Voluntary Action Camden e-Bulletin - 20th October 2023

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VAC Weekly Newsletter
20th October 2023

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VAC represents local organisations in conversations with local government and funders, we advise on local issues and we inform, support and train local charities depending on their needs

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Highlights
This week we spotlight:

NEW Training for Members
VAC seeks new Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees
We also have our usual information on events and opportunities from around the Camden area.

VAC Training for Members

SAFEGUARDING for Volunteers and New Starters – Online Workshop: Wednesday, 1st November 13:00 – 14:30 – FREE
CAMDEN TRUSTEE NETWORK: Trustee Recruitment Online Workshop: Tuesday, 7th November 18:00 – 19:00 – FREE
VIRTUAL INTRODUCTION TO GDPR for those new to or needing a refresher on GDPR theory: Tuesday 21st November 13:30 -14:40 – FREE
COMPLYING WITH GDPR – for those with responsibilities for managing GDPR: Tuesday, 28th November 14:00-15:00 – FREE

See details and book a place in our Events and Training section
New VAC training coming up – details to be published soon

Join our Board of Trustees – VAC seeks Treasurer

Are you passionate about making a real difference to voluntary community sector, and communities? Do you have skills, networks and a new perspective that can drive a small but ambitious charity towards its aim?

We are seeking a new trustee to take on the exciting role of Treasurer to join our experienced and passionate Board of Trustees. We are looking for someone who will liaise with relevant staff, committee members and/or volunteers to ensure the financial viability of the organisation.

Find out more on our website: https://vac.org.uk/vacancies/treasurer-of-board-of-trustees/

Embrace charities in public services rather than treat them as a ‘difficult relative’, NPC chief says at the New Philanthropy Capital’s conference
NPC is the think tank and consultancy for the social sector. As a think tank, NPC conducts research and produces reports on social issues and the role that the social sector can play in tackling them. NPC Chief Executive Dan Corry also suggests a ‘civil society test’ where all new policies would be assessed to see whether they could be delivered more efficiently by charities and other social organisations.

Camden Talks Data event
Taking place on Wednesday, 8th November, from 5.45pm to 7.30pm at Pancras Square Library, 5 Pancras Square N1C 4AG.

This event is an opportunity to have an open discussion about how we collect and use data ethically to improve services for Camden residents. You don’t need any special knowledge about data or technology to take part. There will be presentations and Q&A sessions covering:
•            How data matching has been used to help allocate the Cost-of-Living Fund.
•            How sentiment analysis helps to give us a better understanding of feedback from our Housing tenant engagement.
•            The new Camden Council staff policy around the use of emerging generative AI technologies like ChatGPT.

Please reserve your spot by clicking the link. If you have any access requirements, additional needs or cannot access the Eventbrite booking link please let us know by emailing: participation@camden.gov.uk

The Volunteer Centre Camden calculates ‘The Monetary Value of Charity Trustees’
The Report calculates the total monetary value of volunteer charity trustees in England and Wales at £33.17billion.
The report has some statistics that are relevant for Camden and London:
Monetary value of Trustees in Camden: £145 million
Total value of all Volunteering in Camden: £1.3 billion
Check out the full report here: https://volunteercentrecamden.org.uk/just-published-october-2023-the-monetary-value-of-trustees/

Affordable, Convenient Office Space in the Heart of the Community

The Winch is a charity that has been working with young people in Camden and nearby areas since 1973. We are currently seeking new tenants for our two office spaces located in Swiss Cottage. We have two well-lit, spacious rooms that can accommodate 2-8 people. Email roomhire@thewinch.org or call us at 0207 586 8731 for more information.

Newsletter Submissions
Please send any information (approximately 50-75 words long) that you would like included in our weekly newsletter to social@vac.org.uk by no later than 12pm on Wednesday for inclusion in the Friday newsletter.

VAC Consultancy Service
Contact us today if you need advice or support to develop any aspect of your established or aspiring Camden voluntary and community sector organisation.
Learn more here

NCVO Almanac 2023 now live | Latest data on charities’ finances, volunteers, workforce:

Total charity income fell for the first time in 10 years
The voluntary sector’s workforce has declined by 4% over the last year.
There has been a slight decrease in the number of voluntary organisations in the UK.
Just under a fifth of voluntary sector organisations work in social services. Voluntary organisations are spread fairly evenly across the country, but most of the biggest organisations are based in London and the south.
The voluntary sector contributes about £20bn to the UK’s GDP
For more information go to Executive summary

Tipping Point: The Cost of Living Crisis – report by VCS Emergencies Partnership

This report describes some of the ways the voluntary and community sector (VCS) has been responding to the challenge of the cost of living crisis, focusing on the early part of 2023. It draws out insights, knowledge and practical ideas to help inform future preparedness and response to an ongoing crisis that will escalate again as winter approaches.
You can read the report here.

Second Cost Of Living payment – Communicating Help for Households toolkit

Eligible households will receive the second Cost of Living Payment of £300 between 31 October and 19 November. The third payment of £299 will be paid by Spring 2024.
The DWP has produced a Cost of Living Stakeholder toolkit to help you communicate the upcoming payment to the people you support. The toolkit includes information about the eligibility criteria, details about how and when payments will be made and a range of materials for your organisations to use to ensure people have access to the right information.

Register your space on the Warm Welcome map

The Warm Welcome campaign is led by a coalition of over 50 charitable organisations, delivered by Good Faith Partnership in collaboration with partners and the Warm Welcome Spaces. During the worst cost-of-living crisis in 70 years, the Warm Welcome Campaign emerged as a collective response to build a movement for a fairer and friendlier society by supporting warm and welcoming spaces in every community in the UK.
If you’re running a Warm Space, register your location with the Warm Welcomes map. Every space needs to re-register, even if you were part of the campaign last year.
Register Your Space

Sign-up to Camden’s Warm Welcome (WW) Pledge

A huge thank you to all our VCS orgs who registered as WW hosts in 2022. It’s great to see the varied offer across the Borough. We have over 50 listed warm welcome hosts on our WW Webpage – Warm spaces in Camden – Camden Council – including council services, children centres and libraries alongside our VCS partners, Faith groups and Arts and Culture. If you are interested in signing up to the WW pledge – information is available here Sign-up to Camden’s Warm Welcome Pledge (office.com) or contact Sally.Kikaya@Camden.gov.uk

Social Prescribing Link Worker Survey

The NHS England Social Prescribing Team has published this year’s annual Social Prescribing Link Worker (SPLW) survey, which gives SPLWs the opportunity to share their experiences and perspectives of their role over the last 12 months on topics including:

Employment
Training, Development and Supervision
Equipment and System Access
SPLW Role and Skills

Please share the survey with colleagues and wider networks. The survey is open until Friday 3^rd November 2023.
If you have any further questions or queries, please do not hesitate to email england.socialprescribing@nhs.net.

Every week VAC checks various sources for the latest funding opportunities relevant for Camden groups.
You can visit our website for a round up of the latest opportunities added this week: https://vac.org.uk/our-services/fundraising/current-funding-opportunities/

If you need help sourcing or applying for funds, get in touch with our consultancy service, free for all Camden groups!

North London Community Fund – open for applications
The fund for 2024-25 will be awarded through two rounds. In this first round, we will award up to £150,000 of the overall budget. Organisations can apply for a small award, up to £5,000 or medium award, up to £15,000. The second round of funding will open early next year, when we will award the remaining £100,000 to two large scale projects.
Information required to make an application:
North London Community Fund webpage
North London Community Fund FAQs document
Funding guidance document
Online application form
Event listing for online Q&A webinar for potential applicants on the 30 October 2023
Event listing for online Q&A webinar for potential applicants on the 13 November 2023
Organisations are welcome to contact us directly with questions or for application support by email to wastepreventionteam@nlwa.gov.uk
Deadline for the first round is 15th December 2023, 1 pm.

Funding to Support Refugee Children and Young People (England) – apply by 1st November 2023

Local authorities and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise organisations based in England can apply for funding from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities – Children and Young People’s Resettlement Fund.

The fund was introduced to support children and young people who have come to the UK under one of the following schemes:

The Homes for Ukraine scheme
The Ukraine Family scheme
The Ukraine Extension scheme
The Afghan citizens resettlement scheme
The Hong Kong British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) visa scheme

A total of £2.5 million is available and will be made available over 2023 to 2025. Link:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-children-and-young-peoples-resettlement-fund-prospectus/the-children-and-young-peoples-resettlement-fund-prospectus

Somers Town Big Local Festive Events Fund

Somers Town Big Local has launched a Festive Events Fund to support projects and activities taking place from October 17th 2023 to January 10th 2024. Grants of £250-£3,000 are available for community events that promote partnership working and are open to a diverse group of Somers Town residents. Decisions will be provided within two weeks of the application being received.
Applications must be submitted by December 21st, 2023.
For more info and to apply: https://forms.gle/ngatdadMbktxPwjF7

Cultural Bridge Fund is open – apply by 22 November 2023

Cultural Bridge is a unique investment programme between all UK arts councils and leading German cultural institutions that supports the development of cross-border partnerships. Partnerships must be bi-lateral, including at least one German partner and one UK partner
The funding is for activity that starts from April 2024 and is completed by March 2025.
For further information on how to obtain this fund go to
Funding | Cultural Bridge (cultural-bridge.info)
For general enquiries:

UK organisations contact:
Lorna Palmer
Programme Manager, Cultural Bridge
contact@cultural-bridge.info

German organisations contact:
Tabea Deckers
Fonds Soziokultur e.V.
deckers@fonds-soziokultur.de

The deadline for applications is 22 November 2023 (5pm).

Camden 4 Community – Funding alerts and news for the VCSE
https://funding.idoxopen4community.co.uk/camdencommunity

You can find more funding news and information about funders and grants on VAC website at
https://vac.org.uk/guides-and-resources/fundraising/funders

VAC UPCOMING TRAINING:
Open to VAC Members only
If you are a voluntary service or group delivering services in Camden and are not a member of VAC, please join here: https://vac.org.uk/get-involved/membership

Introduction to Safeguarding for Volunteers and New Starters – Virtual workshop, Wednesday, 1st November: 1pm – 2:30pm – FREE
This introductory course is designed for volunteers and new staff who work both directly and indirectly for organisations or groups delivering services to children, young people or their families in Camden.

All sessions will be held virtually, so please make sure you have access to Zoom online or the App beforehand .

To book follow the link and instructions on VAC website: https://vac.org.uk/event/virtual-introduction-to-safeguarding-for-volunteers-and-new-starters-4/

Camden Trustee Network: Trustee Recruitment Workshop
Tuesday, November 7 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm – FREE
Join us ONLINE at our Trustee Recruitment Workshop for the Camden Trustee Network which we are co-hosting with our partners at Volunteer Centre Camden on Tuesday 7th November, 6-7pm online. (Zoom link TBA for those who sign up for the event).
This workshop will cover all aspects of trustee recruitment from identifying needs, how to promote the role and tips for onboarding/induction.
https://vac.org.uk/event/camden-trustee-network-trustee-recruitment-workshop/

Virtual Introduction to GDPR – Virtual workshop, Tuesday 21st November: 1:30 – 2:30pm – FREE

All organisations and groups that manage, hold or process data are subject to GDPR.

GDPR applies to any personal data you collect, including volunteers and employees and the law requires you to provide a reason as to why your charity / organisation is collecting and storing this information.

This virtual workshop aims to provide you with basic knowledge and understanding of UK GDPR and how to ensure compliance. It is suitable for those completely new to GDPR or for those looking for a short refresher.

To book follow the link and instructions on the VAC website: https://vac.org.uk/event/virtual-introduction-to-gdpr/

Managing and Complying with GDPR – Virtual workshop, Tuesday 28th November: 2-3pm – FREE
Are you the person directly responsible for managing GDPR at your organisation and ensuring your compliance with current legislation? Do you advise, induct or provide support to colleagues on the proper collecting and processing of users’ personal data and information? If there is a problem relating to data protection to people turn to you to sort it out?

This online workshop aims to provide you with up to date knowledge and understanding of the UK GDPR and how to ensure compliance.

To book follow the link and instructions on the VAC website: https://vac.org.uk/event/managing-and-complying-with-gdpr/

OTHER EVENTS AND TRAINING:

Real Talk – young people’s debate for 16 to 21-year-olds in Camden

Real Talk is a debate for 16 to 21-year-olds who live or go to school in Camden, or attend a youth centre here.

This free early evening event offers a safe space for young people to express their opinions and challenge preconceptions on topics that matter most to them. It is being held from 5pm to 7.30pm on Thursday 9 November at the Crowndale Centre, 218 Eversholt Street NW1. Young people can find out more and book a free place here.

Talk For Health is a social enterprise improving mental health
Key Upcoming Events:
Free peer-to-peer Counselling Programme: Starting on the 17^th November.
The dates and times for this programme are:
Friday 17 November 2023 from 10:30 – 16:30
Friday 24 November 2023 from 10:30 – 16:30
Friday 1 December 2023 from 10:30 – 16:30
Friday 8 December 2023 from 10:30 – 16:30
Click here to join our programme on Eventbrite.
The next dates for Free Tasters to explore learning areas:
Wednesday 1 November 2023 from 11:00 – 13:00 (ONLINE) Click here to sign up
Wednesday 7 February 2023 from 14:00 – 16:00 (ONLINE) Click here to sign up

Black History Month Celebration
at the Irish Cultural Centre – Hammersmith – London – Sunday 29th October at 6 pm
Join IamIrish at the Irish cultural centre for a FREE evening of performance, culture and community to celebrate Black History Month. The evening will take place on Sunday 29th October from 6pm-9pm.

Camden Council National Youth Work Week Event in Partnership with YCF – 7 November
Camden Council are hosting their National Youth Work Week Event in collaboration with Young Camden Foundation on the 7th of November.
There will be performances from young people, a number of stalls from our organisations and more. Please save the date or email alev@youngcamdenfoundation.org.uk if you would like to get involved
Date & Time: 7 November, Time TBC
Location: Camden Council Chambers

Young Camden Foundation events
Speed Networking Event

Date: October 31st
Time: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Location: Warren Centre, W1T 5JU
Sign up: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/level-up-youth-work-speed-networking-event-tickets-717101478827?aff=oddtdtcreator

Our Speed-Networking event is the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, share experiences, and explore potential collaborations within the youth work field. There will be refreshments provided. Our last speed-networking event completely sold out, so make sure to come along!

Leading Inclusive Futures Through Technology

LIFT is a four borough partnership programme, with Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Camden and Islington Council.
LIFT aims to support residents from each borough to look at career opportunities within Life Sciences, Tech and the creative industries. We also offer business support or employment support in these sectors.  LIFT is available for people aged 18 and above from the 4 LIFT boroughs. We have a great pool of opportunities on our portal. Contact the LIFT team today for support: Cina.Aissa@islington.gov.uk

Survivors Can Shine are looking for a motivated and value-driven part time Project Coordinator – closing date 06/11/23

This is an exciting opportunity to join our fast-growing organisation. You will be working with the Founder / Director of Survivors Can Shine to effectively deliver our ‘I Shine, Speak Out – Ambassadors for Change’ Project and create positive change in the lives of children & young people.
Hours Part time 18 hours a week over 3 days (with potential to become a FT permanent role)
Deadline: 06/11/23
To learn more and apply, please click here.

Latin American House is recruiting for a new Director
Hours of Work: F/T 35 hrs per weekStarting Salary: £42,000 (Gross)Closing date for applications: 13th November 2023 at 23:59To find a complete Job Description and instructions on how to apply click on the link

Apply Now

Mind in Camden Trustee recruitment
We are affiliated to National Mind along with over 100 other local Minds across England and Wales, but we are an independent charity with our own Board of Trustees. We have about 35 staff and up to 80 volunteers. We are based in Camden Town, London. For more details about what we do see: www.mindincamden.org.uk
To ask for more details and the Trustee role description email Brian Dawn at bdawn@mindincamden.org.uk
Ideally, we would like you to commit to a minimum of two years.

VCS Strategic Lead | Camden Consortium of Community Centres (C4)
Camden Community Centres Consortium (C4) brings together community and voluntary sector partners across Camden. C4 improves the living conditions and mental and physical well-being of people in Camden. They are looking for someone with expert skills in fundraising, and someone experienced operating at a strategic level with extensive knowledge and contacts across the Camden voluntary, statutory and community sectors. Part-time, 2 year contract, £49,000 per year FTE. Deadline 7 November. More info

Community Engagement Officer | Camden High Line
The Camden Highline is a proposed public park and garden walk, transforming the disused railway between Camden Town and King’s Cross into a new green artery for London. They are looking for an enthusiastic and driven Community Engagement Officer to join their team. The role will focus primarily on delivering a new scheme of work called ‘Camden Highline – Tracking the Heritage’, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF). As Community Engagement Officer, you will report to the CEO and work alongside a project team. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit a 60-second cover video along with your CV to jobs@camdenhighline.com
18 month fixed-term contract, £28,000+benefits.
Deadline 27 October More info.
UCL VOLUNTEERING FAIR WAS A SUCCESS – register by 22 October for the next one!
Thank you for everyone who participated in the UCL Volunteering Fair last week – it was so great to see so many of you in one place (well, two)! We hope it was useful for your organisations and you had a fun time chatting with our students. We have more events coming up, VCS organisations welcome!
don’t forget to apply to our Volunteering Fair in November before the 22^nd of October!
The next fair will take place on the 21^st of November (it’s a Tuesday!), 12-3pm in the South Cloisters.
Any questions contact csenge.gabeli@ucl.ac.uk

Age UK Camden and VAC Social Prescribers Innovators Programme
A new initiative is being delivered by the Camden Care Navigation and Social Prescribing Service, hosted by Age UK Camden (AUC) and Voluntary Action Camden.
The project aims to develop volunteering within the service as a way to help retain existing social prescribers and to support successful recruitment to new social prescriber roles.
Contact Mandira at mmanandhar@vac.org.uk if you are interested in volunteering on this venture.

Local VCS Newsletters:

SHAK
Young Camden Foundation (Funding Newsletter)
Young Camden Foundation (Events and Training Newsletter)
AWN (sign up)
Fitzrovia Community Centre
Coram’s Field Community Newsletter (sign up)
CAWSH newsletter
St Pancras Community Association (sign up)
Castlehaven in Bloom (sign up)
UCL Volunteering Service Newsletter (sign up)
Latin American House
London Irish Centre
North London Cares: Upcoming Clubs
Castlehaven Community Association (sign up)
Heath Hands

If you would like your Camden VCS newsletter added to this list, please email social@vac.org.uk

Looking for a previous newsletter entry? Find it in our archive here

Find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here

Got an item for the e-bulletin?

Send your item to social@vac.org.uk by noon on Wednesday for publication in the following Friday’s edition. 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.