Voluntary Action Camden

View of the bridge over camden lock

VAC E-Bulletin 13th September 2024

 


View this email in your browser

Opt in to receive VAC e-newsletter direct to your inbox

Navigate to:

Spotlight  |   Features, News and Policy  |   Funding   |   Events and Training   |
Jobs and Volunteering   |   Surveys, Resources and Opportunities

Communications Survey

Our Communications Survey will be running until mid September. If you haven’t had a chance to give your thoughts yet, please click this link and let us know how you’re feeling about how we communicate with you. 

 

Upcoming Training & Events

 

Find out more here: https://vac.org.uk/news-and-events/events/

Open to VAC Members only

If you are a voluntary service or group delivering services in Camden and are not a member of VAC, please join here: https://vac.org.uk/get-involved/membership

Average tenure rate of 4.3 years in charity sector

A new report from Vestd has ranked the charity and non-for-profit sectors third out of 14 industries for employee retention. Charity workers average 4.3 years in one organisation, compared to 5.3 years in the manufacturing industry, which ranked first for retention. The report also studied the factors that play an important part in employees staying at their company/organisation.  

Charities struggling to meet certain banking regulations

The banking experience for charities continues to come under spotlight after a report revealed particular problem areas. The Financial Conduct Authority report indicated that charities with complex governance structures (for example, those with more than 100 trustees) face issues opening and processing bank accounts, while requirements imposed by banks to satisfy financial crime-regulated obligations often created difficulties for charity and non-profit organisations.

Charity Commission updates decision-making guidance

The Charity Commission have updated guidance article CC27, which is structured around 7 key principles for decision making. The new guidance now takes half the time to read and has been updated for conciseness with straight-forward language, in an aim to encourage more trustees to use it. You can find the updated guidance here

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!

 

  • Sir Jules Thorn Charitable Trust grants are available to registered or exempt charities and NHS organisations to support the implementation of innovative models of health and care in the UK.
  • Grassroots Grants provides unrestricted funding of up to £2,000 for small, local organisations in England who are making a positive difference in their communities.
  • The National Garden Scheme’s Community Gardens Award provides grants for the creation of a garden or a similar project (such as an allotment) with horticultural focus for the benefit of the local community.
  • Fight for Sight is offering grants for projects that support and empower children and young people who are blind and vision impaired with the tools to live independent and fulfilling lives. 
  • The Ogden Trust School Partnerships Programme supports schools who want to collaborate on projects that enhance the teaching and learning of physics.
  • VisitBritain’s Familiarisation Trip Fund provides UK tourism suppliers the opportunity to connect with international travel buyers to gain new ideas through a series of familiarisation visits, with a view to generating new business sales and growth.

Reclaiming Narratives for Black History Month

Young Camden Foundation are hosting Reclaiming Narratives! – dedicated to honouring and celebrating the black community in Camden’s CYP sector on Thursday 3rd October. The event aims to highlight the importance of reclaiming and sharing black stories, amplifying voices that have been marginalised for too long, and will feature performances, a panel discussion and refreshments. 

Zen in Mind Free Community Festival 

The Zen Project and Mind in Camden bring to you another of their monthly festivals on Thursday 26th September 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 one of the activities to help create some calm and ease anxiety. There is something for everyone. No need to book – just turn up. More information here.

Somali Marketplace Event

In partnership with the British Somali Community Centre, Camden Council is hosting a Somali community event to share information about the support and services here in Camden for children and adults who have disabilities or additional needs, and their parents. A Somali lunch will be provided.
24 September, 218 Eversholt St, Mornington Crescent, NW1 1BD

Play for Inclusion – a fundraising indie music night 

Join Learning Disability Network London for a night of live music and raise vital funds to support people with learning disabilities. Wednesday 25th September, The Strongroom, Shoreditch. Doors open at 7pm, Tickets cost £14. There are 4 amazing bands lined up: Coming up Roses, Lucas Button, Sweet Giant and The Carbonators. Find tickets and more info here.

Active For All Day for disabled children and young people

Disabled children and young people aged eight and above (including adults) and their families are invited to come along to Talacre Community Sports Centre, in Kentish Town, NW5 3AF, for a day of free, fun activities. Try out a fantastic range of inclusive activities on Saturday 14 September, with a special appearance from a 2024 Olympic athlete. Activities include athletics, wheelchair roller sessions, new age kurling, boccia, adapted bikes, trampolining and rebound therapy, gymnastics, football, basketball and much more. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. 

Camden Youth Worker Forum: Collaboration & Partnership 

This forum from Young Camden Foundation is designed specifically for those working with children and young people in Camden and around our diverse Borough of Camden, part of their Level Up Youth Work series. The event will focus on the power of collaboration, and will hopefully encourage new partnerships in the room. There will be guest speakers, engaging discussions, and time for networking too. You’ll have the opportunity to connect with others working in the youth sector, share experiences, and hopefully learn from each other. Tuesday 24th September, 4.30 – 6.00pm.

Camden Community Centres’ Consortium’s AGM
Camden Community Centres’ Consortium’s AGM will take place on Thursday, October 3rd, 5:45pm-7pm, at Camden Town Hall’s Council Chamber. Over the past six months, we have been working hard to refocus our collaboration and increase the profile of community centres and spaces in Camden. If you are able to attend, here is the link to register. Please don’t hesitate to email admin@c4consortium.org.uk if you have any questions. 

Ethical Property Foundation Support Clinic & Webinar

The EPF are hosting an exclusive specialist advice clinic hosted in partnership with Utility Aid, on 26th September. Free slots are available on the day with experts. To register your interest in this event, please click here.
Then, on 3rd October, there is a free webinar, Negotiating and Managing Your Lease, run by experienced solicitors and surveyors. 

Supervisor (Mailing & Distribution Social Enterprise) 

 

Unity Works are seeking a dynamic and motivated individual to assist the Social Enterprise Manager in running the mailing and distribution social enterprise. The ideal candidate will be comfortable and confident dealing with customers as well as championing a real commitment to improving the lives of adults with a learning disability. A candidate with a background in customer service and developing community business opportunities would also be ideal. Part of the role will be to assist in the mentoring of trainees attending the social enterprise. For more information, please click here.
Closing Date: 15th October 

 

Survivors Can Shine – New Project Coordinator Role

Are you looking to make a real difference in the world? Are you passionate about inspiring the next generation of young change-makers? It’s an exciting time to get involved with Survivors Can Shine, who are looking for a motivated, agile and value-driven person to join their team to effectively deliver the ‘I Shine, Speak Out – Ambassadors for Change’ project. Survivors Can Shine believe that every child has the right to a safe and happy childhood. Their commitment is to ensure that every child knows their rights and the power of their voice. Join them on their mission to break the cycle of intergenerational abuse and empower children to build solid foundations to thrive. Find more information here.
Closing date: 25th September 

 

FEAST With Us Operations Manager

FEAST With Us are recruiting for an Operations Manager, reporting to the CEO. You’ll be the engine behind the charity’s day-to-day success and oversee the operational heart of the organisation, ensuring that nutritious meals and healthy eating services for people experiencing food insecurity in community venues in Camden, Islington, Barnet, Westminster and Haringey run smoothly, efficiently, and with maximum impact to service users.
Closing date: 27th September

 

Trustees including Chair of Trustees at GOALYC

Gospel Oak Action Link Youth Club (GOALYC) is a Camden based Charity providing at no cost to users, a rich variety of sports, music, education and other activities to mostly disadvantaged young people in the Gospel Oak area. They are looking for Trustees who will guide the charity’s direction, upkeep, and policies, making key decisions that create a positive difference to our youth. If you are interested in becoming a GOALYC trustee, you can find out more by emailing mei@qcca.org.uk.

 

Day Care Officer – Day Care Centres

 
Age UK Camden Day Care Centres are looking to recruit Day Care Officers to cover a range of hours and shifts across their two Day Care Centres. The centres provide a wide range of activities as well as being a specialist Day Care Centres caring for older people with complex needs. The Day Care Centres also provide a hot lunch and a range of special events. The dedicated, specialist team supports people with care needs, including those living with mild – moderate dementia and complex needs.
Closing date: 25th September 

 

Vacancies at Women at The Well

Recruiting for staff, trustees and volunteers: Women at The Well is a small day centre and outreach service for women facing multiple disadvantages, based in the King’s Cross area. They are currently recruiting:
•    Housekeeper/Cleaner (£15/hour, 9 hours/week, contract, holidays, pension; deadline ASAP);
•    Trustees (deadline 30 Sept);
•    Volunteers
Find out more and apply on the website: Paid roles here and volunteers/trustees here.

Young Carers Practitioner at The Children’s Society

 

Are you passionate about supporting young people to thrive? The Children’s Society are currently looking for an experienced young carers practitioner to join their dynamic, ambitious team. Your role will be to contribute to the overall provision of services for young carers in Camden & Islington, providing child-centred assessments, plans and interventions to support young carers to thrive, and reduce the impact of caring responsibilities. You will also support to deliver training and awareness raising sessions to relevant professionals and provide specialist help where necessary.
Deadline for applications: Wednesday 18th September

 

Chef Manager: Kentish Town Social Enterprise Café

Seeking an experienced and enthusiastic individual for an exciting opportunity to manage one of Unity Works’ social enterprise cafés in Kentish Town. The Café Manager will support and train people with a learning disability, whilst being responsible for the overall management and performance of the café. As part of this role, you will be training catering tasks such as barista skills, customer service and culinary skills. You will work as part of a dynamic team to provide a professional service delivering high quality food and drinks to the local community.
Closing Date: 21st September 

 

Adult Community Learning Tutors – Camden 

 

We are seeking enthusiastic and qualified tutors to join our adult community programme in Camden. Our adult learning programme supports adults with a learning disability to develop self-confidence, learn new skills and to improve their understanding of their local community. Please note tutors must have AET or a teaching qualification. For more information, please click here.
Closing Date: 30th September

 

Hampstead Wells and Campden Trust – Trustee Recruitment

A local charity in NW Camden dedicated to the relief of poverty, health inequalities and homelessness. We’re looking for enthusiastic and engaged Trustees to join our team. This is a voluntary role, with expenses covered. Please contact our Director, Stuart Woltkamp-Moon, at stuart@hwct.org.uk to discuss the position. More information about the HWCT can be found here.

 

Volunteering Opportunities at Abbey Community Centre

ACC are looking for volunteer befrienders to help reduce isolation by regularly visiting individuals over 60s in their homes and help provide ad hoc support. If you’re passionate in Children’s Services and family support, you can volunteer in assisting running creative and fun activities for under 5s whilst building relationships with their parents and carers. Other volunteering opportunities available and please contact vol-opps@abbeycc-kilburn.org.uk with any questions. 

Startup School for Seniors 

Startup School for Seniors is an eight-week, part-time eLearning course for over-50s starting September 19th who are looking to start their own businesses. This course is for you if you:

  • Have always wanted to start a business but have no idea how to start
  • Would welcome meeting others with whom you can share your business idea & receive feedback
  • Want to build your confidence and improve your chance of success
  • Want to create an income stream from your hobby, passion or work experience

Run by social enterprise, Advantages of Age, the course is delivered online by entrepreneur Suzanne Noble and business coach Mark Elliott. They create a fun, interactive learning experience and support you in progressing week by week. Fully funded places are available to qualified London residents.

 

YCF Young Ambassadors Programme

Young Camden Foundation are sending out one last call for applications for their Young Ambassadors Programme. The final deadline for applications is Monday (16/09), and they are particularly keen to get more women and girls aged 16-21 to apply. Successful participants will get paid London Living wage for the year-long programme which will enable you to develop your skills and get involved in youth participation initiatives in the local community. To apply, fill out this form

 

Volunteer with Camden’s Youth Justice Service

Do you have an interest in your local community and youth crime rates? Want to help children make positive changes in their lives? Enhance your own skill set and work experience? Camden Youth Justice Service recruits volunteers as Referral Order Panel Members. You will work with children aged 10-17 who have attended court for the first time. Full training is provided, as well as support and supervision. For more information or to request an application form, please download the flyer, email jaynita.haria@camden.gov.uk or call Jaynita on 020 7974 6582. Closing date is 20 September.

 

Local VCS Newsletters

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

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

Find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here

Got an item for the e-bulletin?

Send your item to social@vac.org.uk by noon on Wednesday for publication in the following Friday’s edition. Submissions should be 50 – 75 words. Please send plain text or a format that can be copied (ie not embedded in an image). Send links to documents rather than attachments. Make sure to include contact details.

Ways to Get Involved

Join us on social media

Become a Member
Use your own custom HTML
Opt in to receive VAC e-newsletter direct to your inbox

Copyright © 2021 |Voluntary Action Camden | All rights reserved.

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

Registered Charity Number 880216. Company Limited by Guarantee registered in England No: 2388150. Registered Office: Belmont Street, London, NW1 8HF

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


 

ajax-loader