Voluntary Action Camden E-Bulletin – 11th November 2022

We also have information on a range of local events and opportunities from around the Camden area.

Charity Trustees Appreciation and Networking Event
VAC would like to extend our gratitude to everyone who joined us in celebrating Camden Trustees this week at our Charity Trustees Appreciation and Networking Event, hosted by VAC and Volunteer Centre Camden.

It was a wonderful evening, and a fantastic way to mark this year’s Trustees Week. A special thank you to the Mayor of Camden, Councillor Nadia Shah, and Sophia Moreau from Getting on Board for their inspiring words.

Lastly, we would like to say a big thank you to VAC’s Trustees, and to all Trustees across the borough, for everything that you do for Camden.

Community Vaccine Champions Project: Round 2 

Voluntary Action Camden, in partnership with the London Borough of Camden, is pleased to announce the launch of a new round of funding to help tackle vaccine misinformation and encourage vaccine take up in Camden.

We have a particular focus on unvaccinated populations in the following groups:

· People from Caribbean & Black African communities

· Adults living in the most deprived areas

· Adults in insecure employment or un/under documented immigration status

Further details will be available in due course. Please email Ricky at rsingh@vac.org.uk to express interest in taking up this grant.

London’s Borough Poverty Profile 2022 

Trust for London has published an analysis of borough-level poverty in London, with new figures covering five years of data up to 2019/20. The report reveals that the impact of housing costs to poverty rates is acutely apparent within London at borough level.

Camden is among the top 10 boroughs where housing costs are having the biggest impact on poverty rates.

Read more here

‘Warm Welcome’ Spaces in Camden 

To help everyone stay warm this winter, ‘warm welcome’ spaces are available across Camden. You’ll find them in libraries, children’s centres and other community buildings across the borough. Everyone is invited to come in, relax and meet up with others in a safe and warm place.

Find a warm space here

VoiceAbility: Peer Mentors Needed 

VoiceAbility is urgently seeking volunteers to support people who are struggling with their mental health in Camden. Are you a good listener, non-judgemental, empathetic & understanding? Do you have lived experience of mental health challenges? If so, you could volunteer as a Peer Mentor.

Learn more here or contact volunteering@voiceability.org

Student Volunteering at UCL Exhibition 

A new exhibition celebrating the twentieth anniversary of Students’ Union UCL’s Volunteering Service will be showcased at University College London. The exhibition is open to everyone, and highlights the partnership between UCL students and the voluntary and community sector within Camden and across London.

Learn more here

Maths on Toast: Autumn Community Join-In 

Take part in Maths on Toast’s Autumn Join-In: Snowflakes. Create a maths-inspired piece of artwork and send a picture for their online gallery. The Join-In runs for the whole of the Autumn Term, so it’s not too late to get started. This opportunity is open to everyone: community groups, uniformed groups, schools, libraries and families.

Learn more here

Single Parent of Biracial Children Support Group 
IamIrish welcomes single parents of biracial children of Irish descent to join an online support group. Groups take place once a week and are free and child-friendly.
To sign up, contact Murray at community@iamirish.org

St Pancras Community Association Christmas Fayre 

Saturday 10th Dec at 67 Plender Street: 11am – 4pm

SPCA is excited to announce their first ever Christmas Fayre. Bring your family and enjoy a whole host of festivities, including stalls, music, food, drinks and Santa’s Grotto.

Learn more here

Castlehaven Community Association: WinterFest Returns  

Friday 9th Dec: 3:30 – 7pm

Castlehaven Community Association’s festive extravaganza, WinterFest, is returning! Come along for a jam-packed afternoon of festive fun, stalls, performances and a mince pie or two.

If you’re a local business, organisation or community group that would like to run a stall, perform or volunteer at WinterFest, please contact info@castlehaven.co.uk

Community Infrastructure Levy Funds

Closing date: Monday 19th Dec 2022

When new building projects take place in Camden, the developers are usually charged a fee known as the Community Infrastructure Levy. Camden Council is asking for your views and ideas to make sure local CIL funds are spent on the things most important to you.

Have your say here

Camden Estate Parking Changes 

Camden Council wants to hear your views on proposed changes to how parking is managed on Camden Council’s housing estates. The current system means it’s difficult to control parking on estates, and permit holders find it increasingly difficult to find a parking space.

Have your say on proposed changes here

Hampstead Wells and Campden Trust: Trustee Vacancy 

Closing date: 24th November

HWCT is seeking up to three new Trustees to share responsibility for governance and oversight of the Trust. The new Trustees will advise on either decision-making around poverty alleviation and/or addressing mental health, financial experience or commercial expertise in HR or legal matters.

Find out more and apply here

Newsletter Submissions

Please send any information (approximately 50-75 words long) that you would like included in our weekly newsletter to social@vac.org.uk

VAC Cost-of-Living Crisis Resource
VAC recognises that the cost-of-living crisis is a huge concern for families, businesses, and the Voluntary Community Sector.

We are collating information and resources to help community groups and residents in Camden navigate through the crisis. To find out more, click here

Camden Infrastructure Alliance: Cost-of-Living Crisis Joint Statement 

The Camden Infrastructure Alliance – Voluntary Action Camden, C4 and Volunteer Centre Camden – have published a joint statement urgently calling for targeted financial government support for the Voluntary and Community Sector in the face of the cost-of-living crisis.

We are deeply concerned about the additional pressures of a cold winter on Camden’s already overstretched community services.

To read the full statement, please click here

Camden Local Plan Review 

Work has started on reviewing the Camden Local Plan 2017, which provides the framework for managing development in the borough. This is your opportunity to shape the future of Camden.

The engagement on the Local Plan Review is open from the 4th November 2022 to the 13th January 2023. This will inform the preparation of a draft Local Plan to be published in 2023.

Click here to have your say.

Charity Commission Guidelines: Political Activity

The Charity Commission has released a new ‘five-minute statement’ to advise charities of the rules around supporting, or opposing, a change in government policy or the law.

Read it here

Local Newsletters:

SHAK
Young Camden Foundation (Funding Newsletter)
Young Camden Foundation (Events and Training Newsletter)
AWN (sign up)
London Sport (sign up)
Fitzrovia Community Centre
Coram’s Field Community Newsletter (sign up)
CAWH Newsletter
St Pancras Community Association (sign up)
Castlehaven in Bloom (sign up)

If you would like your Camden VCS newsletter added to this list, please email social@vac.org.uk

VAC administered Google Grants
The VAC administered Google Grants scheme is still ongoing.

VAC have been funded by Google to provide up to £300 per quarter for small organisations looking to book one-off spaces to work in or to hold community sessions and training, and up to £600 for the ongoing rent of office and hot desking space.

It is available to small voluntary or community sector organisation with income under £150,000 a year looking to book a venue in Camden.

To find out more, please click here
or get in contact with Ricky at Rsingh@vac.org.uk

The Hampstead Wells and Campden Trust 

The principal objectives of The Hampstead Wells and Campden Trust are the alleviation of poverty and the advancement of health in the Trust’s area of benefit. They make grants to organisations, individuals and families.

Learn more here

North London Community Fund 

Closing date: 11pm on 16th December 2022

NLWA has established the North London Community Fund to support waste prevention initiatives in the north London area. This fund provides community-based (non-profit making) organisations with funding to develop new approaches to reduce waste and/or extend the reach and impact of existing waste prevention activity in north London.

Learn more here

NatWest Social & Community Capital  

NatWest Social & Community Capital offers support to social ventures looking to scale, through loans with flexible terms and business support. They offer alternative funding to business charities and social enterprises who don’t qualify for mainstream loans. Their community business loans offer funding from £30,000 to £750,000, with flexible terms and repayment holidays, including access to sector experts.

To learn more, click here or contact bertie.herrtage@natwest.com

Camden Childcare Grant 

If you’re a lone parent in Camden and you’re interested in looking for a new job, to re-enter employment, or want to expand your skillset by attending training or education sessions, you may be eligible for a grant worth up to £1,500 to cover childcare costs while attending job interviews, training or education sessions.

Learn more here

Propel Funding
Propel is a new fund launched by London Funders to enable organisations to explore, develop and lead collaborative approaches to tackle some of London’s biggest challenges. It has three priorities: A New Deal for Young People; Building Strong Communities and Robust Safety Net.
Learn more here

ASDA Foundation Grants  

The Asda Foundation supports small, grassroots organisations in several ways throughout the year. Current funding available includes a Cost-of-Living Grant and an Empowering Local Communities Grant.

Learn more here

GLA Funding: Warmer Homes Programme
With energy bills continuing to rise, the Mayor is urging Londoners, local authorities, and community organisations to raise awareness of the Warmer Homes programme with anyone who may be eligible.
The scheme offers free energy efficiency grants of up to £25,000 to households with a residual income of up to £20,000 per year after rent/mortgage and council tax.
Learn more here

To re-discover funding removed from this list, please see our newsletter archive here

Other available funders include:

• Camden Giving
• Grants Online
• My Funding Central
• Idox Camden 4 Community
• VAC main funding page

Green and Energy Efficient Buildings Seminar 

Wednesday 16th Nov: 12 – 2pm

Do you want to make your premises greener and more energy efficient? The Ethical Property Foundation is hosting a free seminar for organisations leasing buildings from Camden Council. This will look at understanding energy performance certificate (EPCs), eco initiatives and pay back periods, green habits, environmental jargon and lots more.

Register your place here

KOVE Annual Free Concert 

Monday 21st Nov at the Kiln Cinema: 1.30pm

KOVE is hosting a free community classical show, with a variety of entertainment provided by local people. Booking is not required.

Flash Consulting: Strategy & Planning 

Thursday 17th Nov at Scratch Hub, Battersea Arts Centre: 6 – 8pm

Join Link Up London for a free Flash Consulting session and tap into the expertise of London’s top strategy talent! You will be matched with a consultant to get support in creating a new strategy for your organisation, refining your existing strategy for 2023, or developing your current strategy into an Operational Plan.

Register your place here

Camden and Islington Trustees Recruitment Fair 

Thursday 17th Nov: 7 – 8:30pm

Recruiting trustees or looking to become a trustee? Meet potential trustees or find out about trustee roles available locally at Volunteer Centre Camden’s online recruitment fair.

To sign up as a volunteer, click here

If you’re looking to recruit a trustee, contact Shafia at shafia@volunteercentrecamden.org.uk

Volunteers & The Law Workshop

Thursday 17th Nov: 10am – 12pm

Volunteer Centre Camden is hosting an online workshop for volunteer managers based everywhere. The session will cover volunteer roles and the law, the Equality Act, duty of care and more.

To register your place, click here

Camden Interfaith Week Workshop
Wednesday 16th Nov: 3 – 4pm

Camden Council are working with The Faith & Belief Forum to develop a one-year, action-oriented working plan for 2023-24 for Camden Faith Leaders Forum.

This interactive group workshop will explore key questions to understand what is needed in Camden, and how different stakeholders can work together to have an impact. Anyone who lives, works, or worships in Camden is welcome.

To learn more, click here

Free Legal Clinic: SPCA 

Wednesday 16th Nov: 5 – 7.30pm

In partnership with the University of Westminster Legal Advice Clinic, St Pancras Community Association will be hosting a free Housing Law Information and Advice Session. This will be an opportunity to learn more about your rights as a tenant, or gain advice on a housing issue you cannot resolve.

For more information, click here

We Were Here Talk 

Friday 11th Nov at West Hampstead Community Centre: 7:30pm

To celebrate Black History Month, Community Association West Hampstead is hosting a talk by Emily Momoh (Camden Black British History Lead). ‘We Were Here’ is a collection of eight biographies of significant individuals of African and Caribbean heritage who lived, worked or studied in Camden.

To register your place, click here

Volunteering with VAC! Join our Community Links Team
Are you able to commit to at least 2 hours per week and interested in supporting people in your community to access health and wellbeing services?

Community Links Volunteers are a part of the Care Navigation and Social Prescribing Service in Camden. They support social prescribing in a variety of ways including signposting residents to community-based activities, helping with referrals, motivating users to connect with new interests and activities, accompanying residents to appointments and introducing them to a range of different opportunities in Camden.

For more info and to apply, please click here
Or contact Mandira Manandhar on mmanandhar@vac.org.uk or 020 7284 6573

Social Prescribers Innovators Programme  
A new initiative is being delivered by the Camden Care Navigation and Social Prescribing Service, hosted by Age UK Camden (AUC) and Voluntary Action Camden.
The project aims to develop volunteering within the service as a way to help retain existing social prescribers and to support successful recruitment to new social prescriber roles.
Contact Mandira at mmanandhar@vac.org.uk if you are interested in volunteering on this new venture.

North London Cares Vacancy: Programme Coordinator 

Closing date: 14th November

North London Cares is looking for a creative, confident and versatile Programme Coordinator to join their team and lead their Social Clubs programme, working across Camden and Islington.

To learn more and apply, click here

Compost Newham Vacancies 

Compost Newham is recruiting two roles to lead its Compost Newham project, a bespoke programme of working to support Newham’s Voluntary, Community and Faith Sector to grow and thrive. The work aims to offer a programme of development support including: capacity building, network development, events and training and building cross-sector relationships.

For more information, click here or contact mailto:anne@compostlondon.org.uk

Healthwatch Camden Vacancy: Research & Administrative Officer (PT) 

Healthwatch Camden is hiring a part-time Research & Administrative Officer to work on providing an information service for Healthwatch Camden, helping to ensure that it is readily accessible, and effectively directing people to the support or advice they need.

To apply, email your CV to info@healthwatchcamden.co.uk

SPCA Vacancy: Community Cafe Manager (PT) 

SPCA are seeking someone to manage and run their Community Café and team of volunteers. The manager will also promote the café in the community by arranging activities in the café setting.

To learn more and apply, click here

Royal Free Charity: Volunteer Piano Tuner

The Royal Free Charity is in need of a piano tuner to help fix the hospital piano at Barnet Hospital. They have a number of volunteer musicians who would love to make use of the piano to brighten up the days of patients and staff in the hospital.
If you can help, please contact rebecca.mcmahon@royalfreecharity.org

The Community Links team at VAC can also assist Camden residents with access to the long covid clinic at UCLH.
For further information please contact Nasrin at nrashid@vac.org.uk or Donna Clutterbuck at LongCovid@soton.ac.uk or call/text  “Long Covid Research’’ on 07721520243.

Community Kitchen & Warm Space  

SPCA are proud to announce the opening of their new Community Kitchen & Warm Space at St Pancras Community Association, 67 Plender Street. Come alone or with your family to get a free meal and join in with activities.

To learn more, click here

SPCA Boutique: Winter Warmers 

Free winter clothes are available at a new boutique on the ground floor of St Pancras Community Association, 67 Plender Street.

Donations of clean winter clothes and blankets are welcomed.

To learn more, click here

Startup School for Seniors: Green Economy Business 

Are you seeking to start a business with people, purpose or planet in mind? Startup School for Seniors is launching a new online course for entrepreneurs with a social conscience. Starting on 21st November, the full-time, two-week programme will equip you with the skills to turn your idea into a business or increase the trading income of an existing business. This programme is fully-funded for Londoners of any age.

To learn more, click here

Winter Wellness Project 

The Elizabeth House Winter Wellness Project supports older council tenants to keep warm and well during the winter. From October 2022, if you are over 65, Elizabeth House can help you access grants and support to keep your home warm, access flu jabs, learn about local activities and more.

For more information, click here

Past Voluntary Action Forums: Resources

You can find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here.

Our mailing address is:
Greenwood Centre, Greenwood Place, London, NW5 1LB

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