Voluntary Action Camden e-bulletin 16th August 2019

How can we improve local health and wellbeing?

A group of residents from Kilburn, Swiss Cottage, Fortune Green and West Hampstead have been working to improve health and wellbeing in their local area. They’ve engaged neighbours, friends, council officers and healthcare professionals to develop six ideas to improve their neighbourhood.
The west Camden Neighbourhood Assembly are now seeking your views to help develop and transform their ideas. The consultation will inform which ideas get taken forward and tested in a real-life environment.
Take the online survey here
If you’d like to find out more about the project or discuss getting involved with Neighbourhood Assembly, please contact henry.langford@camden.gov.uk or call 0207 974 3219.

Find positive activities for children and young people

Check out the map and search by postcode or by type of activity.

Hampstead Wells and Campden Trust:

The Hampstead Wells and Campden Trust has recently updated their website and application forms: www.hwct.org.uk . The Trust awards grants throughout the year to individuals and families in their area of benefit (up to £1,000), large grants to local organisations (over £2,000) and small grants to groups and organisations (under £2,000). Please see the website for further details, application forms and a map of their area of benefit.

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

ABC has funds for organisations to deliver activities specifically in the Gospel Oak and Haverstock area. ABC would like to commission 4 contracts which will provide activities for people aged 60+. These activities would need to be ‘Warm Welcome’ Community Activities which are supportive, well run activities in their local community. This will help older people to reduce their social isolation and loneliness through attending these activities, making connections and building networks.
ABC is looking to award up to 4 contracts in this locality. Funds of £10,000 for 1 year (starting January 2019) are available to organisations that are able to provide a range of activities in the area. Full details here.
Deadline: 3rd October 9am. Information session: 12 – 1pm, 28th August.
RSVP to ageingbetterincamden@ageukcamden.org.uk

Have Your Say on VAC’s Activities and Websites

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

Recovery College

The college is open for enrolment from Monday 19 August and you can see the new course calendar here. For information contact recovery.college@candi.nhs.uk

Camden Intergenerational Network

Friday 13th September, 2pm at Tavis House, 1-6 Tavistock Square WC1H
Please join us for an afternoon of peer to peer learning with other professionals, volunteers and individuals passionate about bringing different generations together.
At this meeting we will be hearing from the NHS about a intergenerational project on a hospital ward, from a local actor working with a multi-generational cast in Kilburn, and from UCL about what their students have been getting up to in the community.
We will also have time for members to share their own work or experiences, so please do bring along flyers and information to share.
RSVP by 6th September to Corinna Gray at ageingbetterincamden@ageukcamden.org.uk or call 020 7239 0400

Student Volunteering Fairs

Campus Charity Takeover will be taking place across two days and two venues, plus a brand new online offer for students unable to make it on the day.
Throughout October, six fairs are taking place on campus at UCL:
• Campus Charity Takeover, 2 and 3 October
• Tutoring and Mentoring Volunteering Fair, 10 October
• Mental Health and Befriending Volunteering Fair, 15 October
• Health and Medicine Volunteering Fair, 24 October
• Museums and Heritage Volunteering Fair, 31 October
Sign-up to take part here.

Camden CCG AGM

11 September 2019 from 5.15pm – 6.15pm
at the Greenwood Centre, 37 Greenwood Place, London NW5 1LB.
The 2018-19 accounts will be presented alongside a review of performance. There will also be an opportunity to discuss future plans with the Governing Body. To confirm attendance register here.

Celebrating our European culture and communities

Saturday 21 September 11.00am – 3.30pm, City Hall, The Queen’s Walk, SE1
Share stories, language, sport and music with the with the Mayor. All in honour of celebrating and supporting European Londoners.  Register here.

Young Camden Foundation launches holiday hubs

Camden-based charity Young Camden Foundation (YCF) has announced the launch of two local holiday hubs. Sidings Community Centre and ARC youth club will provide nutritional meals, and access to physical and enriching activities during the summer holidays for local children and young people, especially those eligible for free school meals (FSM). Young Camden Foundation launches holiday hubs in partnership with Kitchen Social and Mayors Fund for London.
YCF has partnered with Kitchen Social, London Borough of Camden and The Hampstead Wells and Campden Trust.Contact: info@youngcamdenfoundation.org.uk

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

Edge Fund Round 11 Is Now Open

11th funding round is now open! If you know a group organising for social change in the UK or Ireland, they can apply for a grant of up to £3000. The deadline for applications is the 16th September. More information regarding the application date can be found here.

Small Grants for Social Prescribing

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

Youth work grant funding 2020- 2022 engagement sessions

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

The HS2 Camden Fund

The Camden Fund aims to strengthen the sense of place and alleviate the disruption of the development of HS2 on local people. Aims:
1. A Happier and Healthier Camden
2. A Better Connected Camden
3. A Stronger Voluntary and Community Sector
Closing date: 14th May 2020. Full details at Camden Giving.

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.

Aromatherapy course

This three week course will give you an introduction to the benefits of aromatherapy to enhance health and well-being. Discover oils that have seasonal and medicinal benefits and make your own sample products
Wed 21st August –  Making Hydrating Facial Mist
Wed 28th August – Making Nourishing Aloe Vera Face and Hand Cream
10:30am – 12 at Swiss Cottage Community Centre, 19 Winchester Rd, NW3

Safeguarding Introduction: Protecting Children in the Community.

Wednesday 11th September 10am – 1.00pm
Protecting Children in the Community is an 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 the following essential aspects of safeguarding:
• An introduction to the legislation, guidance, policies and procedures for safeguarding and child protection.
• An understanding of the different types of child abuse and the ways in which children can be harmed.
• The importance of partnership work and passing on information
• Awareness of current issues / Understanding emerging forms of abuse.
• Your role and responsibilities for safeguarding and child protection
• Recognising and responding to concerns appropriately.

Safeguarding Advance: Developing knowledge and understanding.

Wednesday 28th August 10.00am – 2.30pm  (Includes lunch)
Wednesday 25th September 10.00am – 2.30pm (Includes lunch)
If you work frequently with children and their families, it is essential that your organisation has up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding legislation and child protection procedures. This Advanced course is designed to develop existing understanding of the safeguarding process through a variety of written text, case studies and interactive exercises.
Who Should Take This Course? Suitable for anyone who has attended safeguarding training previously and would like to update their knowledge and skills further, including volunteers and workers of all levels.
The training will cover the following:
• Department for Education’s updated statutory guidance.
• Myth Busting & Social Care: Exploring safeguarding attitudes in the community.
• Awareness of current issues / Understanding emerging forms of abuse.
• Safeguarding awareness and assessing need: Race, culture, gender, ability.
• Safeguarding in Camden, thresholds, the role of professionals and where to go for support.

Introduction to Safeguarding for Trustees.

Wednesday 21st  August 2.00pm – 5.00pm
The Charity Commission for England and Wales recently stated that safeguarding should be a key governance priority for all charity trustees.
There has never been a better time to make sure your charity is doing all it can to protect children and young people at risk.
• Understand, review and manage the safeguarding arrangements in your organisation.
• Ensure your charity is meeting its legal ‘safeguarding duty of care’.
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/

Let’s Twist Again

TAP Summer Show at the Greenwood Centre for Independent Living
2pm Thursday 22nd August 2019. Free including afternoon tea.
Hilarious and enjoyable fun with the tap dance freestyle group
At The Centre for Independent Living, Greenwood PLace, NW5

Car Free Day 2019

Sunday 22nd September will be London’s biggest ever Car Free Day, each play street will be part of a worldwide event and one of at least 200 streets across the capital marking the day in this way.
Play streets are simple, resident-organised free events where neighbours on a road agree together to close their street temporarily to traffic.
You can sign up your street by contacting PlayStreets@camden.gov.uk
More information at: www.camden.gov.uk/play-streets.  Apply by 9th August

Free Online Safety Workshops For Women

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

Supported Employment Techniques

in partnership with BASE for Camden colleagues.
This five day course runs on Thursday 19th – Friday 20th and Tuesday 24th – Thursday 26th September. rsvp by 12 July to Elizabeth.Lloyd@camden.gov.uk
We are keen to ensure that colleagues working with residents with disabilities have access to the training and support they need to do this, so please look at the website and let us know if there’s any other training that could support you in your role.

Job Hub Lead – deadline soon

Camden are establishing a new Job Hub in the north of the borough to make sure that residents can access employment support close to where they live, and specific to the needs of their community.
The deadline for applications is Sunday 28th August.  Full details here

Women+Health are Recruiting Two Roles

Women+Health is a small charity in Camden which delivers affordable complementary therapies, counselling services and classes to women and families from the local community.
Temporary Part-Time Evening Receptionist
Core Working Hours:  13 hours/week:
5:30pm-9.30 pm Wednesdays and Thursdays
4:30pm-9.30pm Fridays
£12/hour (paid monthly in arrears). Closing date: Monday 2nd September.
CAM Project Manager
£30,000 pro rata for 3 days/week = £18,000 per annum
Closing date for applications:   Sunday 1st September, end of day
Our small health charity has an exciting opportunity for a dynamic CAM Project Manager to join our team in vibrant Camden Town.
This part-time role has evolved as part of an ongoing funded project and comes with the responsibility of managing an established team of multidisciplinary Complementary Therapy Practitioners.
Full details and how to apply for both roles are on the website: womenandhealth.org.uk

Become a Families for Life Community Champion

Do you have children in a Camden nursery or primary school? Volunteers will:
Talk to parents of nursery or primary school children about Families for life programmes
• Promote the benefits of eating healthy and being active
• Inspire families to access the Families for Life programmes
• Have opportunities to support the delivery of Families for Life programmes.
For more information on how to be part of our volunteering team contact:
Syria Chowdhury, Community Champion Coordinator
m: 07734 603 060, e: syria.chowdhury@camden.gov.uk

Freelance Partnership Manager – Make It!

Fixed-term, freelance contract: 15 days over three months, September – November 2019
Fee: £2,400. Applications by: Noon, Wednesday 21st August
Cockpit Arts is hiring a freelance Partnership Manager to launch our Make It! programme for young London-based makers setting up in business.
To find out more and apply, send a CV and covering letter outlining how you fulfil the brief to maxine@cockpitarts.com

Rainbow Memory Cafe Coordinator

10 hours per month £15.49 per hour. Closing Date: Friday 30th August 2019
Opening Doors London is seeking to recruit a Rainbow Memory Cafe Coordinator for LGBT+ people aged over 50. The post attracts an hourly rate as above and accrued annual leave.
To apply, see the application pack including the full job description and person specification at    www.ageukcamden.org.uk or email jobs@ageukcamden.org.uk.

Lifting Limits seeks skilled volunteers

Lifting Limits works to promote gender equality.  We work with primary schools to challenge the gender stereotyping which can limit children’s choices and aspirations.  We are looking for volunteers who could offer us a few hours a month help in the following areas:
• PR
• Bookkeeping
Anyone interested please contact Caren on info@liftinglimits.org.uk.

Volunteer with VAC and develop experience and skills in public health

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

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

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

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

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

Summer activities for children and young people

Youth, play and leisure centres across Camden are running packed programmes – and to help young people and their families to find out what’s on Camden have produced a handy guide to summer activities for young people, as well as the Council’s main Summer Programme.
The Council has also launched a new website for children and young people, called Camden Rise, where local activities, opportunities and support is all brought together in one place in a way that is much easier for young people to find what they’re looking for.
And don’t forget this year’s Camden Summer University, which begins on 25 July. Places are still available on some courses so avoid disappointment and book your free places now.

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.

Advancing our health: prevention in the 2020s

The government is seeking your views on proposals to tackle the causes of preventable ill health in England. Our health is shaped by the environment in which we live, the choices we make, and the services we receive. What action needs to be taken on each of these?  Closing: 14 October 2019

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

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