Voluntary Action Camden e-bulletin 22nd March 2019

We Make Camden

Celebrate Camden’s diversity and the people who make the place.
Camden council are hosting an exciting free evening which will bring together communities and action-packed performances from a variety of special guests. Focused on stories from across the borough, hear about the inspiring journeys, memories and reflections that have inspired our residents and helped to create the vibrant, diverse and rebellious spirit of Camden. Help us to celebrate the people, stories and communities that make Camden.
Thursday 4 April 6 – 8pm.  Book at Eventbrite.

Camden Special Parents Forum Feedback Day

Come along to get together with other Camden parents of children & young people (0-25 yrs) with SEND
Friday 29th March,10am-2pm at ORT House Conference Centre, 126 Albert Street, Camden, NW1 7NE. To find out more: Email: maria.schultz@kids.org.uk. Text: 07826 671 523. Call: KIDS on 020 7431 8476

NHS Long Term Plan Questionnaire – What would you do?

Healthwatch Camden want to hear your views about what your local NHS can do to help you and your community stay well, and to provide better support.
Please take a moment to complete the online survey. What you say will help the NHS to develop plans for the future.
If you prefer you can also complete the survey in Easy Read and find further information in BSL

Proposed new hospital needs your views

Come and join the discussion on the future for Moorfields Eye Hospital.
Oriel is the proposal to build a brand new centre for world-class eye care, leading-edge research and professional training. The new centre would replace the current Moorfields Eye Hospital on City Road in London.
There will be a public consultation later this year, but we want to hear views before then.  The Oriel team will be holding two sessions in Camden on Wednesday 3 April at The Charlie Ratchford Centre.
3 April 2.30pm – 4pm, Charlie Ratchford Centre, Belmont St, NW1 8HF. Book
3 April 6pm – 7.30pm, Charlie Ratchford Centre, Belmont St, NW1 8HF Book

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

Our Space Award

Deadline soon (5pm, Wed 27 March) but the fund is currently undersubscribed.
The Our Space Award is a grant scheme that aims to help Londoners green their city through active community engagement and participation. It will support Londoners of all ages and backgrounds, communities and schools in improving community open spaces, making them inclusive places for all to enjoy.

Rosa’s ‘Voices from the Frontline’ Opens for Applications

Funding to support women’s organisations to ‘shine a light’ on their fight for gender equality in the UK. Grants of between £500 and £5,000 are being made available to women’s sector voluntary and community organisations in the UK to pay for increasing the skills, capacity, credibility and effectiveness of women who wish to challenge gender inequality and promote awareness and change.
Rosa will be holding two “How to Apply” webinars: one on 27 March (11am to 12pm) and the other on 30 April (12.30pm to 13.30pm)
Deadline for applications is 14 May (5pm). Full details here.

Youth Safety Fund to Support Projects Aimed at Preventing Youth Violence

Open until Sunday 31 March.
Bids to the fund must be made by partnerships of at least two bodies, which can include public sector, schools, charities, voluntary and community orgs.
Local young people will be among those on the panels to assess applications, for projects running for one or two years under two categories:
• Under £5,000 per year (£10,000 total)
• £5,000 to £25,000 per year (£50,000 total).
This is the first of two opportunities to apply to the Youth Safety Fund, with another due in late 2019 / early 2020.
To find out more and download an expression of interest application form please visit  www.camden.gov.uk/youthsafetytaskforce.
If you have any questions about Youth Safety Fund or application process please contact youthsafety@camden.gov.uk

Camden Giving Kings Cross Fund

Camden Giving’s KX Fund will soon open for applications. It aims to increase:
~ Social Cohesion
~ Employment opportunities
~ Quality and access to natural environments
Full details at Camden Giving.  closing date midnight, 17 April

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.

International Women’s Day Talk at VAC

Friday 29th March (1-2.30 pm) at Voluntary Action Camden, Charlie Ratchford Centre we will be hosting a talk by Hiyam Elayan, Director of the Saraya Centre for Women and Young People. There will be a chance to purchase lunch from Cafe Palestina. All welcome.

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.

Coil

Learn the technique of hand coiling textiles, using cotton, wool and ribbon to explore shape and form and produce flat mats and coasters
This is a free five week course for Camden Residents.
Thursday 28th Feb – 28th March 1:00 – 3:00pm at The Haven, Castlehaven Community Centre, 23 Castlehaven Rd, NW1 8RU
For more details contact Mandira 0207 284 6573 or Erica 0207269 6035 or Elisha 020 7241 8996

Safeguarding Courses from VAC in 2019

Safeguarding Advanced: Developing knowledge and understanding.

Tuesday 26th March, 9.45am – 2.30pm (Includes lunch)
If you work frequently with children and their families, it is essential that your organisation has up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding legislation and child protection procedures. This Advanced course is designed to develop existing understanding of the safeguarding process through a variety of written text, case studies and interactive exercises.
Suitable for anyone who has attended safeguarding training previously and would like to update their knowledge and skills further, including volunteers and workers of all levels.  The training will cover the following:
• Department for Education’s updated statutory guidance
• Myth Busting & Social Care
• Awareness of current issues / Understanding emerging forms of abuse.
• Safeguarding awareness & assessing need: Race, culture, gender and ability.
• Dealing with disclosures
• Safeguarding in Camden, thresholds and the role of professionals.
To find out more book email Dianne Carlton-Ogunyemi

Introduction to Safeguarding for Trustees.

Wednesday 27th March: 9.45am – 1.00pm
The Charity Commission for England and Wales recently stated that safeguarding should be a key governance priority for all charity trustees.
There has never been a better time to make sure your charity is doing all it can to protect children and young people at risk.
• Understand, review and manage the safeguarding arrangements in your organisation.
• Ensure your charity is meeting its legal ‘safeguarding duty of care’.
To find out more information or to book your place please email Dianne Carlton-Ogunyemi at: dogunyemi@vac.org.uk 

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

Greenwood Centre tours & networking evening

The Greenwood Centre is the home of the new Camden Centre for Independent Living. There are a variety of indoor & outdoor spaces including a large hall suitable for conferences & activities, recording/rehearsal music studio, arts room, IT suite, roof terraces, and lots more. All spaces for rental to groups, and we’re interested in exploring partnerships to provide activities & services for disabled people in Camden. 4:30pm – 5.30pm, Tuesday 2nd April.
We are also running a free one-off networking evening 5pm to 7pm on Thursday 28th March, open to anyone working in the charity sector in Camden, or whose charity does any work in Camden. We also welcome those from other sectors who currently work with, or want to work with us Camden charities.
The Greenwood Centre, 37 Greenwood Place, NW5 1LB.
RSVP to gus@camdendisabilityaction.org.uk
Our building is fully accessible, and we are happy meet access needs or provide a BSL interpreter.

Design Ideas for Somers Town Festival

The British Library are giving up the Library’s Piazza to all things Somers Town and are partnering with Central St Martin around ‘decorating’ the Piazza for the Somers Town Festival.
We will be running group workshops with Local groups interested in getting involved in April.
• Tuesday 18th April 2pm-8:45pm, The British Library’s Foyle Suite
• Wednesday 17th April
• Thursday 18th April 12pm-8pm  The British Library’s Foyle Suite
• Tuesday 23rd April
Interested?  Please RSVP to Amber Perrier on 07796 315 369/ 020 7412 7250 or email Amber.Perrier@bl.uk

Health and Wellbeing Event

Health and Wellbeing in the vcs event hosted by Strategic Partners in conjunction with the Community Partnership Team and Public Health.
This is an opportunity to find out about some of the initiatives that are happening, as well as about services and resources that are available to support your organisation’s Health and Wellbeing offer.
27th March 9.30am – 12.30pm at 17/19 Triton Street, Regent’s Place, NW1
There will be info stalls and presentations. RSVP to vcs@camden.gov.uk

IT Advice Sessions at The New Greenwood Centre

Every Wednesday between 10am and 12pm in the IT Suite at the Greenwood Centre Camden Adult Education Service will deliver IT/computer drop in sessions  specifically designed for people that maybe have a specific IT issue or wish to know how to use their own gadgets better.
37 Greenwood Place, Kentish Town, London NW5 1LB

Camden Family Members Reference Group

A group for family carers of adults with learning disabilities
3 April 10.30-12.30pm followed by lunch at Charlie Ratchford, Belmont Street
Find out about financial assessments and benefits and ask questions:
– David Kinloch – Service Manager, Awards and Contributions Team
– Gill Catherall – Welfare Rights Team Manager
Email Philippa for more information: philippa@camdencarers.org.uk

Leighton College Event

11am on Thursday 28th March  is the launch of FLIP, the new Leighton College student magazine. Leighton College is a small SEN Further Education Provision based in Kentish Town for young adults with mild to moderate learning disabilities. Phone 02074241601 if you have any questions.
There are upcoming Leighton College coffee mornings for parents, carers and professionals to find out more about the college on 22nd March and 19th April. RSVP Sousan, sousan@elfridacamden.org.uk. Applications for Sept now open.

Camden Carers Centre Annual General Meeting

Thursday 4th of April 3.30-5pm (networking and refreshments until 5.30pm)
A chance to hear directly from carers in Camden
A chance to hear what’s happening at the Carers Centre and speak with Trustees and staff. Exhibition of carers art work. Speakers include: Carers; Baroness Glenys Thornton; Keir Starmer MP
From 5.30 to 7.30 Camden Carers Voice will be holding their first evening meeting; you are welcome to attend all or part of this too.

Camden Intergenerational Network

Wednesday 8th May 2.15pm for tea or coffee, meeting 2.30pm – 5.00pm.
At Age UK Camden, Tavis House, 1-6 Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9NA.
if you have any questions, would like to join the Network, or know someone who would, please contact Lydia.Shellien-Walker@AgeUKCamden.org.uk.

Maiden Lane Community Centre Jobs and Training Fair

17 April 2019 – 12-5PM At The London Irish Centre
50-52 Camden Square, London NW1 9XB
Please contact Naz if you would like a stall to  promote job, training or volunteer opportunities. nazrul@maidenlanecommunitycentre.org tel: 020 7267 9586

HostNation refugee befriending charity

We’re looking to recruit one or two new trustees to our Board to help provide governance and strategic guidance and are particularly looking for Trustees with some lived experience of building a new life as a refugee.  More information on HostNation and how to apply can be found at this link or any candidates can express interest by emailing us at info@hostnation.org.uk

Care Navigation Administrator

Our Care Navigation Service aims to help people living with long term health conditions to access appropriate services. The volunteers will support the service gathering feedback from clients over the phone, using a questionnaire.
~ You will gain an insight into how the Care Navigation service works.
~ You’ll gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact older people’s lives
~ You’ll have an opportunity to build confidence and skills engaging with older people, communication skills and gathering information.
You must be available a few hours a week at a time agreed with the service manager (generally Monday to Friday). For more information see the website or email Volunteer@ageukcamden.org.uk

Volunteer Group Facilitators Camden Refuge Services

Do you have a skill or talent that you would love to share with female survivors of domestic abuse? We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to run fun, healing and/or creative workshops or groups at our multiple needs women’s refuge and our generic refuges in Camden. The ideal candidate must have the appropriate qualifications & training. We welcome hearing from you with any skills, experience or interests you have that could help support survivors on their healing journey.
For further information and to apply for either of the above roles please visit our website and complete the application forms. Deadline 12th April 2019.

Camden Giving is Recruiting Grant Panel Members with Disabilities

The Inclusive Community Fund exists to make existing services more accessible for disabled people. We are looking to appoint 6 Camden residents who are living with a physical, learning or mental health disability to sit on the panel and design the Fund in a way that they know works well.
Find out more at the Camden Giving website or fill out a nomination form with this link: https://doodle.com/poll/b6cf7ar6hbmwzh7m
Send an updated CV and cover later explaining why you would like to be on the panel but we are willing to be flexible and accept applications in forms that suit our applicants for example a phone or video call on 07717595605.

Calthorpe Project seeks Children’s Weekend Sport & Physical Activity Co-ordinator (pt)

An exceptional person needed to join our weekend staff team bringing environmental play opportunities to children living in and around Kings Cross. Our Access to Nature project includes food growing, healthy eating, nature watch, arts and forest school style activities.
Salary £8826 gross annually for 12 hour weekend.
Download the application pack from  www.calthorpeproject.org.uk
Or request the documents by emailing ray@calthorpeproject.org.uk
Deadline 5pm Monday, 1st April Interviews – 6th April

Latin American House seeks Book Keeper

The candidate will work alongside the Finance Officer and Director. £14.5/h 6 hours/ week. Role involves responsibility for entries in Sage and assisting in the financial transactions. The candidate will be studying towards becoming a qualified accountant. Basic Spanish an advantage. More information:  info@casalatina.org.uk with the subject “Book Keeper at Latin American House” or call 020 7372 8653 for further information.

Volunteer with VAC and develop experience and skills in public health

VAC provide training, and work opportunities for Camden volunteers who can commit 2 hours per week.
We offer free Royal Society of Public Health (RSPH) training to volunteer Health Advocates for Community Links, part of a new Care Navigation and Social Prescribing service in Camden. Community Links Health Advocates signpost residents to community based activities and help with formal referrals where community based activities are needed alongside clinical care.
Contact: Mandira Manandhar, Community Links Co-ordinator (Mon, Tues and Thurs) 020 7284 6550/6573 or email: mmanandhar@vac.org.uk

VAC is recruiting Volunteers to help us in our New Building in Chalk Farm

VAC has recently moved to a new home at Charlie Ratchford Centre, Belmont Street, NW1. We are sharing the building with Camden Carers and Camden Disability Action.  It is a very busy building with lots of visitors and events.
We are recruiting volunteer receptionists to be the first point of contact for visitors. I You will be an important member of the VAC team of volunteers and staff and will have access to training and ongoing support.
Contact Kevin Nunan at VAC on 020 7284 6557 or knunan@vac.org.uk

Free opportunity: US student placements

WPI, a prestigious American university is seeking opportunities to work with community organisations in Camden. The university organises 7-week placements for small teams of highly-skilled and motivated students to undertake projects at host organisations across London. Details here.
Please contact Naomi Pollard, Project Coordinator by 5th April 2019 if your organisation is interested in finding out more about this opportunity.

We Make Camden

To celebrate the people behind the place, we are inviting Camden residents to share their experiences, memories, hopes, journeys and reflections about their time in the borough. We are aiming to create a shared sense of pride and build a picture of the people that have helped to shape Camden’s communities.
These stories will form part of a campaign to celebrate Camden’s diversity and create a shared sense of belonging.
For more information and to get involved, please contact Jessica.Black@camden.gov.uk / 020 7974 2141

Need a Meeting Room near Chalk Farm?

VAC now has 3 new rooms to hire out for Events/Training, etc. at our new base in the Charlie Ratchford Centre in Chalk Farm.
There is a large room for up to 60 people, ideal for large events.
The training room can hold up to 20 people comfortably for training/workshops
The Lounge is a open area for anything that is not confidential and can hold up to 20 people. Smartboard, level access throughout, reasonable prices.
Rates and full details on the VAC website.

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

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