Voluntary Action Camden

Voluntary Action Camden e-Bulletin 17th April 2015

Highlights: Informal event for mental health service users and carers; How to Demonstrate Your Impact; Improving access to urgent care in Camden; Office Space Available at VAC; Inclusive Bowls Club at Parliament Hill; Trustee Training from VAC; Mental Health Awareness Week 2015; Camden Adult Community Learning Information and Enrollment Day; plus news, funding, events, jobs, volunteering and more.

NEWS

Camden CCG’s Mental Health Investment Programme is holding an informal event for mental health service users and carers. Wednesday 6 May 2015 15.00 – 17.00 at Camden Peoples’ Theatre
We would like to invite those who have inputted into the programme, or would like to in the future, to join us to celebrate our first year.
At the event, there will be an opportunity to find out more about the new mental health services and programmes that are available in Camden. You will also be able to learn how to become involved in the ongoing work of the programme.
There will be food and refreshments provided and a creative theatrical performance to enjoy.
As there are limited spaces please let us know if you would like to attend by emailing your name and any accessibility or dietary requirements to engagement@camdenccg.nhs.uk or call 020 3688 2034. You must RSVP in order to attend.

How to Demonstrate Your Impact
This course will give you an overview of how to collect and present evidence on your organisation’s impact using quantitative and qualitative methods. It will give examples of best practice for collecting and presenting data. It will also inform you on how you can share the knowledge you have of the local community so that it will be considered as part of the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment, which informs decisions about local services.
Venue: Voluntary Action Camden, 293 – 299 Kentish Town Road, London NW5 2TJ
2nd Floor Training Room – Buzzer 5
Thursday 30th April 2015 for 9:30am to 12:30pm
To book please contact Ricky Singh Tokhi or Monica Crooks on acharles@vac.org.uk or call on 020 7284 6553

Improving access to urgent care in Camden
Camden Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is working with Barnet, Enfield, Haringey and Islington CCG’s to integrate the existing urgent care services across north central London. By integrating the services provided by the NHS 111 telephone service and GP out-of-hours across the five boroughs, patients will more easily be able to access urgent care. This will mean they receive the best care, from the best person, in the right place, at the right time.
There is no need to RSVP, please just turn up; we look forward to seeing you. If you have any questions about the events, please contact feedback@nelcsu.nhs.uk
or call 020 3688 1615.
Stephens House and Gardens, 17 East End Road, Finchley, London N3 3QE
Monday, 18 May 2015, 18:00 – 20:00.
St Pancras Hospital Conference Hall, 4 St Pancras Way, London NW1 0PE
Wednesday, 13 May 2015, 18:00 – 20:00.

Small Office Available at VAC
VAC has a self contained office to let (space for 2 or 3 desks). Heating/cooling, wifi etc included. It is a good sized office (12 square metres / 120 square feet) located in VAC’s building in Kentish Town with excellent transport links to all parts of Camden borough.
£550 per month. Contact Kevin Nunan knunan@vac.org.uk

Inclusive Bowls Club at Parliament Hill
Parliament Hill Bowls Club will be open from Saturday, 18th April. The club has a specially adapted wheelchair for participants and the club is inclusive of people with disabilities. There will be a small fee associated with the sessions, please contact the club directly (contact details below) for price information.
Contact 020 8 441 0013 or email Derek on d.mennell@btinternet.com or Paul on paul.mennell@btinternet.com

National News
Manifesto Roundup

Political parties have used this week to launch their election manifestos. NAVCA has summarised them:
The Conservatives say they will make volunteering for three days a year a workplace entitlement for people working in large companies and the public sector. They will also grow the National Citizen Service.
Labour say they will support the National Citizen Service, reinstate Sure Start Centres and repeal the lobbying act.
The Lib Dems have promised to review the lobbying act, open public procurement for charities and extend Freedom of Information requests to cover private companies providing public services, which is likely to include charities.
Greens and UKIP have also launched manifestos.
The BBC have produced brief ‘at-a-glance’ guides to each manifesto which can be found on the BBC website.

Low Cost Trustee Training from VAC and Mary Ward Centre
Governance In The Voluntary And Community Sector
14th May 2015 – 25th Jun 2015 (£71/£25) Thursdays, 17:30-20:30
A short course for members of governing bodies or anybody who is interested in developing the knowledge and skills required to be a member of a governing body in the voluntary or community sector. With the knowledge gained from this course you can become an effective participant in the governance of new and existing organisations. This is not a qualification course.
Areas covered:
* Introduction to the Role of a Governing Body Member
* Developing Governance – Responsibilities and Accountability
* Governance – Strategy and Structures
Find out more and book at the Mary Ward Centre website. For questions about the course contact Kevin Nunan.

Mental Health Awareness Week 2015 on 15th May
St. Mungo’s Broadway Camden Mental Health Service is organising an outdoor event to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Week 2015 where service providers, clients, the local community and everyone involved in supporting our clients can get together.
The event will take place at Camley Street Nature Reserve. Camley is a nature reserve in the middle of Kings Cross. It’s a beautiful habitat for people seeking respite from the buzz of the city around them. Nature has been proved to have a positive effect on mental health, and we want to encourage our clients to become familiar with their surroundings and use the resources already available to them within Camden.
Background: Every year the Mental Health Foundation helps to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing issues. Mental Health Awareness Week aims to change our understanding of mental health problems, promote mental health and encourage recovery.
This year the theme for Mental Health Awareness week is MINDFULNESS.
The event will be for Camden by Camden, using the skills and resources we already have in the community. Most of the tasters will be offered by local service providers and will be open to everyone: carers, befrienders, family members and local people. The idea is to encourage the development of supportive communities.
Our Aims
• To promote good mental health by exploring Mindfulness and its benefits.
• To act as a platform for information on community and local services; to develop new partnerships and strengthening existing ones.
• To raise awareness of services on offer in Camden and encourage the use of those services both to clients and to everyone involved on our clients’ support.
• To promote inclusion, recovery and wellbeing.
For more information contact St Mungo’s Broadway Community Bridge Builders:
salina.faro@mungosbroadway.org.uk or matthew.blakemore@mungosbroadway.org.uk

Camden Adult Community Learning Information and Enrollment Day
Wednesday 22nd April 9.00am to 4.00pm
Adult Learning Centre, Netley Campus 72-76 Stanhope Street, London, NW1 3EX or
Richard Cobden Learning Centre, Camden Street, London, NW1 0LJ
Computers for beginners – Keeping your children safe on the internet – Save money and time online – Family Learning – English – and more …
Crèche available for some courses
For course brochure www.camden.gov.uk/adultlearning
Phone 020 7974 2148 New learners please bring ID

Healthwatch Camden
Latest Information DIgest is on the Healthwatch Camden website.
Catch up with the latest Camden news and what’s happening on Our Blog
The BBC has gathered links to it’s recent progammes on the NHS into one page.

West Hampstead Community Association, Voiceability, Buna, Kentish Town Community Centre, New Horizons Youth Centre, VAC, CRI, and Camden PA are recruiting. See Jobs and Volunteers section below.

Camden Shares. The website for exchanges in Camden. www.camdenshares.org.uk

You can join in on Facebook. Like us if you like us.

Follow all the Camden Voluntary Sector news on OneCamden on Twitter.

You can read more about all of these stories on our news page at www.vac.org.uk/new

FUNDING NEWS

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

Summerversity Contract Opportunities
Islington Council invites suitably experienced organisations to submit proposals to deliver high quality, engaging and innovative summer courses and activities for young people aged 13 + to be delivered as part of the Summerversity programme 2015.
Successful providers will be required to deliver free social, recreational and educational activities for young people aged 13+ providing opportunities for formal accreditation where appropriate. The aim of the programme is to engage young people in a range of stimulating courses and activities over their summer holiday that will develop their skills and interests, raise their ambitions and aspirations and expose them to the new experiences that will capture their imagination and creative ideas.
If you wish to apply for this opportunity please obtain an application form from isyp@islington.go.uk and return by 12 noon, 18 May 2015.
For an informal discussion about this opportunity please contact Luiza Mattausch on 020 7527 5947.

Community Awards from OneFamily
OneFamily have 15 awards of £5,000 & four awards of £25,000 available for community projects, charities and clubs to access. Last year we awarded £125,000 to 18 community projects and we were delighted to receive votes from 68,000 individuals who wanted to support projects either close to home or close to their heart. We’ve committed £5 million over the next 5 years to make a difference in communities.
Projects need to be nominated by one of our customers. One in 12 UK families holds a policy with us so community groups may already know of somebody who can nominate their project. Nomination close at 9am on 26 May before a public vote will determine the winners. Voting opens at 10am on 2 June and closes at midday on 29 June.
You can find some of our winners stories and further information on our website – https://foundation.onefamily.com/community-awards

Olswang Green Seed Fund 2015
Overall £34.2k – up to £3k per project – will go to creative environmental projects that have real social benefits and are based in *Camden* or *Reading*.
If you have won or applied before and are operating in these areas, consider re-applying. New applications are obviously welcome too. The deadline is midnight on 8th May 2015.
More detail here: www.projectdirt.com/olswangfund
You can view the winners from last year on www.projectdirt.com/olswang

Two New Grants from Locality
First Steps
First Steps gives small community groups the freedom to develop action plans to improve their neighbourhood.
First Steps areas will receive support to decide upon practical actions to make positive changes in their community.
The programme offers 115 communities the opportunity to work together to decide what they do and don’t like and what can be changed.
Click http://mycommunity.org.uk/programme/first-steps/ for more details.
Community Economic Development
The Community Economic Development (CED) programme is a new initiative designed for local community groups and organisations who want to take a lead in shaping their economies for the benefit of local communities.
If you belong to a community that wants to work towards seeing real economic change in your area – whether this is in food, housing, finance, energy or any other local economic opportunities – then the CED programme will set you on the right path.
The programme provides specialist support, advice and grant funding to help residents, local business and public sector organisations to work together to develop the best ideas to strengthen the local economy.
Click http://mycommunity.org.uk/programme/community-economic-development/ for more details.

The Hampstead Wells and Campden Trust
New Grant Opportunity for Tackling Poverty in North Campden
£50,000 is to be allocated by the trustees of The Hampstead Wells and Campden Trust to one or two projects for up to two years. This is to achieve some long term impact on and change in poverty in the Trust’s area of benefit (the old metropolitan borough of Hampstead.) This may be either by preventing problems or reducing their incidence. e.g. poor outcomes in children’s health and education, child care provision, security of housing tenure, reducing debt.
The Trust is keen to facilitate collaborative working amongst its beneficiary organisations. Clarity of outcomes will be needed for funding of any project, together with the organisation’s ability to demonstrate those outcomes.
1. An outline of the project and applicant organisation to reach us for shortlisting by 6th May 2015. (one side of A4)
2. Shortlisting Panel to meet week commencing 11th May 2015.
3. Inform short listed applicants week commencing 18t May 2015 and invite more detailed applications by 1st July 2015.
4. Review of applications by Grants Committee on 22nd July 2015.
5. Details of grant award to be conveyed to organisations on 30th July 2015.
For an informal discussion please contact Sheila Taylor, Director & Clerk to the Trustees on 0207 435 1570. Further details about the work of The Hampstead Wells and Campden Trust, you can visit their website on www.hwct.org.uk.

FreeSport offers grants up to £1500
FreeSport – part of the Mayor of London’s sport legacy programme – enables organisations and community groups of all shapes and sizes to apply for grants of up to £1,500 to run free sports activities for Londoners.
The next round of funding opens on 15 April 2015.
FreeSport is about inspiring people of all ages and abilities to try a new sport or activity, but importantly, it’s also about inspiring organisations who may never have done anything sporty before, and to spark their interest to run regular sport sessions. In previous FreeSport rounds we have funded a huge variety of activities ranging from traditional sports like football or rugby through to circus skills and ‘chairobics’
Applications are straight forward and we have lots of information to guide applicants who may never have applied for a grant before.
For more information on the FreeSport grant, you can visit the website which is: www.London.gov.uk/freesport

London Catalyst and the Hospital Saturday Fund have come together to launch a new ‘Partners for Health’ grant programme.
Grants of up to £10,000 will be considered for social action projects tackling the effects of poverty and health inequalities in London. ‘Partners for Health’ is open to community groups that can demonstrate a thoughtful response to local needs and partnership with an expert health agency. There is a particular interest in the areas of mental health and addiction.
The closing date for receipt of completed applications is Friday 29 May 2015. The application form and guidance can be downloaded at www.londoncatalyst.org.uk/grants/ – click on the ‘Partners For Health’ link in the opening paragraph of our Special Interest Grants.

A new community fund giving away up to £25,000 for projects that will make a real difference to local communities.
This is ideal for small charities, if you have an idea for a new project, or there’s an existing project that would benefit from additional funding, it’s well worth getting involved to help secure vital funds for your cause.
The Aviva Community Fund offers support and funding for projects to help enhance local communities. You can apply for funding to support all kinds of projects, as long as it is for the greater good of the community. To qualify, your project must make a positive difference to people’s lives in one of the following categories:
~ Health, disability and wellbeing
~ Supporting the younger generation
~ Supporting the older generation
~ Community support
There are four different funding levels you can apply for, ranging from £1,000 to up to £25,000. The projects will be put forward to a public vote, with the most popular going through to the Finals to be judged by the judging panel.
The fund has now launched. You can find out more information on the Aviva Community Fund website.
Some key dates for the competition:
1. Submissions will open on 24th March, until 30th April
2. Voting opens on 1st May – 30th May, so this will be the time to get busy promoting your project to as many friends and family as possible to secure their votes
3. The most-voted for projects asking for up to £1,000 will secure their funding. The projects asking for up to £5,000 or more with the most votes will go through to the Finals to be judged by the judging panel.

Don’t forget to sign up to Funding Central for free email funding alerts. Go to www.fundingcentral.org.uk/

VAC EVENTS

VAC has a full programme of courses coming up: Click here to find out more. All courses are £25 for members (unless otherwise stated).

Mental health courses and workshops from VAC
To book your place, please go to https://vac.org.uk/events/category/health-mental-health/. Click on the course you are interested in and follow the instructions to book your place and pay by card (if applicable). The charge for our Mental Health First Aid and Youth Mental Health First Aid training courses is heavily subsidised at only £25 per person. All other mental health workshops are free.
Please note that VAC can only accept bookings from organisations based in Camden or which serve Camden residents. Places are limited on each course to a maximum of two people per organisation.
If you have any queries about our training, please contact us on our new email address: mentalhealthteam@vac.org.uk.

Mental Health First Aid Training Thursday 4th June and Thursday 11th June 2015
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a nationally approved two-day course, designed for anyone without specialist mental health training. The course promotes awareness of mental health issues, and trains non-mental health professionals to recognise those affected by mental health problems and to offer initial help and guidance towards professional support. This can lead to improved outcomes for those affected, their families, friends, colleagues and employers.
Participants will receive a copy of the MHFA manual and certificate on completion of the course.
To book your place please go to: https://vac.org.uk/event/mental-health-first-aid-mhfa-2-day-course/
If you have any questions please contact the Mental Health Team on: mentalhealthteam@vac.org.uk or call 020 7284 6550.

New VAC Training Programme

  • 6th May: Project Management Starter
  • 14th May: Governance/Trustees 6 evenings

Dementia Friends Information Sessions
Would you like to improve your understanding of dementia and what it might be like to live with the condition?
People with dementia sometimes need a helping hand to go about their daily lives and feel included in their local community. Dementia Friends is about raising awareness and encouraging people to do the small things that can make a difference to people living with dementia – from helping someone find the right bus to spreading the word about dementia. The initiative, run by the Alzheimer’s Society, aims to create a network of one million Dementia Friends across England by 2015.
Dementia Friends Information Sessions are short, interactive and fun. If you would like VAC to run a session for your organisation or community group, please contact Ann Wolfe on awolfe@vac.org.uk or call 020 7284 6565. For more information see the Dementia Friends website: http://www.dementiafriends.org.uk/

OTHER EVENTS

Courses at Maiden Lane Community Centre
Presents two new courses
Create a website with WordPress
Thursdays 10.00 – 11.45am 30th April to 16th July
Computing for beginners
Thursdays 1.00 – 3.00pm 30th April to 16th July
Maiden Lane Community Centre, 156 St Pauls Crescent, NW1 9XZ.
Register now for a free place Tel: 0207 267 9586

VCC Volunteer Management Training
We have two training courses for volunteer managers, both of which are fundamental to any successful volunteering programme.
The first course, Introduction to Volunteer Management: The Essentials, is for everyone who is new to volunteer management. It is a half day course on Wednesday 29th April and you can book via eventbrite here.
The second course is Dealing With Difficult Situations With Volunteers and is for those of you who have the basics, but worry about handling tricky or uncomfortable situations with volunteers. This is also a half-day course on Thursday 21st May and you can book via eventbrite here.
Both courses have five free early-bird tickets for organisations that involve volunteers in Camden, and £59+bf for everyone else.

Love Your Lungs campaign taking place in Camden in May of this year
Led by Camden Clinical Commissioning Group in partnership with the British Lung Foundation, the campaign aims to raise awareness of COPD, encourage early diagnosis and reduce emergency hospital admissions.
The seven awareness and screening events can be found in the following locations:
Tuesday, 5th May Sainsbury’s, Finchley Road 10am-4pm
Wednesday, 6th May Sainsbury’s, Camden Town 10am-4pm
Thursday, 7th May Sainsbury’s Local, Kentish Town 9.30am-12.30pm
Tuesday, 12th May Morrisons, Chalk Farm 10am-4pm
Wednesday, 13th May Tesco Metro, Caledonian Road, Kings Cross 10am-4pm
TBC Sainsbury’s, Kilburn High Road 10am-4pm
Tuesday, 19th May Sainsbury’s Local, Pentoville Road, Kings Cross 9.30am-12.30pm
If you have any queries about the Love Your Lungs campaign, please contact Farha Sonvadi, Project Assistant at the British Lung Foundation.
T: 020 7688 6025 E: Farha.sonvadi@blf.org.uk

VAC BMER Mental Health Information and Networking Session Monday 27th April
From 2.30pm to 5.00pm at the Roundhouse (Clore Room), 100a Chalk Farm Road, London NW1 8EH.
The Session is open to all Camden-based organisations and individuals interested in mental health, including service users, service providers, voluntary and community organisations. There will be speakers from the Roundhouse’s Youth Policy and Engagement Team, Camden Carers Service and Camden Mental Health Commissioners. There will also be plenty of time for networking.
Further details and an agenda will be circulated soon. All are welcome. Email mentalhealthteam@vac.org.uk
See all the latest Mental Health events on the VAC website.

Do-it Masterclass – Wednesday 22nd April 2015 from 10am – 1pm
Come along to our hands-on session for volunteer coordinators who haven’t managed to sign up to the new Do-it on Wednesday 22nd April, 10am-1pm at Training Link in Somers Town.
The aim of the session will be to get you signed up to the website and give you a chance to explore the new Do-it and how it can be used to add, amend and delete your own opportunities, and start recruiting volunteers to support your organisation.
There will be three 1-hour sessions; 10am, 11am or 12pm. Booking is via Eventbrite, where you can choose which time you would like to attend.
And the masterclass will take place at Training Link, 54-56 Phoenix Road, NW1 1ES.

Young People For Inclusion Networking Event
Monday 27th April, 1pm – 4pm Free
Young People for Inclusion are a group of young disabled people aged 13 to 25 living in London.
Y.P.F.I are hosting a networking event at KTCC to bring together young people and organisations offering inclusive activities in Camden.
Come along to learn about activities, groups and services available.
For more information please click here or contact Jennifer.

Learn to Build a Website
Free introductory sessions at West Euston Partnership or St Luke’s Community Centre. Various dates in April, May, June. Contact Jed Keenan on 07950963069 or email jed.keenan@aliteracyprogramme.org. Further information and booking at www.eliteracyprogramme.org

Mental health engagement event
This session has been designed to bring together refugee women’s projects with mainstream women’s groups. The first part of the session will be dedicated to examining current issues faced by refugee women and innovative solutions, with a presentation by Middlesex University’s Elena Vacchelli on support for refugee women.
13th of May 2014 1.30pm-5.00pm A venue in Islington to be confirmed.
We can cover the travel costs of refugee and asylum-seeking women.
For further information or bookings, please call / email Alexandra Ceriu at alexandra@evelynoldfield.co.uk 0207 697 4105.

Notice of Visually Impaired in Camden Annual General Meeting 2015
Tuesday 21 April 2015 from 2-4pm
At Swiss Cottage Community Centre, 19 Winchester Road, NW3 3NR
RSVP to Rosemary Tel: 07980 328 959. Thank you. (Note: The AGM is open to VIC members only.)
Membership of VIC is £7. Cheques should be made payable to Visually Impaired in Camden and sent to VIC, c/o Somers Town Community Centre, 150 Ossulston Street, NW1 1EE.

Green Camden & Project Dirt Celebration Event
18:15 to 20:00, Thursday 23rd April
Castlehaven Community Association, The Community Centre, 21 Castlehaven Road, London NW1 8RU
Do you love Project Dirt? Then this is the event for you!
Come along and celebrate an evening dedicated to our great projects and followers. We’ll also be showcasing some of our local success stories in our latest film, followed by refreshments and networking at the end.
Places are limited, so to avoid disappointment reserve your place here.

Help shape volunteering services in Camden: Focus group for black & minority ethnic organisations
Volunteer Centre Camden are evaluating the service we provide for black and minority ethnic (BME) organisations in Camden, and want to make sure we are using our funding in the most helpful way.
This event will be a focus group discussion where you will be able to tell us what help you need to successfully involve volunteers, and what the Volunteer Centre can do for you. Bring all of your ideas – we’ll be very happy to hear them!
Interested groups can read more and sign up at www.bme-camden.eventbrite.com
Wednesday 22nd April 2015 at 10am – 1pm, including tasty lunch: Location on request
For more information please contact Shadin Dowson-Zeidan: 020 7424 9990 shadin@volunteercentrecamden.org.uk

Camden Deaf Awareness day – all welcome
Tuesday 12 May 2015, 9am to 4pm Camden Centre, Bidborough Street, London, WC1H 9AU
It’s the first Camden Deaf Awareness Day. Explore the challenges faced by deaf and hard of hearing residents and find out more about the support available across the borough. It’s a chance to exchange stories, experiences and ideas and look at how we can work together better. The day will include VIP speakers, a question time session and stalls from local and national organisations.
Communication support will be provided including BSL interpreters, Lip speakers, a Palantypist and T-Loop.
For more information or if you wish to volunteer on the day please contact Asif Iqbal, at asif.iqbal@camden.gov.uk
or call 020 7974 4444. Typetalk: 18001 020 7974 4444 TexBox: 020 7974 6866

Camden Carers’ Service
Has a full range of events and activities for unpaid carers in Camden. Find out more on the Camden Carers’ Service website www.camdencs.org.uk/activities

Decentralise in Camden
The Camden Climate Change Alliance will be hosting a half day event on Thursday 21 May – ‘Decentralise In Camden’ – to bring together local organisations who are interested in understanding and contributing to Camden’s vision for decentralised energy networks. With knowledgeable speakers and case studies, the event will provide an opportunity for attendees to understand the benefits of implementing or connecting to an energy network, to learn about the various projects delivered to date and most importantly, what will be going on in Camden in over the coming years.
If your organisation would be interested in finding out more about the ‘Decentralise in Camden’ event, register your interest by emailing camdencca@camden.gov.uk and we’ll keep you updated.

Don’t forget that Camden TDS run a full programme of course which are subsidised or free for voluntary sector partner organisations. There is a link to a list of partner organisations on the home page.

Find more Training Opportunities at www.vac.org.uk

JOBS AND VOLUNTEERS

IKWRO seeks Senior Training Officer
Senior Training Officer (4.5 days/week), Salary £30,928 (pro-rata)
The Iranian and Kurdish Women’s Rights Organisation (IKWRO) is a registered charity (number 1104550) which supports Middle Eastern and Afghan women and girls living in the UK who are facing “honour” based violence, forced marriage, female genital mutilation and domestic violence.
IKWRO’s services include advice, advocacy, information and counselling support to individual women and girls; training programmes for professionals, women and girls and community members; specific services such as ESOL, volunteering; campaigning for better laws and policies to protect women’s rights and social events.
As Senior Training Officer, you will take the lead to develop targeted training materials, deliver training to a wide range of audience, coordinate and supervise training programmes and coordinate and run partnership work with several other partners in the UK and Europe.
Above post is open to women only (Exemption under the Equality Act 2010 Schedule 9, Part 1).
For an application pack please send an email to jobs@ikwro.org.uk, or visit our website at www.ikwro.org.uk.
Closing date: 06 May 2015

Age UK Camden seeks Advocacy Officer
Salary: SO1, SCP 29, £28,845pa 35 hours per week, Fixed Term Contract for 6 months
Personalisation Support In Camden (PSIC) is a subsidiary of Age UK Camden. It provides Direct Payments support to disabled people under the age of 65 in Camden.
The Advocacy Officer will be working with disabled people under the age of 65 who currently receive financial support from the Independent Living Fund. Your role will be to provide advocacy to this group of service users when they face reassessment of their care needs following the closure of the fund.
If you are interested in the above vacancy please see the application pack including the full job description and person specification at the following link or on the website www.ageukcamden.org.uk or email recruitment@ageukcamden.org.uk.
The closing date for receipt of completed application forms is 9am on 5th May 2015 and interviews will be held on Thursday, 7th May 2015.

Age UK Camden seeks Female Day Care Officer- Henderson Court Resource Centre
Local Government Scale Sc4 £21,120-£23,145pa plus weekend allowance plus 6% contributory pension.
You will share responsibility within the centre team for a comprehensive service of care and support for service users. The post involves key working a number of older members with complex care needs, including dementia; leading / participating in all activities and outings; personal care, and all related recording and administration.
Essentials: good understanding of the issues and needs affecting older people, including those with dementia, flexible and willing to learn, ability to provide personal care and physical support to older people, ability to report and record relevant information, good communication and IT skills.
Owing to the under-representation of female staff in the centre, the privacy and dignity considerations for personal care requirements, this post is designated female only under the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 (7(2) (b)).
For further details and an application form visit our website www.ageukcamden.org.uk or email jobs@ageukcamden.org.uk or telephone 020 7239 0400. No CVs, no agencies please.
Closing date: 12pm, 1st May 2015. Interviews: 14th May 2015.

Care Assistant – Extra Care for Older People
Full-time, part-time, flexible hours and night work £15,370 pa pro rata, Camden, London
We are currently recruiting Care Assistants to assist and enable our customers with day-to-day tasks and provide personal care for older people. You will be required to provide residents with the highest standard of care and support in accordance with their personally tailored plan.
We will offer you ongoing guidance and training, both formal and informal. You will work towards the Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care and will be part of a friendly, highly supportive team.
To apply please register with our careers website www.onehousinggroup.co.uk/careers – and upload a CV and supporting statement of no more than two pages, outlining how your skills and experience meet our needs.

New Project to Enable BAME Volunteers
Capital Volunteers is a new project, funded by City Bridge, that will enable BAME young people (aged 18-30) to be better equipped to volunteer and to maximise the opportunity presented to them in their placement.
Through a combination of 1-2-1 support, development workshops, goal setting and appropriate volunteering placements the programme will
~ assist young people to: realise their potential
~ support them with their personal development
~ help them to develop core competencies for any work environment
As well as individuals the project will also support and strengthen established BAME organisations in London to be better placed to take on volunteers and to maximise this resource.
We will also host workshops for BAME organisations that currently use or intend to use volunteers
For more information contact: Tebussum@bteg.co.uk

Coffee Volunteer Wanted
Buna Oromia Coffee, the newly opened organic and Fairtrade coffee at 13 Brecknock road, N7 needs your support.
We are looking for a volunteer to work at our small cafe. Travel expenses paid. Contact Demissie Tulu at d2robi@yahoo.co.uk.

Hilldrop Area Community Association Seeks Head of Centre
£30,000 – £35,000 per annum (21 hours pro-rata) Job reference 15/01 21 hours per week
The post of Head of Centre offers an exciting opportunity to lead the next phase of development for an estate-based, multi-purpose community centre that has been at the heart of the St George’s Ward in Islington for over 30 years. Currently designated as a Community Hub with a remit to join-up local services to maximise the offer to local residents, the HACA has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for local residents, and grow the potential of smaller local organisations.
It is essential that you have excelled at working with local communities and can demonstrate how you have previously managed successful community centres or worked at a senior level in delivering community development programmes. Your ability to foster good community partnerships, and your influencing and public relations skills are also key in relation to achieving community buy in and raising the profile of the Centre.
We encourage you to seek an application pack by email hilldropca.info@gmail.com quoting relevant reference number.
Closing date for applications: Monday 20th April 2015 at 17:00pm
Interviews will be held on: Wednesday 29th April 2015
Hilldrop Area Community Association is an equal opportunity employer

VAC seeks Trustees
Voluntary Action Camden wants to recruit some new trustees. In particular the Executive Committee is looking for people who have knowledge of the needs of different communities, strategic planning, marketing, finance and above all a willingness to explore new ways of working. This is a great opportunity to develop your own skills and knowledge by working with an organisation that is well respected and renowned to be an example of good practice and innovation.
To find out more about VAC visit our website www.vac.org.uk or have a look at our last annual report click here https://vac.org.uk/our-work/annual-report/
Please send your CV to Simone Hensby shensby@vac.org.uk. If you would like to discuss the work of VAC in greater detail and your contribution please email knunan@vac.org.uk tel 020 7284 6557.

Volunteering Opportunities at VAC
Voluntary Action Camden is seeking to increase its capacity to provide tailor made support to voluntary and community organisations and social enterprises. We are looking for people with skills and experience in the areas of governance, fundraising, financial management, business planning and the setting up of new organisations.
To find out more about VAC and the services it offers visit our website www.vac.org.uk or have a look at our last annual report click here https://vac.org.uk/our-work/annual-report/
If you are interested in contributing, on a paid or voluntary basis, please send your CV to Simone Hensby shensby@vac.org.uk . If you would like to discuss the work of VAC in greater detail and your possible contribution please email Kevin Nunan knunan@vac.org.uk or telephone 020 7284 6557.

Volunteers wanted CRI Services in Camden
CRI is a charity for people whose lives have been affected by substance misuse. CRI supports its clients through structured day programmes including group work, 1-1 key working, counselling and alternative therapies. Volunteers will be trained to eventually manage a small, low risk caseload.
Camden DIP is CRI’s criminal justice service in the Borough. Working closely with the police, prisons and probation the aim is to support clients who are involved in the criminal justice system to reduce their drug use and offending. Volunteer opportunities are also available in this service.
If you are interested in volunteering please contact;
Jane.robinson@cri.org.uk Mobile: 07554435207

VAC seeks Database and Website Data Entry Volunteer
Are you good with data entry and would like to learn more about using online databases and website? We are looking for a new volunteer to carry on this valuable work. Ideally you will be able to offer 2 days per week – 14 hours/week (Tuesday & Wednesday). The main role is to:
~ To update and maintain information on the Client Database and ensure the accuracy of all data recorded.
~ To provide data-entry support to enter core VAC and VAC project work, outcomes and evaluations on the database and / or other monitoring software e.g. MS Excel.
~ To keep the VAC website up-to-date with the latest training opportunities from VAC and latest funding opportunities as they relate to the local Camden Voluntary and Community Sector.
Find out more on our website or contact Alex Charles alexcharles@vac.org.uk Tel: 020 7284 6562

Socially Responsible Recruiting
A new, award-winning skills matching service that connects employers with skilled and experienced people to do one-off or part-time jobs has launched in Camden, with a strong social benefit ethic.
“There is a very large number of people in Camden who are fantastically skilled and work-ready but are off the radar to employers because they’re not looking for full-time work and aren’t constantly scouring the job ads,” says Jonathan Collie, founder of Trading Times.
These people are highly skilled over 50s, and family carers. Trading Times brings them to you. It’s free to candidates. It costs you only £35, and only when you are connected to the perfect candidates.
Paul Fordham of Abbey Community Centre in Camden said: “”We posted our occasional job opportunity on Trading Times because we at the Abbey Community Centre recognise the value of the flexibility that can come with age. Trading Times offers a tailored means to directly target opportunities at an older group that the vast majority of other job sites simply do not seem to tap.”
Register at https://tradingtimes.org.uk/ and let Trading Times match you with the right local people for your needs.

CamdenPAs – personal assistants in health and social care
A new website www.camdenpas.org.uk has been created in partnership with HCCT, Camden Council, DISC and Age UK Camden to boost the market of health and social care personal assistant and provide more choice for the employers of PAs.
CamdenPAs is new way for those wanting to employ a personal assistant to find a PA who meets their interests and needs. Employers can look through PA profiles or post their own advertisement to specify what they are looking for.
The site is also an opportunity for those with an interest/experience in health and social care roles to promote themselves in this expanding market. The site is an exciting, flexible opportunity to gain entry into employment since more and more people have personal budgets and direct payments and are becoming employers. It
is also an opportunity for trainees or those who have worked as unpaid carers.
The site matches Personal Assistants with potential employers. It allows PAs to add ‘profiles’ promoting their skills, experience and interests. They can also view and respond to the ‘ads’ of those wanting to employ a PA.
Access CamdenPAs at: www.camdenpas.org.uk
If you have any questions do get in touch via the email below, or contact DISC and Age UK Camden who can assist potential employers interested in recruiting PAs or creating their ad. contact@camdenpas.org.uk

Find Jobs and Volunteering opportunities at https://www.vac.org.uk/

OFFERS, RESOURCES and ANNOUNCEMENTS

Keep Volunteering Voluntary
Following a successful event “Workfare and Benefits Sanctions: The Perils of Participation” the meeting, organised jointly by KVV, Greater London Volunteering and the London Voluntary Services Council, called on voluntary organisations to:
• use the KVV resources to promote understanding and awareness about the effects of workfare and benefits sanctions;
• sign up to support the Keep Volunteering Voluntary campaign and promote it among member organisations.
More information on Help to Work and Work fare can be on the Keep Volunteering Voluntary (www.kvv.org.uk)

Office Space to Rent
In a rural farm environment located in the heart of North West London? This office is the place for you.
A good sized office (12 square metres / 129 square feet) located on the first floor of Kentish Town City Farm’s farmhouse building which is available furnished or unfurnished depending upon your needs.
They offer all the facilities you’d expect of a modern office and come with all your broadband and comms infrastructure setup and ready to go.
• Good sized office space (12 sq m / 129 sq ft): available Furnished or Unfurnished.
• Located in a city farm – giving a taste of the countryside in the middle of a bustling city.
• £500 a month with electricity, broadband and heating inclusive.
Contact Gareth Maddocks [gemaddocks@gmail.com]

FREE VAC Membership for Unfunded Groups: Voluntary Action Camden Small organisations with no paid staff and a turnover of less than ?1,500 can now join for FREE. To take advantage of this offer just fill in the membership on the online form here.

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To get discounts on training, room hire and many more benefits click here to join Voluntary Action Camden

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If you have an item for the e-bulletin, please email it to Kevin Nunan, knunan@vac.org.uk with a note of which section you would like it to appear under.

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