VAC Membership
VAC represents local organisations in conversations with local government and funders, we advise on local issues and we inform, support and train local charities depending on their needsIt’s completely free to sign up to be a member, and membership ensures you will be first to hear about all of the services we offer to the voluntary sector. |
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Celebrating Trustees’ across Camden – Annual thank you event coming soon!!!
Camden trustees are integral to the local VSCE and critical to the quality of community service provision in the borough. They devote time, energy and effort, for free, to help thousands of charities and community groups across Camden. Our annual celebration event is a chance to give back to our trustees and say a huge thank you for all the hard work they do. It’s also a chance for trustees to come together, meet new faces and discover new connections in the borough.
Keep an eye out for a date, likely to be in Feb (don’t worry, we will post it in the newsletter and in our Trustee Network email group!).
Grants and Funding
If you would like help with finding grants or your funding applications, either get in touch for a conversation or fill in our form to request our support. Also check out our new Voluntary Action Camden 4 Community Portal, a fantastic resource to help groups search for funding using a number of filters and search options, as well as access helpful guides and funding news and information.
CONNECT LEARN SHARE: VAC New Groups Network
This is a Network for all the new groups that VAC have provided with consultancy support recently and for any community group or individual considering starting a charity, social enterprise or community group. The Network will be discussing the common challenges and requirements that you face when starting a new charity, social enterprise, or community group. You will have the opportunity to share experiences with others and seek the advice and support of your peers. Next Network meeting is online on 29th of January. If you want to join email Vania at vguetova@vac.org.uk.
NEW – Safeguarding Training
More details in the Events and Training section
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What does 2024 have in store for charities?
Third Sector podcasters are joined by Jane Ide, the chief executive of the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations, or Acevo, and Sue Tibballs, the chief executive of the Sheila McKechnie Foundation, which seeks to build the confidence and effectiveness of civil society to effect change and champion campaigners.
“There will be a general election and the economic climate is going to continue to be very challenging...What we want to talk about is a social sector that stands alongside the private and the public sectors as three legs of a stool without any of which the stool doesn’t stand.”
To hear the podcast go to Third Sector Podcast: What does 2024 have in store for charities? | Third Sector or read the transcription What does 2024 have in store for charities? | Third Sector.
You can also read a New Year insight piece from NCVO’s chief executive Sarah Vibert on how to harness the power of the charity sectors’ collective voice in 2024.
GENERAL ELECTION 2024? What charities need to know about campaigning
With the prospect of a general election taking place this year, charities need to be mindful of what they say and how they say it to avoid falling foul of the law; but that doesn’t mean we can’t speak out on the issues that matter to us. Check out this useful guide from the Legal Education Foundation to help charities campaign in the run-up to an election.
CATALYST: What are the big digital trends for 2024?
Which digital trends do charities need to know about for 2024? How can they put them into practice?
Zoe Amar talks about trends that charities will be wise to make the most of, to get ahead of the curve.
Human Rights
The British Institute of Human Rights has a new London-based human rights programme in partnership with Just Fair. The programme aims to develop the use of human rights-based approaches for voluntary organisations. To start, they are running a number of open days.
Social Prescribing Report by NAVCA
Learning from social prescribing is the latest report by NAVCA, looking at how to improve the social prescribing system. Local Infrastructure Organisations (LIOs) support VCSE organisations in the social prescribing ecosystem in a range of ways including through capacity building and community development; building partnerships; commissioning, contracting and providing quality assurance; and hosting Link Workers.
Click here to download the full report.
NAVCA Vision for Volunteering Theme Conference – Power
The Vision for Volunteering is a 10 year collaborative project, with the aim of improving volunteering by 2032.Through our research we have identified five key focus themes:
Awareness and Appreciation
Power
Equity and Inclusion
Collaboration
Experimentation
Throughout January and February 2024 we will be taking a deep dive on each of these themes individually. Come along to this free event to learn about and discuss the themes, network with others in the volunteering space and join the Vision for Volunteering movement. Find out more and book your place here.
Unclaimed Healthy Start Vouchers – Making a Healthy Start Application
Almost £4,000 of Healthy Start vouchers go unclaimed every week in Camden and recent data from Hackey shows that uptake of Healthy Start vitamins was as low as 20% in 2022. These vitamins can be incredibly beneficial to support healthy development. For example, taking folic acid supplements pre-pregnancy can reduce the risk of neural tube defects. If someone needs support, get in touch with Camden Council at one of their local children’s centres or calling 0800 731 0232 or 0800 389 5789. Alternatively call the NHS Healthy Start helpline on 0300 330 7010. |
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Every week VAC checks various sources for the latest funding opportunities relevant for Camden groups.
You can visit our website for a round up of the latest opportunities added this week: Search for Funding – Voluntary Action Camden (vac.org.uk).
We’ve included a selection of the latest funds below but check out our new funding portal for many more opportunities.
If you need help sourcing or applying for funds, get in touch with our consultancy service, free for all Camden groups!
Closure of Household Support Fund
The current Household Support Fund closes on 31 March 2024. The government is yet to make a decision on whether the fund will be renewed beyond then. As part of their work to gather evidence to convince central government to continue the fund for another year, the LGA are conducting a short online survey on the level of demand for the fund, the impact of the fund ending on local welfare provision, and how the fund could be improved if it were to be extended. Whilst the survey is targeted at councils that administer the fund, voluntary and community partners are being encouraged to respond and answer the questions only relevant to them. The survey should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete. If you want to contribute, the deadline for responses is 5pm on Friday 19th January.
Fill in the survey here: https://research.local.gov.uk/jfe/form/SV_brwYCBnh580OkIK
Lloyds Bank Foundation’s Specialist Funding Programme Deadline Reminder
Small, local, specialist frontline charities who are supporting people facing complex issues in England and Wales have until 25 January 2024 to submit their application for tailored development support and a three-year unrestricted grant of £75,000. This funding is not available for Community Interest Companies, or any other organisations that are not charities or CIOs registered in England and Wales, hospices, rescue services or ‘umbrella organisations. The deadline for applications is 25 January 2024 (17:00). Lloyds Bank Foundation’s Specialist Funding Programme – Deadline Reminder
Comic Relief Announces New UK Fund in February 2024
Comic Relief has given advanced notice that it ‘expects to launch a new funding opportunity in February for organisations that are supporting refugees and asylum seekers in the UK and/or who are doing influencing work for safer routes and improved outcomes for people affected. This will be for organisations that are already working in this area. Further details about the new grant will be provided as soon as they become available.
British Gas Energy Trust Accepting Applications
British Gas Energy Trust is an independent charitable body set up to support those who are struggling to pay their bills, regardless of energy provider. The Individuals and Families Fund is intended to tackle fuel poverty by clearing the energy debts of struggling households and respond to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Grants to cover arrears of up to £1,500 will be credited to the energy account of eligible households.The fund is available to BG and Non-BG customers with debt on a credit energy account or those on a pre-payment meter. Please note that suppliers with their own support fund are excluded from this fund: Boost, Eon, Eon Next, EDF, Scottish Power, Ovo, Octopus, SSE and Utilita. The Fund is expected to close at the end of March 2024 (unless all the funding is allocated sooner). For further information on how to obtain this fund, please email: admin@britishgasenergytrust.org.uk
How to tap into unrestricted funding for your community organisation in 2024
Free funding workshop – find out how your voluntary group, CIC, social enterprise, church, school, sports club or charity can benefit from unrestricted funding in 2024.
Community Fundraising Manager Becky Coleman will talk through how you can use the easyfundraising platform to raise donations for your organisation and will demonstrate how it works, show you how to get started and answer any questions you might have.
When: Thursday 25th January
Time: 12.30 – 1pm
Where: Online via Zoom
Register at: https://tinyurl.com/bdhknx3c
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VAC UPCOMING TRAINING:
Open to VAC Members only
If you are a voluntary service or group delivering services in Camden and are not a member of VAC, please join here: https://vac.org.uk/get-involved/membership
Upcoming safeguarding training
For all VCS organisations, supplementary, faith schools and groups delivering services to under 18’s in the borough.
In partnership with Camden’s Safeguarding Children’s Partnership:
Safeguarding in Practice – Developing knowledge and understanding
Wednesday 24 January 2024: 10.00am – 12.00pm
Face-to-face at: Committee Room 2, Crowndale Centre, Third Floor, Crowndale Centre, 218 Eversholt Street NW1 1BD
To find out more or to secure your place, please visit our website or email the VAC Safeguarding Lead Dianne Carlton-Ogunyemi on: dogunyemi@vac.org.uk
Introduction to Safer Recruitment – Online
Thursday 1st February 2024: 1pm – 2.30pm
Essential knowledge for managers, senior workers and leadership teams, permanent workers and volunteers who work with children and young people in the borough.
To find out more or to secure your place, please visit our website or email the VAC Safeguarding Lead Dianne Carlton-Ogunyemi on: dogunyemi@vac.org.uk
Online Safeguarding and Social Media’ Workshop (In partnership with Camden Prevent and Lightbulb Learners)
Thursday 8th February 2024: 10am – 12.30pm
Face-to-face at: Meeting Room 3.1, Third Floor, Crowndale Centre,
218 Eversholt Street NW1 1BD
Essential knowledge for all, but especially those currently working with children and young people in the borough. To find out more or to secure your place, please visit our website or email the VAC Safeguarding Lead Dianne Carlton-Ogunyemi on: dogunyemi@vac.org.uk
Women and Girls’ Personal Safety and Awareness
(In partnership with The Safeguarding Foundation)
Wednesday 13 March 2024, 10.00am – 12.00pm
Face-to-face at Ludham & Waxham TRA Hall, Lismore Circus, Camden NW3
To find out more or to secure your place, please visit our website or email the VAC Safeguarding Lead Dianne Carlton-Ogunyemi on: dogunyemi@vac.org.uk
CONNECT LEARN SHARE – VAC NEW GROUPS NETWORK
This is a Network for all the new groups that VAC have provided with consultancy support recently and for any community group or individual considering starting a charity, social enterprise or community group. The Network will be discussing the common challenges and requirements that you face when starting a new charity, social enterprise, or community group. You will have the opportunity to share experiences with others and seek the advice and support of your peers. If you want to join email Vania at vguetova@vac.org.uk
OTHER EVENTS
Google’s Community Affairs First Community Training Day for 2024
Friday, February 9, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Google, 6 Pancras Square, London N1C 4AG
Networking lunch with local organisations; free skills training session; and a Q&A session led by local community leaders.
Do RSVP here by Monday 29th January.
St. Pancras Community Association events: Workshops to Boost Employability
St Pancras Community Association have partnered with KX Recruit and are hosting three FREE workshops on January the 17th, 24th and 31st to help boost your employability skills. The workshops are open to all. They will be held in person at 67 Plender Street, NW1 0LB. Email info@spca.org.uk to apply.
Salsa Party at St Pancras Community Association:
Come along to 67 Plender Street on Saturday, 27th of January 2024 for a night of salsa dancing, delicious food & drinks, and good company! The amazing Pat M’Bella will be your guide and will teach you all the moves. Tickets are £10 each. Email marketing@spca.org.uk for any questions. (https://stpancrascommunityassociation.beaconforms.com/form/8906fd1f?fbclid=IwAR02AE7ORYyHVXntO3tuw1QE-iSUQBfumGw4_8pNacXYuYY7f5K-ZShEBvE
Community Association for West Hampstead
Memory cafe from 1:30 to 3:30pm at West Hampstead Community Centre 17 Dornfell Street London NW6 1QN
We invite you to an afternoon of reminiscing fond memories and making new ones over lunch, coffee and Arts & Craft.
Carers & Family Welcome. This is a Free Service funded by Right At Home.
Call Beatrice on 0207 794 3729 or email beatrice@cawh.org.uk for more information.
Castlehaven Exciting News!
Castlehaven has an amazing line up of health events coming up. Join six monthly support sessions for women & girls living with Endometriosis in partnership with Healthwatch Camden from the 17th January. Don’t miss an informative Menopause talk on Jan 31st, and take part in a 8-week weight management course starting on Feb 8th. For more details on these fantastic health programmes and talks, please email healthhaven@castlehaven.org.uk
Free Community Festival at the Likewise Community Centre (8 Fairhazel Gardens, London NW6 3SG) – “Zen in Mind”
Thursday January 25th, 12pm-4pm
The Zen Project and Mind in Camden bring to you another of their monthly festivals to celebrate mental health and support the local Camden community. Open to all and all activities are free. Free food, massage, mindfulness sessions and more. Climb on board our big yellow American school bus and take part in one of our activities to help create some calm and ease anxiety. We have something for everyone. No need to book – just turn up. More information here.
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Facilities Manager at Co-Laboratories
Permanent role; Full time, 37.5 hours per week, Monday-Friday
Salary: £23,300 – £25,562 per annum
Location: London, N1C 4PD
Closing date: 16th January 2024 23:59
Interviews: w/c 22nd January
Start date: End of February 2024
*Please note – this role is only open to applications from CAMDEN residents aged 18+*
Co-Laboratories is an acting non-profit, funded partly by Camden Council and private sector money to enable companies in Biotechnology to access Laboratory space..
For more information or if you’d like to apply, please visit: Vacancy – LIFT Futures or contact cina.aissa@camden.gov.uk
Old Diorama Arts Centre is recruiting
ODAC is looking to recruit a freelance Governance Administrator
As ODAC continues to develop and expand, we are looking to recruit a freelancer to support efficiency and best practice with our company and charity governance. Approximately 1 day per month on a hybrid basis. Rolling deadline as looking to recruit someone asap.
Full JD and info: https://olddiorama.com/news/hiring-governance-admin
Henna Asian Women’s Group vacancy: part-time Project Support Worker (3 days/21 hours)
Closing date: Monday 15th January 2024 at noon.
We are looking for a female with a South Asian language, good administrative and social media skills; empathetic understanding of the issues experienced by and impacting women from the South Asian diaspora.
12-month contract (possibility of extension, depending on funding).
For more information, an application form, job description and personal specifications, please email info@hennaorg.co.uk
Community Development Lead – £33,000pa, Full Time
The Winch Community Development Lead will initiate and manage the day-to-day delivery of an exciting new initiative, the Good Neighbourhood Project, supporting residents in Swiss Cottage and Kilburn to imagine and realise a fairer and greener future for the place they call home. This is a new opportunity with huge potential for the successful candidate to shape the project and the role to obtain the best outcomes for residents. The Winch helps residents to build the communities we all deserve. Find out more here or via Charity Jobs
The deadline for applications is Sunday 28th January 2024.
We will hold interviews on Wednesday 7th February 2024.
NAVCA is hiring
Integrated Care Lead
Do you have experience in integrated health and care policy in England? Are you a proven partnership builder, with experience of collaborative, cross-sector working? Do you want to make a difference by supporting the VCSE sector and communities to be a key strategic partner in local health and care delivery? To apply, please download our application form here and return it to recruitment@navca.org.uk. Deadline for applications: 11:59pm on 21st January 2024. Interview date: 30th January 2024 (to be held in Lichfield).
Youth & Community Operations Manager
The South Hampstead and Kilburn Community Partnership (SHAK) is a resident led charity based on the famous Alexandra and Ainsworth estate in the Kilburn Ward of Camden, London. SHAK are looking for a talented individual to act as operations manager and deputy to CEO. This is an exciting, new senior role to take ownership of existing projects and help drive the organisation forward. The successful candidate will have a strong background in youth work combined with experience in and a passion for community development.
Click here for more info and to apply:
https://www.charityjob.co.uk/jobs/south-hampstead-and-kilburn-community-partnership/youth-community-operations-manager/944638?tsId=36
Closing date: 26 January 2024 at 11:30pm
Community Champions Co-ordinator
Thanks to extended funding SHAK are looking for a dynamic, committed and organised individual with a passion for community development to lead the “Community Champion project” taking it to the next level. You will build on a successful project which has co-produced initiatives with residents/volunteers such as community gardens, walking, knitting, food-based, arts groups as well as warm spaces and community events/trips.
Click below for more info and to apply:
https://www.charityjob.co.uk/jobs/south-hampstead-and-kilburn-community-partnership/community-champions-coordinator/946752?tsId=36
Closing date: 8 February 2024 |
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North Central London Integrated Care Board consultation
A 14-week public consultation has been launched on proposed changes to how and where some maternity, neonatal, and children’s surgical services could be provided in North Central London. North Central London Integrated Care Board, on behalf of the local integrated care system, and NHS England (London) Specialised Commissioning are leading the consultation and want to hear your feedback. You can view the proposals and complete a questionnaire online at
https://nclhealthandcare.org.uk/get-involved/start-well-2/
Or give feedback:
Email: StartWellConsultation@ors.org.uk
Post: Opinion Research Services, FREEPOST SS1018, PO Box 530, Swansea, SA1 1ZL Phone: 0800 324 7005.
Volunteering in Camden survey
VCC want to identify the latest volunteering trends and challenges in Camden. This anonymous survey will help VCC to focus their support in the areas that are needed the most. It will take approximately 2-4mins to complete: Survey
Digital Connectivity
City Hall are looking into how to improve digital connectivity and how public spaces could be better designed to improve digital connectivity. Email digitalinfrastructureLPG@london.gov.uk to take part in the discussion.
Affordable, Convenient Office Space in the Heart of the Community
The Winch is a charity that has been working with young people in Camden and nearby areas since 1973. We are currently seeking new tenants for our two office spaces located in Swiss Cottage. We have two well-lit, spacious rooms that can accommodate 2-8 people. Email roomhire@thewinch.org or call us at 0207 586 8731 for more information.
Office furniture and fittings donation/ reuse opportunity:
An office building in central London (Green Park station) is planning full internal redesign, and offers used office furniture and fittings, which are all in good condition, to local non profit institutions such as schools, retirement homes, council, refugee centres, immigration offices, a designated charity, etc. The offer is on a “First come first served basis”. Self collection and self dismount if needed.
Viewings 10am-16pm work days.
Contact:
Alena Kereshun designprojectldn@gmail.com
Local VCS Newsletters:
SHAK
Young Camden Foundation (Funding Newsletter)
Young Camden Foundation (Events and Training Newsletter)
AWN (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)
UCL Volunteering Service Newsletter (sign up)
Latin American House
London Irish Centre (sign up)
Castlehaven Community Association (sign up)
Heath Hands
Age UK Camden (sign up)
Somers Town People’s Museum
Calthorpe Community Garden
If you would like your Camden VCS newsletter added to this list, please email social@vac.org.uk
Looking for a previous newsletter entry? Find it in our archive here
Find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here |
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| Send your item to social@vac.org.uk by noon on Wednesday for publication in the following Friday’s edition. 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.
Wishing you a HAPPY NEW YEAR from Keith & the VAC team: Alex, Dianne, Donna, Duncan, Hasel, Lola, Mandira, Nasrin, Ricky, Vania and all the Trustees and Volunteers. |
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