Voluntary Action Camden e-bulletin 14th May 2021

Are you looking for evaluation support? Could UCL researchers help?

The Evaluation Exchange matches voluntary and community organisations with small teams of UCL researchers to help tackle the organisations’ evaluation challenges.
Applications will open soon to organisations in Camden. If you would like to know more, join our free information session to learn about The Evaluation Exchange, if it is for you and your organisation and how to apply.
This event is open to voluntary and community sector organisations in Camden thinking of applying to the Evaluation Exchange or wondering if support from UCL postgraduate students might help them.
Monday 24th May at 2 – 3pm. Register for free via Eventbrite
For more information contact Ruth at r.unstead-joss@ucl.ac.uk

Mental Health Awareness Week

It’s Mental Health Awareness Week, hosted by the Mental Health Foundation. The theme this year is nature. Found out more here. Local events here and here and here.

Lockdown Restrictions Ease Fruther from Monday

Step 3 on the easing of lockdown restrictions will go ahead as planned from Monday 17 May.  Full details on gov.uk

The Vaccine Bus is in Kilburn Friday and Saturday

Shak are working with the NHS and Camden Council to bring the COVID-19 community vaccination bus to the Kilburn neighbourhood.
1 Palmerston Road, NW6 2DG, just outside Grange Park.
Friday 14 May, 3-7pm   and Saturday 15 May, 10am – 2pm
Free to anyone who falls into one of the priority groups:
~ Aged 40 and over
~ At risk or high risk from coronavirus (clinically vulnerable)
~ A health and social care worker, including care home workers
~ Have a learning disability
~ You’re the main carer for someone at high risk from coronavirus
To book, call SHAK on 07462 599363 or email info@shakonline.co.uk.

Tricky Period Pickup Locations

All pick up points can be accessed by anyone in need.
You do not need an address, proof of income or have any links with the pick up point venue (unless otherwise stated). Full list here.

Google Career Certificates

Camden, Google and Coursera are offering free professional training to 500 Camden residents.
There are four programmes to choose from: IT Support, Data Analysis, Project Management and UX Design. You don’t need any experience or a degree to take part in a course, just an interest in starting a new career.
Residents can register for the free courses here

Home Office consultation on new venues “Protect Duty”

The new duty would mean that owners and operators of publicly accessible buildings and spaces (including community centres and places of worship) would need to take appropriate and proportionate measures to protect the public from terrorist attacks. Details here.  Respond by 2nd July.

Leighton College News

Leighton College, the specialist college with just 20 students aged 16-24 with mild to moderate learning disabilities, are holding coffee mornings for prospective students and their parents.  These will be at 11am and 1:30pm on Friday 21 May and Friday 28 May.
For more information contact Samantha Childs at samantha@elfridacamden.org.uk or on 020 7424 1617.
We are open for applications from students who have an EHCP for a September 2021 start date and we are able to support transitions from secondary school or other college to the Leighton College.

Camden Safeguarding Children’s Partnership Courses

The Partnership has a range of courses including Engaging Fathers, Youth Gambling, Early Help and Child Exploitation. Full details on our Safeguarding page (scroll to bottom).

HCA Arts Programmes

Holborn Community Association are now accepting applications from young people aged 14-24 to participate in their flagship Summer Film Project, this year in partnership with the incredible London Transport Museum.  
The project will run on Saturdays from 12th June to 17th July,  with a two week summer holiday program, weekdays 26th July to 6th August, 10am-5pm.
More info: here and watch the project promo here
Request application details: email chloe.plumb@holborncommunity.co.uk or call 07790378396 stating the young person’s full name, date of birth, borough of residence and a contact number.  Deadline: 10am Monday 24th May

Camden Coproduction Network Meeting

The  fourth Camden Co-production Network Meeting is on 17 June 2021
Camden who have agreed to be guest presenter(s) and will share a particular aspect of their work working with Camden residents to award funds – participatory funding
On Zoom. To join or for inquiries contact Participation@Camden.gov.uk

Small Charity – Big Spaces

Tuesday 15 June, 10:00 – 12:00
A Community Matters event for Community Organisations on Big Advice Day, part of Small Charities Week.
Community spaces are often at the heart of their community providing places to meet and activities to engage the people in the locality. The last year has been difficult and the future is uncertain. This is an opportunity to pause and consider how to be in a strong place to move forwards for the future. Book here.

YMCA Offers

See ‘Offers’ at the end for free pass offer and info on other activites.

Newsletters

Camden People First Easy Read
Camden Carers
RecommendMe
Young Camden Foundation
Healthwatch Camden
All Ways Network
West Euston Partnership

Queen’s Speech Announces Charities Bill and Dormant Assets Bill but Silent on Social Care

In her speech this week, the Queen announced two significant new pieces of legislation for the charity sector, as she outlined the government’s policy priorities for the coming year. In a speech in the House of Lords, the Queen confirmed plans to roll out the Dormant Assets Bill and Charities Bill. She said: “Legislation will support the voluntary sector by reducing unnecessary bureaucracy and releasing additional funds for good causes.” Read more here.
Organisations working within the social care sector have said that they are “extremely disappointed” by the lack of detailed social care policy announcements in the Queen’s speech. Read more here.

Citizens Assemblies: fashionable focus groups or the great hopes of democracy?

All over the world, people are coming together to deliberate some of the major issues we’re facing today. How much does it cost? What type of decisions are they making? And does this modish form of community power have real political teeth?  Read the report here.

Pro Bono Economics Analysis of Election Pledges in Thursday’s Elections

‘Camden GLA Member: Lab hold. The successful Labour GLA candidate, Anne Clarke, did not publish her own pledges but put community organising and empowering communities as her leading priority.
Mayor of London: Lab hold. Re-elected Labour Mayor Sadiq Khan has committed to establish a new measure of wellbeing in London as the core indicator of the city’s success, which should boost civil society’s profile in policymaking. Among other commitments to work with VCSEs on young people, climate change, homelessness and disability, he has asked for responsibility for administering the National Citizen’s Service in London to boost its success and to develop a new Community Micro-grants programme.’  Full results here.

How to Apply to Clothworkers’ Foundation

Wednesday 26th May, 11am – 12pm GMT
This event is free and aimed at small charities and not for profit organisations supporting the Muslim community in the UK.
~ Ask questions about the funding and application process.
~ Hear about tips on how to write a successful bid application.
~ See a demonstration of a successful and unsuccessful application
~ Gain an insight into the decision making processes led by the funder.
Book here.

Artist commissions for Camden Together

This fund has been created by Camden Council to commission new work that takes place outdoors as part of Camden Together, a season celebrating Camden’s reopening through arts and culture from early July to October 2021.
It’s open to: Camden-based freelance artists, creatives and producers.
Camden-based cultural and community organisations to work with freelance artists, creatives and producers.
The maximum grant award is £5,000, but we welcome applications for a smaller amount, with a minimum lower award of £250.
Full details here. Deadline  23:59 Sunday 30 May.

Lloyds Bank Foundation Racial Equity funding

Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales is to launch its Racial Equity funding for small and local charities that are led by and that support Black, Asian, and ethnic minority communities. Charities can apply for two-year unrestricted grants of £50,000 alongside development support.  Full details here.

Speak with a Trust for London Grants Manager

Trust for London next funding application deadline is 1 June 2021. If you would like to book an appointment to speak with one of our Grant Managers to discuss a potential application ahead of this deadline, the team would be happy to help. We would encourage you to read our funding guidelines to check your work is eligible before deciding to book an appointment. If you are a current grantee, please contact your Grants Manager in the first instance.

How to Become More Fundable

AWN’s tailor-made sessions as part of the ‘How to become more fundable’ series could help your organisation.
All Ways Network supports and empowers small not-for-profit organisations working with and for the Muslim community living in the UK with an annual income of £1 million or less. The team consists of Grant Officers and those in the charity sector to help you move forward.
Register your interest visit the BAME Funding Support page on the VAC website and complete the survey, providing as much detail as possible about the funding support your organisation requires.

Empowering Women Fund (previously tampon tax fund)

A national funding programme for small women’s groups and organisations to support the development of innovative ways of empowering women in their local area, and to build organisations’ capacity.
~ Seed Funding grants of £500 to £1,000 are available to small women’s groups to establish and run micro women’s empowerment projects.
~ Women’s Sector grants of £1,000 to £25,000 are available for women’s groups and organisations to develop capacity to respond to changing needs in their communities.  Full details here.  Closes 28 May 2021.

Windrush Community Fund Phase 2

Grants of between £2,500 and £25,000 are available to:
~ Increase awareness and understanding of the Windrush Scheme and Windrush Compensation Scheme or both.
~ Reach more communities and those individuals who may have been affected because they could not prove their lawful status in the UK.
~ Ensure that individuals and communities know how to apply.
~ Build capacity at a community and grassroots level to support those affected to access the schemes.  Full details here.  Closes 30 June.

Lists of Emergency Funders

• Civil Society
• Ian McLintok’s LinkedIn blog
• NCVO’s funding central site is currently free for non-members.
• Charity Bank 
• Grants Online

VAC Events

Keep in eye on our Events Calendar to book and for more info.

Camden Voluntary Action Forum

The forum is open to all Camden voluntary and community  groups and organisations, community activists, social entrepreneurs, volunteers and anyone interested in local voluntary action. The Forum currently meets monthly online on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 11am.
Next Forum is on Wednesday 19th May at 11am.  Details and booking here.

Past Voluntary Action Forums: Resources

You can find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here.

Safeguarding Courses:

Check back for details of upcoming courses

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

Workshop on improving communication skills

Online workshop together with SkillsMe on how to improve on your communication skills.
In this workshop you will learn about the power of storytelling and how you can develop communication skills to achieve more out of life and reach your goals. Perfect for people who want to be better at pitching an idea or passing a job interview or just simply looking to improve their every day communication skills.

Volunteer Managers’ Forum

25th May, 10am
As always the topics will be varied, and can be anything related to managing volunteers. These can be decided by you on the day or feel free to let us know what you would like to talk about in advance.
This event is free to attend and is open to volunteer managers everywhere. Full details and booking at Eventbrite.

Construction Youth Trust Project 16th – 20th August

This free 5 day course will be delivered by Kings Cross Construction and Skills Centre and is aimed at female Camden residents aged 16-30.
For more information or to register a resident you are currently supporting, please email pearl.o’keeffe@constructionyouth.org.uk

London Festival of Ideas

Toolkit launches on the 17th of May, + information sessions and applications will open for small grants to informal groups or organisations with a turnover of less than £100k to host activity during the festival. 28 June – 23 July 2021
Register for an information session below.
Register 18 May 11-12:30
Register 25 May 15:00-16:30
For more information, email: civilsociety@london.gov.uk

Startup School for Seniors

An 8 week eLearning programme funded by London Community Response to support over 50s that have been made redundant or unemployed, this is an area of which I’m extremely familiar.
The next unfunded cohort starts on 27th May. Referr participants who would benefit from being part of a community of older soon-to-be business owners.

C&I Recovery College Summer term course guide

Recovery College runs until 16 July.  Courses will be online using Microsoft Teams, with some courses also available as Youtube videos. Full details here.

Winvisible Workshop

Disabled mums and our children – our rights to support not separation
Wednesday 19 May 1.30pm-3pm
Full details and booking at the Winvisible website.

Art Therapy with Likewise

Sessions are for over 18s and are free and are currently being held online or over the phone. If you, or anyone you know, could benefit from a supportive space with a creative focus, please contact  learning@likewise.org.uk / 020 7278 4437 for more information. Or referrals can be made online.

EBB 2021 Youth Summit

Book your tickets for the upcoming Youth Summit 29 May 2021 – 12 June 2021 on EventBrite .  Keynote speaker Dr Khan, 4th Chairman of the International Human Rights Commission.

Community Journalism Training

Camden Disability Action has launched an exciting new Community Journalism training programme for Disabled people in Camden. The aim of the programme is to help Disabled people tell our stories, get our voices heard and press for change.  Find out more.  There is a budget to support deaf people to attend.
Contact Tom McDonough: tom@camdendisabilityaction.org.uk 07908746927

The Camden Safeguarding Children Partnership

Virtual safeguarding training programme for Summer Term 2021 including Engaging Fathers in Safeguarding; Understanding Early Help in Camden; Contributing to Child Protection Case Conferences; Child Exploitation and many more. Full programme here.

Introduction to domestic violence and abuse e-learning

This e-learning can be accessed by VCS organisations that solely support Camden residents. It is for those that would like to gain an awareness on domestic violence and abuse. It will provide you with an introduction to what the types and signs of abuse are, how to respond and what actions to take.
Access the e-learning via the L&D Hub if you already have an account. If you are from a VCS organisation without an account for the L&D Hub please find details here  on how to sign-up.

Job Vacancies at Henna Asian Women’s Group:

Outreach Worker (preferably Somali- speaking)  for 1 day (7 hours) a week at £10.85 per hour (LLW) on a one year contract
Project and Ageing Better Camden Worker (Sylheti and Hindi Speaking) for 2 days (14 hours) a week at £12 per hour on a six month contract.
Closing date for both posts is Thursday 20th May 2021 at 5pm. Interviews on w/c Monday 24th May 2021.
To register an interest and for further details including Job Description, please contact Momota Khatoon by e-mailing Momota@hennaorg.co.uk

Castlehaven seeks Environmental Engagement Project Manager

Castlehaven are currently looking for the perfect candidate to manage our highly respected environmental projects here at Castlehaven, could it be you?
Are you passionate about gardening, nature and people? Would you like to work in the heart of Camden Town for an award-winning community association, managing our urban environmental projects? Full details here.

Two freelance roles at Camden Council

Camden Council is recruiting for two freelance roles for 7 months, £3k a month, 36 hours a week, remote/ London, starting ASAP.
• Marketing and Promotions Manager
• Cultural Programme Co-ordinator
The application deadline is noon on Wednesday 19 May 2021.
These roles will work on a season that celebrates Camden’s reopening through arts and culture.
If you are interested, please email mike.candler@camden.gov.uk for a detailed job profile.

Coram’s Fields are Recruiting a Grounds Person

The following documents for the role can be found at https://www.coramsfields.org/grounds-person-vacancy/
• Job advertisement for Grounds Person
• Job description and person specification for Grounds Person
• Coram’s Fields Application Form
All applicants will need to complete the application form.

Calthorpe Community Garden, Seeks Chair

Calthorpe Community Garden, a green oasis in central London, exists to improve the physical and emotional wellbeing of the local community. We are seeking a Chair who is a seasoned professional with outstanding communication skills and a strong steer on governance. The Chair will lead the Board of Trustees by example, providing a collaborative framework to discuss, decide and implement matters of strategic importance to comply with Calthorpe’s charitable objectives. For a full job description please email: calthorpetrustees@gmail.com. Closing date: 5pm on 11th June 2021.

Age UK Camden seeks Marketing & Communication’s Officer

35 Hours per week SCP 23 to SCP 25 £32,298 pa – £33,473 pa
The communications & marketing officer has a vital role to play in planning and delivering communications to key stakeholders including supporters, volunteers, and staff. The post holder will publish content across various channels, including website, social media, print and online marketing materials.
For further details and to apply please visit the website. As part of the application process please submit an updated CV and covering letter.
Closing date: 17th May 2021 9am

Get Fit, Get Active, Get Gardening

Do you love the great outdoors, gardening and green spaces? Castlehaven Community Association need volunteers every Wednesday from 10:30 am – 2:30 pm to help maintain Castlehaven’s community parks in the heart of Camden Town.
All sessions are led by fully trained staff, and we’ll provide all the training, tools and equipment you’ll need. Email nichola@castlehaven.org.uk to get involved.

COVID-19 Health Champions

Join the COVID-19 Health Champion movement to get the latest advice and guidance about COVID-19 so that you can help and share the information with your community, and let us know what is and isn’t working. You can access trusted information through regular updates and weekly online drop-in sessions about the vaccine, testing and more.
If you work, live or volunteer in Camden, simply complete the form here to sign up! If you’ve got questions, email CHC@islington.gov.uk.

Educating Beyond Borders

Now recruiting for up to 5 volunteers to help us with the email admin for the IWD online awards and our upcoming Youth Summit June 2021.
We need a volunteer to help with preparing and running the IWD online awards
Find out more and apply here.
Also wanted – Youth Summit 2021 volunteers to  send out invitations to youth groups by email and follow up with telephone calls to the youth groups to confirm a representative will join us online
Register interest and more info contact EBB hello@educatingbeyondborders.com

Hopscotch Homecare urgently need Care Workers.

Hopscotch Homecare are a very caring,well-established and expanding care agency that has been providing care workers to clients in and around Camden for 20 years. We are looking for care workers who would like to help our clients to continue living safely and independently in their own homes.
Day/Night hours available and must be able to work at least two late shifts a week and alternate weekends  Contact:recruitment@hopscotchawc.org.uk

Paid work opportunities for people who have been laid off/ reduced income

Local Adult social care providers are still recruiting, and as they support the NHS to move vulnerable adults out of hospital to stay well at home, their need is growing. Contact Proud to Care.

Get a Free Gym Pass at Central YMCA Club

The YMCA Club is London’s friendliest, largest and most iconic gym. With a 25m indoor pool, a 2-tier cardio zone, free weights room and an extensive class timetable, there is something for everyone. The YMCA Club is different than other gyms, it has a true sense of community and our members say they they feel at home and accepted here and that they can improve their wellbeing while reaching their goals.
If you’d like to try it out for yourself you can get a free pass here

Central YMCA Programmes for Children and Young People

Central YMCA run a range of programmes for 4 to 14 year olds at YMCA Club, including action-packed Holiday Playschemes, After School Sports, Swim School and Youth Memberships. Our programme supports children to develop physical skills, whilst promoting inclusivity, positive health and wellbeing. The Club also has a Youth Membership programme for 13 to 18 year olds and accept Young Volunteers from the age of 15. Find out more here.

VAC Vaccine Podcast

As part of our Health Inequalities Network’s partnership with Camden Healthwatch and NHS GP Services, Dianne Carlton-Ogunyemi talks to Dr Daniel Beck; GP Partner from Swiss Cottage Surgery and Chair of the CHE GP Federation. Watch here.
Together they discuss some of the current concerns around vaccine hesitancy, the importance of speaking to your GP if you need advice or further information and some of the new initiatives being used in Camden to reach communities, like the Covid vaccination bus.
If you have any questions or concerns about the vaccine or would like more information, please email Dianne at dogunyemi@vac.org.uk who can pass all queries onto one of Dr Becks Team at Swiss Cottage Surgery.

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service

Nominations for 2022 are now open.  Find out more here.

We Make Camden Nominations

Nominate a Camden organisation, group of residents, business or team within the NHS or other public service to be recognised for their amazing efforts since the pandemic began. Email camdentalking@camden.gov.uk

Camden residents wellbeing flyer

Public Health have put together a wellbeing flyer for Camden residents which includes a range of things residents can do to look after themselves, and support that’s available right now.
Contact Tanvi Barreto Tanvi.barreto@islington.gov.uk; if you have any queries.

Food Support

Find your local food bank or community organisation providing food at findfood.camden.gov.uk.
If you don’t have internet access, please call Camden Council on 020 7974 4444 and select option 9
You can also donate at findfood.camden.gov.uk/donate

Keeping The Community Directory Up-to-date

As we enter Autumn lots is changing.  Buildings are starting to re-open, some activities are moving back into the real world, some food parcel deliveries have ended, while other food projects continue.  Help us to keep the directory up-to-date by updating your details as they change.
If you would like to make a new entry in the directory use this link.   If you would like to update an existing entry look out for an email from us early next week with a unique link for you to update.
View the Directory here.  View the map here.

How to Volunteer and How to Recruit Volunteers in Camden

Volunteer in Camden at Time to Spare.
Volunteer for the NHS at GoodSAM.
Join a neighbourhood Mutual Aid group.
Organisations that are signed up to Time to Spare can now request volunteers through a brokerage team making it much easier to access the volunteers. The brokers can help match volunteers with voluntary and community organisations who have a need for verified/ vetted volunteers. The service will also help to verify or carry out new DBS check with volunteers.
Get support and resources from Volunteer Centre Camden
The council has a  page of resources to help community organisations

Keep in touch and up-to-date via the e-bulletin and @onecamden twitter.  We have a comprehensive COVID-19 update page and a resources page.

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

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