VAC Weekly Newsletter
18th February 2022
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VAC Membership
We are offering free membership to local organisations and groups interested in contributing to a stronger Voluntary and Community Sector in Camden. As a member you will have access to high quality advice and guidance, local networks, and support to grow and develop your organisation. Click the link above to learn more about the benefits of becoming a member and join for free.
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In this week’s newsletter once again look out for some new, but by no means all, funding opportunities, some very interesting upcoming webinars and learning opportunities… and more!
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VAC administered Google Grants
VAC has been funded by Google to help small organisations get back into the “real world” training / meeting environment.
The intention is to help very small voluntary and community organisations get back into buildings by helping them afford the hire fee, and also assist them with technical advice if they want to run ‘blended’ events and meetings.
Groups can book space for a single event or block book a series of dates for future meetings and events worth up £300 per quarter.
VAC is administering the scheme. Our intention is to keep the process as simple as possible to minimise any administrative burden on the groups, VAC and of course the organisations providing space.
Not all venues are part of the scheme so please do check out our room hire directory here
For more information and to see if your group is eligible visit our website here or contact Ricky at rsingh@vac.org.uk
Camden Giving: We Make Camden Kit
In partnership with Camden citizens and Camden Council, Camden Giving are funding great ideas that will make Camden a better place.
The ‘We Make Camden Kit’ gives money and support to Camden residents and community groups who have great ideas for their communities. Residents and community groups can apply via Camden Giving’s website to receive up to £1,500 to deliver ideas that make a difference for the community. Residents can also receive support with insurance, safeguarding and connections to make their ideas a success.
For more information and to apply click here.
Camden Future High Streets Crowdfund
Camden Council in partnership with Spacehive are launching the Spring funding round of the Camden Future High Streets Crowdfund.
The Council are seeking proposals from local groups and organisations that provide clear benefits to Camden’s high streets, businesses and the residents they serve. As part of this crowdfunding programme, as well as attracting pledges from people and organisations with an interest in your project, you can also receive a pledge of up to £35,000 (covering a maximum of 50% of project costs) from the council.
Online information workshops on 10th March
Application deadline 22nd April 2022 – register here
For more information see here
City Bridge Trust Announces Funding for London Place-based Giving Schemes
Place-Based Giving Schemes (PBGSs) bring together people from different sectors (voluntary and community; public; private) to build stronger communities and leverage their community assets. Applications should build on our work through London’s Giving and enable place-based giving schemes to develop and become more sustainable.
Funding is available for eligible organisations for up to two years.
Please click here for more details.
The Windrush Day Grant Scheme
Applications for funding will remain open until 11:59pm, Friday 18 March 2022.
The Windrush Day Grant Scheme provides funding to communities looking to commemorate, celebrate and educate about the Windrush Generation and their contribution.
Please click here for more details.
New Grants for Under-Represented Groups within the LGBT+ Community
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis and the programme will close to new applications on 30th October 2022.
The National Lottery Community Fund and the Consortium of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Voluntary and Community Organisations (Consortium) are launching a new £800,000 partnership, which will support under-represented and marginalised LGBT+ communities.
The LGBT+ Futures: Equity Fund (the Fund) is a two-year partnership that will help community-led and grassroots LGBT+ groups overcome some of the barriers they face accessing funding and support.
Please click here for more details.
Applications open for The Childhood Trust’s match funding campaign, Champions for Children 2022
Deadline: Friday 4th March.
The Champions for Children 2022 by The Childhood Trust is a week-long match funding campaign that will launch on Tuesday 14th June and last until Tuesday 21st June.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Childhood Trust launched the Champions for Children match-funding campaign, to provide unrestricted funding to charities working to alleviate the impacts of poverty for children and young people across the capital. Up to £25,000 of match funding is available per charity. Match funding is being provided by The Childhood Trust.
To learn more and to apply, please click here
The Women & Girls Match Fund
Application Deadline; Tuesday 15th March (midday)
The Women & Girls Match Fund is a match funding campaign for charities that are working to improve the lives of vulnerable, disadvantaged or underrepresented women and girls in England and Scotland.
Please click here for more details.
New Round of Grants to Support the Education of Refugee Children in Europe and the Middle East
Concept Note submissions are accepted until 22 February 2022 (11pm BST)
Funding for projects which improve the educational experience of refugee and displaced children with a focus on innovation and creative solutions.
The Al Madad Foundation is a London-based charity whose objective is to support civil society institutions and schools in delivering creative and innovative solutions to problems facing refugee children in countries across Europe and the Middle East.
Registered charities can apply for grants of up to £250,000 for a defined project of up to three years’ duration. Funding is usually awarded at values of £20,000, £50,000 and £100,000.
Please click here for more details
See the Funding pages on VAC’s website for all the latest information.
Alternatively, Camden Voluntary and Community groups can contact us for Grant Finder help, please email rsingh@vac.org.uk
Access the Idox Camden 4 Community grant search here.
NAVCA Funders List
A useful list of small trusts and foundations most useful to small charities.
Lists of Emergency Funders
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Thriving Communities webinar: Libraries and Social Prescribing Innovation
Tuesday 22 February 2022, 3-4.15pm (please note this session will be 1h15)
This webinar aims to show you some of the innovations in literary and library social prescribing practice that have been happening in 2021/22. Discover the work of Thriving Communities Funded projects Active Luton and Culture Coventry, and the approach they are taking with their social prescribing and libraries service provision. Sue Ball MBE of Staffordshire Libraries will detail the Universal Offer which all libraries work to enable and the arts and health remit within this. And we will also be joined by author Ann Cleeves who started the innovative ‘Reading for Wellbeing’ project which involves literary social prescribers.
Learn more and register for free here
The role of social prescribing in addressing health inequalities webinar
Monday 7 March 2022 3-4pm
Our health is closely bound with the social and economic aspects of our lives: from where we are born, live and work, to our educational opportunities, income and influence. These social factors lead to inequalities in health and wellbeing across different people and communities, both in access to healthcare, and in the opportunities we have to live healthy lives. The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened existing inequalities and thrown a harsh spotlight on the topic once again.
Community groups, health professionals, and national charities have always been at the heart of tackling inequalities. But what is the role of social prescribing in addressing health inequalities?
To kick-off this important conversation, the National Academy for Social Prescribing presents a webinar which will explore this complex area
Learn more and register for free here
Camden pharmacy services survey
Your views will help identify areas that need improvement; develop pharmacy services that meet your health needs in the future; and ensure that pharmacy services are accessible to everyone.
The survey closes Friday 4 March 2022. It is completely confidential and should not take more than 5 minutes to complete.
Have your say on local pharmacy services here
Google and Camden Giving: Online Workshop invitation
Thursday 3rd March 2022: 10-12pm
Google is hosting a virtual session with Camden Giving on best practices for presentations and pitching, with insights and Q&A from Jon French – Google EMEA Managing Director.
To sign up, please click here
easyfundraising donations
Voluntary organisations are receiving a share of £1.8m in donations. Thousands of good causes across the UK are able to update their facilities, buy new equipment, and improve their services, thanks to fundraising website easyfundraising and their low-maintenance approach to fundraising. Through the easyfundraising platform, 6,000 online retailers including Sainsbury’s, eBay, Amazon, M&S, Just Eat and Argos will donate to third sector organisations for free. To take advantage of this free income stream for your organisation, find out more here
The Middle Eastern Women and Society Organisation is recruiting trustees!
The Middle Eastern Women and Society Organisation are a charity run by and for migrant women. Our activities range from wellbeing workshops and classes to campaigning against polygamy, forced virginity testing and supporting LGBT+ women of migrant background. We are looking to diversify our all-women Board of Trustees by recruiting women with experience in finance, legal, HR, communication, fundraising, business development and more. We particularly encourage applications from women of migrant background. Please click here for more details
Healthwatch Camden vacancy: Media and Communications Officer
Application Deadline: Tuesday 15th March 2022
Healthwatch Camden is looking to recruit a full-time Media and Communications Officer to join our small and dedicated team. You’ll be responsible for all internal, external and digital communications. You’ll support our longer-term strategy by delivering against key objectives and communicating with key stakeholders. Learn more here.
Apply by submitting your CV and a 60-second cover video to: Stephen.heard@healthwatchcamden.co.uk
Camden Carers vacancy: Community Engagement Support Worker
Deadline: 11:59pm on Sunday 20th February
Hours: 28 hours per week, fixed contract of 2 years
Camden Carers are recruiting for a Community Engagement Support Worker with a focus on engaging with underrepresented organisations and unpaid carers, specifically those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities.
Learn more and apply here
North London Cares vacancy: Programme Coordinator
North London Cares have a vacancy for a full-time Programme Coordinator for our friendship matching programme in Islington: Love Your Neighbour.
Application deadline: 11.59pm Monday 21st February 2022
Office based with some remote working, with programme work taking place across Islington.
26 days of annual leave per year, plus bank holidays
Staff counselling service
Flexible working hours
Please click here for more details
Hampstead Wells & Campden Trust vacancy: Grants Administrator
14 Hours per week, hybrid working. Contract Length: 6 Months
Deadline for applications is 6pm, 9th March 2022
The Hampstead Wells and Campden Trust (HWCT) is a grant making endowed charity whose objectives are the alleviation of poverty and the advancement of health within north Camden (from Kilburn High Road to Hampstead Heath). The post holder will support the management of the entire life cycle of grant making, from pre to post award, support communication of grant funding activities along with providing administrative support to the Director.
This role is offered on a hybrid work pattern of 14 hours a week, on a 6-month fixed term contract.
For more information on how to apply please click here
Please note
Our newsletter content email address has changed. Please send any information that you would like included in our weekly newsletter to social@vac.org.uk
Local Newsletters:
SHAK
Latin American House
Creative Lives
Healthwatch Camden
Young Camden Foundation
AWN
West Euston Project (WEP)
London Sport (sign up)
Forum+
Charity Tax Group
Dragon Hall Newsletter
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VAC Events
Keep in eye on our Events Calendar to book and for more info.
VAC and NCL CCG Disability Health Questionnaire
VAC is working in partnership with the NHS North Central London Clinical Commissioning Group to understand how disabled people who are housebound and or have a long-term health condition are managing during the winter months. If you, or someone you know, has experienced social isolation, are on a low income, or feel disconnected from social and support networks, we would like to hear from you. Our short questionnaire is anonymous and all responses to the questions will be used to better understand how to support residents and their communities in Camden.
Take part here
If you would like to discuss any of the questions raised or would like more information on the issues presented, please email Dianne Carlton-Ogunyemi at dogunyemi@vac.org.uk
VAC’s Social Prescribing Learning Network: Green Social Prescribing networking event
We will be hosting an online networking event on Tuesday 22nd February 10-11.30am.
This is an event for VCS organisations and social prescribers who want to learn more about Green Social Prescribing in Camden, including:
What is Green Social Prescribing?
How to use VAC’s new Green Social Prescribing Directory, and how to list your activities.
Parks for Health and developing new activities
Hear about Green Social Prescribing in action from local organisations
Book a place here
You can add your activities to the Green Social Prescribing Directory here
Introduction to Safeguarding for Volunteers. (Virtual session: 1hr 30mins)
8th March: 10:00 am – 11:30 am, a free event
This is an Intro course for volunteers working with services delivering to children, young people or there families in Camden. It is designed for volunteers who work both directly and indirectly for organisations or groups delivering services to children, young people or their families in Camden.
The session will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to safeguard children and vulnerable adults you come into contact with and is open and to those who have had little or no safeguarding training before.
Suitable for anyone requiring the equivalent of a Level 2 safeguarding introduction; including volunteers, play and support workers, coaches, mentors and new starters who have never had child protection training or safeguarding essentials training before.
Learners who complete the full virtual training session will receive an attendance certificate valid for two years.
To learn more and register, click here
GDPR Training Resources
The video, slides and comprehensive notes from the two recent VAC online training sessions on GDPR are now available on the website. These will help you understand the theory and legal framework of the GDPR with practical steps on how to remain compliant.
Past Voluntary Action Forums: Resources
You can find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here.
More details on the VAC website: https://vac.org.uk/
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Camden Community Safety Online Survey
The Community Safety Team at Camden Council have produced an online survey asking for peoples experience of antisocial behaviour in the borough of Camden. The responses will be analysed and help the Camden Community Safety Partnership decide the priority areas for the coming year.
We would appreciate your participation by completing this anonymous survey which should take around 5 minutes.
Survey closes on 4th March 2022
To take part click here
Store Project: After School club (15-18 year olds)
Expanded Bodies (online)
March 2022
In this free After School Club in March students will be guided by architects Paula Strunden and Sofia Strunden. You will be introduced to augmented reality and meditation techniques. We will meditate, sketch, model and 3d scan together to explore new forms of digital body-making and speculate on the future of our bodies in the metaverse.
The dates are:
First class Tuesday 01.03, 5-7.30pm
Second class Tuesday 08.03, 5 – 7.30pm
Third class Tuesday 15.03, 5 – 7.30pm
Fourth class Tuesday 22.03, 5 – 7.30pm
For more information please email school@storeprojects.org
Networking event at UCL
23rd February 2022: 10 – 12pm
Students at UCL are looking for inspiration for important ideas to research. We are hoping to influence them by introducing them to our rich and varied voluntary sector organisations with all their expertise and knowledge around important local ideas and questions
This coffee and croissants morning will be in-person. For more details, and to sign up, click here
Age UK Camden Information & Advice Team launch a new Project
This Age UK Camden project plans to raise awareness of Scams Prevention and Support.
The project will operate on two levels:
Firstly, we will be able to provide one-to-one support for any Camden resident aged 50+ who have concerns about scams, who have been victim of a scam or they would just like more information and tips of how to avoid scams
Secondly, we will be offering and delivering group talks and presentations across the Borough of Camden. We will focus on organisations that support older people, community groups, social groups, sheltered housing schemes etc.
If you or your organisation would like to organise support or would like more information please contact ann-marie.carrol@ageukcamden.org.uk or paul.webley@ageukcamden.org.uk
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Data Entry Volunteer Role with VAC:
Do you have some experience using databases? The VAC Community Links Team is looking for a Data Entry volunteer. As a volunteer you will support the team entering data into our Salesforce database. Training and support available for successful volunteers.
For role description and more information, please contact Mandira Manandhar on 020 7284 6573 or email mmanandhar@vac.org.uk
Families for Life Community Champion Programme
Have you ever been curious about how volunteering can boost your CV and offer valuable skills that improve your career opportunities?
You can train to become a Families for Life Community Champion.
Camden Health and Wellbeing Team offer a free 6-week programme for Camden parents/carers who have what it takes to become an inspirational Community Volunteer
Sessions run on Monday’s at 10-11.30am from Monday 21 Feb – 21 Mar 2022.
For more information on how to register and join our amazing Champions team please contact Syria Chowdhury on: 07734 603 060 or via email at: syria.chowdhury@camden.gov.uk
Regent High School is recruiting a new co-opted governor
The closing date for applications: Sunday 20th February 2022, 11.59pm.
Regent High School are looking for an exceptional person to join our Governing Body, and are excited to hear from an individual with experience in education, finance, HR, legal, marketing and public relations, property and estates management, or organisational change. We also want to hear from someone who knows the communities we serve.
Whether you live locally, grew up in the area, or attended Regent High School, consider standing to be a governor.
You will be supported in the role by a mentor and through an induction and ongoing development programme.
Experience of being a school governor is not essential.
Please note that this is a voluntary role.
For more information, click here
MAMA Youth Project: paid TV production training
Applications close Monday 28th of February 2022, 11.59pm
The training runs for 14 weeks and is followed by a paid work placement with one of the industry partners.
The project is recruiting 24 trainees in total and no previous experience is needed. Trainees must be 18 years plus and not be in education or employment, as this is a full-time commitment
For more information and to apply, click here
Volunteer opportunity – Memories and stories
Are you interested in history and gathering stories?
Somers Town Museum/A Space For Us is looking for a diplomatic, friendly person with good facilitation skills, used to working with the elderly, and engaging to develop and help out at a Memory Cafe.
Tasks will include outreach and engaging older people in reminiscence in an afternoon club. We have a library and objects to prompt based on local Somers Town History.
We hope this event will help to share stories and photos of the local area, thus building an archive.
Learn history, audio recording and research skills.
Free tea and cake! Expenses, and travel paid.
Currently Wednesday afternoon.
Contact diana@aspaceforus.club with your experience and for a chat.
Somers Town Museum/A Space For Us: Looking for a trained Primary School teacher
Deadline: 1st March, Paid part time role
Somers Town Museum/A Space For Us is Looking for a trained Primary School teacher to help to develop and deliver an exciting After-School club based on local history and storytelling in a new museum in Somers Town.
Teaching rate paid rate per/hour – suit someone looking for part-time work.
You will also learn to design content for digital learning, we have 20 years experience in digital learning design.
To test this idea with a view to developing an ongoing programme, we will begin a short trial of once a week for 8 weeks
Preference given to Somers Town locals with teaching experience, qualification and good engagement skills.
Contact diana@aspaceforus.club with your CV and for an informal chat.
Vacancies at Henna Asian Women’s Group
At HAWG, our aim is to improve the overall wellbeing of women by increasing social interaction, and supporting them to develop the independence to overcome deprivation and isolation.
We are actively recruiting a Project Support Worker, Trustee and Trustee Treasurer to join our organisation and make positive contributions to our community-inspired ethos.
Click the links to apply, If you have any questions or require additional information, then please do not hesitate to contact Momota Khatoon, Projects and Operations Manager at momota@hennaorg.co.uk.
Home-Start Camden & Islington: looking for volunteers
Home-Start Camden & Islington are a Charity who provide regular support, friendship, and practical help to families with at least one child under the age of 5, who are under stress or experiencing difficulties
If you live in the borough of Camden or Islington and are either a parent, grandparent, carer or have other parenting experience, then you could be the right person for us.
If you would like to volunteer or would like more information, please click here or email info@homestartcamden.org
Volunteering Opportunity: The Kids Network
The Kids Network are looking for committed, fun and passionate volunteers who live or work in Camden to make a real difference to the children of London. This year long mentoring programme supports children with their social and emotional development before they transition into secondary school.
For more information and to apply click here
Kilburn Older Voices Exchange trustees seek to appoint a new Chair
Kilburn Older Voices Exchange (KOVE) is an established charity in north-west London (primarily Camden & Brent). We want to appoint a new Chair and trustee to help manage our small staff team and support the Trustees and Steering Group to plan and prioritise our support and development work.
A commitment to the full citizenship of all older people will be essential, alongside experience of managing staff or of using small budgets to maximum effect.
If you share KOVE’s ambitions, please get in touch. We look forward to hearing from you.
Contact: melwillwright@gmail.com
Volunteering during the pandemic
The latest guidance for Enabling safe and effective volunteering during coronavirus (COVID-19) is available here
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NLA and King’s Cross Partnership launch competition for new community offer
Deadline for initial submissions: 28th February 2022
King’s Cross Central Limited Partnership, who own and manage the King’s Cross Estate, have launched a community competition to transform an existing premises on Beaconsfield Street into a new community offer.
Individuals, community groups, established and emerging enterprises and organisations are encouraged to put forward ideas and proposals for how they could transform this space and what community offer they’d like to bring to the King’s Cross Estate.
The competition is open to all and is completely free.
For more information on the competition, please click here
Half Price Tickets Offer for Dennis Kelly’s AFTER THE END at Stratford East
Book by Sun 20th Feb
Stratford East have allocated some half price tickets for their production of After The End.
The half price tickets offers are for performances on:
Fri 25th Feb to Tue 1st March
Band A: £13.50 (usual price £27) Band B: £7.50 (usual price £15)
Thu 3rd to Sat 5th March
Band A: £16 (usual price £32)
Band B: £10 (usual price £20)
To book call the Box office: on 020 8534 0310 – Email: tickets@stratfordeast.com or online and use the promocode ATEFIFTY
For more information click here
Free support programme for social enterprises in London
Civil Society Consulting are delivering a free support programme for social enterprises in London.
Funded by the GLA and the Dept for Business Energy and Infrastructure, this ‘Peer Networks’ programme aims to develop social enterprises, equip them with new skills, and connect them to others in a peer support network.
For more information contact: Natasha Ereira-Guyer natasha@civilsocietyconsulting.co.uk
New Challenge: NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health First Aid & Mental Health Advocacy in the Workplace
This course is for anyone who wants to raise their professional understanding of Mental Health First Aid and its associated care. It is ideal for any public facing role where you are interacting, advising and guiding clients. This course will be beneficial training for your career development and the people you work with. You will learn how to identify, understand and support colleagues or clients who are experiencing a mental health issue.
New Challenge (Main number) – 020 8795 3999
Email: courses@newchallenge.org
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
UCL are looking for new volunteering opportunities to promote to their students. Visit their info for recruiters page to find out more.
Keep in touch and up-to-date via the e-bulletin and @onecamden twitter.
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Got an item for the e-bulletin?
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Send your item to social@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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Watch a short video about our work!
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Find out more about our work supporting the community and community groups with this short video.
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