Voluntary Action Camden e-bulletin 15th November 2019

Are you working to improve health and wellbeing in Camden?

Camden and Islington Public Health are gathering information to inform health and wellbeing strategy in the borough. This is an opportunity to profile your work, the needs of your beneficiaries, and influence local policy. You can forward strategy documents and plans or fill in the template. The deadline is 21st November, but due to tight deadline information from VCSEs received a bit later will still be looked at. You can return to Donna dturnbull@vac.org.uk or directly to Charmaine.browne@islington.gov.uk

“Like a whole big family” – What makes groups welcoming for older people and why does it matter?

Ageing Better in Camden’s report presents evidence from older people in Camden on how to make community groups as welcoming as possible, and what difference this makes. It is the beginning of a wider piece of work, encouraging everyone  – from older people attending community activities to those that fund groups – to better understand what it takes to help people feel comfortable about attending and returning to activities.
You can also read a summary report of the key messages

Food Drop

VCC are supporting a new charity called Food Drop who have created an app that allows volunteers to collect surplus food donations from cafes such as Pret, Gails and Caffe Nero and drop it off to a local organisation. Would your service users benefit from Food Drop’s services? If so, you will need to provide volunteers or staff who can collect food donations at around closing time. For more information, please get in touch with Shafia at shafia@volunteercentrecamden.org.uk

Space to Connect

We are taking part in the Coop Foundation’s enquiry to help community organisations identify, improve and protect spaces where people can connect and co-operate. Over the next 6 months we will start exploring ways that local challenges could be addressed through better use of space, and/or identify potential spaces that could be opened up to community use. 19th November (12 – 2pm).   There are just a couple of spaces left – book at Eventbrite.

Involving a Deaf or Disabled Person in Designing Services

CDA is recruiting volunteers for its Disability Advisory Group (DAG). The DAG is a steering group that will oversee CDA’s engagement work and provide advice and troubleshoot where necessary. The engagement work aims to promote co-production (partnership) work between Camden Council and deaf and disabled people. The group has just been formed and will meet once every six weeks.
Expenses will be paid and volunteers receive £10 vouchers for meetings. We also have a budget for some accessibility costs. If you’re interested please call Tom on 07908746927 or email on tom@camdendisabilityaction.org.uk

Castlehaven AGM

20th November 6.30 – 7.30pm, A year in the life of Castlehaven.
rsvp info@castlehaven.org.uk

Family Friendly Exhibition Marvellous and Mischievous

The exhibition looks at Young Rebels in children’s literature and is designed for families to explore and enjoy together.  Please find more information here.
Don’t miss the relaxed early opening for families with children on the autism spectrum or other sensory needs. Information and booking here.

Talking for Wellbeing

It’s important to take care of our emotional wellbeing.
Come to a Taster. Then you can:
~ Come to Talk for Health cafes;
~ Do our in-depth 4-day Talk for Health Programme.
~ Follow these with ongoing groups for strong peer networks.
Talk for Health Taster, Friday, 22nd November 3:00 – 5:00 pm
at Pirate Castle 33 Oval Rd, London NW1 7EA

Social Prescribing Learning Network

Catch up with the latest news and events from the network here.

Charities spend 15.8 million hours reporting to funders – that’s too much

An interesting blog looking at the reporting burden for voluntary organisations.

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

The Childhood Trust

The Childhood Trust supports charities in London working with children and young people from low income backgrounds. Working in partnership with The Big Give, the Trust builds charities’ capacity to run fundraising campaigns and leverages match-funding for the money raised. There are two campaigns:
~ The Christmas Challenge
~ The Summer Give ( projects taking place during any school holidays)
Applications for The Summer Give 2020 will open in January
Details at the website or email: programmes@childhoodtrust.org.uk.

Physical Activity Inclusion Fund and Community Foundation

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
GLL aslo run a Community Foundation offering funding for community groups.

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.

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.

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.

Have Your Say About VAC

We are listening to our members and subscribers to get your views on VAC and find out what you think VAC should be working on now and in the coming years. It’s a short survey and as a thank you everyone who completes the survey has a chance to win £100.

Safeguarding Courses:

Safeguarding Introduction: Protecting Children in the Community (Level 2)
Tuesday 10th December: 10.00am – 1.00pm
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.
Suitable for anyone requiring basic safeguarding training, including volunteers, play workers and new starters who have never had safeguarding training before.
The workshop will cover essential aspects of safeguarding:

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/

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.

Creating Easier Opportunities For Volunteering Workshop

For Volunteer Managers. Tuesday 26th November, 10am-1pm at St Pancras Community Association.  Info and bookings at Eventbrite.

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.

All Ways Network Meet the Funders Event

26 November, 10.30 – 2.00. Osmani Centre, E1 5AW.
Aimed at small not-for-profit with an annual income of £1 million or less working with Muslim beneficiaries living in the UK.  Info and bookings at Eventbrite.

The Caraf Centre Cultural Story Festival

Saturday 23rd November from 12.00 – 6.00 pm
Workshops, face-painting, young writers showcase and bookstalls. An event for the whole family to enjoy. At the Caraf Centre, Queens Crescent, NW5

Kilburn & West Hampstead Pensioners Action Association & KOVE (Kilburn Older Voices Exchange)

Present Live Music Now – a Winter Jazz Concert with Michael Blanchfield Trio: 1.30 pm, Thurs 21 Nov at Kingsgate Community Centre, 107 Kingsgate Road.
Refreshments provided – admission free – all over 60s welcome.

Research and Learning Officer

(21 hours per week) – Contract until 28/02/21
Sc SO1 23-25, £31,434 to £32,577 pa pro rata
Ageing Better in Camden is looking to recruit a Research and Learning Officer.  This new role will work to scope, collect, manage, analyse and disseminate learning on Ageing Better in Camden (ABC) outreach project, ABC specialist projects and ABC ‘warm welcome’ community activities.  Details here.

Hopscotch is looking for Trustees

Trustees with Legal or Finance expertise sought.  Hopscotch are a community led organisation working with BAME women and families in Camden and the surrounding areas with a turnover of about £1.5m and over 90 staff members doing incredible work with the most vulnerable people supporting with programmes including welfare advocacy, employment skills service and Violence Against Women and Girls.
We welcome all applications and particularly look forward to hearing from people with legal and/or finance experience with either a working knowledge or keen interest in the voluntary and community sector. Please send your CV and a cover letter to our Chief Executive Benaifer Bhandari  ceo@hopscotchawc.org.uk

Women+Health seeks new Director

Our small health charity in Camden Town has an exciting opportunity for an exceptional new Director.
The successful candidate will have significant senior management experience within the voluntary/public sector, a successful track record in income generation and a high level of communication and people management skills.
She will have knowledge of and be committed to a client-centred, holistic approach to health and wellbeing.
She will lead a busy, enthusiastic team in developing and maintaining high quality, responsive and culturally appropriate health services and activities which meet the needs of the diverse communities in Camden and neighbouring boroughs.
If you match these requirements and are ready with enthusiasm for a new challenge, please check out our website and request an application pack from director@womenandhealth.org.uk or download below:

Community Connectors

Are you a parent/carer living in Camden? Elfrida Rathbone Camden is recruiting parent volunteers to support other 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. Lunch provided
Training will take place on Friday 15th, 22nd and 29th November 2019 from 10.00-2.30. Lunch will be provided.
More information email Jill@elfridacamden.org.uk or call 07939877745 for an informal chat.

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

Election! Campaigning with Confidence – Dos and Don’ts

The sector is urged to campaign with confidence. There has been much scare mongering over the Lobbying Act but most of the provisions only apply to organisations “where the expenditure can reasonably be regarded as intended to influence the electoral prospects of parties or candidates.” Few voluntary organisations in Camden will meet this criteria or be spending over £20,000 – the threshold for registering. The key point to remember is that you should focus on your campaign issue and not a political party. Remember there are also risks with not campaigning and standing up for your issues. View our updated guidance here.

Cheap Community Tickets to London Zoo

Looking for a great outing for your group?  This is a fantastic offer with tickets from just £3 – £6.50.  A trip to the zoo is usually ruled out by the high cost of tickets.  Responding to local demand, ZSL London Zoo are offering heavily subsidised tickets to organisations or groups who work with people with additional needs and/or disabilities, families on a low income and older people.
To find out more or to apply for subsidised tickets please visit zsl.org/cas

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 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.

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

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