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We know that at the forefront of your minds will be supporting your service users, but we do also want to stress the importance of prioritising your people: The safety and security of your staff, volunteers and the people you support is paramount. So we urge you to have a look at the basic suggestions of how to keep your people safe we’ve circulated from VCS Emergencies Partnership. 

We will be coordinating two distinct offers in relation to this issue: 

1. Collating training opportunities, resources, and guidance from critical sources for the sector including, VCS Emergencies Partnership (VCS EP) and London Communities Emergency Partnership, Hope Not Hate, and UK Youth – covering a range of topics including, how to offer initial basic support and signposting to victims of hate crime; and Staying Safe amidst Far-Right violence particularly for organisations supporting people seeking asylum, and refugees.  

2. We are keen to work in partnership with our colleagues in the Camden VCS infrastructure sector to provide a space for Camden VCS to share and learn how people are responding to the issue and maintaining social cohesion. This would be for the whole sector including faith-based VCS orgs, and youth VCS orgs. We look forward to sharing more details with you in the coming days. 

In the meantime, please take a look at these statements from a number of sources, which give responses and collate resources, practical support and guidance for anyone affected:

– London Plus have produced a document listing resources to support the voluntary, community and faith sectors. You can email them on info@lcep.london with suggestions for the document. They also ask that anyone who has information on vulnerable locations or communities that may be affected fill out this form.
– The Charity Commission have issued a statement including practical guidance in case of emergencies.
– A statement from Camden Council with a list of emergency services information and community support.
– Mayor of London communities newsletter including a message from Debbie Weekes-Bernard London’s Deputy Mayor for Communities and Social Justice.

VAC CEO leaving message

It is with a heavy heart that I share this last post. I’m leaving VAC to join Prostate Cancer UK as their new Associate Director of Black Health Equity. It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as CEO for the past few years, and I will always treasure the memories I have made here. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support during my tenure. I could not have asked for a better borough to work in and a more passionate group of colleagues to work with. The sector has continually demonstrated, with limited resources, the important role it plays in keeping people connected and healthy. During my time VAC committed to highlighting the importance of the sector to the community and championing its needs. I am proud of the accomplishments we have made together particularly, supporting and looking after each other during the sequential crisis  of
the pandemic, cost-of-living, and record level inflation. During the toughest periods of the last few years, we have been standing shoulder to shoulder with our members. I know that VAC will continue to do so, by shouting about the value of the VCS to civic society, the economy, public health, and social cohesion.

The new CEO will be announced soon, but in the meantime, Dianne Carlton Ogunyemi (dogunyemi@vac.org.uk) has been appointed as interim CEO and will do a fantastic job!

Message to the next CEO:

You are going to have so much fun – here’s three reasons why:

1. VAC is at the forefront of the voluntary community sector in Camden. It has a proud history of serving communities in Camden, and it is well positioned as a strategic leader for the sector. ‘With great power comes great responsibility’ and VAC has never shied away from this. You will be joining VAC at a pivotal moment as it broadens its membership offer and deepens its relationship with the council through 7 years of secured core funding.

2. VAC’s staff and trustees are passionate about their work and committed to seeing the organisation grow. Through the toughest of times the team has shown resilience and vision. They know why they are here and what needs to be done to achieve the organisations aims and objectives. You will be inheriting an unmatched team of skilled, diverse and collaborative individuals.

3. We Make Camden. The voluntary and community sector in Camden is strong with over 2,000 organisations. The sector embodies Camden’s popular image of being rebellious and pioneering. VAC’s members are supportive and engaged and will guide you through this exciting new chapter.

I’ve had a great time at VAC, and I know you will too. Every day was different but was always filled with examples of how we are improving the lives of our community.

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

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!

• Camden Youth Safety Multi-Media Competition raises awareness of issues affecting the safety of young people in Camden. There’s up to £500 available to local schools, youth and play organisations to develop their project and the winner will receive £500 for their school or centre. It’s open to ages 10 to 18. Schools or centres can visit Camden Rise website to find out more and enter. The deadline to apply for funding is 30 September. If you have any questions, please email youthsafety@camden.gov.uk.
• Arts Council England Creative People and Places Programme is intended to help get local people involved in the arts across parts of England where arts involvement is considerably below the national average. The 2026 – 2029 funding round will support programmes of cultural activity and engagement in 142 locations across England. 
• Youth Futures Foundation is providing grants for up to three years for voluntary and community sector organisations to co-develop and implement youth employment activities that are targeted at young people aged between 16 and 24 from minoritised ethnic communities who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET), or at risk of becoming NEET, across selected areas of London, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Yorkshire, and the West Midlands.

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

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

Laamiga part-time female administrator
Laamiga are looking to recruit a part-time administrator to support the work of Laamiga, a small friendly charity formed in 2010, working in Islington and Camden. This role will support the Laamiga Coordinator to recruit and manage mentees and volunteer mentors. Laamiga helps migrant, refugee and minority ethnic women to achieve financial independence and satisfying work through personal mentoring and training.
Deadline: 16th September

Mind in Camden
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

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

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 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.

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.

How to be an active bystander or responder
Young people and residents in Regent’s Park, working with Camden Council’s Detached Youth Team, local youth charity Fitzrovia Youth in Action and photographer Louie Stewart, have created resources to help keep each other safe and potentially save lives. Their ‘How to be an active bystander or responder’ campaign is now featured on bus shelter poster sites across Camden. Visit Camden Rise website to find out more.

Heath Hands Wildflower Meadow Appeal
Do you want to help boost biodiversity and see more wildflower meadows on the Heath? Help Heaths Hands by donating to their Wildflower Meadow Appeal. Over the past few years, Heath Hands have been working to transform some unloved patches of grass into beautiful wildflower meadows, bursting with life. Now in 2024, they’re planning to expand their efforts, focusing on maintaining the Hive and Sparrow Site meadows, and creating new areas of meadow around Parliament Hill.

Easyfundraising supermarket donations
Leading supermarkets Tesco, Morrisons, ASDA, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Iceland, and Ocado will donate money to your voluntary organization when your community of supporters shop with them. Whenever an online shopper buys groceries, the supermarket sends your organisation up to a £5 donation. Just one person could raise £97.50 in a year for your organisation by doing their food shop.  All types of third sector organisations can benefit – your organisation just needs to be registered with funding website easyfundraising.

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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