Highlights: Primary Care Navigators; Camden Patient & Public Engagement Group Meeting; Trustee Training from VAC; Health and Safety training for hard to reach communities; Love Your Lungs campaign; VAC BMER Mental Health Information and Networking Session; Project to Enable BAME Volunteers; engaging older men; Community Health Advocate Volunteers; Camden Adult Community Learning Information and Enrollment Day; Training Link Open Day; plus news, funding, events, jobs, volunteering and more.
NEWS
New Primary Care Navigators Service launches
Following a tender, Age UK Camden will be running the new Primary Care Navigators service, going live in late April 2015. The roles of care navigators are to improve older patients’ use of care and support services, reducing inappropriate use of the NHS and supporting appropriate use through co-ordination of outpatient appointments and linking practices to local services.
The service is funded by Camden Clinical Commissioning Group, and based at 6 locations in the borough. From these bases, the Care Navigators will link to other GP practices via a “hub and spoke” model:
• South Camden Centre for Health (Main hub)
• Abbey Medical Centre
• Bloomsbury Surgery
• Caversham Group Practice
• Hampstead Group Practice
• Parliament Hill Medical Centre
Initially, referrals to the service will be through GPs via the EMIS system. The service is for those aged 60+ with long-term health conditions who live in Camden (though it is expected the focus will be on those aged 75+). As well as practice staff, care navigators will also link closely to Council care managers and the health advocates managed by Voluntary Action Camden.
The Care Navigators Manager is Sharleen Rudolf, who has been seconded to Age UK Camden from Camden Carers Centre. For more information contact: Sharleen.Rudolf@AgeUKCamden.org.uk
Camden Patient & Public Engagement Group Meeting
Monday 13th April, 2pm – 4pm, St Pancras Hospital, Conference Hall
You will find attached the agenda for the next CPPEG open meeting. Please come along if you want to know more about accessing general practice and the introduction of care navigators which is supported by Age UK Camden.
Presentation 1: Accessing General Practice (delivering 8 to 8, 7 days a week)
Presenter: Dr Craig Seymour, Clinical Leadership (Darzi) Fellow , Camden Clinical Commissioning Group
Presentation 2: Care Navigators supporting Camden General Practices (Age UK Camden working in partnership with Camden CCG).
Presenter: Sharleen Rudolf, Care Navigator Lead, Age UK Camden
Please RSVP Martin Emery, Community Ownership Manager by email: martin.emery@camdenccg.nhs.uk or Tel: 0203 688 1755
Low Cost Trustee Training from VAC and Mary Ward Centre
Governance In The Voluntary And Community Sector
14th May 2015 – 25th Jun 2015 (£71/£25) Thursdays, 17:30-20:30
A short course for members of governing bodies or anybody who is interested in developing the knowledge and skills required to be a member of a governing body in the voluntary or community sector. With the knowledge gained from this course you can become an effective participant in the governance of new and existing organisations. This is not a qualification course.
Areas covered:
* Introduction to the Role of a Governing Body Member
* Developing Governance – Responsibilities and Accountability
* Governance – Strategy and Structures
Find out more and book at the Mary Ward Centre website. For questions about the course contact Kevin Nunan.
Health and Safety training for hard to reach communities
Aimed at migrant workers, unpaid carers, cleaners and people working in the hospitality industry. Some of the most marginalised people – probably working long hours, in dangerous conditions and on low pay.
Health & Safety Essentials helps you stay safe. 16th April 9.45am-1pm at VAC. Free. See training section below.
National News
Right to Volunteer?
As we go to press the Prime Minister has resurrected the Big Society and announced paid leave for volunteering for three days per year. Initial clarifications have been to exclude trades union activity and also to only count volunteering for a registered charity. By next week we hope to have further clarification on this proposal.
Love Your Lungs campaign taking place in Camden in May of this year
Led by Camden Clinical Commissioning Group in partnership with the British Lung Foundation, the campaign aims to raise awareness of COPD, encourage early diagnosis and reduce emergency hospital admissions.
The seven awareness and screening events can be found in the following locations:
Tuesday, 5th May Sainsbury’s, Finchley Road 10am-4pm
Wednesday, 6th May Sainsbury’s, Camden Town 10am-4pm
Thursday, 7th May Sainsbury’s Local, Kentish Town 9.30am-12.30pm
Tuesday, 12th May Morrisons, Chalk Farm 10am-4pm
Wednesday, 13th May Tesco Metro, Caledonian Road, Kings Cross 10am-4pm
TBC Sainsbury’s, Kilburn High Road 10am-4pm
Tuesday, 19th May Sainsbury’s Local, Pentoville Road, Kings Cross 9.30am-12.30pm
If you have any queries about the Love Your Lungs campaign, please contact Farha Sonvadi, Project Assistant at the British Lung Foundation.
T: 020 7688 6025 E: Farha.sonvadi@blf.org.uk
VAC BMER Mental Health Information and Networking Session Monday 27th April
From 2.30pm to 5.00pm at the Roundhouse (Clore Room), 100a Chalk Farm Road, London NW1 8EH.
The Session is open to all Camden-based organisations and individuals interested in mental health, including service users, service providers, voluntary and community organisations. There will be speakers from the Roundhouse’s Youth Policy and Engagement Team, Camden Carers Service and Camden Mental Health Commissioners. There will also be plenty of time for networking.
Further details and an agenda will be circulated soon. All are welcome. Email mentalhealthteam@vac.org.uk
See all the latest Mental Health events on the VAC website.
New Project to Enable BAME Volunteers
Capital Volunteers is a new project, funded by City Bridge, that will enable BAME young people (aged 18-30) to be better equipped to volunteer and to maximise the opportunity presented to them in their placement.
Through a combination of 1-2-1 support, development workshops, goal setting and appropriate volunteering placements the programme will
~ assist young people to: realise their potential
~ support them with their personal development
~ help them to develop core competencies for any work environment
As well as individuals the project will also support and strengthen established BAME organisations in London to be better placed to take on volunteers and to maximise this resource.
We will also host workshops for BAME organisations that currently use or intend to use volunteers
For more information contact: Tebussum@bteg.co.uk
Free engaging older men training and inspiration session for staff + volunteers on Friday 17 April
If you have any staff and/or volunteers who would like some training and inspiration on great techniques for engaging older men in your activities and services, Abbey Community Centre in Kilburn is hosting a FREE session on Friday 17th April between 10am and 2.00pm.
The session is being delivered by Older Men Engagement Expert, Roger Jones, Coordinator of the older men’s wellbeing network: http://oldermenswellbeing.co.uk/ and is supported with funding provided by Age UK National.
There are six places available in total. You, your staff, your volunteers are welcome to places, and there is no cost other than your firm commitment to the time and the day of the session.
This is the second session Abbey Community Centre has hosted. Please book a place ASAP as spaces are limited.
Contact Laura Wigzell, CTC Coordinator at Abbey Community Centre laura@abbeycc-kilburn.org.uk tel: 07447 932 564 or 020 3397 4583.
Community Health Advocate Volunteers – Spaces Available
• Do you live, work or volunteer in Camden?
• Would you like to support people in your community to improve their health and their access to services that will help them to maintain good health and wellbeing?
• Do you want to develop experience and skills in the field of public health?
• Can you commit at least 2 hours per week?
Voluntary Action Camden (VAC) would like to hear from you. We are training volunteers to become Community Health Advocates in local GP practices and VAC is offering free Royal Society of Public Health (RSPH) Level 1 training to those who want to volunteer their time to become Community Health Advocates.
The next course will be run on 20th and 27th April 2015 at 9.30 a.m. at VAC’s offices 293 – 299 Kentish Town Road. This will be followed by a support session on 18th May. For an informal chat about the role and work please contact:
Mandira Manandhar (Mon, Tues and Thurs) 020 7284 6573 or email:mmanandhar@vac.org.uk
or Peter Simonson on projectsupport@vac.org.uk
Camden Adult Community Learning Information and Enrollment Day
Wednesday 22nd April 9.00am to 4.00pm
Adult Learning Centre, Netley Campus 72-76 Stanhope Street, London, NW1 3EX or
Richard Cobden Learning Centre, Camden Street, London, NW1 0LJ
Computers for beginners – Keeping your children safe on the internet – Save money and time online – Family Learning – English – and more …
Crèche available for some courses
For course brochure www.camden.gov.uk/adultlearning
Phone 020 7974 2148 New learners please bring ID
Training Link Open Day
Thursday 16 April 2015 11am to 7pm 54–56 Phoenix Road NW1 1ES (Near Euston & St Pancras stations)
Come along and find out about our courses and projects:
Catering, Food Safety & Hygiene, Customer Care, Introduction to First Aid, Computing, Adult Literacy
One–to–one learning with a volunteer tutor.
Training Link also has some volunteering opportunities. Email:
admin@traininglink.org.uk for more information, or visit our website.
Small classes – Friendly supportive atmosphere – Accessible building, but we do not have a crèche – No fees except for ECDL – Call in and find out more
Weekly free internet café & drop in every Tuesday 3.30pm to 5.30pm
More information: 020-7383-5405 or email: admin@traininglink.org.uk web: www.traininglink.org.uk
Healthwatch Camden
Latest Information DIgest is on the Healthwatch Camden website.
Catch up with the latest Camden news and what’s happening on Our Blog
The BBC has gathered links to it’s recent progammes on the NHS into one page.
West Hampstead Community Association, Voiceability, Buna, Kentish Town Community Centre, New Horizons Youth Centre, VAC, CRI, and Camden PA are recruiting. See Jobs and Volunteers section below.
Camden Shares. The website for exchanges in Camden. www.camdenshares.org.uk
You can join in on Facebook. Like us if you like us.
Follow all the Camden Voluntary Sector news on OneCamden on Twitter.
You can read more about all of these stories on our news page at www.vac.org.uk/new
FUNDING NEWS
See the Funding pages on VAC’s website for all the latest information.
Olswang Green Seed Fund 2015
Overall £34.2k – up tp £3k per project – will go to creative environmental projects that have real social benefits and are based in *Camden* or *Reading*.
If you have won or applied before and are operating in these areas, consider re-applying. New applications are obviously welcome too. The deadline is midnight on 8th May 2015.
More detail here: www.projectdirt.com/olswangfund
You can view the winners from last year on www.projectdirt.com/olswang
Two New Grants from Locality
First Steps
First Steps gives small community groups the freedom to develop action plans to improve their neighbourhood.
First Steps areas will receive support to decide upon practical actions to make positive changes in their community.
The programme offers 115 communities the opportunity to work together to decide what they do and don’t like and what can be changed.
Click http://mycommunity.org.uk/programme/first-steps/ for more details.
Community Economic Development
The Community Economic Development (CED) programme is a new initiative designed for local community groups and organisations who want to take a lead in shaping their economies for the benefit of local communities.
If you belong to a community that wants to work towards seeing real economic change in your area – whether this is in food, housing, finance, energy or any other local economic opportunities – then the CED programme will set you on the right path.
The programme provides specialist support, advice and grant funding to help residents, local business and public sector organisations to work together to develop the best ideas to strengthen the local economy.
Click http://mycommunity.org.uk/programme/community-economic-development/ for more details.
The Hampstead Wells and Campden Trust
New Grant Opportunity for Tackling Poverty in North Campden
£50,000 is to be allocated by the trustees of The Hampstead Wells and Campden Trust to one or two projects for up to two years. This is to achieve some long term impact on and change in poverty in the Trust’s area of benefit (the old metropolitan borough of Hampstead.) This may be either by preventing problems or reducing their incidence. e.g. poor outcomes in children’s health and education, child care provision, security of housing tenure, reducing debt.
The Trust is keen to facilitate collaborative working amongst its beneficiary organisations. Clarity of outcomes will be needed for funding of any project, together with the organisation’s ability to demonstrate those outcomes.
Trustees would be keen to maintain a close relationship with all grant recipients.
Details of the Grant Allocation Timetable are listed below;
1. An outline of the project and applicant organisation to reach us for shortlisting by 6th May 2015. (one side of A4)
2. Shortlisting Panel to meet week commencing 11th May 2015.
3. Inform short listed applicants week commencing 18t May 2015 and invite more detailed applications by 1st July 2015.
4. Review of applications by Grants Committee on 22nd July 2015.
5. Details of grant award to be conveyed to organisations on 30th July 2015.
For an informal discussion please contact Sheila Taylor, Director & Clerk to the Trustees on 0207 435 1570. Further details about the work of The Hampstead Wells and Campden Trust, you can visit their website on www.hwct.org.uk.
FreeSport offers grants up to £1500
FreeSport – part of the Mayor of London’s sport legacy programme – enables organisations and community groups of all shapes and sizes to apply for grants of up to £1,500 to run free sports activities for Londoners.
The next round of funding opens on 15 April 2015.
FreeSport is about inspiring people of all ages and abilities to try a new sport or activity, but importantly, it’s also about inspiring organisations who may never have done anything sporty before, and to spark their interest to run regular sport sessions. In previous FreeSport rounds we have funded a huge variety of activities ranging from traditional sports like football or rugby through to circus skills and ‘chairobics’
Applications are straight forward and we have lots of information to guide applicants who may never have applied for a grant before.
If you would like to sign up to the mailing list and receive information about how to apply, you can register here: http://bit.ly/1GiO8wo
For more information on the FreeSport grant, you can visit the website which is: www.London.gov.uk/freesport
London Catalyst and the Hospital Saturday Fund have come together to launch a new ‘Partners for Health’ grant programme.
Grants of up to £10,000 will be considered for social action projects tackling the effects of poverty and health inequalities in London. ‘Partners for Health’ is open to community groups that can demonstrate a thoughtful response to local needs and partnership with an expert health agency. There is a particular interest in the areas of mental health and addiction.
The closing date for receipt of completed applications is Friday 29 May 2015. The application form and guidance can be downloaded at www.londoncatalyst.org.uk/grants/ – click on the ‘Partners For Health’ link in the opening paragraph of our Special Interest Grants.
A new community fund giving away up to £25,000 for projects that will make a real difference to local communities.
This is ideal for small charities, if you have an idea for a new project, or there’s an existing project that would benefit from additional funding, it’s well worth getting involved to help secure vital funds for your cause.
The Aviva Community Fund offers support and funding for projects to help enhance local communities. You can apply for funding to support all kinds of projects, as long as it is for the greater good of the community. To qualify, your project must make a positive difference to people’s lives in one of the following categories:
~ Health, disability and wellbeing
~ Supporting the younger generation
~ Supporting the older generation
~ Community support
There are four different funding levels you can apply for, ranging from £1,000 to up to £25,000. The projects will be put forward to a public vote, with the most popular going through to the Finals to be judged by the judging panel.
The fund has now launched. You can find out more information on the Aviva Community Fund website.
Some key dates for the competition:
1. Submissions will open on 24th March, until 30th April
2. Voting opens on 1st May – 30th May, so this will be the time to get busy promoting your project to as many friends and family as possible to secure their votes
3. The most-voted for projects asking for up to £1,000 will secure their funding. The projects asking for up to £5,000 or more with the most votes will go through to the Finals to be judged by the judging panel.
Don’t forget to sign up to Funding Central for free email funding alerts. Go to www.fundingcentral.org.uk/
VAC EVENTS
VAC has a full programme of courses coming up: Click here to find out more. All courses are £25 for members (unless otherwise stated).
Mental health courses and workshops from VAC
To book your place, please go to https://vac.org.uk/events/category/health-mental-health/. Click on the course you are interested in and follow the instructions to book your place and pay by card (if applicable). The charge for our Mental Health First Aid and Youth Mental Health First Aid training courses is heavily subsidised at only £25 per person. All other mental health workshops are free.
Please note that VAC can only accept bookings from organisations based in Camden or which serve Camden residents. Places are limited on each course to a maximum of two people per organisation.
If you have any queries about our training, please contact us on our new email address: mentalhealthteam@vac.org.uk.
Mental Health First Aid Training at VAC
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a nationally approved two-day course, designed for anyone without specialist mental health training. The course promotes awareness of mental health issues, and trains non-mental health professionals to recognise those affected by mental health problems and to offer initial help and guidance towards professional support. This can lead to improved outcomes for those affected, their families, friends, colleagues and employers.
Participants will receive a copy of the MHFA manual and certificate on completion of the course.
Do you have any questions or want to book a place?
Contact the Mental Health Team at Voluntary Action Camden:
Maureen Brewster on mbrewster@vac.org.uk or 020 7284 6563
Ann Wolfe on awolfe@vac.org.uk or 020 7284 6565
Sue Dowd on sdowd@vac.org.uk or 020 7284 6559
Next course dates: Monday 16th February and Monday 23rd February 2015
New VAC Training Programme
- 6th May: Project Management Starter
- 14th May: Governance/Trustees 6 evenings
Dementia Friends Information Sessions
Would you like to improve your understanding of dementia and what it might be like to live with the condition?
People with dementia sometimes need a helping hand to go about their daily lives and feel included in their local community. Dementia Friends is about raising awareness and encouraging people to do the small things that can make a difference to people living with dementia – from helping someone find the right bus to spreading the word about dementia. The initiative, run by the Alzheimer’s Society, aims to create a network of one million Dementia Friends across England by 2015.
Dementia Friends Information Sessions are short, interactive and fun. If you would like VAC to run a session for your organisation or community group, please contact Ann Wolfe on awolfe@vac.org.uk or call 020 7284 6565. For more information see the Dementia Friends website: http://www.dementiafriends.org.uk/
OTHER EVENTS
Do-it Masterclass – Wednesday 22nd April 2015 from 10am – 1pm
Come along to our hands-on session for volunteer coordinators who haven’t managed to sign up to the new Do-it on Wednesday 22nd April, 10am-1pm at Training Link in Somers Town.
The aim of the session will be to get you signed up to the website and give you a chance to explore the new Do-it and how it can be used to add, amend and delete your own opportunities, and start recruiting volunteers to support your organisation.
There will be three 1-hour sessions; 10am, 11am or 12pm. Booking is via Eventbrite, where you can choose which time you would like to attend.
And the masterclass will take place at Training Link, 54-56 Phoenix Road, NW1 1ES.
Young People For Inclusion Networking Event
Monday 27th April, 1pm – 4pm Free
Young People for Inclusion are a group of young disabled people aged 13 to 25 living in London.
Y.P.F.I are hosting a networking event at KTCC to bring together young people and organisations offering inclusive activities in Camden.
Come along to learn about activities, groups and services available.
For more information please click here or contact Jennifer.
‘When the love affair ends’
An exploration of what lies beneath the total collapse which women often experience when a love affair ends.
Presented by Barbara Fletchman Smith
Barbara Fletchman Smith is a psychoanalytic psychotherapist in private practice and senior member of the British Psychotherapy Foundation. She comes from a background of child and family, and psychiatric social work in the public and voluntary sectors. She has published two books (2000 and 2011) and has a long standing interest in the consequences for individuals and families of total devotion to the profit motive, which is at the heart of slavery.”
Saturday 30th May 2015 10am for 10.30am – 12:30 noon
Manor Gardens Training Room 10 Manor gardens , London, N7 6JS.
Fees: Free to all members of WTC and Accept
£20 in advance (details of payment given when place confirmed).
£25 (on the door) subject to availability.
If you wish to attend please email the Centre at appointments@womenstherapycentre.co.uk
Housing Crisis?
Tuesday 21 April 2015 Registration: 6pm Debate: 6.30pm. Followed by a drinks and canapé reception
The Eliot Room, The British Library, 96 Euston Road, London, NW1 2DB
An invitation to attend a free debate discussing Social Housing issues
Chair: Thul Khan, Housing Solicitor, Osbornes Solicitors LLP with panellists:
Cllr Matthew Bennett, Lambeth, Cabinet Member for Housing (Labour)
Cllr John Moss, Waltham Forest, Larkswood Ward (Conservative)
Cllr Judith Blakeman, Kensington and Chelsea, Notting Dale Ward (Labour)
Connor Johnston, Barrister, Garden Court Chambers
Further panellists to be announced
To secure your place at this debate please RSVP to events@osbornes.net
Learn to Build a Website
Free introductory sessions at West Euson Partnership or St Luke’s Community Centre. Various dates in April, May, June. Contact Jed Keenan on 07950963069 or email jed.keenan@aliteracyprogramme.org. Further information and booking at www.eliteracyprogramme.org
Mental health engagement event
This session has been designed to bring together refugee women’s projects with mainstream women’s groups. The first part of the session will be dedicated to examining current issues faced by refugee women and innovative solutions, with a presentation by Middlesex University’s Elena Vacchelli on support for refugee women.
The second part will be a creatively facilitated engagement event where refugee women and mainstream women’s services come together to look at what each other is doing, how to improve connections, referrals and communication, facilitating future work and building access to services.
This event is open to representatives from interested London-based mainstream/ statutory agencies and refugee / asylum-seeking women from community organisations who wish to build connections/ new therapy projects.
13th of May 2014 1.30pm-5.00pm A venue in Islington to be confirmed.
We can cover the travel costs of refugee and asylum-seeking women.
For further information or bookings, please call / email Alexandra Ceriu at alexandra@evelynoldfield.co.uk 0207 697 4105.
Setting up a Social/Community Enterprise workshop
Friday 17th April 2015, 9:30am – 4:30pm, Camden
Are you interested in setting up a social enterprise or community business venture which can:
· Sustainably generate an income for your organization or charity?
· Gainfully employ the skills and energies of your members and supporters?
Then attend this workshop and benefit from the practical insights of what it takes to successfully launch and establish a social enterprise or community business venture.
The Setting Up A Social/Community Enterprise Workshop will cover the core areas that need to be addressed to make a success of your social/community enterprise.
The cost of attending this course is £45 per person.
To reserve your place, register your interest, or to learn more about the workshop, email Community Business Venture at : cbvtraining1@gmail.com
Notice of Visually Impaired in Camden Annual General Meeting 2015
Tuesday 21 April 2015 from 2-4pm
At Swiss Cottage Community Centre, 19 Winchester Road, NW3 3NR
The AGM will include presentation of the Annual Report and Financial Statement for 2014-15 (which will be distributed to members nearer the time) and the election of the Steering Committee for 2015-16.
Light refreshments will be provided. To help with catering please let Rosemary know if you will be attending the AGM, Tel: 07980 328 959. Thank you. (Note: The AGM is open to VIC members only.)
If you have not already done so, it is now time to renew your membership of VIC. The cost is £7, but donations are always welcome! Membership entitles you to subsidised outings, Christmas lunch and events plus 12 newsletters (packed full of news and information) per year. Cheques should be made payable to Visually Impaired in Camden and sent to VIC, c/o Somers Town Community Centre, 150 Ossulston Street, NW1 1EE.
London Hazards Health and Safety training targeted at hard to reach communities
Targeted in particular at migrant workers, unpaid carers, cleaners and people working in the hospitality industry. Some of the most marginalised people – probably working long hours, in dangerous conditions and on low pay.
Health & Safety Essentials
16th April 9.45am-1pm at VAC
Too many people are working in dangerous and unhealthy conditions – and often working long hours for low pay. Job insecurity pushes people to keep their heads down and just get on with the job, even if it’s risking their health. Lots of people may not have the help and support of a trade union. If this sounds like you, then make that change. Attend the London Hazards Centre training and have some fun learning about your rights and how to enforce them. What you will get from the Training:
Main Health & safety legislation – you will be able to identify the main H&S laws
Who is responsible for Health and safety – you will have knowledge of employer and employee responsibilities
Enforcing health & safety – you will be able to identify the principle organisations that enforce H&S
Basic risk assessment – you will be able to recognise risks – learners will be able to carry out a risk assessment
For more information or to book a place please email Paul mail@lhc.org.uk
Green Camden & Project Dirt Celebration Event
18:15 to 20:00, Thursday 23rd April
Castlehaven Community Association, The Community Centre, 21 Castlehaven Road, London NW1 8RU
Do you love Project Dirt? Then this is the event for you!
Green Camden would like to thank you to all of you for being part of our network on Project Dirt, sharing your ideas and helping us grow and develop to provide you with the best green information around.
Come along and celebrate an evening dedicated to our great projects and followers. We’ll also be showcasing some of our local success stories in our latest film, followed by refreshments and networking at the end.
Places are limited, so to avoid disappointment reserve your place here.
Help shape volunteering services in Camden: Focus group for black & minority ethnic organisations
Volunteer Centre Camden are evaluating the service we provide for black and minority ethnic (BME) organisations in Camden, and want to make sure we are using our funding in the most helpful way.
This event will be a focus group discussion where you will be able to tell us what help you need to successfully involve volunteers, and what the Volunteer Centre can do for you. Bring all of your ideas – we’ll be very happy to hear them!
Interested groups can read more and sign up at www.bme-camden.eventbrite.com
Wednesday 22nd April 2015 at 10am – 1pm, including tasty lunch: Location on request
For more information please contact Shadin Dowson-Zeidan: 020 7424 9990 shadin@volunteercentrecamden.org.uk
Camden Deaf Awareness day – all welcome
Tuesday 12 May 2015, 9am to 4pm Camden Centre, Bidborough Street, London, WC1H 9AU
It’s the first Camden Deaf Awareness Day. Explore the challenges faced by deaf and hard of hearing residents and find out more about the support available across the borough. It’s a chance to exchange stories, experiences and ideas and look at how we can work together better. The day will include VIP speakers, a question time session and stalls from local and national organisations.
Communication support will be provided including BSL interpreters, Lip speakers, a Palantypist and T-Loop.
For more information or if you wish to volunteer on the day please contact Asif Iqbal, at asif.iqbal@camden.gov.uk
or call 020 7974 4444. Typetalk: 18001 020 7974 4444 TexBox: 020 7974 6866
Camden Carers’ Service
Has a full range of events and activities for unpaid carers in Camden. Find out more on the Camden Carers’ Service website www.camdencs.org.uk/activities
Decentralise in Camden
The Camden Climate Change Alliance will be hosting a half day event on Thursday 21 May – ‘Decentralise In Camden’ – to bring together local organisations who are interested in understanding and contributing to Camden’s vision for decentralised energy networks. With knowledgeable speakers and case studies, the event will provide an opportunity for attendees to understand the benefits of implementing or connecting to an energy network, to learn about the various projects delivered to date and most importantly, what will be going on in Camden in over the coming years.
If your organisation would be interested in finding out more about the ‘Decentralise in Camden’ event, register your interest by emailing camdencca@camden.gov.uk and we’ll keep you updated.
Don’t forget that Camden TDS run a full programme of course which are subsidised or free for voluntary sector partner organisations. There is a link to a list of partner organisations on the home page.
Find more Training Opportunities at www.vac.org.uk
JOBS AND VOLUNTEERS
Community Association for West Hampstead seeks Manager
We are a lively and ambitious community organisation – are you the person to lead it?
£19,200 per annum inc London Weighting (FTE £32,000) for 21 hours/week plus 3% contributory pension
We are seeking an energetic and motivated Manager to continue to develop the work of the Association.
The Manager will seek out and take advantage of opportunities to develop new services and activities; manage a range of projects in a number of community venues; manage staff, resources and finances; and raise funds to ensure CAWH’s financial sustainability. The new post holder will be supported by a staff team, a committed board of trustees and skilled volunteers.
Closing date: Monday 13 April 2015 9am. Interviews: Tuesday 21 April 2015
Download recruitment pack from www.westhampsteadcc.org.uk, or contact Community Association for West Hampstead, 17 Dornfell St, London NW6 1QN,Tel: 020 7794 3729; email: info@westhampsteadcc.org.uk
Voiceability Camden Peer Mentoring Pilot Service seeks:
Peer Mentor Co-Ordinator
30 hours per week, £23,299 – £28,299 (pro rata) per annum (inclusive of Inner London Weighting)
To work directly with people with lived experience of mental health problems in Camden. To take an active and meaningful part in the development, delivery and co-ordination of a of a peer mentoring project that improves the quality of life of those delivering and receiving support. The jobholder will be directly responsible for organising 200 peer mentor/mentee engagements over a year, developing and maintaining the service and supporting those involved.
For more information regarding this role or to download an application pack please visit www.voiceability.org or email recruitment@voiceability.org or telephone Dawn Bozok (01223) 555820
Closing date: midnight 12 April 2015. Interviews: 22 and 23 April 2015
Volunteer Peer Mentors
Peer mentors provide one to one short term support and encouragement to people with mental health problems in Camden, to help them regain their confidence and independence.
Opportunities are available for people to use their lived experience of mental health problems to create a short term, supportive and understanding relationship with someone who requires support. You will work with people to identify what you can support them with, and together help them to achieve an improved quality of life. You could be helping someone do things like:
• Accesssing more formal services
• Finding support that works for them in the community
• Regaining confidence and independence.
You will be required to work independently and safely in varied situations, to be able to keep boundaries and support mentees to achieve change in a supportive, non judgmental way. You will need to record the mentee’s progress, and to work with VoiceAbility in reporting on the progress of this pilot.
For more information, contact Rachel or Alex on 0207 3355 7113 or email Rachel.killick@voiceability.org
Coffee Volunteer Wanted
Buna Oromia Coffee, the newly opened organic and Fairtrade coffee at 13 Brecknock road, N7 needs your support.
We are looking for a volunteer to work at our small cafe. Travel expenses paid. Contact Demissie Tulu at d2robi@yahoo.co.uk.
Hilldrop Area Community Association Seeks Head of Centre
£30,000 – £35,000 per annum (21 hours pro-rata) Job reference 15/01 21 hours per week
The post of Head of Centre offers an exciting opportunity to lead the next phase of development for an estate-based, multi-purpose community centre that has been at the heart of the St George’s Ward in Islington for over 30 years. Currently designated as a Community Hub with a remit to join-up local services to maximise the offer to local residents, the HACA has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for local residents, and grow the potential of smaller local organisations.
It is essential that you have excelled at working with local communities and can demonstrate how you have previously managed successful community centres or worked at a senior level in delivering community development programmes. Your ability to foster good community partnerships, and your influencing and public relations skills are also key in relation to achieving community buy in and raising the profile of the Centre.
We encourage you to seek an application pack by email hilldropca.info@gmail.com quoting relevant reference number.
Closing date for applications: Monday 20th April 2015 at 17:00pm
Interviews will be held on: Wednesday 29th April 2015
Hilldrop Area Community Association is an equal opportunity employer
VAC seeks Trustees
Voluntary Action Camden wants to recruit some new trustees. In particular the Executive Committee is looking for people who have knowledge of the needs of different communities, strategic planning, marketing, finance and above all a willingness to explore new ways of working. This is a great opportunity to develop your own skills and knowledge by working with an organisation that is well respected and renowned to be an example of good practice and innovation.
To find out more about VAC visit our website www.vac.org.uk or have a look at our last annual report click here https://vac.org.uk/our-work/annual-report/
Please send your CV to Simone Hensby shensby@vac.org.uk. If you would like to discuss the work of VAC in greater detail and your contribution please email knunan@vac.org.uk tel 020 7284 6557.
Volunteering Opportunities at VAC
Voluntary Action Camden is seeking to increase its capacity to provide tailor made support to voluntary and community organisations and social enterprises. We are looking for people with skills and experience in the areas of governance, fundraising, financial management, business planning and the setting up of new organisations.
To find out more about VAC and the services it offers visit our website www.vac.org.uk or have a look at our last annual report click here https://vac.org.uk/our-work/annual-report/
If you are interested in contributing, on a paid or voluntary basis, please send your CV to Simone Hensby shensby@vac.org.uk . If you would like to discuss the work of VAC in greater detail and your possible contribution please email Kevin Nunan knunan@vac.org.uk or telephone 020 7284 6557.
Volunteers wanted CRI Services in Camden
CRI is a charity for people whose lives have been affected by substance misuse. CRI supports its clients through structured day programmes including group work, 1-1 key working, counselling and alternative therapies. Volunteers will be trained to eventually manage a small, low risk caseload.
Camden DIP is CRI’s criminal justice service in the Borough. Working closely with the police, prisons and probation the aim is to support clients who are involved in the criminal justice system to reduce their drug use and offending. Volunteer opportunities are also available in this service.
If you are interested in volunteering please contact;
Jane.robinson@cri.org.uk Mobile: 07554435207
Looking for a challenging and rewarding role?
New Horizon Youth Centre works with young homeless/vulnerable people in Kings Cross and is seeking volunteers to support its youth work and advice services from Monday to Sunday. We provide training, support, lunch, travel expenses and the chance to work alongside dynamic and creative team and client group.
Contact us now to find out more
Email info@nhyouthcentre.org.uk or call 0207 388 5560. www.nhyouthcentre.org.uk/
VAC seeks Database and Website Data Entry Volunteer
Are you good with data entry and would like to learn more about using online databases and website? We are looking for a new volunteer to carry on this valuable work. Ideally you will be able to offer 2 days per week – 14 hours/week (Tuesday & Wednesday). The main role is to:
~ To update and maintain information on the Client Database and ensure the accuracy of all data recorded.
~ To provide data-entry support to enter core VAC and VAC project work, outcomes and evaluations on the database and / or other monitoring software e.g. MS Excel.
~ To keep the VAC website up-to-date with the latest training opportunities from VAC and latest funding opportunities as they relate to the local Camden Voluntary and Community Sector.
Find out more on our website or contact Alex Charles alexcharles@vac.org.uk Tel: 020 7284 6562
Socially Responsible Recruiting
A new, award-winning skills matching service that connects employers with skilled and experienced people to do one-off or part-time jobs has launched in Camden, with a strong social benefit ethic.
“There is a very large number of people in Camden who are fantastically skilled and work-ready but are off the radar to employers because they’re not looking for full-time work and aren’t constantly scouring the job ads,” says Jonathan Collie, founder of Trading Times.
These people are highly skilled over 50s, and family carers. Trading Times brings them to you. It’s free to candidates. It costs you only £35, and only when you are connected to the perfect candidates.
Paul Fordham of Abbey Community Centre in Camden said: “”We posted our occasional job opportunity on Trading Times because we at the Abbey Community Centre recognise the value of the flexibility that can come with age. Trading Times offers a tailored means to directly target opportunities at an older group that the vast majority of other job sites simply do not seem to tap.”
Register at https://tradingtimes.org.uk/ and let Trading Times match you with the right local people for your needs.
CamdenPAs – personal assistants in health and social care
A new website www.camdenpas.org.uk has been created in partnership with HCCT, Camden Council, DISC and Age UK Camden to boost the market of health and social care personal assistant and provide more choice for the employers of PAs.
CamdenPAs is new way for those wanting to employ a personal assistant to find a PA who meets their interests and needs. Employers can look through PA profiles or post their own advertisement to specify what they are looking for.
The site is also an opportunity for those with an interest/experience in health and social care roles to promote themselves in this expanding market. The site is an exciting, flexible opportunity to gain entry into employment since more and more people have personal budgets and direct payments and are becoming employers. It
is also an opportunity for trainees or those who have worked as unpaid carers.
The site matches Personal Assistants with potential employers. It allows PAs to add ‘profiles’ promoting their skills, experience and interests. They can also view and respond to the ‘ads’ of those wanting to employ a PA.
Access CamdenPAs at: www.camdenpas.org.uk
If you have any questions do get in touch via the email below, or contact DISC and Age UK Camden who can assist potential employers interested in recruiting PAs or creating their ad. contact@camdenpas.org.uk
Find Jobs and Volunteering opportunities at https://www.vac.org.uk/
OFFERS, RESOURCES and ANNOUNCEMENTS
Good Practice Case Studies – Co-production and Innovation in Health and Care
LVSC has published a new report to help you build on partnership work and co-production between you, other organisations and sectors. Voluntary & Community Sector (VCS) may also find this document helpful whilst tendering for contracts or applying for grants. It will also be useful to commissioners, policy makers and Health & Wellbeing Boards when seeking evidence of effective co-production and innovation and the new models of care programme.
The case studies featured in this new LVSC report show the effectiveness of co-production and collaboration between the VCS, policy makers, hospitals and commissioners. They also demonstrate that co-production can increase patient outcomes through preventative approaches in tackling health and care needs, improving health and care by using innovative approaches, and saving the NHS money.
Trust for London Highlights London’s Wealth Gap
The Trust for London has highlighted a number of reports on its website that show a picture of inequality growing in the capital including new LSE research that show Falling incomes hit poorest Londoners hardest, and a report on the impact of inequality in young Londoners. A recent Observer editorial comments on this crisis.
Keep Volunteering Voluntary
Following a successful event “Workfare and Benefits Sanctions: The Perils of Participation” the meeting, organised jointly by KVV, Greater London Volunteering and the London Voluntary Services Council, called on voluntary organisations to:
• use the KVV resources to promote understanding and awareness about the effects of workfare and benefits sanctions;
• sign up to support the Keep Volunteering Voluntary campaign and promote it among member organisations.
More information on Help to Work and Work fare can be on the Keep Volunteering Voluntary (www.kvv.org.uk)
Office Space to Rent
In a rural farm environment located in the heart of North West London? This office is the place for you.
A good sized office (12 square metres / 129 square feet) located on the first floor of Kentish Town City Farm’s farmhouse building which is available furnished or unfurnished depending upon your needs.
They offer all the facilities you’d expect of a modern office and come with all your broadband and comms infrastructure setup and ready to go.
• Good sized office space (12 sq m / 129 sq ft): available Furnished or Unfurnished.
• Located in a city farm – giving a taste of the countryside in the middle of a bustling city.
• £500 a month with electricity, broadband and heating inclusive.
Contact Gareth Maddocks [gemaddocks@gmail.com]
New Mental Health Carer and User Group
Camden Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is setting up a mental health service user and carer steering group. The group, led by two project support managers with lived experience of mental health services in Camden, will work with us to make sure service user and carer opinions, thoughts and ideas are at the centre of mental health services in Camden.
The steering group will meet monthly. There will also be opportunities for members to sit on working groups of various projects within the CCG. The steering group itself will help to define its role, but some ideas for the kind of things they will do are:
• Organise events, research and outreach to engage the wider service user and carer community in the work of the CCG.
• Be part of developing mental health projects with the CCG.
• Raise concerns, worries or risks about mental health services in Camden – and help address these.
This is a new and exciting project, so there will be plenty of opportunities to make it your own!
If this sounds like something you might be interested in, please get in touch with Lindsay (Project Support Manager) at mhinvolvement@camdenccg.nhs.uk or on 0203 688 2084 for more information and how to apply.
FREE VAC Membership for Unfunded Groups: Voluntary Action Camden Small organisations with no paid staff and a turnover of less than ?1,500 can now join for FREE. To take advantage of this offer just fill in the membership on the online form here.
———————————
To get discounts on training, room hire and many more benefits click here to join Voluntary Action Camden
———————————
If you have an item for the e-bulletin, please email it to Kevin Nunan, knunan@vac.org.uk with a note of which section you would like it to appear under.
