Voluntary Action Camden e-bulletin 18th May 2018

VAC Membership Update

It’s time to renew your VAC membership.  We’ve recently made membership free for everyone (not just unfunded groups).  So take advantage and join up with other voluntary organsations in Camden.  We’ve sent an email directly to existing members – that’s the easiest way to update your details –  so look out for that email in your inbox (it’s from info@vac.org.uk). If you didn’t get the email you can sign up at this link – it’s quick and easy. Take a look at our latest Annual Report and an overview of our work.

Get Ready for Volunteers’ Week

Volunteers’ Week, 1st-7th June, is the perfect time to thank your volunteers.
Vollunteer Centre Camden are keeping the celebrations alive throughout the month of June with three events and social media during Volunteers’ Week. This year VCC will be:
~ Kicking off Volunteers’ week with a social media campaign to celebrate volunteering in Camden and beyond.
~ Co-hosting a Volunteering Fair with Volunteer Centre Islington on Thursday 14th June, 12-2pm in Camden Town.
~ Hosting a Volunteer Managers’ Forum on Tuesday 19th June, 10am-1pm in Camden Town. This is for volunteer managers from everywhere to get together to discuss all things volunteer management.
~ Delivering a Volunteer Management Workshop. This time VCC will be looking at ‘FutureProofing: Reshaping Volunteer Involvement’, 10am-1pm at The Angel in Islington.

Integrated Communities Green Paper

The paper is the government’s response to the Casey Review and sets out its vision for improving cohesion and has  recommendations for our sector.
Read the full Integrated Communities Green Paper and visit the consultation page for details of how to respond.  The consultation is open until the 5th June.

Summer Film Project 2018 – 1A Arts Holborn

Calling 14-18 year olds for our 2018 1A Arts Summer Film Project.
Participants will learn from professional filmmakers and create their own cinematic-quality short film inspired by our partner organisation, Sir John Soane’s Museum.
There is just a short application process to apply for this free opportunity
To register your interest:  email chloe.plumb@holborncommunity.co.uk
Application deadline: Thurs 31st May, 9am
Project dates: Saturdays from 16th June to 21st  July (10-5pm)
Tuesday 3rd July, (4-6pm)
Shoot Week: Mon 30th July – Fri 3rd August (10-5pm)
Edit Week: Mon 6th – Fri 10th August, (10-5pm)

Manor Gardens Summer Wellbeing Festival 30th June

Celebrating the wellbeing of our vibrant and diverse local community is at the heart of Manor Gardens Welfare Trust’s Summer Wellbeing Festival on Saturday 30th June between 12.30 and 4.30pm.
For enquiries please call Felicity Ford on 020 7561 5287 or email felicity@manorgardenscentre.org.

Camden Patient Participation Group (PPG)

Read the lastest CPPG  newsletter online.

Tesco Bags of Help community funding project

Please cast a vote for CSKX STUDIOS’ Sense&Memory Community Art Project for Kentish Town – an arts project for young and older participants, working in collaboration with a diverse range of artists and groups.

Camden Disability Action

Catch up with the latest news from Camden Disability Action.

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

Camden Giving Week

Camden Giving has organised Camden Giving Week from 21 – 27 May.  Find out more and get invovled at Camden Giving website.

Ageing Better in Camden –  Updates on BAME Community Action Project ITT

1. Ageing Better in Camden are pleased to announce an increase in the funds available for the BAME Community Action Project by £2,500pa. These additional funds have been allocated in recognition of the management and monitoring costs involved in delivering this project.
The revised contract sums will be:
Year 1 – £47,402
Year 2 – £47,402
Year 3 (6months) – £23,700
2. The date for clarification meetings to discuss tenders is changed from Friday 15th June to Wednesday 13th June
Any requests for clarification with respect to the contents of this invitation to tender or the process should be emailed to Ageingbetterincamden@ageukcamden.org.uk
Questions or requests for clarification must be submitted before 9am 24th May

Ageing Better in Camden Community Activity Programme Invitation to Tender and Meetings

Ageing Better in Camden has identified a need for an increased number of supportive activities for older people over 60 across Camden. We are therefore commissioning a programme of organisations to deliver ‘Gold Standard’ Community Activities to enable older people to attend supportive and well run activities in their local community. The aim is to help older people reduce their social isolation and loneliness, as well as make connections and build networks.    Deadline Wednesday 4th July. See the website for details.  They are holding two public meetings on the tender.  The first is 24th May at 12 – 1pm.  The second is on 8th June 11-12.  Please register your interest at ageingbetterincamden@ageukcamden.org.uk

Foyle Foundation Small Grants Scheme

The Small Grants Scheme is designed to support smaller charities, especially those working at grass roots and local community level, in any field, across a wide range of activities.  You can apply for one year grants of between £1,000 and £10,000 for core costs, equipment or project funding to charities which can show that such a grant will make a significant difference to their work. Details

Grantfinder

Looking for support to find funding?  VAC has the full version of Grantfinder, an online programme that let’s you search for sources of funding.
A member of VAC staff will sit down with you for an hour to show you how to use it and make the most of Grantfinder.  This is a free service for Camden voluntary and community groups.  To book your slot contact Ricky at acharles@vac.org.uk or call 020 7284 6550.
A simplified version of Grantfinder is available here.

Healthy Minds Programme with Mind in Camden

The latest Healthy Minds community programme is now available.  A range of activities are available from VAC, Mary Ward, Mind in Camden, BWA, Good Gym, the Round House and more.  Find out what’s on and how to book.

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

Maker Research Project

Wednesday, 30 May 2018 from 2:00 to 4:00
What does making mean to you? Do you make?
Do you like meeting new people? Would you like to learn new skills?
Make in Camden is a project led by Central Saint Martins, a leading arts and design college located in Kings Cross, Camden.
Come and meet us and take part in a creative workship to share the type of making activities you would like to see happen in the future. Tea and Cake
Book at Eventbrite or contact Donna Turnbull at dturnbull@vac.org.uk

Courses for People with Learning Difficulties

City Lit Summer School  prospectus of classes running in July. Click here.

Kentish Town City Farm 60+ Gardening Club

Every Thursday, 2-4pm at Kentish Town City Farm Community Garden – up past the pig and just next to the goats! Drop-in to our friendly gardening club, have a cup of tea and harvest the fruits of your labour. Lucy, our community gardener leads the sessions, so no prior gardening experience required.
Call Jo on 0741 9820 503/ email abc@ktcityfarm.org.uk for more info.

Deafblind UK, Deafblind Awareness Day

Wednesday 27th June, 11am—2pm
The Pirate Castle, 33 Oval Rd, Camden Town, London NW1 7EA
Come along and meet experts from a range of organisations specialising in sight and hearing loss. Free to attend, refreshments provided. Speak to experts about any concerns you may have and find out what support is available.
For more information, contact Sue Sinton Smith, sue.sintonsmith@deafblind.org.uk  Tel: 07940836882

Employer Engagement Workshop – Women Like Us/Timewise

Tuesday 22nd May at West Euston Partnership (29-31 Hampstead Road, London NW1 3JA), 10am – 2pm
This is a FREE workshop for Employment Advisers who broker jobs on behalf of their clients. The workshop will equip participants with new skills to help source and create jobs for those who can’t work full-time. It is ideal for Advisers who work with parents, people with disabilities, older people, people with long term health conditions, unpaid carers or those who need to balance work & life.
For more information please contact Kate.White@womenlikeus.org.uk

‘Building A Stronger Britain Together’

(BSBT) Information Event taking place on Thursday 24th May, 10am-11.30am at West Euston Partnership. Come along and find out more about in-kind support available through the BSBT programme. Featuring a talk from the BSBT Home Office team plus Q&A session. More informationand booking here

VCC Volunteer Managers’ Forum

Tuesday 19 June, 10am to 1pm
An opportunity to discuss all things volunteer management and network with volunteer managers in Camden and beyond. Refreshments. Details here.

Two New Jobs at CDA/Centre for Independent Living

Engagement Officer
Information and Communications Officer
Camden Centre for Independent Living (Camden CIL) is a new service, run and controlled by disabled people. Its main purpose is to improve the life chances of disabled people in Camden and to promote the empowerment of Deaf and Disabled people in their everyday life.
For further details please contact Len Lauk on abhatt@vac.org.uk
Closing Date for both jobs: 8/6/2018 12:00 MIDNIGHT
Application pack can be downloaded from the CDA website.

Camden Community Connectors (1 post)

21 hours pw over 4 days £29,424 to £31,141 pro rata +  6% pension
Age UK Camden is a lively and innovative charity providing a wide range of services and support to older people in the London borough of Camden.
As a Community Connector, you’ll link older people who are isolated to opportunities and activities that support a greater sense of wellbeing.
To succeed, you’ll need to be motivated with a proactive, can-do attitude. Community minded, you’ll be passionate about improving later life.
For further details and an application form visit www.ageukcamden.org.uk or email jobs@ageukcamden.org.uk or telephone 020 7239 0400.
Closing date: Monday 4th June – 9 am. Interview date: Monday 11th June.

Camden Giving seeks Cross-sector Partnerships manager

Full-time, £30,000 pa, permanent contract
We are recruiting for a Cross-Sector Partnerships Manager to join Camden Giving at an exciting time for us as a start-up charity. Over the next 24 months we will increase our impact significantly and partnerships and volunteering will be key to this.
The successful applicant will have a strong commitment and passion for local giving and volunteering. We particularly welcome applicants who have experience of working in the for-profit sector either in sales, CSR, HR, marketing or technology.
Email a cover letter explaining your relevant skills and experience and a CV to admin@camdengiving.org.uk by the midnight on the 13th June 2018.
Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on the 2nd and 3rd of July.

Vacancy at Hillside Clubhouse

Work & Wellbeing Individual Placement & Support employment service.
The vacancy is for an IPS Operations Manager (covering secondary care, JCP and TAP) managing a team of six in a range of integrated venues across Camden.
Details of the job are online.
If you have any questions about the role please talk to James Davies  on 020 7700 6408 – jdavies@hillsideclubhouse.org.uk.  Closing date: 4 June.

The Brandon Centre has two job vacancies

Receptionist Administrator
Counselling and Psychotherapy Referrals Co-ordinator (Maternity cover)
See the website for full details: http://brandon-centre.org.uk/info/vacancies/

Kingsgate seeks Under 5’s Coordinator

Kingsgate Community Association, a registered Charity, is currently recruiting an Under 5’s Coordinator to be a part of its OFSTED registered Preschool.
The ideal candidate will manage and support the Early Years Practitioners and KCA Office in all aspects of their duties and will encourage growth and development. As a minimum, they will have 3 years of experience in a childcare setting, a Level 3 qualification in childcare, GCSE Grade C or above (or equivalent) in English and Maths, supervisory experience, computer literate, have knowledge of OFSTED requirements and have the skills needed to provide a stimulating and varied programme of learning opportunities, whilst ensuring the EYFS is being followed.
The safety and well-being of children under their care is top priority, and they will have up to date knowledge of Child Protection and Safeguarding.
To apply, visit our website:  www.kingsgatecommunitycentre.org.uk

LAWRS seeks Administrator and Finance Officer

Full time (maternity cover) £25,500 per year
The Latin American Women’s Rights Service (LAWRS) is looking for an Administrator and Finance Officer. This is a key position for our organisation ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of our operations and the administration of one of our European Commission funded programmes.
The successful candidate will have: minimum three years’ experience in an administrative role, knowledge of accounts and bookkeeping or a financial background, outstanding organisational skills, excellent interpersonal skills, knowledge of the issues facing Latin American women in the UK, excellent command of English and Spanish or English and Portuguese both orally and in writing, initiative and a “can do” attitude and a strong commitment to women’s rights and equal opportunities. Fluency in Spanish and English or Portuguese and English is essential.
This post is open to women only in accordance with the Equality Act 2010
If you are interested in this position, please download and submit your application form, along with your Equal Opportunities monitoring form, and send it by email to Veronica Gutierrez (veronica@lawrs.org.uk).

Pan Intercultural Arts Volunteer Board Member

Pan is looking to appoint a new trustee to the Board of Trustees of the charity.
The new trustee will be tasked with advising the board on fundraising activities beyond the areas in which the charity has been regularly successful.
The Trustees would expect this appointment to have considerable knowledge and experience of fundraising from the sources mentioned above, good networks of possible friends and donors to Pan, the ability to manage events which could aid the charity and an interest in the goals of its work. Pan encourages applicants from all backgrounds and would welcome expressions of interest to the following address: j.martin@pan-arts.net

HostNation seeks Volunteers

HostNation is an online London-wide introductory service, connecting volunteer  befrienders with lonely refugees and asylum-seekers. The emphasis is on social support so refugees can learn about British culture, practise their English, explore new parts of town,  have some fun. Matching people who live in the same part of the city is a key criterion, making it easier to meet and for refugees to discover ways to enjoy their local area for free with a local person. The commitment is to meet once a week or once a fortnight over three months.
HostNation would particularly welcome more registrations of male volunteers.

Hub for London is Recruiting

The Hub for London is a new infrastructure support organisation for the region’s civil society.
• Programme Manager – £45,000, full-time
• Intelligence Coordinator – £36,000, full-time
• Networks Partner – £36,000, full-time
• Employment and Skills Policy Lead – £35,000, pro rata 4 days a week
• Hub Coordinator – £28,000, full-time
The closing date for applications will be 5pm on 25 May 2018.
For more information on all the roles on offer and to apply, see webpage.

Kilburn Older Voices Exchange (KOVE) seeks Community Development Worker

10 to 14 hours a week. Initial contract from 1 September 2018 to 30 September 2019  with possible extension to 30 September 2021, subject to funding.
KOVE requires a Community Development Worker to help with organising its community projects and activities. KOVE is committed to overcoming social isolation of older people in the Kilburn, West Hampstead, Finchley Road and Swiss Cottage areas and campaigning for better facilities for older people.
For an application pack, please email: peter56nw@outlook.com
Closing date: Tuesday 29 May at 5pm Interviews on Thursday 21 June
For an informal discussion about the post, phone Peter Lush on 07973-845285

GDPR: Latest guidance from ICO

With just 14 days to go to the implementation of GDPR, ICO have issued fresh guidelines on consent.  Importantly they are now saying that organisations won’t need to “automatically repaper or refresh” existing old consents.  You must “check your processes and records in detail to be sure existing consents meet the GDPR standard” buf if they do then it is not necessary to refresh an existing or old consent. ICO are also reminding organisations that there are other lawful basis for holding personal data other than consent.  Consent is relevant for marketing situations but, for example,  if you communicate with members then the lawful basis for holding their data is your contractual relationship with them.
The relevant lawful basis for processing personal data are:
~ consent of data subject
~ necessary for the performance of a contract or to take steps to enter into a contract with data subject e.g. employees
~ necessary for compliance with a legal obligation
~ necessary to protect the vital interests of a data subject or another person
Civil Society have covered the story here.

Google employees volunteering in June

The volunteers are able to support with a variety of tasks, including physical, skills based and technical activities – please see below.
Physical tasks:  Painting, decorating, gardening, renovating and clearing spaces
Skills tasks:  CV workshops, employability skills, supporting young people, career conversations and skills focused to support community
Technical tasks: Review of website, supporting IT security and supporting IT teams
If you are interested, please request an application form Shaika Sheikh (Business in the Community Connector) Shaika.Sheikh@bitcconnect.org .  For more information, please contact Shaika directly on 07929 059517.

Creative Support seeks Office Space

Creative Support is a charitable organisation who promotes the independence, inclusion and wellbeing of people with care and support needs. We are looking for a new office in or around the Islington/Camden area from early 2019. Ideally, we are looking for a space of around 1000 square feet with disabled access, good transport links and parking. If you are aware of anything becoming available please contact Olivia Turley on 0161 238 7665 to discuss or email Olivia.turley@creativesupport.co.uk

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK to recognise outstanding work done in their own communities. Any group doing volunteer work that provides a social, economic or environmental service to the local community can be nominated for the award. Submit your nomination by 14.09.18 to make sure your nominated group is considered for the 2019 awards. More info here or contact Camden’s Deputy Lieutenant, Sir Ian Johnston carolian.johnston@me.com

The Kosmos Centre has an office to rent in their building in Kentish Town.

Recently decorated, four desks, £750 per calendar month.
Non-profit organisations only. For further details please visit

New Project with BAME Older People

Ageing Better in Camden is commissioning a new Community Action Project specifically targeted for work with isolated older people in Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities in Camden. The aim is to help older people from BAME communities to reduce their social isolation and loneliness, as well as make connections and build networks.
Ageing Better in Camden invites organisations to tender for our new BAME Community Action project which will run for 2.5 years from October 2018.
The deadline for submitting a tender is Monday 4 June 2018. Details here.

Information, Advice and Signposting Survey

Camden council are currently evaluating the contracts with Advice Partners in Camden, and looking ahead to develop the most appropriate model for advice services moving forward.
‘We are aware that many front facing staff play an important role in supporting residents with provision of information and advice, or by signposting and we are keen to hear about your experiences.
Follow this link to a short survey  – your support with this will be invaluable in shaping service provision for the future.’

Ageing Better in Camden Community Activity Programme Invitation to Tender

Ageing Better in Camden has identified a need for an increased number of supportive activities for older people over 60 across Camden. We are therefore commissioning a programme of organisations to deliver ‘Gold Standard’ Community Activities to enable older people to attend supportive and well run activities in their local community. The aim is to help older people reduce their social isolation and loneliness, as well as make connections and build networks. Deadline Wednesday 4th July. See the website for details.

Our mailing address is:
29 – 31 Hampstead Road, London, NW1 3JA

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.