VAC Weekly Newsletter
15th April 2022 |
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VAC Membership
Membership is free to local organisations and groups interested in contributing to a stronger Voluntary and Community Sector in Camden. As a member you will have access to high quality advice and guidance, local networks and support to grow and develop your organisation. Click the link above to learn more about the benefits of becoming a member and join us. |
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| In this week’s newsletter we spotlight our new Ukraine Response resource page on the VAC website, plus information on the impact of the Chancellor’s Spring Statement on the sector, the London Health Creation Spring Festival and much more from the local area.
Please note that we will be unable to send out a newsletter next week |
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| VAC services spotlight |
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| Camden Ukraine Response: We have complied a list of resources on our website for all Camden residents and voluntary and community groups would would like to assist with the Ukraine Crisis and response efforts.
Click here for the latest updates. |
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VAC administered Google Grants
VAC has been funded by Google to help small organisations get back into the “real world” training / meeting environment.
The intention is to help very small voluntary and community organisations get back into buildings by helping them afford the hire fee, and also assist them with technical advice if they want to run ‘blended’ events and meetings.
Groups can book space for a single event or block book a series of dates for future meetings and events worth up £300 per quarter.
VAC is administering the scheme. Our intention is to keep the process as simple as possible to minimise any administrative burden on the groups, VAC and of course the organisations providing space.
Not all venues are part of the scheme so please do check out our room hire directory here
For more information and to see if your group is eligible visit our website here or contact Ricky at rsingh@vac.org.ukThe Philological Foundation grants for individual students and state-funded schools
The Philological Foundation is a charity that has been making grants to individual students and state-funded schools in the London Borough of Camden and the City of Westminster since 1982.
Our aim is to help schools and young people whose families cannot provide them with financial support so that they can pursue educational and training opportunities.
To check eligibility and to apply, please click hereUK Government Announces ‘Homes for Ukrainian’ Refugees Scheme with ‘Thank You’ Payment to Sponsors
A small monthly payment will be available for UK host families who volunteer to house Ukrainians fleeing their homeland due to the Russian invasion.
For more details please click here.
We Will Social Action Grant Fund
The Ormiston Trust is a grant giving trust that primarily supports schools and organisations that provide direct assistance to children, young people, and families across England. As a match funder awarding grants on the behalf of the #iwill Fund, the Ormiston Trust is offering open grants of up to £5,000 over a 9 to 12-month period to support the embedding of sustainable youth social action in schools.
Learn more and apply here
Camden Council Green Homes Grants
Keeping homes warm over the winter months can be difficult, especially with rising energy bills. The Green Homes Grant may be able to assist by providing funding of up to £10k for homeowners and £5k for landlords to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. The improvements could help save up to £600 a year on energy bills and make homes warmer and more comfortable.
Find out more here
National Lottery Community Fund Invites Dialogue on Future Community Support
Rolling deadline
The Bringing People Together funding can support projects that will build stronger connections across communities, and improve the infrastructure and conditions that are needed to strengthen these connections.
For more details please click here.
See the Funding pages on VAC’s website for all the latest information.
Alternatively, Camden Voluntary and Community groups can contact us for Grant Finder help, please email rsingh@vac.org.uk
Access the Idox Camden 4 Community grant search here.
NAVCA Funders List
A useful list of small trusts and foundations most useful to small charities.
Lists of Emergency Funders
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VCS Ukraine Support Survey
In conjunction with Camden Council, Voluntary Action Camden are in the process of collecting as much information as possible on the capacity of local independent services that can support Ukrainian nationals settling in Camden.
This includes support for urgent and immediate needs, such as links to language communities or counselling support.
If you and your organisation is in a position to support this work, please fill in this short online survey.Chancellor’s Spring Statement impact on charity sector
Following the Spring Statement from the Chancellor, Pro Bono Economics has released its same-day analysis, looking at the challenges that lie ahead for households accessing charities’ services, estimating the impact on charity finances and the sector’s ability to meet increasing need.
To read the full analysis, please click hereLondon Health Creation Spring Festival
Thursday 5th May 9:00-1:00pm
London Health Creation Spring Festival is a virtual festival, led by NE London, and open to everyone working in health and social care across London, with speakers and discussion coming live from the Bromley by Bow Centre
Influence the future as we come through the pandemic:
The programme includes discussion on: fairer systems and healthier places; restoring trust; moving from trauma to healing; kindness; gratitude; relational leadership; commissioning compassionate care; overcoming racism and exclusion; losing the primary/secondary care interface; inclusion health; prescribing clean air and examples of health creation in action!
Regenerating ourselves, our systems, our world.
For easy access and registration, please click here
Food insecurity blog series from London Plus: The cost of living & food banks
This blog series from London Plus explores the current cost of living crisis, why this has led to an increase in food bank usage, and the role & capacity of food banks to support Londoners.
Read more here
Google Analytics Update: What this means for charities and other voluntary and community groups
Google has announced that they’re turning off their Universal Analytics Platform next year, replacing it with Google Analytics 4. VOSCUR have written a great blog on what this means for charities and other voluntary and community groups. Read more here.
Have your say in improving stop smoking services in Camden
Camden and Islington Public Health have launched an easy-read survey to hear from residents and service users on current stop smoking services and future needs.
We would like to hear from people who smoke or used to smoke about what support they might want or need to help them stop smoking and what worked for them in the past.
Participants will be entered in a prize draw to win a £50 shopping voucher. The survey will close on Friday 29 April.
Please complete the survey here and/or share with relevant contacts.
Camden Coproduction Network Meeting
10-11am on Thursday 28 April 2022
Fulfilling Lives Islington and Camden (FLIC) Co-Production + Multiple Disadvantage:
FLIC is an 8 Year Lottery funded programme ending May 2022. FLIC supports people experiencing multiple disadvantages to affect system change and improve the experience and outcomes for people accessing services.
Learn more and register here
If you have any questions, please email Michael at Camden’s Participation Team Participation@Camden.gov.uk or Bex (FLIC Co-Production Lead + co-facilitator) boldham@shp.org.uk
Ticket offer from The Kiln Theatre
The Kiln Theatre have allocated some £10 and £15 tickets for their 5 Star rated Black Love.
These £10 and £15 tickets are available for all 2.30pm and 7.30pm performances until Saturday 23 April.
To book please call the Box Office on 020 7328 1000 or go online and use the promocode BID.
Euston Community Engagement Advisor role at Euston with Lendlease.
Application deadline: 2nd May
The candidate would work directly with the Euston Project’s Socio-Economic Development Manager and they welcome applicants from the local community.
For more information, please click here
QCCA Vacancy: Youth Services Manager
Applicaton deadline: Tuesday 19th April at 23.59.
QCCA is recruiting for a new youth services manager. It’s a great opportunity to run one of Camden’s largest youth services and have a voice as part of the charity’s senior management team.
Interviews will take place between 9am-6pm on 21st and 22nd April.
Read a full job description here, or email abdul@qcca.org.uk
Street Storage Volunteer Vacancy: Marketing Volunteer
Street Storage – the only UK charity providing storage for people experiencing homelessness – is growing fast and looking for a Marketing Volunteer. This role can be done remotely or at our Hackney offices and will be approx. 2-4 hours a week. It will focus mainly on website improvement, creating and managing social media content and general branding development.
We have a more detailed role description and are keen to hear from anyone with the relevant skills and time! For more information please email rachel.woolf@streetstorage.org
Please note
Our newsletter content email address has changed. Please send any information that you would like included in our weekly newsletter to social@vac.org.uk
Local Newsletters:
SHAK
Latin American House
Creative Lives
Healthwatch Camden
Young Camden Foundation
AWN
West Euston Project (WEP)
London Sport (sign up)
Forum+
Charity Tax Group
Dragon Hall Newsletter
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VAC Events
Keep in eye on our Events Calendar to book and for more info.
VAC new Community Directory
VAC is pleased to announce the launch of our new Community Directory services for Camden groups.
Our online directories provide a space for voluntary and community groups in Camden to promote their services and activities. Searching the directory then allows residents and other stakeholders in Camden to easily connect with groups and access services and valuable support.
You can search our Directories to find and connect with groups, find community space to rent or hire and find healthy activities and social opportunities in Camden’s green spaces and parks.
Voluntary Action Forum 16th March: Community Vaccine Champions Project and Benchmarking Community Building Services
VAC’s most recent forum took place on 16th March where we discussed a new local project sponsored by the Department of Levelling Up Housing & Communities (DLUHC) to reduce inequalities in the uptake of COVID vaccination in Camden.
Hear about the various different activities planned as part of this project, including a new grant programme for organisations, unregistered groups, and local residents. This session was recorded, find out more here
GDPR Training Resources
The video, slides and comprehensive notes from the two recent VAC online training sessions on GDPR are now available on the website. These will help you understand the theory and legal framework of the GDPR with practical steps on how to remain compliant.
Past Voluntary Action Forums: Resources
You can find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here.
More details on the VAC website: https://vac.org.uk/ |
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Community Buildings and the Law
If you have responsibility for safety, and you manage a building which is used by members of the pubic, you will be welcome to attend a lunchtime seminar on the essential safety standards in community buildings on the 28th April 12-2pm. This will cover essential regulations you need to know and comply with, roles and responsibilities in delegating safety, record keeping and evidence.
Please can you sign up to the course here, to receive the Zoom link, and please say a bit about who will be coming.
This is an introductory course – if follow up is required please say at the meeting. Course is delivered by the Ethical Property Foundation for Camden Council. Further courses are coming up soon, please use the same link to book on to them too.Locality Workshops
Locality would like to invite you to a series of impact workshops and mini clinics over the next two months. Each will feature different perspectives on measuring the social impact of your work with an interactive workshop.
Mental Health & Wellbeing / Healthy Place, Healthy weight
21 April 2pm – 3.30pm
Book now
New Deal for Young People
5 May 2pm – 3.30pm
Book now
Good work for all Londoners
25 May 2pm – 3:30pm
Book now
The events are free of charge – funded by City Bridge Trust.
We have a limited number of places for 1-1 mini clinics available. Please contact us if you are interested.
You can sign-up to our Spotlight mailing list here.Castlehaven Community Association upcoming activities
Free Easter Holiday Activities for 8-13 year-olds
Castlehaven Community Association has designed a fantastic programme of activities to engage 8-13 yr olds and beat the holiday boredom.
We’ve got activities for every child to enjoy, from gardening to cooking, martial arts to football, drama to chess. Find out more here and email selina@castlehaven.org.uk to sign-up
Camden4Community GrantFinder Update events
Camden 4 Community funding kit is a database of local, regional, national and international funding opportunities portal. You can register for access to the fully searchable database and to set up a regular bulletin, personalised to relevant search criteria. This event will provide knowledge on what’s new on the portal and how to customise it to receive relevant funding opportunities to your mailbox.
If you already use Camden 4 Community portal, this session will show you what’s new as the user interface is changing soon.
If you never used Camden 4 Community, this session will show you how to register and use the portal.
We are running two one-hour session on the 21st April, please let us know which one you would prefer to attend. To register, please click on your preferred link below.
10am -21st April
2pm – 21st April
NHS Big Conversation for Improvement
The NHS Big Conversation for Improvement is taking place on Wednesday 11th and Thursday 12th May 2022. It is a fully virtual (online) space and is open to everyone at no cost to join. You simply need to register in advance.
The Big Conversation will bring people together for a range of interactive discussions, workshops and presentations, giving a space for people to talk through the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, explore continuous improvement opportunities and share fresh insights and ideas on how to promote the improvement of health and care for the benefit of everyone, those who experience services and those who provide them.
Google Careers Training Event for Youth Orgs
21st April 2022, 12:30 – 16:00
Google is hosting a careers workshop for young people (Recommended age: 15+ years ) at their offices in Tottenham Court Road (1 – 13 St Giles High St, London WC2H 8AG). The first session will be with a Google trainer, who will help young people develop essential soft skills needed in work today, followed by a Q&A with Google staffers from across the business – from social media to business analysts. For more information, email riqbal@google.com.
Please note: To join the session, youth organisations will need to send supervising adults to accompany the young people attending. Please fill in this form as spaces are limited. |
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Volunteering Partnerships Coordinator job at UCL
Deadline 18/04/2022 at 11.59
We’re on the lookout for a full-time Volunteering Partnerships Coordinator (starting salary £29,802 per annum) to join our well-established Partnerships team in the Volunteering Service. The Volunteering Partnerships Coordinator is responsible for supporting our internal and external partnerships with colleagues across Students’ Union UCL, UCL and the Third Sector.
We’re looking for candidates who’d be able to coordinate our service’s marketing and comms activities, maintain and develop relationships with our stakeholders and oversee our flagship service events.
You’ll be joining a close-knit team of professionals on a permanent basis – with an excellent benefits package and good career development opportunities.
To apply please click hereNorth London Cares Vacancy: Part Time Outreach Officer (0.5)
Application deadline: 5pm on Tuesday 19th April 2022
We’re excited to be looking for a new Outreach and Engagement Officer to join our dynamic team. In this role, you will work closely with our Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator and our Social Clubs and Love Your Neighbour teams to support older neighbours to join and remain active in our programmes.
For more information and apply, please click hereLatin American House vacancy: Finance Officer OR Finance Manager (depending on experience and qualifications).
Deadline for Applications: Sunday 24th April 2022 at 23:59
The ideal candidate will be responsible for all financial matters at the organisation, including (but not limited to): financial planning and management, accounting, payroll, and fundraising.
To apply or get more information please click here
forum+ is hiring
Local LGBT+ charity forum+ is seeking a Community Engagement Officer. This exciting and highly rewarding new role will be an opportunity to support LGBT residents across Camden and Islington. Community conversations and consultations inform the work of forum+ and the charity are seeking someone who will actively pursue tasks, research and create workshops that will generate community insights and understanding of community expectations, needs and interests.
If you are interested in joining the forum+ team, please email info@forumplus.org.uk. For more information please click here
Umoja Health Forum looking to recruit Volunteer Organisers
Umoja Health Forum is a voluntary organisation which leads thirteen small African organisations from Sub – Saharan Africa, providing health and social care, addressing both physical and mental health.
We are looking to recruit Volunteer Organisers for different projects, which involve planning a variety of weekly activities for local residents.
These include promoting and delivering projects, recruiting local residents, general managing, monitoring and reporting on project work.
All volunteer travel and expenses paid.
Interested candidates should email Umoja at: umojahealthforum54@gmail.com or call Chikwaba Oduka on 07970418893, to express their interest or find out more.
Clean Break Theatre recruiting for female volunteers
Clean Break Theatre, based in Kentish Town, is currently recruiting for female volunteers. These include:
Female Catering one day a week either on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday 10-2.30pmFemale Gardeners Flexible, part-time. Hours are on a flexible basis but would be approximately 6-8 hours a month
For further information please contact:
volunteering@cleanbreak.org.uk
Love your Neighbour full time Programme Coordinator
Application deadline: 5pm Monday 18th April
North London Cares started in 2011 and currently supports a community network of over 1800 older (65+) and younger neighbours (18+) in Camden and Islington, through our Social Clubs and our friendship matching programme: Love your Neighbour. The role is office based with some remote working, visits will take place across Islington. There are flexible working hours and a Staff counselling service
For more Information please click here or contact hello@northlondoncares.org.uk
Henna Asian Women’s group recruiting x2 Project Support Workers.
Deadline Monday 22nd April 2022, by 5pm.
12 months contract with possibility of extension, depending on funding.
Henna Asian Women’s Group is looking for Individuals, who are quick learners and can take their own initiative. The right candidates will have the admin skills to support the manager to provide an excellent service to women, especially to older women. This role will require you to be supportive and understanding and be able to deal with any issues that may arise confidently.
For more information and an application form please email info@hennaorg.co.uk
Latin American House vacancy
Early Years Practitioner to join the team at Menchú Bilingual Nursery.
Deadline for applications: Saturday 30th April 2022
The post holder must possess CACHE or NVQ Level 2 or above
qualification in Childcare Education. It will not be necessary to speak Spanish, although it is desirable.
For more information and to apply, please click here
Volunteering during the pandemic
The latest guidance for Enabling safe and effective volunteering during coronavirus (COVID-19) is available here |
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Help with the cost of living
The Mayor of London has launched a new Cost of Living Hub for Londoners facing financial hardship, as a result of spiralling inflation, increases in National Insurance and Council Tax, and the lifting of the energy price cap. The hub helps Londoners access information, support and advice about claiming benefits, dealing with debt, financial management and mental health support.
To learn more and apply, please click hereOpen call for premises proposals
Camden Council and Transport for London are inviting proposals from organisations, social enterprises, start-ups, and others that have ideas to bring a vacant premises in Kilburn to life to the benefit of the neighbourhood.
Interested people are asked write a proposal that responds to the project criteria and Camden Council’s Future High Streets Prospectus.
Find out more and submit a proposal via the Camden Council website.
The deadline for proposals is 29th April 2022.Ticket offer from Sadler’s Wells
For their Family Weekend show The Lost Family Ending by balletLORIENT
The £9 tickets are for performances on:
Fri 15 April: 3pm
Sat 16 April: 11am
Sat 16 April: 3pm
To book your £9 tickets click here and use the promocode TLHE9.
Camden Giving Equality Fund: Open for expressions of interest
The Camden Giving Equality Fund 2022 will provide flexible funding to small charities and social enterprises who are actively bringing together people from different backgrounds to create communities. A panel of 12 Camden residents will award 2 year grants of £30,000 in June 2022 and welcome your expression of interest.
Volunteer Centre Camden update
Since 2019 Volunteer Centre Camden is encouraging people who live and work in Camden to be Participactive, through carrying out acts of participation, volunteering or social action to support the community.
Looking to recruit volunteers?
It’s quick and easy to advertise a volunteering role. Simply add it to our online database Simply Connect which is free to use, completely self-service and quick & easy to get started.
Looking to volunteer in Camden?
You can search for a volunteering role 24/7 via Simply Connect on our website, which is entirely self serve and gives you direct contact with the organisations recruiting volunteers.
Alternatively, find out when you can come and see us by checking out the Events page on our website.
DBS Workshop for Volunteer Managers:
Got questions about DBS checks for volunteers? Join us on Tuesday 10th May, 2-3pm for a free online workshop with Kiran Rehal (DBS Regional Outreach Advisor for Greater London). She will explain the purpose of the DBS and how it plays a part in safer recruitment. Book your free place 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
UCL are looking for new volunteering opportunities to promote to their students. Visit their info for recruiters page to find out more.
Keep in touch and up-to-date via the e-bulletin and @onecamden twitter.
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| Send your item to social@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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