Voluntary Action Camden

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VAC E-Bulletin 1st November 2024

 

 


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

Communications Survey round up

 

We wanted to kick off this week’s newsletter by saying a massive thank you to everyone who contributed to our recent Communications Survey. Interactions like this really help us get to know you better and get an idea about what’s working well for us and what we could do differently. Lots of you were forthcoming and helpful with your specific thoughts about the newsletter, communications and social media in the charity sector (it’s definitely an interesting time in that regard!). 

 

Thankfully almost all our survey responses indicated that our newsletter continues to be a helpful resource for many people. We’re really happy about that, and proud of the space the newsletter represents in the local charity and community sector. There are some things for us to think about in terms of how we get more useful content into an already packed newsletter, a challenge we’re looking forward to tackling.

 

One of the things we noticed was that some people didn’t necessarily feel that VAC’s content and communications represented them or the group they work for. If you’re someone who feels this way, we’d really like you to get in touch if you feel comfortable doing so, to let us know a bit more about this. You can message us on any of our social media accounts, or send an email to social@vac.org.uk, and we can work together on representing you better.

 

We’ve now closed the communications survey, but if you have any thoughts you would like to share with us in future please let us know! And please continue to send your upcoming work – events, opportunities, vacancies etc.. to social@vac.org.uk.

 

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

Charities react to first government budget

The first budget of the new Labour government was announced on Wednesday (30th October), and Civil Society have published analysis on the key points, with reaction from NGOs and other charity bodies on what they mean for the charity sector. Major talking points from the budget include a rise on employers’ national insurance contributions and on minimum wage rates.

 

Links with VCS achieve better health and care outcomes

A new report published by the Care Quality Commission, which regulates and inspects health and social care providers, in England, has found that local authorities with strong likes to VCSE organisations achieve better outcomes than those that don’t. The study suggests that such links enable health and care providers to better understand local populations, support carers and access important data that improve care across the board.

 

Charities should confront flawed systems, not avoid them

A recent speech given by Danny Sriskandarajah challenged the charity sector to engage with inherited socio economic systems in order to change them. The CEO of the New Economics Foundation spoke about a perceived tendency that UK charities are intimidated by flawed economic and political systems and so work outside them, neglecting the opportunity to lead by example by confronting systems directly.

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!

 

Interfaith week at Camden

To celebrate interfaith week, Camden have curated a rich programme of Interfaith events throughout November, a month in which a number of religious festivals take place, including Diwali and Bhandi Chhor Divas. You can find the full programme here

Children Hope Forever – HUB SUPPORT CLASS

Children Hope Forever are inviting you to join their ESOL CLASS to improve your Language skills and gain more opportunity working in the community and getting online learning. Starting on the 19th November 2024, from 9:30 am-12:30PM, every Tuesday for 6 months. To join, email info@childrenhopeforever.co.uk or visit at 8-12 Camden High Street NW1 0JH. Phone contact: 02031691639.

 

Celebrating National Older Workers Week


National Older Workers Week is for employers who want to attract, retain & employ older workers. Good Work Camden are inviting third sector employers & partners in Camden to come to the lunch and learn event on the 28th November from 12-2pm. Please get in touch with emma.leblanc@camden.gov.uk to be sent your Eventbrite link and invitation.  

 

Multi-agency empowering information sharing workshop

Camden Safeguarding Children Partnership bring you an in-person workshop on 14th November, aimed at providing professionals with the legal framework around information sharing, increasing professional confidence on when and when not to share information, and supporting multi-agency working and understanding of challenges, and more. If you are interested in attending please email Jerrie.Andrews@camden.gov.uk

 

Coram’s Field Energy Workshop

Join for this energy workshop at the Pantry on Green Priory Estate, including savings tips, finances, Carbon Monoxide awareness, an energy quiz and free goodie bag. Contact Katrina on 07907 655 869 or katrina.raymond@coramsfields.org.uk for more information. Monday 4th November.

 

Property Webinar with Ethical Property Foundation

Managing Risks in Charity Buildings: Safeguarding Your Property, People, and Reputation
Join EPF for a live, interdisciplinary seminar where an employment lawyer, building surveyor, and chartered surveyor share their expert insights on managing the risks that come with running a charity building. If you’re a charity manager or leader responsible for staff, volunteers, service users, or the public, this seminar is designed for you. 13th November

 

Camden Public Health Courses

Camden are running a series of free Public Health Courses over the next few weeks, with spaces still available including on a webinar on Managing Stress to mark Stress Awareness Day on November 6th, and Youth Mental Health First Aid, a course delivered over four 2 hr 30 min sessions. Please contact Amanda Sharma if you require any further information: Amanda.sharma@camden.gov.uk.

 

COP 29 2-week Series @ STCA

The Somers Town Community Association (STCA) is hosting two weeks worth of free, open-to-all workshops / activities / sessions in partnership with different individuals and organisations to inspire and encourage ideas, conversations and hope around community and climate. Light snacks and drinks to be provided. You can find the list of events that will be running and register for them and more information here. 11-22 Nov.

 

Join Castlehaven for a Food Growing Celebration

Castlehaven Community Association and Camden Council are hosting a fun, free, and educational food-growing event at Clarence Hall (NW1 8RN) on Tuesday 5th November, from 2:00–6:30 pm. Celebrate local growers and sustainable food with free food, short films, talks, arts & crafts. Whether you’re an experienced food grower or just starting, there’s something for everyone. Come along to learn, connect, and get inspired! For more info, email environmentalteam@castlehaven.org.uk or call 0744 3274 572.

 

COP 29: An evening exhibition

The Somers Town Community Association is holding a free evening evening photo exhibition on Nov 20, with food and drinks to showcase its journey (so far) as a community centre working on the Future Neighbourhood 2030 programme. It will also be a space and opportunity for individuals and organisations to meet and create meaningful connections and conversations. Register here

 

Google Q4 Community Training Day

This is a regular opportunity for local organisations to get together at Google’s King’s Cross office for a networking lunch, skills training and a chance to share lessons learned from our community leaders. The Community Leaders Panel will explore how charities can leverage accessible tech for fundraising, operations, and outreach, while the training session will introduce learners to cutting-edge AI tools that are already available from Google and others, to show some of the smartest ways digital-age workers and small businesses can use them to save time at work and on tasks. RSVP here.
14th November, 6 Pancras Square, London N1C 4AG

 

Brave Café : working together to address domestic abuse

Invitation to Camden residents, business and interested community partners to the following Brave Cafe sessions in Camden;
– Working together to address domestic abuse 
6th November
– Do the LGBTQ+ community feel safe? 12th November
– Understanding refugees, migrants and asylum seekers 13th November
These sessions are for Camden residents and organisations, and are run by Camden Council, Forum+, the Naz & Matt foundation, Hopscotch, and 7PK. They will take place at the Crowndale Centre, NW1 1BD. RSVP to equalities@camden.gov.uk to express your interest in attending. 

 

Free Community Leadership Workshops for Camden Residents

Taught by tutors from Birkbeck who have run Community Development and Leadership courses in London for over 10 years, these workshops aim to help participants gain skills, knowledge and confidence. Networking and sharing knowledge and experiences is also encouraged. 5 in-person sessions from the 6th November:

1. Community Engagement. 2. Project Development. 3. Community Leadership. 4. Health, Wellbeing and Resilience. 5. Project Evaluation & Next Steps 

Hearing Voices Service Manager (Mind in Camden)

 

Mind in Camden have an exciting opportunity for a motivated individual to join their Hearing Voices Team as a Service Manager. They are looking for a motivated and experienced individual to help sustain and develop the hearing voices projects. You will have experience of supervising or mentoring staff/volunteers, and have the skills necessary to build a strong and effective team.
Closing Date: 27th November 

 

Collingham Gardens Nursery Manager

 

Collingham Gardens Nursery, a small, not-for-profit community nurse in Central London is looking for a leader with a heart for adventure and a commitment to nurturing young minds to join their team. Find out more information and how to apply here

 

Deputy Play Manager at The Winch

 

Take the lead in supporting children to thrive. The Winch are looking for a hands-on Deputy Play Manager to help deliver dynamic after-school and holiday playschemes. You’ll lead a team in creating a vibrant space filled with arts, sports, and exciting projects. We provide a nurturing environment where children flourish, and families receive the support they need. If you’re passionate about play apply now.
Closing Date: 3rd November

 

After School Club and Holiday Play Scheme: Play Worker


Not a morning person?! Are you looking for work after school and during school holidays? Do you have experience of supporting primary aged children? The Winch are looking for Play Workers and would love to hear from you! Working from our facilities in Swiss Cottage, Camden, you will join a supportive and experienced team of play workers providing daily after-school and holiday activities.

 

Volunteers needed at Educating Beyond Borders

Educating Beyond Borders is recruiting volunteers passionate about advancing inclusive, accessible, and impactful education for all. They empower people in Camden to design and implement innovative educational projects that address local needs. Various roles are available, including social media management, events planning, policy, research and those with a legal background. Interested persons can learn more about how to join their community-driven initiatives and make a real difference by contacting by email hello@educatingbeyondborders.co.

 

Trustee at Camden Music Trust

Camden Music Trust seeks a trustee to become chair, in due course, of its dynamic and committed board of nine trustees. The well-respected local charity works to help children & young people living in Camden access music education regardless of any obstacles, financial or otherwise. It fundraises to support bursaries, Saturday centres, inclusive music programmes, activities that engage children with special educational needs, and more. The successful candidate will have a deep commitment to music and education, and ensuring that music education is accessible to all children and young people. S/he will work well in a team, and have leadership qualities. A connection with Camden is helpful but not essential. Contact chair@camdenmusictrust.org.

 

Volunteer for Home-Start Camden & Islington

 

Home-Start’s volunteers are trained and supported to give free, confidential help and practical assistance to local parents of children under 5 who are struggling. Interested? If you have parenting or childcare experience, they invite you to join their next training course in November. Please contact eleni@homestartcamden.org.

 

Time to Shine Volunteer Coordinator (Camden Carers)

 

Camden Carers are looking for a hardworking, enthusiastic and flexible team member to join their dynamic team at Camden Carers and make a difference to the lives of people and families in Camden. This role will work closely with carers, colleagues, Trustees and volunteers to create a volunteer Strategy for the Organisation.
Deadline: 1st November 

 

Positively UK recruiting new chair + trustees

Positively UK is a charity supporting people living with HIV. They are looking for a new Chair of the Board of Trustees, and three new trustees to join their board.

 

Become a SHAK trustee

SHAK is seeking 2-3 new trustees with skills and time to commit to fundraising.  They are particularly interested in recruiting people who live locally and increasing representation at board level from minority communities. You would be joining at an exciting time when SHAK are undertaking a strategic review and setting in place a new plan forward.
If you are interested in applying please click here.

Apply to join Camden Community Wealth Fund’s Youth Panel

Are you aged 16 to 25 – or up to 30 if you meet certain criteria? Do you want to make a difference in your community? Apply to join Camden Community Wealth Fund’s Youth Panel. Camden Community Wealth Fund is launching next year. It will provide repayable long-term finance to help people start or grow a business in Camden. Apply to join the Youth Panel today and help decide how to invest the first £1 million into local businesses that are on a mission to create economic opportunities for young people. Find out more and apply here or email CommunityWealthFund@camden.gov.uk. Applications close on 17 November.

 

Digital Skills Courses from Adult Community Learning

Camden are now enrolling for two short courses starting in November, FREE to Camden residents.
•    Child Online Safety for Parents (6 sessions), Tuesdays 10:00-12:00, Euston Skills Centre, Starcross Street, NW1 2HR. Starts Tuesday 5th November.
•    Fake News, Online Misinformation & Critical Thinking (3 sessions), Tuesdays 1pm-3pm, taught online. Starts Tuesday 26th November.

 

If you want to know more about keeping children and teenagers safe online, or you’d like to sharpen your skills to tell online fact from online fiction, you’re more than welcome to come along. You can enrol online here.

 

Contribute to State of the Borough 2025

Camden Council has launched a Call for Evidence inviting VCS organisations across the borough to contribute to the annual State of the Borough report. The report is intended as a shared evidence base for the council, partners, communities, and residents. It describes how things are for people in Camden, focusing on outcomes for residents and communities, and using quantitative data, lived experiences, analysis across demographic factors, etc. If you are interested in contributing, you could respond to this expression of interest by 8th November. If you would like to know more or have questions, the council is also organising information sessions on 31st October and 6th November.

 

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.

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