Highlights: The Camden Hive; Fairtrade Fortnight; Know It’s Not Too Late; Camden Community Festivals Fund; Voluntary Groups, ‘Workfare’ and Benefits Sanctions: The Perils of Participation; Choose the right treatment.Rising to the Leadership Challenge with Children at Heart; International Women’s Day; Making the Media Work for You; plus news, funding, events, jobs, volunteering and more.
NEWS
Feedback from 27th January Event 2015: ‘Developing a new relationship between the Council and the voluntary sector’
Voluntary and Community Sector representatives were invited to an event at the Camden Centre which was held on the morning of 27th January. The event was the second in a process by which we are looking at how the Council and the VCS can better work together in partnership in the context of the financial challenge facing the Council.
The aim was for a working event focussed on further developing a model of our relationship for the future. Both the structure of the event and the themes discussed were developed from an event launching this process on 5th December 2014.
Please find attached the notes of the workshop discussions and next steps. The notes can also be located at https://www.wearecamden.org/tackling-the-financial-challenge-with-the-vcs/ should you want to add further comments.
The Camden Hive – A new crowdfunding website to help you make Camden even better
Have an idea to make Camden even better? Need funding? The Camden Hive page on the crowdfunding website Spacehive brings together projects for the public good by people who live, work or play in Camden. Your idea needs to be in Camden, costed and open to the public. Choose a fundraising target and how long to run your campaign. Then upload an explanation of your idea plus photos or a video and get a totaliser showing the time left and who has pledged money so far. Use your networks, social media, email and the press to attract pledges of support. If you hit your target in your chosen period, you get the money to start work and Spacehive take a small sum for costs and Paypal charges. As with most crowdfunding sites, if your project misses its target no-one’s account is debited, but you may still get publicity and in-kind support. More info at Project Dirt
On Tuesday 10 March Spacehive is running a workshop to show how to create a project on the Camden Hive, 6-8pm at the council’s new premises at 5 Pancras Square, N1C 4AG. To book, email nick.wilson-young@camden.gov.uk
It’s Fairtrade Fortnight 23 February – 8 March
For more details and to get involved visit www.fairtrade.org.uk
Know It’s Not Too Late
Organisations in Camden who may be reaching out to women aged 50 – 77, living in Camden, who may be suffering from domestic abuse are invited to this event. Tuesday 3rd March at 10am at Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square. Following on from last year’s successful ‘know it isn’t love’ campaign aimed at 16 – 25yr olds, this new campaign hopes to do the same for the over 50s. Please rsvp to Cynthia Akinsanya, email: Cynthia.Akinsanya@camden.gov.uk
Camden Community Festivals Fund
Once again funding is available for community festivals in Camden. The fund is managed by Voluntary Action Camden (VAC). See the ‘Funding’ section below for full details.
Voluntary Groups, ‘Workfare’ and Benefits Sanctions: The Perils of Participation
Thursday 19th March 12.30-3pm LIFT Islington, 45 White Lion Street, London N1 9PW
The ‘Help to Work Programme’ (introduced last April) is specifically designed to attract the involvement of charities and voluntary groups.
The meeting on the 19th March is organised jointly by KVV, Greater London Volunteering and the London Voluntary Services Council. It will provide an opportunity to:
• Spread information about the Help to Work Programme and the ways in which it is being rolled out by the DWP, primes and their subcontractors (including testimony from claimants who have been affected);
• Share information and experiences between participants who have had contact with the Programme;
• Gain greater understanding and awareness about the effects of workfare and benefits sanctions;
• Help to decide what further action can be taken.
This event will be of particular relevance for volunteer centres, advice agencies, food banks, employment support projects, those operating charity shops and local Councils for Voluntary Services.
The event is free and includes lunch. Please arrive at 12.30pm for a 1pm start to the meeting. You can find out more and register for the event here.
More information on Help to Work and Work fare can be on the Keep Volunteering Voluntary (www.kvv.org.uk) and Boycott Workfare (http://www.boycottworkfare.org/) websites.
National News
Young people required to do 30 hours a week of free charity work under Conservative plans
Unemployed young people will be required to work 30 hours a week for free for charities and community services across the UK or lose benefits, Prime Minister David Cameron said today. But charity sector leaders have reacted with caution to the claim, with some saying the plans are not thought through and that charities should refuse to be involved, and others saying that it has the potential to be effective but needs to be distinguished carefully from volunteering.
“But clearly this plan is not thought through – voluntary work isn’t free for the organisations which offer it, and by its very nature it can’t happen if people are compelled to do it.”
Jay Kennedy, director of policy and research for the Directory of Social Change advised charities to “steer clear” of the scheme. See the comments below the article for even more forthright opinions including some incredulity that a party political pledge involving the sector has been made without any consultation with the sector.
Review of Social Value Act Reached Disappointing Conclusion
A government review of the social value act has rejected extending the legislation to goods and works but has recommended that the act be better promoted and amended to take into account changes to EU procurement rules according to Third Sector. Navca questions if the recommendations will send a strong enough message to the public bodies choosing to ignore it. Navca says “It will be important that Cabinet Office sends out a stronger message, that all public bodies are expected to incorporate social value into their commissioning processes. If it does not, social value will still not have got off the ground in some areas by the time of the next recommended review in two years’ time.
The Future of Local Infrastructure
After nearly a year in the making Change for Good, the report of the Independent Commission on the Future of Local Infrastructure, was published. All appeared to accept the Commission’s principle message that infrastructure merits investment. As the report makes clear “the message to funders is invest”; just as spending on physical infrastructure is an investment is necessary to deliver economic prosperity, so investment on community infrastructure can help funders (independent and public) deliver their social objectives. For an alternative view on the underlying issues read Colin Rochester’s blog on Third Sector.
Less than 33p in every £100 of government grants goes to independent charities.
As grants to charities disappear, to be replaced by contracts, it it revealed that grants totaling 300x the amount charities received are given to the corporate sector. The government gave independent charities grants totaling less than half a billion pounds out of a a total grants budget of £147bn in the last financial year (roughly a sixth of all central government spending.)
However a Civil Society News analysis of these figures found that organisations in the charity and community sectors received only around £1.52bn. Of this, around £1.04bn went to charities which are also non-departmental public bodies or have other close links to government. Only £480m went to charities which are not linked to government. 109 grants to private sector bodies were alone worth a total of £14.6bn – around nine times as much as the charity sector. Full story at Civil Society.
Choose the right treatment.
If you’re injured or ill, the NHS provides a range of services to help you get well.You can get faster and better treatment by choosing the NHS service that can best treat your symptoms. This will help us reduce the
pressure on services like A&E so they can help those people in most need. Remember: A&E is for life-threatening illnesses and injuries only. Visit NHS Choices www.nhs.uk for more information.
Children England and Engage London: Rising to the Leadership Challenge with Children at Heart. The event will include networking lunch after the main session. Free to attend.
Friday 13th March 9.30 -12.30 at The Foundry, 17 Oval Way, Vauxhall SE11 5RR
Children are affected by almost every decision adults make – by families, by communities and by government. They suffer the impact of economic and social problems but they rely on us to work out what should be done about it. In the run up to the General Election, it’s time to get the message out to politicians that children –20% of the UK population but without a vote – should be at the heart of plans for the future. As a sector we need to rise to this challenge, develop leadership collaboration across the region, and call on decision-makers to ‘Put Children at Heart.’
This morning will be an opportunity to hear a range of perspectives on leadership from the sector, share your thinking on rising to the challenge, develop leadership collaboration across the capital, and get involved with the Children at Heart campaign.
More information here http://www.childrenengland.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Rising-to-the-Leadership-Challenge-with-Children-at-Heart1.pdf Free to attend
Booking: http://subscribercrm.childrenengland.org.uk/Event-Booking/EventId/1157
International Women’s Day Celebration 8th March
Join us to celebrate International Women’s Day at an evening dedicated to the plight of women and children in the Middle East fleeing war, rape, death and fundamentalism in the second decade of 21st century.
Come along with your family members and friends and enjoy a memorable evening.
Programme:
6.30 Welcome
7.00 Violence in the region and its consequences for women & children
7.30 Live performance
8:00 Dinner
9.00- 11.00 Dance with DJ music
Hanley Crouch Community Association The Laundry Sparsholt Road London N19 4EL Buses: W7, W3, 210, 91 Overground: Crouch Hill
Need a Shed?
Camden Lock Village development will begin soon. As a result there are sheds embellished with the creative skills of a variety of street artists that need a new home.
Are there any youth or community groups out there that would like to adopt these sentimental miniature chalets? Email Ashed@camdenmarket.com to register your interest and to view the sheds on February 24th.
Making the Media Work for You: A Free Guide for Civil Society Organisations
Making the Media Work for You is a new publication and resource by the European Journalism Centre specifically designed for civil society organisation communicators. Co-authored by veteran Reuters journalists Lisa Essex and Oliver Wates, and social media whiz Brandon Oelofse of Vuselela Media, the Guide provides practical, cost-effective strategies for organisations that seek to raise and maintain their visibility and impact both in the real and virtual worlds. It also tackles some of the common misconceptions so often found between journalists and civil society organisations. Free download (53 pages).
The LFBU have called for further strike action in relation to the national pension dispute.
The strike will take place for 24 hours starting at 7am on Wednesday, 25 February until 7am on Thursday, 26 February.
The LFB contingency arrangements in place are similar to those that have been in place during the previous strikes. Further details can be found by clicking here: http://www.london-fire.gov.uk/contingency-plan.asp .
The Capacity Building Bulletin is produced monthly, targeting the community and voluntary sector in Camden. It provides up to date/recently live information and news on funding and training. To access the latest information please follow the Link www.camden.gov.uk/cbbulletin
Holborn Community Association, Castlehaven Community Association, Kentish Town Community Centre, Hillside Clubhouse, Camden Carers Service, Camden Federation of Private Tenants, Henna Asian Women’s Group, Kentish Town City Farm, and Camden PA are recruiting. See Jobs and Volunteers section below.
Camden Shares. The website for exchanges in Camden. www.camdenshares.org.uk
You can join in on Facebook. Like us if you like us.
Follow all the Camden Voluntary Sector news on OneCamden on Twitter.
You can read more about all of these stories on our news page at www.vac.org.uk/new
FUNDING NEWS
See the Funding pages on VAC’s website for all the latest information.
Crowdfunding for Camden Organisations
Camden Hive is a page on the Spacehive site where local ideas can be seen in one place. Projects need to be costed, based in Camden and open to the public. Spacehive check that your project is viable and for the public good. You sign an agreement to spend the money raised on the proposed project. You upload photos or video of the proposed project and create a totaliser showing the time left to hit the target and who has pledged money so far. If a project reaches its target in the chosen period, your organisation receives the money and Spacehive take a small sum to cover costs and Paypal charges. Like most crowdfunding sites, if a project misses its target the project doesn’t get the money, but can still get publicity and in-kind support.
The Fashion & Textile Children’s Trust has funding available for vulnerable children
For children (0-18 years), where the parent or carer works / has previously worked, in any aspect of the UK fashion and textile industry. (This is very broad reaching and even covers employees that work in supermarkets that sell clothing!)
We have two different grant types, as follows: (grants typically start at £150)
Wellbeing grants for items including essential items (including clothing, bedding and white goods) therapies, respite activities, mobility equipment, specialist clothing and adaptations to the home.
Education grants for items including specialist tutorial support, learning tools (including specialist tools, books and course equipment), school necessities (including uniform and sports equipment), transport costs and school fees*
*Applications for support with school fees are considered where the state education system has been unable to meet the young person’s needs, and there is no alternative state school.
To make an application, we ask that the parent or carer meets the following criteria:
1. The child must be aged between 0-18 yrs.
2. The parent or full time carer, must currently work or have previously worked in the UK fashion and textile industry
3. The parent is able to show that there is no state provision for the needs of their children
Awards for All/Reaching Communities- One to One Support for Camden Groups
VAC and BIG will be offering further one to one support sessions for Camden groups applying for Awards for All and Reaching Communities in 2015. They will take place on 23rd March. Please contact Ricky or Monica acharles@vac.org.uk tel 020 7284 6550 to book your 45min session. You will need to send in your completed draft by 16th March.
Ageing Better in Camden Announce Invitations to Tender
Ageing Better in Camden has now published the Invitation for Tender Documentation for the Digital Inclusion Project and the Intergenerational Activities Project on the Age UK Camden website. Ageing Better apologise for the delay. http://www.ageuk.org.uk/camden/ageing-better-in-camden/.
Please note that there is an ‘Acknowledgement of Tender Form’ in the ‘Invitation for Tender Documentation’.
Ageing Better in Camden need to receive this form, so that you can be included in the clarification dialogue between Ageing Better in Camden and other bidders about the tendering documentation and process.
The revised timetable for the tendering process is also on the website.
Please note that the Intergenerational Activities Project now covers children (under 18 years old) AND younger adults (18 – 40 year olds) across Camden.
Please refer to http://www.ageuk.org.uk/camden/ageing-better-in-camden/ for updates.
Do you want to be part of the challenge to improve mental health in Camden?
£750k has been identified to develop new preventative support for people with mental health problems in Camden. We want to work with you to develop ideas for how to best spend the funding.
We have created this fund because promoting good mental health is one of the biggest challenges that is facing Camden. There are over 36,000 people living with common mental health problems in the borough.
We want to hear your thoughts and ideas on mental health and how the fund should be used.
There will be a ‘conversation’ event on Thursday 12th February from 9:30 – 12:00 at St Pancras Hospital Conference Hall.
This is open to anybody, especially people with mental health problems, carers, providers and practitioners who wish to help us develop a shared approach to mental health prevention.
This will be the first of many chances to get involved and develop this support with us.
If you are interested please email Richard.elphick@camden.gov.uk or phone on 020 7974 8545. You can also send us your thoughts online at: www.wearecamden.org/mentalhealth
Capital Clean-up Grant and Kit
Anyone from community groups to charities, youth groups to small businesses can now apply for grants of between £500 and £1,500, or a clean-up kit, to bring volunteers together and get involved in Capital Clean-up 2015
See more at: http://www.projectdirt.com/cluster/capitalcleanup/#!/journal_entry/33925
Home Office – Child and Adult Victim Sexual Abuse Support Fund
Grants are available for registered charities and other voluntary and community sector organisations in England and Wales providing local or national services to victims of sexual abuse to help meet the increased demand on those services.
The Sexual Abuse Support Fund is aimed at non-statutory organisations in England and Wales providing support to victims of sexual abuse to help meet the increased demand on those services. Organisations can provide local services or national services.
Deadline: 2 March 2015 (5pm). It is expected that successful applicants will be notified by the end of March 2015.
Link to guidelines: http://www.norfolk-pcc.gov.uk/sexual-abuse-victims-fund (NB Norfolk are administering the fund – it is open to all regions).
Home Office – Child Abuse Inquiry Support Fund
New one-off fund with a deadline of 2 March 2015 (5pm).
Grants are available to registered charities and other voluntary and community sector organisations in England and Wales which have experienced an increase in demand as a direct result of the announcement of the Child Abuse Inquiry on 7 July 2014.
Deadline: 2 March 2015 (5pm). It is expected that successful applicants will be notified by the end of March 2015.
Link to guidelines: http://www.norfolk-pcc.gov.uk/sexual-abuse-victims-fund (NB Norfolk are administering the fund – it is open to all regions).
BIG puts another £10m into programme to help charities win contracts and take investment
The Big Lottery Fund has doubled the amount of funding available through its grants programme to help charities win contracts and investment (ie take on debt). Read the story at Civil Society or find out more at the BIG Potential website.
Camden Community Festivals Fund
Camden Council is supporting this grants programme in recognition of the contribution made by community festivals and events to strengthening Camden communities and in developing a rich culture and economy within the borough.
The fund is to sustain and develop Camden’s rich culture, its strong communities and dynamic partnerships by supporting quality, creative events, projects and activities. This year the fund is managed by Voluntary Action Camden (VAC).
Applications are welcome for grants of £200 to £5000 for:
~ Small-scale events with a capacity of under 500 people, the maximum amount that can be applied for is £500. A copy of the application form can be downloaded here.
~ Larger-scale events with a capacity of 500 people or more the maximum that can be applied for is £5,000. Please note the average is £1,000. A copy of the application form can be downloaded here.
A copy of the detailed guideline can be downloaded here.
The application process is open from Monday 19th January 2015.
The deadline for completed applications is: 6pm on Thursday 16th March 2015
Full details and links to the forms can be found at https://www.vac.org.uk/camden-community-festivals-fund/
If you would like more information and/or to be sent hard copies of the application forms and the guidelines please contact acharles@vac.org.uk. Tel. 020 7284 6553. Fax. 020 7284 6551. VAC, 293-299 Kentish Town Road, London NW5 2TJ.
Please note your grant is only administered by VAC. For all other aspects of your event please contact Camden Council’s events team. events@camden.gov.uk. Tel: 020 7974 5633.
Camden Carers Service Urgent Brief Breaks
Every carer knows when things reach a critical pitch and the pressure valve is about to blow.
That’s when you may need an Urgent Brief Break!
If you provide unpaid care for someone who lives in the London Borough of Camden then you may be eligible
Referrals can be made by a Professional or you can refer yourself
For more information please call Angela 020 7428 8950 or email referrals@camdencarer.org.uk
Don’t forget to sign up to Funding Central for free email funding alerts. Go to www.fundingcentral.org.uk/
VAC EVENTS
VAC has a full programme of courses coming up: Click here to find out more. All courses are ?25 for members (unless otherwise stated).
Do you support or work with unpaid carers? Would you like to host a free wellbeing session for carers at your centre?
Voluntary Action Camden is working in partnership with Camden Carers Service (CCS) to reach “hidden carers” who are not currently accessing CCS’s services. We can offer a short wellbeing session giving carers some simple everyday techniques to help improve their mental wellbeing. The session will also give them the opportunity to sign up for the range of free support offered by Camden Carers Service.
An unpaid carer is someone who supports a family member, close friend or neighbour, who would not manage without their help. The person cared for could be an adult or a child with:
• a medical or long-term condition
• physical or learning disability
• sensory impairment
• dementia
• mental health condition
• substance dependency
If you are in touch with carers in your area and can invite them to a small group session on your premises, please contact Ann Wolfe on awolfe@vac.org.uk or call 020 7284 6565. To be eligible, carers should live or work in Camden, or support someone who lives in Camden.
Mental Health First Aid Training at VAC
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a nationally approved two-day course, designed for anyone without specialist mental health training. The course promotes awareness of mental health issues, and trains non-mental health professionals to recognise those affected by mental health problems and to offer initial help and guidance towards professional support. This can lead to improved outcomes for those affected, their families, friends, colleagues and employers.
Participants will receive a copy of the MHFA manual and certificate on completion of the course.
Do you have any questions or want to book a place?
Contact the Mental Health Team at Voluntary Action Camden:
Maureen Brewster on mbrewster@vac.org.uk or 020 7284 6563
Ann Wolfe on awolfe@vac.org.uk or 020 7284 6565
Sue Dowd on sdowd@vac.org.uk or 020 7284 6559
Next course dates: Monday 16th February and Monday 23rd February 2015
New VAC Training Programme
- 13th March: Project Management Introduction
Dementia Friends Information Sessions
Would you like to improve your understanding of dementia and what it might be like to live with the condition?
People with dementia sometimes need a helping hand to go about their daily lives and feel included in their local community. Dementia Friends is about raising awareness and encouraging people to do the small things that can make a difference to people living with dementia – from helping someone find the right bus to spreading the word about dementia. The initiative, run by the Alzheimer’s Society, aims to create a network of one million Dementia Friends across England by 2015.
Dementia Friends Information Sessions are short, interactive and fun. If you would like VAC to run a session for your organisation or community group, please contact Ann Wolfe on awolfe@vac.org.uk or call 020 7284 6565. For more information see the Dementia Friends website: http://www.dementiafriends.org.uk/
OTHER EVENTS
Free training, outings and events for unpaid carers in Camden, from Friday 20th to 27th February
Friday 20th Feb: Mental health carers’ support group, 10.30am – 12.30pm, Peckwater Resource Centre, 6 Peckwater Street, NW5 2TX. A monthly group for carers of people with mental health problems. Ring 020 7428 8950 for details or just drop in.
Yoga class, for carers of all abilities, Fri 20th, 1.30 – 2.30pm. Booking essential; please call 020 7428 8950 or email yoni@camdencarers.org.uk
Sunday 22nd February: Bargain book sale! CCS partner, Centre 404, is hosting a book sale from 12 – 2pm to raise funds for children’s parties. A huge selection, both fiction and non-fiction, for all ages, from 50p to £2.50. All books are either new or ex-promotional. Centre 404, 404 Camden Road, N7 0SJ – all welcome.
Monday 23rd February: A few places still available for The Memory Project, a fortnightly course for people with dementia and their carer or a close relative, 2-4pm. To book or find out more call Zakeera on 020 7428 8950 or email zakeera@camdencarers.org.uk
Tuesday 24th February: Dementia carers’ group, 11am – 1pm. A monthly group open to any carer in Camden who supports someone with dementia, combining support, information and an activity or invited speaker. Members define how the group runs and who is invited to speak. To book a place please call 020 7428 8950 or email Zakeera@camdencarers.org.uk
Art as Therapy seeks to explore how art can help the individual connect to universal aspects of the human experience. Next group meets 1 – 3pm. All unpaid carers in Camden welcome. Ring Sitara on 020 7428 8950 or email sitara@camdencarers.org.uk for details or to book.
Wednesday 25th February: Carers and former carers social support group, 10.30 am – 12pm. Activities include occasional invited speakers and days out. The group meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month, 2nd floor meeting room, 293-299 Kentish Town Road, NW5 2TJ. Ring 020 7428 8950 for more information or just drop in.
Guided tour of British Museum for older carers, dementia carers and cared-for, 10.30am – 1.30pm. Carers may bring their cared-for or attend alone. To book a place please call 020 7428 8950 or email Zakeera@camdencarers.org.uk
Thursday 26th February: Special event: Life Outside Caring fair, 10am – 4pm. Lots of interesting activities, stalls and information to find something different to do outside of the caring role! To book a place please call Yoni on 020 7428 8950 or email Yoni@camdencarers.org.uk
Coffee morning for carers of people with learning disabilities, 10.30am – 12pm. A coffee morning for carers of children and adults with learning disabilities. Please call 020 7428 8950 or email charitym@centre404.org.uk if you would like to attend.
Friday 27th February: Leisure afternoon for people with dementia and their carers, 2 – 4pm. An event for people with dementia and their carers; older carers can also participate, with or without the person they care for. Enjoy games, discussions and interactive activities like painting, baking and singing along to classic songs led by live saxophone and guitar. To book a place please call 020 7428 8950 or email Zakeera@camdencarers.org.uk
Equalities Support Programme for voluntary and community organisations working with children, young people and families
Do you want to provide services that better meet the needs of your local communities and different equalities groups? This programme introduces local voluntary and community organisations (VCOs) in London to the Engage London Equality Act Toolkit. This course will be very helpful for individuals in these VCOs with a policy, engagement or equalities remit or those with an interest in helping these VCOs improve equal opportunities in service delivery.
The session will enable participants to:
• Assist your local voluntary and community organisations (VCOs) to use the Engage London Toolkit, and other equalities resources, in planning your work
• Improve the capacity of your VCOs to identify the needs of groups that may face discrimination or inequalities in accessing services
• Consider how your VCOs can deliver services that are better able to meet the needs of equalities groups
Wednesday 11th March 9.45 – 16.30
Race Equality Foundation, Unit 22 Deane House Studios, 27 Greenwood Place, London NW5 1LB
engagelondon@childrenengland.org.uk Web: www.childrenengland.org.uk/engagelondon/
Headway North London – Dates for your diary
Peer Support Group @ Swiss Cottage Community Centre. Every first Tuesday of the month: 4.30 – 6pm
A facilitated session bringing together brain injury survivors in a safe, open environment. Next meetings on March 3, April 7, May 5
Headway @ Kingsgate Community Centre. Every Tuesday: 1.30 – 3.30pm
Weekly IT Skills session in the Computer Suite – call 020 7625 3236 to check before attending
The Drop In service continues to be held on the second Tuesday of the month (1.30 – 15.30pm) – call 020 7625 3236 to check before attending
Monthly Evening Meeting @ Crossfield Centre. Every third Wednesday of the month: 7 – 9pm
Upcoming dates: March 18, April 15, May 20
Carer support is available by appointment. Please call us on 020 7625 3236 if you would like to make an appointment. Helpline; 020 7372 4477
Governance In The Voluntary And Community Sector
14 May 2015 – 18 Jun 2015 (£71/£25) Thursdays, 17:30-20:30
A short course for members of governing bodies or anybody who is interested in developing the knowledge and skills required to be a member of a governing body in the voluntary or community sector. With the knowledge gained from this course you can become an effective participant in the governance of new and existing organisations. This is not a qualification course.
Areas covered:
* Introduction to the Role of a Governing Body Member
* Developing Governance – Responsibilities and Accountability
* Governance – Strategy and Structures
Find out more and book at the Mary Ward Centre website. For questions about the course contact Kevin Nunan.
The Development and Integration of the NHS 111 and GP Out of Hours Services
You may be interested in attending this event if you want to give your views on the current services and how we can provide the most efficient and effective services for you in the future.
Monday 23 February at 17.30 at St Pancras Hospital Conference Hall, 4 St Pancras Way, NW1 0PE
RSVP to Caroline Straker, CPPEG administrator by telephone or email Tel: 020 3688 2044 Email: engagement@camdenccg.nhs.uk
Free Speech, surveillance and human rights: uniting London in response to the Charlie Hebdo Atrocities
Tuesday 3rd March 7pm at Highgate Library and Civic and Cultural Centre
Let’s chat
Do you want more confidence speaking English? Do you want to practise speaking with other people from your local area?
Every Mon – 9th Feb till 2nd Mar from 3 – 4pm
Every Thurs – 12th Feb till Mar 5th from 4.30 – 5.30pm
At The Haven, 23 Castlehaven Rd, London NW1 Call 020 7485 3386 for more information
NCiFoundations Fundrasing Event
NCiFoundations, a registered charity (RCN 1151520), based in Camden is having its 1st fund-raising event on Saturday the 28th of February 2015 from 11am-4pm, venue at: 14 Cleveland Street W1T 6QG.The event will be to raise funds to support desperate orphans in Kenya and Uganda who are in desperate need of clothing, feeding, education sponsor and creating an awareness to end Female Genital Mutilation. Our event will also be promoting NCiFoundations other aims and objectives which involve supporting UK Local community projects to enhance and protect our UK local borough community.
At the event we will be showcasing beautiful handcraft artworks made by the orphans
For more information please visit our website: www.ncifoundations.org.
Email: info@ncifoundations.org . Tel: +44(0) 7900928873. Also interested sponsors please do get in touch as well. Venue: 141 Cleveland Street W1T 6QG (11-4pm) nearest station to venue is Warren Street Station.
Kilburn Older Voices Exchange, the British Society of Gerontology, and London Borough of Camden present The first Kilburn Debate of 2015: Kilburn – your lifetime neighbourhood?
What policy changes would encourage us to ‘age in place’?
9.30am– 4.30pm Tuesday, 3rd March, 2015
Morning: Older peoples’ contribution to research
Passing by or by-passing: Intergenerational use of public space; Professor Sheila Peace, Open University
How older people are helping change the street environment; Rita Newton, Senior lecturer, Salford University
1.30–2.30pm: Films by KOVE and other local older film-makers
Afternoon: New developments – London and Kilburn
The London picture and lessons from other cities; Professor Colin Haylock, Newcastle University, Past President of the Royal Town Planning Institute, member Mayor’s Design Advisory Group;
Making changes to Kilburn High Rd: a case study; Jacqueline Saunders, Principal Traffic Planner, Camden
Kingsgate Resource Centre for Older People, 208 Webheath, Palmerston Road NW6 2JU
This free event is open to users of the Centre, local residents of any age, British Society of Gerontology members, service professionals and anyone with an interest in the issues under discussion. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.
For information and to register, contact: John Miles (07817 424356 johnmiles68@yahoo.co.uk) or Mel Wright (07539 390786 mel.wright@kove.org.uk)
Islington Mind’s LGBT service – open Information day – part of LGBT History Month 24th Feb 11 – 3pm
Introducing the unique pan-London service that is offered every Tuesday to the LGBT community. At 35 Ashley Road, N19 3AG. Programme for the day includes:
Information about Outcome; Yoga; Drama; Art workshops; Animation workshops; Ear acupuncture; Head massage; Taster therapies with MSH – grooming and holistic clinic.
Best Curry in town (FOR £3), raffle and many other surprises…
RSVP: sigal.avni@islington.mind.org
Working with Complex Needs: Free Training Offer for Camden Based Groups
Clean Break is offering FREE training workshops to health, social care and voluntary sector organisations working in Camden in February – March 2015
Designed to help you reflect on and identify successful strategies to support women with complex needs, this training is ideal for frontline staff, managers, volunteers, advice workers, support staff and others who want to improve their practice. This bespoke package uses short play Sounds Like An Insult, performed by graduates of Clean Break’s theatre education programme, as a stimulus for discussion and critical reflection. Commissioned by Clean Break in association with NOMS and the Department of Health, Sounds Like An Insult explores the experiences of women offenders with complex mental health needs, and the challenges of diagnosis and treatment within the criminal justice system. Following the performance, we engage participants through creative techniques to explore the challenges and opportunities of working with women who may have complex mental health needs, addiction and/or experience of the criminal justice system and who often, as a result, struggle to access or remain engaged in services.
We will be running these free two hour training workshops in Camden, throughout February and March 2015. We can work with groups of up to 30 and may be able to offer multiple workshops for organisations which have larger numbers to accommodate.
If you would like to discuss your organisation’s specific needs or ask questions about the workshop, or to book a session, please email Ros Terry ros.terry@cleanbreak.org.uk. More information at www.cleanbreak.org.uk
Housing allocation consultation 2015
There will be a special lunchtime briefing for people working in the voluntary sector on Monday 23rd February at 11.30am-1pm at: 5 Pancras Square, London, N1C 4AG
To book a place, please contact Zoe Goldblum or Giovanni Bruggi (see below).
If your organisation has a regular meeting (either with staff or service users) and you would like a member of the housing allocation consultation team to attend to give a presentation on the proposed changes to the scheme and answer any questions, please contact either Zoe Goldblum or Giovanni Bruggi (see below).
For more information, to book a place for a workshop or the special briefing or to arrange another meeting, please contact:
• Zoe Goldblum, Senior Policy Officer, Zoe.Goldblum@camden.gov.uk or call 020 7974 4544.
• Giovanni Bruggi, Business Support Officer, Giovanni.Bruggi@camden.gov.uk or call 020 7974 5519
Don’t forget that Camden TDS run a full programme of course which are subsidised or free for voluntary sector partner organisations. There is a link to a list of partner organisations on the home page.
Find more Training Opportunities at www.vac.org.uk
JOBS AND VOLUNTEERS
Holborn Community Association have a vacancy:
Senior Administrator who will lead on administrative functions across all three HCA sites.
Are you an organised person with administrative experience and excellent computer skills? An opportunity has arisen to join Holborn Community Association, a growing & exciting community charity in WC1 – a great location to work in.
We need someone who has:
Minimum 2 years experience working in an administration role
High level of accuracy, organisation and attention to detail
Excellent IT skills including use of Microsoft software and ideally Google Apps
Willingness to work flexibly
Hours per week: 25. Salary: £21,675 pro rata (NJC Scale pt 19). Full DBS (CRB) check will be required
Information pack and application form available on our website www.holborncommunity.co.uk or by emailing admin@holborncommunity.co.uk
Closing Date: Monday 2nd March 2015 at 12 pm
Interviews will be held: Monday 9th & Tuesday 10th March 2015
Castlehaven Community Association seeks Environmental & Community Projects Officer
Are you passionate about engaging communities in environmental projects? Do you have experience of project managing community lead food growing/ wildlife/ conservation/ landscape projects? Would you like to work for a thriving community association in the heart of Camden Town?
Hours: 25 Hours per week (5 days x 5 hours inc alternate weekends)
Salary: £21,675 (Scale 4-19) Pro Rata for 25 hours per week £11.91 per hour
At Castlehaven we have four acres of urban green space just off Camden high street. We have been working to transform it into a vibrant and loved park space that is rich in biodiversity, providing opportunities for the local community to learn about gardening, food growing and environmental issues. We are looking for a self motivated, proactive and creative individual to manage the environmental projects and open space at the Castlehaven Community Association.
Application closing date: Sunday 1st March 2015. Interviews will take place on Friday 6th March 2015.
Download Application Form & Job Description www.castlehaven.org.uk or email Anita Lake on anita@castlehaven.org.uk for an application pack, tel: 020 7485 3386
VAC seeks Database and Website Data Entry Volunteer
Are you good with data entry and would like to learn more about using online databases and website? We are looking for a new volunteer to carry on this valuable work. Ideally you will be able to offer 2 days per week – 14 hours/week (Tuesday & Wednesday). The main role is to:
~ To update and maintain information on the Client Database and ensure the accuracy of all data recorded.
~ To provide data-entry support to enter core VAC and VAC project work, outcomes and evaluations on the database and / or other monitoring software e.g. MS Excel.
~ To keep the VAC website up-to-date with the latest training opportunities from VAC and latest funding opportunities as they relate to the local Camden Voluntary and Community Sector.
Find out more on our website or contact Alex Charles alexcharles@vac.org.uk Tel: 020 7284 6562
Kentish Town Community Centre’s Youth Service is recruiting Youth Workers:
Youth Worker x 1 (10 hours / Evening Work)
The successful applicant will be working across the youth projects, supporting the Youth team in the planning, delivery and monitoring of the projects. The successful applicant will have good experience of delivering sessions, direct one to one work, the ability to design and implement content, a belief in the potential of young people and the ability to build a rapport with young people.
Youth Worker x 2 (Bank Staff)
This role is strictly for bank staff and applicants would need to be available to work as and when necessary to support delivering the needs of the projects (i.e. during staff absence etc). Occasionally this may mean being notified on the day of which you are required to work. This is a great opportunity for individuals seeking to gain wider experience within the field of youth work.
Both roles require: L2 qualification in Youth Work or relevant equivalent, Sound understanding of Safeguarding procedures.
Contact Halima Begum, Youth Project’s Manager, Kentish Town Community Centre, 17 Busby Place, London NW5 2SP T: 07763 433041 / 020 7482 3212 E: halima@ktcc.org.uk
Mental Health Community Development Worker £26,342 – Islington based
Hillside Clubhouse is a dynamic mental health charity in North London. Our community development service works at a strategic level with the local authority, NHS and community organisations to identify and address barriers faced by people from excluded communities (including BMER, LGBT and faith) accessing mental health and community based services. The postholder will also provide direct support to individuals to access services including talking therapies and supportive services. Experience of working with people and organisations to influence change will be essential as will an in depth knowledge of issues facing excluded communities in accessing services. You will also need to develop a clear understanding of and referral pathways into local services and be able to enable individuals to access them.
For an application pack please email gsell@hillsideclubhouse.org.uk or telephone 020 7700 6408.
Closing date: Monday 2 March 2015 More details at www.hillsideclubhouse.org.uk
Mary Ward Centre has a Childcare Tutor Vacancy
The tutor will be expected to take responsibility for planning the course, within the framework of Centre policy and practice, as well as teach the course.
The successful applicant will hold a recognised qualification, or have extensive experience, in childcare.and have proven experience in adult education, or relevant experience in leading groups of adults.
Application forms are available from our website: www.marywardcentre.ac.uk, and interviews will take place on Tuesday February 24th 2015.
Please send in your completed application form, including the supporting statement saying how you meet each of the points listed in the Person Specification, by Monday February 16th 2015. Application forms should be sent to Mandy Yu, at Mandy.Yu@marywardcentre.ac.uk
Camden Carers Service seeks Volunteer Co-ordinator
CSS are a consortium of two organisations and would like to increase the number of volunteers we involve as well as the range of volunteering roles. This is where you would come in. You will help us think about what volunteer roles would be useful, write the role outlines, promote and recruit to these roles. Additionally, you will help to make sure that all our volunteers are comfortable with what they are doing and check in with them regularly. Arranging social events for our volunteers and encouraging our service users to volunteer will be part of parcel of your time with us.
As well, our volunteer procedures need streamlining and perhaps updating too. So your contribution here would be most welcome.
Mentoring from an experienced Volunteer Manager is on offer as well as being part of a new consortium. You will gain people management skills, so useful when seeking employment. CCS supports personal development, so you will have the opportunity to take full advantage of everything they have to offer. Through Volunteer Centre Camden you will have access to the Central London volunteer centres volunteer management training, to include an introduction to volunteer management and support and supervision of volunteers. CCS offers safe-guarding training and also has access to further training through London Borough of Camden.
Travel and lunch expanses paid. Contact Camden Carers Service for further information tamari@camdencarers.org.uk Tell: 02074288950
Camden Carers Service seeks Befrienders
Would you like to help older carers around the borough of Camden have a better social life too? Do you value older people? Do you have time available in the day? Are you friendly and reliable?
Camden Carers Service is launching a new project to provide befriending and support for our older carers. We are looking to recruit volunteers interested in befriending from a range of backgrounds, varying life experiences and across all ages. People who are friendly, patient, good listeners and understanding will be spending time with carers on a weekly basis for a couple of hours or so.
Volunteering with CCS as a befriender means you provide support (typically up to 12 weeks) for older carers after the initial introduction process. You will need to be able to visit your befriendees regularly for minimum of 3 hours per week. DBS check required. Contact Camden Carers Service for further information contact tamari@camdencarers.org.uk Tell: 02074288950
£3000 AGE grant for employers recruiting an apprentice – available for six months only
Between January and June 2015, London-based employers of 250 staff or fewer can access a grant of £3,000 if they choose to recruit an apprentice aged 16-24. The grant is available exclusively to employers who have not recruited an apprentice in the last twelve months. Grants are available after the apprentice has been in post for thirteen weeks.
Apprenticeships are a cost-effective way to tackle skills shortages, helping organisations across all industries to harness fresh talent.
For advice on accessing the grant and support in recruiting an apprentice in recruiting an apprentice, please contact the Camden Apprenticeships team on 0207 974 1736 or email apprenticeships@camden.gov.uk
Socially Responsible Recruiting
A new, award-winning skills matching service that connects employers with skilled and experienced people to do one-off or part-time jobs has launched in Camden, with a strong social benefit ethic.
“There is a very large number of people in Camden who are fantastically skilled and work-ready but are off the radar to employers because they’re not looking for full-time work and aren’t constantly scouring the job ads,” says Jonathan Collie, founder of Trading Times.
These people are highly skilled over 50s, and family carers. Trading Times brings them to you. It’s free to candidates. It costs you only £35, and only when you are connected to the perfect candidates.
Paul Fordham of Abbey Community Centre in Camden said: “”We posted our occasional job opportunity on Trading Times because we at the Abbey Community Centre recognise the value of the flexibility that can come with age. Trading Times offers a tailored means to directly target opportunities at an older group that the vast majority of other job sites simply do not seem to tap.”
Register at https://tradingtimes.org.uk/ and let Trading Times match you with the right local people for your needs.
Henna Asian Women’s Group Befriending Service 2015
Henna Asian Women’s Group is opening their Befriending service to all individuals that are in need for extra help to improve their social circle in the new year. We will reach out to the most vulnerable individuals that live in any Borough of London. Henna volunteers will pay regular weekly visits to clients and support them into taking steps to come out of the home and access different services.
We are recruiting both Male and Female volunteers to become Befrienders on this project. If you have a few hours to spare each week, would like to gain experience in the health and social care sector or simply just want to give something back to the community then please contact us.
Contact Ammarah Ahmad, ammarah_hennaorg@yahoo.co.uk, Telephone: 020 7372 9860, Volunteer Coordinator, Henna Asian Women’s Group, www.hennaorg.co.uk
SkillShare
Skillshare is an easy way to find skilled people to support your organisation. What sort of skills are on your wish list? Current skills on offer include: furniture restoration, photography, Nia technique instructor and food and textiles teacher, plus many more. Thirty local organisations are already signed up and accessing our database of skilled volunteers. The last volunteer we placed was a photographer who is going to be taking photographs of Camden for two local organisations.
For more information contact SkillShare, skillshare@volunteercentrecamden.org.uk or 020 7424 9990.
CamdenPAs – personal assistants in health and social care
A new website www.camdenpas.org.uk has been created in partnership with HCCT, Camden Council, DISC and Age UK Camden to boost the market of health and social care personal assistant and provide more choice for the employers of PAs.
CamdenPAs is new way for those wanting to employ a personal assistant to find a PA who meets their interests and needs. Employers can look through PA profiles or post their own advertisement to specify what they are looking for.
The site is also an opportunity for those with an interest/experience in health and social care roles to promote themselves in this expanding market. The site is an exciting, flexible opportunity to gain entry into employment since more and more people have personal budgets and direct payments and are becoming employers. It
is also an opportunity for trainees or those who have worked as unpaid carers.
The site matches Personal Assistants with potential employers. It allows PAs to add ‘profiles’ promoting their skills, experience and interests. They can also view and respond to the ‘ads’ of those wanting to employ a PA.
Access CamdenPAs at: www.camdenpas.org.uk
If you have any questions do get in touch via the email below, or contact DISC and Age UK Camden who can assist potential employers interested in recruiting PAs or creating their ad. contact@camdenpas.org.uk
Find Jobs and Volunteering opportunities at https://www.vac.org.uk/
OFFERS, RESOURCES and ANNOUNCEMENTS
Free NHS Health Checks
NHS health checks are offered once every five years to people aged between 40 and 74 years (or 30 to 74 if you are South Asian), to assess heart health and the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, stroke and dementia.
Having a regular health check means a better chance of preventing or catching any potential conditions before they become serious.
The check takes about 20 to 30 minutes and includes measuring height, weight, blood pressure and checking your cholesterol with a simple blood test.
Results are then explained and guidance will be given as to the steps that can be taken towards living a healthier lifestyle.
If you are Camden resident, and registered with a GP, ask at your local surgery, call 0203 633 2609 / 0800 917 0976, or click on the link below to book an appointment at a place near you.
More information at healthycamden.com/healthchecks
HR Advice for Camden Groups from VAC
VAC is offering Camden VCS groups a free service every Thursday to answer HR related queries, by telephone or e-mail. As well as dealing with one-off queries, free of charge, on Thursdays, we can also offer an “Expert Critical Friend” package, which provides 3.5 hours of support at a cost of £150, for you to use as, when and where you need it. This package is suitable if managers or trustees need more substantial help with:
~ Drafting or reviewing HR policies and procedures
~ Support to work through difficult situations, eg. redundancy, disciplinary issues
~ Coaching on dealing with a number of HR issues
~ Training to improve practical HR knowledge throughout your organisation
Contact Caroline Jepson by e-mail at cjepson@vac.org.uk or by telephone: 020 7284 6564
Visiting the VCS
Starting in early 2015 the Community and Third Sector team would like spend a bit more time working more closely with Camden’s voluntary and community organisations to see at first hand some of the challenges – as well as the achievements – that you face. The team would like you to invite one person from our team who will work from your building or office for one day per month for three months (or longer if all goes well!). We will bring our laptops – all we will need is a table or desk and access to your wi fi – perhaps there would be space in your reception area. We will be getting on with our own work – but happy to lend a hand informally if needed. Hopefully this will enable the Community and Third Sector team and VCS colleagues to get to know each other better and help us have a better understanding of some of your day to day work. If you are interested in taking part please email Noor.Al-Baddawy@camden.gov.uk or call her on 020 7974 6626.
OneCamden is the website to help you access Voluntary and Community Sector support in Camden. Find support to help you volunteer, or find volunteers; support for your voluntary organisation (from charity registration to Community Accountancy); or get advice on starting a Social Enterprise. There are links and resources on this site and links to the partner’s sites. If you would like to request support use the ‘Get Help’ button on the top right to let us know what support you need and we will be in touch.
This is a new initiative for Camden so do let us know what you think, or if you have any suggestions to make OneCamden better.
FREE VAC Membership for Unfunded Groups: Voluntary Action Camden Small organisations with no paid staff and a turnover of less than ?1,500 can now join for FREE. To take advantage of this offer just fill in the membership on the online form here.
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To get discounts on training, room hire and many more benefits click here to join Voluntary Action Camden
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If you have an item for the e-bulletin, please email it to Kevin Nunan, knunan@vac.org.uk with a note of which section you would like it to appear under.
