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Improving Digital Access
VAC is keen to talk to community organisations and groups in Camden working with residents to improve digital access – we are specifically interested in approaches that help to embed the use of apps, texting and website access to help with everyday things like shopping, paying bills, banking etc, and with helping residents access devices and data they need.
If we haven’t already contacted you please get in touch to discuss a small pilot project aimed at building on existing voluntary sector capacity in this area with the focus on accessing health care.
To find out more please contact Donna – dturnbull@vac.org.uk by 31st July.
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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Small charities need new representative body
Panellists at the recent CIOF Fundraising convention have called for a new body to represent and support small charities, in the wake of the closure of the Small Charities Coalition and the Foundation for Social Improvement, two institutions that supported the small charity sector. The panel also spoke about the funding dilemmas faced by small charities, suggesting that funders are less likely to allocate funding as they fear small charities’ survival in the long run. Charity campaigning more strictly policed, review finds
Charity campaigning and protest rights are more facing more and more restrictions and tone policing, according to the first annual UK civic space review from Bond, the UK network for civil society organisations working in international development. The review found trends that increasingly clamp down on rights in key areas of civic society. Charities give reaction to King’s Speech
Groups and leaders across the sector have given a mixed review to last week’s King’s speech, in which the new government announced a raft of new bills last week. The children’s wellbeing and English devolution bills were on the whole well-received, although some pointed out where legislation could go further. You can find more reaction 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!
- Funding from Hampstead Wells and Campden Trust – HWCT supports North Camden by funding organisations addressing poverty and enhancing well-being. They are offering small grants up to £2,500 and larger grants averaging £15,000. Projects in debt advice, homelessness support, and mental health are prioritised.
- The Fore Funding Programme is open to any sector and region within the UK with particular interest in grassroots organisations working with underserved communities.
- Barclays Community Football Fund invites applications from projects that will support delivery of football activities to underrepresented groups.
- The DPO Centre Charity and Community Fund will help charities and not-for-profit organisations to access data protection consultancy advice and services to ensure that they run efficiently.
- The Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust is accepting applications from UK not-for-profit organisations to support projects in the UK aimed at working towards the creation of a peaceful and just world.
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VAC UPCOMING TRAINING
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
Camden Market 50th Anniversary – Summer Event Series
The famous Camden Market is celebrating its 50th birthday with a summer festival including music, art, dance, food and fashion from around the world. From a Bollywood festival to a Black Owned London (BOLO) spotlight session featuring young musical talent, there are a number of events for kids and adults that celebrate diversity and honour the markets past, present and future.
Regents Roots Arts Festival
Collaboratively curated by Old Diorama Arts Centre and Fitzrovia Youth In Action with local residents from Community Champions and Young Guardian, the Regents Roots festival features an eclectic mix of dance acts, circus shows and theatre performances. The festival takes place on Saturday 3rd August – click here to find out more.
Property Webinars on Everyday Premises Management
The Ethical Property Foundation have announced two Property webinars, free to voluntary organisations, that will empower your organisation’s property strategies. The first, on 29th August, is on Everyday Premises Management, while the second will run on the 19th September and will cover How to Read a Lease.
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
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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
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
Holborn Community Association Doorstep Help Volunteer
Looking for an exciting new volunteering opportunity? Look no further! Holborn Community Association is introducing a Doorstep Help Befriending Scheme, and we need you! We are searching for empathetic, enthusiastic and reliable befriending volunteers to get involved and make a real difference, through empowering others and helping to reduce loneliness and isolation amongst older adults, living in the Holborn area. For further information, please contact us on felia@holborncommunity.co.uk or call us on 07484036879.
Mind in Camden
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
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
Senior Community Mental Health Recovery Support Worker
Mind in Camden are looking for a supportive and proactive leader to join their community service as a Senior Community Mental Health Recovery Support Worker. The post involves direct work with service users, supervising a team of staff and working in partnership with colleagues across different sectors in Camden. You’ll be working collaboratively alongside partners and statutory providers to adapt the service offers to meet changing local needs.
Closing date: 14th August
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
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 |
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Camden Summer University
Aged 13 to 19? Live in Camden, go to a Camden state school, attend a Camden Council youth centre or have a Camden social worker? Choose from nearly 70 free courses in arts, media, fashion, sport, cookery, work and life skills at venues across the borough. The programme runs from Thursday 25 July to Friday 23 August. Bookings now open – check the website to book your places.
UK Finance launch charity banking support website
A new website aimed at helping charities to support and manage bank accounts, with an account finder tool, step-by-step guide and FAQs. The resource includes tailored advice and a digital guide – you can find it here.
Charity Commission issue social media guidance
The charity commission have released guidance on setting social media policies, managing potential risks, and campaigning and fundraising on social media, as well as other helpful topics.
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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