VAC Weekly Newsletter
11th February 2022
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VAC Membership
We are offering free membership to local organisations and groups interested in contributing to a stronger Voluntary and Community Sector in Camden. As a member you will have access to high quality advice and guidance, local networks, and support to grow and develop your organisation. Click the link above to learn more about the benefits of becoming a member and join for free.
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In this week’s newsletter look out for new, but by no means all, funding opportunities from the VAC website, surveys and questionaires about local experiences, networking with UCL, a new volunteer role with us at VAC and more
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See the Funding pages on VAC’s website for all the latest information.
Alternatively, Camden Voluntary and Community groups can contact us for Grant Finder help, please email rsingh@vac.org.uk
Access the Idox Camden 4 Community grant search here.
VAC administered Google Grants
VAC has been funded by Google to help small organisations get back into the “real world” training / meeting environment.
The intention is to help very small voluntary and community organisations get back into buildings by helping them afford the hire fee, and also assist them with technical advice if they want to run ‘blended’ events and meetings.
Groups can book space for a single event or block book a series of dates for future meetings and events worth up £300 per quarter.
VAC is administering the scheme. Our intention is to keep the process as simple as possible to minimise any administrative burden on the groups, VAC and of course the organisations providing space.
Not all venues are part of the scheme so please do check out our room hire directory here
For more information and to see if your group is eligible visit our website here or contact Ricky at rsingh@vac.org.uk
Camden Giving: We Make Camden Kit
In partnership with Camden citizens and Camden Council, Camden Giving are funding great ideas that will make Camden a better place.
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’s website to receive up to £1,500 to deliver ideas that make a difference for the community. Residents can also receive support with insurance, safeguarding and connections to make their ideas a success.
For more information and to apply click here.
Camden Future High Streets Crowdfund
Camden Council in partnership with Spacehive are launching the Spring funding round of the Camden Future High Streets Crowdfund.
The Council are seeking proposals from local groups and organisations that provide clear benefits to Camden’s high streets, businesses and the residents they serve. As part of this crowdfunding programme, as well as attracting pledges from people and organisations with an interest in your project, you can also receive a pledge of up to £35,000 (covering a maximum of 50% of project costs) from the council.
Online information workshops on 10th March
Application deadline 22nd April 2022 – register here
For more information see here
The Women & Girls Match Fund
Application Deadline; Tuesday 15th March (midday)
The Women & Girls 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.
Please click here for more details.
Funding to Support Tech Lending Hubs in Temporary Accommodation Services Across UK
The deadline for applications is 1 March 2022 (23:59)
Hubbub and Virgin Media O2 have launched a new campaign to provide tablets and free data to community organisations working with temporary accommodation services to tackle digital exclusion and reduce e-waste.
Please click here for more details.
New Round of Grants to Support the Education of Refugee Children in Europe and the Middle East
Concept Note submissions are accepted until 22 February 2022 (11pm BST)
Funding for projects which improve the educational experience of refugee and displaced children with a focus on innovation and creative solutions.
The Al Madad Foundation is a London-based charity whose objective is to support civil society institutions and schools in delivering creative and innovative solutions to problems facing refugee children in countries across Europe and the Middle East.
Registered charities can apply for grants of up to £250,000 for a defined project of up to three years’ duration. Funding is usually awarded at values of £20,000, £50,000 and £100,000.
Please click here for more details
Next Round of Grants for Food for Life Get Togethers Launched
The deadline to apply is 5pm on 22 February 2022
Funding for gatherings and events that connect people from different age groups together and represent diverse communities.
Using funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, the Soil Association is offering small grants for activities taking place within Plant and Share Month (20 April 2022 to 20 May 2022).
Local not-for-profit groups across the UK can apply for grants of £150 to host a community gathering and bring people together through food growing, cooking and food sharing.
Please click here for more details.
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 and NCL CCG Disability Health Questionnaire
VAC is working in partnership with the NHS North Central London Clinical Commissioning Group to understand how disabled people who are housebound and or have a long-term health condition are managing during the winter months.
If you, or someone you know, has experienced social isolation, are on a low income, or feel disconnected from social and support networks, we would like to hear from you.
Our short questionnaire is anonymous and all responses to the questions will be used to better understand how to support residents and their communities in Camden.
Take part here
If you would like to discuss any of the questions raised or would like more information on the issues presented, please email Dianne Carlton-Ogunyemi at dogunyemi@vac.org.uk
Camden Community Safety Online Survey
The Community Safety Team at Camden Council have produced an online survey asking for peoples experience of antisocial behaviour in the borough of Camden. The responses will be analysed and help the Camden Community Safety Partnership decide the priority areas for the coming year.
We would appreciate your participation by completing this anonymous survey which should take around 5 minutes.
Survey closes on 4th March 2022
To take part click here
Networking event at UCL
23rd February 2022: 10 – 12pm
Students at UCL are looking for inspiration for important ideas to research. We are hoping to influence them by introducing them to our rich and varied voluntary sector organisations with all their expertise and knowledge around important local ideas and questions
This coffee and croissants morning will be in-person. For more details, and to sign up, click here
Data Entry Volunteer Role with VAC:
Do you have some experience using databases? The VAC Community Links Team is looking for a Data Entry volunteer. As a volunteer you will support the team entering data into our Salesforce database. Training and support available for successful volunteers.
For role description and more information, please contact Mandira Manandhar on 020 7284 6573 or email mmanandhar@vac.org.uk
Free support programme for social enterprises in London
Civil Society Consulting are delivering a free support programme for social enterprises in London.
Funded by the GLA and the Dept for Business Energy and Infrastructure, this ‘Peer Networks’ programme aims to develop social enterprises, equip them with new skills, and connect them to others in a peer support network.
For more information contact: Natasha Ereira-Guyer natasha@civilsocietyconsulting.co.uk
North London Cares is hiring
North London Cares have a vacancy for a full-time Programme Coordinator for their friendship matching programme in Islington: Love Your Neighbour.
Permanent, full-time (37.5 hours per week)
Application deadline: 11.59pm Monday 21st February 2022
For more details and to apply click here
Store Project: After School club (15-18 year olds)
Expanded Bodies (online)
March 2022
In this free After School Club in March students will be guided by architects Paula Strunden and Sofia Strunden. You will be introduced to augmented reality and meditation techniques. We will meditate, sketch, model and 3d scan together to explore new forms of digital body-making and speculate on the future of our bodies in the metaverse.
The dates are:
First class Tuesday 01.03, 5-7.30pm
Second class Tuesday 08.03, 5 – 7.30pm
Third class Tuesday 15.03, 5 – 7.30pm
Fourth class Tuesday 22.03, 5 – 7.30pm
For more information please email school@storeprojects.org
Half Price Tickets Offer for Dennis Kelly’s AFTER THE END at Stratford East
Book by Sun 20th Feb
Stratford East have allocated some half price tickets for their production of After The End.
The half price tickets offers are for performances on:
Fri 25th Feb to Tue 1st March
Band A: £13.50 (usual price £27) Band B: £7.50 (usual price £15)
Thu 3rd to Sat 5th March
Band A: £16 (usual price £32)
Band B: £10 (usual price £20)
To book call the Box office: on 020 8534 0310 – Email: tickets@stratfordeast.com or online and use the promocode ATEFIFTY
For more information click here
Please note
Our newsletter content email address has changed. Please send any information that you would like included in our weekly newsletter to social@vac.org.uk
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
Dragon Hall Newsletter
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VAC Events
Keep in eye on our Events Calendar to book and for more info.
VAC’s Social Prescribing Learning Network: Green Social Prescribing networking event
We will be hosting an online networking event on Tuesday 22nd February 10-11.30am.
This is an event for VCS organisations and social prescribers who want to learn more about Green Social Prescribing in Camden, including:
What is Green Social Prescribing?
How to use VAC’s new Green Social Prescribing Directory, and how to list your activities.
Parks for Health and developing new activities
Hear about Green Social Prescribing in action from local organisations
Book a place here
You can add your activities to the Green Social Prescribing Directory here
Introduction to Safeguarding for Volunteers. (Virtual session: 1hr 30mins)
8th March: 10:00 am – 11:30 am, a free event
This is an Intro course for volunteers working with services delivering to children, young people or there families in Camden. It is designed for volunteers who work both directly and indirectly for organisations or groups delivering services to children, young people or their families in Camden.
The session will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to safeguard children and vulnerable adults you come into contact with and is open and to those who have had little or no safeguarding training before.
Suitable for anyone requiring the equivalent of a Level 2 safeguarding introduction; including volunteers, play and support workers, coaches, mentors and new starters who have never had child protection training or safeguarding essentials training before.
Learners who complete the full virtual training session will receive an attendance certificate valid for two years.
To learn more and register, click here
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.
More details on the VAC website: https://vac.org.uk/
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Google Community Training Session
18 February 2022: 12:00 – 15:30
Google’s Kings Cross Office – Six Pancras Square, London N1C 4AG
This is an invitation to the next session in the Google community training event, for local community partners. This will be hosted in-person, with social distancing in place and an option to join virtually.
Please fill in this form to reserve your space as, due to COVID-19 restrictions, seating will be limited and will be first come first serve. If you wish to bring a colleague with you, please ask them to fill in this form for their own reservation.
Talk for Health: Upcoming events
“Join a community and get free, effective, long lasting peer counselling which is as effective as therapy” Free for all Islington and Camden residents. Talk for Health is a programme developed by Psychotherapists. It teaches a method for therapeutic talking and enables people to set up and/or participate ongoing groups. The groups support both your own wellbeing and others’.
For their full list of events and how to register, click here
Laamiga introduces new project: Athena
Free online workshops for woman from a black, minority ethnic, migrant, or refugee background, living in Camden or Islington
As part of the continuous support to women from black, minority ethnic, migrant, or refugee backgrounds, Laamiga introduces their new project, Athena, which aims to help women improve their confidence with personal finance and gain financial independence.
Starting from 25th March 2022, women can attend online workshops once a month for six months. These workshops will be delivered by experts, covering topics such as introduction to the UK financial system, budgeting & savings, credit & debit, financial fraud, how to save energy costs, etc.
If you would like to have further information about Athena and the registration process, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Emua Ali (Laamiga’s Coordinator) at info@laamiga.org or call 0208 257 7317.
Camden & Islington LGBT History Month: February 2022
forum+ is very proud to present a fantastic programme of activities and events celebrating LGBT History Month. Camden and Islington’s rich LGBT history will be highlighted in this very special collection of activities and events which celebrate the culture, lives and experiences of the local LGBT community. We invite all the community to join the festivities and explore local LGBT history through exhibitions, book groups, film screenings, spoken word, history talks and more!
To learn more about the programme of events click here
The WhatsApp Winter Health Communications Group to be launched.
If you are a voluntary, community or social enterprise partner in Camden and would like to be updated on the latest messages from the NCL winter resilience communications and engagement campaign; please email a mobile telephone number to: dogunyemi@vac.org.uk
Age UK Camden Information & Advice Team launch a new Project
This Age UK Camden project plans to raise awareness of Scams Prevention and Support.
The project will operate on two levels:
Firstly, we will be able to provide one-to-one support for any Camden resident aged 50+ who have concerns about scams, who have been victim of a scam or they would just like more information and tips of how to avoid scams
Secondly, we will be offering and delivering group talks and presentations across the Borough of Camden. We will focus on organisations that support older people, community groups, social groups, sheltered housing schemes etc.
If you or your organisation would like to organise support or would like more information please contact ann-marie.carrol@ageukcamden.org.uk or paul.webley@ageukcamden.org.uk
Fully-funded university places for 2022 with Camden Scholarships
The course starts in September 2022 and the deadline to apply is midnight on 20 May 2022
Find out more and apply here
Elizabeth House Community Centre: Winter Wellness Project
January – April 2022
The project is for people aged 65 and over in Camden and Islington and aims to help with issues such as welfare and benefits advice, housing repairs, lowering energy bills, health services, making homes warmer etc.
If you are interested in this Winter Wellness service, please ring 07515 410 139 / 0207 690 1300 or email community@elizabeth-house.org.uk
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Families for Life Community Champion Programme
Have you ever been curious about how volunteering can boost your CV and offer valuable skills that improve your career opportunities?
Are you keen to build on your skills and knowledge to create a happy, informed and healthy community?
Are you happy to support and share information about free, fun, and healthy lifestyle programmes available in Camden?
Do you want to develop key communication skills and build strong local connections?
Camden Health and Wellbeing Team offer a free 6-week programme for Camden parents/carers who have what it takes to become an inspirational Community Volunteer
You can train to become a Families for Life Community Champion.
Sessions run on Monday’s at 10-11.30am from Monday 21 Feb – 21 Mar 2022.
For more information on how to register and join our amazing Champions team please contact Syria Chowdhury on: 07734 603 060 or via email at: syria.chowdhury@camden.gov.uk
Age UK Camden Dementia Wellbeing Service vacancy: Dementia Wellbeing Worker
Age UK Camden Dementia Wellbeing Service is looking to recruit a Dementia Wellbeing Worker to join their team working 14 hours per week, on a 6-month fixed term contract.
The Dementia Wellbeing Service is part of our specialist dementia services and works closely with the Dementia Befriending Service.
The service supports Camden residents over the age of 55 in the early or moderate stages of dementia, to live independently and safely at home for as long as possible, stay socially engaged and carry on doing what they love.
For further information, please click here
Little Village vacancy: Volunteer Coordinator
Deadline for applications: 14th February, 9am
Little Village are looking for a dynamic volunteer coordinator to lead programmes supporting our team of over 600 volunteers across London. This is an exciting opportunity to grow the volunteer programme which provides opportunities for individuals to thrive whilst delivering our service supporting families with young children.
To learn more and to apply, please click here
Assistant Planetarium Astronomer (Part Time)
Royal Observatory Greenwich, London – Greenwich
2.5 days per week (Thu-Sat)
Applications deadline: 15th February, 9am
The Astronomy Engagement Department at the Royal Observatory Greenwich delivers a wide range of activities for schools and the public, both on-site and on-line. The department is looking for an enthusiastic science communicator with strong live presentation skills and excellent knowledge of astronomy and space exploration to support its work on a part-time basis as Assistant Planetarium Astronomer.
The postholder will be responsible for delivering a wide range of sessions for schools and public audiences.
A full job description, outlining the duties, requirements, terms and conditions of the role, is available here
Regent High School is recruiting a new co-opted governor
The closing date for applications: Sunday 20th February 2022, 11.59pm.
Regent High School are looking for an exceptional person to join our Governing Body, and are excited to hear from an individual with experience in education, finance, HR, legal, marketing and public relations, property and estates management, or organisational change. We also want to hear from someone who knows the communities we serve.
Whether you live locally, grew up in the area, or attended Regent High School, consider standing to be a governor.
You will be supported in the role by a mentor and through an induction and ongoing development programme.
Experience of being a school governor is not essential.
Please note that this is a voluntary role.
For more information, click here
MAMA Youth Project: paid TV production training
Applications close Monday 28th of February 2022, 11.59pm
The training runs for 14 weeks and is followed by a paid work placement with one of the industry partners.
The project is recruiting 24 trainees in total and no previous experience is needed. Trainees must be 18 years plus and not be in education or employment, as this is a full-time commitment
For more information and to apply, click here
Volunteer opportunity – Memories and stories
Are you interested in history and gathering stories?
Somers Town Museum/A Space For Us is looking for a diplomatic, friendly person with good facilitation skills, used to working with the elderly, and engaging to develop and help out at a Memory Cafe.
Tasks will include outreach and engaging older people in reminiscence in an afternoon club. We have a library and objects to prompt based on local Somers Town History.
We hope this event will help to share stories and photos of the local area, thus building an archive.
Learn history, audio recording and research skills.
Free tea and cake! Expenses, and travel paid.
Currently Wednesday afternoon.
Contact diana@aspaceforus.club with your experience and for a chat.
Somers Town Museum/A Space For Us: Looking for a trained Primary School teacher
Paid part time role
Somers Town Museum/A Space For Us is Looking for a trained Primary School teacher to help to develop and deliver an exciting After-School club based on local history and storytelling in a new museum in Somers Town.
Teaching rate paid rate per/hour – suit someone looking for part-time work.
You will also learn to design content for digital learning, we have 20 years experience in digital learning design.
To test this idea with a view to developing an ongoing programme, we will begin a short trial of once a week for 8 weeks
Preference given to Somers Town locals with teaching experience, qualification and good engagement skills.
Contact diana@aspaceforus.club with your CV and for an informal chat.
Current Vacancies at Elfrida Rathbone Camden:
Chief Executive Officer
Closing date – Sunday 13th February at 11.59 pm
Elfrida Rathbone Camden are seeking a new CEO to lead the charity in the next exciting stage of its development and who will make sure the voice of service users is central to our work and vision.
To learn more and see how to apply, click here
Learning Support Assistant – Leighton College
Elfrida Rathbone Camden are seeking to appoint a Learning Support Assistant to work with learners attending our OFSTED registered Leighton College for young people with a learning disability aged 16–25 years old. Hours are 26 hours per week, Monday-Thursday Term Time Only.
The aim of this role is to provide classroom support for students with special needs and disabilities, planning and facilitating the delivery of high-quality interventions, and support students, classroom teachers.
To learn more and see how to apply, click here
Current Vacancies at PACE:
Short Breaks Manager
Closing date: 13th February 2022
35hrs/ week, including Saturdays
At the Fortune Green Playcentre
To learn more and to apply, click here
Playcentre Deputy Manager/ SENCo
Closing date 13th February 2022
4.5 hrs/ week on Saturdays
At the Fairfield Playcentre
To learn more and to apply, click here
Playworker
Closing date 13th February 2022
17.5 hrs/ week in term time, 35hrs/ week in school holidays
At Fortune Green Playcentre
To learn more and to apply, click here
Short Breaks Playworker
Closing date 13th February 2022
Flexible Saturday sessions
At the Fortune Green Playcentre
To learn more and to apply, click here
Vacancies at Henna Asian Women’s Group
At HAWG, our aim is to improve the overall wellbeing of women by increasing social interaction, and supporting them to develop the independence to overcome deprivation and isolation.
We are actively recruiting a Project Support Worker, Trustee and Trustee Treasurer to join our organisation and make positive contributions to our community-inspired ethos.
Click the links to apply, If you have any questions or require additional information, then please do not hesitate to contact Momota Khatoon, Projects and Operations Manager at momota@hennaorg.co.uk.
THE CARAF Centre’s Sunshine Day Nursery: Nursery deputy manager (MAT cover) to start in mid-March 2022
Application deadline: 14th February 2022
40 hours per week
We are looking for a passionate deputy manager (MAT Cover) here at THE CARAF Centre’s Sunshine Day Nursery, which is a fun, exciting nursery situated near queen’s Crescent Market.
As a deputy Manager you will be supporting nursery manager to lead and manage a team of the childcare practitioners who are responsible for providing first class care to children within local community, but also providing mentorship to colleagues at all levels in the absence of the nursery manager
For more information, click here
Home-Start Camden & Islington: looking for volunteers
Home-Start Camden & Islington are a Charity who provide regular support, friendship, and practical help to families with at least one child under the age of 5, who are under stress or experiencing difficulties
If you live in the borough of Camden or Islington and are either a parent, grandparent, carer or have other parenting experience, then you could be the right person for us.
If you would like to volunteer or would like more information, please click here or email info@homestartcamden.org
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
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
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, alongside experience of managing staff or of using small budgets to maximum effect.
If you share KOVE’s ambitions, please get in touch. We look forward to hearing from you.
Contact: melwillwright@gmail.com
Volunteering during the pandemic
The latest guidance for Enabling safe and effective volunteering during coronavirus (COVID-19) is available here
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NLA and King’s Cross Partnership launch competition for new community offer
Deadline for initial submissions: 28th February 2022
King’s Cross Central Limited Partnership, who own and manage the King’s Cross Estate, have launched a community competition to transform an existing premises on Beaconsfield Street into a new community offer.
Individuals, community groups, established and emerging enterprises and organisations are encouraged to put forward ideas and proposals for how they could transform this space and what community offer they’d like to bring to the King’s Cross Estate.
The competition is open to all and is completely free.
For more information on the competition, please click here
New Challenge: NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health First Aid & Mental Health Advocacy in the Workplace
This course is for anyone who wants to raise their professional understanding of Mental Health First Aid and its associated care. It is ideal for any public facing role where you are interacting, advising and guiding clients. This course will be beneficial training for your career development and the people you work with. You will learn how to identify, understand and support colleagues or clients who are experiencing a mental health issue.
New Challenge (Main number) – 020 8795 3999
Email: courses@newchallenge.org
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.
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Got an item for the e-bulletin?
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Send your item to social@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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