VAC Weekly Newsletter
10th December 2021
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Final standard VAC newsletter of 2021:
New funding opportunities, VAF details, NAVCA article, Barnardo’s Boloh helpline update, Healthwatch Camden AGM, Henna outing, trauma research project details, fitness classes, call for food donations, webinar on covid hesitancy in the Italian community details, available courses + Newsletters + Resources + funding + jobs + volunteers & more
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A range of new funds launched.
Tackling Food Inaccessibility Fund:
This fund is open for applications until 28th January 2022
Camden citizens are working with the Camden Giving, Camden Food Poverty Alliance and Camden Council to provide funds to organisations involved in tackling food inaccessibility.
Charities, community interest companies, TRA’s, schools, charitable incorporated organisations and community benefit societies are all welcome to apply.
Grants of up to £7,500 are available for organisations providing food access to Camden residents and/or services that help people affected by food inaccessibility.
For more information and to apply visit here.
Hubbub have opened their Community Fridge Fund
Applications open until 1st February 2022
The fund offers funding of up to £4000 to set up a fridge and join Hubbub’s Community Fridge Network.
Please visit here for more information and to apply.
The Big Give new match funding campaign: The Women & Girls Match Fund
Applications open from Monday 13th December to Tuesday 11th January
The Women and Girl’s Match Fund is a match funding campaign for charities that are working to improve the lives of vulnerable, disadvantaged or underrepresented women and girls in England and Scotland
The Women & Girls Match Fund is a week-long match funding campaign which will launch on International Women’s Day 2022, Tuesday 8th March.
Further details including eligibility, key dates and how to apply can be found here
A webinar to provide further information about the campaign and answer any questions you may have is on Tuesday 14th December at 12pm.
Sign up for the webinar here
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Voluntary Action Forum: Manifesto Update and Meet our new VAC CEO
15th December 11am – 12pm
At this Forum we will follow up our May forum where we first looked at creating a Manifesto for the VCS. We gathered ideas and put them on an online wall (which you can view here). This is a chance to add any ideas we missed and also to prioritise the manifesto demands.
This will also be a chance to meet our new CEO, Keith Morgan.
Sign up to join here
An early New Year’s Resolution: An article by NAVCA
“Let’s not revert back to our old, bad habits, says NAVCA’s CEO Maddy Desforges.
The pandemic has been a gloomy time. But amidst all the negatives we have also seen the best of people coming together to do what is needed in their communities, to help each other”…
Read more about how the community and volunteer sector, infrastructure organisations and local government bodies need to continue building shared approaches to local issues here
Barnardo’s Boloh Helpline
Barnardo’s Boloh Helpline announces the expansion of the service to support the mental health and wellbeing of adult asylum seekers across the UK. This project is funded by the Home Office and is in addition to the current service that offers support to children, young people and their parents.
The Helpline will offer advice, signposting, emotional support and 8 free sessions of therapy by qualified Barnardo’s therapists. These sessions can take place remotely via telephone or online. Barnardo’s has a large pool of culturally informed therapists who speak a range of languages.
Referrals are welcome from professionals via our referral form, as well as direct contact from asylum seekers by telephone, email or online chat.
The Helpline – 0800 151 2605 – is open Monday – Friday (10am-8pm) and Saturday (10-3pm) via phone, webchat and email
You can make a referral to the Helpline here.
Or to learn more, click here
Healthwatch Camden Annual General Meeting
Tuesday, 21 December 2021 at 6pm
Healthwatch Camden are holding their Annual General Meeting (AGM) online. The AGM will be open to the public from 6.00 to 6.30 pm. Highlights include elections of trustees.
It’s an opportunity for you to feedback on what you think the top priorities should be for the coming year. Email info@healthwatchcamden.co.uk to book your place and you will be sent the joining link.
Camden + Islington Trauma-Informed Network research project
Have your say on the development of Camden and Islington’s Trauma Informed Network:
Are you involved in health and social care in Camden and Islington, either as a staff member or have experience of using services? We’re interested in your views on how this network can become trauma-informed.
The research involves filling in 6 online surveys (each 10-30 mins) 1-2 weeks apart, between Dec-February.
The results will help to shape what the Trauma-Informed Network needs to focus on and what actions we’ll take next, so it’s really important for the research to be informed by lived experience.
People will receive a £10 voucher for each completed survey (so £60 in total).
Contact Jennifer McGowan at Jennifer.a.l.mcgowan@ucl.ac.uk if you would like to take part.
Henna Asian Women’s Group invite to visit the King’s Cross Christmas Canopy Market
Tuesday 21st December at 11am
Meet at the Abbey Community Centre, onto the bus to Baker Street Station and then the tube to King’s Cross Station
The trip to the Christmas Canopy Markets is also open to non-members
For more information please contact Aysha on 07752 681828 or aysha@hennaorg.co.uk
Fun, Fitness & Socialising with Silverfit
Talacre Community Sports Centre NW5 3AF: Fridays at 11:45.
Looking for a new way to get active and meet friends too?
Silverfit Charity has just started indoor fitness classes in Camden and would love for you to come along and join them.
Classes are fun, help burn fat, increase core strength and are suitable for all abilities!
Sessions are FREE and open to anyone 45+. Try them out on Friday
Find out more and to book here, contact pete@silverfit.org.uk or ring 07901 504903
Volunteering Opportunity: The Kids Network
The Kids Network are looking for committed, fun and passionate volunteers who live or work in Camden to make a real difference to the children of London. This year long mentoring programme supports children with their social and emotional development before they transition into secondary school.
For more information and to apply click here
Donate Food Supplies To Your Local Community
Ensure that no one in your community goes hungry this Christmas by donating non-perishable food items such as pasta, rice, noodles, tins, cereals and biscuits to the Castlehaven food bank.
Drop-off donations to Castlehaven (23 Castlehaven Road, NW1 8RU) on Wednesdays and Thursdays mornings. Any questions, email info@castlehaven.org.uk.
Webinar: Covid hesitancy in the Italian speaking community.
16th December: 19.30-20.30 (on Microsoft teams)
Hosted by Dr Gino Amato, you are invited to bring questions and concerns about the Covid vaccine, which will be responded to in English and Italian.
To join the webinar click here at the allotted time (requires Microsoft teams app)
Free NCFE Level 2 courses in Camden from New Challenge
IT User Skills – teaching vital skills for Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
Information, Advice and Guidance – providing learners with knowledge and best practice in signposting and referring clients to appropriate services to meet their needs
Mental Health First Aid and Mental Health Advocacy in the Workplace – This qualification is designed for any learner that wants to raise their awareness of mental health and the problems that can cause mental ill health
Learn more here
Local Newsletters:
SHAK
Latin American House
Creative Lives
Healthwatch Camden
Young Camden Foundation
AWN
West Euston Project (WEP)
London Sport (sign up)
Forum+
Charity Tax Group
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See the Funding pages on VAC’s website for all the latest information.
Access the Idox Camden 4 Community grant search here.
Charity Marketing Grants Programme
Closing date for applications is 10 January 2022
The Marketors City Livery Company has announced a new Charity Marketing Grants Programme for 2021-2, funded by its charity The Marketors’ Trust. A total of £20,000 is being made available as grants for small charities (turnover between £10,000 and £100,000 annual income) to run marketing and fundraising campaigns.
There is one grant of £10,000 and four grants of £2,500 each.
full details are available on our website here, where there is an Information Sheet and an online application form.
MadCovid Fund: Hardship Solidarity Fund
Small hardship grants of up to £200 available depending on individual circumstances. You can also show solidarity by donating. Full details here.
Funding Opportunities for Camden’s Childrens Charities
The Childhood Trust is London’s Child Poverty charity, dedicated to alleviating the impact of poverty on children and young people living in the capital. The Childhood Trust offers financial support to children’s charities through matching funding campaigns. For more information email campaigns@childhoodtrust.org.uk
The VAC Website has new funds added to the website.
Please click the links to find out more
Applications Open for Grants to Mark Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
The deadline for applications is 17:00 on Wednesday 15 December 2021 (unless 700 applications are received sooner). Find out more here
Emergency Funding for Christian Charities Supporting Afghan Resettlement in the UK
The deadline for applications is 15th December 2021. Find out more here
Co-op Foundation Announces Carbon Innovation Fund for Food and Farming Sector
The deadline is 12pm on Friday 10th December. Find out more here
We Make Camden Social Action Fund
Camden Giving has been awarded £90,000* to deliver the We Make Camden Social Action Fund. Organisations and individuals can apply for grants of £500-£1,500 for initiatives that support:
~ Social Action in the 4 mission areas: Food poverty and sustainability, Diversity in positions of power, Health and sustainability of estates and Opportunities for young people.
~ Social Cohesion
~ Local responses and solutions to challenges/ issues/ needs
In addition to the small grants, people can access support to apply, and you don’t need to be an incorporated community group or organisation to apply.
The “We Make Camden Kit” gives money and support to Camden residents and community groups who have great ideas for their communities.
Residents and community groups can apply via Camden Giving to receive up to £1,500 to deliver ideas that contribute to these Camden missions.
NAVCA Funders List
A useful list of small trusts and foundations most useful to small charities.
Lists of Emergency Funders
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VAC Events
Keep in eye on our Events Calendar to book and for more info.
VAC Announces our new CEO
VAC is very pleased to welcome Keith Morgan as its new CEO. Keith was formerly the Chief Executive of the Young Camden Foundation and has a background in youth work. He also worked in Strategy and Change at Camden council. He brings considerable knowledge of the local sector, leadership experience and strategic thinking. Keith’s appointment completes a 3 year process of leadership renewal at VAC which has seen both a new chair and new board of trustees recruited.
The Voluntary Action Forum on Wednesday 15th December will be a first opportunity to meet Keith.
GDPR Training Resources.
The video, slides and comprehensive notes from the two recent VAC online training sessions on GDPR are now available on the website. These will help you understand the theory and legal framework of the GDPR with practical steps on how to remain compliant.
Past Voluntary Action Forums: Resources
You can find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here.
Safeguarding Courses:
More details on the VAC website: https://vac.org.uk/events/
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Camden Community Centres’ Consortium (C4) appoint new co-Chairs
Camden Community Centres’ Consortium (C4) has appointed new co-Chairs to replace years of fantastic service as chair by Nicole Furre (Dragon Hall).
Eira Gibson (Kentish Town City Farm) and Foyezur Miah (Queens Crescent Community Association) will be sharing the role of Chair between them. They bring extensive experience of collaborative working, charity leadership and a positive impact in the sector.
Nash Ali (KCBNA) takes on the vice-chair to support Eira and Foyezur, whilst Louise Gates (Calthorpe Community Garden) takes over as treasurer.
C4 members are excited about their new leadership team, who have come together at a time when the charity sector is overwhelmed supporting those in need, in Camden and beyond.
Henna Weekly Schedule
Henna Asian Women’s Group have been working remotely since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, but their services continue to be delivered by qualified instructors via Zoom from Monday to Friday between 9:00am and 5.00pm.
For the details of classes, wellbeing events and community activities click here.
Alternatively call 07519 953460 or 07835 519368 (if you find there is no answer please leave a voice, text or WhatsApp message)
Healthwatch Camden Surviving Domestic Abuse Report
Healthwatch Camden are privileged to present the learning from their recent work exploring the experiences of domestic abuse amongst some of our residents
Read more here.
Stop mass homelessness campaign
Many people have built up rent arrears during the Covid-19 pandemic and now face losing the roof over their head.
The Big Issue’s campaign to stop mass homelessness offers practical solutions. A petition can be signed here.
Read the full letter from the Camden New Journal here
Call for submissions for Camden & Islington LGBT History Month 2022
Deadline for submissions is Friday 17th December.
forum+ is gearing up for LGBT History Month 2022 and we invite all the community to join us in celebrating local LGBT history. If you are planning an event for Camden & Islington LGBT History Month we would love to hear about it! Events will be showcased in the online and printed programme as well as promoted via forum+ social media.
For a submission form please email info@forumplus.org.uk and for more information click here
Empowering Deaf Society Awareness Workshops (via Zoom)
Tuesday 14th December 2021 (11am)
The Empowering Deaf Society are a deaf-led Charity based in East London, dedicated to improving the quality of life for deaf people.
These free Deaf Awareness workshops are a great opportunity to help break down the barriers that most deaf people face by developing Deaf Awareness and accessibility.
To view available workshops and book a space, click here
Castlehaven WinterFEST 2021
Friday 10th December, 3.30-7pm
Pop down to Castlehaven Community Association for festive fun, stalls, free activities, performances, delicious food & drink and a special guest from the North Pole…
More information about this FREE, festive extravaganza click here
Support to Camden residents who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Are you working with a Camden resident who is homeless or at risk? Beam can support them into a new job.
Residents can use Beam’s platform to raise funds for training, technology (e.g. laptops and smartphones), childcare, travel to work and work attire. Beam’s caseworkers provide 1-1 support with CVs, applications and interview skills. Through Beam, residents also get priority access to local jobs with 90+ employer partners.
To refer clients, visit beam.org/refer or contact referrals@beam.org
Do you have regular conversations with Local residents and want to make a bigger difference to their lives?
Making Every Contact Count (MECC) is about spotting opportunities in these conversations to deliver additional support and improve their wellbeing.
We are offering refreshed online courses
~ Good conversations – Supporting COVID-19 recovery: 2 hour course
~ Basics of Motivational Interviewing: 3 hour course
Bookings: camdenmecc.org.uk /islingtonmecc.org.uk.
Bespoke sessions: meccsupport@smgateway.co.uk
Camden Adult Community Learning
Offers free courses to residents aged 19 and over, both online and in community venues across Camden. Enrol now for the Autumn.
Courses are relaxed, friendly and are aimed to help local people get back into work, overcome isolation, improve their mental health, develop their skills – or learn something new and exciting.
For a full list of autumn courses go to www.camden.gov.uk/adultlearning and then follow the link to www.webenrol.com/camden.
Adult Learning are always open to working with new partners. If you think your members/clients will benefit from any of our courses, (IT, Family Learning, ESOL, Health & Wellbeing or Communities & local interests), and you would like us to run a course at your centre please contact us on 020 7974 2148 or send an email to adultlearning@camden.gov.uk for more information on how we can work together.
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Data Administrator at Nafsiyat, Intercultural Therapy Centre
Deadline date/time: 10am Monday December 13th, 2021
Nafsiyat, Intercultural Therapy Centre are looking for a proactive person with a friendly, can-do attitude to assist with data entry, general office administration and evening front of house.Apply here
Training Administrator Nafsiyat, Intercultural Therapy Centre
Deadline date/time: 10am Monday December 13th, 2021
Nafsiyat, Intercultural Therapy Centre are looking for a proactive person with a friendly, can-do attitude to assist with the administration of cultural competency trainings and other bespoke workshops.
Apply here
Camden’s Community Investment Programme: Project Engagement Officer – Young People
Full time, 6 month contract. £10.85 an hour
Closing date: 31st December 2021
Are you a Camden resident, aged 16-24 and claiming Universal Credit? Want to create change for your local community and learn new skills to kickstart your career
Application process: – Ask your work coach at the job centre for an ‘introduction ID’ and application form for a Camden Council Kickstart placement.
Return to kickstart@camden.gov.uk, specifying which role you’re applying for.
Roles are being filled on a rolling basis and will close when a suitable applicant is found. Therefore you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
Find out more here or call 02079748778 or 02079741127
Camden Carers Centre are recruiting for 2 roles:
Closing Date for both: 13th December 2021
Communication Administrator
• Salary: £15,150 per annum
• Full time; 35hours per week
• Location: Kentish Town, Camden
• Department: Communications Team
Click here for Job description
Apply via : Vacancy – CC Coms Admin Camden Apprenticeships Portal
Administrative Assistant S&W
• Salary: £15,150 per annum
• Hours and Contract: Full time; 35hours per week
• Location: Kentish Town, Camden
• Department: Support & Wellbeing Team
• Closing Date:13 December 2021
Click here for Job description
Apply via : Vacancy – CC Admin SW Camden Apprenticeships Portal
LMK is recruiting its first Youth Advisory Board!
LMK is an education charity who run workshops that educate young people about healthy and unhealthy relationship behaviours, so that they can avoid abuse and thrive in their relationships – a prevention programme against domestic violence and relationship abuse.
They are looking for 15 young people, aged 16-19, to become part of the Youth Advisory Board and to use their skills to make a difference in the lives of other young Londoners.
The Youth Advisory Board is an amazing opportunity to bring about social change, gain leadership skills, get work experience in a charity, make new like-minded friends, build confidence, and represent the views of young people. (You’ll also receive a letter of recommendation, remuneration for your time, as well as food and transport costs.)
The Advisory Board meets monthly (sometimes online, sometimes IRL), and you can expect to dedicate 2 to 4 hours per month to improving the lives of young people across London. Candidates should ideally be prepared to make a 2-year commitment to LMK.
To find out more about LMK, take a look at the website: www.justletmeknow.org or email youthboard@justletmeknow.org with any questions.
Become a Likewise Trustee
Likewise is looking to recruit four Trustees to our Board. New Trustees will be valuable friends offering insight, fresh perspectives, varied expertise and opinion to help us achieve our goals. They have the opportunity to be part of an organisation ahead of the curve in terms of working practices and person-centred support, to experience our genuinely values-led culture, and to contribute towards something with real potency.
We’re looking particularly for individuals who have experience in the following areas:
· Finance
· Fundraising
· Communications, marketing, profile raising
· Mental health and social care policy environment
For more information about Likewise, the role of trustees in the organisation, our values and how to apply, please visit our website.
PSiC Payroll/Finance Assistant vacancy
Part Time (21 hours per week)
Personalisation Support in Camden (PSiC) payroll team are looking for a highly motivated individual with attention to detail, to work as part of the payroll team and support the Payroll Lead.
For more details, click here
Henna Asian Women’s Group is recruiting Volunteers
Henna is looking for active, friendly and caring volunteers to join the team. As a volunteer you will help Henna to grow and support our members by offering a befriending service, assist on outings and be actively involved in Henna projects and day to day activities
Please contact Aysha on 07752 681828 or aysha@hennaorg.co.uk or info@hennaorg.co.uk or visit the website for more information
Volunteer Centre Camden: Seasonal Volunteering roles
Volunteer Centre Camden are looking for any seasonal volunteering roles, and also roles they can promote for their 12 Days of Christmas digital campaign
If you have any volunteer roles to promote, seasonal or otherwise, please email sheila@volunteercentrecamden.org.ukLIFT employability courses
LIFT is a partnership between 4 boroughs (Islington, Camden, Hackney and Tower Hamlets) and seeks to inspire diverse residents with a career in the knowledge economy (tech, creative production or life sciences), thus addressing under representation in this growing sector and creating a more inclusive economy. Camden council is rolling out this support to service users across the borough, especially focusing on Euston, King’s Cross and Somers town. LIFT offer employability courses for people wanting to get into tech, and enterprise programmes for people starting their own business in our target sectors. There are also loads of other programmes related to tech and creative that LIFT can help people to access. LIFT can also offer individual support for service users to help them get onto relevant training courses or access jobs, apprenticeships and paid internships.
LIFT is looking especially to reach out to service users facing multiple barriers to employment through ethnicity, disability or limited educational attainment.
Get in touch with cina.aissa@islington.gov.uk who is the LIFT Community engagement officer for Camden, or visit www.liftfutures.london to find out more.
Kilburn Older Voices Exchange trustees seek to appoint a new Chair
Kilburn Older Voices Exchange (KOVE) is an established charity in north-west London (primarily Camden & Brent). We want to appoint a new Chair and trustee to help manage our small staff team and support the Trustees and Steering Group to plan and prioritise our support and development work.
A commitment to the full citizenship of all older people will be essential. You will succeed two distinguished predecessors, Barry Peskin and the late Ags Irwin, and bring a comparable level of experience gained in business, public service, education, the arts, community work, or the provision of care. An experience of managing staff or of using small budgets to maximum effect is vital.
If you share KOVE’s ambitions, please get in touch. We look forward to hearing from you.
Contact: melwillwright@gmail.com
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Afghan Refugee Crisis
The Council and VCS continue to work together to help meet the needs of the Afghan Refugees in Camden. A steering group (led by Hopscotch) meets weekly and there is a database of offers and needs held by the council. You can donate to the Hopscotch appeal here. Keep up to date at the council website here.
Hopscotch’s Afghan Crisis Appeal
Hopscotch is working as one of the leads with Camden Council and other major charities.
We have, on standby, four Afghan Family Advocates who are professional leads to deliver:-
Essential Cultural Orientation Training for council staff, charities and volunteers so everyone is interacting appropriately and effectively
To act as referral specialists with refugees in a trauma-informed way
Click here to donate.
Queen Mary University looking to donate desktop computers
Queen Mary University have a stock of old desktop computers that they are keen to donate to local residents or businesses. If you are an organisation that could benefit from these desktops for yourselves or your clients, get in touch with Cina Aissa cina.aissa@islington.gov.uk who will be able to assist you. Note that organisations will need to arrange transport for these computers.
Free Office Furniture
A camden based business, located just off Agar Grove NW1, has the following furniture available free of charge to anyone who is interested and able to arrange their own transport…
• Bisley (and similar) pedestals (71cm h / 47cm w / 47cm d) – about 10 available
• Ikea Kallax shelving units (147 cm l / 77cm h / 39cm d) – about 5 available
None is in perfect condition, but they are all in decent shape and fully functional.
Please contact ndrew@gp-b.com if you are intereted
Camden Carers Survey
Camden carers want to hear from carers. This survey is looking to understand carers’ views on social care and the support that they need.
It should take less than 20 minutes and the more responses the more powerful carers’ voices will be.
To take part, click here
Space rental at Latin America House, Kilburn
A range of space available for events, classes and more.
Find out more here
Central YMCA has launched a survey for 16-25 year olds
Central YMCA are carrying out a survey to better understand the issues that affect young people today and the barriers that prevent them from overcoming these issues.
The results of the survey will help organisations to understand how they can better focus efforts to support young people where they really need it. There is an incentive, as one of the respondents will win a £300 voucher.
To answer the survey: www.ymca.co.uk/survey
If you have any questions please email julia.harvey@ymca.co.uk
Growing your business through sustainability
Learn how to make your organisation more sustainable and help grow your business. In this training you will learn the importance of Sustainability not only for your business but in the context of the wider world, understanding your current carbon footprint, simple yet, impactful changes that can immediately be actioned and how to embed them within your marketing strategy.
In this workshop you will learn:
~ Why sustainability is good for business
~ How to start your journey
~ Where to use sustainability measures to engage employees and customers
This session is run using YouTube and is 60 minutes long. The course assumes no prior knowledge or experience. There will be the opportunity to ask questions during the session.
Supporting People with Long-Covid in Camden
The Camden team support people with signs & symptoms lasting for longer than 12 weeks (NICE) to be diagnosed as Long-Covid. They may occur in conjunction with other conditions. Referrals need to come from GP’s or the Post-Covid clinic at UCLH. They should be sent to, camdenreferrals.cnwl@nhs.net
The Long-Covid team consists of Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy with a Rehab Assistant to support and access to psychology if required.
Contact Rob Clarke on rob.clarke6@nhs.net for any information or enquiries.
How to Volunteer and How to Recruit Volunteers in Camden
Volunteer in Camden at Time to Spare.
Volunteer for the NHS at GoodSAM.
Join a neighbourhood Mutual Aid group.
Organisations that are signed up to Time to Spare can now request volunteers through a brokerage team making it much easier to access the volunteers. The brokers can help match volunteers with voluntary and community organisations who have a need for verified/ vetted volunteers. The service will also help to verify or carry out new DBS check with volunteers.
Get support and resources from Volunteer Centre Camden
The council has a page of resources to help community organisations
UCL are looking for new volunteering opportunities to promote to their students. Visit their info for recruiters page to find out more.
Keep in touch and up-to-date via the e-bulletin and @onecamden twitter. We have a comprehensive COVID-19 update page and a resources page.
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Got an item for the e-bulletin?
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Send your item to knunan@vac.org.uk, jnellis@vac.org.uk or info@vac.org.uk by noon on Thursday for publication in the following day’s edition. The e-bulletin comes out every Friday. Submissions should be 50 – 75 words. Please send plain text or a format that can be copied (ie not embedded in an image). Send links to documents rather than attachments. Make sure to include contact details.
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Watch a short video about our work!
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Find out more about our work supporting the community and community groups with this short video.
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