  

Mon 10th Oct at Islington Climate Centre: 2–4:15pm

Thurs 27th Oct via Microsoft Teams: 5:30–7:45pm

Camden Council is hosting an engagement session to inform and develop North London Waste Authority’s new Waste Prevention Plan for 2022-25. Stakeholders will meet NLWA and hear about the draft Plan, exchange ideas, share interests, and discuss ways to get involved going forward.
To sign up, please click here

The “B” Word Series Events 

Every Wednesday from 5th October at the London Irish Centre.

The series of events hosted by IamI includes the Spoken Word sessions ‘Enough Words’. Team up with facilitators to work towards producing your own piece and perform live to family and friends. The Melanin Rising Workshop explores the ingredients, special properties and the making of skin cream.
Book your space here

Free Health & Well-being Opportunities for Adults in Camden
In response to the current cost of living crisis, Castlehaven Community Association has launched a brand new programme of free activities and workshops, providing adults in Camden with free access to health & well-being activities and learning opportunities.
From weekly Self Defence, Pilates, Mindfulness & Boxercise sessions to one-off workshops such as Foraging, and CV Writing, we have opportunities for everyone to cultivate healthy habits
For more information please click here

VAC is looking for an SEO Volunteer
VAC has gone through the process of developing a brand proposition, values and redesigning our website, but we now need some assistance to ensure our website is properly optimised so that we can better reach those in Camden who are looking for our help.
We are looking for an expert SEO volunteer who can help VAC handle SEO for our website so its pages are represented accurately in search engines, presenting information in ways that make it easier to find the organisation.
For more information please click here

Volunteering with VAC! Join our Community Links Team
Are you able to commit to at least 2 hours per week and interested in supporting people in your community to access health and wellbeing services?

Community Links Volunteers are a part of the Care Navigation and Social Prescribing Service in Camden. They support social prescribing in a variety of ways including signposting residents to community-based activities, helping with referrals, motivating users to connect with new interests and activities, accompanying residents to appointments and introducing them to a range of different opportunities in Camden.

For more info and to apply, please click here
Or contact Mandira Manandhar on mmanandhar@vac.org.uk or 020 7284 6573

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.

Free Specialty Coffee Traineeship with Well Grounded 

Get free training, accreditations, work experience and job opportunities in coffee on an 8-week Alpro-sponsored programme this October.

You’ll learn everything you need to be a barista, take on a 4-week work placement and go into work in the coffee industry.

To apply, please contact info@wellgroundedjobs.co.uk

Kilburn Older Voices Exchange vacancy: Coordinator
Closing date: 17th October
KOVE are looking for someone with sound administrative skills and a knowledge of charity organisation to support their activities and help develop a more age-friendly Kilburn. You’ll need to work freelance, flexibly, from home for two days a week. A warm-hearted commitment to the full citizenship of all older people is essential.

To view the full job description please click here
The application process starts with an informal phone conversation with the former coordinator, Mel Wright. To apply for this role, please contact: melwillwright@gmail.com

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 there is a £15 shopping voucher 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 on 07721520243

Ethical Property Foundation: Energy Efficiency Service 
The Ethical Property Foundation is offering a consultancy service for charities looking to reduce their energy bill costs and ensure that their property improvements are cost effective.
For more information, contact simon.taylor@ethicalproperty.org.uk

Sadler’s Wells Tickets Offer for Tango After Dark 

Sadler’s Wells is offering £12 tickets for performances of Tango After Dark from Tue 11th to Sat 22nd Oct. Please note that this offer must be booked by Sun 9th Oct.
To book your £12 tickets, click here and enter the promo code: BID12

Dog Control Public Spaces Protection Order: Consultation 

Camden Council is considering new measures to tackle issues around antisocial behaviour associated with irresponsible dog owners in the area.
Find out more and have your say here

LIFT: Affordable Coworking Spaces 

LIFT can help entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds in Camden, Islington, Hackney and Tower Hamlets to access co-working space, no matter your financial situation. This includes people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, women, lone parents and people with disabilities, who are underrepresented in these industry sectors.
For more information, contact lift.futures@islington.gov.uk

Camden Children’s Services BSL Video

Camden Council has published its first video explaining Camden’s children’s services and the support available to families in the borough in British Sign Language (BSL). The video, which features signing interpreters as well as full English subtitles, gives a detailed summary of services and support available for children and families, including Children in Need, Early Help and Child Protection services.
Watch the video here

Startup School for Seniors 

Advantages of Age is offering online courses for Londoners aged 50+ looking to start their own businesses.

The course is delivered online by entrepreneur Suzanne Noble and business coach Mark Elliott. They create a fun, interactive learning experience and support you to progress week by week. Fully sponsored places are available to residents of London.

Register your place on the next available course here.

Canopy: Looking for Partner Organisations 

Canopy is looking for a partner organisation who are working with young people, based in Camden and interested in the environment. They have a project funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and are looking for a partner to deliver with them in Spring/Summer 2023.
For more information, please contact jake@canopy.si.

Past Voluntary Action Forums: Resources

You can 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 local events and opportunities from around the Camden area.

Proud to Be: Black Health and Wellness Event 
Tuesday 4th October at Cafe KOKO: 6:30-9pm
Launching Camden Black History Season, this event will showcase spoken word, music, black entrepreneurship and touch on Camden’s programme for the season.
The event will be hosted by Diane Louise Jordan, a TV and radio personality known as a ‘Broadcaster across boundaries’.
To register your place, click here

NCVO Charity Training: Autumn Programme 

NCVO is offering a range of online charity training courses this autumn, covering topics such as volunteer management, supporting good governance, and outcomes and impact measurement.
To learn more and sign up, click here

Ethical Property Foundation: Energy Efficiency Service 
The Ethical Property Foundation is offering a consultancy service for charities looking to reduce their energy bill costs and ensure that their property improvements are cost effective.
For more information, contact simon.taylor@ethicalproperty.org.uk

Affordable Warmth Information Event 

Thursday 6th October at St Silas Church Hall: 11am

Come along and find out how Camden Council services can help you deal with the cost-of-living crisis. This event is for Camden’s private renters, housing association residents and non-council leaseholders.
For more details about the event, click here

Link UP London’s Flash Consulting: Digital Marketing 
Wednesday 19th October on Zoom: 6-7:30pm
The importance of digital communications could not be denied during the pandemic and, 2 years on, Social Good Organisations are continuing to develop their digital growth.
With a drive to improve but with limited funding available for support, the event provides a free 1-1 session with a digital expert.
To sign up, please click here

Pascal Theatre Company: Free workshop for 13-16 year-old girls 
Saturday 8th October near Euston Station: 2.30-4.30pm
Pascal Theatre Company invites girls aged 13-16 to a workshop on Saturday 8 October to share experiences of, and opinions on, expectations of girls. The event celebrates The Day of the Girl Child (11th October).
The workshop will be led by trained, DBS-checked professionals. Refreshments provided.
For more information and to sign up, contact sally@pascal-theatre.com 

KOVE: Annual General Meeting 

Thursday 13th October at Mazenod Social Club: 1.30-3.30pm

Come and join KOVE at their Annual General Meeting for the launch of KOVE@20 – a celebration of 20 years of campaigns and activities. The guest speaker is Councillor Pat Callaghan, Deputy Leader, Camden Council.
For more information, contact Lynda Stuart on 07773 267505 or John Miles on 07817 424356.

Sadler’s Wells Tickets Offer for Tango After Dark 

Sadler’s Wells is offering £12 tickets for performances of Tango After Dark from Tue 11th to Sat 22nd Oct. Please note that this offer must be booked by Sun 9th Oct.
To book your £12 tickets, click here and enter the promo code: BID12

North London Waste Authority’s New Waste Prevention Plan  

Mon 10th Oct at Islington Climate Centre: 2–4:15pm

Thurs 27th Oct via Microsoft Teams: 5:30–7:45pm

Camden Council is hosting an engagement session to inform and develop North London Waste Authority’s new Waste Prevention Plan for 2022-25. Stakeholders will meet NLWA and hear about the draft Plan, exchange ideas, share interests, and discuss ways to get involved going forward.
To sign up, please click here

Dog Control Public Spaces Protection Order: Consultation 

Camden Council is considering new measures to tackle issues around antisocial behaviour associated with irresponsible dog owners in the area.
Find out more and have your say here

FEAST Vacancy: Camden Food Poverty Alliance Coordinator

FEAST With Us is excited to announce that they have been successful in their application to host the CFPA coordinator, in collaboration with Camden Council. This position is a vital next step in the mapping, organising, and connecting of food provisions in the borough to make sure Camden residents get the support that they need.
For more information and to apply, 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

Home (shine-london.org.uk) – save money on energy bills
https://findfood.camden.gov.uk
Help With the Cost of Living | London City Hall
Free and impartial help with money, backed by the government | MoneyHelper
WISH Plus – Camden Council – Energy efficiency advice and income maximisation checks
Cost of Living Signposting Resource | London Plus
British Gas Energy Trust Grant

Institute of Health Equity Report: Fuel poverty, cold homes and health inequalities 

This report reviews the evidence on both the direct and indirect impacts of fuel poverty and cold homes on health; the effects of inequalities and the relationship between health inequalities and climate change. It makes the case for prioritising reducing fuel poverty through policy suggestions at both the national and local level.
Read the report here

Government Scheme to Cut Energy Bills

A new government scheme will see energy prices for non-domestic energy customers such as businesses, charities and public sector organisations cut – protecting them from rising energy costs. The scheme will cover energy use for 6 months from 1 October 2022 to 31 March 2023, and is in addition to the Energy Price Guarantee for households.
Read more here

Help shape Clean Air Action in Camden 

Camden Council is consulting on a new Clean Air Action Plan which sets out their plan for the next 4 years to clean Camden’s air. Share your thoughts and ideas to shape their projects and policies, and find out how you can help by reducing air pollution and protecting your health.
Learn more here

Addressing Poverty in London:

London Challenge Poverty Week: 17-23 Oct 2022 

London Challenge Poverty Week is coming up soon. It is coordinated by 4in10: London’s Child Poverty Network. Find out more here

London Child Poverty Alliance Summit: 20 Oct 2022

The London Child Poverty Alliance are hosting the London Child Poverty Summit on 20 October. Find out more and book your tickets here

Call for ideas around addressing poverty 

Together with Joseph Rowntree Foundation, New Local has launched a Call for Learning & Ideas to explore local approaches to addressing these challenges. Find out more here

Local Newsletters:

SHAK
Young Camden Foundation (Funding Newsletter)
AWN (sign up)
London Sport (sign up)
Fitzrovia Community Centre
Coram’s Field Community Newsletter (sign up)
CAWH Newsletter

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

Energy Saving Trust: Energy Redress Fund
Energy Saving Trust has been appointed to distribute payments from companies who may have breached Ofgem rules. Registered Charities, Community Interest Companies, Co-operative Societies and Community Benefit Societies can apply for funds to deliver energy related projects that meet the scheme priorities and benefit people in England, Scotland and Wales.
Learn more here

The People’s Project Fund 
Closing date: 12pm on Friday 7th October 2022, or when an application limit has been reached.

The National Lottery is giving community organisations the chance to apply for funding of up to £70,000. After a national campaign the winners will be decided by public vote.
Learn more here

Resident Opportunities and Empowerment Grant
Closing date for applications: 2nd October 2022

This new grant is intended to enable non-profit making organisations with social housing sector experience to help tenants take an active role in how their home is managed.
Learn more here

GLA Funding: Warmer Homes Programme
With energy bills continuing to rise, the Mayor is urging Londoners, local authorities, and community organisations to raise awareness of the Warmer Homes programme with anyone who may be eligible.
The scheme offers free energy efficiency grants of up to £25,000 to households with a residual income of up to £20,000 per year after rent/mortgage and council tax.
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

The “B” Word Series Events 

Every Wednesday from 5th October at the London Irish Centre.

The series of events hosted by IamI includes the Spoken Word sessions ‘Enough Words’. Team up with facilitators to work towards producing your own piece and perform live to family and friends. The Melanin Rising Workshop explores the ingredients, special properties and the making of skin cream.
Book your space here

Black Entrepreneurs Event 

Wednesday 5th October: 6pm-8pm

As part of Black History Season, Camden is hosting a Black Entrepreneurs event to provide tools for business owners and start-ups to succeed in the world of business. Hosted by Ndu Uchea (Word on the Curb) and a panel of industry experts, the event will be an opportunity to gain invaluable insight into areas including building confidence, resilience and overcoming self-sabotage.
To sign up, please click here

Free Health & Well-being Opportunities for Adults in Camden
In response to the current cost of living crisis, Castlehaven Community Association has launched a brand new programme of free activities and workshops, providing adults in Camden with free access to health & well-being activities and learning opportunities.
From weekly Self Defence, Pilates, Mindfulness & Boxercise sessions to one-off workshops such as Foraging, and CV Writing, we have opportunities for everyone to cultivate healthy habits
For more information please click here

Free workshops for the Camden Community from Hampstead Theatre and The Winch
Hampstead Theatre and The Winch are delighted to launch a programme of free workshops for the Camden community.  Uniquely devised in partnership with residents from the local area, ‘Community Creates’ will provide free arts and crafts activities in various local locations from September 2022 through to 2023.
A programme and more information is available both from Hampstead Theatre here
And The Winch here

VAC is looking for an SEO Volunteer
VAC has gone through the process of developing a brand proposition, values and redesigning our website, but we now need some assistance to ensure our website is properly optimised so that we can better reach those in Camden who are looking for our help.
We are looking for an expert SEO volunteer who can help VAC handle SEO for our website so its pages are represented accurately in search engines, presenting information in ways that make it easier to find the organisation.
For more information please click here

Volunteering with VAC! Join our Community Links Team
Are you able to commit to at least 2 hours per week and interested in supporting people in your community to access health and wellbeing services?

Community Links Volunteers are a part of the Care Navigation and Social Prescribing Service in Camden. They support social prescribing in a variety of ways including signposting residents to community-based activities, helping with referrals, motivating users to connect with new interests and activities, accompanying residents to appointments and introducing them to a range of different opportunities in Camden.

For more info and to apply, please click here
Or contact Mandira Manandhar on mmanandhar@vac.org.uk or 020 7284 6573

Free Specialty Coffee Traineeship with Well Grounded 

Get free training, accreditations, work experience and job opportunities in coffee on an 8-week Alpro-sponsored programme this October.

You’ll learn everything you need to be a barista, take on a 4-week work placement and go into work in the coffee industry.

To apply, please contact info@wellgroundedjobs.co.uk

Latin American House vacancy: Office Manager 
Closing date: 3rd October
Latin American House is looking for an Office Manager to be the key person of the organisation’s central operations, providing an effective administrative support function at their Centre.
For more information and to apply, please click here.

Kilburn Older Voices Exchange vacancy: Coordinator
Closing date: 17th October
KOVE are looking for someone with sound administrative skills and a knowledge of charity organisation to support their activities and help develop a more age-friendly Kilburn. You’ll need to work freelance, flexibly, from home for two days a week. A warm-hearted commitment to the full citizenship of all older people is essential.

To view the full job description please click here
The application process starts with an informal phone conversation with the former coordinator, Mel Wright. To apply for this role, please contact: melwillwright@gmail.com

The Salvation Army’s mentoring programme looking for volunteer mentors
The Salvation Army’s mentoring programme supports survivors of modern slavery and are looking for volunteer mentors.
We aim to support, empower and champion individuals to set and achieve their goals, build confidence, and establish life in community.
You would be paired with a fellow mentor to meet with a mentee fortnightly for 12 months. We are looking for female and male applicants.

If you would like to discuss this opportunity further, please contact ATMSMentoring@salvationarmy.org.uk

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 there is a £15 shopping voucher 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 on 07721520243

LIFT: Affordable Coworking Spaces 

LIFT can help entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds in Camden, Islington, Hackney and Tower Hamlets to access co-working space, no matter your financial situation. This includes people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, women, lone parents and people with disabilities, who are underrepresented in these industry sectors.
For more information, contact lift.futures@islington.gov.uk

Camden Children’s Services BSL Video

Camden Council has published its first video explaining Camden’s children’s services and the support available to families in the borough in British Sign Language (BSL). The video, which features signing interpreters as well as full English subtitles, gives a detailed summary of services and support available for children and families, including Children in Need, Early Help and Child Protection services.
Watch the video here

Startup School for Seniors 

Advantages of Age is offering online courses for Londoners aged 50+ looking to start their own businesses.

The course is delivered online by entrepreneur Suzanne Noble and business coach Mark Elliott. They create a fun, interactive learning experience and support you to progress week by week. Fully sponsored places are available to residents of London.

Register your place on the next available course here.

Canopy: Looking for Partner Organisations 

Canopy is looking for a partner organisation who are working with young people, based in Camden and interested in the environment. They have a project funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and are looking for a partner to deliver with them in Spring/Summer 2023.
For more information, please contact jake@canopy.si.

Past Voluntary Action Forums: Resources

You can 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

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

VAF: The Camden VCSE Sector in the New Health System 

On 21st September VAC hosted the Voluntary Action Forum: Delivering the North Central London VCSE Strategy. It was a great session with useful insights from local groups. This is just the beginning of designing the way we want to work within the new health system in Camden and in North Central London.

Read more about the session here

Camden Children’s Services BSL Video

Camden Council has published its first video explaining Camden’s children’s services and the support available to families in the borough in British Sign Language (BSL). The video, which features signing interpreters as well as full English subtitles, gives a detailed summary of services and support available for children and families, including Children in Need, Early Help and Child Protection services.
Watch the video here

The “B” Word Series Events 

Every Wednesday from 5th October at the London Irish Centre.

The series of events hosted by IamI includes the Spoken Word sessions ‘Enough Words’. Team up with facilitators to work towards producing your own piece and perform live to family and friends. The Melanin Rising Workshop explores the ingredients, special properties and the making of skin cream. Book your space here

Black Entrepreneurs Event 

Wednesday 5th October: 6pm-8pm

As part of Black History Season, Camden is hosting a Black Entrepreneurs event to provide tools for business owners and start-ups to succeed in the world of business. Hosted by Ndu Uchea (Word on the Curb) and a panel of industry experts, the event will be an opportunity to gain invaluable insight into areas including building confidence, resilience and overcoming self-sabotage.

To sign up, please click here

Startup School for Seniors 

Advantages of Age is offering online courses for Londoners aged 50+ looking to start their own businesses.

The course is delivered online by entrepreneur Suzanne Noble and business coach Mark Elliott. They create a fun, interactive learning experience and support you to progress week by week. Fully sponsored places are available to residents of London.

Register your place on the next available course here.

EcoCounts Workshop: Reduce your bills and your CO2 

Monday 26th September at Islington Climate Centre: 7pm-9pm

We all need to save money on our energy bills, so come and find out how other people have been doing it. Pick up tips about how to swat the kilowatts and cut the carbon through group discussion and input from practitioners. Entry is free.

For more information contact Adam on adam.hardy@ecocounts.community

LIFT: Affordable Coworking Spaces 

LIFT can help entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds in Camden, Islington, Hackney and Tower Hamlets to access co-working space, no matter your financial situation. This includes people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, women, lone parents and people with disabilities, who are underrepresented in these industry sectors.

For more information, contact lift.futures@islington.gov.uk

Addressing Poverty in London:

London Challenge Poverty Week: 17-23 Oct 2022 

London Challenge Poverty Week is coming up soon. It is coordinated by 4in10: London’s Child Poverty Network. Find out more here.

London Child Poverty Alliance Summit: 20 Oct 2022

The London Child Poverty Alliance are hosting the London Child Poverty Summit on 20 October. Find out more and book your tickets here.

Call for ideas around addressing poverty 

Together with Joseph Rowntree Foundation, New Local has launched a Call for Learning & Ideas to explore local approaches to addressing these challenges. Find out more here.

Help shape Clean Air Action in Camden 

Camden Council is consulting on a new Clean Air Action Plan which sets out their plan for the next 4 years to clean Camden’s air. Share your thoughts and ideas to shape their projects and policies, and find out how you can help by reducing air pollution and protecting your health.

Learn more here

Institute of Health Equity Report: Fuel poverty, cold homes and health inequalities 

This report reviews the evidence on both the direct and indirect impacts of fuel poverty and cold homes on health; the effects of inequalities and the relationship between health inequalities and climate change. It makes the case for prioritising reducing fuel poverty through policy suggestions at both the national and local level.

Read the report here.

Government Scheme to Cut Energy Bills

A new government scheme will see energy prices for non-domestic energy customers such as businesses, charities and public sector organisations cut – protecting them from rising energy costs. The scheme will cover energy use for 6 months from 1 October 2022 to 31 March 2023, and is in addition to the Energy Price Guarantee for households.

Read more here

Canopy: Looking for Partner Organisations 

Canopy is looking for a partner organisation who are working with young people, based in Camden and interested in the environment. They have a project funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and are looking for a partner to deliver with them in Spring/Summer 2023.

For more information, please contact jake@canopy.si.

Free Specialty Coffee Traineeship with Well Grounded 

Get free training, accreditations, work experience and job opportunities in coffee on an 8-week Alpro-sponsored programme this October.

You’ll learn everything you need to be a barista, take on a 4-week work placement and go into work in the coffee industry.

To apply, please contact info@wellgroundedjobs.co.uk

Latin American House vacancy: Office Manager 

Closing date: 3rd October

Latin American House is looking for an Office Manager to be the key person of the organisation’s central operations, providing an effective administrative support function at their Centre.

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

Home (shine-london.org.uk) – save money on energy bills
https://findfood.camden.gov.uk
Help With the Cost of Living | London City Hall
Free and impartial help with money, backed by the government | MoneyHelper
WISH Plus – Camden Council – Energy efficiency advice and income maximisation checks
Cost of Living Signposting Resource | London Plus

Cost of living crisis: Joint statement
The Directory of Social Change has united with other sector infrastructure bodies across the UK to call for an urgent response to the cost of living crisis.

The statement urges the government to urgently deliver meaningful financial support to those in the greatest need, and to provide targeted financial assistance for those charities, voluntary organisations and communities that are on the frontline of this crisis.

Read the full statement here.

Collective action letter: charitable food aid is not the solution to financial hardship
The Independent Food Aid Network (IFAN), together with the Trussell Trust and Feeding Britain, is gathering signatures from individuals working and volunteering with food banks, community kitchens and other organisations providing food poverty relief for a joint letter to the new Prime Minister. The letter asks for urgent action to end the need for charitable food aid as a solution to financial hardship

Find the letter here

Local Newsletters:

SHAK
Young Camden Foundation (Funding Newsletter)
AWN (sign up)
London Sport (sign up)
Fitzrovia Community Centre
Coram’s Field Community Newsletter (sign up)
CAWH Newsletter

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

The Baobab Collective Fund 

Closing date: 5pm on 25th September

Baobab have announced a new £3 million fund to grow, sustain, and strengthen Black and Global Majority communities that are resisting racial injustice in the UK.

Learn more here

The People’s Project Fund 

Closing date: 12 noon on Friday 7th October 2022, or when an application limit has been reached.

The National Lottery is giving community organisations the chance to apply for funding of up to £70,000. After a national campaign the winners will be decided by public vote.

Learn more here

Resident Opportunities and Empowerment Grant
Closing date for applications: 2nd October 2022

This new grant is intended to enable non-profit making organisations with social housing sector experience to help tenants take an active role in how their home is managed.

Learn more here

GLA Funding: Warmer Homes Programme
With energy bills continuing to rise, the Mayor is urging Londoners, local authorities, and community organisations to raise awareness of the Warmer Homes programme with anyone who may be eligible.
The scheme offers free energy efficiency grants of up to £25,000 to households with a residual income of up to £20,000 per year after rent/mortgage and council tax.

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

This event is run in partnership with Irish in Britain and involves various physical and mental health support, exercise sessions, massage and access to social prescribing services.
It is open to everyone, so feel free to drop in.

Free Health & Well-being Opportunities for Adults in Camden
In response to the current cost of living crisis, Castlehaven Community Association has launched a brand new programme of free activities and workshops, providing adults in Camden with free access to health & well-being activities and learning opportunities.
From weekly Self Defence, Pilates, Mindfulness & Boxercise sessions to one-off workshops such as Foraging, and CV Writing, we have opportunities for everyone to cultivate healthy habits

For more information please click here

An open training session on gambling, its impact and related harms.
2pm – 4pm on 26th September 2022, Online

The subject of gambling and its associated harms is acknowledged by experts as a serious health issue, with far reaching consequences. It negatively affects finances, mental health and relationships, not just for the gambler but for the those around them. If you would like to know more about gambling addiction and related harms, please join this free CPD accredited webinar

To register please click here

Free workshops for the Camden Community from Hampstead Theatre and The Winch
Hampstead Theatre and The Winch are delighted to launch a programme of free workshops for the Camden community.  Uniquely devised in partnership with residents from the local area, ‘Community Creates’ will provide free arts and crafts activities in various local locations from September 2022 through to 2023.

A programme and more information is available both from Hampstead Theatre here
And The Winch here

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 there is a £15 shopping voucher 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 on 07721520243

Stakeholder workshop: What does it mean to live a good life in Camden?
Tuesday 27 September: 3pm – 4:30pm

This online workshop by London Borough of Camden is about ‘Good Life Camden’, a wellbeing framework which is being built to measure what it means to live a good life in Camden.
They are seeking the perspective of organisations working in Camden on what your beneficiaries, customers or service users tell you is important to them – from health, to education, to civic participation – and any data you can share to help build a framework with the people of Camden.

To register your place, please click here

Healthy Start scheme
The Healthy Start scheme supports pregnant women and families to eat healthily and to access vitamins.
Do you receive income support? You could get help to buy milk, fruit, vegetables and infant formula.

If you’re pregnant or have children under the age of 4, the Healthy Start scheme can give you:
£4.25 each week from the 10th week of your pregnancy
£8.50 each week for children from birth to 1 year old
£4.25 each week for children between 1 and 4 years old
All pregnant women and families with young children can also get free Healthy Start vitamins from children’s and health centres.

To apply, please click here

Past Voluntary Action Forums: Resources

You can 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 local events and opportunities from around the Camden area.

This is an opportunity to share your knowledge and ideas to design the delivery of the 2 key objectives in the North Central London ‘Working with the VCSE Sector Strategy’ delivery plan.

1.    How can we design and deliver innovative community-focused and strength- based models of care in Camden?
2.    What do procurement and contracting processes that support a strong and thriving VCSE sector look like in this new environment?

Learn more and register here

The statement urges the government to urgently deliver meaningful financial support to those in the greatest need, and to provide targeted financial assistance for those charities, voluntary organisations and communities that are on the frontline of this crisis.

Read the full statement here.

Health Event at the London Irish Centre.
Wednesday 28th September in the Macnamara Hall: 11am-3pm

This event is run in partnership with Irish in Britain and involves various physical and mental health support, exercise sessions, massage and access to social prescribing services.
It is open to everyone, so feel free to drop in

Free Health & Well-being Opportunities for Adults in Camden
In response to the current cost of living crisis, Castlehaven Community Association has launched a brand new programme of free activities and workshops, providing adults in Camden with free access to health & well-being activities and learning opportunities.
From weekly Self Defence, Pilates, Mindfulness & Boxercise sessions to one-off workshops such as Foraging, and CV Writing, we have opportunities for everyone to cultivate healthy habits

For more information please click here

Urban Foraging Workshops at Castlehaven
Starting Friday 16th September

As part of their health & wellbeing programme, Health Haven, Castlehaven, is running two Urban Foraging workshops in the Castlehaven Community Park and surrounding areas.
The first workshop will take place on Friday 16th September, focusing on exploring edible plants growing in the area. The second workshop, on the 23rd of September, will explore the medicinal value of plants.

For more information and to book your spot, please email
healthhaven@castlehaven.org.uk.

Collective action letter: charitable food aid is not the solution to financial hardship
The Independent Food Aid Network (IFAN), together with the Trussell Trust and Feeding Britain, is gathering signatures from individuals working and volunteering with food banks, community kitchens and other organisations providing food poverty relief for a joint letter to the new Prime Minister. The letter asks for urgent action to end the need for charitable food aid as a solution to financial hardship

Find the letter here

Kilburn Older Voices Exchange vacancy: Coordinator.
KOVE are looking for someone with sound administrative skills and a knowledge of charity organisation to support their activities and help develop a more age-friendly Kilburn. You’ll need to work freelance, flexibly, from home for two days a week. A warm-hearted commitment to the full citizenship of all older people is essential.

To view the full job description please click here
The application process starts with an informal phone conversation with the former coordinator, Mel Wright. To apply for this role, please contact: melwillwright@gmail.com

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

Home (shine-london.org.uk) – save money on energy bills
https://findfood.camden.gov.uk
Help With the Cost of Living | London City Hall
Free and impartial help with money, backed by the government | MoneyHelper
WISH Plus – Camden Council – Energy efficiency advice and income maximisation checks

Local Newsletters:

SHAK
Young Camden Foundation
AWN (sign up)
London Sport (sign up)
Fitzrovia Community Centre
Coram’s Field Community Newsletter (sign up)
CAWH Newsletter

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

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, who wish to book a venue in Camden

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

Sustaining Spaces Fund
Closing date : 16th September 2022

NSUN will be awarding grants of £500-£1000 to those facilitating community spaces where people with shared identities and experiences come together in support of one another’s wellbeing.

For more information please click here

Resident Opportunities and Empowerment Grant
Closing date for applications: 2nd October 2022

This new grant is intended to enable non-profit making organisations with social housing sector experience to help tenants take an active role in how their home is managed.

Learn more here

Clarion Futures Digital Grants Programme – Final Funding Round 2022
Applications for Digital Grants Round 11, are currently open, and the deadline for submission is 12 noon, 21st September 2022.

Grants of between £1,000 and £5,000 will be available to organisations seeking to deliver innovative, well designed projects that support Clarion residents and the wider community to address digital exclusion.
Please note that this is a revised timeframe from what has previously been published, and this is the final Digital Grants funding round for this year.

To learn more, please click here

GLA Funding: Warmer Homes Programme
With energy bills continuing to rise, the Mayor is urging Londoners, local authorities, and community organisations to raise awareness of the Warmer Homes programme with anyone who may be eligible.
The scheme offers free energy efficiency grants of up to £25,000 to households with a residual income of up to £20,000 per year after rent/mortgage and council tax.

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

Do you want to volunteer in Camden and Islington? Join the Volunteer Centre Camden at Hugh Cubitt Community Centre, 48 Collier Street, N1 9QZ for our first in-person volunteering fair in 2.5 years.
It will be outside, but under cover.
No need to book, just pop in on the day.

Forest Bathing (nature mindfulness) session for Visually Impaired People
2pm on Thursday 22nd September

Meet at Hampstead Heath Overground Station, South End Road, NW3 2QD. No booking required.
Forest Bathing, a leisurely walk in a forest or woodland, is a great way to de-stress and focus your senses as you walk through nature. 
VIPs and assistance companions welcome.
 
For more information phone Rosemary at Visually Impaired in Camden on 07980 328 959 or email rosemary@somerstown.org.uk 

An open training session on gambling, its impact and related harms.
2pm – 4pm on 26th September 2022, Online

The subject of gambling and its associated harms is acknowledged by experts as a serious health issue, with far reaching consequences. It negatively affects finances, mental health and relationships, not just for the gambler but for the those around them. If you would like to know more about gambling addiction and related harms, please join this free CPD accredited webinar

To register please click here

Free workshops for the Camden Community from Hampstead Theatre and The Winch
Hampstead Theatre and The Winch are delighted to launch a programme of free workshops for the Camden community.  Uniquely devised in partnership with residents from the local area, ‘Community Creates’ will provide free arts and crafts activities in various local locations from September 2022 through to 2023.

A programme and more information is available both from Hampstead Theatre here
And The Winch here

Good Childhood Report Briefing Invite
Thursday 22nd September: 10:30am – 1pm

The Childrens Society undertake research into the wellbeing of the children and young people of England and reports its findings nationally. This meeting is focused on the findings and is aimed at professionals who work with, manage services or commission work to support children, young people and families.

Learn more and register here

Trustee Matching Event from Camden Giving
Wednesday 21st September: 6 – 8pm at Havas KX, 3 Pancras Square

Are you interested in sharing your expertise and getting more involved with the local community?
Join Camden Giving for a Trustee Matching Event… Small charities could be transformed with your support!
You’ll meet brilliant Camden organisations who are recruiting Trustees and be able to ask them your important questions.

Learn more and register here

Camden Coproduction Network Meeting
Thursday 15th September: 10am – 11.30am

At this meeting we will hear from the Hillside Club talking on the power dynamics working in a Co-productive way and Islington Council colleagues on their Let’s Talk Islington programme
This meeting will take place on Zoom.

Please contact Participation@Camden.gov.uk to join the meeting

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 there is a £15 shopping voucher 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 on 07721520243

The Salvation Army’s mentoring programme looking for volunteer mentors
The Salvation Army’s mentoring programme supports survivors of modern slavery and are looking for volunteer mentors.
We aim to support, empower and champion individuals to set and achieve their goals, build confidence, and establish life in community.
You would be paired with a fellow mentor to meet with a mentee fortnightly for 12 months.  We are looking for female and male applicants.

If you would like to discuss this opportunity further, please contact ATMSMentoring@salvationarmy.org.uk

Special educational needs consultation
Closing date: Thursday 22nd September

Camden Council is asking parents, carers, children, young people and professionals to have their say on the new draft Camden SEND strategy to improve services for children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities

Watch our short animated film here
Find out more and have your say here

Stakeholder workshop: What does it mean to live a good life in Camden?
Tuesday 20th September OR Tuesday 27 September, 15:00-16:30

This online workshop by London Borough of Camden is about ‘Good Life Camden’, a wellbeing framework which is being built to measure what it means to live a good life in Camden.
They are seeking the perspective of organisations working in Camden on what your beneficiaries, customers or service users tell you is important to them – from health, to education, to civic participation – and any data you can share to help build a framework with the people of Camden.

To register for Tuesday 20th September, please click here
To register for Tuesday 27th September please click here

Healthy Start scheme
The Healthy Start scheme supports pregnant women and families to eat healthily and to access vitamins.
Do you receive income support? You could get help to buy milk, fruit, vegetables and infant formula.

If you’re pregnant or have children under the age of 4, the Healthy Start scheme can give you:
£4.25 each week from the 10th week of your pregnancy
£8.50 each week for children from birth to 1 year old
£4.25 each week for children between 1 and 4 years old
All pregnant women and families with young children can also get free Healthy Start vitamins from children’s and health centres.

To apply, please click here

Camden Safeguarding Adults Partnership Board (SAPB) Safeguarding consultation
Deadline: 10th September

Everyone has the right to live a life that is free from abuse, harm and neglect. To this end, Camden Safeguarding Adults Partnership Board (SAPB) is running a Safeguarding consultation to seek views from people to help develop strategy priorities for the next 5 years.
The survey is also available in Sylheti, Somali and Easy read. Please email Patricia Cox at patricia.cox@camden.gov.uk to ask for the translated surveys

For more information and to take the survey, please click here

Past Voluntary Action Forums: Resources

You can 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 local events and opportunities from around the Camden area.

Influence.
This less well-known area of VAC’s work involves presenting a Camden Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) voice at a strategic level.

This includes raising awareness about what the sector can offer, connecting the sector with strategic stakeholders, having sector influence in borough policy and strategy, ensuring that the sector is not excluded from decision-making process, or overlooked as a delivery partner in the provision of community-based services and projects that meet the needs of local people.

We use our voice to amplify yours…

Learn more here

This is an opportunity to share your knowledge and ideas to design the delivery of the 2 key objectives in the North Central London ‘Working with the VCSE Sector Strategy’ delivery plan.

1.    How can we design and deliver innovative community-focused and strength- based models of care in Camden?
2.    What do procurement and contracting processes that support a strong and thriving VCSE sector look like in this new environment?

Learn more and register here