Voluntary Action Camden

Voluntary Action Camden e-bulletin 17th December 2020

VAC Weekly Newsletter
18th December 2020

News  |  Funding  |  VAC Events  |  Other Events  |  Jobs & Volunteers  |  Offers & Resources

Highlights

Moving to Tier 3; New Funding; Have Your Say on DNR Orders; Covid Testing; Voluntary Action Forum resources; Book A&E Slots; London Recovery Board; Thrive London; Changes to Green Spaces in Euston; Rethink MH Training; Media Arts Club + news + Resources + funding + jobs + volunteers and more

Feature 

London moves into a ‘very high’ COVID alert level

Camden and the rest of London has moved to tier 3 restrictions or a ‘very high’ COVID alert from Wednesday 16 December.  Many venues must close again but there are exemptions:
~ for work or providing voluntary or charitable services, including in other people’s homes
~ for childcare, education or training – meaning education and training provided as part of a formal curriculum
~ for supervised activities provided for children, including wraparound care (before and after-school childcare), groups and activities for under 18s, and children’s playgroups
~ for formal support groups, and parent and child groups – up to 15 people aged 5 and older

 

 

Funding News

New Fund to tackle Loneliness for small organisations. A reminder that the National Lottery Fund has re-opened their regular grant programmes and the Mayor’s Civil Society Roots Incubator has launched. See Funding below.

Have Your Say on Do Not Resuscitate Orders

Healthwatch Camden has been chosen as a partner by the Care Quality Commission in its national review of Do Not Resuscitate orders (DNRs) during the Covid pandemic.
Healthwatch want to speak to the following specific groups:
~ People with a learning disability and/or autism
~ People whose first language is not English
~ People who are digitally excluded
~ People with low literacy skills
~ People with a sensory impairment
If you can help, get in touch with Matthew Parris, HealthWatch Camden CEO Matthew Parris matthew.parris@healthwatchcamden.co.uk

Covid Testing

If you develop coronavirus symptoms, you can book a free test online at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119 where you’ll be given the option to book an appointment at a local test site or request an at-home test kit in the post.
There are two test sites in Camden with plenty of appointments available:
1. Ramsay Hall, Maple Street, W1T 5HB (indoors – no step-free access)
2. 51 Greenwood Place, NW5 1LB (outdoors – step-free access)
If you have any worries about booking a test via the NHS route, you can book directly with  camden.gov.uk/bookatest or by calling 020 7974 4444 (option 9). Use this option if you need support.

Voluntary Action Forum – Why Neighbourhoods Matter

If you missed the forum on Wednesday you can catch up here with the video, resources, links, notes and more.  The next forum is on 20th January 2021.

Use NHS 111 to book A&E

NHS 111 can now book time slots for those who need them at all A&E departments across Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey and Islington (north central London).
This is part of a drive to make it easier and safer for patients to get the right treatment at the right time, without waiting for long periods of time in an Accident and Emergency (A&E) department. This will also help the NHS to minimise the risk of Covid-19 transmission, by allowing more space for social distancing in A&E waiting rooms.
If you think you have an urgent, but not life-threatening, health problem, contact NHS 111 first. You can either call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The London Recovery Board seeks two co-leads.

The London Recovery Board brings together leaders from across London to oversee the long-term recovery effort. Chaired jointly by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, and the Chair of London Councils, Georgia Gould.
The Building Strong Communities mission aims to ensure that ‘By 2025 all Londoners will have access to a community hub ensuring they can volunteer, get support and build strong networks’
Two ‘co-leads’ are needed to lead this mission, to ensure this mission delivers for Londoners.
Find out more about the role and how to apply here

Thrive London

Resources on a range of topics:
Mental Health: Bereavement: Debt: Suicide: Wellbeing
Go to the Thrive London website.

Changes In Euston

Have your say on planned changes to green spaces around Euston.  Visit the Euston Engagement Hub website.

Rethink Training

Rethink Mental Illness training partnership with the London Boroughs of Camden & Islington councils.  Rethink provides online course to organisations free of charge and also runs courses that are open to individuals.
Full details on the Rethink website.

Media Arts Club at October Gallery – Spoken Word & Digital Arts

Our free weekly Media Arts Club is open to all young people aged 13 – 24 years old who want to take part in exciting, hands on media arts projects. It’s a chance for young people to learn new digital and creative skills and create their own work, supported by professional artists.
Every Monday evening, 6-7.30pm at the October Gallery starting 11th January and running until 22nd March (term-time). Sessions will be transferred online using Zoom if guidelines change.
Spaces must be booked in advance, either online, or by emailing chloe.plumb@holborncommunity.co.uk

Newsletters

North Camden Zone
Heath Hands
All Ways Network
Healthwatch Camden
West Euston Partnership
Young Camden Foundation

National


See the Funding pages on VAC’s website for all the latest information.
Access the Idox Camden 4 Community grant search here.

New £4m Fund to Help Reduce Loneliness

Applications open on 5 January 2021 and close on 26 January 2021.
Funded by the Government and the National Lottery Community Fund, this is for small VCS organisations with an annual income of £50,000 or less. There will be two funding rounds, with £2 million for each round.
Grants of between £300 and £2,500 are to:
• Build relationships in and across communities to help reduce loneliness and build connections between people and communities
• Bring together organisations who are working on social connections to celebrate their work, share learning and best practice, and form/bring together peer networks.
The grants can cover staff salaries, volunteer expenses, management costs, overheads, small-scale equipment, small-scale venue improvements etc.
Further details here.

National Lottery Community Fund Re-Opens Regular Funding Programmes

The Community Fund has now announced that the short-term emergency phase of funding is ending and  regular funding programmes have re-opened:
• National Lottery Awards for All
• Reaching Communities
• Partnerships
Applications for all three programmes are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Launch of Civil Society Roots Incubator

The Civil Society Roots Incubator programme will offer a capacity building incubator alongside Micro Awards of up to £5,000 and Growth Awards of up to £15,000 for collaborations and/or partnerships of two or more organisations that meet one of the below objectives of the Building Stronger Communities Mission, which are:
~ Raising unheard Londoners voices to ensure they can participate more fully in all aspects of community life, lead London’s renewal and bring about change
~ Increasing feelings of belonging and/or address social isolation
~ Increasing access to support, services and mutual aid
This round of funding will be targeted at collaborations and/or partnerships led by and for groups who have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19, and the structural drivers of this disproportionate impact.  Full details here.  Closing Tuesday 26 January 2021

Thriving Communities

VAC is the lead organisation for the North Central London (NCL) area in the Thriving Communities Programme. The programme focusses on social prescribing and covid 19 related support delivered by the voluntary and community sector, and is being delivered through the National Academy for Social Prescribing. The Regional lead is London Plus.
VAC’s role is to work closely with our CVS / infrastructure counterparts in Islington, Barnet, Enfield, and Haringey, to disseminate information from the various strands of the programme to local VCS organisations, and co-produce and share learning through the Learning Together network. All the information about the programme and access to Thriving Communities learning opportunities can be found here.
Funding opportunities include Thriving Communities fund – multi themed VCS led partnerships delivering activities for residents impacted by Covid 19. There is limited funding and high expectation – it is projected that around 30 awards will be made nationally. If you are considering applying and want to discuss and / or share details with other interested groups and organisations in the borough to avoid multiple Camden bids please get in touch with Donna at VAC dturnbull@vac.org.uk

Return to Play Fund

The £16.5 million fund is split into three strands and brings our total support for the sport and physical activity sector to more than £220m.
The Return to Play Fund will support groups, clubs and organisations who’ve been impacted by restrictions brought in to tackle the pandemic.
£10m – Return to Play: Small Grants. £300 and £10,000 to help sport and activity groups, clubs and organisations respond to the immediate challenges of returning to play in a Covid-19-safe environment.
£5m – Return to Play:  £10,001 to £50,000. It’ll help local sports clubs and organisations to adapt and open important places and spaces that can help them welcome back their local community safely.
£1.5m – Return to Play: Active Together. This crowdfunding initiative will help sports clubs and organisations set up their own campaigns.
Find out more about each of the funds at the Sport England website.

Catherine Capaldi Awards

Elfrida Rathbone Camden are delighted to announce that the Catherine Capaldi Awards are open for applications.  These awards are open to anyone who identifies as a disabled person and who has an idea or solution to break down a barrier faced by disabled people or to improve their access to services, inclusion or community participation.  More information and how to enter here.

Support Grant for Organisations with Premises

The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG) supports businesses (including charities) that were open as usual, providing services in person to customers from their business premises, but which were then required to close for at least 3 weeks due to local lockdown restrictions imposed by government.
There is a good briefing for the VCS from Charity Tax Group
Key requirements are the premises were “required to close for at least 3 weeks because of the lockdown” and “unable to provide its usual in-person customer service from its premises”.  There is some discretion including for organisations that don’t pay business rates.  Camden’s guidance is now out.

Lists of Emergency Funders

 

VAC Events

Keep in eye on our Events Calendar to book and for more info.

Camden Voluntary Action Forum

The forum is open to all Camden voluntary and community  groups and organisations, community activists, social entrepreneurs, volunteers and anyone interested in local voluntary action. The Forum currently meets monthly online on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 11am.
BAME disproportionality  follow up forum (date tbc)

Past Voluntary Action Forums: Resources

You can find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here.

Safeguarding Courses:

Virtual Introduction to Safeguarding for Trustees
Tuesday, 12 January 2021 at 10:00 am – 11:30 am    Book Here
There has never been a better time to make sure your organisation is doing all it can to protect children and young people at risk.
For information on upcoming courses contact Dianne:
Tel: 020 7 284 6575 | Email: dogunyemi@vac.org.uk email (Mon – Wed)

Our safeguarding Lead Dianne Carlton-Ogunyemi talks to Jane Murphy from Camden Learning and Suzie Yassin from the National Resource Centre for Supplementary Education (NRCSE) about what the guidance means for you and how it can help you create a safer environment for children.  Listen here.

More details on the VAC website: https://vac.org.uk/events/

FYA Online Community Christmas Event 2020 Invite

Date: Saturday 19th December 2020
Time: 3:00pm – 5:30pm
Book at: https://hopin.com/events/fya-community-christmas-2020
Organised by young people to bring Christmas cheer and joy.
Karina.morales@fya.org.uk 07951008315

Active Hope Leadership Training

A four month journey of revitalisation and empowerment for London-based change-makers, activists and community leaders
The next journey runs from February – May 2021.  Applications are now open.
more info: https://www.activehope.london/leadership-training

Camden Safeguarding Children Partnership

Multi-agency online training programme Spring Term 2020-21
A full programme of multi-agency safeguarding training on zoom and teams.
To book onto the free training, please visit the Partnerships’s website. You will be required to register an account if you haven’t done so already.

Domestic violence and abuse online workshop

Introduction to domestic violence and abuse e-learning
This e-learning is intended for everyone that would like to gain an awareness on domestic violence and abuse. It will provide you with an introduction to what the types and signs of abuse are, how to respond and what actions to take.
Access the e-learning via the L&D Hub if you already have an account. If you are from a VCS organisation without an account please find details here  to sign-up for an account on the L&D Hub.

Responding to domestic violence and abuse online workshop

Camden Safety Net two-hour online workshops on responding to domestic violence and abuse for staff that come into regular contact with residents.
25th November or 15th December
This online workshop will help you become more aware of the indicators of domestic abuse and violence and more confident in what to do in these instances. The workshop will explore the dynamics of a domestic abuse situation and what the barriers are for a victim/survivor seeking help.
Book a place via the L&D Hub if you already have an account. If you are from a VCS organisation without an account please find details here  to sign-up for an account on the L&D Hub.


London Irish Centre seeks Volunteer Manager

Fixed Term for 12 months (with the possibility of extension) Part Time – 3 days per week. Up to £33,000pa pro rata
The postholder will be responsible for embedding volunteering across the organisation and be responsible for promoting volunteering and raising awareness of the value of volunteers both internally and externally. Working closely with the entire team, the role will support and develop volunteer involvement and contribution in new ways, making best use of people’s motivations and skills in line with the London Irish Centre’s strategic objectives.
Application packs are available online.
The deadline for applications is 9am Tuesday 5th January 2021.

Public Research Panel Members Wanted

~ Do you have an interest in climate change or the environment?
~ Do you want to influence research on environmental issues that may affect your health?
~ Would you like some experience of working with scientists to help shape their research?
If you are interested in finding out more please contact Dr Sari Kovats (sari.kovats@lshtm.ac.uk) Grace Turner (grace.turner@lsthm.ac.uk) or Dr Peninah Murage (peninah.murage@lshtm.ac.uk). For further information www.hpru-ech.nihr.ac.uk

Maths on Toast is recruiting

Maths on Toast is the family maths charity. Currently recruiting 2 Trustees  Full details are here;  and
Community Resource Programme Coordinator.
3-month temporary contract starting January 2020 (possible extension)
2 days per week (14 hours) Salary: £24,000 pro rata
The role requires proven admin skills plus community relationship management/networking experience.
For the trustee roles we welcome applications from anyone with lived experience as a parent/carer and/or working in a community or family support setting, as well as individuals who may have experienced challenges with formal education and individuals from marginalised groups.
Email Lucy Davis, CEO – lucy@mathsontoast.org.uk – if you would like to arrange an initial phone call about the role, or have any questions.
Please apply by sending a CV and a letter (max. 2 sides A4) explaining your motivation and relevant experience. Please provide 2 references in your letter and send to info@mathsontoast.org.uk. Deadline: 31st December 2020

KOVE seeks Treasurer

Kilburn Older Voices Exchange (KOVE), a longstanding local community action group for older people based in Kilburn and West Hampstead, is looking for a new treasurer. This voluntary role involves working with the KOVE Chair and Administrator on the annual budget plus other routine financial tasks (reconciling bank statements, checking finance reports, authorising payments etc.) and attending and reporting to five Steering Group meetings per year. Experience of working or volunteering in finance or budget management would be valuable, especially online, and knowledge of working remotely would be an advantage. To have an informal discussion about the role, contact Peter Lush in the first instance, on 07973-845285.

Lifeafterhummus Community Benefit Society is looking for a Quickbooks bookkeeper

As a society Lifeafterhummus have had to adapt very quickly to continue supporting our beneficiaries. Our revenue model has changed completely and we are reliant on grant funding/ pocket funding/ donations. We are looking for a competent, experienced freelance bookkeeper who will also create project lines for the various pots of monies. This will allow us to have a real-time overview including being able to use this as the basis for accurate projections. Tidying of accounts plus projection work: £15ph x 20hrs per week over 4 weeks. £15ph x 12hrs of training staff to effectively use the system. £15ph x 8hrs per month for 5 months to help with ongoing bookkeeping. Contact farrah@lifeafterhummus.com

Census Job opportunities

The next census is in 2021 and the Office of National Statistics is hiring for new local Census jobs, with applications invited for exciting new temporary roles at all levels.
All the current openings, application information and FAQs are on censusjobs.co.uk
For more information about the 2021 Census and local communities click here.

Become a Families for Life Community Champion

Families for life programmes offer free healthy eating and active play activities for families with children age 2-11.  Do you live in Camden?  Are you passionate about improving health? Available two or three hours a week?
For more information on how to be part of our volunteering team, please contact: Syria Chowdhury, Community Champion Coordinator m: 07734 603 060, e: syria.chowdhury@camden.gov.uk

Hopscotch Homecare urgently need Care Workers.

Hopscotch Homecare are a very caring,well-established and expanding care agency that has been providing care workers to clients in and around Camden for 20 years. We are looking for care workers who would like to help our clients to continue living safely and independently in their own homes.
Day/Night hours available and must be able to work at least two late shifts a week and alternate weekends  Contact:recruitment@hopscotchawc.org.uk

Paid work opportunities for people who have been laid off/ reduced income

Local Adult social care providers are still recruiting, and as they support the NHS to move vulnerable adults out of hospital to stay well at home, their need is growing. Contact Proud to Care.

Telling Your Covid Stories

At the September forum we discussed how to tell the story of the sector’s responded to the pandemic  – so we are collecting your stories about how you responded.  The responses will be used to tell the story of how vital the sector is in supporting Camden through these challenging times.  You can click here https://www.tfaforms.com/4863725 to put your story in writing or contact Len Lauk (llauk@vac.org.uk) if you would prefer to be interviewed.

Census 2021 Will Provide a Snapshot of Modern Society

Census day will be on Sunday 21st March 2021.
Camden census officers are available to talk to your community group – contact:
07452 938090 or julia.clifford43@field.census.gov.uk
07452 935015 abdulwaheed.funmilayo59@field.census.gov.uk
For more information about the Census go to Opendata.camden.gov.uk

Keeping The Community Directory Up-to-date

As we enter Autumn lots is changing.  Buildings are starting to re-open, some activities are moving back into the real world, some food parcel deliveries have ended, while other food projects continue.  Help us to keep the directory up-to-date by updating your details as they change.
If you would like to make a new entry in the directory use this link.   If you would like to update an existing entry look out for an email from us early next week with a unique link for you to update.
View the Directory here.  View the map here.

How to Volunteer and How to Recruit Volunteers in Camden

Volunteer in Camden at Time to Spare.
Volunteer for the NHS at GoodSAM.
Join a neighbourhood Mutual Aid group.
Organisations that are signed up to Time to Spare can now request volunteers through a brokerage team making it much easier to access the volunteers. The brokers can help match volunteers with voluntary and community organisations who have a need for verified/ vetted volunteers. The service will also help to verify or carry out new DBS check with volunteers.
Get support and resources from Volunteer Centre Camden
The council has a  page of resources to help community organisations

Keep in touch and up-to-date via the e-bulletin and @onecamden twitter.  We have a comprehensive COVID-19 update page and a resources page.

Got an item for the e-bulletin?

Send your item to knunan@vac.org.uk or info@vac.org.uk by noon on Thursday for publication in the following day’s edition.  The e-bulletin comes out every Friday. Submissions should be 50 – 75 words.  Please send plain text or a format that can be copied (ie not embedded in an image). Send links to documents rather than attachments. Make sure to include contact details.

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