VAC Membership
VAC represents local organisations in conversations with local government and funders, we advise on local issues and we inform, support and train local charities depending on their needs
It’s completely free to sign up to be a member, and membership ensures you will be first to hear about all of the services we offer to the voluntary sector. |
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Celebrating Trustees’ across Camden – Annual thank you event coming soon!!!
Camden trustees are integral to the local VSCE and critical to the quality of community service provision in the borough. They devote time, energy and effort, for free, to help thousands of charities and community groups across Camden. Our annual celebration event is a chance to give back to our trustees and say a huge thank you for all the hard work they do. It’s also a chance for trustees to come together, meet new faces and discover new connections in the borough.
Keep an eye out for a date, likely to be in Feb (don’t worry, we will post it in the newsletter and in our Trustee Network email group!).
Furniture needed!
We are looking for furniture donations to help with the move into our new office at 8-12 Camden Road. If you have chairs, desks, tables or cabinets that you no longer need, or you know anyone who might be able to help, please get in touch!
CONNECT LEARN SHARE: VAC New Groups Network
Next Network meeting: 29th of January
This is a Network for all the new groups that VAC have provided with consultancy support recently and for any community group or individual considering starting a charity, social enterprise or community group. The Network will be discussing the common challenges and requirements that you face when starting a new charity, social enterprise, or community group. You will have the opportunity to share experiences with others and seek the advice and support of your peers. The next meeting is online on 29th of January. If you want to join email Vania at vguetova@vac.org.uk.
NEW – Safeguarding Training
More details in the Events and Training section
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Operational challenges are bringing charities to capacity
The Charities Aid Foundation has carried out research on capacity levels at non-profit organisations, and found that many are struggling to continue delivering services to the people that need them, and some are turning people away. This comes amid news that charities and charitable services are more in demand than ever. Full article here.
Substantial funds lost due to lack of Gift Aid contributions
Studies have found that charities are losing out on re-claiming significant amounts of income tax back through Gift Aid, as only around half of donors claim it when giving contributions. YouGov surveyed more than 6,300 donors between January and November last year.
Charities nationwide can take part in the London Marathon
Organisers of the London Marathon are introducing a new DIY way of taking part this year. charities can recruit participants from their wider supporter databases to complete the distance in their own way, and raise money without having to come to London. Find out more here. |
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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!
Berkeley Foundation’s 2023-24 Resilience Fund
Applications are now open to Berkley Foundation’s Resilience Fund. They are looking to support up to six organisations working with young people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and who face multiple layers of discrimination and inequality. Successful organisations will receive up to £60,000 over two years to build organisational resilience. Please note they are unable to consider applications for frontline delivery.
The deadline for applications is 2 February 2024 (5pm).
Eligibility criteria and application details can be found here.
Greene King IPA Reopens Proud To Pitch In Fund
Grants of up to £4,000 are available for registered charities, community groups, social enterprises, community amateur sports clubs, and other organisations across the UK to deliver grassroots sports activities that positively impact local communities. Funded projects should be delivered by 31 December 2024. Find out more.
The deadline for applications is 1 November 2024.
Funding to Improve Digital Infrastructure
Bloomberg Philanthropies is offering grants of up to £150,000 over two-years for cultural organisations to strengthen their digital infrastructure and help grow revenue, increase fundraising, engage audiences, and improve operations. Not-for-profit cultural organisations that have been in operation for at least three years and had a turnover of at least £500,000 in the 2023 financial year can apply for digital infrastructure projects here.
The deadline for applications is 13 March 2023.
Volunteering Infrastructure in Health and Care Systems
CW+, in partnership with NHS Charities Together and NHS England, is offering approximately 15 grants of between £150,000 and £500,000 over three years for partnerships of NHS and VCSE organisations. The fund is aimed at building capability through the development of volunteering infrastructure to improve the experience and outcomes of people using health and care systems. The deadline for Phase One applications is 23 February 2024.
Click here to find out more.
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VAC UPCOMING TRAINING:
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
Upcoming safeguarding training
For all VCS organisations, supplementary, faith schools and groups delivering services to under 18’s in the borough.
In partnership with Camden’s Safeguarding Children’s Partnership:
Safeguarding in Practice – Developing knowledge and understanding
Wednesday 24 January 2024: 10.00am – 12.00pm
Face-to-face at: Committee Room 2, Crowndale Centre, Third Floor, Crowndale Centre, 218 Eversholt Street NW1 1BD
To find out more or to secure your place, please visit our website or email the VAC Safeguarding Lead Dianne Carlton-Ogunyemi on: dogunyemi@vac.org.uk
Introduction to Safer Recruitment – Online
Thursday 1st February 2024: 1pm – 2.30pm
Essential knowledge for managers, senior workers and leadership teams, permanent workers and volunteers who work with children and young people in the borough.
To find out more or to secure your place, please visit our website or email the VAC Safeguarding Lead Dianne Carlton-Ogunyemi on: dogunyemi@vac.org.uk
Online Safeguarding and Social Media’ Workshop (In partnership with Camden Prevent and Lightbulb Learners)
Thursday 8th February 2024: 10am – 12.30pm
Face-to-face at: Meeting Room 3.1, Third Floor, Crowndale Centre,
218 Eversholt Street NW1 1BD
Essential knowledge for all, but especially those currently working with children and young people in the borough. To find out more or to secure your place, please visit our website or email the VAC Safeguarding Lead Dianne Carlton-Ogunyemi on: dogunyemi@vac.org.uk
Women and Girls’ Personal Safety and Awareness
(In partnership with The Safeguarding Foundation)
Wednesday 13 March 2024, 10.00am – 12.00pm
Face-to-face at Ludham & Waxham TRA Hall, Lismore Circus, Camden NW3
To find out more or to secure your place, please visit our website or email the VAC Safeguarding Lead Dianne Carlton-Ogunyemi on: dogunyemi@vac.org.uk
OTHER EVENTS
Phoenix Court Neighbourhood Labs – Introduction to AI
The latest in the series of community events hosted by Phoenix Court, will be held on Tuesday 6th February, from 14:00-17:00. Responding to global topics with a local lens, this session will focus on recent developments in AI, and offer an opportunity to learn about how to use related tools to maximise operations and impact. Sign up here.
Free dementia information sessions for Camden groups
Over 920,000 people in the UK are living with dementia – a number expected to rise to over a million by this year – and we can all make a difference to people living with dementia in the communities we serve.
Dementia Friends sessions are a free, quick and easy way for your staff team and volunteers to learn more about what dementia is, how it affects a person and what your group or organisation can do to make a difference for people with dementia in the community. We also have a Guide to Dementia Services in Camden leaflet in Bengali, Somali, Arabic and English for groups to take away. To book your free 60-minute dementia friends’ session in-person or online, email miles@camdencarers.org.uk.
Free paddlesport sessions at The Pirate Castle
Camden boating charity, The Pirate Castle, is offering free kayaking, canoeing, fun and adventure on the Regent’s Canal for 8 to 17-year-olds. These free sessions are ideal for beginners, and will run on Sundays from 4 February until 27 October 2024 (including school holidays). They will run from The Pirate Castle, Gilbey’s Wharf, NW1 7EA. Targeted at young Londoners aged 8 to 17 who meet Go! London’s eligibility criteria, pre-booking is essential.
The Pirate Castle is also offering a limited number of free introductory paddlesport sessions for state schools and voluntary groups from across London throughout 2024.
Email info@thepiratecastle.org or call 020 7267 6605 for more information and to book.
VCC Volunteer Manager’s Forum
On Wednesday 7th February, Volunteer Centre Camden are hosting an online, free to attend forum with opportunities for networking and peer support. Attendees can choose the topics to discuss. Find out more and book your place.
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Community Development Lead – £33,000pa, Full Time
The Winch Community Development Lead will initiate and manage the day-to-day delivery of an exciting new initiative, the Good Neighbourhood Project, supporting residents in Swiss Cottage and Kilburn to imagine and realise a fairer and greener future for the place they call home. This is a new opportunity with huge potential for the successful candidate to shape the project and the role to obtain the best outcomes for residents. The Winch helps residents to build the communities we all deserve. Find out more here or via Charity Jobs
The deadline for applications is Sunday 28th January 2024.
We will hold interviews on Wednesday 7th February 2024.
Community Mental Health Recovery Support Worker
Mind in Camden are looking for looking for a self-motivated, empathic, and dynamic Community Mental Health Recovery Support Worker to join their one-to-one mental health support service.
Closing date: 13.00 on Monday 5th February 2024
Salary: £27,657pro rata of £25,732)15,439 (pro rata of £25,732)(pro rata of )
Contract: Permanent – fixed until end of March 2026 with probable extension
Hours: 35
Click here to find out more.
NAVCA is hiring
Integrated Care Lead
Do you have experience in integrated health and care policy in England? Are you a proven partnership builder, with experience of collaborative, cross-sector working? Do you want to make a difference by supporting the VCSE sector and communities to be a key strategic partner in local health and care delivery? To apply, please download our application form here and return it to recruitment@navca.org.uk.
Deadline for applications: 11:59pm on 21st January 2024.
Interview date: 30th January 2024 (to be held in Lichfield).
Youth & Community Operations Manager
The South Hampstead and Kilburn Community Partnership (SHAK) is a resident led charity based on the famous Alexandra and Ainsworth estate in the Kilburn Ward of Camden, London. SHAK are looking for a talented individual to act as operations manager and deputy to CEO. This is an exciting, new senior role to take ownership of existing projects and help drive the organisation forward. The successful candidate will have a strong background in youth work combined with experience in and a passion for community development.
Click here for more info and to apply:
https://www.charityjob.co.uk/jobs/south-hampstead-and-kilburn-community-partnership/youth-community-operations-manager/944638?tsId=36
Closing date: 26 January 2024 at 11:30pm
Community Champions Co-ordinator
Thanks to extended funding SHAK are looking for a dynamic, committed and organised individual with a passion for community development to lead the “Community Champion project” taking it to the next level. You will build on a successful project which has co-produced initiatives with residents/volunteers such as community gardens, walking, knitting, food-based, arts groups as well as warm spaces and community events/trips.
Click below for more info and to apply:
https://www.charityjob.co.uk/jobs/south-hampstead-and-kilburn-community-partnership/community-champions-coordinator/946752?tsId=36
Closing date: 8 February 2024
Part-time Project Support Worker
Henna Asian Women’s Group are looking for a female with a South Asian language, good administrative and social media skills; empathetic understanding of the issues experienced by and impacting women from the South Asian diaspora.
12-month contract (possibility of extension, depending on funding).
For more information, an application form, job description and personal specifications, please email info@hennaorg.co.uk
Salary: £23,281.44 pa – (2 ½ days/17.5 hours per week pro rata)
Closing date: Monday 29th January 2024 at noon.
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Have your say on the draft new Camden Local Plan
Camden Council want to hear your views on the draft new Camden Local Plan – the Council’s main planning document, which provides the framework for managing development in the borough.
This is your opportunity to shape the future of Camden. To find out more and share your views go to Have Your Say Today – Draft New Camden Local Plan – Commonplace.
Consultation closes on the 13th March 2024.
Volunteering in Camden survey
VCC want to identify the latest volunteering trends and challenges in Camden. This anonymous survey will help VCC to focus their support in the areas that are needed the most. It will take approximately 2-4mins to complete: Survey.
Affordable, Convenient Office Space in the Heart of the Community
The Winch is a charity that has been working with young people in Camden and nearby areas since 1973. They are currently seeking new tenants for our two office spaces located in Swiss Cottage, with two well-lit, spacious rooms that can accommodate 2-8 people. Email roomhire@thewinch.org or call 0207 586 8731 for more information.
Office furniture and fittings donation/ reuse opportunity:
An office building in central London (Green Park station) is planning full internal redesign, and offers used office furniture and fittings, which are all in good condition, to local non profit institutions such as schools, retirement homes, council, refugee centres, immigration offices, a designated charity, etc. The offer is on a “First come first served basis”. Self collection and self dismount if needed.
Viewings 10am-16pm work days.
Contact:
Alena Kereshun designprojectldn@gmail.com
Local VCS Newsletters:
SHAK
Young Camden Foundation (Funding Newsletter)
Young Camden Foundation (Events and Training Newsletter)
AWN (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)
UCL Volunteering Service Newsletter (sign up)
Latin American House
London Irish Centre (sign up)
Castlehaven Community Association (sign up)
Heath Hands
Age UK Camden (sign up)
Somers Town People’s Museum
Calthorpe Community Garden
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.
Wishing you a HAPPY NEW YEAR from Keith & the VAC team: Alex, Dianne, Donna, Duncan, Hasel, Lola, Mandira, Nasrin, Ricky, Vania and all the Trustees and Volunteers. |
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