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New Year, New CEO
VAC are starting the year with a new face at the helm. But before we introduce you, we want to say a big thank you to Dianne, who took over as interim CEO during a tricky period, and steered us through with composure and compassion. Dianne stepped up to take over leadership duties while also giving training sessions in safeguarding and more, and we are very grateful to her!
Taking over from Dianne is our new CEO, Albie Stadtmiller, who is now coming to the end of his first week at VAC. As a way for all our partners and friends to get to know Albie a little better, we conducted a short interview with him, which you can read below. Welcome, Albie!
Can you tell us a little bit about your background? You’re from San Diego originally, how long have you been in the UK and what have you been up to here?
I’ve worked within local government and charities for the last 25 years. I spent almost 14 years at Ealing Council doing youth work, managing borough youth programmes and fundraising. For the last 10 years I’ve been a charity CEO, focusing on children and families, dementia support and most recently with Healthwatch in Enfield.
You’ve previously mentioned wanting to work in the borough for a while, what is it about Camden that appeals to you?
I’ve heard that Camden is a vibrant area with a lot to offer its residents. There is a rich history of music, diversity and cultural life. I’ve read that the residents of Camden have a strong sense of their borough and value where they live. I like the idea of coming into such a dynamic context, learning and trying to take on the concerns and mindset of Camden, and seeing what might come out of that immersion.
Did you work in the non-for-profit sector in the US, or do you otherwise have experience of it? If so, any observations on the differences between there and here?
When I was in the US, I worked within the faith-based sector, focusing on teens and young adults. Upon moving to the UK and working within the local Council, and working with young people, I had to change my vocabulary, approach, and learn to focus more on the needs and concerns reflected to me by those with whom I was working with.
Having lived here for 20 or so years, what’s your favourite place in London?
I think that my favourite place within London is anywhere there is lots of diversity, community engagement and a vibrant cultural sector. That is what makes London exciting to me – seeing a broad range of what makes London such an interesting place to live. I do like walking around the Crown Estate and seeing all the sightseeing attractions. I’m still thrilled to see a marching band go down the Mall with the uniforms, drums, horses and the way that the tourists crowd around to watch them go by.
What’s your favourite book and why?
My favourite book series is The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. I like these novels as they encourage imagination within me. I feel that imagination gives birth to looking beyond oneself and tapping into things like hope, opportunity and a desire to see things in new, enhanced or alternative ways. That keeps one flexible and open to learning, empathy and being able to serve according to one’s abilities.
Finally, what are you looking forward to in 2025, personally and professionally?
In 2025, I have some personal and professional goals.I’m hoping to keep challenging myself musically as one of my hobbies is playing guitar. Professionally, I want to know Camden better and how VAC can better support the charities and residents that live within the area.
Upcoming Training & Events
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| Tighter visa thresholds likely to impact charity recruitment
Rises in salary thresholds for immigration routes such as the skilled worker visa make it harder for charities to recruit, claims a new briefing from legal firm Bates Wells. April 2024 saw a number of changes to immigration rules which are likely to have a significant impact for faith-based charities in particular. Fadi Itani, chief executive of the Muslim Charities Forum, warned of a knock-on effect on service availability: “the current shortage of skilled workers in the UK suggests that these changes could adversely affect the provision of essential services that depend on skilled professionals, thereby worsening inequalities for some of the most vulnerable communities“.
Anticipation for Civil Society covenant builds
Ahead of the introduction of the new Civil Society covenant this Spring, charity bodies NAVCA and Civil Society published responses to the proposed framework before Christmas. This week, Prime Minister Keir Starmer shared his thoughts on the response from the sector to an initiative which has been promised as a “reset” in the relationship between the government and civil society.
UK ranks as second most generous country on GoFundMe
Online fundraising platform GoFundMe ranked Ireland as the most generous country for the sixth year in a row, while the UK ranked in second. GoFundMe’s Year in Help 2024 review used donation data to share information on worldwide donor habits and significant fundraising campaigns over the last year, including the major flooding in Spain and lesser known stories such as ecological efforts to support Volcano Axolotls amphibians in Mexico. |
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Every week VAC checks various sources for the latest funding opportunities relevant for Camden groups.
You can visit our website for a round up of the latest opportunities added this week:Search for Funding – Voluntary Action Camden (vac.org.uk).
We’ve included a selection of the latest funds below but check out our new funding portal for many more opportunities.
If you need help sourcing or applying for funds, get in touch with our consultancy service, free for all Camden groups!
- CABWI Lifelong Learning and Development Fund for registered charities in the UK providing support that enables people to enter the labour market or gain additional skills to further develop their career.
- Baobab Community Fund – Grants are available for Black and Global Majority individuals, organisations and collectives (18+) who are working towards racial justice in the UK.
- Delamere Dairy Foundation for charitable and community organisations in England, Scotland and Wales to support projects that deliver benefits for local communities.
- Leeds Building Society Foundation is intended to support projects to improve the health, wellbeing and financial literacy of people who are experiencing homelessness.
- Heat Network Efficiency Scheme has grants available for organisations operating across the public, private and third sectors in England and Wales to upgrade existing heat networks to reduce emissions and energy costs for households.
- Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust offers funding for imaginative and inclusive approaches to tackling the climate crisis and building a just and equitable economy in order to protect the planet for future generations.
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Free theatre & music places for children & young people
Angel Shed arts charity has free youth theatre places available for ages 10 to 13 and music places for ages 12 to 19 – all welcome, with no experience needed and no auditions. One-to-one support can be provided depending on capacity. You can be a resident in any borough to join. Angel Shed is based at City and Islington College, close to the border with Camden. Find out more and sign-up.
Spanish for Life course from Latin American House
Join our Spanish for Life Course, designed for adults eager to learn or improve Spanish for everyday conversations, travel, or career development. Open to beginners and intermediate learners, classes run online via Zoom every Thursday, 6–8 p.m., from 23rd January to 17 April 2025. Gain language skills in an engaging and supportive environment. Spaces are limited—register now! For more information, email admin@casalatina.org.uk.
QCCA Healthy Families Programme
FREE local activities including Family Fun Days, Gym and Yoga are available at The Dome, Queens Crescent, Camden. Please email Jhakkir@qcca.org.uk for the full programme or to enquire about services.
Zen in Mind – Free Community Festival
The Zen Project and Mind in Camden bring to you another of their monthly festivals to celebrate mental health and support the local Camden community. Open to all and all activities are free. Free food, massage, mindfulness sessions and more. Climb on board the big yellow American school bus and take part in an activity to help create some calm and ease anxiety. We have something for everyone. No need to book – just turn up. More information here. 30th January.
Spring Term at WAC Arts
Wac Arts Spring Term runs from Saturday 11th January 2025 to Sunday 30th March 2025, offering 10 weeks of affordable classes for all ages, with bursaries available. From performing and creative to digital arts, we have engaging weekend and evening classes for ages 4+. The programs encourage growth, progression, and a passion for the arts, providing young people with essential creative opportunities.
Digital Arts for neurodiverse children & young people
Explore all things digital such as filmmaking, animation and coding in these relaxed sessions from Holborn Community Association for neurodiverse children and young people and those with social communication difficulties. On Wednesdays, starting 15th January 2025. To book, email sudiksha@holborncommunity.co.uk or call 02074052370 (option 1 or 3).
Join in LGBT History Month 2025
LGBT Charity forum+ is curating the programme for Camden & Islington LGBT History Month 2025 and all the community is invited to join in the celebration of local LGBT culture, heritage and history. Events take place in February and the theme for 2025 is Activism and Social Change. To be featured in the official programme for Camden & Islington LGBT History Month please email info@forumplus.org.uk. The closing date for entries is Friday 10th January.
VCC Volunteer Managers’ Forum & Volunteering Fair
Volunteer Managers’ Forum
Join Volunteer Centre Camden online for peer support in the company of volunteer managers from everywhere on Thursday 23rd January at 10.30am. Topics are decided by you on the day and booking is free.
Volunteering Fair
Want to volunteer in Camden and Islington? Book your free place now to attend this lunchtime volunteering fair on Zoom on Wednesday 29th January, 12.30-2pm. Local organisations will be recruiting for their volunteering roles. And you will get a chance to ask more questions to them directly.
Curious about Pension Credit?
Want to see if you can top up your income and get help with dentists, Council Tax, Housing Benefits and much more. In 30 minutes, get an idea how it can help, if you can claim and where to get help with the form. Unlike the State Pension, even if you’re eligible for Pension Credit you have to claim to get it. This is a short talk followed by questions and answers. Light refreshments. Free and all welcome. No need to book.
A choice of two venues, both on Wed 29th January:
• Marian Centre, 1 Stafford Rd, NW6 5RS, 1.30-2pm
or
• Kilburn Library Centre, 2-22 Kilburn High Rd, NW6 5UH, 2.45-3.15pm
Free Business Sustainability Workshop
Join in person in Camden on Tuesday 14th January for a free half-day workshop on Business Sustainability. Learn how embedding sustainable practices can drive growth, strengthen your brand, and create long-term value for your business. Gain practical insights to improve efficiency, win tenders, and attract top talent. Click here to register. |
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Executive Assistant at Age UK Camden
Age UK Camden is recruiting a skilled and experienced Executive Assistant to support the Chief Executive in the areas of Governance and Quality. Age UK Camden is a local, independent and innovative charity which has provided services to older people in Camden for more than 50 years through diverse and inclusive services. These services are highly valued by the residents of Camden and the voluntary and statutory sectors.
Closing date: 27th January
Senior Fundraising Officer | The Winch
The Winch is Based in North Camden, their mission is to help each child succeed, regardless of their circumstances. They are recruiting a Senior Fundraising Officer, with experience of working with trusts and foundations, and statutory funding. Working alongside the Head of Partnerships and Communications and Marketing Lead, you will be responsible for identifying funding opportunities, developing bids and nurturing relationships with funders. Full Time £35,000. Find out more.
Deadline: 12th January
Deputy Play Manager | The Winch
The Winch are also hiring a hands-on Deputy Play Manager to run exciting after-school and holiday playschemes. Lead a team, inspire young minds, and create a space where children flourish and families feel supported. Full Time, £34,000 Find out more.
HCA Doorstep Help Project Coordinator
Holborn Community Association are recruiting a Doorstep Help Coordinator to help vulnerable older people and build a network of volunteers to support them. This role offers the chance to make a real difference for vulnerable older adults and help them build meaningful relationships with others across the community, helping them long term. If you want to apply for this role, you can email on andrew@holborncommunity.co.uk.
Application deadline: Friday 10th January 2025.
Make a Difference: Volunteer as a Y’s Girls Mentor
Are you ready to empower the next generation of young women in London? The Y’s Girls Project is seeking compassionate volunteers to support girls facing challenges at school, at home, or with self-esteem. As a mentor, you’ll provide a safe, supportive space where girls can grow in confidence, explore interests, and try new things. Your guidance could help them realise their potential and build a brighter future. Learn more and apply today: full role pack here. You can apply to become a volunteer mentor here.
Biodiversity surveying volunteers required for March 2025
Friends of Waterlow Park in Highgate are looking for volunteers to help survey wildlife and botany. Small, friendly groups will meet up and collect data on Saturdays; once a month from March to mid-May, then fortnightly between mid-May and October. A volunteer commented ‘it’s a great way to spend time in the park, you’ll learn a lot about plants, and it’s fun to carry out surveys jointly between families and friends’. You don’t need any experience and everyone is welcome. To register your interest and sign up to join the Biodiversity volunteer mailing list, please contact – Friends of Waterlow Park.
People’s Museum Story Bike Promoter
Days: 1.5 days per week (with some flexibility)
Location: People’s Museum Somers Town / outdoor working
Payment: £12-15 per hour
1. To help raise awareness of StoryBike as sustainable intergenerational taxi service
2. To do outreach to engage community and build audience
3. To develop and evaluate this service
4. To develop museum awareness through outreach and communications
please email diana@aspaceforus.club with CV to apply. |
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Build Bengali Archives in Camden
Interested in archives? Do you want to learn more about preserving community history? Are you connected to Camden’s Bengali community? If that sounds like you, join curator and historian Julian Ehsan to explore archiving and how it can relate to you. As part of Camden’s initiative to Build Bengali Archives, Camden’s Local Studies and Archives Centre are hosting 3 sessions in January & February to visit different archives and gain the tools to build a new sonic archive. Sessions are free to attend but space is limited, so please fill out this brief form by 17 January to be involved. Contact julian.ehsan@camden.gov.uk.
Help Support Young Girls: Refer to the Y’s Girls Project
Do you know a young girl aged 9-14 in London who could benefit from mentoring? The Y’s Girls Project pairs girls with trained mentors who provide guidance, a listening ear, and a safe space to build confidence and explore new interests. If you know a girl who might benefit, contact Allison.Bishop@ymca.co.uk or make a referral here. Download our information pack here. Together, we can create brighter futures.
Mayor of London’s Loved and Wanted Campaign
The Mayor’s office are looking for short stories that celebrate London’s values of diversity and unity by affirming how all Londoners are loved and wanted in the city. Has a person or place ever helped you to feel at home in London? Share your story here.
UCL Research Consult Clinic
The Research Consultancy Clinic, hosted by the Community Research Initiative, is the space to turn your data, evaluation and research needs into a quick and punchy project to be take on by our stellar research students. During the clinic you’ll take part in a bespoke, informal and friendly consultation with 1-3 trainee consultants to work out the details of a 2-3 month bite size research project. After the clinic, the team will take care of the rest, making sure you’re happy with the output, posting the advert on our online platform, and working to get you some students to support your work. Register here.
Families for Life Champion free volunteer training
Parents and carers can become Families for Life Champions with free volunteer training, starting from 16 January 2025 at Edith Neville Primary School. Parents and carers can improve their skills and CV, while helping other families to improve their health and wellbeing by signposting them to services and support. Email syria.chowdhury@camden.gov.uk for more information.
Local VCS Newsletters
If you would like your Camden VCS newsletter added to this list, please email social@vac.org.uk
Looking for a previous newsletter entry? Find it in our archive here
Find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here |
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| Got an item for the e-bulletin? |
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| Send your item to social@vac.org.uk by noon on Wednesday for publication in the following Friday’s edition. Submissions should be 50 – 75 words. Please send plain text or a format that can be copied (ie not embedded in an image). Send links to documents rather than attachments. Make sure to include contact details. |
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