Voluntary Action Camden e-bulletin 13th September 2019

Healthwatch Camden’s Community Forum and Board Meeting in Public

Tuesday 8 October At The Greenwood Centre, Kentish Town
Community Forum 15:45 – 17:10. Board Meeting in Public 18.00-20.00
Please RSVP at info@healthwatchcamden.co.uk

London Borough of Camden Advice Grant Fund Launch

The application process for the advice grant is now open.
Details on the grant as well as the application form and relevant documents can be found on the VCS page on the Camden website here

Places of Worship Security Awareness and Advice Session

Monday, 23 September, 18:00 – 21:30
The Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC), Community Security Trust (CST) and Faiths Forum for London invite leaders of London faith communities to a seminar on the safety and security of places of worship. Book at Eventbrite

Comings and Goings

Candice Woolfson has left Little Village and the new Director is Titilayo Thomas.
Tina Townsend, Chair of Citizens Advice Camden, is stepping down. Susan Guy is the new Chair. Margie Butler CEO leaves on 15 November. Judy Whalley will then act as Interim CEO.
Jessica Gibbons and Sally McClinton are leaving Camden council in November.
Frances Hasler is leaving Healthwatch Camden –  Anna Wright will act up in the interim.
Guljabeen Rahman is leaving Voluntary Action Islington and Antony Bewick-Smith will act as interim Director.

Get ready for this year’s Car Free Day 22nd September

Build Your Confidence at WEP

3-day confidence building programme Mighty Oaks starting Wed 18th Sept.
– Gain a more positive mindset
– Find solutions to help you overcome the obstacles and challenges
– Take inspired action to help achieve your goals
– Increase your resilience, confidence and creativity
Watch the video to get an idea of what Mighty Oaks is all about:
You must attend all 3 days (18th & 25th Sept, 2nd Oct, 10am – 1.30pm)
David Hermanstein on 07908 845154 or  david.hermanstein@camden.gov.uk

The Big Reveal

Castlehaven Community Centre has received a makeover. Everyone is invited to the refurbished building on Friday 27th September. Click here for details.

Crisis Comms Masterclass

Tuesday 24 September 2019, 14:45 – 17:00 at Edelman, Victoria, SW1E 6QT
Media Trust has teamed up with PR and marketing consultancy firm Edelman for this free masterclass to share their expertise on best communications practice in times of crisis and attack. For equality organisations only.

Youth Theatre Auditions

Camden Youth Theatre is a FREE youth theatre for people aged 13-19 who live or study in Camden Borough. Led by professional artists, directors, musicians and actors, Camden Youth Theatre gives young people the chance to train in weekly fun drama sessions (refreshments included).
Our next round of auditions will be taking place at 6:30pm on Monday 30th September at Old Diorama Arts Centre. Just text to 07789539359 with name and age and we’ll get back to with more info.

Camden Disability Action

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

Camden Family Members Reference Group

Wednesday 18th September, 10.30-12.30pm
At Charlie Ratchford, NW1 8HF followed by a light lunch
Floating support providers, The Camden Society and Centre 404 will talk to carers about how they work with families and people with learning disabilities
Employment and training options – How can people with learning disabilities be best supported into activities or employment in Camden.

Developing an Effective Board Team

Wednesday 20 November, 9:30am – 1:15pm, EC4, £20.
As Chair, your role includes enabling your board to work well together and supporting your trustees to resolve any conflict.  This might mean having difficult conversations with one or more of your trustees to confront problematic behaviours. Book here.

Social Prescribing on the World at One

Interest in Social Prescribing is filtering into the mainstream and the World at One on Radio 4  had a short 5 minute slot on one aspect of social prescribing on Tuesday 10th September.  Play from 25 minutes.

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

Hampstead Wells and Campden Trust

The Grants Committee of The Hampstead Wells and Campden Trust will be meeting on 30th October to consider any grant applications for funding in excess of £2,000. Applications need to be received three weeks before this date. Please feel free to contact the office if you would like to discuss a potential application. All contact details, criteria and forms are on the website

The new Physical Activity Inclusion Fund is live

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

Funding available for specialist community projects for vulnerable women and girls

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

Young people and volunteering

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

Inclusive Communities Fund

Camden Giving has funding available for organisations with an annual income of less than £500,000 whose existing services, activities and facilities are not easily accessible for adults with physical, learning, cognitive or mental health disabilities in Camden. Projects should bring together disabled and non-disabled adults by improving access to, and participation in their existing services, activities and facilities. Applications for up to £20,000 will be accepted and the fund will open for 5 weeks in September 2019.
Visit www.camdengiving.org.uk/inclusive-community-fund or email admin@camdengiving.org.uk for more information.

Ageing Better in Camden Funding Opportunity – Gospel Oak/ Haverstock Area

ABC has funds for organisations to deliver activities specifically in the Gospel Oak and Haverstock area. ABC would like to commission 4 contracts which will provide activities for people aged 60+. These activities would need to be ‘Warm Welcome’ Community Activities which are supportive, well run activities in their local community. This will help older people to reduce their social isolation and loneliness through attending these activities, making connections and building networks.
ABC is looking to award up to 4 contracts in this locality. Funds of £10,000 for 1 year (starting January 2019) are available to organisations that are able to provide a range of activities in the area. Full details here. Deadline: 3rd October 9am. RSVP to ageingbetterincamden@ageukcamden.org.uk

Small Grants for Social Prescribing

GLA’s Team London have released a small grants programme for groups tackling social isolation. VAC met with Team London officers whilst the grant criteria was being decided and emphasised the need to fund initiatives that were already working well but were coming under pressure from social prescribing referrals. This is one way we can use our social prescribing data we gather to influence decisions.  Deadline 13th September. Full details here.

Youth work grant funding 2020- 2022 engagement sessions

Voluntary sector youth providers are invited to attend a funding workshop to find out more information about new funding and the bidding process: The workshop details are as follows:
~ Wednesday 4th September 2019 at 2 pm at 5 Pancras Square, London N1C
~ Wednesday 12th September 2019, Committee room 3, Crowndale Centre
The youth work funding will be launched on 1st August 2019 with a deadline for submission on 7th October 2019. The focus of this funding is for work with 13 – 19 year olds in Camden and up to 25 if working with young people with learning difficulties or disabilities. rsvp to youthworkfunding@camden.gov.uk

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.

Have Your Say on VAC’s Activities and Websites

We are surveying all our members and subscribers to get your views on VAC and how you we can work better in the future/ or what things you think VAC should be working on now and in the coming years. It’s only a short survey but we really value your views.
There is also a separate and super short 10 question survey about the website.  We would like to get your views before we make any changes.

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 Advance: Developing knowledge and understanding.

Wednesday 25th September 10.00am – 2.30pm (Includes lunch)
If you work frequently with children and their families, it is essential that your organisation has up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding legislation and child protection procedures. This Advanced course is designed to develop existing understanding of the safeguarding process through a variety of written text, case studies and interactive exercises.
Who Should Take This Course? Suitable for anyone who has attended safeguarding training previously and would like to update their knowledge and skills further, including volunteers and workers of all levels.
The training will cover the following:
• Department for Education’s updated statutory guidance.
• Myth Busting & Social Care: Exploring safeguarding attitudes in the community.
• Awareness of current issues / Understanding emerging forms of abuse.
• Safeguarding awareness and assessing need: Race, culture, gender, ability.
• Safeguarding in Camden, thresholds, the role of professionals and where to go for support.
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/

Hollaback! London Bystander Intervention Skillshare

Sunday, 22 September, 14:00 – 17:00, Waterloo
Women, non-binary and LGBTQ+ people experience silence from both public bystanders and those close to them when they experience street harassment. That’s why we facilitate story sharing spaces, to break the silence, build solidarity and care for each other, whilst also feeling empowered with skills to challenge street harassment when we see it.  Free. Book here.

Focus Group to discuss how digital health data is shared

Volunteers aged 18+ years wanted to participate in a focus group study investigating attitudes towards the sharing of health data for different purposes in a digitally connected world.  Participants will receive an honorarium of £20 for their time, and up to £30 for reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.
Tuesday 1st October 2019 at 5.15pm
Approximately 2-2.5 hours. Tufnell Park and Kentish Town venues
Contact: Nisha.shah@dph.ox.ac.uk Tel: 01865 287 896

Inclusive Football

For anyone 6-14 years old. This session is aimed at children and young people with a disability and their siblings. Every Wednesday during term time, 5.00pm – 6.00pm. Coram’s Fields Football Pitch, 93 Guilford Street, London WC1N
Free inclusive football session run by Arsenal Football club and Coram’s Field. For more information or to register for the session, please contact Edel Maher- Sports Development Officer edel@coramsfields.org.uk or 02033842209

WEP Cloud Nine Festival

Thursday 19 September, 12.00pm – 6.00pm at Old Diorama Arts Centre, 201 Drummond Street, Regent’s Place, London, NW1 3FE. This will be a free family-friendly event celebrating community cohesion, local spaces and services, healthy lifestyles and improving the environment. Everyone welcome.

Camden Active Networking event

Thurs 26th September. St Pancras Community Association, Plender St, NW1
Afternoon Session – 14.45 – 17.00 | Evening Session – 17.45 – 20.00
If you are a sports clubs, community centre, venue, charity, running group, coach, team leader or volunteer, come and spend 2 hours hearing from organisations that work in Camden. Hear about their experiences, learn from their insight and be inspired by their successes. Followed by time for networking with other attendees.

Camden and Islington NHS Trust

Annual Members’ Meeting 2019
Thursday 3rd October, 5.45 – 8pm. At the Wellcome Collection, NW1
Guest Speaker is Prof Sir Simon Wessely, Chair of the Independent Review of the Mental Health Act.  rsvp communications@candi.nhs.uk

‘Overcoming Barriers: Neurodiversity in Autism’

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

Free Online Safety Workshops For Women

JAN Trust will be delivering free online safety classes for women in Camden throughout October & November 2019. The programme will cover internet safety skills; understanding dangers of online including extremism and gangs; and how to protect your children online. There are 5 x sessions in total and women receive a certificate upon completion of all sessions. For more information or to reserve a space, please contact: info@jantrust.org / 0208 889 9433 / https://jantrust.org/

CDA seeks Trustees

Do you have lived experience of disability? Would you be interested in helping CDA develop and fight for equality? Would you like to support us on our journey?
If the answer is yes, we are looking for Trustees and want to hear from you.
Contact our Chair, Oliver Greene on chair@camdendisabilityaction.org.uk
or Colin Brummage, our CEO on colinceo@camdendisabilityaction.org.uk

Healthwatch Camden is recruiting

After six successful years, our Director, Frances is moving on. If you can build on the success and provide leadership, vision and operational direction, please apply.
Healthwatch Camden are also filling two other posts:
A Projects and Volunteering Officer to support the range of our work, giving people a voice in health and care in Camden through our innovative and influential projects. We looking for someone to help manage the progress of projects, including analysing research results and supporting volunteer input.
A Business Support Officer, supporting the Director and trustees, and responding to queries from the public. You will also be responsible for keeping our records and database up to date and the office running smoothly.
More details on our website: https://healthwatchcamden.co.uk/jobs

BWA seeks Chief Executive

40 per Week, £35,000 – £40,000 dependant on experience
Surma Community Centre, 1 Robert Street, London, NW1 3JU
BWA (Bengali Workers’ Association) is a long standing and influential community based organisation that seeks to serve the interests of the local community it serves.  Closing Date: 5pm, Monday 23 September
All applicants for this role will need to complete a full application form.
For further details and an application pack please email info@bwa-surma.org
or call BWA on 020 73887313. www.bwa-surma.org

Staff Wanted for Caraf Centre Nursery

Nursery Third in Charge and Nursery Nurse/Practitioner wanted at Sunshine Day Nursery The Caraf  Centre, 27-30 Cheriton, Queen’s Crescent NW5 4EZ THE CARAF Centre’s Sunshine Day Nursery is fully committed to the care and safeguarding of children. The successful applicants will work with children aged 1 to 4 years old. Experience in childcare is a must. DBS checks required. Starting ASAP Salary: competitive salary If you would like to know more about this role please contact Indira Vyas or Juma Laila Akter on 0207 284 0030 option:1 E: sunshine@thecarafcentre.org.uk www.thecarafcentre.co.uk

Solace Hair & Beauty Volunteers

We are looking for volunteers to run hair & beauty sessions for our service users such as massage, facials, make overs and hair styling. This role is in our multiple needs refuge. Some experience of working with clients with multiple needs including mental health and/or substance use support needs would be of advantage. The ideal candidate must have the appropriate qualifications & training.
For the full volunteer role description and the application forms please visit Solace Women’s Aid website.   Deadline for applications is 1st October 2019
Please note that our volunteer opportunities are open to women only (exempt under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1), and that these volunteer roles are exempt from the rehabilitation of offenders act 1974 and subject to enhanced DBS checks.

Cockpit Arts Trustees Recruitment

Cockpit Arts invites applications to join our Board of Trustees from people interested in being part of our award-winning social enterprise supporting craft, design and creative enterprise.
Home to over 140 independent creative businesses, Cockpit is London’s leading studios for contemporary craft and the UK’s only business incubator for craft and design.
For more details and to apply, click here or email maxine@cockpitarts.com

Train now to join the emergency volunteer team in Camden

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

Volunteer with VAC and develop experience and skills in public health

VAC provide training, and work opportunities for Camden volunteers who can commit 2 hours per week.
We offer free Royal Society of Public Health (RSPH) training to volunteer as a Community Links volunteer, part of a new Care Navigation and Social Prescribing service in Camden. Community Links volunteers signpost residents to community based activities and help with formal referrals where community based activities are needed alongside clinical care.
Contact: Mandira Manandhar, Community Links Co-ordinator (Mon, Tues and Thurs) 020 7284 6550/6573 or email: mmanandhar@vac.org.uk

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

We are recruiting volunteer receptionists to be the first point of contact for visitors. You will be an important member of the VAC team of volunteers and staff and will have access to training and ongoing support.
Contact Kevin Nunan at VAC on 020 7284 6557 or knunan@vac.org.uk

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

VAC now has 3 new rooms to hire out for Events/Training, etc. at our new base in the Charlie Ratchford Centre in Chalk Farm.
There is a large room for up to 60 people, ideal for large events.
The training room can hold up to 20 people comfortably for training/workshops
The Lounge is a open area for anything that is not confidential and can hold up to 20 people. Smartboard, level access throughout, reasonable prices.
Rates and full details on the VAC website. Special rates for Camden networks.

Camden and Islington Sustainability Awards 2019

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

EU Citizens Rights Information Sessions

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

Want to Share a Skill, Space or Equipment?

Simply add your request to Comoodle Camden, the new local online sharing platform which facilitates sharing for community benefit.

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

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