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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

• Face-to-face: Introduction to Safeguarding for new starters and volunteers Crowndale Centre 218 Eversholt Street, NW1 1BD, 25^th September, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
• Face-to-face: Women and Girls’ Personal Safety and Awareness (In partnership with The Safeguarding Foundation) Crowndale Centre 218 Eversholt Street, NW1 1BD, 9^th October, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
• Camden Carers Service face to face session: Who Cares for the Carer? Voluntary Action Camden, 8-12 Camden High St, NW1 0JH, 13th November, 10:00 am – 11:30 am

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

The annual conference for The Association of Charitable Foundations, which took place this week, featured a discussion on the subject of how charities can respond to climate change. Attendees heard from a number of speakers and a variety of approaches, with some proposing that the sector should take more risks in response to the climate change emergency, while others focused on how charities can highlight the impact to normal people. You can read more about the issues raised here.

Report analyses digital exclusion concerns

82% of charities are concerned about digital technology excluding service users and volunteers, according to a new report from Charity Digital. The vast majority of charities now use digital tools and technologies in their work, but there is a substantial gap in the amount of services users and volunteers who are able to access them due to costs and lack of confidence in digital skills.

New guidance published for councils working with smaller charities

The Local Government Association, the umbrella body for local authorities, has released new guidance to improve the relationships between councils and smaller voluntary sector organisations. The guidance recognised that the the difference in size between councils and smaller charities can affect working relationships, and their guidance comes with a raft of recommendations for council officers and councillors to consider when working with small VCSE organisations.

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!

• Veolia Sustainability Funding can provide cash sponsorship, in-kind resources or staff volunteers to support not-for-profit organisations and community groups to transform their local community or environment. Deadline of 30th September.
• Ockenden International Prize 2025 opens for entries for locally-based and/or refugee led organisations with projects proven to advance refugee self-reliance, and which reward and recognise the agency, dignity and autonomy of refugees and forced migrants anywhere in the world.
• Cash4Clubs 2024 programme is exclusively focused on supporting adult clubs. The scheme wants to offer funding to groups that deliver activities to over 18s only, with an emphasis on 18–25 year olds.
• Friends Provident Foundation aims to create a fair and sustainable economic system. Their one-time funding opportunity is for a small number of organisations in the UK to work alongside the Foundation to explore changing beliefs about the UK economy.
• Imperial Polythene is offering grants for charities, CIOs and CICs across the UK to deliver projects and activities that benefit local communities across the themes of environment, sustainability, creativity, and local problem-solving.
• Charles Plater Trust – Grants are available to local charities for projects which promote social justice through education in its broadest sense in England and Wales.

Energy Efficiency Coffee Morning at Coram’s Fields

Find out more about energy efficiency at this coffee morning hosted by Coram’s Fields on Thursday 26th September. Get practical tips on energy saving, along with a carbon monoxide awareness talk and register for the PSR-service with 2 free annual Gas Tests. Goodie bag included! To register or find out more about this new energy efficiency project contact katrina.raymond@coramsfields.org.uk. 93 Guildford Street, WC1N 1ND. 

Film Night at the People’s Museum 

Night at the Museum is back on Thursday 26th September with a one-off screening of ‘The White Flats’. The film explores Highgate New Town, council housing by legendary architect Peter Tábori, who also designed Oakshott Court. Followed by a Q&A with architects and filmmakers Rachel Stevenson, and Jo McCafferty, and drinks and chat over retro vinyl of the era. People’s Museum, 52 Phoenix Rd NW1 1ES.

Heath Hands Women’s Walk and Conker Championships

Join Heath Hands for a new free women-only health walk on Hampstead Heath, This will initially run once a month on the first Wednesday of the month, starting on Wednesday 2nd October, meeting at the entrance to the Heath opposite Hampstead Heath overground station. No need to book, just turn up, find the walk leaders and join the walk, ending with an optional cuppa at the base at the Hive. More information on all Hampstead Heath walks here.
Then, on Sunday 6th October, The annual conker championships return to the Parliament Hill Bandstand. Including nature activities, live music and the all-important conker contests. More information here. 

Free Family Bike Ride (Cycle to School Week)

Camden Cyclists are organising a family bike ride on Sunday 29th September to coincide with Cycle to School Week. This is a guided group ride for families. The route will pass close to various schools in Camden. The aim is to familiarise the participants with examples of routes they can take when cycling to school or activity clubs in Camden. This will help build confidence for people to cycle to school with their children and potentially enable older children to cycle to school independently. Contact the event organiser Suzanne Weller with any questions on ktride@camdencyclists.org.uk.

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.

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. 

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 

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 

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 

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.

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

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.

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 

Volunteer at Somers Town People’s Museum

‘Story Bike Taxi’ Cyclist
The People’s Museum are looking for a community-minded, fit and outgoing person with a can do attitude and the ability to learn and make local connections. An opportunity to get involved in a growing intergenerational initiative with a social  prescribing purpose. This part time-role will cover expenses and include training for Outreach Promotion and cycling an passenger electric bike on market duties.

Art Facilitator
Engage a community in group art club sessions on Saturdays, 11-1pm. Expenses per hour and training will be provided. This role involves Project sessions of Printmaking/ Screenprint / T-shirts for the People’s Museum Centenary project. 
To find out more or apply, send your CV to info@aspaceforus.club.

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. 

Free BAFTA Award Winning Training in Digital & Broadcast Media

Apply now for 8 weeks of FREE intensive digital and broadcast media training delivered by the BAFTA winning charity MAMA Youth and BAFTA winning company, Licklemor Productions. Lunch and travel expenses provided to all trainees (travel covered within Greater London only). The training is open to all UK residents with a recommended age of 18-30 and with a passion for a career in media. Apply by Monday 28th October.

Nominations open for Camden Youth Awards 2024

Do you know a young person who has achieved something that deserves recognition? Will their story inspire and encourage others? If so, Camden Council’s Integrated Youth Support Service wants your nomination. Nominations for the Camden Youth Awards 2024 can come from other young people; professionals, including teachers, social workers and youth workers; parents, guardians or carers and local residents. Please submit your nominations before the deadline of 1 November 2024. You can nominate a Camden young person, a youth worker or a youth project – find out more about the categories and how to nominate an individual or project.

LCEP Climate & Emergency Resource Hub

This new resource hub from London Plus’ London Communities Emergencies Partnership contains reports, information and advice on emergency situations, include climate-based emergencies such as extreme heat or flooding. The hub provides support on planning for emergencies for charities and community based groups.

Local VCS Newsletters

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