Highlights: Ageing Better in Camden Success; Keep Volunteering Voluntary; Invitation to the Camden Community Education Provider Network FIRST network event; Low Cost Trustee Training; Healthwatch Camden Digest; Kentish Town Neighbourhood Plan; Consultation on Staying Healthier Longer; First Thursday London; Budget News; plus news, funding, events, jobs, volunteering and more.
NEWS
Ageing Better in Camden Success
The final hurdle with the Big Lottery Fund has been passed and so the tendering process can now start in earnest ready for the launch of services in September.
The revised timetable is here. There are further details at the end of this e-bulletin.
If you have any queries about this please do contact either Corinna Hyman (Corinna.hyman@ageukcamden.org.uk) or Julia Shelley (Julia.shelley@ageukcamden.org.uk).
Keep Volunteering Voluntary
Following a successful event “Workfare and Benefits Sanctions: The Perils of Participation” the meeting, organised jointly by KVV, Greater London Volunteering and the London Voluntary Services Council, called on voluntary organisations to:
• use the KVV resources to promote understanding and awareness about the effects of workfare and benefits sanctions;
• sign up to support the Keep Volunteering Voluntary campaign and promote it among member organisations.
More information on Help to Work and Work fare can be on the Keep Volunteering Voluntary (www.kvv.org.uk)
Invitation to the Camden Community Education Provider Network FIRST network event
Thursday 26th March 2015 1-5pm (1pm lunch for 2pm start)
This event is a launch for workforce development network and will provide the opportunity to learn more about the Camden Community Education Provider Network (CEPN), meet key people and contribute to the direction of the CEPN through networking, hearing about pilot integration projects and joining facilitated discussion.
The event will take place at Danubius Hotel Regent Park, 18 Lodge Road, St. John’s Wood , NW8 7JT London. Please follow this link for more information about the venue http://www.danubiushotels.com/our-hotels-london/danubius-hotel-regents-park.
We hope you will join us, please register by emailing Naiara Labaca: NLabaca@TavistockConsulting.co.uk
Low Cost Trustee Training from VAC and Mary Ward Centre
Governance In The Voluntary And Community Sector
14th May 2015 – 25th 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.
Care Act public meeting
Camden Council are hosting a public meeting on the Care Act in Camden.
Wednesday 25 March, 6 to 7.30pm at Charlie Ratchford resource centre, Belmont Street, NW1 8HF
Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, Cllr Pat Callaghan will open the meeting.
A presentation on the changes and a question and answer session will then follow.
If you need to assistance to attend or take part in this meeting please phone 020 7974 1801 or email careact@camden.gov.uk
Healthwatch Camden Digest
latest news and information digest here.
15 Minute Advice Sessions
Avadis Solicitors offer 15 minute advice sessions at Camden Law Community Centre every Monday as well as advice sessions at Haverstock School, Queens Crescent Community Centre and Castlehaven Community Centre. Tel: 0207 267 8864
Kentish Town Neighbourhood Plan and SEA
The draft Kentish Town Neighbourhood Plan will be launched on Monday 16 March for a 6-week consultation with everyone who lives or works in The Kentish Town Forum Area and statutory bodies. The Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) will also be launched then for a 6-week consultation. The consultation ends on Monday 27 April 2015.
From Monday 16 March you can see the Kentish Town Draft Neighbourhood Plan and the SEA on the KTNF website: www.ktnf.org
You can leave comments about the draft Plan on the KTNF website or by emailing: secretaryatktnf@yahoo.co.uk
You can look at a hard copy of the Plan and leave hand-written comments in Kentish Town Library; in Kentish Town Community Centre, Busby Place or in the Somali Youth Centre, Dowdney Close.
National News
The Budget
NCVO have produced a budget briefing and a shorter ‘5 Things You Need to Know’ briefing. There is also useful coverage in Civil Society which gave an overall gloomy assessment and said that “The themes have remained constant for the last decade at least: a lack of sensible long-term funding for solving social problems, a failure to recognise the need for commissioning reform, and a need for effective early intervention funding.” There was some good news for military charities, search and rescue charities, uniformed youth charities and air ambulance charities. However, sector leaders were “shocked” there’s no mention of the promised Local Sustainability Fund – a £40M fund that has been promised for some time and backed by the last three ministers.
Kevin Curley: Infrastructure withers without local funding
The Independent Commission on the Future of Local Infrastructure urges local government and other commissioning bodies to provide core funding for local infrastructure groups, says Kevin in Third Sector. Caroline Schwaller, chair of Navca, says clinical commissioning groups should also fund the core cost of CVSs
Markets Aren’t Working
Kathy Evans, CEO of Children England, says Charities, voluntary groups and the public sector are symbiotic and market competition is eroding our collective resources and our sense of common cause. Public sector markets don’t function to generate cost-effective and high quality public services. Two thoughtful reads from an alternative to the usual sector leaders who dominate the news.
“Mecca: The Sacred City” – Panel Discussion Tuesday, 31 March 2015 from 18:30 to 20:00
British Muslims for Secular Democracy
Join us for what promises to be a lively discussion about Professor Ziauddin Sardar’s latest book: “Mecca: The Sacred City.”
Speakers:
Ziauddin Sardar, an internationally renowned writer, broadcaster and cultural critic, is Director of Centre for Postnormal Policy and Futures Studies, East West University, Chicago, and Chair of the Muslim Institute. He is the author of over 50 books, including Reading the Qur’an, Desperately Seeking Paradise, and Balti Britain. His most recent book is “Mecca: The Sacred City.” A former columnist on the New Statesman, he is the editor of Critical Muslim and Consulting Editor of Futures, the monthly journal of policy, planning and cultural studies. Professor Sardar is well known as a public intellectual and appears frequently on radio and television.
Dr John Slight is a Research Fellow in History at St. John’s College, University of Cambridge. Slight’s broad research interest is the history of the Red Sea region, this area’s links with the wider world since c.1850, and the relationship between British imperialism and the Muslim world. This includes imperial interactions with Islamic religious practices, the Middle East during the First World War, and the consequences of imperial policies on the global expansion of Islam.
Chaired by Nasreen Rehman, Chair of British Muslims for Secular Democracy. Book places here.
Consultation on Staying Healthier Longer
Camden Public Health and Adult Social Care are working on developing information which will help people in Camden to stay healthy and independent for longer.
We want to involve residents in developing this information so that we can be certain that it will be a useful resource for everyone to use.
If you are aged between 55 and 75 and are interested in being part of a focus group at Charlie Ratchford Resource Centre, Belmonmt Street NW1 8HF
11am on Thursday 2nd April 2015 or you would like further information, please contact Fahim on 020 7974 6345 or email him at Fahim.ahmed@camden.gov.uk
First Thursday London April – Using social media to build your business
Thursday, April 2, 2015 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
This month sees us back at The British Library with Debbie Clarke from Heard Media and Tricia Richards from Castlehaven Community Association. And it’s all about how to use Social Media to grow your business.
Debbie has helped a number of Camden community organisations develop their social media media strategy. She has a great understanding of how community organisations, social enterprises and small businesses can use facebook, twitter and a whole host of other platforms to get your brand, your service and your products out there.
One of the organisations Debbie is working with is Castlehaven Community Association and so we’re going to be hearing from Tricia Richards, their Operations Manager, about how it has worked in practice for them.
Book your free place at eventbrite.
The CarAf Centre, Kentish Town Community Centre, The Evelyn Oldfield Unit, New Horizons Youth Centre, VAC, CRI, 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.
London Catalyst and the Hospital Saturday Fund have come together to launch a new ‘Partners for Health’ grant programme.
Grants of up to £10,000 will be considered for social action projects tackling the effects of poverty and health inequalities in London. ‘Partners for Health’ is open to community groups that can demonstrate a thoughtful response to local needs and partnership with an expert health agency. There is a particular interest in the areas of mental health and addiction.
The closing date for receipt of completed applications is Friday 29 May 2015. The application form and guidance can be downloaded at www.londoncatalyst.org.uk/grants/ – click on the ‘Partners For Health’ link in the opening paragraph of our Special Interest Grants.
A new community fund giving away up to £25,000 for projects that will make a real difference to local communities.
This is ideal for small charities, if you have an idea for a new project, or there’s an existing project that would benefit from additional funding, it’s well worth getting involved to help secure vital funds for your cause.
The Aviva Community Fund offers support and funding for projects to help enhance local communities. You can apply for funding to support all kinds of projects, as long as it is for the greater good of the community. To qualify, your project must make a positive difference to people’s lives in one of the following categories:
~ Health, disability and wellbeing
~ Supporting the younger generation
~ Supporting the older generation
~ Community support
There are four different funding levels you can apply for, ranging from £1,000 to up to £25,000. The projects will be put forward to a public vote, with the most popular going through to the Finals to be judged by the judging panel.
The fund launches on 24th March. You can find out more information on the Aviva Community Fund website.
Some key dates for the competition:
1. Submissions will open on 24th March, until 30th April
2. Voting opens on 1st May – 30th May, so this will be the time to get busy promoting your project to as many friends and family as possible to secure their votes
3. The most-voted for projects asking for up to £1,000 will secure their funding. The projects asking for up to £5,000 or more with the most votes will go through to the Finals to be judged by the judging panel.
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
Camden Prevention Challenge: Improving mental health
£750k has been identified to develop new preventative support for people with mental health problems in Camden. The £750,000 is equally funded by Camden Council, Camden Clinical Commissioning Group and Camden & Islington Foundation Trust.
Camden’s Adult Mental Health Commissioners are hosting 3 events in March to get ideas from mental health service users, providers, carers and practitioners how the money should be best spent.
Ways to contribute:
1. Post comments/ideas on We are Camden webpage
https://www.wearecamden.org/mentalhealth/
2. Join us at conversation events taking place in March below- please RVSP rosemary.howes@camden.gov.uk – places are limited.
3. Contact a Mental Health Commissioner or member of the Mental Health and Substance Misuse Commissioning Team
Conversation one: How can we enable people with mental and physical health to take part in physical activities and music?
Conversation two: What can help people take charge of their mental health?
Queen’s Crescent Community Centre, 45 Ashdown Crescent, London NW5 4QE
Monday 23 March, 2 to 4pm
Conversation three: What would make it easier for people to take part in community activities and opportunities?
Bedford House Gym, Holborn Community Association,35 Emerald Street, London WC1N 3Q
Monday 30 March, 1 to 3pm
Contacts:
After 9th March, Richard Elphick, Strategic Mental Health Commissioner –– richard.elphick@camden.gov.uk 020 7974 8545
Julia Chappell, Strategic Mental Health Commissioner – julia.chappell@camden.gov.uk 020 7974 6651
Rosemary Howes, Mental Health Placement and Performance Co-ordinator in Mental Health Commissioning Team – rosemary.howes@camden.gov.uk 020 7974 5070
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).
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
- 6th May: Project Management Starter
- 14th May: Governance/Trustees 6 evenings
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
Mental health engagement event
This session has been designed to bring together refugee women’s projects with mainstream women’s groups. The first part of the session will be dedicated to examining current issues faced by refugee women and innovative solutions, with a presentation by Middlesex University’s Elena Vacchelli on support for refugee women.
The second part will be a creatively facilitated engagement event where refugee women and mainstream women’s services come together to look at what each other is doing, how to improve connections, referrals and communication, facilitating future work and building access to services.
This event is open to representatives from interested London-based mainstream/ statutory agencies and refugee / asylum-seeking women from community organisations who wish to build connections/ new therapy projects.
13th of May 2014 1.30pm-5.00pm A venue in Islington to be confirmed.
We can cover the travel costs of refugee and asylum-seeking women.
For further information or bookings, please call / email Alexandra Ceriu at alexandra@evelynoldfield.co.uk 0207 697 4105.
Getting Neighbourhood Planning Off the Ground
The Bartlett School of Planning & Just Space. Saturday, March 28, 2015 from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Organised by the UCL’s Bartlett School of Planning and JustSpace this workshop event brings together the experience of six London’s neighbourhood forums and of the students and researchers who have worked with them to influence planning policy through the preparation of neighbourhood plans.
Register to participate (free) at: https://eventbrite.com/event/16099505053
Neighbourhood planning was introduced by the Localism Act in 2010 with the intention to devolve some plan-making powers to local communities. But the preparation of a neighbourhood plan requires access to technical expertise, time and financial resources that are not always available to local communities. These are especially needed in London where neighbourhoods are under intense pressure from new development and regeneration.
At this event you will hear from six London neighbourhood forums about their experience of commissioning technical support from UCL’s students and researchers. The event is organised around six thematic workshops, which focus on learning how to kick-start the preparation of neighbourhood plans and how to organise local knowledge on:
There is a webpage on the UCL-JustSpace website and an Eventbrite page
https://ucljustspace.wordpress.com/workshop-on-neighbourhood-planning/
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/getting-neighbourhood-planning-off-the-ground-tickets-16099505053
Climate Change: new directions for local action
13:00, Saturday 28th March to 14:45, Sunday 29th March UCL, Gordon St., London WC1H 0AY
The Climate Coalition and the Low Carbon Communities Network (LCCN) are holding a major conference in London over the weekend of March 28 / 29th 2015. This will bring together people from local action groups across the UK with national NGOs as well as local government and support agencies.
We invite you to help shape this event and to take part. The next year will be a critical one for work on climate change in the UK. The general election and the UN Paris conference will be key events, while issues round divestment, fracking, and renewable energy will also be focal points for action.
Action at a local level will be an essential part of this work. The conference will look at how local action can thrive, with local activists and national NGOs working on issues. Full details at Project Dirt.
Using Data to Support the JSNA and Influence Commissioning
27th March from 10am – 1pm (registration from 9.30am). Conference room Voluntary Action Islington (2nd floor)
Public Health England has developed a number of tools which display suites of indicators for different aspects of health and wellbeing using software called fingertips. These profiles are a rich source of indicators across a range of health and wellbeing themes and have been designed to support JSNA and commissioning to improve health and wellbeing, and reduce inequalities.
This training organised by LVSC and led by Public Health England is mainly intended for voluntary & community sector (VCS) and Healthwatch reps on the Health & Wellbeing Boards (HWBs) but the wider VCS sector is also very welcome to register.
Training objectives:
~ To develop an understanding of the broad range of indicators and datasets available within the fingertips tools.
~ To be able to use the tools to understand how local authorities compare with others and what has happened over time.
~ To be able to export the dataset behind the tools and use locally.
If you register for this training, you will need to bring a laptop as this is a hands-on training session.
Setting up a Social/Community Enterprise workshop
Friday 17th April 2015, 9:30am – 4:30pm, Camden
Are you interested in setting up a social enterprise or community business venture which can:
· Sustainably generate an income for your organization or charity?
· Gainfully employ the skills and energies of your members and supporters?
Then attend this workshop and benefit from the practical insights of what it takes to successfully launch and establish a social enterprise or community business venture.
The Setting Up A Social/Community Enterprise Workshop will cover the core areas that need to be addressed to make a success of your social/community enterprise.
Topics covered will include:
· Having a Quality Idea
· The Leadership skills needed to successfully implement your idea
· The essential first steps you need to take
· How to prepare a business plan
· Legal structures to consider
· Managing People
· Marketing
· Finance
The cost of attending this course is £45 per person.
To reserve your place, register your interest, or to learn more about the workshop, email Community Business Venture at : cbvtraining1@gmail.com
Camden Safer Neighbourhood Board meeting will be held on Thursday 26 March,
6.30 for a 7.00 pm start, Committee Rooms 5 & 6, Hamilton House, Mabledon Place, London WC1H 9BD.
The meeting will be in two parts; in the first part we will look at what’s being done to reduce Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence in Camden. You will be able to find out how it’s being tackled in the Borough and about the support available to victims and witnesses:
• Chief Superintended Richard Tucker, Head of Camden Police, will provide a report on policing in the Borough.
• There will be a question and answer session where you can raise issues of concern in your area.
Food and refreshments will be available from 6.30 to 7.00 pm.
Hampstead & Kilburn Parliamentary Constituency ‘Hustings’ Meeting, Tuesday 24th March, 7.15pm, at the Tricycle Theatre
Age UK Camden is helping to organise a hustings event where all the prospective parliamentary candidates for Hampstead & Kilburn will talk about their election promises, and answer questions from constituents. All five prospective parliamentary candidates have accepted (Labour, Conservative, Libdem, Green, UKIP), and Geoff Martin, (editor of the Ham & High), is chairing the event. As there is expected to be very a closely-fought battle for the Hampstead & Kilburn seat, this is sure to be an interesting evening and we are expecting a lively debate!
There is an opportunity to pre-log any questions you may have for the panel, and there will also be cards available on the night for questions to be written out, as well as ample opportunity for questions from the floor in the auditorium. The hustings meeting is a joint venture between Age UK Camden, Age UK Brent and the Tricycle Theatre’s Young Company, and as such will be an intergenerational event, and we invite you to continue the evening afterwards in the café with all three organisations.
If you would like to attend, please email Jo at Age UK Camden on Jo.Bartlett-Hubbard@ageukcamden.org.uk, or call her on 020 7239 0400, telling her how many tickets you would like, whether you have any access requirements, and including any questions you would like logged for the panel of candidates.
At 7.15pm on Tuesday 24th March 2015 at Tricycle Theatre, 269 Kilburn High Road, London, NW6 7JR
Concert in Aid of Caritas Westminster
JS Back, Psalm 51, Venice Chamber Orchestra, Wednesday 25th March at 8pm at St Anselm and St Cecilia Church, Kingsway, WC2. £10 in advance www.bit.ly/Bach51
Notice of Visually Impaired in Camden Annual General Meeting 2015
Tuesday 21 April 2015 from 2-4pm
At Swiss Cottage Community Centre, 19 Winchester Road, NW3 3NR
The AGM will include presentation of the Annual Report and Financial Statement for 2014-15 (which will be distributed to members nearer the time) and the election of the Steering Committee for 2015-16.
Light refreshments will be provided. To help with catering please let Rosemary know if you will be attending the AGM, Tel: 07980 328 959. Thank you.
(Note: The AGM is open to VIC members only.)
Membership Renewal 2015-16
If you have not already done so, it is now time to renew your membership of VIC. The cost is £7, but donations are always welcome! Membership entitles you to subsidised outings, Christmas lunch and events plus 12 newsletters (packed full of news and information) per year. All round terrific value! Cheques should be made payable to Visually Impaired in Camden and sent to VIC, c/o Somers Town Community Centre, 150 Ossulston Street, NW1 1EE.
Discover Recovery, Camden’s annual community celebration of recovery.
Wednesday March 25th 11am-4pm. At Arlington Conference Centre (220 Arlington Rd, NW1 7HE)
This will be a celebration and promotion of recovery opportunities and achievements across the borough, with those in recovery at its heart.
The event will be hosted by a partnership of Camden recovery services, including CRI, SHP and NHS foundation Trust, and featuring:
· info stalls by recovery organisations throughout Camden
· programme workshops/tasters
· speakers sharing their recovery story
· recognition awards to recovery role models
· poetry, live music, T-shirt printing, artwork display
· refreshments provided by Camden’s Recovery Cafe (Royal College Street) And much more.
London Hazards Health and Safety training targeted at hard to reach communities
Targeted in particular at migrant workers, unpaid carers, cleaners and people working in the hospitality industry. Some of the most marginalised people – probably working long hours, in dangerous conditions and on low pay.
Health & Safety Essentials
31 March, April 7th, 9th April and 16th April 9.45am-1pm at VAC
Do you want to know your rights when it comes to health & safety?
Do you know who is responsible for enforcing health & safety?
Too many people are working in dangerous and unhealthy conditions – and often working long hours for low pay. Job insecurity pushes people to keep their heads down and just get on with the job, even if it’s risking their health. Lots of people may not have the help and support of a trade union. If this sounds like you, then make that change. Attend the London Hazards Centre training and have some fun learning about your rights and how to enforce them. What you will get from the Training:
Main Health & safety legislation – you will be able to identify the main H&S laws
Who is responsible for Health and safety – you will have knowledge of employer and employee responsibilities
Enforcing health & safety – you will be able to identify the principle organisations that enforce H&S
Basic risk assessment – you will be able to recognise risks – learners will be able to carry out a risk assessment
Sources of advice, information & support.
For more information or to book a place please email Paul mail@lhc.org.uk
Green Camden & Project Dirt Celebration Event
18:15 to 20:00, Thursday 23rd April
Castlehaven Community Association, The Community Centre, 21 Castlehaven Road, London NW1 8RU
Do you love Project Dirt? Then this is the event for you!
Green Camden would like to thank you to all of you for being part of our network on Project Dirt, sharing your ideas and helping us grow and develop to provide you with the best green information around.
Come along and celebrate an evening dedicated to our great projects and followers. We’ll also be showcasing some of our local success stories in our latest film, followed by refreshments and networking at the end.
Places are limited, so to avoid disappointment reserve your place here.
Help shape volunteering services in Camden: Focus group for black & minority ethnic organisations
Volunteer Centre Camden are evaluating the service we provide for black and minority ethnic (BME) organisations in Camden, and want to make sure we are using our funding in the most helpful way.
This event will be a focus group discussion where you will be able to tell us what help you need to successfully involve volunteers, and what the Volunteer Centre can do for you. Bring all of your ideas – we’ll be very happy to hear them!
Interested groups can read more and sign up at www.bme-camden.eventbrite.com
Wednesday 22nd April 2015 at 10am – 1pm, including tasty lunch: Location on request
For more information please contact Shadin Dowson-Zeidan: 020 7424 9990 shadin@volunteercentrecamden.org.uk
Camden Deaf Awareness day – all welcome
Tuesday 12 May 2015, 9am to 4pm Camden Centre, Bidborough Street, London, WC1H 9AU
It’s the first Camden Deaf Awareness Day. Explore the challenges faced by deaf and hard of hearing residents and find out more about the support available across the borough. It’s a chance to exchange stories, experiences and ideas and look at how we can work together better. The day will include VIP speakers, a question time session and stalls from local and national organisations.
Communication support will be provided including BSL interpreters, Lip speakers, a Palantypist and T-Loop.
For more information or if you wish to volunteer on the day please contact Asif Iqbal, at asif.iqbal@camden.gov.uk
or call 020 7974 4444. Typetalk: 18001 020 7974 4444 TexBox: 020 7974 6866
‘It’s A Bake Off!’ at Kentish Town Community Centre Saturday 28th March 1.30-5pm.
Bring in cakes to enter or just turn up for some lunch, an egg hunt and tea party. Free, open to all. Bakers must sign up in advance. Visit www.ktcc.org.uk/events for more information. 17 Busby Place, NW5 2SP
Kentish Town Community Cente are also looking for one-off volunteers and Festival Events Assistants, details can be found here https://do-it.org/organisations/kentish-town-community-centre.
Whole Systems Change – co-producing new models of health and care in London
16th April from 2pm till 5pm at Human Rights Action Centre
Take part in LVSC’s exciting new event which will explore co-production between the voluntary & community sector (VCS), local communities, patient bodies and the statutory and academic sectors in shaping and delivering new models of primary and community care as outlined in the NHS Five Year Forward View and the Better Health for London report.
The event aims are to:
• Understand the complexities of the current health and care system and the need for change.
• Explore the role of the of the voluntary & community sector (VCS), local communities and patient bodies in shaping and co-producing the new models of primary and community care as set out in the Five Year Forward View and Better Health for London
There will be interactive workshops on developing a health and care roadmap and manifesto.
Confirmed speaker: Dr Sam Everington, Chair Tower Hamlets CCG. Dr Everington also leads national work on primary care-driven care models and service redesign and is a member on the King’s Fund Board.
Other speakers to be confirmed. Link to registration
Camden Carers’ Service
Has a full range of events and activities for unpaid carers in Camden. Find out more on the Camden Carers’ Service website www.camdencs.org.uk/activities
Decentralise in Camden
The Camden Climate Change Alliance will be hosting a half day event on Thursday 21 May – ‘Decentralise In Camden’ – to bring together local organisations who are interested in understanding and contributing to Camden’s vision for decentralised energy networks. With knowledgeable speakers and case studies, the event will provide an opportunity for attendees to understand the benefits of implementing or connecting to an energy network, to learn about the various projects delivered to date and most importantly, what will be going on in Camden in over the coming years.
If your organisation would be interested in finding out more about the ‘Decentralise in Camden’ event, register your interest by emailing camdencca@camden.gov.uk and we’ll keep you updated.
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
The CarAf Centre is seeking to appoint an Centre Manager
Salary PO 33 £28,127 (inc of LW) 35hrs per week
The Centre Manager plays a key role in the senior Management Team, you will be responsible for supervising project managers and ensuring the responsible for the smooth running and delivery of The CarAf Centre services. You will be responsible for the supervision of project managers, fundraising and monitoring reports.
The Centre Manager will be required to represent the charity at strategic meetings, forums and events. You will also responsible for the marketing and PR, and social media promotions of The CarAf Centre. We are looking for a dynamic, experienced and innovative individual who strives on challenges and creating new opportunities.
To apply please click the link: www.thecarafcentre.org.uk/about/vacancies download an application form, guidelines and job description for the position above, please complete and return to:
PERSONNEL, The CarAf Centre, 27-30 Cheriton, Queens Crescent, London NW5
Closing Date: Fri 27th March 2015 @ 5pm
Kentish Town Community Centre is recruiting a Centre Manager
Kentish Town Community Centre seeks an inspirational and strategically-minded Centre Manager to formulate and lead the implementation of revised strategies and fundraising/business initiatives in its expanded and improved premises.
For more information or to apply, please visit:
http://www.ktcc.org.uk/recruitment/centre-manager
Closing Date: 24th March 2015, 5pm. Interviews: 31st March 2015
The Evelyn Oldfield Unit (EOU) wants to recruit five new Trustees,
EOU is looking to attract applications from individuals with a background in finance, human resources, law, public relations and fundraising experience and/or knowledge of grass roots community development and above all a willingness to explore new ways of working. If you are interested in joining us and would like to know more, you can visit our website at www.evelynoldfield.co.uk or contact our Director, Mulat Haregot on mulat@evelynoldfield.co.uk or call on 0207 697 4101.
To apply: Please send your CV and covering letter outlining your reasons for applying to:
Mulat Haregot, Director and Company Secretary, Evelyn Oldfield Unit, Resource for London, 356 Holloway Road, London N7 6PA or email: mulat@evelynoldfield.co.uk
Closing date for applications is 31st March 2015; interviews will take place shortly after.
Hilldrop Area Community Association Seeks Head of Centre
£30,000 – £35,000 per annum (21 hours pro-rata) Job reference 15/01 21 hours per week
The post of Head of Centre offers an exciting opportunity to lead the next phase of development for an estate-based, multi-purpose community centre that has been at the heart of the St George’s Ward in Islington for over 30 years. Currently designated as a Community Hub with a remit to join-up local services to maximise the offer to local residents, the HACA has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for local residents, and grow the potential of smaller local organisations.
It is essential that you have excelled at working with local communities and can demonstrate how you have previously managed successful community centres or worked at a senior level in delivering community development programmes. Your ability to foster good community partnerships, and your influencing and public relations skills are also key in relation to achieving community buy in and raising the profile of the Centre.
We encourage you to seek an application pack by email hilldropca.info@gmail.com quoting relevant reference number.
Closing date for applications: Monday 20th April 2015 at 17:00pm
Interviews will be held on: Wednesday 29th April 2015
Hilldrop Area Community Association is an equal opportunity employer
VAC seeks Trustees
Voluntary Action Camden wants to recruit some new trustees. In particular the Executive Committee is looking for people who have knowledge of the needs of different communities, strategic planning, marketing, finance and above all a willingness to explore new ways of working. This is a great opportunity to develop your own skills and knowledge by working with an organisation that is well respected and renowned to be an example of good practice and innovation.
To find out more about VAC visit our website www.vac.org.uk or have a look at our last annual report click here https://vac.org.uk/our-work/annual-report/
Please send your CV to Simone Hensby shensby@vac.org.uk. If you would like to discuss the work of VAC in greater detail and your contribution please email knunan@vac.org.uk tel 020 7284 6557.
Volunteering Opportunities at VAC
Voluntary Action Camden is seeking to increase its capacity to provide tailor made support to voluntary and community organisations and social enterprises. We are looking for people with skills and experience in the areas of governance, fundraising, financial management, business planning and the setting up of new organisations.
To find out more about VAC and the services it offers visit our website www.vac.org.uk or have a look at our last annual report click here https://vac.org.uk/our-work/annual-report/
If you are interested in contributing, on a paid or voluntary basis, please send your CV to Simone Hensby shensby@vac.org.uk . If you would like to discuss the work of VAC in greater detail and your possible contribution please email Kevin Nunan knunan@vac.org.uk or telephone 020 7284 6557.
Volunteers wanted CRI Services in Camden
CRI is a charity for people whose lives have been affected by substance misuse. CRI supports its clients through structured day programmes including group work, 1-1 key working, counselling and alternative therapies. Volunteers will be trained to eventually manage a small, low risk caseload.
Camden DIP is CRI’s criminal justice service in the Borough. Working closely with the police, prisons and probation the aim is to support clients who are involved in the criminal justice system to reduce their drug use and offending. Volunteer opportunities are also available in this service.
If you are interested in volunteering please contact;
Jane.robinson@cri.org.uk Mobile: 07554435207
Looking for a challenging and rewarding role?
New Horizon Youth Centre works with young homeless/vulnerable people in Kings Cross and is seeking volunteers to support its youth work and advice services from Monday to Sunday. We provide training, support, lunch, travel expenses and the chance to work alongside dynamic and creative team and client group.
Contact us now to find out more
Email info@nhyouthcentre.org.uk or call 0207 388 5560. www.nhyouthcentre.org.uk/
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
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.
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
Office Space to Rent
In a rural farm environment located in the heart of North West London? This office is the place for you.
A good sized office (12 square metres / 129 square feet) located on the first floor of Kentish Town City Farm’s farmhouse building which is available furnished or unfurnished depending upon your needs.
They offer all the facilities you’d expect of a modern office and come with all your broadband and comms infrastructure setup and ready to go.
• Good sized office space (12 sq m / 129 sq ft): available Furnished or Unfurnished.
• Located in a city farm – giving a taste of the countryside in the middle of a bustling city.
• £500 a month with electricity, broadband and heating inclusive.
Contact Gareth Maddocks [gemaddocks@gmail.com]
Lunch Time Football
For 5-a-side & 9-a-side Football
www.hireapitch.com/camden 020 3589 6019 for bookings
Monday to Friday Lunchtime Pitches 12-3pm
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.
Ageing Better in Camden Update 11th March 2015
1. Tendering Process
If you are thinking of applying for any of the tenders already published PLEASE FILL IN PART A ON PAGE 2 of the ‘INVITATION TO TENDER’ AND RETURN. Do not leave this until the submission deadline, because as soon as we receive it you will be included in all the email dialogue between Ageing Better in Camden Programme Managers and other bidders. If you don’t fill it in, you won’t be on the email list for that tender, and will not receive this information which will assist you in preparing your tender. This information will not be sent out to our general mailing list but only to organisations that have completed the Acknowledgment of Tender Form’ .
2. General Update
Ageing Better in Camden submitted a Project Plan to the Big Lottery in December 2015. They have been reviewing it since then, and we hope it will be ‘signed off’ by the end of March. We took a view to press ahead with tendering during this period, because we wanted to start the programme in 1 July 2015.
During this time the Big Lottery have asked over 60 questions, of varying depth, had many phone calls and documentation reviews. One of the issues they wanted Ageing Better in Camden to review was our tendering and procurement. Ageing Better in Camden (unlike some of the Ageing Better areas in other parts of the UK) had wanted to have an open process of procurement, in which all organisations could compete fairly for the projects within the programme. This was supported by the Big Lottery, however they were concerned that Age UK Camden (the lead partner and the Lottery contract holder) could not employ the programme managers to write the specifications and then Age UK apply for the bids. While the Ageing Better in Camden Board supported by colleagues at London Borough of Camden and Camden Clinical Commissioning group, were confident in the internal practices and procedures between the programme managers and the Age UK Camden staff, the Big Lottery were uncomfortable about this potential conflict of interest. The Big Lottery asked Ageing Better in Camden to suspend the tendering and procurement process.
Therefore the Ageing Better in Camden Strategic Board decided along with the Big Lottery that Age UK Camden would not bid for any contracts; however, Age UK Camden would receive the funding for ‘partnership and training’ and ‘LGBT Community Action’ subject to a ”health check” and value for money test. Both services will be overseen by a small working group from the Strategic Board consisting of older people and expert professionals. It is expected that with both services Age UK Camden will not be the sole delivery agency, but will work in partnership with other Camden organisations. These two services were selected for different reasons: The ‘Partnership and Training’ because it complements the work of the Programme Management and the ‘core’ work of the contract; the ‘LGBT Community Action’ because Opening Doors London (based within Age UK Camden) is the lead provider of services to older LGBT people in North London. Opening Doors London are expected to work in partnership with other providers, a meeting of all interested parties will be arranged soon.
Ageing Better in Camden are sorry that this change has had to be made to the published programme of tenders, there have been difficult decisions to make. However, we believe this course of action is the fairest and the most pragmatic to serve the isolated and older people in Camden, and has been approved by the Big Lottery.
The revised timetable is here.
If you have any queries about this please do contact either Corinna Hyman (Corinna.hyman@ageukcamden.org.uk) or Julia Shelley (Julia.shelley@ageukcamden.org.uk).
Please refer to http://www.ageuk.org.uk/camden/ageing-better-in-camden/ for updates.
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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.
