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Checking in with… Vania, Membership Development Officer 

Vania Guetova is our part-time Membership Development Officer at Voluntary Action Camden. She has worked across multiple London boroughs in the voluntary and statutory sectors and has a wealth of experience in the voluntary sector capacity building, project and networks management and membership engagement.

If you need information and support about how to start a community group, or register a charity or social enterprise, if you need support in developing your policies, searching and finding funding for your projects, finding premises, attending capacity building training and joining VAC’s Networks for peer support, sharing knowledge and strengthening the VCS ‘ voice in decision-making contact us via our website – Consultancy for Charities & Community Groups – VAC and complete our VAC enquiry form or email vguetova@vac.org.uk

The easiest way to receive VAC support is to sign as a VAC member and to join VAC’s ever growing Network of members from across the Voluntary Sector in Camden, please fill out our online form.

Communications Survey!

We’re really keen to hear from you about how we communicate – through our newsletter, our social media, our emails and otherwise. We will be sending out a survey next week with a few key questions which will give us some valuable insights into how and what you want to hear from us. The survey will be short and sweet and should take no longer than 5 minutes to complete. We’d be really grateful if you could take some time out to give us your perspective. 

Upcoming Training & Events

• Camden Carers Service: face to face session Voluntary Action Camden, 8-12 Camden High St, NW1 0JH, 27th August, 10am – 11.30am

• Virtual: Understanding Gaming and Gambling Harms – Health and Social Care Focus 17th September, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

• Introduction to Safeguarding for new starters and volunteers Crowndale Centre, 218 Eversholt St, NW1 1B, 25th September,10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Research indicates high level of public trust in charities 
The Charity Commission have published research into the level of public trust in charities. Their findings reveal that the public trust in charities is at it’s highest since 2014, and cited that that information about how money is spent by a charity is the single most important factor for most people. The research also investigated trustee awareness of their responsibilities and their relationship with the Commission.

BHF find joy with “micro-volunteering”
Sarah Boardman, retail volunteering operations manager at the British Heart Foundation, wrote recently about how the charity has discovered and embraced trends in flexible shift patterns for volunteers. Increasingly BHF are finding that, for younger people especially, “micro-volunteering” is very popular – irregular and ad-hoc shifts rather than formal or long term patterns.

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!

• The Hampstead Wells and Campden Trust aims to alleviate poverty and support health and wellbeing in north Camden, focusing especially (but not only) on debt advice, homelessness and mental health and we have supported vital local services to cope with the cost of living crisis.
• The Edge Fund is offering 40 grants to communities and campaign groups based in the UK and Republic of Ireland that are working for social, economic and environmental justice.
• Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Inspire Fund is open to projects that both; engage with underserved audiences on the topic of dementia, such as minority ethnic communities, marginalised or socio-economically disadvantaged people, and build knowledge and understanding about brain health (in the context of dementia risk reduction) and explore ways to encourage behaviour change.
• The Metropolitan Public Gardens Association is offering grants for charities, community groups, and other organisations across Greater London to deliver projects that preserve or enhance green spaces that are accessible to the public.
• National Archives’ Resilience Grants Programme has been designed to support archive services, organisations with archives, and archives networks to be adaptable, resilient and sustainable, creating lasting solutions that enable them to respond to change, and contribute to communities and the economy.

VAC UPCOMING TRAINING

• Camden Carers Service: face to face session. VAC office, 8-12 Camden High St, NW1 0JH, 27th August, 10am – 11.30am

• Virtual: Understanding Gaming and Gambling Harms – Health and Social Care Focus 17th September, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm 

• Introduction to Safeguarding for new starters and volunteers Crowndale Centre, 218 Eversholt St, NW1 1B, 25th September,10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Haringey Community Collaborative Capacity Building Lead

Haringey Community Collaborative (a partnership between Mind in Haringey and Public Voice CIC), are looking for a Community Development Lead to join our team in supporting the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) in Haringey. The role involves providing one-to-one and group capacity building support, facilitating funding opportunities, designing and delivering training and workshops, and promoting collaboration and networking. Find out more and apply here.
Closing date: 09 September 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

MRN Community and Capacity Gap Surveys
The Migrants’ Rights Network (MRN) is a London-based charity that stands in solidarity with all migrants in their fights for rights and justice across the UK. They are surveying communities to find out more about what issues grassroots groups, individuals and larger organisations are facing, as well as capacity gaps. There are two surveys, one for individuals with lived experience of migration and one for representatives of organisations.

Camden Cultural Strategy consultation
Camden Council are building a cultural strategy for 2025-30 – and they need every voice heard! They are starting conversations in various ways to engage as much of the borough’s thoughts and ideas as possible, and actively trying to engage all groups of people in our local community. There will be community workshops over the next couple of months – keep an eye on this website for details once confirmed. They will be inviting feedback in different ways to make it as easy as possible for you to speak up and give your thoughts, views and ideas for a fulfilling future Camden with a varied and accessible culture offering for all.

Families for Life Community Champions free volunteer training 
Parents and carers can become Families for Life Community Champions with free volunteer training starting on 17 September at Kilburn Grange Children’s Centre & Family Hub. It’s an opportunity to improve your skills and CV, while helping other families to improve their health and wellbeing by signposting them to services and support. Find out more by downloading a flyer or emailing Syria.Chowdhury@camden.gov.uk.

Camden High Street Pedestrianisation consultation
Camden have proposed a number of developments to Camden High Street, including a motor-traffic free section, and they want your views on these potential changes. Find out more and complete the survey here – open until 30th August.

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

Our mailing address is:
Greenwood Centre, Greenwood Place, London, NW5 1LB

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