Voluntary Action Camden e-Bulletin 11th September 2015

Refugees; Psychological Therapies: The Way Ahead for Camden’s BMER Communities; Urban Food Fortnight and Edible Gardens Open Day; Camden Family Members Reference Group; Torriano Poetry Competition 2015; Influencing Change London; Half day Pension Credit Workshop; MEWSO Workshop: Welfare Benefits and Refugees; Dementia Friendly Tea Service; Somers Town Multicultural Street Festival; The Winch Family Fun Day; St Pancras Community Open Day and Family Fun Day; West Euston Community Festival; + jobs, volunteers, events, training, offers and resources.

A Message from Sarah Hayward, Leader of Camden Council
“A humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Europe of the like not seen since the Second World War. Camden Council is committing to resettle up to 20 refugee families in the borough. We are working with Citizens UK, the Refugee Council, local organisations and other local authorities to offer what help we can to families who are finding themselves in this desperate situation. Camden has a long history of helping refugees and we know there are many people in the borough who want to do something to help.
We have already had offers of support from local residents, landlords and local organisations – if you want to join them, there are many things you can do.
We have set up a Facebook page to help share ideas and information about organisations locally and nationally who you can help by donating your money, time or practical things like clothing – visit the page, share it with your networks and post information there to help spread the word and tell us how you could help. https://www.facebook.com/events/419141928278600/.
How can I help?
• Are you a private landlord with a property to let? Get in touch with us if you would be interested in providing help.
• Would you be interested in fostering? Contact our fostering team or visit Camden.gov.uk/fostering for more information on how to be become a foster carer.
• Are you part of a local organisation who could support refugees? Please get in touch and tell us how.
• We know that a lot of people have been offering to give spare rooms. We are looking into the feasibility of such suggestions but it is likely that this won’t be possible for newly arrived refugees who need more sustainable long-term support. If anyone is interested in doing something similar, please give us your details and we will update you once we have more information.
March on Saturday
At 12pm on Saturday 12 September, thousands of people across the country will march from Marble Arch to Downing Street to show their support for refugees affected by this crisis. At 10:30am we are inviting local people and organisations to meet at Camden Town Hall on Judd Street to walk down to Marble Arch together. We want to demonstrate the support in place in the Camden community. If you are from a local organisation and can offer support to refugees in some way join us at 11am to talk to local councillors and others about your ideas.
Contact us on the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/events/419141928278600/. or email my office on Eloise.shepherd@camden.gov.uk and we will keep you up to date as the situation progresses.”
There is a list of frequently asked questions on the Camden council website.
Camden New Journal also have information on this story.

Psychological Therapies: The Way Ahead for Camden’s BMER Communities
Wednesday 7th October 1:30pm to 4:30pm
Come and tell us your views on how psychological therapies services should best meet the needs of BMER communities in future
This event is hosted by London Borough of Camden’s Mental Health Commissioners and Voluntary Action Camden. It is aimed at Camden BMER community members and Camden voluntary and community sector organisations working with BMER groups
Tea and coffee will be provided. Venue St Pancras Hospital, Conference Hall.
To reserve your place please email: mentalhealthteam@vac.org.uk. Spaces are limited

Urban Food Fortnight and Edible Gardens Open Day
11 to 27 September 2015
The Capital’s celebration of the fabulous ultra-local produce being grown, produced and cooked on our doorstep. For more information and what’s on visit Urban Food Fortnight.
It’s also Edible Gardens Open Day on Saturday 19 September 2015 to celebrate the season’s hard work and bountiful harvests. Explore this map to find a garden in your local area or further afield.

Kentish Town Community Centre September Programme
Including Meditation For Beginners on Wednesdays 12.30pm-1.30pm. This is a drop-in session, all welcome. Suggested donation £2. Visit ktcc.org.uk/activity/meditation for more information. You can view the full list of activities at KTCC online.

Camden Family Members Reference Group
Carers and mental health looking after yourself and the person you care for
Wednesday 30th September 2015 10:30am – 1pm
Centre 404, 404 Camden Road, N7 0SJ
The Family Members’ Reference Group is a group for all carers of an adult with a learning disability in.
For more information contact Beth on: beths@centre404.org.uk tel: 020 7697 1336

Torriano Poetry Competition 2015
First Prize £250 | Second Prize £150 | Third Prize £75
Adjudicator: Ann Drysdale
No entry form required
• Poems should be written in English, to a maximum of 40 lines, typed on a single side
of A4 paper.
• Poems must be original, unpublished and not accepted for publication. No translations.
• A separate sheet of A4 should contain the titles of poems, name and email or postal address and phone number of entrant.
• Entry fees: £3 one poem, £5 for two, £10 for five. Details at the Torriano website.

Influencing Change London
Influencing Change is a five day training programme for campaigners. It is designed to support individuals and groups to gain the capabilities and confidence they need to successfully influence decision makers and others.
The programme is delivered by the Sheila McKechnie Foundation and is spread over five months. It is for London-based individuals and groups that want to gain influence and campaign for change. Participants will learn how to develop a campaign strategy, work effectively with the media and use a range of campaign tactics to address their campaign issue and gain support from stakeholders.
Day 1: Tuesday 13th October 2015
Day 2: Thursday 26th November 2015
Day 3: Thursday 7th January 2016
Day 4: Thursday 25th February 2016
Day 5: Tuesday 15th March 2016
Further informationt www.smk.org.uk or contact megan.poyiadzis@smk.org.uk.
The closing date for applications is 12 noon, Monday 14th September.

Health and Safety for Marginalized Communities
Thursday, 17 September 10:00 am – 1:00 pm | Free
It is targeted in particular at migrant workers, unpaid carers, cleaners and people working in the hospitality industry. Some of the most marginalised people – probably working long hours, in dangerous conditions and on low pay.
See VAC Events section below for more information and how to book.

Half day Pension Credit Workshop
To discover how your organisation can make a difference to the lives of older people who are missing out on their entitlements.
Tuesday 27th October at Age UK, Tavis House, Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9NA
From: 10.30 am (registration from 10.00) – 1.00 pm (followed by lunch and networking)
The Workshop will provide:
· A brief history of Pension Credit
· Resources available to organisations
· Guest speakers describing different approaches that organisations use to encourage take-up
· Interactive discussion and learning
· An opportunity to pledge activity to improve the lives of older people.
A more detailed agenda and directions to the venue will be available nearer the time.
Don’t miss out – reserve your place today by emailing AGEACTION.ALLIANCE@DWP.GSI.GOV.UK
Workshop places are limited. Attendance is on the understanding that following the event organisations will actively promote Pension Credit take-up among older people you are in contact with.

MEWSO Workshop: Welfare Benefits and Refugees
This workshop is for all refugees and will discuss recent changes made in the welfare and benefits legislation and how this affects them. The workshop will be held in two languages, Kurdish and Farsi. It will be held in Trinity Church Center, at 15 Nether St. London N12 7NN Thursday, Sept. 17th, 2015
Contact: 07958145666 email: office@mewso.org web: www.mewso.org

Dementia Friendly Tea Service
The service will include familiar hymns and prayers and a short address.
It will be held on the second Sunday of the month.
Next service: Sunday September 13th 2015 3 – 3.30pm. Followed by tea, cakes and time to chat.
Suitable for everyone, including: the frail, elderly and those with dementia.
For more information contact: The Revd Diana Young on 07887296588
Hampstead Parish Church, Church Row, London, NW3 6UU. hampsteadparishchurch.org.uk

Somers Town Multicultural Street Festival
Saturday 12th September 2015 12pm – 7pm Chalton Street
Come and enjoy in the fun for all the family. Celebrate Somers Town
Food, drinks, free activities, henna, face painting and lots more Chalton.street.event@gmail.com

The Winch Family Fun Day
Saturday 12th September at 21 Winchester Road, NW3. Food, drink, games, art, sports etc. info@thewinch.org 020 7586 8731.

St Pancras Community Open Day and Family Fun Day
Sunday 13 September, in St Pancras Gardens. There’s going to be lots of free activities for all the family.

West Euston Community Festival
Saturday 12th September, Hpod and Cumberland Market. Free entertainment, family fun and health activities. Contact 020 7388 7932 www.westeustonpartnership.co.uk

Free training, outings and events for unpaid carers in Camden
For a full list of events of carers in Camden please visit the Camden Carers website.

Headway North London
Read the latest news from Headway North London

Healthwatch Camden
Latest Information DIgest is on the Healthwatch Camden website.
Catch up with the latest Camden news and what’s happening on Our Blog

The Camden Capacity Building Bulletin is produced monthly, targeting the community and voluntary sector in Camden. It provides up to date/recently live information and news on funding and training. To access the latest information please follow the Link www.camden.gov.uk/cbbulletin

Kingsgate Workshops Trust, The Calthorpe Project, BTEG, One Housing, Sobus, Kentish Town Community Centre, VAC and Camden PA are recruiting. See Jobs and Volunteers section below.

Camden Shares. The website for exchanges in Camden. www.camdenshares.org.uk

You can join in on Facebook. Like us if you like us.

Follow all the Camden Voluntary Sector news on OneCamden on Twitter.

You can read more about all of these stories on our news page at www.vac.org.uk/new

Why are charities still being criticized for paying their staff?
Criticism from the media and public shows no sign of abating. Matthew Jenkin in the Guardian asks how the sector should respond

Contract Income Shrinking
The Guardian asks how sustainable are charity contracts for public services? Charities total revenue from government bodies is at its lowest level since 2007-08 with a few larger charities reaping the benefits. The governments’ Big Society czar estimated that contracting would reach £60 billion and dwarf the total amount lost to cuts, but the actual figure is down to £12 billion and concentrated in a few large charities.

Civil Society Still Under Attack by Government
The Commission on Civil Society and Democratic Engagement says that the ‘Gagging’ Act has led to resources having to be shifted to ensure compliance with the Act, rather than achieving their charitable objectives. Commissioners have concluded that the impact of the Act amounts to an infringement on legitimate democratic engagement ahead of the election.

UK’s respect for rights should start with charities at home
The press have been noting the chilling worldwide clampdown on civil society in recent years. Andrew Purkis writes that one factor undermining the capacity of western democracies to speak out is the hostility of Conservative ministers and the board of the Charity Commission towards campaigning by British charities since 2012.

NAVCA has responded to the Trades Union Bill consultation
“As our response says, NAVCA are not experts on trade union issues but we do understand the importance of people joining together to try and make a difference. It feels like this bill is part of the same thinking that led to the Lobbying Act and criticisms of charity campaigning. We should encourage dissent and campaigning. Holding decision makers to account makes for better government.” Full response here.

 

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

Grant Programme for Inter Faith Week 2015
Small Grants Programme for events organised by and for young people focused around Inter Faith Week 15-21 November 2015
The Trust will be awarding small grants up to £500.00 for organisations running events or projects connected with Inter Faith Week 2015
Grants are awarded for proposals for inter-faith activities by children and young people from Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh and other faiths and those of no formal faith in understanding and co-operation. The age range for young people is 11-25 years.
Priority will be given to projects which:
~ Actively involve young people in planning, running, and evaluation of the project.
~ Promote positive action i.e. young people from different backgrounds coming together to address shared problems like improving green spaces.
~ Are run by non-statutory organisations, such as youth clubs, scout/guide groups, local voluntary and community organisations.
Grants can provide part-funding. Grants are not available for converting young people to a different faith.
Grants are given only to UK based organisations and are given for the agreed purposes set out in the completed grant application form. Grants are for use in accordance with the Trust’s charitable objectives. The Inter Faith Youth Trust as funder takes no responsibility for carrying out the work.
Download the Application form from this page
Closing date for applications is 15 September 2015.

The Edge Fund
The Edge Fund support work run by and for communities facing discrimination and injustice. We fund work carried out by individuals and grassroots groups in Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England that find it difficult to get funding elsewhere. Specifically, we fund work that challenges abuses of power and aims to change society by bringing an end to the systems that cause injustice. While applicants may be working on short term reforms, ​we are looking for applicants that ultimately aim to end or replace these systems with a just alternative, rather than trying to improve or reform them.
To apply for a grant of up to £3,000 you need to answer 5 questions in no more than 2 pages. The deadline for applications is 5pm Sunday 25 October. Read more.

Cycling Grants for London
Cycling Grants London is a community grants programme offering grants of up to £10,000 – over 3 years – to fund projects that engage communities across London in safe, enjoyable and inclusive cycling activities.
London is fast becoming a world class cycling city and Cycling Grants London aims to make sure all Londoners benefit from the joys of cycling.
Grants are available for community groups, charities and social enterprises for cycling activities that are tailored to local communities. Examples of activities that can be funded include: guided rides, mechanics training, cycle training and bike hire schemes. The grants can be used to buy equipment, train staff or volunteers and cover running costs.
The deadline to apply is Monday 21 September at 10am.
To find out further information on the funding available, who can apply, how to apply, useful tips and resources to plan your project, visit our website.

Crowdfunding?
Don’t forget that there is a dedicated page on Spacehive just for Camden projects. And set up costs are free to Camden groups. Find out more at Spacehive Camden.

Don’t forget to sign up to Funding Central for free email funding alerts. Go to www.fundingcentral.org.uk/

Health and Safety for Marginalized Communities
Thursday, 17 September 10:00 am – 1:00 pm | Free
It is targeted in particular at migrant workers, unpaid carers, cleaners and people working in the hospitality industry. Some of the most marginalised people – probably working long hours, in dangerous conditions and on low pay.
Too many people are working in dangerous and unhealthy conditions – and often working long hours for low pay. Job insecurity pushes people to keep their heads down and just get on with the job, even if it’s risking their health. Lots of people may not have the help and support of a trade union. If this sounds like you, then make that change. Attend the VAC/London Hazards Centre training and have some fun learning about your rights and how to enforce them. More information and bookings on the VAC website.

VAC’s Mental Health Training Programme for BMER groups
Are you a BMER group or do you work with BMER communities? If so, then our Mental Health Training Programme is for you! Our next courses are as follows:
• Mental Health First Aid (two-day course: 22nd and 29th October)
• Stigma and Mental Health (half-day workshop: 2nd November)
• Youth Mental Health First Aid (two-day course: 12th and 19th November)
• Introduction to Mental Health Awareness (one day workshop: 9th December)
• Mental Health First Aid (two-day course: 9th and 16th February 2016)
For more information about our any of our courses, please go to https://vac.org.uk/events/category/health-mental-health/. Click on the course you are interested in and follow the instructions to book your place and pay by card (if applicable). The charge for our Mental Health First Aid and Youth Mental Health First Aid training courses is heavily subsidised at only £25 per person. All other mental health workshops are free.
Please note that VAC can only accept bookings from organisations working with BMER communities based in Camden, or which serve Camden BMER residents. Places are limited on each course to a maximum of two people per organisation. If you have any queries, please contact us on our team email address: mentalhealthteam@vac.org.uk

VAC has a full programme of courses coming up: Click here to find out more. All courses are £25 for members (unless otherwise stated).

New Courses at Maiden Lane Community Centre
Tuesday 22nd & Wednesday 23rd September 2015.
1. Improve your internet skills
Find out how to search the internet more effectively and manage your email account.
(You need to have some understanding of using the internet).
Tuesdays 10am-12pm
2. Computing for beginners
A complete introduction to using computers
Tuesdays 1-3pm
3. Create a website for business or pleasure using the free WordPress software
Wednesdays 10am-12pm
To book a place: Call 020 7267 9586
Maiden Lane Community Centre, 156 St Paul’s Crescent, NW1 9XZ
Visit camden.gov.uk/adultlearning
Email adultlearning@camden.gov.uk Call 020 7974 2148

Dementia: Research & Practice
A course for small older people’s organisations
Tuesday 29th September, 2015 10:00am – 12:00midday (followed by lunch)
At Age UK London, 1st Floor, 21 St Georges Road, London, SE1 6ES
This workshop will involve a presentation of recent research findings and will give you a chance to talk about good dementia-friendly practice and find out how this can benefit your organisation.
Anyone interested should email Ben Donovan bdonovan@ageuklondon.org.uk.

Camden Physical Disabilities Forum
Tuesday 29th September 2015, from 6 to 7:30 pm at Charlie Ratchford Resource Centre, Belmont St, London NW1 8HF.
Former and new forum participants are invited to help shape the agenda for the meeting. Do you have any suggestions of topics for discussion, information or decision for the coming meeting? If so, please let Valeria know no later than Friday 4th September. email Valeria.CarrizoCollie@camden.gov.uk

Get Fit With Arsenal
Arsenal in the Community are recruiting local men aged 30-65 to take part in a 12 week fitness project.
If you are working with any men who fall into this age category want to get fitter at the new Arsenal Hub at Emirates Stadium, they can find out more online.

Volunteering Fairs
Autumn is one of the most popular times of the year for people wanting to start volunteering.
Wednesday 30th September 12-2pm @ The Swiss Cottage LIbrary
Wednesday 7th October 6.30-8pm at the Wellcome Collection
Wednesday 21st October 12-2pm at the Working Men’s College
To book your place and to find our more information have a look at Eventbrite

Measuring The Impact Of Your Volunteering Programme For Beginners
Thursday 1st October 10am-1pm at The Wellcome Trust in Euston
You will receive a copy of the NCVO measuring impact toolkit (£35) to take away. With that in mind, free places will be £35+booking fee and the rest will be £94+booking fee.
To book your place and to find our more information have a look at Eventbrite.

Outcome’s, Islington Mind LGBT service, annual Open Day
29th of September 11:00 – 15:30.
This is an opportunity to visit the service that we offer every Tuesday to our LGBT community.
Our guests will be offered tasters from our activities and therapies (such as art and animation workshops, ear acupuncture and head massage and open doors to our counsellor and to ‘Mind Scape’, LGBT paranoia and beliefs support group, facilitators) and MSH Wellbeing – will also offer taster therapies on this event.
Information about Outcome and the services that we offer will be available all day.
We will serve the most popular best curry (known as Outcome Curry) in town (for £3) at 1:00 in our dining area and at 14:30 will close the day with raffles.
Please RSVP to sigal.avni@islington.mind.org.uk

Free Events from Economic Change CIC
Contract Readiness Event – Jointly run with Bidright UK – Part of a series of events esp for socially motived orgs. http://www.economicchange.co.uk/economic-exchange-event-series
Free Funding Workshops – Run in a Monthly basis: http://www.economicchange.co.uk/fundingworkshops
Measuring social Impact Masterclasses: http://www.economicchange.co.uk/training-workshops
Economic Change CIC work with charities, educational bodies, public sector organisations, social enterprises, ethical businesses, and csr departments.

Urban Harvest
Saturday 26th September 11am – 4pm at Kentish town health centre NW5 2BX
A wonderful Urban Harvest Festival celebrating local food and local growers as well as giving you the chance to take part in a huge range of events: building a wormary, making tea from plants in the garden, creating plant based dyes, sing away about food and press apples to name but a few.
All of this will be taking place in our Well-Beeing Garden
Everyone is welcome and all activities are free
The event is run by Kentish Town Transition and Kentish Town Improvement Fund
See more at: www.projectdirt.com

Royal Albert Hall Friendship Matinee 9th October 3pm
The Music of Bond with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Tickets only £5 for members and users of voluntary and community groups and carers. Book online at www.royalalberthall.com or tel: 020 7589 8212.

Camden CCG’s Annual General Meeting
Wednesday 16 September 2015
Camden CCG Agenda:
12:40pm-1:20pm Lunch/Networking
1:30pm-1:45pm Welcome- Chair of Camden CCG
1:45pm-2:30pm Presentations of:
• 2014/15 accounts
• Key Camden CCG success stories
• Public and patient perspective
2:30pm-2:45pm Open Q&A session – with Chair, speakers and supplementary panel members (incl. Governing Body members)
2:45pm-3:35pm Interactive session-table top discussions on key CCG priorities, with refreshments available
To book your place and for further details, please go to http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/camden-clinical-commissioning-groups-ccg-annual-general-meeting-registration-17793562023

What makes life good for people with long term health conditions
Come to this workshop and turn your ideas into plans!
Friday 18 september 2015, 1.30pm – 3.00pm (refreshments from 1.00pm)
Kingsgate resource Centre, 208 Webheath, Netherwood Street, London NW6 2JU
To learn more and to book your place, contact Frank Dove, LB Camden by Friday 11 September
020 7974 4435 frank.dove@camden.gov.uk

A celebration for World Mental Health Day
October 9th at St Pancras Hospital
VoiceAbility and VAC are supporting the Camden Borough User Group (CBUG) to hold an event to celebrate World Mental Health Day. It will be at the conference Hall, St Pancras Hospital on the 9th October between 11am and 4pm.
If you or anyone you support would be interested in attending, then please print off the attached flyer and spread the word. The event will have a social focus with hot food, music, speakers, performance, stalls and more.
We are also holding a photography competition and all entries will be displayed on the day, there is a flyer attached about this too.
For any further details please contact us at by email or by phone on:
camdenuserinvolvement@voiceability.org Telephone: 020 3355 7113

Deaf Awareness Event
A new initiative to encourage more staff and volunteers to take up Deaf Awareness is now available in Camden.
Signs4Life have set up an introductory workshop in Deaf Awareness to help staff to communicate and engage with their deaf & hard of hearing colleagues, service users, students, and patients in Camden. The Deaf Awareness event will be taking place on Tuesday 22nd September 2015 at Camden Cypriot Women’s Organisation, 2c Falkland Road, London, (NW5 2PT) from 10:30am – 12:30pm. This local initiative is to help identify barriers that deaf people face and explore their culture and community but also to encourage inclusion of all people with sensory, physical or learning disabilities in Camden. Attendance is strictly by booking only (limited places). For further information please contact Sara on info@signs4life.org

Volunteer Management Training
VCC’s Measuring The Impact of Your Volunteering Programme training course will give you practical, user-friendly tools to help you do just that.
Measuring The Impact Of Your Volunteering Programme For Beginners
Thursday 1st October 10am-1pm @ The Wellcome Trust in Euston
You will receive a copy of the NCVO measuring impact toolkit (£35) to take away. With that in mind, free places will be £35+booking fee and the rest will be £94+booking fee.
To book your place and to find our more information have a look at Eventbrite.

New Evelyn Oldfield Unit Research for Action and Influence Course 2015-16
Accredited London Region Open College Network, Level 3
Starting from October, we will run 22 half-day sessions spread over 9 months. We will support RMCO representatives to gain the skills and confidence to be able to research issues of refugee and migrant communities including education, training and employment, welfare and social concerns.
The training is free. Participants will benefit from mentor support, tutorials and one to one support from the tutor.
This is a course for refugees and migrants only. Applicants must be active in a refugee or migrant community organisation working in London (this can be paid or voluntary). English levels have to be sufficient to manage independent report writing.
Please contact Alexandra, EOU administrator on 020 7697 4100 / Alexandra@evelynoldfield.co.uk for further information and/ or to request an application form.

Made of Money
Tues 22nd & Wed 23rd September 2015
Award-winning financial education project, offered as two day facilitator training
We’ll equip you to deliver flexible content around savings, credit, debt, communication,
coping with consumer culture, and children & money
Sliding costs from £100 to £350; in-house trainings also available
100% of trained facilitators would recommend Made of Money to other organisations
Made of Money is a project of Quaker Social Action (QSA) www.quakersocialaction.org.uk/madeofmoney

London for All
London for All / LVSC have a full programme of courses available for the voluntary sector. Go to the London for All website for full details.

Camden Carers’ Service
Has a full range of events and activities for unpaid carers in Camden. Find out more on the Camden Carers’ Service website www.camdencs.org.uk/activities

Don’t forget that Camden TDS run a full programme of course which are subsidised or free for voluntary sector partner organisations. There is a link to a list of partner organisations on the home page.

Find more Training Opportunities at www.vac.org.uk

Are you a Parent or do you have Parenting experience?
Would you like to enhance your skills to offer friendship and support to families with young children?
Can you give 3-4 hours weekly, to visit a family with young children who may be going through a difficult time?
Next accredited training courses:
23rd Sept to 15th Oct 2015 Every Wednesday & Thursday in Kentish Town
16th Oct to 11th Dec 2015 Every Friday in Abbey Road Community Centre
Certificates awarded & expenses paid
For information pack ring 020 7424 1603 email: info@homestartcamden.org web: www.homestartcamden.org.uk

Best Start 4 Families – Family Learning in Prisons
Training for volunteers wanting to work alongside family learning tutors in prisons
Saturday 26th September 2015 10 am – 3pm
Learning Unlimited, 9-11 Endsleigh Gardens, London WC1H 0EH
A FREE training opportunity
Best Start for Families is a project based in two London prisons. The aim of the project is to
run family learning provision for prisoners and their families. We are recruiting volunteers
to work alongside and support family learning tutors during family and children’s visits in
prisons. You will need to have good people skills, communication skills and an interest in
working with families and reducing re-offending.
Please contact: Foufou Savitzky beststartforfamilies@gmail.com or Tel: 07949603968

Kingsgate Workshops Trust Volunteer Opportunity
We have an opportunity to offer some work, to possibly a retired person, involving handyman type work. We are keen to consider someone that perhaps had to retire when maybe they didn’t want to, or someone who might be isolated after retirement, or even someone younger who might be struggling to find work. Ideally we are looking for someone who has a breadth of knowledge, who would be able to do small jobs across the board such as plumbing, carpentry, general DIY.
Kingsgate Workshops Trust, 110 – 116 Kingsgate Road, London, NW6 2JG Tel: 020 7328 7878 www.kingsgateworkshops.org.uk
email: rowena@kingsgateworkshops.org.uk

Calthorpe Project seeks Sports Development Manager
The Calthorpe Project is a vibrant community center and garden working to improve the health and wellbeing of residents in and around Kings Cross.
We are looking for an exceptional person to develop and manage a day to day progamme of sporting activities based on our 5-a-side sports pitch. You will engage community groups, young people and the corporate sector and implement a sustainable income maximization strategy.
Salary £29,838 gross annually for flexible 35 hour week.
Download an application pack from our website: www.calthorpeproject.org.uk
Or request a pack by emailing info@calthorpeproject.org.uk
Completed applications can be returned by post or email:
Louise Gates, Calthorpe Project, 258-274 Grays Inn Rd, WC1X 8LH
Deadline for completed applications-12noon Friday September 25th 2015
Interviews – Friday October 9th

Moving on Up seeks Intern
Moving on Up is a joint initiative from Trust for London, the City of London’s charity, City Bridge Trust and the Black Training and Enterprise Group (BTEG). It aims to increase the employment rates of young black men in London over the next two years.
Moving on Up now wants to recruit a skilled and committed intern for six months who will be focused on developing and implementing a media and social media campaign which aims to encourage employers to ensure their job recruitment processes are free from negative stereotypes of young black men,
Salary: London living wage, currently £9.15 p/h Duration: six months
This post would suit someone with an interest in communications, media and social media. It would be ideal for someone who is studying for or has completed a degree in communications, media or similar subjects. Application pack online
Black Training and Enterprise Group: 020 7832 5840, Email: Jeremy@bteg.co.uk
The closing date for applications is 5 pm on 21 September 2015

Age UK Camden seeking Honorary Treasurer
Age UK Camden is recruiting to the volunteer role of Treasurer, to work closely with other trustees and the organisation’s Finance Manager and CEO. More details are on the NCVO website https://www.ncvo.org.uk/practical-support/governance/trustee-bank/vacancy-search/607?view=vacancy Age UK Camden’s CEO Gary Jones says “It’s an important role and we’re a complex organisation with a subsidiary charity and a £2mil+ turnover, and the lead role in the isolation-reduction programme Ageing Better in Camden. We also face cuts, tenders and a pension deficit, but have many strengths including strong financial management and staff, and a broad services offer and funding base”.

One Housing seeks:
Deputy Manager
£25,000 pa 37.5 hours a week 7 – day rota
Islington and Camden
One Housing are now looking for a Deputy Manager to manage a team of Care Assistants and lead high standards of person centered care and outcome based support services.
Closing date: 30th September 2015
Full details and how to apply available online.
Care Assistants
Full-time, part-time, flexible hours and night work
£15,370 pa pro rata
Islington and Camden
One Support is the housing, care and support arm of One Housing – one of the largest and fastest growing providers of housing, care and support services across London and the South East.
For more information, or to apply please visit the website.
Closing date: 30th September 2015
RECRUITMENT OPEN DAY
If you would like to talk to us directly, join us at our open morning on 24th September 2015 between 2pm and 5pm at our Roseberry Mansions Extra Care Service in Kings Cross. We will arrange to give you a tour of the building, meet our staff and customers and get a real feel for what we provide. We will also be able to offer initial interviews all afternoon. So please bring your CV with you. Please call 020 8821 4478 to book your visit.

Organisational Development Officer Job Opportunity
Sobus are looking for an Organisational Development Officer to deliver the new strategy to better support the voluntary sector in Hammersmith and Fulham. Someone who can pro-actively support the voluntary sector to grow, secure income, develop new meaningful partnerships and become better at evaluating its impact.
Salary: £31,460 – 34,120 per annum (depending on experience)
Hours: Full time 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent (subject to funding)
Closing date: Tuesday 22 September 2015 at 12noon
Interviews: Week Commencing 12th October 2015
To apply visit our website to download an application pack
Further information: email Shad.Haibatan@sobus.org.uk

Kentish Town Community Centre currently have 2 part time Youth worker vacancies
KTCC are looking for enthusiastic and experienced individuals to join the youth team, the roles are focused on 2 core youth projects, working with young people aged 11-19 in Kentish Town.
For more information or to apply please visit www.ktcc.org.uk
Closing date for applications is 21st September 2015.

Volunteer Role and VAC to Update Website and Database
This role is ideally suited to someone who wants to learn how to edit and update a website using WordPress. It is also suited to anyone looking to gain some experience of volunteering in an office environment with a view to finding or returning to employment. No prior experience is necessary or required as training will be given.
Role Title: Website and Data Entry Volunteer
Responsible to: ICT Training and Communications Support Worker
Salary Scale: Voluntary position
Hours: 1-2 days per week – max 14 hours/week (Tuesday & Wednesday)
Location: VAC, 293 – 299 Kentish Town Road, London NW5 2TJ.
Role Purpose
~ To keep the VAC website up-to-date with the latest funding opportunities as they relate to the local Camden Voluntary and Community Sector.
~ To update and maintain information on the organisation database, as and when required.
~ To provide other data-entry and administrative assistance to the ICT training and communication support worker and other staff, as and when required.
To apply please forward a CV and cover letter to alexcharles@vac.org.uk more details at www.vac.org.uk

Are you looking to employ an assistant to help with your care needs? CamdenPAs can help you.
CamdenPAs.org.uk is a new service that makes it easy to find a personal assistant (PA) and puts you in control of your care and support.
If you have care needs, you can employ a PA to help you to live as independently as possible.
CamdenPAs features an online ‘marketplace’ for you to browse through a list of profiles of PAs in the borough. Profiles give details about the services they provide, their skills, experience and personal interests.
You can look through the list to find suitable matches and choose someone you like to help support you.
When you find a match you can contact the PA to arrange an interview and see how you get on. If you like them you can then work out contract details such as hours, duties and wages, and hire them.
If you do not find anyone suitable, you can set up your own a profile describing your requirements and interests, for PAs to look through and contact you.
You can employ a PA whether you receive a direct payment or fund your own care. If you receive direct payments you can get support with the employment from Personalised Support In Camden or AgeUK Camden.
Become a PA
If you’re a PA looking for work or are just starting out, CamdenPAs can help you. As well as helping you finding a job, the site features advice on looking for work, becoming a PA and where to get training.
Why not set up your profile today? Find out more, visit: camdenpas.org.uk or p hone: 020 7278 4437

Socially Responsible Recruiting
A new, award-winning skills matching service that connects employers with skilled and experienced people to do one-off or part-time jobs has launched in Camden, with a strong social benefit ethic.
“There is a very large number of people in Camden who are fantastically skilled and work-ready but are off the radar to employers because they’re not looking for full-time work and aren’t constantly scouring the job ads,” says Jonathan Collie, founder of Trading Times.
These people are highly skilled over 50s, and family carers. Trading Times brings them to you. It’s free to candidates. It costs you only £35, and only when you are connected to the perfect candidates.
Paul Fordham of Abbey Community Centre in Camden said: “”We posted our occasional job opportunity on Trading Times because we at the Abbey Community Centre recognise the value of the flexibility that can come with age. Trading Times offers a tailored means to directly target opportunities at an older group that the vast majority of other job sites simply do not seem to tap.”
Register at https://tradingtimes.org.uk/ and let Trading Times match you with the right local people for your needs.

Find Jobs and Volunteering opportunities at https://www.vac.org.uk/

Age UK Don’t Cut Care Petition
Older people should be able to live well, not just survive, and the right care and support can help them do this.
But ferocious cuts to home care and community services – like meals on wheels, home carers, and day centre care – mean that many older people are forced to sacrifice their dignity because they can’t get the support they need.
Age UK is calling on the Government to invest in care for older people.
Please show your support – sign our petition.

Help Us Help You – Complete the VAC Survey
VAC provides a range of services and support to the voluntary and community sector and social enterprises in Camden. With further cuts and policy changes anticipated in Camden the knock on effect to local organisations is going to be challenging.
We would appreciate it if you could complete our short questionnaire to help VAC understand what support or services you are likely to need from VAC over the next couple of years and how we can help best advocate on your behalf for the sector.
The survey consists of 13 short questions and shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes to complete. You can also opt to keep your responses anonymous if you prefer to do so.
You can complete the survey via the following Survey Monkey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/5ZLH8M6
Or on our website, at: https://vac.org.uk/influence/surveys-and-polls/survey-what-support-do-you-need-from-vac/
All completed surveys will be entered into a prize draw for a £20.00 cash prize!

Camden Consultations
Various consultations are out at the moment including a consultation on Camden Future Libraries and Camden VCS strategy and changes to early education and childcare and children’s centre services. You can find all Camden consultation on the Wearecamden consultation hub.

FREE VAC Membership for Unfunded Groups: Voluntary Action Camden Small organisations with no paid staff and a turnover of less than £1,500 can now join for FREE. To take advantage of this offer just fill in the membership on the online form here.