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Communications Survey

You may have seen a notice from us last week about our Communications Survey, which will be running until midway through 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

• Virtual Webinar: Conflict Management 12th September, 10:00 am – 11:00 am
• Voluntary sector organisational structures; what’s right for you? 16^th September, 10:30am – 12:00pm
• Virtual: Understanding Gaming and Gambling Harms – Health and Social Care Focus 17th September, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
• Virtual Workshop: National Lottery – Awards for All Applications 18^th September, 10:00 am – 11:30 am
• 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

A new report from Pro Bono Economics has shed light on the difficulties faced by a majority of charities in 2024. The findings indicate that challenges in recruitment and funding are having a major impact on many charities capacity to meet demand for their services.

Fundraising Regulator welcomes feedback on new code

Charities have been invited to look at and comment on the new revised Code of Fundraising Practice, in the final stage of an open consultation launched by the Fundraising Regulator. The code aims to establish standards of fundraising for charitable organisations and third party fundraisers. The consultation is open until 1 November 2024.

Survey reveals gap in charity social media engagement

A new survey from Eden Stanley explored the untapped potential for engaging with older social media users about charitable causes. Many older generations are using social media regularly, meaning there are lots of opportunities for charities to engage with them online and thereby spread their message and have more of an impact on public policy. 

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!

• Go! London Foundation Fund for community sport and physical activity projects for young Londoners.
• Jerwood Foundation is offering grants to UK-based organisations that focus on making art available for public benefit and promoting emerging talent in the arts.
• Arnold Clark Community Fund offers grants for Cost of Living support, community support, and gear up for sport projects.
• Clarion Futures funding is for organisations seeking to deliver innovative, well-designed projects that support Clarion residents and the wider community to address digital exclusion.
• BlueSpark Foundation supports projects to improve the education and development of children and young people through educational, cultural, sporting and other activities.
• Legal & General Health Equity Fund is set up to explore the role of business in reducing health inequalities in the UK.

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.

Active For All Day for disabled children and young people

Disabled children and young people aged eight and above (including adults) and their families are invited to come along to Talacre Community Sports Centre, in Kentish Town, NW5 3AF, for a day of free, fun activities. Try out a fantastic range of inclusive activities on Saturday 14 September, with a special appearance from a 2024 Olympic athlete. Activities include athletics, wheelchair roller sessions, new age kurling, boccia, adapted bikes, trampolining and rebound therapy, gymnastics, football, basketball and much more. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. 

DBS Eligibility and Legal Duty to Refer Webinar

DBS are hosting a webinar on Wednesday 9th October which will be of value to those; who have recruitment / management / safeguarding responsibilities; are involved in safer recruitment processes; recruit or manage those in regulated activity; and/or are responsible for making DBS referrals. The webinar will cover: • Understanding DBS checks and role eligibility, including levels of check and workforce • How “regulated activity” with children and adults is defined and what this means in practice • DBS Update Service • The three different referral routes, and much more. You can register here. 

Merit Donated Computers Scheme – Meet the Funder

Does your organisation support individuals to get online and need devices to do so? Merit will be donating laptops and desktops (including keyboard, mouse, monitor and cables) in time for Christmas. All devices will have a minimum specification to run Windows 10, MacOS Big Sur or Linux Mint. If you wish your organisation to be considered, attend their webinar on Tuesday 10th September or visit the website.

Collective Homework club at Latin American House

 Do you have a lot of errands to run? Need help? Do you want to bring your child together in a collective learning space? Worry no longer, bring your kids every Saturday at 1 pm, we’ll take care of the rest! Email info@casalatina.org.uk for more information.

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. 

The National Youth Ballet present Evolving Visions 

National Youth Ballet is thrilled to announce an exciting offer for local families to join them at the upcoming performance of Evolving Visions at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, on Sunday 8 September at 19:30. Embracing a variety of dance and music languages, Evolving Visions reflects NYB’s ongoing commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for young people, combining personal development with artistic excellence. Register your interest in our limited allocation of complimentary tickets by filling out the form before ASAP. 

VCC Autumn 2024 Camden and Islington Volunteering Fair 

Join Volunteer Centre Camden online and meet local groups recruiting volunteers now. This fair takes place on Thursday 12th September, 12.30-2pm. Sign up for the Zoom link here. If you are an organisation that would like to recruit volunteers at this fair contact Sheila by email: sheila@volunteercentrecamden.org.uk.

Young Carers Practitioner at The Children’s Society

Are you passionate about supporting young people to thrive? The Children’s Society are currently looking for an experienced young carers practitioner to join their dynamic, ambitious team. Your role will be to contribute to the overall provision of services for young carers in Camden & Islington, providing child-centred assessments, plans and interventions to support young carers to thrive, and reduce the impact of caring responsibilities. You will also support to deliver training and awareness raising sessions to relevant professionals and provide specialist help where necessary.
Deadline for applications: Wednesday 18th 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:
•    Support Workers (Full-time, £30,202; deadline 11 September);
•    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.

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 

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: 9th September 

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 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. They are currently looking for: 

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.

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. 

Volunteer with Camden’s Youth Justice Service

Do you have an interest in your local community and youth crime rates? Want to help children make positive changes in their lives? Enhance your own skill set and work experience? Camden Youth Justice Service recruits volunteers as Referral Order Panel Members. You will work with children aged 10-17 who have attended court for the first time. Full training is provided, as well as support and supervision. For more information or to request an application form, please download the flyer, email jaynita.haria@camden.gov.uk or call Jaynita on 020 7974 6582. Closing date is 20 September.

Legacies How to Guide for Fundraisers

The second of a free series in “How to” Guides has been published by Civil Society Media and Fundraising Magazine. The How to Guide: Legacies gives tips on inspiring supporters to leave legacy donations, as well as offering case studies and practical information all about building legacy plans and programmes.

Free Digital Skills Courses in Camden Community Venues

If you want to develop your digital skills, Camden Adult Community Learning offers a range of courses starting later in September. All the laptops and tablets are provided, and courses in community venues are offered across Camden, so there is bound to be something near you! Choose from beginners’ or improvers’ courses, digital skills for finding a job, or more advanced courses in digital photography, child online safety, MS Excel, podcasting and more. Autumn courses are now open for enrolment here, and you can check out the autumn course guide here.

Easyfundraising’s Community Champions – win £250 donation

Is there someone in your organisation who’s a real champion? Easyfundraising is on the search for the people who go above and beyond or make everyone’s day a little brighter. Three incredible people deserving of some much-needed recognition and appreciation will be chosen as easyfundraising’s Community Champions and will win a £250 donation for their organisation, as well as £250 to treat themselves to something special. To nominate your champion, fill in the short online form before 30th September and tell easyfundraising why this person is so amazing. 

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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Greenwood Centre, Greenwood Place, London, NW5 1LB

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