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Camden, together

Campaign launches to reduce stigma of loneliness in Camden 

Voluntary Action Camden and Camden Council have launched the ‘Camden together’ campaign, which aims to reduce the stigma of loneliness and support residents to connect with other people in their community. 

We know that so much fantastic work is already going on in Camden to reduce loneliness and promote community connection and friendships. We would like to highlight some of these examples as part of Camden, together. We would love to hear what your organisation is doing – and please let us know about any Christmas dinners, festive events or any other free or low cost events that you would like us to promote over the coming weeks and we can share via our channels.

To be featured in Camden, together, share an event for us to promote or to request campaign materials channels, contact Grace Blackman.  

Upcoming Training & Events

A survey by the Charity Retail Association reveals the various measures many charities are now considering after the recent budget announcement to increase national insurance contributions for employers, with a third of those surveyed anticipating they will have to cut staff. 25% of respondents said they will have to close shops once the NI rise comes in, while two thirds of charities say they will have to raise prices. Meanwhile in parliament, various politicians criticised the government’s decision in a debate on Tuesday, highlighting the danger to the sector.

*As an aside, if your charity has been affected by this issue or you would like to have your say on another aspect of the relationship between the VCS and government, please take a look at NCVO’s draft principles for the new Civil Society Covenant, which they are inviting feedback for – please see the Surveys, Opportunities & Resources section further down this newsletter.

Volunteering participation higher before pandemic 

The pandemic marked a clear divide in volunteering levels in England, shown in the new Community Life survey which studies aspects of community engagement in adults. 23% of adults volunteered regularly (at least once a month) in 2019/20, but that figure has since decreased year on year, with only 16% doing so in 2023/24. The survey also gives information on volunteering by age group and geographical area. 

Giving Tuesday success fails to translate to UK

One of the biggest dates in the US philanthropy calendar, Giving Tuesday (falling on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving), has not achieved the same relevance in the UK. Recent years have seen a push to build fundraising campaigns around Giving Tuesday in the UK, but Enthuse’s Christmas Giving report showed that more donations are received on other days in the festive period. 

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!

• UK not-for-profit groups specialising in legal advice for immigration issues can once again apply for a grant from the Strategic Legal Fund, to support strategic legal work in the UK which benefits asylum seekers, refugees, and migrants who are experiencing disadvantage or discrimination as a result of their migration status.
• The Elephant Trust has grants available to artists, small organisations and galleries within the UK to make it possible for artists and those presenting their work to undertake and complete projects when frustrated by lack of funds.
• Sport England has just announced that its Movement Fund will give priority to sports and activities that need help to recover quickly from recent extreme weather in Storms Bert and Connall.
• Amazon Literary Partnership 2025 – One-off annual grants are available for not-for-profit literary organisations in the UK that empower writers, helping them create, publish, learn, teach, experiment and thrive.
• The US Embassy to the United Kingdom’s Annual Grants Programme offers grants to not-for-profit organisations, academic institutions, individuals, government institutions in the UK for projects that strengthen bilateral ties between the United States and the United Kingdom.
• Art Fund Museum of the Year is an annual prize that recognises and celebrates outstanding work and projects across UK museums and provides a platform to encourage audiences to engage with museums far and wide.

Queerspace and Transpace

Weekly, alternating social support groups held by Likewise. Queerspace is for all LGBTQ+ people and Transpace is for Trans* people. The groups run from 5:30-7:00pm on Mondays in Swiss Cottage (full address is given via email). The groups are facilitated and have an intentional focus on mental health. They are open to anyone (18+) from the relevant communities.  If you’d like to find out more or want to register your interest, please get in touch. Email: lgbtspaces@likewise.org.uk. Phone: 02072784437. Instagram: @queerspace_transpace.

Camden’s Community Champions Programme

Camden Council are recommissioning their community champions programme and increasing the number of projects from three to five from April 2025. They are hosting an information session on Wednesday 11th December, 2:00 – 3:00pm in Training Room 5 at the Crowndale Centre, 218 Eversholt Street, NW1 1BD.   To find out more about the Community Champions programme and the re-commissioning process please attend. Email participation@camden.gov.uk to confirm attendance or to request more information.

Spring Term at WAC Arts

Wac Arts Spring Term runs from Saturday 11th January 2025 to Sunday 30th March 2025, offering 10 weeks of affordable classes for all ages, with bursaries available. From performing and creative to digital arts, we have engaging weekend and evening classes for ages 4+. The programs encourage growth, progression, and a passion for the arts, providing young people with essential creative opportunities.

We Care – Present making workshop 

Age: 8-12 year olds
Venue: Holborn House Community Centre
Make gifts to share with your friends and family!  Designers, makers, architects and engineers working with MillerKnoll will be hosting a making session for you on 12th December. Design gifts you can take home and give to friends and family for Christmas. Activities include illustration with the Quentin Blake Centre and fabric wall hangings. Refreshments available.
Parents/carers must remain in the venue. Younger siblings are welcome to wait with you in reception. 
Book here 

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.

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.

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.

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 Worker
MIC 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.

NCVO takes views on Civil Society Covenant

Ahead of next year’s Civil Society Covenant, a new framework which is designed to reset the relationship between the government and civil society sector, NCVO have created a set of draft principles to be considered. They are inviting feedback from across civil society, including charities, community groups, social enterprises, cooperatives and funders. Have your say here. 

Free Four-Day Peer Mentor course from VoiceAbility

Voiceability want to hear from you if you have lived experience of mental health and wish to support others. This is a 4-day course slated for 30th January, 31st January, 6th February, 7th February, 2025 at The Living Centre, London. The course aims to give you ALL the skills required to volunteer as a Peer Mentor. For reservations or further information, email camden.peermentoring@voiceability.org or call Dede 07974419371/ Henriette 07562 625453.

Big Give – Acland Burghley’s Hall for All campaign

Hall for All is a campaign to restore the Assembly Hall at Acland Burghley School, Camden, to its former glory, establishing a world-class performance and exhibition space, preserving local heritage and giving current and future generations of local people – irrespective of background – access to a professional arts space. As part of the Big Give Christmas Challenge, running until Tuesday 10 December, donations to this cause will be doubled. 

Camden’s Survey on Alcohol Impact

Camden Council are developing a strategy aimed at reducing alcohol harms for residents, and they would like to hear from Camden residents about your experiences and understanding with regards to alcohol. The questions involved are asked without judgement, and the council highly value your opinions. The information you provide will be instrumental in shaping their initiatives and strategies moving forward.

Local VCS Newsletters

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