Voluntary Action Camden e-bulletin 10th January 2020

Public Meeting: Keep Our Community Spaces & Streets Safe

Tuesday 14th January, 6.30-8pm.
Castlehaven Community Association, 23 Castlehaven Road, Camden Town, NW1 8RU.
Local residents deserve a say when it comes to community safety, so we invite you to ask our expert panel a question – https://bit.ly/2FqFpQL

We Can: Black Dog Theatre Production

The Black Dog: We Can Project is a new weekly theatre group designed to help build confidence, self-esteem and positive well-being. Each week we’ll explore performance techniques in a fun, enjoyable and safe environment.
Come to the taster session on Tuesday 14 January 2020 at the Hpod, 1.00pm – 2.30pm.  No pressure!  It’s free and open to adults and no previous performance experience is required.   Contact Sharon for more information, call on 020 7388 7932 or email sharon@westeuston.org

Podcasting Project for 13-18 year olds

Write, record, brand and market your own podcast series!
Begins 15th January 2020, runs every Wednesday 6-8pm (term-time)
1A Arts Centre,Holborn Community Association
More info here and to book: email 1aarts@holborncommunity.co.uk with the full name, DOB of the person you are booking for, and a contact email and phone number.

Drop-in group sessions for parents

Join our friendly group. Find out what we are about, how you can support other parents and become more involved in your local area through volunteering.
Wednesday 15th January 2020 – 10 am and 11.30 am
Swiss Cottage Community Centre, 19 Winchester Road NW3 3NR
Friday 17th January 2020 – 10am and 11.30am
Elfrida Rathbone Camden, 7 Dowdney Close, Kentish Town NW5 2PB
Contact Jill on 07939877745 for more information

The Log Books: The History of Islington’s LGBT Switchboard

Wednesday, 5th February 2020 6:30 – 7:30pm
The charity helpline Switchboard set up its first call room in Islington in 1974. The volunteers’ notes, known as the log books, are a unique archive of LGBTQ+ life in Britain, from dancing to sexual health. The panel of speakers will look through Switchboard’s archive and share their stories of queer life in the past and the present. Book at Eventbrite

Accessible Ceilidh

Fully accessible Daytime Ceilidh for people with mobility issues and Parkinson’s at Cecil Sharp House.
Wednesday 29 January, 1:30pm – 4:00pm (Doors: 1pm)
Join us for a friendly and fun afternoon of barn dancing, cake and conversation! With professional caller Mary Panton and live music, this dance will have added support and guidance for people with mobility issues and Parkinson’s.

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Service User Survey

A survey for residents who are deaf or hard of hearing and registered with a general practice in Camden.
In part one CCG are asking deaf patients to give feedback on how they find the current provision of British Sign Language (BSL) interpreting services in Camden general practices.  Currently face to face interpreting services only.
In part two Camden Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is considering introducing Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) that can be used for routine appointments, dealing with admin and clinical staff in GP practices. VRI is when all participants are in the same location and the interpreter joins remotely.

Radio Days

Any Questions on 20th December was recorded at WAC Arts with familiar faces on the stage and in the audience.  You can listen again here.
Radio 4’s The Spark has an interesting interview with Hilary Cottam talking about her ideas for the future of the welfare state.
Radio 4’s Positive Thinking looks at how to stop women from going to prison.

See the Funding pages on VAC’s website for all the latest information.

Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Grassroots Fund.

The £3m fund will focus on supporting existing VAWG-specialist grassroots organisations operating deep in London’s communities.
The Fund will formally launch in early March, but LCF will be holding a series of engagement events in January and February. Express your interest in attending these engagement events here.
Any queries email VAWGGrassrootsFund@londoncf.org.uk.

The Mayor of London’s Shared Endeavour fund

This fund will support civil society organisations in London who are standing up against hate, intolerance and extremism.
Core objectives of the fund will be to support groups that
– are countering extremist narrative and offering positive alternatives
– are encouraging others to stand up to hate, intolerance and extremism
The fund will launch on Tuesday the 14th January 2020 with a range of grants.
register for free tickets if you are interested in attending

The HS2 Camden Fund

The Camden Fund aims to strengthen the sense of place and alleviate the disruption of the development of HS2 on local people. Aims:
1. A Happier and Healthier Camden
2. A Better Connected Camden
3. A Stronger Voluntary and Community Sector
Closing date: 14th May 2020. Full details at Camden Giving.

Launch of IT and Digital Capacity Building Programme in the New Year

VAC, working in Partnership with CITA and WCIT, is excited to launch our new IT and digital capacity building for the sector. Taking on your priorities from our recent survey, we will be delivering a series of FREE 2 hour workshops covering a whole range of topics from getting started with new IT systems, social media use and strategy, website and CRM development through to data protection, compliance and digital strategy. We will be releasing the programme next week  and the workshops will be available to book via our website. The first two workshops are due to run on the 21st and 29th January.

Successful Premises Management – What you need to know

The Ethical Property Foundation is running a free property workshop for non-profit organisations in partnership with Voluntary Action Camden.
Wednesday 26th February at Charlie Ratchford Centre, Belmont Street, London NW1 8HF
10am – 1.30pm Workshop and Lunch (included)
1.30pm – 3.30pm Confidential 1:1 Advice Clinic
You will work with real life case studies from community organisations. Book at Eventbrite.

Healthy Minds Programme with Mind in Camden

The latest Healthy Minds community programme is now available.  A range of activities are available from VAC, Mary Ward, Mind in Camden, BWA, Good Gym, the Round House and more.  Find out what’s on and how to book.

Safeguarding Courses:

Safeguarding Introduction: Protecting Children in the Community (Level 2)
Introductory course designed for all those who work directly with children, young people or their families. Open to all those who have had little or no safeguarding training before.
Enquire for dates of next course.

Safeguarding Advance: Developing knowledge and understanding. (Level 3)
Wednesday 18th December: 10.00am – 2.30pm (Includes lunch)
For those who frequently work with or deliver services to children and their families. Course provides essential information that your organisation / group needs to understands it’s legal obligations in regards to child protection procedures and up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding legislation.
This Advanced course is designed to develop existing understanding of the safeguarding process through a variety of written text, case studies and interactive exercises.
Please contact: Dianne Carlton Ogunyemi, our Community Partnership Advisor Lead to book your place, as well as customised Safeguarding training enquires.
Tel: 020 7 284 6575 | Email: dogunyemi@vac.org.uk email (Mon – Wed)

More details on the VAC website: https://vac.org.uk/events/

Mental Health Awareness Training

Free 17th January 2020
Camden Council’s Physical Activity Team & The Pirate Castle have partnered to organise Mental Health Awareness Training delivered by Rethink.
This course is for organisations that deliver sport and physical activity in Camden. There is a £5 (plus booking fee) charge for this training as a commitment fee, £5 is refundable upon arrival at the course.
For any questions, please contact Josef.thomas@camden.gov.uk

Food Co-op Planning Meeting

Monday, 20 January 2020, 6pm
Residents of the Ingestre Road Estate and neighbouring estates in London NW5 are invited to the first co-op planning meeting.
We will discuss what a food co-op would look like on the estate and hear from co-op organiser Sion Whellens about his experience supporting co-ops around the country.
No experience needed. Dinner and childcare provided. At Ingestre Community Centre, NW5 1UX
Email cooperationkentishtown@gmail.com with any question
Please note: this event is open to NW5 estate residents (Ingestre Road, Carole Close, York Rise, Churchill Rd / Spencer Rise and Denyer House) only. It is NOT an open meeting.

Camden Town Air Quality Breakfast

Are you a located in Camden Town? If you are interested in:
~ Improving indoor air quality and internal environmental conditions
~ Reducing pollution and improving outdoor air quality
~ Cutting carbon emissions
~ Lowering your energy bills
~ Learning about low-emission deliveries and freight
Free breakfast workshop on Wednesday 29 January hosted by Camden Climate Change Alliance at the Roundhouse Bar & Café.

Palestinian Voices Matter – CADFA Open Day

Saturday 11th January 10am-4pm
Join CADFA’s friends old and new for an update on recent CADFA projects and ways to join in the upcoming work. Book here.

Yoga class for men only

A beginners class about the fundamentals of yoga.
Tuesday 14th 12-1  at Swiss Cottage community centre, 19 Winchester Rd
Drop in sessions. Donations welcome. For more details contact 020 7586 5272

Social Media Training for London Social Housing Tenants

Wednesday 15th January, 10.30am to 3.30pm
Ampthill Square Tenants and Residents Hall, London, NW1 2JS
London Tenants Federation is holding a free social media training event for those who want to get online but don’t know how or for those who are already using social media but want to learn how to have more of an impact.
Learn the basics: 10.30am to 12.30pm
Master the art: 1.30pm to 3.30pm
Email info@londontenants.org to book stating morning, afternoon or both.

Recovery College

New course guide and calendar now available online and at the College
Telephone: +44 (0)20 3317 6904 Email: recovery.college@candi.nhs.uk  www.candi.nhs.uk/recovery.college

Training in London: 4th & 5th February 2020

The FSI is offering 300 delegate training places, so that all small charities can access the skills they need to become self sustaining.
Training sessions cover a wide range of fundraising techniques and back office skills delivered by experienced and knowledgeable trainers.
Venue: Amnesty International, 25 New Inn Yard, London EC2A 3EA
Time: 9:45 – 16.30 (registration 09.15-09:45)  Full details here.

Arts 4 Dementia opportunity for people living with dementia and their companions.

The workshop programme, taking place at the Science Museum, is starting on 21 January and running for four weeks.  Participants will benefit from a private view of this breath-taking presentation of the history of medical science.
For people living with dementia and their companions
Weekly on a Tuesday, 2-4pm 21 January 2020 – 11 February 2020
To register, please contact Lois Gillie, Charity Coordinator E:lois@arts4dementia.org.uk

#CamdenAgainstViolence Need Volunteers

#CamdenAgainstViolence now have a base in Wellsley Road and need some volunteers to help develop the project.
1. A dynamic person that can help with fundraising 1 day per month – need good interpersonal skills due to handling some very sensitive issues.
2. A web designer to set up and manage a new web page, which will be accessible to our community and link wth referral partners. 1/2 day per week.
The Regeneration Hub, Wellesley Road, NW5 4PA. Contact  michelle.youthengagement.cav@gmail.com

The Winch seeks Fundraising Officer

The Winchester Project is recruiting a Fundraising Officer.
£26,000 per year. Permanent, Full-time
Work closely with the Chief Executive and Community Partnerships Coordinator to meet the annual income target, bringing in new resources to overcome the systemic challenges our communities face.
Apply at Charity Jobs.

Castlehaven is looking for an Operations Administrator

£20,000 to £25,000 p.a. Dependant on experience
For job spec and application details click here

Camden Council Staff Volunteering

Camden Council staff can take  one paid day of volunteering each year.
• Staff can choose to use their day in one go, or split it  across the year.
• Staff can choose their own individual volunteering opportunity, or perhaps they’d prefer to get together with their team or other colleagues across the organisation to do something together.
• Staff can choose to volunteer for an organisation that they already work with.
Do you have volunteering roles that can be done in this way? Interested in promoting these roles to council staff? If so, contact Shafia by email or phone 020 7424 9990.

Community Connectors/Volunteers-New Year, New Start

Want to make a difference in 2020? Elfrida Rathbone Camden is recruiting parent volunteers to support Camden parents by offering practical help at our drop-in and 1:1 sessions. We offer 3 days FREE training covering the key skills needed for the role, starting January/February. Lunch is provided.
Contact Jill now to find out more by email Jill@elfridacamden.org.uk or call 07939877745 for an informal chat.

Kentish Town City Farm is seeking a Trustee to fulfil the role of Treasurer

Kentish Town City Farm is a community charity that helps city people connect with animals, nature and the environment. The farm is a four-acre site, alongside two railway lines in the Borough of Camden. With sheep, goats, chickens, geese, three horses, two donkeys, twopigs and a cow.
The Treasurer’s role is key to its professional oversight through the provision of advice on all aspects of financial management, reporting, controls etc.
The closing date for applications is the 24th January. Please contact Angela Woods chair@ktcityfarm.or.uk

Volunteer with VAC and develop experience and skills in public health

VAC provide training, and work opportunities for Camden volunteers who can commit 2 hours per week.
We offer free Royal Society of Public Health (RSPH) training to volunteer as a Community Links volunteer, part of a new Care Navigation and Social Prescribing service in Camden. Community Links volunteers signpost residents to community based activities and help with formal referrals where community based activities are needed alongside clinical care.
Contact: Mandira Manandhar, Community Links Co-ordinator (Mon, Tues and Thurs) 020 7284 6550/6573 or email: mmanandhar@vac.org.uk

Reception and Greeting Volunteers in Chalk Farm

VAC are recruiting volunteer receptionists to be the first point of contact for visitors. You will be an important member of the VAC team of volunteers and staff and will have access to training and ongoing support.
Contact Kevin Nunan at VAC on 020 7284 6557 or knunan@vac.org.uk

Camden Adult Social Care Survey

1000 recent recipients of services from Camden Adult Social Care will receive a survey through the post shortly.
Camden Adult Social Care has moved to a different approach to social work which captures aspirations and focusses on individual strengths as well as needs. This survey has been designed to capture performance against some of the new outcomes we would like to see as a result of this change.
Contact Jane Standing (jane.standing@camden.gov.uk) 0207 974 5088

Want to Share a Skill, Space or Equipment?

Simply add your request to Comoodle Camden, the new local online sharing platform which facilitates sharing for community benefit.

Need a Meeting Room near Chalk Farm?

VAC has 3 new rooms to hire out for Events/Training, etc. at  the Charlie Ratchford Centre in Chalk Farm.
There is a large room for up to 60 people, ideal for large events.
The training room can hold up to 20 people comfortably for training/workshops
The Lounge is a open area for anything that is not confidential and can hold up to 20 people. Smartboard, level access throughout, reasonable prices.
Rates and full details on the VAC website. Special rates for Camden networks.

Proposed changes to planned orthopaedic surgery

The consultation planning group are keen to try to work with potential groups they might engage with as part of the consultation. NCL are looking to link up with any meetings/events you might have from the end of January 2020 through to early April where the team could come and speak with service users or their families about the proposals. Contact Iuliana Dinu, iuliana.dinu@nhs.net

Cancer Awareness Survey

Camden and Islington Public Health want to know how aware residents are of cancer. We’ll use what you tell us to help improve awareness of cancer in Camden – including causes, signs, symptoms and screening.  You can take the survey here.

Our mailing address is:
Charlie Ratchford Centre, Belmont Street, London, NW1 8HF

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