Voluntary Action Camden e-Bulletin 17th November 2023

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VAC Weekly Newsletter
17th November 2023

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

Become a Member

VAC Training for Members

Upcoming training and events from VAC include:

GDPR – Introductory and advanced
CEO Network: Creating a workforce for the future
Safeguarding: Women and Girls’ Personal Safety and Awareness;
Safeguarding: Young People & Violent Extremism: Identifying Signs of Radicalisation and Accessing Support;
Safeguarding and Social Media – Polarising, misinformation, and online predators.

See details and book a place in our Events and Training section

Trustee recruitment fair
VCC still have space for a few organisations to recruit trustees at their online Trustee Recruitment Fair on 22nd November, 6 –7.30pm. Email shafia@volunteercentrecamden.org.uk to book your place.

VAC seeks Treasurer – Join our Board of Trustees

We are seeking a new trustee to take on the exciting role of Treasurer to join our experienced and passionate Board of Trustees. We are looking for someone who will liaise with relevant staff, committee members and/or volunteers to ensure the financial viability of the organisation. Find out more on our website: https://vac.org.uk/vacancies/treasurer-of-board-of-trustees/

CONNECT LEARN SHARE

VAC NEW GROUPS NETWORK is now ready and has had its inaugural meeting.

This is a Network for all the new groups that VAC have provided with consultancy support recently and for any community group or individual considering starting a charity, social enterprise or community group. The Network will be discussing the common challenges and requirements that you face when starting a new charity, social enterprise, or community group. You will have the opportunity to share experiences with others and seek the advice and support of your peers. If you want to join email Vania at vguetova@vac.org.uk

Two major mental health charities announce merger to support more people

Lambeth and Southwark Mind and Bromley, Lewisham and Greenwich Mind, are planning to merge in the new year. The new, larger organisation is expected to support more than 11,500 people in its first year, offering a range of mental health and dementia services across the five London boroughs of Lambeth, Southwark, Bromley, Lewisham, and Greenwich. The services currently provided by both charities will not be affected, and service users will continue to be supported after the merger has been completed on January 1, 2024.

UK Charity Week set to take place 4-8 December 2023
This year’s UK Charity Week, sponsored by Sinclair Method UK, is taking place from Monday 4 – Friday 8 December 2023, please refer to the campaign’s website for all the latest public resources and information.
How to get involved with UK Charity Week
A supporter’s pack containing social media assets, website banners, posters and a supporters badge, along with suggestions for how charities can get involved, is available to download here

In a move that promises to infuse fresh energy into this year’s UK Charity Week, the organisers have unveiled a partnership with the beloved Charity Radio podcast. With the campaign set to kick off in December (4th-8th), this collaboration aims to continue shining a spotlight on charities and their inspiring stories.

Self Care Week
This week is Self Care Week! Take this as a reminder to always take care of yourself, both in work and in your personal life. The theme this year is ‘Mind & Body’ – take a look at the Self Care Forum website for more information.

Hong Kongers in London
Wednesday 22nd November, 5:15pm
This workshop from the Greater London Authority offers support for Hong Kongers living in London. It is designed specifically for UK-HK organisations and discusses suicide in the Hong Kong community.

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.

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

Public Service Contracts Campaign from NCVO
This week, NCVO launched an open letter calling on the chancellor to ensure public service contracts are uplifted in the Autumn Statement. So far, over 1,000 charities have co-signed the letter, including Samaritans, Relate, Carers UK, Charity Bank, Mermaids, Hospice UK, Respect, and many more. Add your name and share the open letter as soon as possible and make sure your voice is heard.

How can charities help ease community tensions?
Tension is high among some UK communities. This article from Third Sector looks at some of the ways that charities can ease community tensions.

Time Well Spent – New Research on Barriers to Volunteering
Tuesday 28th November, 10:15am
Join this event to hear insights from new research on barriers to volunteering among the global majority, which describes people from black, Asian, mixed, and other groups generally referred to as ‘ethnic minorities.

Calling all Camden’s Storytellers!
Do you have fascinating tales and cherished memories of Camden? Join Age UK Camden on their new podcast as they document the living history of Camden. Your voice, wisdom and humour will captivate listeners of all ages and help preserve the unique character of our beloved borough.
If you are aged 55+ and would like to become a part of Camden’s living history, contact Callum on callum.burkeodriscoll@ageukcamden.org.uk or call 0207 239 0400

UK government shelves the Mental Health Bill
Despite reforms to the Mental Health Act being a key Conservative manifesto commitment in 2017 and in 2019, the UK government has failed to include the Mental Health Bill in the King’s Speech on the 7th of November this year.
UK government shelves the Mental Health Bill – Mind

Meanwhile Use Office Space for Charities on Camden High Street
The Council has been contacted by a private company. They are looking for charities in Camden who are interested in occupying space on a temporary basis. The building is a former office block on Camden High Street, close to Mornington Crescent. For more information and a viewing please contact sam.rowe2@camden.gov.uk.

Tipping Point: The Cost of Living Crisis – report by VCS Emergencies Partnership
You can read the report here.

Every week VAC checks various sources for the latest funding opportunities relevant for Camden groups.
You can visit our website for a round up of the latest opportunities added this week: https://vac.org.uk/our-services/fundraising/current-funding-opportunities/

If you need help sourcing or applying for funds, get in touch with our consultancy service, free for all Camden groups!

THE PHOENIX WAY: Children and Youth Round Now Accepting Applications

About the Fund

The Phoenix Way, led by The Ubele Initiative and supported by Global Fund for Children, is a grant-making initiative aimed at transforming Black and racially minoritised communities. It was established in partnership with six Regional Leads and with the support of several new UK funders, including The Youth Endowment Fund and the Lloyds Bank Foundation for England & Wales. We are excited to announce that The Phoenix Way: Children and Youth Round is now open for applications.
Application Deadline is Sunday December 3rd.

Please click here for more details.

Lloyds Bank Foundation’s Funding Programme for Specialist Small Charities Opens

We are open for applications from Wednesday, 1 November 2023, 10am. More Details: Please click here for more details.

Apply to the Camden Youth Dance Festival in February 2024
Schools, colleges, and community groups are invited to apply to take part in the Camden Youth Dance Festival, an annual celebration of dance by young people across Camden, which is taking place on Wednesday 28 February 2024.
It’s a fantastic chance for young people from schools and community groups in our local borough to showcase their talent on a professional stage at renowned dance venue The Place, King’s Cross.

When: The festival will be taking place on Wednesday 28 February 2024, 7pm
Where: The Place, 17 Duke’s Road, London WC1H 9PY
Deadline for applications: Monday 11 December, 6pm. Apply here.

Dancers must be aged 11 to 18. Pieces can be up to seven minutes long, with no more than 25 dancers per group.
Apply by filling in the online form. If you want more information about the festival, please email maria.ryan@theplace.org.uk .

The National Lottery Community Fund
The UK Fund
The UK Fund

We’re looking to fund organisations that want to do more to help communities come together and help make us a better-connected society UK-wide. Funding size £500,000 to £5 million Deadline: ongoing

Reaching Communities
The Reaching Communities Fund from the National Lottery Community Fund is for projects that make a positive impact in and across communities.
Deadline: ongoing

Support for Young People
If your organisation supports young people at risk of anti-social behaviour, consider applying for the Million Hours Fund. Grants of between £30,000 – £100,000 are available.
Deadline: Friday 24th November, 12pm

The King Charles III Charitable Fund is set to launch its Small Grants Programme in January 2024.
This new programme focuses on supporting projects that contribute to the environment, countryside, social inclusion, health and wellbeing, education, heritage and conservation. Each year, the fund will allocate grants of up to £5,000 to about 100 community-based organisations, including Charities, Community Interest Companies, and Parish Councils.
To qualify for this funding, organisations must:

Be a registered non-profit organisation in the UK.
Have an annual income below £1 million.
Have completed at least two years of operational activities.
Possess less than six months of free reserves.

Useful Links:

Link:
https://www.kccf.org.uk/small-grants/

Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) FUNDING
We are pleased to be launching the second round of our ‘Your Station, Your Community’ Improvement Fund 2024/25, to support local groups, charities, our customers, and communities on our line of route.
The fund will support causes that are of key importance to us and local communities on our network, and which will build lasting social value for those communities.
For further information on what we are looking for in an application and the criteria please see our application guide. The details are available online:

https://www.thameslinkrailway.com/about-us/corporate-and-social-responsibility/your-station-your-community-improvement-fund
Applications close: 15^th December 2023

Camden 4 Community – Funding alerts and news for the VCSE
https://funding.idoxopen4community.co.uk/camdencommunity

More funding news and information on VAC website at
https://vac.org.uk/guides-and-resources/fundraising/funders

VAC UPCOMING TRAINING:
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

NEW! Young People & Violent Extremism: Identifying Signs of Radicalisation and Accessing Support (In Person)

Tuesday 21st November: 10am – 12pm
Are you a supplementary school tutor, teaching assistant, volunteer in the community or worker supporting children and young people in a voluntary organisation or group?
In Camden and online, views that promote violence and hatred towards specific groups or communities are ever present.
This face-to-face workshop can help you recognise when a child or young person may be at risk from radicalisation and where to get help if you are worried.
Find out more and book your place: https://vac.org.uk/event/young-people-and-violent-extremism/

Virtual Introduction to GDPR – Virtual workshop, Tuesday 21st November: 1:30 – 2:30pm – FREE

All organisations and groups that manage, hold or process data are subject to GDPR.

GDPR applies to any personal data you collect, including volunteers and employees and the law requires you to provide a reason as to why your charity / organisation is collecting and storing this information.

This virtual workshop aims to provide you with basic knowledge and understanding of UK GDPR and how to ensure compliance. It is suitable for those completely new to GDPR or for those looking for a short refresher.

To book follow the link and instructions on the VAC website: https://vac.org.uk/event/virtual-introduction-to-gdpr/

NEW! Women and Girls’ Personal Safety and Awareness (In Person).

Thursday 23rd November, 10am-12pm
Currently working in partnership with VAC, John Bayley’s Safeguarding Foundation will be delivering this face-to-face workshop designed to raise awareness and understanding of the potential risks faced by woman and girls.
The session will cover a walkthrough of cases covered in the news and include simple and effective techniques to reduce risk, prevention of harm and defend oneself against assault.
To book follow the link and instructions on the VAC website: https://vac.org.uk/event/women-and-girls-personal-safety-and-awareness/

Managing and Complying with GDPR – Virtual workshop, Tuesday 28th November: 2-3pm – FREE
Are you the person directly responsible for managing GDPR at your organisation and ensuring your compliance with current legislation? Do you advise, induct or provide support to colleagues on the proper collecting and processing of users’ personal data and information? If there is a problem relating to data protection to people turn to you to sort it out?

This online workshop aims to provide you with up to date knowledge and understanding of the UK GDPR and how to ensure compliance.

To book follow the link and instructions on the VAC website: https://vac.org.uk/event/managing-and-complying-with-gdpr/

Creating a Workforce for the Future – in person event for the Camden CEO Network, Tuesday 30th November 08:30 – 10am

Are we creating enough non-traditional employment pathways into the VCS? Are we replenishing the talent pool? How do we remain a competitive employer?
This event is open to Camden CEOs only. To book follow the link and instructions on the VAC website: https://vac.org.uk/event/ceo-network-creating-a-workforce-for-the-future/. Sign up to the Camden CEO Network here: https://vac.org.uk/get-involved/forums-and-networks/camden-ceo-network/

NEW! Virtual Workshop: Safeguarding and Social Media – Polarising, misinformation, and online predators.

Thursday 30^th November, 10am – 11.30am

With its volume, reach and speed, social media can encourage millions of users to adopt extreme political or social positions. In this workshop, we will look at the impacts of online groups, tribes, and communities; how they polarise for profit, and at times validate dangerous behaviour.
With a focus on grooming, algorithms and the spread of disinformation that promotes division among communities, we will explore the role of safeguarding online in our increasingly digitalised world.

To book follow the link and instructions on the VAC website: https://vac.org.uk/event/virtual-workshop-safeguarding-and-social-media/

OTHER EVENTS AND TRAINING:

Winter Holiday Activities and Food programme

The Camden Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Winter programme will run from 27 December 2023 to 5 January 2024 and is open for children and young people aged 5 to 16 who live in Camden and are eligible for free school meals.
The programme offers free, fun activities and nutritional education – from learning to make healthy meals, to creative activities, including photography, drama, arts and crafts, and sports such as football and basketball. A free hot meal is included as part of each day’s activities. The Camden HAF programme is co-ordinated by Young Camden Foundation on behalf of Camden Council, with funding from the Department for Education.
To find out more and book your places, visit haf.youngcamdenfoundation.org.uk, or if you have any questions please email info@youngcamdenfoundation.org.uk

Festive events on Hampstead Heath
Join Heath Hands for festive wreath-making workshops and other festive events on Hampstead Heath. Wreath workshops cost £20 per person and start on 8^th December – we can sometimes run free workshops for local community groups – contact us for more info. We’ll also be hosting a photo exhibition and book on for our FREE January forest bathing workshops for a good start to 2024. More info: https://www.heath-hands.org.uk/whatson

Hampstead Heath calendar and other Heath goodies
Are you looking for Christmas gifts to support your local green space? Why not buy a Hampstead Heath calendar or book of walks from the Heath Hands webshop? Or you could give someone the gift of a wildlife home adoption or a Friends membership – great for last-minute gifts to arrive in inboxes on Xmas day!

West Hampstead Community Centre
Barn Dance. Saturday 25th November 7:30pm @ Emmanuel Church, Lyncroft Gardens NW6 1JU. With Caller Jane and Live Music! Admission : £5. Pay at the Door/Partners/Experience not necessary. All Ages welcome. Come and Join in the fun! For more info: 0207 794 3729 info@cawh.org.uk

Birkbeck University Pathways Workshop
Wed, 22 Nov 2023 10:00-13:30 at The Winch, Old Winchester Arms, 21 Winchester Rd, Belsize Park, London NW3 3NR – Want support with deciding what to do next and how to get there? Unsure of what job you’d be good at? Pathways offers free advice and training! FREE lunch and Birkbeck certificate of participation.
Click here to find out more and sign up for the event.

Roj Women’s Association
We will provide two sessions of workshops for Kurdish and Turkish speaking women about the “Signs and types of abuse” and “How emotional abuse affects our psychology” on the 23rd of November at Selby Centre N17 8JL between 10am-12pm . The sessions will be represented in Turkish and all women are welcome. There is no need for registrations and refreshments will also be provided. For more information please see https://www.instagram.com/p/CzWEeA4tbA5/“

TUNES VIBES GOOD TIMES – Steel Pan Music CIC

Thanks to an award from Camden’s Cultural Education and Learning Support Fund, we’re now holding weekly sessions for local young people to take part in making music using acoustic steel pan and percussion, and to learn about steel pans’ rich heritage and fascinating connection to Camden. By providing this project at no cost, we welcome a wide audience of young people who may not otherwise have direct access to culture.
Mondays from 6pm The Warren Centre, Whitfield Place. WIT 5JU
For more information contact hi@steelpanmusic.org.uk
www.steelpanmusic.org.uk

Rethink Advocacy service is currently running a drop in advocacy session at the Greenwood Centre, 37 Greenwood Place, London, NW5 1LB for people with Learning Disabilities. Please come along on 21^st November at 2pm or 19^th December at 2pm. Please call Sian Phillips 07483 332490 for more information.

Community Health Event on 18th November 2023 in the Crowndale Centre, 218 Eversholt St, NW1 1BD from 12pm-4pm.
Open to everyone. Volunteers for this event are needed – Please contact Anita Khalil for more information Anita.Khalil@camden.gov.uk

Black Mary Project Open Day on 18th of November

Calthorpe Community Gardens Free
Full information

BOLO Business Podcast Live Panel

Camden Town Hall 1st December Free – Black Owned London (BOLO) bring you this business podcast, the live final episode of a series looking at inspiring individuals seizing opportunities. It will be an interactive panel discussion inviting audience engagement – a great opportunity to celebrate Black businesses, leadership, and the vibrant culture of Camden. Full information

Join us at ODAC on Tuesday 12th December to toast the end of the year with ODAC and Camden Giving.
2023 has been another great year at ODAC, with thousands of people from our vibrant community utilising our spaces weekly for creative endeavours, gatherings, and collaborative projects. And it has been for Camden Giving too, as they continue to ensure Camden’s wealth benefits citizens and grassroots charities.
Expect nibbles, entertainment and stalls and the opportunity to revel in the festive spirit!
RSVP by filling by clicking the invite above and filling in the form. If you RSVP, you’ll get your first drink free!

The Royal Free Charity is seeking an ambitious and talented Welfare Rights Supervisor to join their Support hub team.

This is being offered as either a part-time or full-time role, 30 or 37.5 hours per week, over four or five days. If you would like to view the job description please email jobs@royalfreecharity.org or check the link Welfare Rights Supervisor – Royal Free Charity
If interested, please submit a CV, equal opportunity form and supporting statement addressing how you meet the criteria set out in the job description and person specification.

Impact Hub Community Engagement Manager Vacancy
The job advert for Impact Hub’s Community Engagement Manager is now live – this role will be shared by Impact Hub and Knowledge Quarter , and will be responsible for leading community engagement and outreach activities related to their new space on Regent’s Place which opens in January 2024.
They are particularly interested in hiring someone with a local connection or lived experience.
All the details can be found on their website including details on how to apply.

Volunteer Centre Camden:

VCC Xmas volunteering roles
Does your organisation have Christmas, Hanukkah or New Year’s volunteering roles? We’re currently gathering a list for people who are looking for volunteering for Christmas. Got something? Email sheila@volunteercentrecamden.org.uk

VCC Trustee recruitment fair
We still have space for a few organisations to recruit trustees at our online Trustee Recruitment Fair on 22nd November, 6 – 7.30pm. Email shafia@volunteercentrecamden.org.uk to book your place.
Want to find out about local trustee roles? Book your free place at our trustee recruitment fair and hear from organisations recruiting trustees in Camden and Islington. Book now: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/camden-and-islington-trustee-recruitment-fair-2023-tickets-735623037307

Make a difference in your community – join Castlehaven’s Board of Trustees!

Castlehaven Community Association are recruiting trustees with finance, IT, environment, equality, diversity, and inclusion skills who can offer their expertise and share their vision. Applications from all backgrounds are encouraged, especially those who live and work in Camden. Email ernie@castlehaven.org.uk to request an application pack and help shape CCA’s future.

Local VCS Newsletters:

SHAK
Young Camden Foundation (Funding Newsletter)
Young Camden Foundation (Events and Training Newsletter)
AWN (sign up)
Fitzrovia Community Centre
Coram’s Field Community Newsletter (sign up)
CAWSH newsletter
St Pancras Community Association (sign up)
Castlehaven in Bloom (sign up)
UCL Volunteering Service Newsletter (sign up)
Latin American House
London Irish Centre
North London Cares: Upcoming Clubs
Castlehaven Community Association (sign up)
Heath Hands

If you would like your Camden VCS newsletter added to this list, please email social@vac.org.uk

Looking for a previous newsletter entry? Find it in our archive here

Find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here

Got an item for the e-bulletin?

Send your item to social@vac.org.uk by noon on Wednesday for publication in the following Friday’s edition. 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.