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Upcoming Training & Events
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| We wanted to make sure anyone who missed it last week get’s a chance to look at our Annual Report for 2023. We’re really excited for you to find out about all the work we’ve been doing over the last year, from our Community Action Research Project to the new Innovation Award we launched for recruiting residents to volunteer in our Care navigation service. You can also learn about the partnerships we’ve build with amazing non-profit groups across Camden to support our diverse communities and provide fundamental services where they are needed.
Introductions from our chair of Trustees Benaifer Bhandari and our CEO Keith Morgan give insights on our key achievements and successes in 2023, as well as the challenges we’ve faced. These are also reflected by our broader look at the sector and a statement on workforce challenges and the climate emergency from Camden Council’s Head of Community Partnerships John Muir.
Our report introduces you to the key groups and networks we lead, such as the CEO network, New Group network and Ukraine Refugee Response. There’s also information on how we represent the sector at key strategic partnership groups. We end on a look to the future, with 12 key plans for our work going forward.
To read the report, click here! |
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Large charities report gender pay gap data
UK organisations with over 250 employees have provided information on their gender pay gaps to the government. A study done by Civil Society has analysed what the latest data looks like for the charities involved, revealing that while the average median gender pay gap fell in 2023 (down to 6.8% from 7.2% in 2022), the mean gap remained the same as the year before, at 9.8% on average. The data also shows that the average median gender pay gap at charities was lower than the national average for all employees.
Experts warn of serious dangers involved in fundraising
Senior figures in fundraising organisations and think tanks spoke recently at The Chartered Institute of Fundraising’s annual convention about the often under-recognised threats of sexual harassment and harmful behaviours that female fundraisers face. The panel heard how 48% of women fundraisers have experienced sexual harassment at work in the last 2 years, and that cultural accountability procedures are fundamental for the profession to improve safety.
Charity Commission report record number of applications
More applications than ever were received in the year up to March 2024, for organisations applying for for charitable status. The report showed that the regulator received 9,008 applications, and that 54% of those achieved charitable status. We’ll be bringing you more analysis from the report next week. |
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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!
- Greater London Authority Democratic Participation community grants are available to equity-led organisations to run impartial projects in trusted community settings between September 2024 and June 2025. Successful projects will support eligible Londoners, but especially under-registered and under-represented communities, to exercise their civic and democratic rights at the ballot box and beyond.
- GSK Community Health programme: supporting small charities that are at least a year old, located and working in the UK with a total annual income between £20,000 and £150,000 tackling health inequalities.
- The Weavers’ Company Benevolent Fund’s principal aim is to support people in trouble, particularly young offenders and ex-offenders, as well as other disadvantaged young people.
- The Freelands Foundation Inclusive Practices Fund will support organisations to reimagine engagement and education; aiming to foster belonging and connection between young people in primary and secondary school, their teachers and visual arts spaces.
- 7Stars Foundation is offering grants for registered charities with an annual turnover of less than £1.5 million to deliver projects and activities that support young people aged 16 years and under across the priority themes of abuse, addiction, child carers, and homelessness.
- Art Fund is offering funding to help museums, galleries and visual arts organisations provide paid opportunities for full-time university students to gain meaningful, developmental work-experience.
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VAC UPCOMING TRAINING
Have you ever wondered who cares for the carer?
Do they know they are a carer, and as a carer, have rights and are entitled to support? At Camden Carers, our mission is to provide tailored support to those who spend their time caring, unpaid, for others.
Could you talk to a young person if you were worried about their gaming? Do you know what might influence a young person to gamble?
Ygam are working with Voluntary Action Camden to offer a fully funded workshop designed to develop your understanding of gaming and gambling harms, enabling you to have conversations with the children and families you work with.
We all have a role to play in ensuring children live their lives free from violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation.
This introductory course is designed for new starters and volunteers who work both directly and indirectly with organisations or groups delivering services to children, young people and their families in Camden. This session is free for all those who live or work in Camden and have had little or no safeguarding training before.
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
Learning Disability Network Women’s Group Meeting
Learning Disability Network London’s next Women’s Group meeting will be at the Greenwood Centre in Camden on Tuesday 23rd of July, 2pm-3:30pm. This group meets every 2 months and discuss women related topics. Next week they will be talking about women’s health! Contact Luana on lbaptista@ldnlondon.org for more information.
Camden Council – Suicide Awareness Training
September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day, this year the theme is ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide’. Camden Council has partnered with Rethink Mental Illness to deliver a suicide awareness training session, free to all staff working in Camden. Delivered through a range of activities and case studies, the training will cover topics including:
– Understanding and challenging the stigma associated with suicide
– Warning signs of suicide risk
– How to hold a safe conversation with someone having thoughts of suicide
– How to look after yourself when supporting someone at risk
If you work with residents, and would like to understand how to better support people who may be at risk of suicide, you can book a place here.
Castlehaven Invites you to their Summer Picnic
You’re invited to Castlehaven’s Community Association FREE Summer Celebration in their Community Hub (21 Castlehaven Rd, NW1 8RU) on Thursday, 25th July. There will be family-friendly fun, delicious picnic food, and more! Everyone welcome – bring your loved ones and a picnic if you can. For more information, please email info@castlehaven.org.uk or call 0207 485 3386.
Latin American House Summer Camp for Kids
This free summer camp offers a wide variety of activities to keep your kids entertained and active throughout the day. Including sports, games, arts and crafts, cooking, science experiments and day trips. Spots are limited, so be sure to register early!
Dates: Week 1 from 29 July to 2 August
Week 2 from 5 August to 9 August
Kurdish Community Meeting
The next Kurdish Community meeting in London is on Sunday 21st July 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 and share knowledge in a sociable, cultural, educational and family friendly setting. All ethnicities are welcome. The program will include: welcome and introductions, arts, crafts and games for kids, knowledge sharing, skills, and business ideas, and refreshments will be provided.
SPCA Family Funday & Joining Camden Fringe
Join St Pancras Community Association for a FREE afternoon of family fun on Saturday 20th July, with bouncy castles, music, games, a BBQ and More. No need to book, just come along.
Then, on Wednesdays + Saturdays, 3-21 of August. 7:30 – 8:30 PM, SPCA are opening its doors to run some comedy nights with Square Go Comedy! Tickets are £8 and there will be drinks available. Find out more here.
Camden New Town Community Festival 2024
Bringing our community together: 20 July: Jazz, poetry & “open mike” , 21 July: Family Day, both in Camden Square Gardens NW1.
Festival parade – 6 metre high Climbing Tower – Arts and Crafts – Children’s activities – Dance performances – Dr Bike – Face painting – food & refreshments – Green Corner – Healthy Living tent – local history – live music – • chess challenge – restart & sewing workshops – • Film Tent – stalls and information
To book a stall, volunteer or make a donation please contact the Festival Office on 020 7485 6827 or email festival.mlcc@yahoo.co.uk.
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VAC are hiring a new CEO! Last chance to apply…
Sadly, VAC’s wonderful CEO, Keith Morgan, is leaving to take on a new opportunity. We’ve just posted a listing where you can find out more about the role and submit your application. We wish to hear from applicants with senior leadership skills, who have the knowledge and insights around infrastructure to ensure we meet the continued needs of our local communities. You will lead an experienced and passionate staff team with strong community links and diverse talents to meet the challenges for voluntary and community organisations in 21st century Camden.
Deadline: 26th July 2024.
Castlehaven – Environmental Project Coordinator
The deadline is fast approaching for Castlehaven’s Environmental Project Coordinator role. Castlehaven Community Association is looking for a full-time coordinator to deliver climate-friendly initiatives, environmental education, and assist with admin. This 24-month contract closes at Midnight, Sunday 21st July 2024. Apply now.
Mind in Camden
Senior Manager – Reach Out Camden and Community Services
Would you like to take on a senior management role in an alliance of community mental health services? Do you take pride in fostering a supportive environment and harnessing the creativity of your team? Join Mind in Camden to help transform the mental health system and the lives of people in Camden. They’re looking for someone with at least two years’ management experience in mental health or related services. You may have senior management experience or you may be a service manager looking to step up to a more senior role.
Closing date: 14th August
Healthy Minds Community Engagement and Development Worker
Would you like to be a part of an expanding community mental health programme which transforms the lives of socially isolated people in Camden? Are you personable, approachable and socially committed to fostering community through meaningful activities? Mind in Camden are seeking a community engagement and development worker to support the delivery of our active service.
Closing date: Monday 29th of July at 1.00pm
Age UK Camden
Age UK Camden is 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. They are looking to recruit:
Volunteering & HR Coordinator
A skilled and experienced Coordinator to support their Volunteering and HR functions. Our Volunteers are integral to how we deliver services in Camden. The successful candidate will be responsible for the co-ordination and effective management of volunteer services in the Age UK Camden Group (inc subsidiaries) including recruitment, placement, induction and ongoing support and training as well as record keeping/report producing via the database.
Deadline: 31st July 2024
Quality and Governance Coordinator
A skilled and experienced Coordinator to support the organisation in their Quality and Governance functions. The successful candidate will have a key role in the development and delivery of quality, compliance and corporate support services including strategy and business planning.
Closing date: Wednesday 7th August
Castlehaven Environmental Project Coordinator
Castlehaven Community Association are looking for a full-time Environmental Project Coordinator to help deliver climate-friendly community initiatives, environmental education sessions and assist with admin. The ideal candidate will have good knowledge of gardening & horticulture, experience delivering workshops, and the ability to inspire people of all ages & abilities. This is a 24-month fixed term contract. Applications close at Midnight Sunday 21st July 2024.
People’s Museum Somers Town – Story Bike & Art Club
Summer jobs – Story Bike: A chance to develop a new social action service from grounds up. Opportunity for an outgoing natural promoter keen to help less mobile people. Paid ‘Service Developer’ contract roles, cyclist and volunteer opportunities. More information about both roles here. Please contact with CV info@aspaceforus.club.
Saturday Art Club Job Opportunity: Develop our Saturday Art Club! We are looking for a creative and responsible individual who would enjoy mentoring to promote and run our Saturday Art Club for all ages. Help develop art skills & confidence, and build community ties. Apply with CV and why you are interested in this: info@aspaceforus.club.
Fundraising and Development Organiser for Xenia
Xenia are looking for the newest member of their staff team to drive growth forward. A small ambitious charity, Xenia work to enable refugee, asylum seeking, migrant and British women to connect as equals, engage with their local area, build community, explore heritage and the arts and find their voice. This 2 day per week role is right for you if you have a desire to work in a self-managing role, have a good understanding of migrant women’s lives, and an unwavering commitment to equality and inclusion. Feel free to email to find out more welcome@xenia.org.uk.
Deadline: 6th August
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, please contact vol-opps@abbeycc-kilburn.org.uk with any questions. |
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JustGiving Winter Fundraising Guide
JustGiving have published a fundraising guide for Winter 2024, which includes a range of tips and resources to help time your campaigns as well as how to analyse and report on the success of your campaigns. You can find it here.
UK Youth Summer Jobs Programme
This programme from UK Youth offers paid summer work placements for young people aged 16-25 who are at risk of violence. The programme will provide young people with direct employment opportunities in with employers in their local area.
Camden Women’s Safety Survey
Camden want to hear about the experiences of women and girls in the area to understand how safe you feel living, working and travelling in our borough. The survey closes on 7th October, and you can find it here.
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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