VAC Weekly Newsletter
13th December 2019 |
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| Rents Review Update; Council Staff Volunteering; Comings and Goings; Mental Health Awareness Training; London Sport Award nominations; Social Media Training; Recovery College; Orthopaedic Surgery Consultation; Cancer Awareness Survey + training, events, jobs, volunteering, trustees and more |
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Rents Review Update
The Rents review that started earlier this year was due to go to consultation in November and to Cabinet in January. It will now go to Cabinet in February.
There will be another session of the panel in January for a more detailed update of the proposed framework. Currently the council are still proposing that social value form a central part of the framework and the basis of offsetting against rents.
You can contact David Jaggs with any other concerns or elements of the framework you want to discuss David.Jaggs@camden.gov.uk |
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Camden Council Staff Volunteering
Did you know that Camden Council staff are able to take up to one paid day of volunteering each year? Volunteer Centre Camden have partnered with The Council to host a small volunteering fair at 5PS aka Camden Council HQ on Thursday 19th December, 3.30-5pm.
How The Council staff volunteering scheme works
• Staff might choose to use their day in one go, or split it into a number of hours across the year
• Staff might choose their own individual volunteering opportunity, or perhaps they’d prefer to get together with their team or other colleagues across the organisation to do something together
• Staff might choose their day to volunteer for an organisation that they already work with/support
Do you have volunteering roles that can be done in this way? Interested in promoting these roles to council staff? If so, whether or not you’re able to attend this event – contact Shafia by email or phone 020 7424 9990.
Comings and Goings
Rachel Schwartz is the new CEO at Kentish Town City Farm and the new board chair is Angela Woods
Sarah Mansuralli becomes the new NCL Director of Strategic Commissioning and Sarah McDonnell-Davies has been appointed as Camden CCG Chief Operating Officer.
Elisabeth Retzmann, Director of Women and Health is leaving.
Matthew Parris is the New Director of Healthwatch Camden taking over from Frances Hasler.
Gus Alston has been taken on by C4 to work on a project as part of the Infrastructure Alliance.
Fazlul Haque is the new CEO at BWA.
Akhita Benjamin, Centre Manager, The Caraf Centre is leaving end of Dec.
Mental Health Awareness Training
Free 17th January 2020
Camden Council’s Physical Activity Team & The Pirate Castle have partnered to organise Mental Health Awareness Training delivered by Rethink Mental Illness.
This course is for organisations that deliver sport and physical activity in Camden. There is a £5 (plus booking fee) charge for this training as a commitment fee, £5 is refundable upon arrival at the course.
For any questions, please contact Josef.thomas@camden.gov.uk
Nominations for the London Sport Awards 2020
Nominations are open until Wednesday 8 January. The full list of categories for the London Sport Awards 2020 is:
Volunteer of the Year
The Children and Young People Award
The Health & Wellbeing Award
The Technology and Innovation Award
The Impact of Elite Sport Award
The Community Impact Award
The Enhancing the Workforce Award
Inspirational Young Person of the Year
Social Media Training for London Social Housing Tenants
Wednesday 15th January, 10.30am to 3.30pm
Ampthill Square Tenants and Residents Hall, London, NW1 2JS
London Tenants Federation is holding a free social media training event for those who want to get online but don’t know how or for those who are already using social media but want to learn how to have more of an impact.
Learn the basics: 10.30am to 12.30pm
Master the art: 1.30pm to 3.30pm
Spaces are limited. Email info@londontenants.org to book stating morning session, the afternoon session or both.
Recovery College
New course guide and calendar now available online and at the College
Telephone: +44 (0)20 3317 6904 Email: recovery.college@candi.nhs.uk www.candi.nhs.uk/recovery.college
Proposed changes to planned orthopaedic surgery
The consultation planning group are keen to try to work with potential groups they might engage with as part of the consultation. NCL are looking to link up with any meetings/events you might have from the end of January 2020 through to early April where the team could come and speak with service users or their families about the proposals. Contact Iuliana Dinu, iuliana.dinu@nhs.net
Cancer Awareness Survey
Camden and Islington Public Health want to know how aware residents are of cancer. We’ll use what you tell us to help improve awareness of cancer in Camden – including causes, signs, symptoms and screening. You can take the survey here.
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| The Council’s Funding Bulletin has been replaced by Camden 4 Community
See the Funding pages on VAC’s website for all the latest information.
Brand New Fund – Two Magpies
Two Magpies has just launched https://www.twomagpiesfund.co.uk
They give out small grants (up to £15,000) to charities and community organisations, working with women who have experienced abuse and children growing up in poverty and difficult circumstances. Organisations working in Camden, Haringey, Westminster and Islington are eligible.
New Lloyds Bank Foundation Grant Programme
Small but vital charities can apply for grants of £45k or £100k over 3 years that can be used entirely for core costs. The process has been simplified as well. Learn more about the funding process and check your eligibility
Pocket Parks
A £1.35 million fund has been launched to help local communities in England create new pocket parks or to revive rundown green spaces in their area.
Community groups can now bid grants of up to £15,000 for new pocket parks and up to £25,000 to renovate existing parks which have fallen into disrepair, bringing them back into public use.
Funding For February Half-Term Activities
The John Lyons School Holiday Activity Fund enables organisations to deliver activities for children and young people during the school holidays.
The Fund will pay for the running costs of holiday programmes that provide young people with activities in supportive and accessible environments.
Applications for February half term should be submitted by 18 January 2020.
The Mayor of London UEFA EURO 2020 Grants Programme
As part of the Mayor’s strategy for sport and social integration, The Mayor of London UEFA EURO 2020 Grants Programme will see up to £525,000 spent.
Have an idea for an event or project that’ll bring your community together?
Information workshop Tuesday 7 January (eve) City Hall. Please sign up here.
Applications are open now until Monday 20 January 2020. For more information and to apply: www.london.gov.uk/euro-2020-microgrants
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.
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Launch of IT and Digital Capacity Building Programme in the New Year
VAC, working in Partnership with CITA and WCIT, is excited to launch our new IT and digital capacity building for the sector. Taking on your priorities from our recent survey, we will be delivering a series of FREE 2 hour workshops covering a whole range of topics from getting started with new IT systems, social media use and strategy, website and CRM development through to data protection, compliance and digital strategy. We will be releasing the programme next week and the workshops will be available to book via our website. The first two workshops are due to run on the 21st and 29th January.
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.
Safeguarding Courses:
Safeguarding Introduction: Protecting Children in the Community (Level 2)
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.
Enquire for dates of next course.
Safeguarding Advance: Developing knowledge and understanding. (Level 3)
Wednesday 18th December: 10.00am – 2.30pm (Includes lunch)
For those who frequently work with or deliver services to children and their families. Course provides essential information that your organisation / group needs to understands it’s legal obligations in regards to child protection procedures and up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding legislation.
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/ |
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Works for Me Employment Programme
Open to all visually impaired people who live, work or study in London between 18 and 65yrs. One to one advice; contact with experts; network with other visually impaired people; employment information.
Contact: employment@londonvision.org or tel: 07773584028.
Training in London: 4th & 5th February 2020
The FSI is offering 300 delegate training places, so that all small charities can access the skills they need to become self sustaining.
Training sessions cover a wide range of fundraising techniques and back office skills delivered by experienced and knowledgeable trainers.
Venue: Amnesty International, 25 New Inn Yard, London EC2A 3EA
Time: 9:45 – 16.30 (registration 09.15-09:45) Full details here.
Arts 4 Dementia opportunity for people living with dementia and their companions.
The workshop programme, taking place at the Science Museum, is starting on 21 January and running for four weeks. Participants will benefit from a private view of this breath-taking presentation of the history of medical science.
For people living with dementia and their companions
Weekly on a Tuesday, 2-4pm 21 January 2020 – 11 February 2020
To register, please contact Lois Gillie, Charity Coordinator E:lois@arts4dementia.org.uk
Meal & Celebration for anyone in need over Christmas
Hosted by Chalk Farm Foodbank, CAP and Revelation Church. 19th December, 4.00-6.00PM. Salvation Army Chalk Farm, 10-16 Haverstock Hill, Chalk Farm, London NW3 2BL. Sign up clients by 6th December.
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#CamdenAgainstViolence Need Volunteers
#CamdenAgainstViolence now have a base in Wellsley Road and need some volunteers to help develop the project.
1. A dynamic person that can help with fundraising 1 day per month – need good interpersonal skills due to handling some very sensitive issues.
2. A web designer to set up and manage a new web page, which will be accessible to our community and link wth referral partners. 1/2 day per week.
The Regeneration Hub, Wellesley Road, NW5 4PA. Contact michelle.youthengagement.cav@gmail.com
London Sport seek Trustees
London Sport are currently recruiting new trustees, and are particularly keen to find people with expertise in Public Health, finance, commercial/business development and diversity and inclusion.
Further details here. And to apply click here.
Community Connectors/Volunteers-New Year, New Start
Want to make a difference in 2020? Elfrida Rathbone Camden is recruiting parent volunteers to support 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, starting January/February. Lunch is provided.
Contact Jill now to find out more by email Jill@elfridacamden.org.uk or call 07939877745 for an informal chat.
Kentish Town City Farm is seeking a Trustee to fulfil the role of Treasurer
Kentish Town City Farm is a community charity that helps city people connect with animals, nature and the environment. The farm is a four-acre site, alongside two railway lines in the Borough of Camden. With sheep, goats, chickens, geese, three horses, two donkeys, twopigs and a cow.
The Treasurer’s role is key to its professional oversight through the provision of advice on all aspects of financial management, reporting, controls etc.
The closing date for applications is the 24th January. Please contact Angela Woods chair@ktcityfarm.or.uk
Mobile GP Referral Supervisor
Sport Link worker doing sport referrals in Camden etc.
Active Health Supervisor (Reps Level 3 or 4 Fitness Professional). Working across a number of our sites in North London. Closes 18th December.
Full-time £23,500 per annum plus 20 days annual leave. Full details here.
Sessional Community & Activity Workers
Unity Works is a specialist not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting people with a learning disability to gain skills, achieve qualifications and secure jobs, so they can reach their full potential.
We are currently seeking dynamic and self-motivated individuals to work within this team based out of Kentish Town.
For more information or to apply: www.unityworks.org.uk/getinvolved Or email: Laura.murphy@thecamdensociety.co.uk
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
Reception and Greeting Volunteers in Chalk Farm
VAC 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
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Charity Annual Returns: Remember to do it and Remember to print it
Many organisations have a deadline to submit their return in December. However, The Charity Commission is no longer providing copies of annual returns once they have been submitted online. So remember to print your return in draft form before submitting it, as you will not receive a PDF of the final version as you did previously.
More info can be obtained from Sandy Adirondack’s free legal update email service for voluntary organisations, sign up here.
Camden Green Spaces Survey
Camden is currently undertaking an online survey to gather suggestions on how to invest in green spaces over the next five years.
This survey will build upon the Commonplace Local CIL consultation that was carried out last year. The information gathered will help Camden develop and plan for the next Green Space Investment Programme.
Camden Adult Social Care Survey
1000 recent recipients of services from Camden Adult Social Care will receive a survey through the post shortly.
The survey is being administered securely by Quality Health Limited who are also able to take responses over the telephone and arrange interpreters (including British Sign Language Interpreters) if needed. Any format can be requested, including easy read or large print.
Camden Adult Social Care has moved to a different approach to social work which captures aspirations and focusses on individual strengths as well as needs. This survey has been designed to capture performance against some of the new outcomes we would like to see as a result of this change.
Contact Jane Standing (jane.standing@camden.gov.uk) 0207 974 5088
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.
Need a Meeting Room near Chalk Farm?
VAC has 3 new rooms to hire out for Events/Training, etc. at 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.
Street Storage
Street Storage provide units of free accessible storage for the homeless using meanwhile space in London and are currently operating in Tottenham Court Road. They are nearing capacity and have just hired the first member of staff to manage the day to day referrals and help grow the service. Street Storage would like to find a meanwhile space big enough to accept post eviction storage and storage for low income families as a charity.
If you can help contact Rachel 07429 367 689 londonstreetstorage@gmail.com
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| Send your item to knunan@vac.org.uk or info@vac.org.uk by noon on Thursday for publication in the following day’s edition. The e-bulletin comes out every Friday. 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. |
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