Voluntary Action Camden

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VAC E-Bulletin 16th August 2024

 


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

Culture Secretary contacts charities after traumatic week
Lisa Nandy paid tribute to the efforts of civil society organisations in responding to the targeted racist attacks of the last few weeks. The new Culture Secretary met with representatives from charities and faith groups, and also released a written statement supporting groups that continued to provide services and foster community spirit despite the risk of violence and intimidation.

A reminder that The London Communities Emergencies Partnership and partners are building a list of resources for charities and community groups due to the heightened concerns around disinformation, discrimination and violence in London.

76% of Black & ethnic minoritised-led organisations report missing out on funding due to race or ethnicity
Responses to a survey by Pathway Fund revealed that 76% of black and ethnic minoritised-led organisations reported being refused funding because of their race or ethnicity. Project director of Pathway Fund, Dilys Winterkorn, commented that the findings show “systemic obstacles in accessing mainstream financial support”. 

Difficult for charities to find operational space
A recent survey has demonstrated how difficult it is for charitable organisations and volunteer groups to find and secure a space to operate from. The survey was carried out by Temporary Use Aid, an organisation that matches charities with empty properties, and found that 73% of civil society organisations reported that it had been moderately or extremely difficult to look for physical spaces. 

Upcoming Training & Events

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!

  • Kelly Family Charitable Trust funds charities working in fields including early intervention, mediation, prison services and services for families affected by sexual abuse, physical abuse and domestic violence, among others.
  • Ulverscroft Foundation accepts applications from organisations that help the visually impaired in the UK or overseas.
  • Music for All Community Grants programme is awarding grants to underserved community groups and to support providers using music to assist people living with dementia.
  • Youth Futures Foundation Evidence into Action Grants Programme for voluntary sector delivery organisations in England that are committed to developing their youth employability activities.  
  • Rewilding Britain is offering grants to help remove barriers to rewilding projects across Britain, whether they are at the early planning stage or scaling up a pre-existing project.

VAC UPCOMING TRAINING

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

OTHER EVENTS

Summer camp for Ukrainian teenagers
Health Prom are inviting Ukrainian teenagers aged 12 to 17 from Islington and Camden boroughs to their summer camp which is taking place from 23rd to 27th August at Calthorpe Community Garden, WC1X 8LH. Activities include a Ukrainian folk dance workshop, tour to London’s Tower Bridge, a taekwondo self defence class, and career guidance training, among others. For more information please contact lena@healthprom.org.

Kurdish Community meeting
The next Kurdish Community meeting in London is next Sunday 18th of August from 2:00 – 6:00 pm at: 24 Haverstock Hill, Chalk Farm, NW3 2BQ. The meetings are run on a monthly basis by Kurdish volunteers in order to help the community get together, celebrate ethnic identity, share knowledge in a sociable, cultural, educational and family friendly setting. All are welcome. The program will include:
•  Welcome and introductions.
•  Arts, crafts and games for kids.
•  Sharing knowledge, skills, and bussiness ideas( to be continued).
•  Clearing and Good bye.
•  Refreshments will be provided. 

Zen in Mind
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 one of the activities to help create some calm and ease anxiety. Something for everyone – no need to book, just turn up. More information here.

VCC Autumn 2024 Camden and Islington Volunteering Fair 
Join Volunteer Centre Camden online and meet local groups recruiting volunteers now. This fair takes place on Thursday 12th September, 12.30-2pm. Sign up for the Zoom link here. If you are an organisation that would like to recruit volunteers at this fair contact Sheila by email: sheila@volunteercentrecamden.org.uk.

VoiceAbility Free Three-Day Peer Mentor course 
Have lived experience of mental health and wish to support others? VoiceAbility would love to hear from you. This is a 3-day course slated for 18th, 20th and 25th September 2024, at The Pirate Castle (Clubroom), NW1 7EA. The course aims to give you ALL the skills required to volunteer as a Peer Mentor. For reservations or further information, email camden.peermentoring@voiceability.org or call Dede 07974419371/ Henriette 07562 625453.

VCC Volunteer Managers’ Forum  
Join Volunteer Centre Camden online for networking and peer support in the company of volunteer managers from everywhere on Wednesday 16th October at 2pm. Topics are decided by you on the day and booking is free

Communications Volunteer (women only) at Clean Break
Clean Break provides theatre and writing based opportunities, including workshops from their studios in Kentish Town NW5 for women who have experience of the criminal justice system, or who are risk of entering it. Their Communications team are looking for a volunteer (see Job pack at the bottom of the page) to support the upkeep of social media channels and website. You will be working with the Communications Manger to plan, write, design and schedule social media and website content.

3 Vacancies at St Pancras Community Association

Saint Pancras Community Association (SPCA) is a charity delivering high quality services for Camden residents, especially the lively and diverse community of the St Pancras and Somers Town ward. 

Marketing and Communications Executive
SPCA are seeking a talented Marketing and Communications Executive to play a crucial role in raising SPCA’s brand in the community. You will be responsible for the marketing and communications strategy and content; manage key communications channels including our website, newsletters, and social media; and coordinate with colleagues to generate content across the organisation. This exciting role would suit someone looking to move from a corporate communications and marketing role into the charity sector or someone already working in the sector seeking a new challenge and drive and shape the future of SPCA.
Closing Date: 02 September

Caretaker/Cleaner
Provide a staff presence in a community centre after 5pm and weekend so that people feel welcome and safe and the building is secure. Set out rooms, so that community activities can be run on site. General cleaning.

Community Kitchen Volunteer 
SPCA’s Community kitchen will provide a warm space, healthy eating options, as well as a range of other community benefits such as reduced social isolation and skills development. This role is to support the Community Café Manager to run the kitchen. Ideally you will be able to commit to at least 5 hours on Thursdays, but as we understand people lead busy lives so you can volunteer on between 3.00pm-6.30pm.
Please email jobs@spca.org.uk if you are interested in applying.

Supervisor (Mailing & Distribution Social Enterprise) – Kentish Town
Unity Works are seeking a dynamic and motivated individual to assist the Social Enterprise Manager in running their 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, with a background in customer service and developing community business opportunities. Part of the role will be assisting in the mentoring of trainees attending the social enterprise.
Closing Date: 23rd August

Mentoring & Befriending Coordinator at Advice for Renters

Advice for renters is recruiting a Mentoring & Befriending Coordinator. You will be creating connections that bring warmth, understanding and practical help to those who need it most. By pairing volunteers with service users, you will combat social isolation and contribute to the overall wellbeing of our community. Your dedication and commitment will empower individuals to be more independent, making a lasting difference to their lives.
Closing date: Friday 30th August

Holborn Venues Events Co-ordinator

Holborn Venues are looking for a full time Events Co-ordinator. The Events Co-ordinator will join a small team running a wide-ranging events programme within the church and adjoining buildings. The role is varied and includes setting up events spaces, liaising with customers and creating social media content. Evening and weekend work required on a rota basis. To apply, send an up-to-date CV and covering letter addressing the main requirements of the post to vacancy@standrewholborn.org.uk.
Closing date: 2nd 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. 

Club Games for Residents over 60
GLL is preparing to host the Club Games in Lee Valley this September! Club Games is a multi-borough competition for residents over 60, Christopher Biggins is this year’s endorsement! They are in the process of recruiting residents to join Team Camden across a range of sports (no trials are required for participation). For more information visit the Club Games Webpage or residents can register via the participant sign up form (even if they aren’t attached to a Leisure Centre).

Startup School for Seniors
Startup School for Seniors, an online programme that supports over 50s to become self-employed, starts on 19th September. In addition to a bank of video resources, learners will benefit from 1:2:1 support, a weekly group call via Zoom and additional, specialist live workshops. Places are fully funded for those in receipt of benefits, retired, or with caring responsibilities. Learners can register here.

How to be an active bystander or responder
Young people and residents in Regent’s Park, working with Camden Council’s Detached Youth Team, local youth charity Fitzrovia Youth in Action and photographer Louie Stewart, have created resources to help keep each other safe and potentially save lives. Their ‘How to be an active bystander or responder’ campaign is now featured on bus shelter poster sites across Camden. Visit Camden Rise website to find out more.

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