Voluntary Action Camden e-bulletin 11th October 2019

Free EU Settlement Scheme Brexit Advice Drop-in

Camden council in partnership with Citizens Advice Camden and Camden Community Law Centre, we will be providing two FREE drop-in advice sessions for EU citizens applying for the EU Settlement Scheme:
~ Monday 14th October from 5pm to 8pm at Swiss Cottage Library,  NW3
~ Wednesday 23rd October from 5pm to 8pm at Holborn library, WC1X
EU citizens can get advice on their status and the documents they will require to apply.  Camden Council’s Registration team will be offering ID verification
See https://www.camden.gov.uk/eu-settlement-scheme for further information and appointments for the Council’s EU settlement scheme ID verification.
For additional support contact eumakecamden@camden.gov.uk 020 7974 6921
See Resources/Offers section below if you want to hold a group session.
This blog gives an EU citizens perspective.

“What makes groups welcoming for older people and why does it matter? An older people’s perspective.”

An Ageing Better in Camden learning seminar
Wednesday 13th November 2019 | 10am – 11.45am
Age UK Camden, Tavis House, 1-6 Tavistock Square WC1H 9NA
ABC will present evidence collected from older people in Camden on how community groups can be made as welcoming as possible, and what difference this makes.
Please RSVP by Wednesday 16th October to reserve your space – email on ageingbetterincamden@ageukcamden.org.uk or call us on 020 7239 0400.

Subsidised Entry to ZSL London Zoo

ZSL London Zoo are offering heavily subsidised tickets to organisations or groups who work with people with additional needs and/or disabilities, families on a low income and older people.
To find out more or to apply for subsidised tickets please visit zsl.org/cas

Have Your Say on VAC’s Activities and Websites

We are surveying all our members and subscribers to get your views on VAC and how you we can work better in the future/ or what things you think VAC should be working on now and in the coming years. It’s a short survey and as a thank you everyone who completes the survey has a chance to win £100.

New Charlie Ratchford Scheme Consultation

Camden Council is building a new extra care housing scheme, the Charlie Ratchford scheme. Come along to a focus group on 16th October to share your views how to develop an extra care service which provides innovative support for older people.
16th October 2-3pm Crowndale Centre. rsvp to shanta.joseph@camden.gov.uk

Somers Town Legal Advice Corner

The Somers Town Legal Advice Corner offers residents of Somers Town and St Pancras FREE legal advice. The STLAC covers a range of practice areas, from consumer to employment law.
Contact Peter Simonson peter@thelivingcentre.org for full details.

Over 60s Events at Castlehaven

Monday Mindfulness – Drop in session for over 60s 10 – 10.45 every Monday.
Men’s Club – Men Only informal drop-in for over 60s, 11am-12.00 every Monday. Tea, chat, biscuits and games. Both Free or £3 for non members.

Age UK Camden AGM

Tuesday 15th October 3.30 – 5.30pm at Tavis House
RSVP to info@ageukcamden.org.uk tel 020 7239 0400

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

The Supplementary Schools Network Fund (SSNF)

The fund is available for one year from January 2020 and is designed to support supplementary schools in Camden to provide high quality educational programmes that are accessible, fun and engaging whilst ensuring the safeguarding of children and young people (6 to 18 years).
Young Camden Foundation invites applications from supplementary schools or out-of-school settings for grants from £1000 to a maximum of £2500
Information Session will be held on w/c 14 October 2019 (date tbc)
The closing date for applications is 17th November 2019.
For information and application form grants@youngcamdenfoundation.org.uk

Sports Grants Portal

London sport have a very useful funding search tool to help you find current funding opportunities across London for physical activity and sport.

Youth work grant funding (Deadline soon!)

Camden Council is now accepting applications for the Camden Youth Work Grant.  The focus of this funding is for work with ages 13–19 in Camden and up to age 25, if working with young people with learning difficulties or disabilities. The deadline for submission of application is Monday, October 14, 2019 at 5pm. Contact youthworkfunding@camden.gov.uk for full details.

Social Action and Young People (Deadline soon!)

#iwill is a fund to deliver social action opportunities for young people aged 10 to 20 years old when (25 for disabled people). Social action involves activities such as campaigning, fundraising and volunteering. Grants are £1,000 and £10,000 for each project. Deadline midday 14th October.
please contact The Programmes Team at The London Community Foundation at applications@londoncf.org.uk or 020 7582 5117.

Young Camden Foundation launches the Pathways Fund,

The Pathway Fund is a new grant to tackle youth crime in Camden and from today are inviting organisations to submit their Expressions of Interest.
The Pathways Fund is part of the Community Impacts Fund and will invest in the delivery of a 2 year programme of services and activities aimed at reducing youth offending in Camden. YCF will support a partnership of youth-focused organisations to deliver innovative and impactful programmes between January 2020 – 2022.
The closing date for Expressions of Interest is 5pm on Friday 25th October.  Youth-focused organisations are encouraged to develop partnerships and work collaboratively. Contact grants@youngcamdenfoundation.org.uk

Physical Activity Inclusion Fund and Community Foundation

PAIF offers local community groups in Camden the opportunity to apply for grants of up to £1.5K, to ‘kick start’ projects that aim to reach our inactive communities.
Full details are here:   Or for contact – CamdenPAIF@GLL.ORG
GLL aslo run a Community Foundation offering funding for community groups.

Funding available for specialist community projects for vulnerable women and girls

Local groups supporting women and girls with issues like period poverty, domestic and sexual abuse, mental health and long-term unemployment can to apply for a share of £3.5 million for their vital work.
A further round of the Tampon Tax Community Fund is open to charities and community groups working with women of all ages and backgrounds to build their skills, confidence and self-esteem.

Young people and volunteering

In partnership with Thrive LDN and iWill Fund, the GLA are  offering grants of £10-15,000 to groups and organisations who get young people involved in volunteering and social action.   The fund is aimed at young people who face challenges.  This is our third year offering these grants and the impact of recent years has been so incredible we have raised the funding from £5-10k to £10-15k. The closing date is 18 October 2019. Details here.

Inclusive Communities Fund

Camden Giving has funding available for organisations with an annual income of less than £500,000 whose existing services, activities and facilities are not easily accessible for adults with physical, learning, cognitive or mental health disabilities in Camden. Projects should bring together disabled and non-disabled adults by improving access to, and participation in their existing services, activities and facilities. Apply for up to £20,000 before 11th November.
Visit www.camdengiving.org.uk/inclusive-community-fund or email admin@camdengiving.org.uk for more information.

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.

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.

Trustees’ Week Event – Safeguarding and Trustees

Are you a charity trustee whose organisation delivers services to children and young people in Camden? Do you have the correct policies and procedures in place?
Trustees have primary responsibility for safeguarding in their charity, so come along to our free workshop & find out how the Charity Commission’s Guidance affects you.
Wednesday 6th November: 2.00pm – 5.00pm at Voluntary Action Camden, Charlie Ratchford Centre, Belmont Street NW1. contact: Dianne Carlton Ogunyemi, Tel: 020 7 284 6575 | Email: dogunyemi@vac.org.uk (Mon – Wed)

Safeguarding Courses:

Safeguarding Introduction: Protecting Children in the Community
Wednesday 16th October: 10.00am – 1.00pm
Protecting Children in the Community is an 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. Who Should Take This Course? Suitable for anyone requiring basic safeguarding training, including volunteers, play workers and new starters who have never had safeguarding training before.
Safeguarding Advance: Developing knowledge and understanding.
Tuesday 22nd October 10.00am – 2.30pm (Includes lunch)
If you frequently work with or deliver services to children and their families, it is essential that your organisation / group has up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding legislation and understands it’s legal obligations in regards to child protection procedures.
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/

Training Link

Courses for staff and volunteers in the Community and Voluntary sectors
Free for volunteers and at very reasonable rates for staff.
~ Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene –
~ Customer Care  – such as reception, taking calls or in retail.
~ COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) –
~ Manual handling
Also Safeguarding and GDPR. If there is a particular topic you are interested in, please contact us on 020-7383-5405 or by email: director@traininglink.org.uk
Training Link, 54-56 Phoenix Road NW1 apply at: www.traininglink.org.uk

“What makes groups welcoming for older people and why does it matter? An older people’s perspective.”

An Ageing Better in Camden learning seminar
Wednesday 13th November 2019 | 10am – 11.45am
Age UK Camden, Tavis House, 1-6 Tavistock Square WC1H 9NA
ABC will present evidence collected from older people in Camden on how community groups can be made as welcoming as possible.
Please RSVP by Wednesday 16th October to reserve your space – email on ageingbetterincamden@ageukcamden.org.uk or call us on 020 7239 0400.

Talk For Health Super Cafe

Monday 28th October, 6-8pm at Base KX Camley Street
At this free event for up to 100 people, you will get a cuppa, relax and find out how to Lift your own and others’ wellbeing through good listening, truthful talking and empathic listening. Book at Eventbrite

Third Age Project

The Third Age Project has just released the latest calendar of events.

Thyroid Trust

The Thyroid Trust have a range of events in October, including get togethers, information sessions and a session for prospective volunteers.  Full information on the Thyroid Trust website.

MenFacilitate training on 26th October

You can check out some videos, and download the ground rules and check-in here
And find out more about the workshop here
Book and pay by 13th October for the early bird discount.
Any questions  email kenny@kennydcruz.com.

Camden Youth Action Showcase 2019

The annual Camden Youth Action Showcase will take place on Thursday 24 October at 2:30pm at the London Irish Centre.
The Showcase highlights the positive impact young people across Camden are making on their communities.  Book here.

Celebrating Camden Parents and Carers Fun Day

Sat 26th October 1-4pm @ Haverstock School
Email: roshinmustafa@hotmail.com 07446964246 with any queries about bookings and stalls

Camden Disability Action

Annual General Meeting on Wed 30th October from 17.00 pm to 19.00 pm
rsvp 020 7974 6051 or email communications@camdendisabilityaction.org.uk

‘Overcoming Barriers: Neurodiversity in Autism’

ALAG (Asperger London Area Group) is a community organisation providing valuable social and practical support to high functioning but vulnerable adults on the autism spectrum across London.
ALAG invites you to the Autumn Conference on Thursday 17 October
Book at Eventbrite. Any questions contact Ethney at info@alag.org.uk.

The Caraf Centre Part-time co-ordinator for Mandela Supplementary School

Co-ordinator needed for 12 hours per week (term time only) £20 ph Tuesdays from 11.00 am – 7.30 pm and Saturdays from 9.30 am – 1.30 pm
The successful applicant will do outreach work in the Camden area and surrounding boroughs to increase the profile of the school as well as the administrative duties needed for the smooth running of the school.
contact: The Caraf Centre, 27-30 Cheriton, Queen’s Crescent NW5 4EZ. Akhita Benjamin on 0207 284 0030 Ext:2006 admin@thecarafcentre.org.uk

Community Connectors

Are you a parent/carer living in Camden? Elfrida Rathbone Camden is recruiting parent volunteers to support other 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. Lunch provided
Training will take place on Friday 15th, 22nd and 29th November 2019 from 10.00-2.30. Lunch will be provided.
More information email Jill@elfridacamden.org.uk or call 07939877745 for an informal chat.

Exploring chronic pain and other untold stories of hidden illness

Participant Call Out! Raquel Meseguer is creating a new installation based on stories of people’s attempts to rest in public. This is about everyday stories, and everyday acts of bravery, told with honesty and frankness.
If you’d like be involved in this amazing project or would just like to know more, please sign up here or email ralph.uncharteredcollective@gmail.com

Healthy Minds Volunteer training on Wed 17th October

The Healthy Minds Community Programme helps Camden residents reconnect with the community through a range of free courses, workshops and activities. With events hosted by the likes of British Museum, Roundhouse, Triyoga and more, we offer participants new opportunities to get involved in Camden life.
As a Volunteer Active Mentor, you’ll hold small group sessions to support members in engaging with physical activities.
Georgia Gideon, Mind In Camden Healthy Minds Sports & Fitness Development Worker tel: 02072418987 email: GGideon@mindincamden.org.uk

Over 50s Activities Programme Lead, Centre Volunteer Coordinator

£27,000 – £29,500 if full time 35 hours per week, depending on experience
6-9 month temporary contract
Abbey Community Centre.  Duties include:
~ Coordinating centre’s Over 50s Activities Programme: daily social groups, activities and services for local people aged 50+
~ Supervision and day-to-day support of Over 50s workers
~ Recruiting, supporting, supervising, recognising centre volunteers
Full details here. Closing date 19th October.

Train now to join the emergency volunteer team in Camden

There are a number of training dates to choose from, with more to come. (18th and 25th September). This is your chance to be part of a new way of helping out as a volunteer in the event of an emergency in Camden or Hammersmith & Fulham. Full details here. More info at  camera@volunteercentrecamden.org.uk
No specialist skills, qualifications or experience are required. Volunteer Centre Camden will provide you with all the training you will need.

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

VAC is recruiting volunteers to help us in our building in Chalk Farm

We 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

Need a Meeting Room near Chalk Farm
Special rates for Camden network events

VAC now has 3 new rooms to hire out for Events/Training, etc. at our new base in 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.

Camden and Islington Sustainability Awards 2019

There is still time to nominate in the category ‘Community Project/initiative’
Best community environmental project – Recognises the efforts of community groups working to improve their local environment.
Deadline Wednesday 23 October. For more info and to apply click here.

EU Citizens Rights Information Sessions

The website www.eurights.uk, allows a community group or community champion to book a lawyer to attend their event for free. Seraphus will: (i) give a presentation on the Settled Status scheme, (ii) answer any questions, and (iii) remain available afterwards for one-to-one questions with audience members. The one requirement to benefit from this free service, is for at least 40 members of the European community (EEA or Swiss nationals) and their family members to have confirmed their interest to attend.

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.

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

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