VAC Weekly Newsletter
1st April 2022
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VAC Membership
Help us build the strongest possible community voice
Membership is free 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 us.
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In this week’s newsletter look out for more information on Camden’s Ukraine response, including a survey into the what the VCS is looking to do in response to the crisis. We also have a spotlight on VAC practical help and a whole lot more.
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VAC services spotlight
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VAC is here to offer practical help to local groups to effectively meet their challenges, to help build connections and so much more.
You are able to contact us directly with any questions you may have, from initial setup to governance, recruitment or funding advice – anything your Voluntary or Community organisation might require, we are here to help.
You can learn more here
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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
UK Government Announces ‘Homes for Ukrainian’ Refugees Scheme with ‘Thank You’ Payment to Sponsors
A small monthly payment will be available for UK host families who volunteer to house Ukrainians fleeing their homeland due to the Russian invasion.
Please click here for more details.
Arnold Clark Community Fund Reopens for Spring 2022 Round
The Arnold Clark Community Fund is open to all UK-registered charities and local community groups who fall into the eligibility criteria. The fund is also open to community interest companies, charitable incorporated organisations and social enterprises.
Successful applicants will receive up to £1,000 in financial aid.
Please click here for more details
Camden Council Green Homes Grants
Keeping homes warm over the winter months can be difficult, especially with rising energy bills. The Green Homes Grant may be able to assist by providing funding of up to £10k for homeowners and £5k for landlords to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. The improvements could help save up to £600 a year on energy bills and make homes warmer and more comfortable.
Find out more here
Funding to Equip Disadvantaged People with Communication Skills for Employment
Application Deadline: 2nd May 2022
Grants of up to £5,000 will support a project or running costs for a charity that equips disadvantaged people (aged 18 and over) with the communication skills ready for employment.
To learn more, please click 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.
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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Camden’s Ukraine response.
Central government has established the Homes for Ukraine Campaign, encouraging households and organisations to register interest in hosting Ukrainian nationals. We understand that work is underway to establish a ‘matching’ process through this scheme.
Camden Council will have a role in undertaking safeguarding checks and home visits to assess the appropriateness of accommodation, and they will have an ongoing responsibility for the provision of statutory services for those who settle in Camden.
Some of our key local issues are to encourage groups and individuals to sign up for the Homes for Ukraine campaign, to support and promote public giving locally – such as the Equality Fund for Refugees from Camden Giving, and internationally – such as the Disasters Emergency Committee campaign.
We also need to promote the donation of medical and humanitarian items which are being collected at points across London, and encourage Ukrainian and Russian speakers to support the welcome team at the arrival points. Fluent speakers wishing to register interest can do so at ‘Help support new arrivals from Ukraine’ here
We are in the process of considering what additional guidance and support will be required for both incoming refugees and their hosts.
This guidance will include information on the steps that people will need to take on arrival into the UK, including registering for schools, health care and access to welfare.
We’d also like this to include information about local independent services that can support people with immediate needs upon arrival, and if they resettle in Camden.
If you or your organisation is able to provide support, please fill in this survey so we may understand the wider picture of Camden’s VCS response.
We’ll be scheduling a follow up meeting to ensure that there are clear lines of communication across Camden as things develop and to ensure that you are fully briefed on the borough’s response. Details of this to follow.
Camden Giving Equality Fund: Open for expressions of interest
The Camden Giving Equality Fund 2022 will provide flexible funding to small charities and social enterprises who are actively bringing together people from different backgrounds to create communities. A panel of 12 Camden residents will award 2 year grants of £30,000 in June 2022 and welcome your expression of interest.
Camden4Community GrantFinder Update events
Camden 4 Community funding kit is a database of local, regional, national and international funding opportunities portal. You can register for access to the fully searchable database and to set up a regular bulletin, personalised to relevant search criteria. This event will provide knowledge on what’s new on the portal and how to customise it to receive relevant funding opportunities to your mailbox.
If you already use Camden 4 Community portal, this session will show you what’s new as the user interface is changing soon.
If you never used Camden 4 Community, this session will show you how to register and use the portal.
We are running two one-hour session on the 21st April, please let us know which one you would prefer to attend. To register, please click on your preferred link below.
10am -21st April
2pm – 21st April
NHS Big Conversation for Improvement
The NHS Big Conversation for Improvement is taking place on Wednesday 11th and Thursday 12th May 2022. It is a fully virtual (online) space and is open to everyone at no cost to join. You simply need to register in advance.
The Big Conversation will bring people together for a range of interactive discussions, workshops and presentations, giving a space for people to talk through the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, explore continuous improvement opportunities and share fresh insights and ideas on how to promote the improvement of health and care for the benefit of everyone, those who experience services and those who provide them.
Google Careers Training Event for Youth Orgs
21st April 2022, 12:30 – 16:00
Google is hosting a careers workshop for young people (Recommended age: 15+ years ) at their offices in Tottenham Court Road (1 – 13 St Giles High St, London WC2H 8AG). The first session will be with a Google trainer, who will help young people develop essential soft skills needed in work today, followed by a Q&A with Google staffers from across the business – from social media to business analysts. For more information, email riqbal@google.com.
Please note: To join the session, youth organisations will need to send supervising adults to accompany the young people attending. Please fill in this form as spaces are limited.
WEP Is Closing
It is with huge regret that we have to announce that West Euston Project (formerly West Euston Partnership) has closed. Our organisation was established in 1992. We are very proud of the services that we offered to Camden residents since our inception. Sadly, we have been unable to survive in these financially challenging times. We would like to send our heartfelt thanks everyone that has engaged with our organisation over the last three decades.
Holborn Community Association (HCA) Open Days
5th and 6th April
Over two days in Easter, you can try out creative and movement activities for under 5s, children, young people and adults.
Tuesday 5th April – All Taster Activities: Book Here
Wednesday 6th April – All Taster Activities: Book Here
HCA activities for children and young people
‘Body Vessle Clay’ exhibition trip and clay workshop (ages 13-24)
Tuesday 12 April, 10am-1pm
Join us to see the exhibition ‘Body Vessle Clay’ at Two Temple Place, a new exhibition with experimental works by Black women working with clay today, and then take part in a clay workshop with one of the exhibiting artists.
More info and book here
Youth Arts for Wellbeing – Clay Project (ages 13-24)
Thursdays 6-8pm – starts 21st April
On this 12-week project, explore what mental health means to you, and learn skills from professional artists to produce clay artworks for your own public Art Trail in the local area. The project will be run in partnership with the charity Mind and their Voice Collective Project and offers a relaxing space to express yourself, find ways to respond to and manage emotions, and make new friends.
More info and book here
Digital Arts Club (ages 8-12)
Wednesdays 4.30-6pm starts 20th April
Join professional multi-media artist Paola Estrella for a 12 week project to create your own digital artwork! Learn skills using iPads and explore a range of digital arts techniques, such as virtual reality, digital graphics and illustration.
More info and book here
The Zen Project and Mind in Camden present the launch of monthly mental health festivals in Camden.
Thursday April 14th, 11-4pm – Castlehaven Community centre.
The Zen Project and Mind in Camden bring to you the first of a series of monthly festivals to celebrate mental health and support the local Camden community. Open to all and all activities are free. Free food, massage, mindfulness sessions and more. Climb on board our big yellow American school bus and take part in one of our activities to help create some calm and ease anxiety. We have something for everyone. No need to book – just turn up. More information here.
Volunteer Centre Camden update
Since 2019 Volunteer Centre Camden is encouraging people who live and work in Camden to be Participactive, through carrying out acts of participation, volunteering or social action to support the community.
Looking to recruit volunteers?
It’s quick and easy to advertise a volunteering role. Simply add it to our online database Simply Connect which is free to use, completely self-service and quick & easy to get started.
Looking to volunteer in Camden?
You can search for a volunteering role 24/7 via Simply Connect on our website, which is entirely self serve and gives you direct contact with the organisations recruiting volunteers.
Alternatively, find out when you can come and see us by checking out the Events page on our website.
Camden & Islington Volunteering Fair:
Want to volunteer in Camden and Islington? Book your free place for Volunteer Centre Camden and Volunteer Centre Islington’s online volunteering fair on Thursday 7th April at 12.30pm and meet organisations recruiting volunteers now. Organisations will ‘pitch’ their volunteering roles in a Dragon’s Den style. Register here
DBS Workshop for Volunteer Managers:
Got questions about DBS checks for volunteers? Join us on Tuesday 10th May, 2-3pm for a free online workshop with Kiran Rehal (DBS Regional Outreach Advisor for Greater London). She will explain the purpose of the DBS and how it plays a part in safer recruitment. Book your free place here
Umoja Health Forum looking to recruit Volunteer Organisers
Umoja Health Forum is a voluntary organisation which leads thirteen small African organisations from Sub – Saharan Africa, providing health and social care, addressing both physical and mental health.
We are looking to recruit Volunteer Organisers for different projects, which involve planning a variety of weekly activities for local residents.
These include promoting and delivering projects, recruiting local residents, general managing, monitoring and reporting on project work.
All volunteer travel and expenses paid.
Interested candidates should email Umoja at: umojahealthforum54@gmail.com or call Chikwaba Oduka on 07970418893, to express their interest or find out more.
Clean Break Theatre recruiting for female volunteers
Clean Break Theatre, based in Kentish Town, is currently recruiting for female volunteers. These include:
Female Catering one day a week either on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday 10-2.30pmFemale Gardeners Flexible, part-time. Hours are on a flexible basis but would be approximately 6-8 hours a month
For further information please contact:
volunteering@cleanbreak.org.uk
Love your Neighbour full time Programme Coordinator
Application deadline: 5pm Monday 18th April
North London Cares started in 2011 and currently supports a community network of over 1800 older (65+) and younger neighbours (18+) in Camden and Islington, through our Social Clubs and our friendship matching programme: Love your Neighbour. The role is office based with some remote working, visits will take place across Islington. There are flexible working hours and a Staff counselling service
For more Information please click here or contact hello@northlondoncares.org.uk
Part Time Youth Worker at Sidings CC
Closing date: Friday 8th April 2022.
We are looking for a Part-time Youth Worker for 6 hours per week (term-time) with special responsibilities for offering mentoring support to young men aged 11-19 yrs. This is a temporary post from April 2022 to March 2023
Worker must have excellent interpersonal skills and proven experience of working with young people aged 11-19 years, within a youth service setting. Person appointed must have previous experience and skills in offering advice, support and mentoring to help build trusted relationships enabling young people, in particular young men, to develop positive identity and self-resilience.
To apply, please email office@sidings.org.uk for Job Description and Application form.
Sidings Community Centre is based at 150 Brassey Rd, London NW6 2BA.
For more information, 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 new Community Directory
VAC is pleased to announce the launch of our new Community Directory services for Camden groups.
Our online directories provide a space for voluntary and community groups in Camden to promote their services and activities. Searching the directory then allows residents and other stakeholders in Camden to easily connect with groups and access services and valuable support.
You can search our Directories to find and connect with groups, find community space to rent or hire and find healthy activities and social opportunities in Camden’s green spaces and parks.
Voluntary Action Forum 16th March: Community Vaccine Champions Project and Benchmarking Community Building Services
VAC’s most recent forum took place on 16th March where we discussed a new local project sponsored by the Department of Levelling Up Housing & Communities (DLUHC) to reduce inequalities in the uptake of COVID vaccination in Camden.
Hear about the various different activities planned as part of this project, including a new grant programme for organisations, unregistered groups, and local residents. This session was recorded, find out more 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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Cervical screening campaign
In April, the NHS will have teams of healthcare professionals and volunteers sharing information with women and people with a cervix about how, where and why to get a cervical screening – a free test that helps to prevent cervical cancer.
If you’d like a healthcare professional to come along and talk about cervical screenings at events happening in April, please contact Patricia Macauley, Director of MMC (Multi Cultural Marketing Consultancy), who is working with the NHS. Email Patricia at patricia@mmc-uk.co.uk or call 07932709312.
Free Arthritis Open Clinic at YMCA Club
4th April
Central YMCA and Arthritis Action have partnered to offer a free Open Clinic for people with Arthritis. These sessions will give practical help to reduce the pain of arthritis through self-management and lifestyle advice.
To find out more and book a free 10 minute session please click here
London Funders webinars
In March & April, London Funders are hosting 3 webinars to mark 2 years since lockdown 1 began.
For more details on session 2 please click here
North Central London Cancer Alliance workshop
North Central London Cancer Alliance are planning a free online workshop to help develop an information resource to support people through the pathway for cancer diagnosis (or not), treatment, and follow up care.
The next workshop will be on 5th April.
To register, please click here
Call for VCS organisations that can deliver cooking sessions in and around Holborn Area.
Organisations in/around Holborn with access to a kitchen are needed to facilitate community cooking sessions for Afghan Refugees who are currently in bridging hotels.
Interested organisations will need to complete a trauma informed training and cultural awareness session which are being delivered by Hopscotch Women’s Centre (2 hours).
Organisations must be able to supply their own tutor and run classes for up to 10-12 people. Ideally, organisations will also need to provide children activities/a creche worker as adults tend to have children with them that they can’t leave alone.
Small grants of up to £3k are available for organisations that are interested in doing this work. For more information, please contact: vcs@camden.gov.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
Henna Asian Women’s group recruiting x2 Project Support Workers.
Deadline Monday 22nd April 2022, by 5pm.
12 months contract with possibility of extension, depending on funding.
Henna Asian Women’s Group is looking for Individuals, who are quick learners and can take their own initiative. The right candidates will have the admin skills to support the manager to provide an excellent service to women, especially to older women. This role will require you to be supportive and understanding and be able to deal with any issues that may arise confidently.
For more information and an application form please email info@hennaorg.co.uk
Coram’s Fields OSC vacancies
Playworker
Hours: 20hrs p/w term-time / 35hrs p/w during school holiday periods
The Play Worker role is an integral part of Coram’s Fields Play Service team, providing high quality childcare within our established weekly Out of School Club (OSC) provision and Holiday Schemes.
How to Apply: Please visit our website to download an application form.
Applications should be emailed to Ed May: ed.may@coramsfields.org.uk by Monday 11th April
Coram’s Fields OSC Sessional Playworker
Hours: Varied, anticipated up to 35 hours during school holidays and as and when required during term time.
This role will form an integral part of Coram’s Fields Play Service team, providing flexible support to our established weekly OSC provision and Holiday Schemes.
How to Apply: Please visit our website to download an application form.
Applications should be emailed to Ed May: ed.may@coramsfields.org.uk by Monday 11th April
Age UK Camden vacancy: Finance Director – Interim Cover
Part-time (28 hours per week)
Age UK Camden are recruiting to this post on a permanent basis, we are also looking for an interim cover with immediate availability. (Please specify which contract type you are applying for)
This vital role has overall responsibility for the effective financial management of the Age UK Camden Group (Age UK Camden and its subsidiaries). You will contribute to the overall development of the organisation’s growth and development and be key in the risk management and mitigation.
For more information and to apply, please click here
Latin American House vacancy
Early Years Practitioner to join the team at Menchú Bilingual Nursery.
Deadline for applications: Saturday 30th April 2022
The post holder must possess CACHE or NVQ Level 2 or above
qualification in Childcare Education. It will not be necessary to speak Spanish, although it is desirable.
For more information and to apply, please click here
Volunteering during the pandemic
The latest guidance for Enabling safe and effective volunteering during coronavirus (COVID-19) is available here
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Afghan Refugee Crisis
The Council and VCS continue to work together to help meet the needs of the Afghan Refugees in Camden. A steering group (led by Hopscotch) meets weekly and there is a database of offers and needs held by the council. You can donate to the Hopscotch appeal here. Keep up to date at the council website here.
NCS Seek Venue in Camden
Groundwork London are funded to run 1 summer programme in Camden. They are interested in finding a large venue in the borough to host the NCS.
The ideal requirements would include: one large hall for up to 100 people, 1-2 breakaway rooms or spaces, access to a prayer room or an separate space which could be used as a prayer room. Plus WiFi, access to drinking water, car park spaces, a lockable storage space and wheelchair accessibility throughout.
Access would be need predominately between 9:00-17:00. Please contact NCSvenues@groundwork.org.uk if you are able to host such an event or to make further enquiries.
Purpose built Community Centre available September 2022
Camden Council are looking for charities and voluntary organisations to express their interest to run a brand new community centre in Maitland Park.
This new community space is over 3,500 square foot and features:
• a café-style dining area with a domestic type kitchenette and office/reception space with storage
• a large hall (1180sf) that can be divided into 2 studio spaces
• meeting rooms: 1 large room with a kitchenette, 1 small meeting room and a toilet
• central hallway/corridor space with 4 toilets
• a community garden
Camden Council are seeking an organisation/ group who will use the space in collaboration with the local community, managing the use and letting of the hall and meetings rooms for local community benefit alongside your own business.
Further information, including floor-plans, particulars and application process can be found here. For any further questions regarding this space please email maitlandparkspace@camden.gov.uk
Free ‘bite sized’ surgery sessions for community organisations in London
As part of their City Bridge Trust funded London Spotlight programme, Locality are offering free bite sized ‘surgery’ sessions with their consultancy team.
You can get valuable ‘take aways’ on topics including: Funding, Local Data, Social Impact and Organisational Health.
For more details and to book your Spotlight session, please click here.
Locality are also running an impact workshop and some mini clinics at the end of March. These will be aimed at community organisation who are supporting young people.
Please contact liba.ravindran@locality.org.uk if you want to attend either event and you will be sent more information about how to register and join:
Online mini clinic – 29th March, 12-1.30pm or 3.30-5pm
Online Workshop – 30th March, 2-3.30pm
£5 tickets offer from Sadler’s Wells for 40 Years of Phoenix Dance
The tickets are available for performances on Tue 29 and Wed 30 Mar at 7.30pm.
Please note that these £5 tickets can only be booked online.
When booking please use the promocode BIDPHOENIX
To book and find out more about the show, please click here
FREE NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Information Technology
Improve your Information Technology (IT) skills and knowledge, specifically using Word, Excel and PowerPoint software.
This qualification is suitable for learners who are using IT in their job or plan to pursue a career requiring IT skills. This opportunity will help to develop your knowledge, whilst gaining a nationally recognised, professional qualification.
For more information, please contact New Challenge on: (Main number) – 020 8795 3999 or email: courses@newchallenge.org
Support for British-Ukrainian Aid
Funding platform easyfundraising has pledged to StandWithUkraine and double every donation raised through their site for British-Ukrainian Aid for the next 6 months.
The charity supports people suffering due to the war and humanitarian crisis.
Shoppers using the easyfundraising website or app can raise donations for British-Ukrainian Aid simply by doing their normal shopping with thousands of online retailers.
Click here for more information
£10 Tickets Offer To See BLACK LOVE at Kiln Theatre
The Kiln Theatre are offering an allocation of £10 tickets for their new production Black Love
The £10 tickets (usually £32) are for performances from:
Mon 28th Mar to Sat 9th April at 7.30pm and 2.30pm.
To book please call the Box Office on 020 7328 1000 or click here and use the promocode BID
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
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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