Voluntary Action Camden e-bulletin 19th March 2021

Social Prescribing Day 2021

Thursday was #SocialPrescribingDay and VAC shared some stories and infographics about the Care Navigation and Social Prescribing work that happens in Camden involving the local VCS.  View the story here.

VAC AGM

Hold the date – the VAC AGM is on Tuesday 20th April 5-7pm.  Full details coming soon.

Catherine Capaldi Awards – Awards ceremony

Online via Zoom on Tuesday 30 March 5pm to 6pm
Do come and join us in this celebration of the achievements of disabled people and of Catherine’s memory – to register for this event, please email catherine@elfridacamden.org.uk

Would you like to support Camden’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme?

In partnership with the Camden Council, YCF is expanding its Holiday Hunger programme in 2021. We are looking for Camden-based organisations to help provide food provisions and/or deliver youth activities during Easter, Summer and Christmas holidays. Please let us know if your organisation has the capacity to run cooking sessions, cook onsite meals or provide food delivers in Camden. In addition, Holiday Hubs are looking to partner with other local charities to provide sport sessions, host activity workshops, run holiday camps, offers for day outs or trips and more. To learn more or express an interest in collaborating with HAF delivery partners, please email info@youngcamdenfoundation.org.uk.

Census Day is 21st March

The Camden Census Engagement Managers welcome the opportunity to explain the 2021 Census in more detail and discuss how to work together to support your networks in order to enhance positive participation.  Get can help with completion and/or train colleagues in how to complete the Census. They also provide many resources to help with completion including translated materials, language support, BSL, easy read version, large print, braille and Text Relay Services via the website or free phone.  Find out more here.
julia.clifford43@field.census.gov.uk
Call free on 0800 141 2021 for Help with the Census
Use the Text Relay Service on (18001) 0800 141 2021
Phone the free language helpline on 0800 587 2021
Also Large Print,  Braille,.British Sign Language
Census Support Centres available at Kilburn Library, NIC, and 5SP

Community Food Offer

Are you a VCS organisation providing a food provision to the local community? Or are you connected to a hostel housing homeless people?
Lifeafterhummus Community Benefit Society are now collecting food surplus from 45+ stores a week in Camden.
We often have extra bread (1 day past the best before date) / fresh bread (baguettes, sourdough, loaves) and pastries to share.
(Sometimes fruit and vegetables and sometimes ambient too that we can add in.) We can arrange for our volunteers to bring the supplies to you once a week Thursday thru to Sunday from 2.30pm till about 6pm.
This can be 1-4 crates.
If this is of interest please email Farrah on farrah@lifeafterhummus.com We have capacity to take on 4 more VCS.
Currently we are working with 4 hostels and 2 organisations that prepare food.
You can find out more at: www.lifeafterhummus.com

Camden Food Poverty Alliance Wed 24th March 1pm.

This summit will focus on ‘Food Poverty and COVID-19 – where next on the journey to recovery?’, and include presentations from Dame Louise Casey, former government adviser and food poverty activist; Hannah Style, Founder of Feast With Us; and Sadia Farah, Director of First Steps Action.
At this meeting we will:
• Discuss the Camden Food Poverty Action Plan which the Alliance has co-developed;
• Hear from Camden VCS organisations progressing food poverty activities, particularly through a partnership approach;
• Explore through a workshop session:
– next steps for a sustainable approach to crisis food needs
– addressing the root causes of food poverty – current activity and opportunities.
You can register to attend here or contact Lana Simpson (lana.simpson@islington.gov.uk) if you have  questions.

CDA Leadership Programme 2021

CDA is looking for new people to join the Leadership Programme, A local disability charity is recruiting Disabled Camden residents to a Leadership Programme, where they will develop leadership skills and effect meaningful change.
To apply, please contact Anna Storm at leadership@camdendisabilityaction.org.uk   07908 747 007 Deadline 25 March.

Newsletters

UCL Student Volunteer Partners
Young Camden Foundation
Healthwatch Camden
All Ways Network
West Euston Partnership

The NHS’s role in tackling poverty

Useful Kings Fund paper. Skip to page 32 onwards for VCS role – what is being done and what still needs doing.

Facts Don’t Lie – One Working Class: Race, Class and Inequalities

In this time of pandemic, inequality in all its forms is a growing threat.  This report from Runnymede makes a valuable contribution.

A Partnership in Peril?

Health charities and the NHS in a pandemic.  Report from the LSE.

The Missing Sector

According to this article three parts of the economy which the Government had seen fit to craft significant emergency packages for at the start of 2020 were missing in the budget: trains, buses and charities.

BAME Organisations Fundraising Support

A new fundraising support initiative for BAME organisations in Camden with partners Ubele and All Ways Network (funded by Camden Council).  The project aims to support small BAME organisations in Camden with advice, support and networking. The project is part of a wider project to network BAME organisations to help tackle inequality including a health inequalities network.  To find out more and register your interest please click here or email Dianne Carlton Ogunyemi  DOgunyemi@vac.org.uk

Julia & Hans Rausing Trust – Youth Centre Recovery Fund

Grants are available to registered charities in England who are running youth centres, to help them survive and recover from the impact of COVID-19.
Request the amount needed to cover eligible costs for the period 1 April to 30 September 2021, where this is not met by other confirmed funding. The grant amount will be determined by how well the assessment criteria have been met and the relative financial need across successful applications. Details here.
Deadline for applications is 31 March 2021 (4pm).  admin@jhrtrust.com

Return of Grassroots Football in England

A national fund is providing support to Clubs and community organisations who deliver football activity to restart or create new activity following the period of COVID-19 restrictions. Details here.
£500 – £2500. Deadline for applications is 28 March 2021. Email: returntofootball@footballfoundation.org.uk

Black Community Commitment London

Nike UK – in cooperation with King Baudouin Foundation – is launching the Black Community Commitment London. The Black Community Commitment London will provide support to those organisations that are dedicated to creating lasting change for the Black community in London.
Grants from £5,000 to £20,000 are available for non-profit organisations.  Find out more at the King Baudouin Foundation website.

Lloyds Bank Foundation Fund for small local charities

Small and local charities helping people overcome complex social issues can now apply for two-year unrestricted grants of £50,000 from Lloyds Bank Foundation. At least 25% of all funding this year will be allocated to charities led by and for Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, building on the Foundation’s commitment to racial equity as outlined in its strategy.
visit the website for further information on the 2021 funding round. A Q&A webinar with the members of the grants team will be held on 30th March between 2pm – 3.30pm. Register for the webinar here.

Magic Little Grants 2021

Six funding trusts from the People’s Postcode Lottery and Localgiving will be working together to award more than £1 million in small grants to some 2,000 charitable organisations in England, Scotland and Wales over the next six months.  Find out more at the website.

Community Spaces at Risk Fund

The Mayor of London announced £750,000 to work with communities to protect grassroots cultural centres, social clubs, youth, education and other spaces that are locally rooted and critical for supporting vulnerable groups during the pandemic. Find out more at the London.gov website.

Lists of Emergency Funders

• Civil Society
• Ian McLintok’s LinkedIn blog
• NCVO’s funding central site is currently free for non-members.
• Charity Bank 
• Grants Online

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.
The presentation from the Wed 24th Feb Forum is here – with recording and delegate list here.
The next Forum is on Wednesday 24th March. Info and booking here.

Past Voluntary Action Forums: Resources

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

Safeguarding Courses:

Check back for details of upcoming courses

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

Winvisible Workshop

Campaigning together for independent living and to restore the rights the Coronavirus Act suspended
Wednesday 21 April 1.30pm-3pm
Disabled mums and our children – our rights to support not separation
Wednesday 19 May 1.30pm-3pm
Full details and booking at the Winvisible website.

The Camden Safeguarding Children Partnership

Virtual safeguarding training programme for Summer Term 2021 including Engaging Fathers in Safeguarding; Understanding Early Help in Camden; Contributing to Child Protection Case Conferences; Child Exploitation and many more. Full programme here.

Understanding Islamophobia and Antisemitism Training

(with particular reference to Israel and Palestine)
30th March 10.30 – 12pm – Zoom Register in advance for this meeting:
The Israel Palestine conflict and the strong feelings it arouses, is a major driver in Islamophobia and Antisemitism. Sadly we see many incidents of this, in our borough. We also know that some extremists groups try to divide us by encouraging thinking which targets Muslims and Jews. If we have a better understanding of these issues we can be part of the solution. This session is funded through Prevent.
Join Solutions Not Sides’ Executive Director, Sharon Booth, for a special training session for Camden staff, schools and community groups working with children. The session will cover:
Solutions Not Sides is a Camden based organisation who have been has been operating educational workshops on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the UK for over 10 years, providing young people and communities with humanising encounters and critical-thinking skills. They are specialists in addressing Antisemitism and Islamophobia in relation to Israel-Palestine and educating on diverse narratives.
Contact Jane.Murphy@Camden.Gov.UK for more info.

Giving Insights: Session 3 with Impact Hub

24 March 2021 – 1:00pm
Regent’s Place and Camden Giving are partnering with local businesses, organisations and individuals for a series of free training sessions.
In this session you’ll learn how to define your social or environmental goals and then identify and reach out to suitable partners to achieve them. Book here.

Henna Activities

Henna has a full programme of activities – 3 or 4 a day, 5 days a week.  From Exercise to art, mediation to therapy.
Abbey Community Centre, 222c Belsize Road,LondonNW6 4DJ    Hennainfo@hennaorg.co.uk  Web: www.henna.org.uk Tel: +447752681828 (for Arabic) /+447538127988 (for Bangla,Urdu,Hindi)

Loss and Bereavement Awareness Webinars

Bereavement awareness training is designed to support you to feel confident to talk to bereaved people in a simple, empathetic way, to be able to find the right words, and to provide signposting to support where needed.
The training will provide tips and do’s and don’ts to guide conversations. Sessions are on-line, use Zoom as the delivery platform and are 75 mins long.
Apr 14, 2021 11:15 am– sign up here
May 18, 2021 01:15 pm- sign up here
Find out more at the website.

Community Journalism Training

Camden Disability Action has launched a Community Journalism training programme for Disabled people in Camden to help Disabled people tell our stories, get our voices heard and press for change.
The training supports people to to tell powerful stories about things that are happening in our communities, like the Covid-19 streetscape changes.
It’s one online class per week for three weeks. Each class lasts two hours. As well as classes you will be offered one-to-one mentoring support.
CDA have four places left on our March training course. The dates and times are: 9th and 16th March from 2pm to 4pm on zoom.
There is a budget to support deaf people to attend.
Contact Tom McDonough: tom@camdendisabilityaction.org.uk 07908746927

Introduction to domestic violence and abuse e-learning

This e-learning can be accessed by VCS organisations that solely support Camden residents. It is for those 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 for the L&D Hub please find details here  on how to sign-up.

Responding to domestic violence and abuse online workshop

This two-hour online workshop can be accessed by VCS organisations that solely support Camden residents. It will help you become more aware of the indicators of domestic violence and abuse and what to do in these instances. The workshop will explore the dynamics of a domestic abuse situation and what the barriers are for the victim/survivor seeking help. You’ll also be provided with information where help is available for the victim/survivor.
Please book via the L&D Hub if you already have an account. If you are from a VCS organisation without an account for the L&D Hub please find details here  on how to sign-up.

Henna is recruiting trustees.

Henna Asian Women’s Group is looking for people to fill the following vacancies on the committee:
Chair person and Member of trustees with HR, law and finance background/knowledge.
The deadline to apply is 31st of March 2021.
For further information please put contact Momota Khatoon Momota@hennaorg.co.uk Tel: 07538127988.

Educating Beyond Borders

Now recruiting for up to 5 volunteers to help us with the email admin for the IWD online awards and our upcoming Youth Summit June 2021.
We need a volunteer to help:
IWD online awards
Send out thank you letters by email
prepare a short brochure for our IWD awards
prepare a post event report
Find out more and apply here.

Two Leighton College Jobs

Interim Course Leader – Leighton College
Elfrida Rathbone Camden is seeking to appoint an interim Course Leader to work with learners attending their OFSTED registered Leighton College, an FE provision for 20 young people with a learning disability aged 16-25 years of age. The Course Leader will support the Education Manager in the planning, delivery and co-ordination of their Personal Development and Employability programmes. The postholder will also be the first port of call for Leighton College staff regarding student issues including behaviour, attendance, health and safety and safeguarding.
Leighton College Mathematics Tutor Maternity Cover: April – September 2021
The tutor will be responsible for delivering Mathematics sessions to 16-25-year-olds with mild to moderate learning disabilities. The course focus is on independent living skills to bridge the transition from adolescence to adulthood.
To apply please complete the forms available on the website  and return to info@elfridacamden.org.uk with the subject title Mathematics Tutor
For any questions about the role please contact Samantha Childs, Education and Participation Manager on 07917 193885 – samantha@elfridacamden.org.uk   Closing date: interviews on a rolling basis.

Befriending Scheme Assistant

Abbey Community Centre is recruiting a new part time befriending scheme assistant. 10 hours per week with extra 2-3 hours one Saturday per month. Actual gross salary:  £7,887 (£23,000 gross f.t.e). Application deadline: 10am Wednesday 31st March 2021. Details at Charity Jobs.

CDA are recruiting 6 new Disabled trustees to join the CDA Board.

CDA Trustees help shape the work and plan for our future. CDA is run by Disabled for Disabled people and it is essential that at least 75% of the Board is made up of Disabled people.
CDA are particularly keen to get more Disabled Women on our Board and more Disabled people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.
When we say Disabled people, we mean the full spectrum of health, impairment, and difference. This includes people with mental illness, those with learning difficulties, people with physical, sensory, or cognitive impairments, including those who experience Disability through the effects of ageing.  It is important to stress that we welcome those who are D/deaf and people on the autistic spectrum or anyone else who may not identify as a Disabled person.
The closing date for your application is 10am Tuesday 30th March 2021

COVID-19 Health Champions

Join the COVID-19 Health Champion movement to get the latest advice and guidance about COVID-19 so that you can help and share the information with your community, and let us know what is and isn’t working. You can access trusted information through regular updates and weekly online drop-in sessions about the vaccine, testing and more.
If you work, live or volunteer in Camden, simply complete the form here to sign up! If you’ve got questions, email CHC@islington.gov.uk.

Kilburn Older Voices Exchange (KOVE) seeks treasurer

KOVE, a longstanding local community action group for older people based in Kilburn and West Hampstead, is looking for a treasurer. This voluntary role will not require bookkeeping, but some involvement in planning the annual budget with the Chair and Administrator, plus some routine financial tasks and reporting to five Steering Group meetings per year. Experience of working or volunteering in finance or budget management would be helpful. If you are interested, or know anyone who might be, please ask them to contact Peter Lush for a chat on 07973 845 285.

Could you share your digital skills with a disabled person in Camden?

Camden Disability Action is looking for people to join us as Digital Coaches. This means you would work one to one with a disabled person, finding out the sorts of online things they might like to do and helping them to get started on doing them – from shopping to job hunting to gaming to zooming their grandchildren.
Being online is more important in our lives than ever – by sharing what you know about using online services you can help unlock a world of online opportunity for someone.
If you could spare a few hours a week contact CDA.
For more information follow this link to the Volunteer at CDA Page

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

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.  The VCS also has an important role in the census.
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.

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

How do we tell the story of the sector’s responded to the pandemic?  VAC 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.

VCS and Vaccinations

Many people who work in frontline roles in the social care sector, including in voluntary or community organisations, are currently eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination. You may be eligible if you provide direct care and support to an adult who is clinically vulnerable to COVID-19, or to a child who is clinically extremely vulnerable to COVID-19 – in line with national government criteria.
If you think that you, or someone you know or work with, may be eligible for the vaccine please visit this page for more information.  Relevant staff need to fill out this form.
Adult Social Care ran a Q&A session on Tuesday.  View the recording here.
ASC have also provided some useful FAQs
Some slides from a recent national webinar  – slides 5-7 provide some examples of types of roles and work and eligibility under this priority group.
Direct any enquiries to: socialcarevaccinationinfo@camden.gov.uk
At the PPG meeting this week an informative presentation included a useful update on the vaccine roll out on pages 22 – 28 from the health perspective.

Lateral Flow Testing (quick test) for VCS frontline staff and volunteers

‘Lateral flow’ COVID-19 tests are available for all in frontline roles who have regular face-to-face contact with communities, and who do not have any coronavirus symptoms.
Appointments are available at two test sites (Crowndale Library and Swiss Cottage Library) every weekday from 9am to 5pm. Book here.  If your organisation is not on the system, add the name in the notes’ box.

Volunteers to support vaccination rollout

There is an ongoing need for volunteers to support the smooth roll out of the vaccination programme in north central London (NCL),  local residents can sign up to help. Find out how here.

Food Support

Find your local food bank or community organisation providing food at findfood.camden.gov.uk.
If you don’t have internet access, please call Camden Council on 020 7974 4444 and select option 9
You can also donate at findfood.camden.gov.uk/donate

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.

Our mailing address is:
Charlie Ratchford Centre, Belmont Street, London, NW1 8HF

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