Voluntary Action Camden e-bulletin 21st May 2021

Are you looking for evaluation support? Could UCL researchers help?

The Evaluation Exchange matches voluntary and community organisations with small teams of UCL researchers to help tackle the organisations’ evaluation challenges.
Applications are open to organisations in Camden. If you would like to know more, join our free information session to learn about The Evaluation Exchange, if it is for you and your organisation and how to apply.
This event is open to voluntary and community sector organisations in Camden thinking of applying to the Evaluation Exchange or wondering if support from UCL postgraduate students might help them.
Monday 24th May at 2 – 3pm. Register for free via Eventbrite
For more information contact Ruth at r.unstead-joss@ucl.ac.uk

Holiday Activity and Food programme

LB Camden has received funding from the DfE to deliver a Holiday Activity and Food programme (HAF). In partnership with the council, Young Camden Foundation is planning to expand its Holiday Hub programme to reach more children and young people. During the Easter holidays the programme reached over 1,300 children and young people.
We are looking for more community organisations including, community centres, schools, libraries, youth service providers and cultural institutions interested in setting up a Holiday Hub in Summer, and/or Christmas holidays.
We will be hosting an information session on 24th May Monday from 10.30am – 12pm. Please click here to register  and hear more about the programme.
To express an interest in becoming a delivery partner, please email info@youngcamdenfoundation.org.uk

Startup School for Seniors

Do you have an idea for a business but don’t know where to start? Join the next cohort of Startup School for Seniors and we’ll provide you with the skills, support and network you need to get started. Free & Fully funded places are available for Londoners aged 50+. Sign up here to take your first steps towards starting a business and making money. https://bit.ly/3bCmLWC

NCVO ‘Levelling Up’ Survey – Deadline 24 May

NCVO are conducting a survey of the sector around the levelling up agenda.  They are looking for insights and ideas that can tackle social and economic inequality. There is a brief form which can be found here to share with your local networks: https://www.ncvo.org.uk/2809

LGBT+ Hate Crime Awareness Training

Forum+ are delivering LGBT+ hate crime awareness training on Tuesday 22nd June 2pm-3.30pm. The training will provide an overview of all forms of hate crime: how to identify hate crime, how to report hate crime and how to support victims. There will be a focus on raising awareness of LGBT+ identities, promoting LGBT+ equality and tackling homophobia, biphobia and transphobia. This training is open. To book email  learning@camden.gov.uk

EBB’s Youth Summit

Students, graduates and young professionals in #Camden, book your free tickets for upcoming Youth Summit 29.05.21 – 12.06.21 by Educating Beyond Borders. Key topics:
Importance of work experience; Post 18 options; Future of work; Mental wellbeing.  Details and booking at Eventbrite.

Newsletters

Camden People First Easy Read
SHAK news
Camden Carers
Young Camden Foundation
All Ways Network
West Euston Partnership
Volunteer Centre Camden

Developing Neighbourhoods

The new Integrated Care Systems will focus on 3 layers – System (the 5 borough NCL), place (borough level) and neighbourhoods.  The neighbourhood level part of the system is the least developed but activity is under way, centred on PCNs (Primary Care Networks ie groups of GP surgeries).  There is much to be done as there are competing ideas of neighbourhood and many institutions to bring into the system – from council services to Community Centres and the VCS.  This Health Creation Alliance report sets out some of the challenges and possible ways forward.  NB Marked up version to aid quick review.

Hampstead, Wells and Campden Trust

Current priorities are debt, homelessness and mental health although other categories will also be considered. Grants are available for £2,000 and £10,000. If you are seeking a larger amount than this please contact the office first.
It is recommended to contact our Grant’s Officer to discuss any potential applications before starting an application. Full details here.

Applications for the Christmas Challenge 2021 are open

Are you in a position to take advantage of match funding?  The Christmas Challenge is a week-long match funding campaign which launches on #GivingTuesday, 30th November.
Up to £25,000 of match funding is available per charity.
The deadline for applications is 5pm Friday 2nd July. For more information and how to apply click here.
If charities would like to find out further information about the Christmas Challenge, the Big Give is hosting two webinars on Thursday 27th May from 12pm – 1pm and Monday 7th June from 12pm – 1pm

How to Apply to Clothworkers’ Foundation

Wednesday 26th May, 11am – 12pm GMT
This event is free and aimed at small charities and not for profit organisations supporting the Muslim community in the UK.
~ Ask questions about the funding and application process.
~ Hear about tips on how to write a successful bid application.
~ See a demonstration of a successful and unsuccessful application
~ Gain an insight into the decision making processes led by the funder.
Book here.

Artist commissions for Camden Together

This fund has been created by Camden Council to commission new work that takes place outdoors as part of Camden Together, a season celebrating Camden’s reopening through arts and culture from early July to October 2021.
It’s open to: Camden-based freelance artists, creatives and producers.
Camden-based cultural and community organisations to work with freelance artists, creatives and producers.
The maximum grant award is £5,000, but we welcome applications for a smaller amount, with a minimum lower award of £250.
Full details here. Deadline  23:59 Sunday 30 May.

Lloyds Bank Foundation Racial Equity funding

Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales is to launch its Racial Equity funding for small and local charities that are led by and that support Black, Asian, and ethnic minority communities. Charities can apply for two-year unrestricted grants of £50,000 alongside development support.  Full details here.

Speak with a Trust for London Grants Manager

Trust for London next funding application deadline is 1 June 2021. If you would like to book an appointment to speak with one of our Grant Managers to discuss a potential application ahead of this deadline, the team would be happy to help. We would encourage you to read our funding guidelines to check your work is eligible before deciding to book an appointment. If you are a current grantee, please contact your Grants Manager in the first instance.

How to Become More Fundable

AWN’s tailor-made sessions as part of the ‘How to become more fundable’ series could help your organisation.
All Ways Network supports and empowers small not-for-profit organisations working with and for the Muslim community living in the UK with an annual income of £1 million or less. The team consists of Grant Officers and those in the charity sector to help you move forward.
Register your interest visit the BAME Funding Support page on the VAC website and complete the survey, providing as much detail as possible about the funding support your organisation requires.

Empowering Women Fund (previously tampon tax fund)

A national funding programme for small women’s groups and organisations to support the development of innovative ways of empowering women in their local area, and to build organisations’ capacity.
~ Seed Funding grants of £500 to £1,000 are available to small women’s groups to establish and run micro women’s empowerment projects.
~ Women’s Sector grants of £1,000 to £25,000 are available for women’s groups and organisations to develop capacity to respond to changing needs in their communities.  Full details here.  Closes 28 May 2021.

Windrush Community Fund Phase 2

Grants of between £2,500 and £25,000 are available to:
~ Increase awareness and understanding of the Windrush Scheme and Windrush Compensation Scheme or both.
~ Reach more communities and those individuals who may have been affected because they could not prove their lawful status in the UK.
~ Ensure that individuals and communities know how to apply.
~ Build capacity at a community and grassroots level to support those affected to access the schemes.  Full details here.  Closes 30 June.

Lists of Emergency Funders

• Civil Society
• Ian McLintok’s LinkedIn blog
• NCVO’s funding central site is currently free for non-members.
• Charity Bank 
• Grants Online

VAC Events

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

Camden Voluntary Action Forum

The forum is open to all Camden voluntary and community  groups and organisations, community activists, social entrepreneurs, volunteers and anyone interested in local voluntary action. The Forum currently meets monthly online on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 11am.
Next Forum is on Wednesday 16th June at 11am.

Past Voluntary Action Forums: Resources

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

Safeguarding Courses:

Check back for details of upcoming courses

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

Leighton College News

Leighton College, the specialist college with just 20 students aged 16-24 with mild to moderate learning disabilities, are holding coffee mornings for prospective students and their parents.  These will be at 11am and 1:30pm on Friday 28 May.
For more information contact Samantha Childs at samantha@elfridacamden.org.uk or on 020 7424 1617.
We are open for applications from students who have an EHCP for a September 2021 start date and we are able to support transitions from secondary school or other college to the Leighton College.

Talk for Health

Free Special Event hosted by Molly Carroll, a Talk for Health Trainer on Whose Story is it anyway? on Wednesday 26th May 2021 (6-7.30pm) or a free Talk for Health Taster on Tuesday 8th June 2021 (6-8pm)

Camden Safeguarding Children’s Partnership Courses

The Partnership has a range of courses including Engaging Fathers, Youth Gambling, Early Help and Child Exploitation. Full details on our Safeguarding page (scroll to bottom).

HCA Arts Programmes

Holborn Community Association are now accepting applications from young people aged 14-24 to participate in their flagship Summer Film Project, this year in partnership with the incredible London Transport Museum.  
The project will run on Saturdays from 12th June to 17th July,  with a two week summer holiday program, weekdays 26th July to 6th August, 10am-5pm.
More info: here and watch the project promo here
Request application details: email chloe.plumb@holborncommunity.co.uk or call 07790378396 stating the young person’s full name, date of birth, borough of residence and a contact number.  Deadline: 10am Monday 24th May

Camden Coproduction Network Meeting

The  fourth Camden Co-production Network Meeting is on 17 June 2021
Camden who have agreed to be guest presenter(s) and will share a particular aspect of their work working with Camden residents to award funds – participatory funding
On Zoom. To join or for inquiries contact Participation@Camden.gov.uk

Small Charity – Big Spaces

Tuesday 15 June, 10:00 – 12:00
A Community Matters event for Community Organisations on Big Advice Day, part of Small Charities Week.
This is an opportunity to pause and consider how to be in a strong place to move forwards for the future. Book here.

Volunteer Managers’ Forum

25th May, 10am
As always the topics will be varied, and can be anything related to managing volunteers. These can be decided by you on the day or feel free to let us know what you would like to talk about in advance.
This event is free to attend and is open to volunteer managers everywhere. Full details and booking at Eventbrite.

Construction Youth Trust Project 16th – 20th August

This free 5 day course will be delivered by Kings Cross Construction and Skills Centre and is aimed at female Camden residents aged 16-30.
For more information or to register a resident you are currently supporting, please email pearl.o’keeffe@constructionyouth.org.uk

London Festival of Ideas

Toolkit launches on the 17th of May, + information sessions and applications will open for small grants to informal groups or organisations with a turnover of less than £100k to host activity during the festival. 28 June – 23 July 2021
Register for an information session below.
Register 18 May 11-12:30
Register 25 May 15:00-16:30
For more information, email: civilsociety@london.gov.uk

C&I Recovery College Summer term course guide

Recovery College runs until 16 July.  Courses will be online using Microsoft Teams, with some courses also available as Youtube videos. Full details here.

Art Therapy with Likewise

Sessions are for over 18s and are free and are currently being held online or over the phone. If you, or anyone you know, could benefit from a supportive space with a creative focus, please contact  learning@likewise.org.uk / 020 7278 4437 for more information. Or referrals can be made online.

Community Journalism Training

Camden Disability Action has launched an exciting new Community Journalism training programme for Disabled people in Camden. The aim of the programme is to help Disabled people tell our stories, get our voices heard and press for change.  Find out more.  There is a budget to support deaf people to attend.
Contact Tom McDonough: tom@camdendisabilityaction.org.uk 07908746927

The Camden Safeguarding Children Partnership

Virtual safeguarding training programme for Summer Term 2021 including Engaging Fathers in Safeguarding; Understanding Early Help in Camden; Contributing to Child Protection Case Conferences; Child Exploitation and many more. Full programme here.

Introduction to domestic violence and abuse e-learning

This e-learning can be accessed by VCS organisations that solely support Camden residents. It is for those that would like to gain an awareness on domestic violence and abuse. It will provide you with an introduction to what the types and signs of abuse are, how to respond and what actions to take.
Access the e-learning via the L&D Hub if you already have an account. If you are from a VCS organisation without an account for the L&D Hub please find details here  on how to sign-up.

Castlehaven seeks Environmental Engagement Project Manager

Castlehaven are currently looking for the perfect candidate to manage our highly respected environmental projects here at Castlehaven.  Are you passionate about gardening, nature and people? Would you like to work in the heart of Camden Town for an award-winning community association, managing our urban environmental projects? Full details here.  Closing 6 June.

Camden Cabinet Office – External Recruitment

Camden is recruiting 3 Cabinet Officer roles working directly to Cabinet Members supporting them in their day-to-day and policy portfolios. Excellent opportunities for growth and development and an entry into local government. Interest from Camden residents and community partners welcome.
The closing date is the 25th May 2021.  Apply here.

Calthorpe Community Garden, Seeks Chair

Calthorpe Community Garden, a green oasis in central London, exists to improve the physical and emotional wellbeing of the local community. We are seeking a Chair who is a seasoned professional with outstanding communication skills and a strong steer on governance. The Chair will lead the Board of Trustees by example, providing a collaborative framework to discuss, decide and implement matters of strategic importance to comply with Calthorpe’s charitable objectives. For a full job description please email: calthorpetrustees@gmail.com. Closing date: 5pm on 11th June 2021.

Castlehaven’s Food Bank Needs Volunteers

Every week Castlehaven’s food bank feeds roughly 200 local residentsts in Camden. As life is returning to ‘normality’ and people are heading back to work we’re in need of more volunteers every Thursday to keep our food bank running. Email sharon@castlehaven.org.uk to get involved.

Cranfield Trust is looking for Trustees

Trustees are being recruited including someone with experience of leading a small charity focused on people’s welfare. Staff and trustees have a commitment to increasing the diversity of the Trust’s work and its Board and welcome contact from people from Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic backgrounds, from people with a disability and from younger people. Previous experience of being a charity trustee is not necessary and there can be plenty of support for someone new to that role.
The closing date is 11 June. Full details from Jim Lennard,  james.lennard@cranfieldtrust.org

Learning Disability Network London are Recruiting

LDN London are now paying the London Living Wage for Support Workers (£21,157). We have positions available across Camden, Westminster, K&C and Islington.  Join our team and make a difference.  Details here.

Get Fit, Get Active, Get Gardening

Do you love the great outdoors, gardening and green spaces? Castlehaven Community Association need volunteers every Wednesday from 10:30 am – 2:30 pm to help maintain Castlehaven’s community parks in the heart of Camden Town.
All sessions are led by fully trained staff, and we’ll provide all the training, tools and equipment you’ll need. Email nichola@castlehaven.org.uk to get involved.

COVID-19 Health Champions

Join the COVID-19 Health Champion movement to get the latest advice and guidance about COVID-19 so that you can help and share the information with your community, and let us know what is and isn’t working. You can access trusted information through regular updates and weekly online drop-in sessions about the vaccine, testing and more.
If you work, live or volunteer in Camden, simply complete the form here to sign up! If you’ve got questions, email CHC@islington.gov.uk.

Hopscotch Homecare urgently need Care Workers.

Hopscotch Homecare are a very caring,well-established and expanding care agency that has been providing care workers to clients in and around Camden for 20 years. We are looking for care workers who would like to help our clients to continue living safely and independently in their own homes.
Day/Night hours available and must be able to work at least two late shifts a week and alternate weekends  Contact:recruitment@hopscotchawc.org.uk

Paid work opportunities for people who have been laid off/ reduced income

Local Adult social care providers are still recruiting, and as they support the NHS to move vulnerable adults out of hospital to stay well at home, their need is growing. Contact Proud to Care.

Get a Free Gym Pass at Central YMCA Club

The YMCA Club is London’s friendliest, largest and most iconic gym. With a 25m indoor pool, a 2-tier cardio zone, free weights room and an extensive class timetable, there is something for everyone. The YMCA Club is different than other gyms, it has a true sense of community and our members say they they feel at home and accepted here and that they can improve their wellbeing while reaching their goals.
If you’d like to try it out for yourself you can get a free pass here

Central YMCA Programmes for Children and Young People

Central YMCA run a range of programmes for 4 to 14 year olds at YMCA Club, including action-packed Holiday Playschemes, After School Sports, Swim School and Youth Memberships. Our programme supports children to develop physical skills, whilst promoting inclusivity, positive health and wellbeing. The Club also has a Youth Membership programme for 13 to 18 year olds and accept Young Volunteers from the age of 15. Find out more here.

Tricky Period Pickup Locations

All pick up points can be accessed by anyone in need.
You do not need an address, proof of income or have any links with the pick up point venue (unless otherwise stated). Full list here.

Google Career Certificates

Camden, Google and Coursera are offering free professional training to 500 Camden residents.
There are four programmes to choose from: IT Support, Data Analysis, Project Management and UX Design. You don’t need any experience or a degree to take part in a course, just an interest in starting a new career.
Residents can register for the free courses here

Home Office consultation on new venues “Protect Duty”

The new duty would mean that owners and operators of publicly accessible buildings and spaces (including community centres and places of worship) would need to take appropriate and proportionate measures to protect the public from terrorist attacks. Details here.  Respond by 2nd July.

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service

Nominations for 2022 are now open.  Find out more here.

We Make Camden Nominations

Nominate a Camden organisation, group of residents, business or team within the NHS or other public service to be recognised for their amazing efforts since the pandemic began. Email camdentalking@camden.gov.uk

Camden residents wellbeing flyer

Public Health have put together a wellbeing flyer for Camden residents which includes a range of things residents can do to look after themselves, and support that’s available right now.
Contact Tanvi Barreto Tanvi.barreto@islington.gov.uk; if you have any queries.

Keeping The Community Directory Up-to-date

As we enter Autumn lots is changing.  Buildings are starting to re-open, some activities are moving back into the real world, some food parcel deliveries have ended, while other food projects continue.  Help us to keep the directory up-to-date by updating your details as they change.
If you would like to make a new entry in the directory use this link.   If you would like to update an existing entry look out for an email from us early next week with a unique link for you to update.
View the Directory here.  View the map here.

How to Volunteer and How to Recruit Volunteers in Camden

Volunteer in Camden at Time to Spare.
Volunteer for the NHS at GoodSAM.
Join a neighbourhood Mutual Aid group.
Organisations that are signed up to Time to Spare can now request volunteers through a brokerage team making it much easier to access the volunteers. The brokers can help match volunteers with voluntary and community organisations who have a need for verified/ vetted volunteers. The service will also help to verify or carry out new DBS check with volunteers.
Get support and resources from Volunteer Centre Camden
The council has a  page of resources to help community organisations

Keep in touch and up-to-date via the e-bulletin and @onecamden twitter.  We have a comprehensive COVID-19 update page and a resources page.

Our mailing address is:
Charlie Ratchford Centre, Belmont Street, London, NW1 8HF

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