Voluntary Action Camden e-bulletin 22nd June 2018

Refugee Week Events

Sounds of Syria at Conway Hall
A concert by the London Syrian Ensemble
Saturday 23 June
Summer Fair on Islington Green
Dance to world music, feast on global street food and buy local crafts.
Saturday 23 June
Moving stories at the British Museum
Sunday 24 June
A full day of performances, films and workshops and a free showing of Ai Weiwei’s ‘Human Flow’.  More events at the Refugee Week website.

Age UK Camden Somali Coffee Morning

Talaado Bisha 17th July 10.30 – 12.30 at Tavis House, 1-6 Tavis Square, WC1
Iska waran! Join us for our Somali coffee and information morning with a speaker from Camden Carers. If you would like to find out more about this free event then call us on 020 7239 0400

Kingsgate Workshops Open Studios

22 – 24 June
40 Years of Kingsgate www.kingsgateworkshops.org.uk

Free Community Festival at Parliament Hill Bandstand

1st July 1-5pm Please join Heath Hands for our inaugural community festival at the Parliament Hill bandstand, supported by Camden Festival Fund. Free South Asian dancing, live music, crafts, art, Zumba, nature activities for all the family. Bring a picnic and join in the fun.

British Library Events

Community Eid Show and Tell Tuesday 10th July at 2:30pm
Get up close and personal with the British Library’s collection celebrating ‘Eid’ we’ll have experts on hand to answer your questions.
Community Curator’s Talk Windrush: Songs in a strange land
Friday 29th June 12:00- 2.00pm
Join the community engagement team for a curator’s talk of our newest exhibition Windrush: Songs in a strange land. If you are a local resident and would like to attend, please contact Amber or Emma.
Contact Amber Perrier amber.perrier@bl.uk Tel: 020 7412 7250

Healthwatch Camden ‘Community Forum’

Healthwatch Camden will be hosting our annual ‘Community Forum’, followed by our regular Board Meeting, on Tuesday 26th June 2018.
• 4.30pm – 5.45pm Community Forum
• 6.00pm – 8.00pm Board Meeting
At the St Pancras & Somers Town Living Centre 2 Ossulston St, NW1 1DF
RSVP:info@healthwatchcamden.co.uk or Tel: 020 7383 2402
Please confirm any dietary & access requirements, by 12th June 2018

Deaf Question Time about the New Centre for Independent Living

We need your support and voice for our new Centre for Independent Living.
Wednesday 4th July, 7 – 9pm at Charlie Ratchford Centre, Belmont Street, NW1. All Camden deaf residents welcome.
No need to book – just turn up.

Volunteer Centre Camden News

Catch up with all things volunteering with the VCC newsletter

Camden Disability Action

Catch up with the latest news from Camden Disability Action.

Community spaces sold off ‘on a massive scale’ for private use, finds report

More than 4,000 public spaces are being sold off every year and being “lost to the community forever”, according to a report published by Locality.
The representative body for community organisation has published The Great British Sell Off today, revealing that on average 4,131 public buildings and spaces, such as libraries, youth centres and swimming pools are sold off each year.  See more Civil Society
Locality is calling for a new fund to enable asset transfer to local community organisations.

Camden Thyroid Trust Group Have an Impact

The Thyroid Trust who meet regularly at Crown Court Church in Covent Garden were mentioned several times in the House of Lords in a significant debate for thyroid patients on access to the drug liothyronine, having worked very hard to brief members of the house in advance. Lord Hunt secured commitments from the Minister, Lord Shaughnessy that the recent pricing and access issues which have caused so much hardship for patients will now be addressed,  Full details on the website

See the Funding pages on VAC’s website for all the latest information.

Culture Seeds

This is a two-year rolling programme, so you can apply at any time for funding between £1,000-£5,000. Culture Seeds is part of the Mayor of London’s draft Strategy for Culture, Culture for all Londoners.
The new grants will be used to support community-led cultural projects in every London borough and will support not-for-profit, small or informal organisations and groups as well as individuals as it is often harder for them to access funding. Full details at the Mayor’s website.

Mayor of London Civic Innovation Challenge

The Mayor of London’s Civic Innovation Challenge is appealing to tech start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to develop innovative solutions to London’s biggest challenges.
The programme focuses on three major issues facing London: Ageing Population; Climate Change and Inequality
There are seven Civic Innovation Challenges including; Dementia Services; Financial Inclusion & Digital Skills; Loneliness & Isolation; Physical Activity
Applications are open until 23:59 on Sunday 8 July 2018. Full details here.

Edge Fund is open –  deadline Sunday 24th June

To apply for a grant of up to £3,000 you need to fill in a relatively short application form. Make sure you have read our funding criteria, and check out the Frequently Asked Questions page. If you need any support or assistance please get in touch!
The funding process is democratic and participatory, and involves people working on and directly affected by the issues you are campaigning on. We hope this makes the process fair and accountable to applicants and our members. Please check out this page for more information about how our funding process works.

The HS2 Camden Fund

The Camden Fund aims to strengthen the sense of place and alleviate the disruption of the development of HS2 Ltd. on local people by achieving one or more of the following aims:
1. A Happier and Healthier Camden
2. A Better Connected Camden
3. A Stronger Voluntary and Community Sector
We aim to inform applicants of the result of their application within 16 weeks. Applicants can submit applications at any point between midnight on the 15th May 2018 and midnight on the 14th May 2020. Full details at Camden Giving.

Comic Relief’s Tackling Violence against Women and Girls

Comic Relief’s Tackling Violence against Women and Girls initiative is worth £4 million and has grants available for organisations that are working to end violence and abuse experienced by women and girls across the UK. Provided by Comic Relief, and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the UK’s Devolved Administrations. The Government funds have been raised through the Tampon Tax. Closes 2nd July.

Ageing Better in Camden Community Activity Programme Invitation to Tender and Meetings

Ageing Better in Camden has identified a need for an increased number of supportive activities for older people over 60 across Camden. We are therefore commissioning a programme of organisations to deliver ‘Gold Standard’ Community Activities to enable older people to attend supportive and well run activities in their local community. The aim is to help older people reduce their social isolation and loneliness, as well as make connections and build networks.    Deadline Wednesday 4th July. See the website for details.

Healthy Minds Programme with Mind in Camden

The latest Healthy Minds community programme is now available.  A range of activities are available from VAC, Mary Ward, Mind in Camden, BWA, Good Gym, the Round House and more.  Find out what’s on and how to book.

Healthy Minds Activities – Try something new this summer

Zumba – 2nd and 9th July
Have fun and keep fit at the same time. Zumba is a fusion of Latin American dances and simple aerobic and fitness steps.
Paper Jewellery – 16th and 23rd July
Learn to make beautiful paper necklaces and bracelets with this fun technique that uses decorative papers and beads. Sessions run from 10:00 – 11:00am.
Zumba – St Pancras & Somers Town Living Ctr, 2 Ossulston St
Paper Jewellery –  Charlie Ratchford, Belmont Street, London, NW1
For more details contact Mandira 0207 284 6573 or Erica 0207269 6035
Further events on the VAC events calendar.

VAC Membership Update

It’s time to renew your VAC membership.  We’ve recently made membership free for everyone (not just unfunded groups).  So take advantage and join up with other voluntary organsations in Camden.  We’ve sent an email directly to existing members – that’s the easiest way to update your details –  so look out for that email in your inbox (it’s from info@vac.org.uk). If you didn’t get the email you can sign up at this link – it’s quick and easy. Take a look at our latest Annual Report and an overview of our work.

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

Mighty Oaks Confidence Building Course

Fridays 29th June, 6th July, 13th July and Wed 18th July 10am – 12.30pm
at West Euston Partnership, 29-31 Hampstead Road, London NW1 3JA
Our qualified coach will help you gain a more positive mindset and take action to achieve your goals. Feedback on our previous courses has been excellent.
For more information, you can also watch this short video: https://vimeo.com/273402040

How to Be Self Employed

Tuesday 10th July, 10am – 2pm at West Euston Partnership, 29-31 Hampstead Road, London NW1 3JA
This is a very useful beginners’ guide for people interested in the idea of working freelance. You will receive tips on:
~ Marketing and Promoton
~ Securing Finance
~ Knowing Your Competitors
~ Drafting A Business Plan
~ Registering Yourself as Self Employed
To book contact David Hermanstein on 07908845154/020 7388 7932 or email david.hermanstein@camden.gov.uk

Camden Community Festivals

For a full list of Community Festivals happening in Camden this year, visit the Camden Community Festivals page on the VAC website.

Community Breakfast

Come and join us for breakfast in the beautiful Skip Garden, only a 10-minute walk from King’s Cross on Thursday 5th July.
We’ll be having food, chatting about life in Camden, and asking you for your thoughts about a new project we’re developing where local Camden people help their friends and neighbours.
All free, all welcome (but only 30 breakfast places available so book early!). Community organisations welcome to book multiple places. Let us know if you have any special diet when you book so we can make sure we have the right food and drink for you.
Come and shape how we think – and have a lovely breakfast at the same time.

Camden Mela

Promoting Community Cohesion and Celebrating Diversity with music, stalls, funfair, dance and instruments
Sunday 15th July Coram’s Fields 93 Guilford Street WC1N
Mela 12-6.00pm. Parade from 2.30-3.00pm
To participate in the parade on the day please meet by the stage in Coram’s Fields at 2:00pm.
For further information and stall bookings please contact:
Nasim Ali Tel: 07852 223403 or  Email: Nasim.ali@kcbna.org.uk

Camden Summer University

Young people can choose from more than 70 free courses in arts, sport and life skills at top local venues, as Camden Summer University returns. Course bookings go live from Monday 18 June. Courses run from 26 July to 24 August,
You can enrol if you’re aged 13 to 19 and either live in Camden, go to a local state school or attend a council-run youth centre.

Deafblind UK, Deafblind Awareness Day

Wednesday 27th June, 11am—2pm
The Pirate Castle, 33 Oval Rd, Camden Town, London NW1 7EA
Come along and meet experts from a range of organisations specialising in sight and hearing loss. Free to attend, refreshments provided. Speak to experts about any concerns you may have and find out what support is available.
For more information, contact Sue Sinton Smith, sue.sintonsmith@deafblind.org.uk  Tel: 07940836882

Two New Jobs at CDA/Centre for Independent Living

Engagement Officer
Information and Communications Officer
Camden Centre for Independent Living (Camden CIL) is a new service, run and controlled by disabled people. Its main purpose is to improve the life chances of disabled people in Camden and to promote the empowerment of Deaf and Disabled people in their everyday life.
For further details please contact Len Lauk on abhatt@vac.org.uk
NOTE: Closing Date for both jobs extended to 28th June.
Application pack can be downloaded from the CDA website.

Castlehaven Community Centre seeks Marketing & Social Media Co-ordinator

Key responsibilities include:
Support Operations Manager to deliver public communication for all charitable projects, community initiatives & social enterprises. In particular:
– Manage the marketing requirements of Community Association and maintain all social media platforms related to it.
– Work alongside the Operations Manager to create and implement offline and online creative strategies.
– Co-ordinate the marketing of internal and external Community Associations activities, events and projects.
– Create photographic and video content plus an ability to edit.
Full details here.

External Auditors Required The Caraf Centre

The Caraf Centre is a small educational charity with a turnover of less than £300,000 working with BAME & disadvantaged communities in Camden.
We are currently seeking an independent auditor with previous experience of working within the charity sector.
Please register your interest with the Board of Trustees or for further information please contact Akhita Benjamin on 020 7 284 0030 or akhita.benjamin@thecarafcentre.org.uk

Leighton College Course Leader at Elfrida Rathbone Camden

Hours: 28 hours per week Term time only
Salary: £29,424–£31,141 (term time only, pro-rata salary £20,132 – £21,307)
Responsible to: Education Manager
Closing Date: Monday 25th June 2018, 5pm
To apply and for a full job description, please go to the website www.elfridacamden.org.uk/work-with-us/
If you have any questions please ring Sousan Luqman on 020 7424 1617 or email sousan@elfridacamden.org.uk.

Become a volunteer mentor with The Kids Network

The Kids Network is looking for committed, fun and passionate volunteers to make a difference to a little Londoner.
Our structured mentoring programme is supporting 8-11 year olds at weekends with their social emotional development before they transition into secondary school. As a mentor, you will hold weekly sessions of 2-3 hours with a child. You will be building confidence, supporting resilience and helping your matched child to manage feelings through a series of fun and positive experiences and activities. What we need from you:
~ A minimum of 10 consecutive weekends from July 2018
~ Be available to volunteer once a weekend for up to a year
~ Attend our training day on 7th July 2018 (a Saturday)
Contact Carole on 07378311397 or email: c.muriithi@thekidsnetwork.org.uk

Clean Break seeks Trustees – Finance Committee Chair and Theatre Practitioner

Clean Break theatre company is looking for two women to join its Board of Trustees: one with the senior professional experience to chair its Finance Committee; the other a theatre practitioner with experience as a writer, director or actor. We particularly welcome applications from Black and Asian women.
If you share our interest in and commitment to social justice, women’s voices being heard, and theatre we’d be delighted to hear from you. In line with our policy and practice, the positions are open to women only.
To Apply: Clean Break’s website and download a Trustee Recruitment Pack.
Deadline: 17:00 Monday 25 June 2018 Interviews: Monday 16 July 2018
Clean break is also recruiting a new Executive Director

Citizens Advice Camden is seeking a Treasurer

This is an exciting opportunity for a treasurer to join our experienced and committed board of trustees. You will be a qualified accountant, ideally with some experience in the charity sector. You will have held the role of finance director in an organisation with a turnover in excess of £1 million. You will have experience in delivering change and developing new business models.
To apply please send a letter of application  along with your CV to lisa.yates@camdencabservice.org.uk.
Closing date 25 June. Interviews week commencing 9 July.  Full details here. 

Homestart Camden seeks Family Support Volunteer

Are you a parent, grandparent or have parenting experience? Can you give 3 – 4 hours weekly to visit a family with young children who may be going through a difficult time?
Enhance your skills with our training, supervision and fulfilling volunteer role
Next Preparation Training Starting 26th June to 19th July 2018 Every Tuesday to Thursday 6pm to 9pm
Certificates awarded & expenses paid
For information pack ring 020 7424 1603 email: info@homestartcamden.org or www.homestartcamden.org.uk

Camden Carers Centre is recruiting a Chair

Camden Carers Centre’s wonderful Chair is stepping down after 5 years in the role and we are looking for a new Chair. You would be joining the organisation at an exciting time; we have just secured a three year contract from Camden to continue to deliver services to carers in the borough.
To find out more please contact Allegra Lynch CEO for an informal chat on 020 7428 8950 or email allegra@camdencarers.org.uk for more info. A discussion with the current Chair to find out more about the role can also be arranged. Applicants will need to submit a CV and supporting statement by end of June.

VAC Membership Update

It’s time to renew your VAC membership.  We’ve recently made membership free for everyone (not just unfunded groups).  So take advantage and join up with other voluntary organsations in Camden.  We’ve sent an email directly to existing members – that’s the easiest way to update your details –  so look out for that email in your inbox (it’s from info@vac.org.uk). If you didn’t get the email you can sign up at this link – it’s quick and easy. Take a look at our latest Annual Report and an overview of our work.

Meeting Room Available

Garden Cabin meeting room hire at the Calthorpe project. Wifi, whiteboard and projector available. Seats 20 , boardroom style. £12.00 an hour for registered charities. Cafe on site. Close to Kings Cross. Please contact shirley@calthorpeproject.org.uk. Tel: 0207 837 8019 calthorpeproject.org.uk

VAC and GDPR

We’ve updated our privacy policy in line with GDPR and we are updating our membership records.  You can opt out of our communications at any time by clicking the unsubscribe button at the bottom of this email.

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