Voluntary Action Camden e-Bulletin - 20th May 2022

Opt in to receive VAC e-newsletter direct to your inbox

VAC Weekly Newsletter
20th May 2022

VAC Membership
Membership is free to local organisations and groups interested in contributing to a stronger Voluntary and Community Sector in Camden. As a member you will have access to high quality advice and guidance, local networks and support to grow and develop your organisation. Click the link above to learn more about the benefits of becoming a member and join us.

Highlights

In this week’s newsletter we spotlight VAC’s contact details to help faciliate the exchange of useful information and resources in these difficult times. We also have a VAC survey which will help inform our future strategy, plus local information and much more about events and opportunities from around the Camden area.

Contact us
Alongside much of the country, Camden residents are experiencing a time of increasing difficulties. The COVID 19 pandemic is still with us and the increasing cost of living is adding additional pressure to household incomes.

The community and volunteer sector continues to strive to help and serve local residents here in Camden, and VAC is dedicated to facilitating conversation and building bridges between the sector and public bodies to ensure funding streams, advice and resource go where they are needed.

Please get in touch with VAC if you would like to get involved, share learning and resources, and connect to groups in the area who are committed to doing everything possible to help our community.

We can be contacted here

VAC Questionnaire to Members and Stakeholders
VAC is in the process of developing a new strategy and we want to develop it with the input of our key stakeholders including our members and strategic partners. This will help us to set our priorities for the next three years and improve are offering to the Camden Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS). All completed entries with contact information provided will be entered into our prize drawer for a chance to win £50 shopping vouchers.

Please help us by completing our short survey here

A Letter from the Leader of the Council
“The past two years have been difficult for all of us and I want to thank you for the sacrifices you have made to help keep our community safe. We are still feeling the impact of COVID-19, and I know that many of you are struggling with the rising cost of living. We are helping Camden to recover by supporting the NHS with the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, helping residents access food, providing free activities for families and supporting local businesses.”

Read more about the council plans and the resources available to residents here

Trust for London Local Action Poverty Fund
“Trust for London has once again teamed up with Crowdfunder to launch the Local Action Poverty Fund.
Using the power of the crowd, we’ll be helping projects to find the funding and support they need to turn their ideas into a reality.”

Learn more here

Civic Futures 2022: Open for applications and nominations
Civic Futures 2022 is open for nominations and applications and welcome you to apply or nominate someone you think would make a great addition to this year’s programme.
Civic Futures is a Fellowship Programme facilitated by Koreo, Dark Matter Labs and The Young Foundation, in partnership with the Greater London Authority (GLA)

After two successful years, we’re now looking to convene our third group, of 30 people from across London’s civil society, local government and activist spaces to facilitate a collective learning and discovery experience. Running from September 2022-December 2023, the programme will focus on peer connection, exploration and inquiry, systems thinking, and collaboration, in order to deepen connections across the civic system, and create spaces to explore alternative and emerging futures together.

If you want to take part in Civic Futures then you can express your interest here
Or to nominate someone else, please do so here

Physical Activity within Healthcare in London: Survey
Deadline: 27th May

London Sport and our partners, the Greater London Authority, the Healthy London Partnership, London Plus, the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities – London and Transport for London, are keen to understand how we might further integrate physical activity within healthcare in London.

We are, therefore, seeking the views of those who provide, plan or commission both healthcare and physical activity (including, active travel, artistic, cultural, heritage, nature and sport based activity) services and opportunities within London. The collective experience and knowledge of colleagues will be crucial in helping us to determine the action and support necessary to progress this work.

Please complete this brief survey here

Building Compliance and the Law Seminar
Thursday 26th May: 12-2pm

The Ethical Property Foundation will be running a lunchtime seminar on Building Compliance and the Law on Thursday the 26th of May.
This is aimed at community groups who run from, or hire out, community space. Voluntary and community groups will get an introduction to all statutory and non-statutory building compliance, who needs to do what in an organisation and defending health and safety practices.

You can expect fire, asbestos, legionella, gas and electrical safety to be covered, and the importance of non-statutory compliance. You will find out who is legally responsible for what and how good records can prevent regulatory enforcement. There will also be an introduction to Camden’s Facilities Management service who will give an overview of how they can help you manage your building. The course is free and put on by Camden Council.

If you manage a space and want to attend please register for your Zoom link here

Hampstead Heath Community Fun Day
Sunday 12th June: 12-5pm.

Come to the Parliament Hill Bandstand for a community fun day next month, including Seethrough Theatre’s Carnivall parade, music from Young Music Makers, free nature and art activities and much more.
Please get in touch if you would like to get involved or have any questions

For more information on this and other events on the Heath, please click here

Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Week
23–29 May 2022.

Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Week is a joint campaign from NHS England and Diabetes UK. The campaign aims to raise awareness of Type 2 diabetes, how to prevent it, and at-risk groups, and encourages the public to check their risk via the Diabetes UK ‘Know Your Risk’ tool.

Type 2 diabetes is two – four times more likely in people of South Asian descent and Black Caribbean or Black African descent. That’s why it’s really important that you find out if you are at risk. To do so, please click here

Funding webinar
Wednesday 25th May: 12.30pm

Need funding for your voluntary organisation or group?
Fundraising website easyfundraising are running an online session where you can find out how you can use the platform to benefit from free donations from leading online retailers. Trusted by 180,000 good causes around the UK and established for over 10 years, easyfundraising is the UK’s biggest charity shopping site.

Suitable for all non-profit organisations come along to find out how it works and how to get set up. This is a friendly, informal session where you can ask questions and meet other fundraisers.

Spaces are limited so please register to attend in advance here

Programme Performance and Resource Manager vacancy
Closing date: Sunday 29th May 2022 at 23:59

Through Good Work Camden, Camden are designing and delivering Job Hubs that provide accessible and relational employment support, testing innovative approaches to supporting residents, investing in our employment and skills partners and giving businesses the support they need to enhance their recruitment practices.
In this role you will develop, improve and coordinate performance and programme management systems and tools across Inclusive Economy work streams to ensure the effective tracking and measurement of activity and impact.

Learn more here

Maiden Lane Community Centre volunteer opportunity
Maiden Lane Community Centre are looking for someone to join our play/youth team working with young people aged 5-9 years 10-13 years and 13-19 years old. Training will be provided. This is a great opportunity for someone who would like to work with young people.

For further details, please click here

Please note
Our newsletter content email address has changed. Please send any information that you would like included in our weekly newsletter to social@vac.org.uk

Local Newsletters:

SHAK
Latin American House
Creative Lives
Healthwatch Camden
Young Camden Foundation
AWN
West Euston Project (WEP)
London S port (sign up)
Forum+
Charity Tax Group
Dragon Hall Newsletter

National

VAC administered Google Grants
VAC has been funded by Google to help small organisations get back into the “real world” training / meeting environment.
The intention is to help very small voluntary and community organisations get back into buildings by helping them afford the hire fee, and also assist them with technical advice if they want to run ‘blended’ events and meetings.
Groups can book space for a single event or block book a series of dates for future meetings and events worth up £300 per quarter.
VAC is administering the scheme. Our intention is to keep the process as simple as possible to minimise any administrative burden on the groups, VAC and of course the organisations providing space.
Not all venues are part of the scheme so please do check out our room hire directory here
For more information and to see if your group is eligible visit our website here or contact Ricky at rsingh@vac.org.uk

The Philological Foundation grants for individual students and state-funded schools
The Philological Foundation is a charity that has been making grants to individual students and state-funded schools in the London Borough of Camden and the City of Westminster since 1982.
Our aim is to help schools and young people whose families cannot provide them with financial support so that they can pursue educational and training opportunities.
To check eligibility and to apply, please click here

UK Government Announces ‘Homes for Ukrainian’ Refugees Scheme with ‘Thank You’ Payment to Sponsors
A small monthly payment will be available for UK host families who volunteer to house Ukrainians fleeing their homeland due to the Russian invasion.
For more details please click here.

We Will Social Action Grant Fund
The Ormiston Trust is a grant giving trust that primarily supports schools and organisations that provide direct assistance to children, young people, and families across England. As a match funder awarding grants on the behalf of the #iwill Fund, the Ormiston Trust is offering open grants of up to £5,000 over a 9 to 12-month period to support the embedding of sustainable youth social action in schools.
Learn more and apply here

Camden Council Green Homes Grants
Keeping homes warm over the winter months can be difficult, especially with rising energy bills. The Green Homes Grant may be able to assist by providing funding of up to £10k for homeowners and £5k for landlords to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. The improvements could help save up to £600 a year on energy bills and make homes warmer and more comfortable.
Find out more here

Funding to Improve Temporary Accommodation Standards in London
Application Deadline: Tuesday 17 May 2022
Better Temporary Accommodation for Londoners is a strategic initiative funded by Trust for London and Oak Foundation that aims to strengthen the voice, connections and influence of people in Temporary Accommodation (TA) and ultimately to improve people’s experience of TA. The programme will run from 2022-25, with the first grants awarded in June 2022.
For more information, please click here

Clarion Futures Digital Grants Programme
Application deadline: 12 noon, Wednesday 18 May 2022
Round 10 of the Clarion Futures Digital Grants Programme is now open for applications.
Grants of between £1,000 and £5,000 will be available to organisations seeking to deliver innovative, well designed projects that support Clarion residents and the wider community to address digital exclusion.
For Round 10, applications must be submitted by 12 noon Wednesday 18 May 2022 via our dedicated Grants Portal FlexiGrant.
Please email grants@clarionhg.com with any questions.

Camden Giving Equality Fund: Open for expressions of interest
The Camden Giving Equality Fund 2022 will provide flexible funding to small charities and social enterprises who are actively bringing together people from different backgrounds to create communities. A panel of 12 Camden residents will award 2 year grants of £30,000 in June 2022 and welcome your expression of interest.

See the Funding pages on VAC’s website for all the latest information.
Alternatively, Camden Voluntary and Community groups can contact us for Grant Finder help, please email rsingh@vac.org.uk
Access the Idox Camden 4 Community grant search here.

NAVCA Funders List

A useful list of small trusts and foundations most useful to small charities.

Lists of Emergency Funders

VAC Events

Keep in eye on our Events Calendar to book and for more info.

VCS Ukraine Support Survey
In conjunction with Camden Council, Voluntary Action Camden are in the process of collecting as much information as possible on the capacity of local independent services that can support Ukrainian nationals settling in Camden.
This includes support for urgent and immediate needs, such as links to language communities or counselling support.
If you and your organisation is in a position to support this work, please fill in this short online survey.

VAC new Community Directory
VAC is pleased to announce the launch of our new Community Directory services for Camden groups.
Our online directories provide a space for voluntary and community groups in Camden to promote their services and activities. Searching the directory then allows residents and other stakeholders in Camden to easily connect with groups and access services and valuable support.
You can search our Directories to find and connect with groups, find community space to rent or hire and find healthy activities and social opportunities in Camden’s green spaces and parks.

GDPR Training Resources

The video, slides and comprehensive notes from the two recent VAC online training sessions on GDPR are now available on the website. These will help you understand the theory and legal framework of the GDPR with practical steps on how to remain compliant.

Past Voluntary Action Forums: Resources

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

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

Invitation: London’s Digital Inclusion Conference
23 June: 9.30 am – 4pm
LOTI and the GLA warmly invite you to join them in celebrating digital inclusion in London.

This in-person event will bring together practitioners from the public, private and third sectors to share their progress in tackling digital exclusion, and discuss how they can collaborate more closely in future.
There is an exciting agenda that includes expert speakers, presentations on innovative digital inclusion initiatives and opportunities for networking.
There is also the opportunity for your organisation to have a visible presence at this event. If you have a project you would like to showcase, and it falls within the themes of devices, connectivity, digital skills and / or support, then please get in touch with Polly.Kwok@loti.london to find out how you can be a part of the event exhibition.
If you are able to join, please register and they will be back in touch with more information and the confirmed London venue closer to the event.

To register, please click here

“Zen in Mind” A celebration of Wellbeing
Thursday 26th May: 1pm-6pm

This is a free Community Festival at the Old Diorama Theatre. In association with Fitzrovia Youth Action, The Zen Project and Mind in Camden bring to you the first of a series of monthly festivals to celebrate mental health and support the local Camden community.
Open to all, and all activities are free. Free food, massage, mindfulness sessions and more.
Climb on board our big yellow American school bus and take part in one of our activities to help create some calm and ease anxiety.
We have something for everyone. No need to book – just turn up.

For more information, please click here

Camden Jobs and Skills Event
Thursday 19 May 2022, 10:00am – 4:00pm

Are you interested in changing careers, finding a new role, or upskilling to access high-growth sectors?
If so, don’t miss out on the opportunity to network, meet local and inclusive employers and get the latest tips to give you the edge in the labour market
The event is being held at Camden House LABS Triangle, Camden Lock Place, Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8AB

To register, please click here

Community Health Event
Saturday 21 May 2022, 12pm-4pm
Location: Kilburn Grange Park, Kilburn, NW6 2JL
As part of our long-term health inequalities work, which includes a Mobile Community Health bus, Camden Council, in partnership with NHS colleagues from Brondesbury Medical Centre, are holding a Community Health event on Saturday 21st May at Kilburn Grange Park, 12pm-4pm.
This event will bring together and highlight all aspects of health which will include education, physical activity, NHS health checks, sexual health testing, dietician advice and many more to be confirmed.
It is an opportunity to bring people together to open up the conversation of health and wellbeing, something that has become even more important since the Covid19 pandemic.”

The London Irish Centre Vacancies
The London Irish Centre is the Irish Heart of London. Our Mission is to empower and enrich lives through Irish community and culture. Please see our current vacancies:

Head of Services (Community Development)
Closing date: 9am Monday 16th May

Event Manager
Closing date: 9am Monday 16th May

Operations Administration Assistant
Ongoing recruitment

For more information and to apply, please visit our website

Elfrida Rathbone Camden vacancy: Community Champions Project Co-ordinator
Closing date: Sunday 29 May. Full time position
The Community Champions Project Coordinator will work to engage and support vulnerable individuals, families and groups in the Kentish town area, by recruiting local people to volunteer as Community Champions. For more details and how to apply, please click here

Training Link vacancy: Operations Manager
Application deadline: 5pm, Monday 16 May 2022
Part-time (7 hours per week)
Training Link is a local charity providing basic skills training to help people find work. We are based in Somers Town near the British Library.
We are looking for a part-time Operations Manager to help develop our courses through outreach work and look at new opportunities. The postholder will also support our small staff team and follow up with learners who have completed courses.
For a full-job description, person specification and application form please email director@traininglink.org.uk
For an informal discussion about the post please phone Peter Lush on 07973-845285.

The Kids Network: Volunteering Opportunity
The Kids Network are looking for committed, fun and passionate volunteers who live or work in Camden to make a real difference to the children of London. Their year long mentoring programme supports children with their social and emotional development before they transition into secondary school.
As a mentor, through weekly 1-3 hour sessions, you would:
Help build confidence, resilience and curiosity through child centred, activity-based mentoring.
Experience London through the eyes of a child and make a real impact in your local area.
Build a peer network with fellow mentors, who come from all walks of life, to share your experiences and learn from one another.
Apply here
If you know a child that would benefit from having a mentor, please e-mail Flick f.tennant@thekidsnetwork.org.uk

Umoja Health Forum looking to recruit Volunteer Organisers
Umoja Health Forum is a voluntary organisation which leads thirteen small African organisations from Sub – Saharan Africa, providing health and social care, addressing both physical and mental health.
We are looking to recruit Volunteer Organisers for different projects, which involve planning a variety of weekly activities for local residents.
These include promoting and delivering projects, recruiting local residents, general managing, monitoring and reporting on project work.
All volunteer travel and expenses paid.
Interested candidates should email Umoja at: umojahealthforum54@gmail.com or call Chikwaba Oduka on 07970418893, to express their interest or find out more.

Volunteering during the pandemic
The latest guidance for Enabling safe and effective volunteering during coronavirus (COVID-19) is available here

Free CPD Accredited Training on Gambling and Related Harms
Tuesday 24th May: 10.30am – 1pm

Currently over 0.5% of our population are considered problem gamblers and 7% of the population of the UK are negatively affected by gambling, which is one in 12 people either directly or indirectly affected by gambling-related harms.
If you would like to know about the subject of gambling and its associated harms, please join this free CPD accredited webinar. If you would like more details, please email Priya.shah@gamcare.org.uk

To register, please click here

Charity Digital Skills survey
Closes Friday 20th May

If you work for a charity or a non-profit organisation, social sector organisation or a funder, based in the UK, Charity Digital and Partners would love to hear your views about your overall organisational priorities, barriers and funding needs, as well as specific digital skills and challenges.

To learn more and to take part, please click here

Funding Experience Survey
The Institute for Voluntary Action Research (IVAR) is asking grant applicants to answer a survey to understand how 100 Open and Trusting grantmakers can improve your funding experience.
What changes could funders make, and which of these matters most? The survey takes 10-15 minutes, and you’ll have the chance to win one of 10 prizes of £100 for your organisation.

To take part, please click here

Datawise London data and digital training
Datawise London offers data and digital skills training tailored for small charities and have just renewed their programme for another three years. The training offers a pathway through topics, from beginner to advanced levels.

To find out more, please click here

Free NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health First Aid & Mental Health Advocacy in the Workplace.
This course is for anyone who wants to raise their professional understanding of Mental Health First Aid and its associated care. It is ideal for any public facing role where you are interacting, advising and guiding clients. You will learn how to identify, understand and support colleagues or clients who are experiencing a mental health issue.

To learn more please contact New Challenge (Main number) – 020 8795 3999 or Email: courses@newchallenge.org

Link UP London
Link UP London provides access to Skilled Support to charities, social enterprises and community groups for free on a project-by-project basis.
We’re a small friendly organisation with ambitions to help communities across London by matching professionals to free skilled Volunteering roles with local charities and social good organisations.
Volunteers are all experts in their fields and have industry specific knowledge in areas of crucial importance to any charitable organisation’s development such as finance, legal, human resources, marketing, communications, data analysis, social media, and much more.
If you’re looking for bespoke Skilled Support to grow your organisations, we’d love to hear from you! You can book to chat here.
You can also learn more about Link UP and the work we’ve been doing through our website.

Help with the cost of living
The Mayor of London has launched a new Cost of Living Hub for Londoners facing financial hardship, as a result of spiralling inflation, increases in National Insurance and Council Tax, and the lifting of the energy price cap. The hub helps Londoners access information, support and advice about claiming benefits, dealing with debt, financial management and mental health support.
To learn more and apply, please click here

Enter Camden’s Youth Safety Multi-Media Competition
Camden’s next Youth Safety Fortnight will be held this summer. Children and young people are invited to get involved by entering the 2022 Youth Safety Multi-Media Competition – in partnership with their youth centre, community centre or school.
The overall winner will receive a main prize of £500 for their youth or play organisation, community centre or school, plus vouchers for the young people participating.
The overall theme of Youth Safety Fortnight 2022 will be ‘Keeping Children and Young People in Camden Safe’. The focus this year will be on the following:
The Safety of Young Women and Girls. This includes staying and feeling safe in the home, in the community, and whilst travelling. It is important to consider the views and perspectives of all young people, regardless of gender identity, to widen conversations and understanding.
Youth Exploitation. What keeps young people safe from exploitation? How can young people steer away from crime and get involved in positive activities? What are the consequences of getting involved in crime and youth violence?
The purpose of the Multi-Media Competition, which is open to young people aged 10 to 18, is to raise awareness of the issues affecting the safety of young people in Camden and promote conversation. The competition is designed to encourage young people to come together and think about their concerns, aspirations and hopes for the future. Your project should focus on one or more of the elements mentioned in the themes above.
Entries should be emailed to youthsafety@camden.gov.uk by 5pm, Monday 6 June. For more details on the criteria for entries, please click here.

Culturally specific cookbook for Camden residents
Camden council, in partnership with our NHS colleagues are working on a culturally specific cookbook for residents of African and Caribbean heritage, who are at increasing risk of overweight and diabetes.
We recognise that literature around this very important and are keen to get your views to make sure the book is as relevant as possible.
Please complete the questionnaire which will take no longer than 3 minutes to complete. Your answers will be invaluable in helping prepare the cookbook.
To take part, please click here

Got an item for the e-bulletin?

Send your item to social@vac.org.uk by noon on Thursday for publication in the following day’s edition. The e-bulletin comes out every Friday. Submissions should be 50 – 75 words. Please send plain text or a format that can be copied (ie not embedded in an image). Send links to documents rather than attachments. Make sure to include contact details.