VAC Weekly Newsletter
15th September 2023 |
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VAC Membership
VAC represents local organisations in conversations with local government and funders, we advise on local issues and we inform, support and train local charities depending on their needs
Membership is free, click on the link box below and join us today |
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Highlights
This week we spotlight our VAC Camden New Groups Network
and the VAC upcoming training.
We also have our usual information on events and opportunities from around the Camden area. |
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CONNECT SHARE LEARN
NEW VAC MEMBERS SUPPORT GROUP
We know the importance of having someone to talk to when you are just starting out, so whether you have recently registered your organisation; are drafting your Articles of Association; or developing a fundraising strategy, this group is for you. This is a closed group to anyone who we have supported over the past year. Please email vguetova@vac.org.uk today to join the Camden New Group.
UPCOMING TRAINING FOR VAC MEMBERS (Scroll down to events section for more info)
- Understanding the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), Tuesday 19th September: 2pm – 3pm
- Safer Recruitment for small orgs and community groups, Thursday 21st September 2023 10:00am to 11:30am
- Thinking of setting up a CIC, Thursday 19th October 2023 10:30am to 12:00pm
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Rooms for hire at Holborn House, Holborn Community Association
Two spaces suitable for team away days, workshops or short-term office rental. The Green room for up to 10 people, £25 an hour, discount for smaller charities. The workspace for up to 4 people, £20 an hour. We are fully accessible with lift. Wi-Fi and refreshments available. Both rooms have flexible spaces with natural daylight. Enquires to Admin@holborncommunity.co.uk
Camden Safer Neighbourhood Board
The Camden Safer Neighbourhood Board (CSNB) is made up of community organisations who would like to help make Camden a safer place to live, work and visit. The Board organises events and projects related to this and works with the Police and Council. The pandemic interrupted many of these activities and we would like to renew our connection with you all. Please register to join (its free) at https://tinyurl.com/CSNB101. More information is in our newsletter which can be seen here.
Newsletter Submissions
Please send any information (approximately 50-75 words long) that you would like included in our weekly newsletter to social@vac.org.uk by no later than 12pm on Wednesday for inclusion in the Friday newsletter. |
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VAC Consultancy Service
Contact us today if you need advice or support to develop any aspect of your established or aspiring Camden voluntary and community sector organisation.
Learn more here
UK charity foundation to abolish itself and give away £130m
Lankelly Chase, which gives out about £13m a year in grants to hundreds of charities operating in areas such as social, racial and climate justice, said it wanted to find bold new alternatives to what it called philanthropy’s “cult of benevolence”.
The 60-year-old institution said it would spend the next five years giving away its assets to organisations and networks which are doing “life-affirming social justice work” in communities around the UK.
It is understood Lankelly Chase’s trustee board had become increasingly unable to reconcile its charitable mission to tackle racism, injustice and inequality with its position as a major investor in global capital markets it considers to be rooted in racial and colonial exploitation.
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/jul/11/uk-charity-foundation-to-abolish-itself-and-give-away-130m
Measles Campaign – Please Share
In response to the increase in measles cases in London, the Council has launched a communications campaign to encourage measles vaccinations in Camden. In particular we want to reach parents of children in primary schools and 19-25 year olds, who are less likely to have been vaccinated as children. Please share the materials and messaging in the attached:
Recycling, rubbish and street cleaning services survey
Take part in Camden’s survey about your experience of recycling, rubbish and street cleaning services, how they can be improved and how we can work together as a community to make sure Camden is a green, clean and sustainable place. Camden will work with their waste partner Veolia to introduce changes and keep survey respondents updated.
Find out more and complete the survey by Sunday 24 September. Pick up a paper copy of the survey in our libraries, or request a paper copy of the survey in another format, such as large print or translated into another language – call 020 7974 4444 or email street.environment@camden.gov.uk
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Camden Community Partner Fund 2024 to 2031 – DEADLINE APPROACHING
The deadline to submit a completed Expression of Interest form is 12 noon on Wednesday 20th September
The Fund is for Camden organisations who are deeply rooted in their communities and will provide unrestricted funding for seven years from April 2024 to March 2031.
More details about the fund including guidance notes and the application form can be found here
The Community Partnership Team will be hosting an online information session on Tuesday 5th September so organisations can find out more about the fund.
To register, please click here
You can also watch a recording of one of the online sessions here
If you have any further questions, please email vcs@camden.gov.uk
London Borough of Camden
Healthy Start – help to buy healthy food
Parents and carers who are on low income and pregnant, or who have at least one child under the age of four, can get financial help to buy fruit, vegetables, pulses, milk, and infant formula. They could receive around £440 over a year while their child is under one, £220 a year for each child aged one to three (under four), and about £140 while more than 10 weeks pregnant.
To find out more and to apply, visit findfood.camden.gov.uk/healthy-start
For help in applying, you may call freephone 0800 731 0232 or 0800 389 5789 or visit your local Children’s Centre.
Camden Holiday Activity and Food Programme, Winter 2023 Grant application form
The deadline for applications is noon on 6th October 2023
The Holiday Activity and Food Programme (HAF) is a nationwide initiative that supports children and Young people aged 5-16 who quality for Free School Meals during the Easter, Summer, and Winter school holidays.
The programme offers free access to physical and enriching activities, nutritional education, and a healthy hot meal. In Camden, the Young Camden Foundation manage and coordinate the HAF programme in partnership with Camden Council.
If you are interested in becoming a delivery partner for Camden HAF or would like more information, please email: wathsala@youngcamdenfoundation.org.uk
Further resources:
Cost of Living Fund launched
Applications close on 16th October
The £76M Community Organisations Cost of Living Fund launched on the 24th July.
The fund is designed to support organisations across England to maintain or expand critical cost of living services.
Funds of between £10,000 and £75,000 are available to frontline organisations delivering the following services:
• food and emergency supplies – food and other ‘banks’
• emergency shelter – homelessness services
• safe spaces – domestic abuse services and youth services
• warmth – warm spaces / hubs
• financial and housing advice.
The fund is part of the £100M for charities announced in the Spring Budget. It will be administered by the National Lottery Community Fund.
For more information, please click here
‘Strengthening Communities’ grants from the Henry Smith Charity
The Henry Smith Charity’s ‘Strengthening Communities’ programme offers grants of £20,000 – £60,000 per year for up to three years to small not-for-profit organisations delivering activities that promote connection and wellbeing in, or immediately next to, neighbourhoods that are among the 10% most deprived in the UK.
For more information, please click here
Suicide Prevention Funding
The government is due to make available a £10 million grant fund for suicide prevention VCSE organisations in England across 2023-24 to 2024-25.
The broad purpose of the fund will be two-fold. Firstly, to support the VCSE sector to meet the increased demand, in part brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic and the Cost of Living crisis. Secondly, to support development of innovative preventative activities/services aimed at people at elevated risk of suicide.
The aim is to launch the fund in the coming months.
If you are interested, please sign up to the “Find a Grant” portal, so that you receive notifications once it is launched. You can do so here
Sport England Small Grants Programme
We want to support projects that bring communities together and provide sport and physical activities for people who may be less physically active.
Our Small Grants Programme seeks to develop opportunities for communities to get more people physically active and we’ll support new projects through providing National Lottery funding of between £300 and £15,000. Applications are now open until 31st March 2024
https://www.sportengland.org/funds-and-campaigns/our-funds/small-grants-programme
Camden Giving have launched:
Equality Fund:
- An unrestricted two year grant of £30,000 (£15k per year).
- Restricted to Camden based organisations with a maximum annual income of £300,000.
- Aimed at addressing inequalities experienced by Camden residents due to race and/or disability.
- Closing date: Friday 29th September
We Make Camden Kit:
- £2000 grants
- Available to Camden based schools, organisations, TRAs or residents applying for community projects
- Focused on the core missions of: Access to food for all, opportunities for children and young people, representative communities, eco-friendly neighbourhoods and stronger communities
- No closing date, applications are renewed fortnightly
Decisions will be made by panels of Camden residents using a participatory grant making model.
To re-discover funding removed from this list, please see our newsletter archive here
CHECK OUT OUR CURRENT FUNDING PAGE FOR A ROUND UP OF THE LATEST FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR CAMDEN GROUPS.
Other available funders include:
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VAC UPCOMING TRAINING:
Understanding the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
VAC Virtual Event – Tuesday 19th September: 2pm – 3pm
Kiran Rehal is the DBS Regional Outreach Adviser for Greater London and a point of contact for any enquiries about DBS. To register a place please click here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/understanding-the-disclosure-and-barring-service-dbs-tickets-694817015397?aff=oddtdtcreator
Open to VAC Members only.
If you are a voluntary service or group delivering services in Camden and are not a member of VAC, please join here: https://vac.org.uk/get-involved/membership
Safer Recruitment for small orgs and community groups
Thursday 21st September 2023 10:00am to 11:30am
Safer recruitment procedures are an essential part of safeguarding in any voluntary organisation or community group. Such practices help to ensure your staff and volunteers are suitable to work with children and young people and are a vital part of creating a positive environment to keep children safe from harm.
To register a place please click here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/safer-recruitment-for-small-orgs-and-community-groups-tickets-699564776077?aff=oddtdtcreator
For more information please contact: Dianne Carlton-Ogunyemi, our Community Partnership Lead to find out more.
Open to VAC Members only.
Thinking of setting up a CIC Thursday 19th October 2023 10:30am to 12:00pm
A CIC (Community Interest Company) is the often the first organisational structure community groups decide upon.
In this workshop, participants can expect to hear from a local CIC about the journey to registration, discuss the pros and cons, ask questions, and help one another decide if this is an option for your group.
To register a place please click here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/thinking-of-setting-up-a-cic-tickets-680753781887?aff=oddtdtcreator
Open to VAC Members only.
OTHER EVENTS AND TRAINING:
Free adult community learning courses – enrolling now
Do you want to:
- Gain a qualification and improve your digital skills to find work?
- Improve your reading, writing and English speaking?
- Support your child with their schoolwork?
- Gain a childcare qualification?
- Learn more about your wellbeing and local area
Check out free adult community learning courses in Camden – enrolling now
Regent’s Park Estate – Invitation to Re-Imagine Your Streets Workshop -Thursday 21st September
We’d be delighted if you are able to join us on Thursday 21st September for the Safe & Healthy Streets Co-Design Workshop at Old Diorama Arts Centre. The workshop and drop in sessions are encouraging residents of Regent’s Park Estate to design and improve their local area. It would be wonderful to get a broad range of people from across the estate. The brief details are:
- Re-Imagine Your Streets Co-Design Workshop, Drop-in sessions and display at Old Diorama Arts Centre, 201 Drummond Street, NW1 3FE
- Thursday 21st September – Workshop 5pm – 6pm – Drop-in sessions from 4pm-5pm & 6pm-7.30pm
With an opportunity for residents to add their ideas and feedback to the project.https://olddiorama.com/stories-rpThere will also be display in the Foyer of some of the sites for the Story Trail Art Project:
Remix Dance – free street dance classes
Old Diorama Arts Centre, in Regent’s Place NW1, is seeking participants for their boys-only and older group classes (ages 11 and above).Their dance teacher, Boogie, is an original member of the renowned street dance group, Flawless. The Remix Dance classes will be working on a showcase that will be performed at The Place dance venue in King’s Cross in November.
For more information, please contact Participation Manager, Mariam Hassan – mariam@olddiorama.com, 020 3951 8983, or 07361 862 104.
Camden Local Studies and Archives Centre
Tuesday 3rd October 2023 at 6pm
The Mercenary River
London’s Water History and the Hampstead Waterworks – an illustrated historical talk by Nick Higham
Camden Local Studies & Archives Centre,
2nd Floor, Holborn Library,
32-38 Theobalds Road, London WC1X 8PA
Admission Free
The Zen Project and Mind in Camden Free Community Festival
Thursday, September 21st, 12pm-4pm, at the Surma Community Centre (1 Robert Street, NW1 3JU)
– “Zen in Mind” – The Zen Project and Mind in Camden bring to you another of their monthly festivals to celebrate mental health and support the local Camden community. Open to all and all activities are free. Free food, massage, mindfulness sessions and more. Climb on board our big yellow American school bus and take part in one of our activities to help create some calm and ease anxiety. We have something for everyone. No need to book – just turn up. More information here.
Camley Street Festival 2023
Join us with your communities on Sunday 17th September (11am-3pm) for a jam-packed day of fun at the Camley Street Festival!
We’re back for the 3rd year running – bigger and better than before. From artists to local businesses, community organisations and teams from across the council, our stallholders are coming out to showcase and celebrate all the work that is happening in the local area. We are working hard to create opportunities at the Festival that will support local people and your networks, alongside the chance to chat with us about the future of Camley Street.
Find out more here.
UCL SOCIAL HACKATHON Applications are open
We’ve just opened our applications for our Social Hackathons taking place between the 6th and the 10th of November, from 10am-4pm.
These are one-day events in which the successful organisations get a group of UCL student volunteers to come up with practical solutions to a community/business need or problem. If you’re successful in your application, you’ll also get £500 from us to help turn the volunteers’ ideas from the hackathon day into a reality!
Please make sure to read our Info for Organisations page for more details.
If you want to apply to take part in our Social Hackathons, please do so here by Sunday the 8th of October.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me any time before the deadline-
csenge.gabeli@ucl.ac.uk
STUDENTS’ UNION UCL
Volunteering Service
Charity Bank to host Free Events on Navigating Change and the Role of Sustainable Finance
Charity Bank is inviting trustees, directors, CEOs and managers of charities, social enterprises and community organisations to attend a series of free regional events in September and October. Held in collaboration with local and national sector partners, the events will explore the critical role of sustainable finance in driving positive change and fostering thriving communities. Speakers will include national and regional experts.
Secure your free place today!
London
Date: Tuesday 3rd October
Time: 9:30am – 12:30pm
Location: Museum of Brands, London
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/navigating-change-london-sustainable-finance-for-making-an-impact-tickets-686241405517?aff=oddtdtcreator
Q3 Community Training
Just under two weeks to go till Google’s Community Training on 22 September 2023.
RSVP here to secure your seat!
We look forward to welcoming you soon!
Fill in this form if you’d like to give a short Community Update.
If you have any questions or suggestions on future content, please reach out to communityengagementuk@google.com.
A reminder of the details:
When
Friday 22 September, 12 – 3 PM
Where
Google UK, 6 Pancras Sq., London N1C 4AG
‘Women in Social Housing & architecture’ Panel Event
Saturday 16th September @ 17:00h
The incredible women of the innovative St Pancras Housing
People’s Museum Somers Town & the Society of Architectural Historians of Great Britain.
Book tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/panel-discussion-women-in-social-housing-architecture-st-pancras-tickets-689431487137?aff=erelexpmlt.
Some free tickets for Origin residents.
World Mental Health Day
Is on the 10th October, and Camden Council is providing a free mental health trainings to staff and residents.
Camden Council have two trainings coming up across October and November, but places go quickly so click the links to book your spot!
- Managing Stress: Understand the impact of stress on our wellbeing and how to manage it.
- Mental Health for Managers: Learn about mental ill-health in the context of the workplace and how to support an employee.
Not Just A Conference- Embrace the unique brain injury way of life
#embracethechaos’ is a unique insight into the complexities of brain injury, led by experts with lived experience alongside specialists within the field.
Not Just a Conference is open to professionals who work with people living with brain injury, to feel empowered and curious.
When? 19th October
Cost? £30 / £10 – concession
Sign up by following: Not Just a Conference – Headway East London |
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| Camden Council Apprenticeship opportunities:Vacancy: Camden Council IYSS Case Co-ordinator (Apprenticeship)
Form of employment: Full Time Salary / Rate: £22,432.00 Hours: 36Closing date: 19/09/2023Important note – role may close early if we get enough suitable applications, those interested in the role are encouraged to apply ASAP.
Qualification: Level 3 Business Administration
Contract Length: 18 months
For more information visit here
Vacancy: Camden Council Business Analyst (Apprenticeship)
Form of employment: Full time
Salary / Rate: £22,432 – up to £29,588 Hours: 36Closing date: 21/09/23 Important note – role may close early if we get enough suitable applications, those interested in the role are encouraged to apply ASAP.
Qualification: Level 4 Business AnalystContract Length: 24 months
For more information visit here
Hampstead Wells and Campden Trust recruiting new Board Chair
The local grant-making charity for NW Camden (NW3, NW6 and Camden parts of NW2 and NW8), focused on alleviating poverty and tackling homelessness and health inequalities. We are seeking our next chair and want an enthusiastic, engaged, collaborative individual to contribute to our continued development. Voluntary role, travel costs, etc covered. For more details on the role and how to apply visit https://hwct.org.uk/trustees/ Deadline 3 October 2023.
FEAST With Us Vacancies: Camden Food Partnership (CFP) Coordinator & Volunteer Admin
Closing date 30 Sept 23
FEAST use surplus food to provide nutritious community meals to vulnerable people in North London. Vacancies:
- CFP Coordinator – lead the existing network of c40 VCS and other food organisations in Camden Borough, in partnership with Camden Council.
- Volunteer Administrator – help manage the c300 volunteers who support them with their meal services in Camden and north London.
Fitzrovia Youth in Action is looking for a new Chairperson to lead the charity
We are looking for people who reflect the community in which we work and who have a range of skills and experiences. We would love to hear from Camden residents or people who work in Camden, although this is not an essential requirement. To find out more, please visit http://www.fya.org.uk/fya-chair-person-recruitment/. If you have any questions, or would like to talk about the role, please contact our current Chair Natalie Speranza on natalie.speranza@gmail.com.
We are asking applicants to submit a CV, including an email explaining why you are interested in the role to info@fya.org.uk. The closing date for applications is Sunday 8th October 202
The People’s Museum Somers Town is looking for volunteers
The People’s Museum Somers Town has made a space for the ‘Radical Reformer Uncommon People’s histories of an area at risk from development, recording change now, as well as saving working class heritage. We are looking for volunteers for the role of Refill & Reuse Educator – Save the planet and get others to refill glasses and bottles so we don’t keep using plastics! Opportunity with flexible hours at weekends/ Fridays. Expenses paid and commision on sales. Outdoor King’s Cross market Email: diana@aspaceforus.club www.aspaceforus.club
Single Homeless Project
SHP is open to recruit new peer mentor volunteers.
If you have lived experience of substance use, mental health, homelessness and the criminal justice system and are now in a stable place in your recovery and would like to give back through volunteering, please contact peermentoring@shp.org.uk for an application pack.
Ascension Trust – Bridge Watch – Suicide Prevention Programme
A new programme is being delivered by the Ascension Trust in partnership with a range of stakeholders including the RNLI, Police, Port of London Authority, and the NHS, and working across several mental health charities.
The project aims to train and develop volunteers to act as a ‘physical presence’ around the bridges of the Thames, to identify and support those who are at risk of self-harm and suicide by listening, understanding, talking, and working with a team to provide support needed to help them.
If you are interested in finding out more, express your interest here
Institute for Voluntary Action Research (IVAR) vacancy: Senior Researcher x2
IVAR are looking for two experienced researchers or project managers to join our dynamic team. The role encompasses leading evaluations, research and facilitation. Projects will include work with individual organisations, multi-stakeholder programmes and sector-wide projects that build dialogue between charities and funders. We are looking for people who will thrive on this mix and are comfortable with the wide-ranging responsibilities that come with working in a small organisation.
To learn more and apply, please click here
Clean Break seeks Female Health and Wellbeing Volunteer This volunteer will support the group coordinator in running a health and wellbeing group for women participating in our programme. To learn more and download an application pack, please click here (and scroll to the bottom of the page)
Social Media volunteer for Further Than The Edge
We are a theatre production and performance group Further Than The Edge. We’re looking for a Social Media volunteer for our production The Morphea in October at the Bloomsbury Festival. A good opportunity if you want to get involved in the arts sector. We’re a small, friendly team and can provide references. Interested? Contact Rowenna: artists@furtherthantheedge.com
Touch Project vacancy: Administrator
Touch Project is looking for an administrator, initially for 3-4 hours per week with the potential for more as the organisation expands in social prescribing for BEH & C&I NHS Foundation Trust.Ideally, we would prefer a volunteer, but we are willing to pay a London living wage to the right applicant.
The role would work with our founder Kathy and would involve data entry, a monthly news email and other administrative duties.
To learn more about Touch Project, please click here
To learn more and apply for the role, please contact Kathy on 07923737813.
Kathy is dyslexic and would prefer text messages, voice notes or phone calls
Castlehaven Community Association Events and Facilities Manager
Closing date: 22nd September
CCA is seeking an organised and experienced Events and Facilities Manager to join their team.
The role involves working with internal and external stakeholders to develop high-quality events, generate revenue, and market Castlehaven’s facilities.
To find out more about the role and how to apply, please click here
Mind in Camden vacancy –
Community Mental Health Recovery Support Worker
Salary: £25,732 incl. ILWA ; Contract: fixed till end of March 2026; Hours: 35; Full details here: Community Mental Health Recovery Support Worker – Mind In Camden
Closing date: 13.00 on Monday 25th September 2023
Interviews (a two-round process): Tuesday 3rd October and Tuesday 10th October 2023
Volunteers needed to support ESOL classes
Deadline for submission of interest in volunteering is 29th September 2023
Camden Adult Community Learning service (ACL) is looking for volunteers to support tutors who deliver ESOL classes in various Community Centre locations.
We are looking to offer volunteer placements by the end of October 2023.
If you are interested in volunteering with the ACL, please send your CV and a cover letter outlining the reason for your interest in volunteering to Joanna.Basinga@camden.gov.uk, as well as any questions you may have.
St Pancras Community Association Facilities & Admin Manager, part time
The role includes overseeing daily office operations, managing supplies and equipment, liaising with vendors and providing administrative support to the team. In addition, the role includes undertaking all of the Centre’s Health and Safety requirements, as well as taking responsibility for our Hall Hire business, nurturing relationships with clients to encourage repeat business.
See the full description and apply online. (https://spca.org.uk/jobs/#jobs)
SPCA Caretaker/Cleaner, part time
Work in a lively community centre, you will need to be good with people and physically fit. You should be available on weekends and at least two evenings per week. You’ll ensure that our Community Centre is a safe, secure and happy place.
See the full description and apply online. (https://spca.org.uk/jobs/#jobs)
SPCA Marketing and Communications Executive, part time
Play a crucial role in raising SPCA’s brand in the community. You will be responsible for our marketing and communications strategy and content; manage key communications channels including our website, newsletters, and social media; and coordinate with colleagues to generate content across the organisation.
See the full description and apply online. (https://spca.org.uk/jobs/#jobs)
Mill Lane Garden Centre Vacancy: Seasonal Staff
Mill Lane Garden Centre is a West Hampstead based social enterprise garden centre, providing training and learning to people with a learning disability.
We’re looking for friendly and outgoing people to work at our garden centre from the end of November until just before Christmas. This position involves supporting with Christmas tree deliveries, moving, and packing Christmas trees all whilst providing excellent customer service to the local community.
For more information, please click here.
Age UK Camden and VAC Social Prescribers Innovators Programme
A new initiative is being delivered by the Camden Care Navigation and Social Prescribing Service, hosted by Age UK Camden (AUC) and Voluntary Action Camden.
The project aims to develop volunteering within the service as a way to help retain existing social prescribers and to support successful recruitment to new social prescriber roles.
Contact Mandira at mmanandhar@vac.org.uk if you are interested in volunteering on this new venture. |
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