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Upcoming Training & Events

Despite coordinated efforts from the sector imploring the government to reconsider the recent budget announcement on National Insurance Contributions for employers, the chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced that there will be no exemptions or reimbursements for charities. Sector bodies such as NCVO and ACEVO reacted with disappointment to the news, and the Charity Finance Group are documenting their ongoing response.

Misunderstanding of value is limiting charity impact

A new report by the Charity Reform Group suggests that third sector organisations have the history, expertise and creative potential to have a much higher impact on policies and public life. Arguing that the current public image of charities restricts them to service providers only, the Forces for Good report calls for a shift in the relationship with government and includes a set of recommendations for charities to re-think how to present themselves and improve collaboration with other sectors.

Report lays bare banking challenges for charities

92% of charities claimed they had faced issues with banking in the last 2 years, examined in a new report* published by the Civil Society Group. Changing signatories on bank account mandates was the most likely process to cause challenges, experienced by 75% of those surveyed, with many charities claiming that communication issues with banks and long delays are common when trying to get signatories changed.
*Accessible for CSG members only.

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!

• We Make Camden Project Fund – Camden Council has launched a new fund to support organisations making a difference to residents in the borough. Local not-for-profit organisations can now apply for grants between £5,000-£20,000 a year to support a range of projects that make a difference to Camden communities. Application deadline 1pm Monday 27 January 2025. 
• The Make It Big Pathway Fund is here to fill a crucial gap in support for Black and Global Majority-led charities and social enterprises, helping you strengthen your foundation and prepare for social investment.
• Steel Charitable Trust – Grants are available to registered charities in the UK to deliver a variety of projects and activities that benefit children and young people under the age of 26.
• The second annual Manchester Prize is now accepting applications, focusing on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in Clean Energy Systems.
• Arts Council England’s Incentivising Touring scheme has repayable grants available for mid- and large-scale theatre and dance productions to tour in England, supporting new works, revivals, or remounts that demonstrate financial viability with Arts Council England’s investment.
• The One Stop Community Partnership programme has grants through a partnership programme to support not-for-profit organisations with local community projects that address social welfare and environmental issues.

Race Equality Foundation webinar

The Race Equality Foundation, with a coalition of partners including the Muslim Charities Forum, are hosting a workshop on 12th December: ‘The Media’s Role: Narratives and Rhetoric of the Racist Riots’. This session will explore the impact of enduring Islamophobic and racist narratives, and will examine the media’s role in perpetuating this harmful rhetoric. The session will also open up a discussion on what steps the voluntary and public sectors can take to push back and challenge these harmful narratives. Secure your place here.

Children of The Sun with Moon Crescent Blood 

Explore an art and poetry exhibition raising awareness for sickle cell disease. Children of The Sun with Moon Crescent Blood is on at the Akanji Studio at Swiss Cottage Gallery from 5 December – 16 January.

Working Men’s College Craft Fair & Photography Exhibition

The Working Men’s College send warms wishes and invites you to see and buy some of the unique creations made by their talented and inspiring learners. They have two free events taking place on Wed 4th December, 11am-4pm:
1.    Craft Fair from 11am – 4pm, Book your free place here
2.    Creative Digital Arts and Photography Exhibition at 11am. 

Trauma-Informed Care for Professionals Working in Camden

Camden Council are hosting a free webinar on Trauma-Informed Care for Professionals Working in Camden. The webinar will be run by clinical psychologists from the Brandon Centre and take place online on 10th December. Find out more and sign up here.

Christmas Season at the London Welsh Centre

🎶 Nine Lessons and Carols – 8th December
Gather for a magical evening of traditional carols and readings. This cherished event is the perfect way to embrace the spirit of Christmas.

🍷 Ross Clarke: A Journey Through Wine – 11th December
Wine lovers, rejoice! Ross Clarke, award-winning food and wine writer, will guide us through the best supermarket wines for the season. 

🚶 Caroline James’ Christmas Walk Through London – 18th December
Discover London’s sparkling Christmas lights on a magical 90-minute walking tour led by the brilliant Caroline James. 

😂 Suspiciously Cheap Comedy – 22nd December
Get ready to laugh the night away with Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Jin Hao Li, Tarot Comedy, and the phenomenal Sara Pascoe.

For tickets and full details, click here.

Building Resilient Communities: The Case for Social Cohesion

Join for the launch of this timely report, commissioned by the Greater London Authority and produced by Protection Approaches, exploring the critical role of social cohesion in enhancing community resilience. 2nd December.

Indulge in Festive Fun at Castlehaven

Join Castlehaven Community Association on Friday 6th December from 4 – 7 pm, for an unforgettable afternoon of festive family fun. From unique stalls, Santas grotto to live performances and delicious treats, there’s something for everyone, so don’t miss this wonderful community celebration!
For more information, please email info@castlehaven.org.uk.

Open to all Dementia Information Event

Whether you’re a carer, family member, or just interested in understanding more about what we can do to support people living with dementia, this event is for you. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with others and gain a better understanding of dementia. The one hour information session from Camden Carers will cover:
•    What is dementia
•    Causes, signs and symptoms of dementia
•    Different types of dementia
•    Find local help and support and dementia-friendly activities
Register your interest here. The event takes place on 4th December at Holborn Library, 32-38 Theobalds Road, WC1X 8PA.

WAC Arts production of The Nutcracker 

On Sunday, 1st December there will be two performances of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker at the Old Town Hall, 213 Haverstock Hill, NW3 4QP. This special rendition of Tchaikovsky’s classic combines flute, piano, and narration to spark children’s imaginations through enchanting music and storytelling. It’s perfect for Nursery, Reception, and Years 1-4. Tickets are £10 and available at wacarts.co.uk. 

YCF Women & Non-Binary Leadership Forum

Are you a woman or non-binary professional in Camden’s Children & Young People Voluntary and Community Sector? Join Young Camden Foundation for the inaugural session of the Quarterly forum – a new space created by and for women and non-binary leaders to connect, share, and grow together. This forum is designed for all types of leaders, whether you’re a CEO, founder, director, manager, or an emerging leader. YCF welcome individuals who bring unique perspectives, whether you’re an established professional or an aspirational leader looking to make an impact. 3rd December. 

EPF Property Webinar on Risk Assessments

In this informative, accessible webinar taking place on 10th December, Ethical Property Foundation’s experienced Associate Property Advisers will cover the basics of how to do a risk assessment on charity premises so that you understand what risks you need to look at, and how ignoring could affect the volunteers, staff and service users in your organisation. Participants will receive a resources kit with the opportunity to obtain free follow-up expert advice through our Ask a Property Expert Service. Sign up here.

Two vacancies at Mind in Camden 

Community Mental Health Recovery Support WorkerMIC are looking for a self-motivated, empathic, and dynamic Community Mental Health Recovery Support Worker to join their one-to-one mental health support service. The post involves working directly with service users, volunteers, and 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. You will be contributing to the transformation of community mental health services across Camden.
Closing Date: 6th December
Resources Assistant
You’ll be the first point of contact for visitors and clients, and will manage and maintain the reception, and look after the admin phone and email account. You will also proactively assist with maintaining the building, performing regular checks, and engaging contractors. You’ll be responsible for keeping and maintaining accurate records for contracts and equipment, and taking the lead on a variety of admin tasks.
Closing Date: 5th December

Lifeafterhummus Creative chef and community educator

Lifeafterhummus Community Benefit Society are looking for an experienced cook or chef with a passion for people, food waste and sustainability. This role will have a predominant focus on low-fat, high-fibre plant-based / vegan cooking but not exclusively given the nature of the surplus food the organisation collect. The post provides a range of experiences and requires a variety of skills. You will be supported with your ongoing development by the operations Manager. As the café grows, the staffing will grow. 

People’s Museum Story Bike Promoter

Days:        1.5 days per week (with some flexibility)
Location:        People’s Museum Somers Town / outdoor working
Payment:        £12-15 per hour
1.    To help raise awareness of StoryBike as sustainable intergenerational taxi service
2.    To do outreach to engage community and build audience
3.    To develop and evaluate this service
4.    To develop museum awareness through outreach and communications

please email diana@aspaceforus.club with CV to apply.

HCA Doorstep Help – Volunteers Needed

Holborn Community Association’s Doorstep Help Project aims to reduce loneliness and isolation, while empowering older adults to continue living independently, through meaningful, fun and engaging befriending matches, with local volunteers. If this sounds like it could be of interest and you would like to find out more, please get in touch!
You can email on felia@holborncommunity.co.uk or call 07484036879 or 02074052370 (option 2). 

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.

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.

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.

Community Performance Opportunity – O2 Centre Finchley Road 

Euston-based dance organisation The Place is bringing the award-winning, community-led performance Super Normal Extra Natural by Requardt&Rosenberg to the O2 Centre this coming February. The show premiered last year at Croydon’s Whitgift Centre as part of London Borough of Culture. They’re looking for 20 community members (18+) to spend a week rehearsing and performing in the show. If you are interested in performance but have no experience in it, here’s an opportunity! You can find all relevant information here.  

Families for Life Champion free volunteer training 

Parents and carers can become Families for Life Champions with free volunteer training, starting from 16 January 2025 at Edith Neville Primary School. Parents and carers can improve their skills and CV, while helping other families to improve their health and wellbeing by signposting them to services and support.
Email syria.chowdhury@camden.gov.uk for more information.

Easyfundraising Advent Calendar 

Back by popular demand, easyfundraising’s Advent Calendar returns to bring some festive cheer. Open the Advent windows from 1st – 24th December for daily chances to win up to £200 for your organisation, charity, or CIC. Plus, every window opened is an automatic entry to win a big Christmas Day prize of £1,000! To take part, sign your organisation up here. 

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