Voluntary Action Camden e-bulletin 13th April 2018

Looking for a Great Job or Volunteer Position?

Camden Disability Action is recruiting a Training and Development Coordinator for an exciting Active Citizen project for disabled people. The closing date has been extended to Friday 27th April.
VAC is recruiting reception volunteers for our new building in Chalk Farm.
See Jobs and Volunteers section below.

Ageing Better in Camden Community Activity Programme Invitation to Tender

Ageing Better in Camden has identified a need for an increased number of supportive activities for older people over 60 across Camden. We are therefore commissioning a programme of organisations to deliver ‘Gold Standard’ Community Activities to enable older people to attend supportive and well run activities in their local community. The aim is to help older people reduce their social isolation and loneliness, as well as make connections and build networks.    Deadline Wednesday 4th July. See the website for details.

Camden Carers’ Voice

Thursday 19th April, Argenta House, 1 Aspern Grove, Haverstock Hill, NW3
10.30am – 12.30pm Refreshments from 10am. Light lunch from 12.30pm
~ Find out about housing options for people needing care
~ How to get the right housing
For info contact, Philippa on 020 7697 1336 philippar@centre404.org.uk

One Housing Hustings

One Housing is organising a hustings event for the Camden Town with Primrose Hill ward.  It is an opportunity to meet the candidates from different parties and ask them questions.
The event is free and open to the public but please register via Eventbrite

Women’s Wellbeing Day

Saturday 21st April 12pm – 5pmCamden Hub, 8 Fairhazel Gardens, NW6
Join us for a day of rest, relaxation and rejuvenation. Focussed on women’s wellbeing, Time For You is a chance to reflect on what wellbeing means to you. There will be activities and sessions to get involved with throughout the day, as well as plenty of opportunity to chat to female peers about what they do to support and maintain their wellbeing.
Expect yoga, arts, open conversation and herbal tea a-plenty! Entry and activities by donation.
All proceeds will go towards HCCT Women’s Group. For more information:
Call – 0207 278 4437 Email – anna.thirkettle@hcct.org.uk

VCC Volunteer Managers’ Forum

Tuesday 19 June, 10am to 1pm
An opportunity to discuss all things volunteer management and network with volunteer managers in Camden and beyond. Refreshments. Details here.

Visually Impaired in Camden April Event

Will be held at the Swiss Cottage Community Centre,
19 Winchester Road, NW3 3NR
17 April, 2-4 pm. contact Rosemary@somerstown.org.uk

New involvement opportunities for people affected by cancer to shape services

UCLH Cancer Collaborative is currently looking for up to 3 people with experience of bowel cancer to be involved in a major project to improve early diagnosis of this common cancer. We are also looking for people with experience of brain and spine, lung, gynaecological, skin, pancreatic, and liver cancers to join our Pathway Boards, and help us drive improvements in patient experience and outcomes.
UCLH are also looking for additional members for the Patient Experience and User Involvement Steering Group – a strategic group which drives all of our work to improve patient experience and involve people affected by cancer.
Find out more at uclh.getinvolvedwithcancer1@nhs.net

Camden Disability Action

Catch up with the latest news from Camden Disability Action.

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

Fund Supporting Summer Play Schemes Opens

Hilden Charitable Fund helps community groups run summer play schemes for the benefit of disadvantaged children aged five to 18 years in the UK.
Grants of between £500 and £1,500 to support the following:
• Summer play schemes for children aged five to 18 years.
• Local schemes lasting for two to six weeks.
• Schemes with strong volunteer support.
Some priority will be given to projects that show they are inclusive of children from refugee families and show involvement of Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) groups.
Applications must be from voluntary agencies with less than £150k income.
The next deadline for applications is 1 June 2018. Find out more here.

Foyle Foundation Small Grants Scheme

The Small Grants Scheme is designed to support smaller charities registered and operating in the United Kingdom, especially those working at grass roots and local community level, in any field, across a wide range of activities.  You can apply for one year grants of between £1,000 and £10,000 for core costs, equipment or project funding to charities which can show that such a grant will make a significant difference to their work. Details here.
Applicants must have an annual turnover of less than £150,000 per annum.

Grantfinder

Looking for support to find funding?  VAC has the full version of Grantfinder, an online programme that let’s you search for sources of funding.
A member of VAC staff will sit down with you for an hour to show you how to use it and make the most of Grantfinder.  This is a free service for Camden voluntary and community sector groups.  To book your slot contact Ricky at acharles@vac.org.uk or call 020 7284 6550.
To get an idea of what Grantfinder can do take a look at the simplified version available here.

Camden Giving

Camden Giving have published the timetable for the various grants programmes they will be offering over the coming 12 months. There are 6 programmes in total. You can view the full timetable here. The KX Fund 2018 opens on 3rd April for grants up to £10,000.
Come and find out about Camden Giving grants and how to apply at two drop-in events on16th (10 – 11.30am) and 26th April (6 – 7.30pm) at The Living Centre, Ossulston St, NW1.  Drop in – no need to book.

Apply to be a Co-op local cause

The Co-op Local Community Fund gives money to local causes, helping to bring people together and make a difference. Find out more about how the fund works
We’ll give preference to projects run by small, local organisations that make a real difference to people in their community.
Deadline 8th April.  Find out more at causes.coop.co.uk

Regents Place Community Fund

The fund has three priorities:Social Cohesion; Health & Wellbeing; Employability. Groups from Regent’s Park, Somers Town and Bloomsbury Wards are eligible to apply.  Find out more here.

Building a Stronger Britain Together Programme

A Home Office funded scheme which supports projects delivering:
· Increased sense of belonging and civic participation at the local level
· More resilient communities
· Fewer people holding attitudes, beliefs & feelings that oppose shared values
Website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/building-a-stronger-britain-together
Please contact Nyree Moore (nyree.moore@camden.gov.uk / 07771572976)

Healthy Minds Programme with Mind in Camden

There is a full programme of activities taking place at the Living Centre as part of the Healthy Minds programme. Full details on the VAC training calendar.

Voluntary Action Camden working in partnership with Mary Ward Centre.

Governance in the Voluntary and Community Sector

VAC and Mary Ward offer this short course for members of governing bodies or anybody who is interested in developing the knowledge and skills required to be a member of a governing body in the voluntary or community sector. With the knowledge gained from this course you can become an effective participant in the governance of new and existing organisations. Full details on the Mary Ward Centre website.

More details on the VAC website: https://vac.org.uk/events/

Community Sponsorship of Refugees Information Session.

Guest speakers will talk about the scheme and the refugee crisis. Learn how to get involved.  Refreshments provided.
Sat 21 April 2018 14:30 – 16:30 at St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 4 Holly Walk, Hampstead. Book online here.

Eight Week Mindfulness Project at the Stress Project

9th May to 27th June every  Wednesday 10 am – 12 noon
Free pre-course taster sessions on Wednesday 18 & 25 April, 10 am – 12 noon
Mindfulness is the practise of focusing your attention on being in the present, without judgement. It is clinically proven and ideal to help improve sleep, de-stress and reduce anxiety
Cost: £20 (non-refundable deposit required to secure a space)
Spaces are limited – call 020 7700 3938 to book
www.stressproject.org.uk 2 Shelburne Road, N7 6DL

Maiden Lane Community Centre Jobs and Training Fair

Wednesday 18th April 1 – 4.30pm
Come and find out about jobs, training and apprenticeship opportunities.
Meet employers, colleges, careers advice etc
Details contact Mark 020 7267 9586 or 07539 646490 email: info@maidenlancecommunitycentre.org

‘Pride in Care’

The national conference organised by Opening Doors London, Britain’s leading organisation providing support and services to older lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people provides an opportunity to take stock of where we have got to in responding to the health and social care needs of older LGBT+ people and shares lessons.  Details online.

Elfrida Rathbone Creative Therapy Group for Parents

Free 10-week Creative Therapy Group, Fridays 10am – 11.45am, starting Friday 20th April – 29th June (with a break on 1st June 2018).
The aim of the group is to provide a safe, confidential space to have ‘you-time’ and explore and recover self-expression using art materials. Using creativity can help to give expression to and work through difficult experiences and emotions and increase your sense of wellbeing.
Contact Rosanna: Rosanna@elfridacamden.org.uk / T: 020 7424 1615

Employability Courses – WEP/Working Men’s College

Courses include: Skills for Retail Employability and Employability Skills with EnglishThese courses are ideal for people either studying ESOL or with little or no retail/hospitality experience. Start Tuesday 24 April end Thursday 24 May
People must be in receipt of benefits (i.e. JSA, ESA, Universal Credit, Income Support, Housing Benefit) and have been a UK resident for 3 years. Contact:
David Hermanstein on 07908845154/david.hermanstein@camden.gov.uk
Diana Young on 020 7388 7932/diana@westeuston.org
or Panchali Kar on  020 7255 4733 /panchalik@wmcollege.ac.uk

Become a Change Maker with North Camden Zone

North Camden Zone is delivering a free one day training course to the voluntary and community sector organisations and individuals working with children, young people or families, called Become a Change Maker (Level 1). The training will focus on systems thinking and will give you an understanding of change and supporting grassroots action in North Camden.
The training will take place on the 2nd of May 2018, 9:30am to 4pm at St Pancras Community Association, 67 Plender Street, London NW1 0LG. Please book your place here.  Contact: madalina@northcamdenzone.org.

Faith, identity and security – join the conversation

Sunday 22 April, 11am-6pm, 3FF, Star House, Kentish Town, NW5
3FF will be hosting an event in partnership with Rethinking Security (RS): an organisation which promotes conversations about security in different communities.
Join with others for a conversation about security: what it means to people of different faiths and beliefs and how it can be improved, both here in the UK and globally. Apply here.

Queens Crescent Open Evening

An open event for young peole in Camden with careers advice, music, food.  Friday 4th May, 6 – 8pm at The Dome, Weedington Road. info@qcca.org.uk

Camden Disability Action seeks Training and Development Coordinator – Closing date extended

4 days per week Flexible with some evening and weekends.– NJC PT. 35 pro rata £26,866
CDA is recruiting an experienced person to be responsible for developing and then coordinating  an Active Citizen development programme and activities for deaf and disabled people in Camden.
The post holder will be responsible for planning, implementing, managing and reporting on project to ensure its success. Identifying suitable trainers, running outreach activities to recruit disabled people to take part in the programme and creating a mentoring programme to support the participants.
For more information please contact abhatt@vac.org.uk
Application Form, Job Description & Person Specification can be downloaded from the CDA website.
Closing Date:  Friday 27th April 12 noon

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

VAC has recently moved to a new home at Charlie Ratchford Centre, Belmont Street, NW1. We are sharing the building with Camden Carers and Camden Disability Action. A number of other small community groups will also be using the premises. It is a very busy building with lots of people coming and going.
VAC is now delighted to offer a new Receptionist volunteering opportunity.
You will carry out reception work and be the first point of contact for visitors. Ideally you will be able to commit for a minimum of half a day per week for 3 months. 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 for further information.

Healthwatch Camden is recruiting a Project Officer

28 hours a week, £24,240 pa
Healthwatch Camden is an independent organisation, working to ensure that local people get a say in the health and social care services they use. We are looking for someone who understands the ways that service user voice can be used to shape and improve services; who can relate to the diverse population in Camden; who understands the contribution volunteers can make to projects; who has experience of research, preferably in an area of social policy; who can manage process, with good attention to detail; who wants to take responsibility; who can work flexibly; and above all who wants to make a difference for the people of Camden. Full details and how to apply available here.
To apply, please send us your CV together with a supporting statement to jobs@healthwatchcamden.co.uk.
Closing date 4 May 2018. Interviews will be the week commencing 14th May.
Queries to frances.hasler@healthwatch.co.uk or telephone – 020 7383 2402.

Age UK Camden seeks Office Coordinator & Central Reception

35 hours per week£24,134 to £26,131 + 6% con tributory pension
In this key central role within our diverse and vibrant organisation, you’ll work across the organisation supporting colleagues and services, directly supporting clients via calls & signposting. This is a great opportunity for someone looking to gain a greater insight into a local independent charity.
Closing date: 5:00pm on 30th April
For further details and an application form visit our website or email jobs@ageukcamden.org.uk or telephone 020 7239 0400.

Elfrida Rathbone Camden seeks Work Placement Support Volunteers for young adults with learning disabilities

Enjoy supporting people to achieve their potential? We are looking for enthusiastic, reliable and patient volunteers to support our young adults with learning disabilities on their path towards employment. We ask for a minimum commitment of 3 hours each week. You will be matched 1:1 with one of our young people to support them to travel to and from their work experience placement at a local business. You will also supervise and support the young person with their work activities. This might be in a café, clothes shop, charity shop, city farm or a range of other local businesses. For more information and to apply e-mail Josie@elfridacamden.org.uk or call 020 7424 1601.

Homestart Camden seeks Family Support Volunteers

Are you a parent, grandparent or have parenting experience?
Can you give 3 – 4 hours weekly to visit a family with young children who may be going through a difficult time?
Enhance your skills with our training, supervision and fulfilling volunteer role
Next Preparation Training Starting 24th April to 17th May 2018
Every Tuesday to Thursday 9.45 – 2.45. Certificates awarded & expenses paid
For information pack ring 020 7424 1603 email: info@homestartcamden.org

Elfrida Rathbone Camden Recruiting Community Connector Parent Volunteers

Are you a parent or carer living in Camden? Have you ever thought of helping other parents by sharing tips, interesting activities happening in your community and places to go with your family and friends? Camden Futures is recruiting parent volunteers to become Community Connectors. Book your place on the 2 day free training to develop key skills for the Community Connectors’ role.
Thursday 19th April 2018, 9.30am – 2.30pm
Thursday 26th April 2018, 9.30am – 2.30pm
Kentish Town Community Centre, 17 Busby Place, London NW5 2SP
Please apply by calling 020 7424 1622 or via e-mail: Francesca@elfridacamden.org.uk Travel expenses and lunch will be provided.

Ageing Better seeks Outreach Worker (18 hours per week)

Sc5 £24,134 to £26,131 pro rata
Ageing Better Camden is looking for an Outreach Worker to contribute to a new Outreach Service trialling innovative approaches to reaching, initiating contact and engaging with significant numbers of older people across Camden.
The Outreach Worker will proactively search for isolated people out in their communities by knocking on doors, visiting pubs, launderettes and community centres. They will help older people to make social connections and provide low level support to access local activities, working alongside volunteers and the Community Connectors Service to make this happen.
For more details, all documents can be downloaded from our website www.ageukcamden.org.uk or email jobs@ageukcamden.org.uk.
Closing date  – Thursday 19 April 2018  Interviews – Friday 4 May 2018

Camden Infrastructure Review – have your say

There’s still time to contribute to the Camden review of local infrastructure. Click here to fill in a short online survey.

New Project with BAME Older People

Ageing Better in Camden is commissioning a new Community Action Project specifically targeted for work with isolated older people in Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities in Camden. The aim is to help older people from BAME communities to reduce their social isolation and loneliness, as well as make connections and build networks.
Ageing Better in Camden invites organisations to tender for our new BAME Community Action project which will run for 2.5 years from October 2018.
The deadline for submitting a tender is Monday 4 June 2018. Details here.

Fully accessible office space to rent

The Camden Society, an organisation which supports people with a learning disability, has a fully accessible desk space suitable for up to 50 people to rent at its head office in Kentish Town.
The rent of the desk space includes: Access to an open plan office and communal area; Contained and fixed desk space; Reception Service; Disabled facilities; Optional Broadband & WiFi & photocopier
There is an additional option to hire any one of three accessible meeting rooms that includes optional room division, broadband, wifi and interactive whiteboard.
For more information or to arrange a visit please contact Alice Baker at alice.baker@thecamdensociety.co.uk or on 020 7485 8177.
The Camden Society, 60 Holmes Road, London, NW5 3AQ

Our mailing address is:
29 – 31 Hampstead Road, London, NW1 3JA

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