Voluntary Action Camden e-Bulletin 23rd October 2015

Trustees’ Week Event: ‘Piggy in the Middle – Can Trustees Please Everyone?’; Camden Council and Camden’s Voluntary and Community Sector Consultation Update; Needed: Service User representative on IAPT evaluation panel; VAC’s Mental Health Training Programme; Ageing Better in Camden Launch 12th November; Office with Consulting Rooms to Let; Training For New Volunteer Centre Online Matching Tool; Bloomsbury Festival; Musculoskeletal (MSK) Patient Focus Group; Young Women and the Construction Industry; Dementia Cafe; Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy; Strategic Cancer Partnership Group; + jobs, volunteers, events, training, offers and resources.

Trustees’ Week Event: ‘Piggy in the Middle – Can Trustees Please Everyone?’
Wednesday, 4th November 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
This round table discussion raises the issue of the multiple pressures that Trustees feel
The staff, users and funders all seem to have strong views on how trustees should be doing their job. Add to this a recent increase in interest from the press and the public and many trustees are left feeling like piggy-in-the-middle. Can you keep everyone happy? Should you by trying to keep everyone happy? VAC invite you to come along on Wednesday 4th November from 6.00 to 7.30pm to share your experiences of the competing pressures on charity trustees. The evening will start with a brief presentation from Kevin Nunan (VAC) looking at the recent interest in the sector from the public, criticisms from the regulator and how trustees have attempted to deal with it.
Cost: Free More information and to book at the VAC website.
Contact: Kevin knunan@vac.org.uk
 

Camden Council and Camden’s Voluntary and Community Sector Consultation Update
LB Camden’s consultation can be found here. The proposals can be found in a downloadable document here. You can give your views directly to the council via an online questionnaire. The closing date is 4th November so don’t delay.

Needed: Service User representative on IAPT evaluation panel
‘Improving Access to Psychological Therapies’ (IAPT) is a national programme to improve access to talking therapy treatment. The current contract for providing this in Camden comes to an end 31 March 2017. We are in the process of redesigning the service to ask people to bid to provide it. We need to make sure that when bids are being scored, service user views are at the centre. We are therefore seeking two people to sit on the evaluation panel that scores each bid.
The role will involve reading various documents, individually assessing and scoring bids and actively participating in group discussions with commissioners, clinicians and other professional colleagues. You will be reimbursed and supported in the role. We are looking for people who:
– Have lived experience of common mental health problems, and accessing IAPT services in Camden
– Are willing to commit to a minimum of 3 months engagement with a procurement process
– Are willing to represent the views of people with common mental health conditions
– Have good communication skills and are able and willing to read, sometimes complex, documents.
Sound like you? Please email mhinvolvement@camdenccg.nhs.uk or call 0203 688 2084 to express an interest by Monday 9th November 2015.

VAC’s Mental Health Training Programme
VAC has a full Mental Health Training Programme with a range of courses in the coming months. For example Stigma and Mental Health is a half-day workshop on 2nd November. To find out more, book spaces and view the full programme of courses please see the VAC Training section below.

Ageing Better in Camden Launch 12th November 2015
This morning only event aims to answer all your questions about Ageing Better in Camden – what it is; what it offers; how you can get involved. It is open to all and is aimed particularly at older people and people and organisations working with older people. It will have workshops, information stalls and introductory speeches. Please register at ageingbetterincamden@ageukcamden.org.uk or telephone 02072390400.
Ageing Better in Camden has published the Invitation to Tender information for the St Pancras and Somerstown Community Action Project. Please fill in the form to register your interest in tendering (and you will receive emails of any questions and answers that other bidders post). Deadline back 19th November 2pm. http://www.ageuk.org.uk/camden/ageing-better-in-camden/

Office with Consulting Rooms to Let – Good Price, Great Location
VAC has a medium size office to let that would suit a small organisation needing space for approximately 4 or 5 desks. Unusually, we are able to offer a up to 4 private consulting rooms as well. Conveniently located in Kentish Town will all usual mod cons. Contact Kevin at VAC knunan@vac.org.uk

Training For New Volunteer Centre Online Matching Tool (and Database) Volunteer Connect
Volunteer Connect will replace our use of the Do-it website (as well as our back-end database, reporting and matching tool).
We are planning a launch to the public in early December.
And that means that from December we will only promote your volunteering to people who want to volunteer in Camden if you are on Volunteer Connect.
With that in mind, we will be running a number of free masterclasses on how to use Volunteer Connect to add, amend and delete your volunteering opportunities.
We will offer two masterclasses on:
Thursday 29th October 10am-1pm or 2pm-5pm at our office in Kentish Town
We have allowed three hours for each one, but it should only take an hour or two of your time to get you started.
You can book in for any of the masterclasses on eventbrite here.
If you have any questions about this, contact Rupal by email or phone 020 7424 9990.

Bloomsbury Festival
The Festival is under way. One of today’s highlights is Goodensemble’s concert this evening at Goodenough College. There will be some tickets available on the door for a 7.30pm start. Other highlights include Olcay Bayir (FREE) 24th October. Catch the elegant voice of the Turkish singer as part of Bloomsbury Festival.

Musculoskeletal (MSK) Patient Focus Group Wednesday 11th November
Camden CCG are working in partnership with our health and social care providers to review and develop musculoskeletal services for Camden residents. We would like you join us if you have received treatment, following self or GP referral, for management of an orthopaedic, rheumatology or pain condition in a Camden community or hospital setting.
Doreen Murray, MSK Project Lead is planning to hold a focus group with patients on Wednesday 11th November (9:30am to 11:30am at Camden CCG, Stephenson House, 6th Floor (wheelchair accessible).
Would you be interested in attending?
If you are able to attend please confirm by contacting Maggie Adesanya to confirm your attendance via email to margaret.adesanya@camdenccg.nhs.uk or by phoning 020 3688 1746.
If you want to know further information about the focus group you can contact Doreen Murray by email doreen.murray@camdenccg.nhs.uk or by phoning 02036882087.

Young Women and the Construction Industry – Participants and Partners Needed + Event on 26th October
Budding Builders is a Construction Youth Trust programme which helps to remove barriers to employment by providing young people with an opportunity to learn new, demand-led skills in a variety of different trades; offer CSCS card training and support; and clear progression routes into work or further training.
There is a course in Camden starting the 26th of October, in partnership with Kings Cross Construction Skills Centre. The aim is to target young women who are considering the industry as a career. The course will be led by an experienced female carpenter and we will have female guest speakers.
The success of our projects depends on the partnerships we create. We are seeking organisations that would like to refer women onto our October course and organisations who would like to act as our community practical partner for our 2016 projects. Please get in contact with Nicola Mason on 0207 467 9540 or nicola.mason@constructionyouth.org.uk

Dementia Cafe
A friendly and supportive monthly café for people with dementia and their carers. The Café runs on the 1st Wednesday of each month 11.00am – 1pm
Refreshments are provided. Upcoming dates:
4th November 2015
2nd December 2015
At Kentish Town Congregational Church, Kelly Street, London NW1 8PH
For further information call 0207 561 4820

Make sure you are registered to vote
Last year the government introduced Individual Electoral Registration (IER) which means that everyone eligible to vote needs to register themselves – rather than this being the head of household’s responsibility. Voters who were previously registered under the old system have remained on the register during the transition period to the new system, however anyone who hasn’t registered under IER by 1 December 2015 will now be removed from the electoral register.
It’s quick and simple to register to vote online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote – you’ll just need your national insurance number and date of birth. If you’re not sure whether you’re registered to vote, you can find out by contacting Camden’s elections team at electoral.services@camden.gov.uk or by phone on 0207 974 6000.

Healthwatch Camden with Camden and Islington Public Health have organised a seminar on the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy on Monday 16th November 10am to1pm
Kentish Town Congregation Church, Kelly Street, London NW1
This is to get your feedback on the document so far; this will be a great way to influence your local health and social care service provision and policy,
At the seminar some of the discussion will be if you:
Agree that if they have identified the right focus for improvement under each priority?
Are there other areas of focus that should also be included, and if so, why?
Have the right measures to show improvement been selected?
Are there other ways to monitor and evaluate the outcomes that they should consider?
Are there any other comments that you would like to make?
The responses will be used to finalise the strategy before it goes to the Health and Wellbeing Board in January. Lunch is included.
Please let me know as soon as possible if you are coming. Telephone: 020 7284 6585 Email: shelly.khan@healthwatchcamden.co.uk

Do you have a passion help to improve the outcomes for black and Muslim young male offenders?
We are seeking to appoint members to the Young Review Independent Advisory Group.
Following the launch of the report of the Young Review in December 2014, an interim independent advisory group, chaired by Baroness Lola Young of Hornsey, was set up. Working with government and other agencies, its aim is to improve outcomes for young black and Muslim male offenders.
These are voluntary positions for an initial three-year term.
The people appointed will reflect a wide range of skills and experience but critically will have a strong desire and the knowledge, skills and experience to make a real difference.
For more information and how to apply download the information pack click here.
Closing date for applications is 26 October

Free Vitamin D Supplements for New Mothers and Pregnant Women
Healthy Start vitamins, which contain vitamin D and other important vitamins, are available for free to all pregnant women, new mums and those with children under the age of four in Camden.
Healthy Start vitamins can be collected from 1a, Agar, Regent’s Park, Harmood and Kilburn Grange children’s centres and from Belsize Priory, Gospel Oak and Hunter Street health centres in Camden.
As well as free vitamins, if you receive income support and are pregnant, have children under the age of four, or are under 18 and pregnant, you may be eligible for free vouchers to spend on fruit and vegetables or fresh milk and formula.
Speak to your midwife or health visitor for more information or visit www.healthystart.nhs.uk

Free English classes to be run in partnership with Working Mens’ College at Conway House (based in Kilburn) and free ESOL classes run by Training Link
Improve your spelling, grammar and punctuation. Come along to the assessment session on:
Friday 6 November 2015, 12-3pm at
Conway House, 18-22 Quex Road, London, NW6 4PL
ESOL Entry 2
‘Funded by the Corporation of London’s charity City Bridge Trust’
Learn English
ESOL: English to Speakers of Other Languages
Level: Entry 2
At Conway House, 18-22 Quex Road, NW6 4PL (Kilburn)
FREE of charge, no registration fee. Every Wednesday 3pm-6pm
To book a place please email gosia.glinska@sih.org
For more information about Training Link and courses they offer please contact admin@traininglink.org.uk or 0207 383 5405

North Central London Strategic Cancer Partnership Group
An exciting new initiative for Cancer services across North Central London. We will be establishing a partnership to improve the way services work together to meet the needs of patients.
An opportunity to explore shared priorities and concerns but also to challenge each other to build local capacity to provide outstanding support for cancer patients. We want to develop a consistent patient offer across the area that focuses on patient outcomes and their experience of services.
The proposed group would be supported by the Transforming Cancer Services Team (TCST) for London and we are inviting their Director to be a part of the group. We need patient representatives who have experience of cancer services themselves or as families or carers. The group would aim to meet no more than 4 times a year.
The first meeting will be in early November. If you would like to participate please contact helen.saunders@camdenccg.nhs.uk for an informal discussion. We have a rewards and recognition procedure in place to compensate you for your time.

Westminster Community Network
Do you work across neighbouring Westminster as well? If so you may be interested in this network meeting at Mahatma Gandhi Room at the Indian YMCA, 41 Fitzroy Square, London W1T 6AQ on 11 November 2015 from 1.30 – 4.30pm
This is the first meeting of the Network since it came back into the hands of the Westminster voluntary sector.
RSVP please to j.webster@onewestminster.org.uk

Free training, outings and events for unpaid carers in Camden
For a full list of events of carers in Camden please visit the Camden Carers website.

Healthwatch Camden
Latest Information DIgest is on the Healthwatch Camden website.
Catch up with the latest Camden news and what’s happening on Our Blog

The Camden Capacity Building Bulletin is produced monthly, targeting the community and voluntary sector in Camden. It provides up to date/recently live information and news on funding and training. To access the latest information please follow the Link www.camden.gov.uk/cbbulletin

Evelyn Oldfield Unit, Mildmay Community, Solace Women’s Aid, Homestart Camden, North London Rape Crisis, VAC, Age UK Camden and Camden PA are recruiting. See Jobs and Volunteers section below.

Camden Shares. The website for exchanges in Camden. www.camdenshares.org.uk

You can join in on Facebook. Like us if you like us.

Follow all the Camden Voluntary Sector news on OneCamden on Twitter.

You can read more about all of these stories on our news page at www.vac.org.uk/new

Health bodies routinely ignore the Social Value Act
Public sector health bodies routinely ignore the Social Value Act when they commission services that charities could deliver. Full story at Civil Society magazine.

Anna Turley interview: ‘We are very open-minded about charities’
The new shadow minister for civil society Anna Turley says her party is ready to listen and be radical in a Civil Society interview.

Sticking the boot into charity
An academic view from University of Birmingham

Churches Could be the New Community Centres
Simon Jenkins in the Guardian proposes that churches are put to good use as community centres, community shops, farmers markets, foodbanks, e-shopping collection points and Wi-Fi cafes.

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

Opportunity for capital funding for VCS organisations in Camden Town with Primrose Hill Ward
The Council is in receipt of money arising from a property development in Camden Town with Primrose Hill Ward, as a result of Section 106 (S106) obligations on property developers, under Camden’s Planning Guidance.
This opportunity relates only to money provided to improve community facilities, it does not relate to S106 money received for other purposes, such as infrastructure and parks and open spaces.
The community building or facility must be one of the following:
• Owned by the organisation
• Occupied on a long-term lease
• Owned by the council
If your voluntary & community sector organisation would like to make a proposal for S106 capital money for community facilities, and your premises and service provision fits these criteria, please contact jeff.hopwood@camden.gov.uk or adam.demosthenous@camden.gov.uk.
A proposal form will be supplied, to easily enable response to the following:
• A brief description of the proposal, including how much money you are seeking – an estimate is fine at this stage
• Any relevant deadlines
The form will also ask for information about:
• How an allocation would ensure that the recipient’s facilities / services are available for the local community
• Whether the organisation or facility has received S106 Community Facilities funding before
• Whether the capital project has any match funding or pledges of match funding
• How the proposal will address Camden Plan priorities and the Council’s investment tests:
www.camden.gov.uk/camdenplan
www.camden.gov.uk/ccm/content/council-and-democracy/publications-and-finances/twocolumn/camden-financial-challenge-.en?page=3.
Proposal forms will need to be returned by the 6th November 2015, officers intend to consider the proposals during November, and discuss with ward members and relevant Cabinet Members. Decisions are expected to be made by the beginning of December. Further information please contact the named officers above.

Stepping Stones Fund
All interested charities and social enterprises in the Greater London area are invited to an information session about the Stepping Stones Fund, a £1m social investment readiness grant programme of City Bridge Trust and UBS.
The second round of the Fund is now open for applications. This programme provides grants and risk finance to enterprising organisations that wish to prepare themselves for social investment in order to improve their social outcomes. There are three strands you can consider:
1. obtain capacity building support that will help you better access social investment in the future
2. pilot new ways, ideas or business models aiming for better social outcomes
3. secure risk finance that can catalyse a social investment package.
The deadline for applications is 12 o’clock on 16th November, 2015.
For more information and to register for a place on:
29th October

Don’t forget to sign up to Funding Central for free email funding alerts. Go to www.fundingcentral.org.uk/

Health and Safety for Marginalized Communities 26th November, am, free
Too many people are working in dangerous and unhealthy conditions – and often working long hours for low pay. Job insecurity pushes people to keep their heads down and just get on with the job, even if it’s risking their health. Lots of people may not have the help and support of a trade union. If this sounds like you, then make that change. Attend the VAC/London Hazards Centre training and have some fun learning about your rights and how to enforce them.
Targeted in particular at migrant workers, unpaid carers, cleaners and people working in the hospitality industry. Some of the most marginalised people – probably working long hours, in dangerous conditions and on low pay. More information and booking at the VAC website.

Mental health workshops for Camden-based BMER groups – Free
There are places available on the following two VAC workshops:
Mental Health and Stigma (half-day): Monday 2nd November (2-5pm)
Mental health affects all of us in one way or another throughout our lives, yet for many it remains a taboo subject, shrouded in myths and stigma. This half-day session is designed to open up a discussion about how we can explore and break down stigma in relation to mental illness. Using various techniques including film, case studies and discussion, there will be a particular reference to stigma in South Asian communities.
Introduction to Mental Health Awareness (full day): Wednesday 9th December (10am to 4.30pm)
This one-day interactive session looks at how we define mental health and mental illness. It offers the opportunity to explore the impact of stigmatisation and stereotyping on individuals and society. Focusing on two of the most common disorders – depression and anxiety – we will explore vulnerability, risk factors and the importance of early intervention to support recovery. We will also discuss what we can all do to look after our mental health.
Please note that due to requirements of our funding, we can only offer places to Camden-based BMER community groups or Camden voluntary sector organisations whose main focus is working with BMER groups. We can accept a maximum of two people from any one organisation.
To book your place, please go to our website and follow the instructions to book via Eventbrite:
https://vac.org.uk/events/category/health-mental-health/
If you have any questions, please contact the Mental Health Team on mentalhealthteam@vac.org.uk or call 020 7284 6550.

Trustees’ Week Event: ‘Piggy in the Middle – Can Trustees Please Everyone?’
Wednesday, 4th November 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
This round table discussion raises the issue of the multiple pressures that Trustees feel
The staff, users and funders all seem to have strong views on how trustees should be doing their job. Add to this a recent increase in interest from the press and the public and many trustees are left feeling like piggy-in-the-middle. Can you keep everyone happy? Should you by trying to keep everyone happy? VAC invite you to come along on Wednesday 4th November from 6.00 to 7.30pm to share your experiences of the competing pressures on charity trustees. The evening will start with a brief presentation from Kevin Nunan (VAC) looking at the recent interest in the sector from the public, criticisms from the regulator and how trustees have attempted to deal with it.
Cost: Free More information and to book at the VAC website.
Contact: Kevin knunan@vac.org.uk

Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) training course.
This will take place over two full days on Thursday 12th November and Thursday 19th November (9.30am to 5pm both days).
This internationally recognised course will be of interest to parents, youth workers, teachers, those who support young people, or anyone who wants to learn more about mental health.
The YMHFA course will teach you to:
• Spot the early signs of a mental health problem in a young person
• Feel confident helping a young person experiencing a problem
• Provide help on a first aid basis
• Help protect a young person who might be at risk of harm
• Help prevent a mental illness from getting worse
• Help a young person recover faster
• Guide a young person towards the right support
• Reduce the stigma of mental health problems
Participants will receive a copy of the YMHFA manual and certificate on completion of the course. Please see the attached flyer for more information.
This training is highly subsidised at only £25 per person. To book your place and pay by card via Eventbrite please go to: https://vac.org.uk/events/category/health-mental-health/.
Please note that VAC can only accept bookings from Camden-based BMER groups or organisations based in Camden working with BMER communities.
If you have any questions please contact the Mental Health Team on: mentalhealthteam@vac.org.uk or call 020 7284 6550.

VAC’s Mental Health Training Programme for BMER groups
Are you a BMER group or do you work with BMER communities? If so, then our Mental Health Training Programme is for you! Our next courses are as follows:
• Mental Health First Aid (two-day course: 22nd and 29th October)
• Stigma and Mental Health (half-day workshop: 2nd November)
• Youth Mental Health First Aid (two-day course: 12th and 19th November)
• Introduction to Mental Health Awareness (one day workshop: 9th December)
• Mental Health First Aid (two-day course: 9th and 16th February 2016)
For more information about our any of our courses, please go to https://vac.org.uk/events/category/health-mental-health/. Click on the course you are interested in and follow the instructions to book your place and pay by card (if applicable). The charge for our Mental Health First Aid and Youth Mental Health First Aid training courses is heavily subsidised at only £25 per person. All other mental health workshops are free.
Please note that VAC can only accept bookings from organisations working with BMER communities based in Camden, or which serve Camden BMER residents. Places are limited on each course to a maximum of two people per organisation. If you have any queries, please contact us on our team email address: mentalhealthteam@vac.org.uk

VAC has a full programme of courses coming up: Click here to find out more. All courses are £25 for members (unless otherwise stated).

Kentish Town Community Centre Annual General Meeting and Bake-off!
Saturday 24th October 12.15pm – 4pm
We’re excited to announce our next Bake-Off happening alongside our Annual General Meeting. Hear what we’ve been up to, suggest things KTCC should focus on over 2016 and eat some tasty cake. A special children’s category means everyone can get baking this Autumn, so get practicing! Free, open to all. http://www.ktcc.org.uk/

Upbeat & Kings Cross Timebank & present: Kings Cross Open Mic – Halloween Spooktacular
Friday 30th October 2015 6-9 pm at
The Crypt Holy Cross Church Cromer Street WC1H 8JU. World Music, International Dance & Special Guests. Come along to perform, dress up or just to enjoy the evening.Everyone welcome.
Entry: £2.50 or 3 time-credits(Free for performers) Ticket includes free food.
Any proceeds made will go towards running the next Open Mic event
For more information contact Lucia – T: 07762151783 E: upbeat@upbeatmusic.org

An introduction to intergenerational working
An intensive one-day training session ideal for people who would like to organise activities or projects which bring together older and younger people, improve their intergenerational practice or make their organisation or service more age-inclusive.
The day will be of particular interest to staff, managers and volunteers in sheltered housing, resource centres, residential care, community work, youth work, education and teaching, early years settings, community arts, council departments and anyone else who would like to organise intergenerational events or improve their organisation’s intergenerational practice.
Tuesday 24 November 2015 at 9.45am – 4.45pm
Book soon. Free. For further information or to book a place, contact:
vanda.carter@camden.gov.uk / 020 7974 2810

Recovery College Courses Still Available October – December 2015
Being involved
Understanding Anxiety
Men and Masculinity and more.
Please email us if you want to be sent the new prospectus for courses starting in January 2016
4 St Pancras Way, London NW1 0PE
Tel: 020 3317 6904 email: recovery.college@candi.nhs.uk
Opening hours10.00am – 4.00pm

Wild Bunch Halloween Party
Thursday 29th October 7 – 11pm at Electrowekz, 7 Torrens Street, EC1V 1NQ
Wheelchair access, over 18s only, £5 on the door.
More information at Siren 020 7359 7443 email siren@elfrida.com

National Grandparents Day
A wonderful intergenerational event now in its 8th year!
Tuesday 27th October 2015
11am—1pm: Make Do & Mend, Traditional Games, The Big 1940s Quiz
1.00pm—2.00 pm: free community lunch
2pm—4 pm: Family Bingo with prizes,Fashion Show, afternoon tea, 1940s Singalong with the Wraggle Taggle Band
West Euston Time Bank, H Pod, Cumberland Market, London NW1 3RH
Phone: 020 7383 4382

DSC Fundraising Fair 19 & 20 November
Two days of practical fundraising training and information for fundraisers at all levels.
Get inspired by 34 workshops covering a wide variety of key fundraising topics: from In-Memory Giving, Ethical Issues in Fundraising and Events Fundraising, through to Stress Management, Digital Fundraising, Telling Stories and Building Relationships. Whether you are just starting out or are an experienced fundraising director, there is a workshop just for you.
You’ll get the tools and techniques to help you raise more funds, to better serve those you help. You can find further information here. Resource Ctr, Holloway Road.

Inspiring Trusteeship – a governance conference for London, Greater London Volunteering
Monday, 16 November 2015 from 10:00 to 16:00
City Hall, The Queen’s Walk, SE1 2AA, London, United Kingdom
Inspiring Trusteeship is our free event for everyone interested in the governance of London’s voluntary and community sector.
Join us and over 200 other delegates for: plenary sessions with Dr Alice Maynard, the Association of Chairs and other speakers looking at new perspectives on governance, and looking at what makes an effective Chair/CEO relationship; workshops on legal issues affecting Trustees, and tips on recruiting Trustees; and a networking lunch to meet with people involved in charity governance from across London, in a marketplace of organisations able to provide you with information and support on charity governance.
To register click here

London for All
London for All / LVSC have a full programme of courses available for the voluntary sector. Go to the London for All website for full details.

Camden Carers’ Service
Has a full range of events and activities for unpaid carers in Camden. Find out more on the Camden Carers’ Service website www.camdencs.org.uk/activities

Don’t forget that Camden TDS run a full programme of course which are subsidised or free for voluntary sector partner organisations. There is a link to a list of partner organisations on the home page.

Find more Training Opportunities at www.vac.org.uk

The Evelyn Oldfield Unit Is recruiting 2 part-time posts
Research for Action and Influence Tutor (Ref: RAI)
Women’s Development Worker [Supporting Women Project] (Ref: SWP)
The Evelyn Oldfield Unit is a high profile refugee and migrant-led second-tier organisation at the forefront of developing the capacity of the refugee and migrant sector. The Unit is passionate about the values of gender equality, cultural diversity, community leadership and creating a step change towards more inclusive services for refugee and migrant clients of the refugee, migrant and mainstream voluntary sector.
We are looking for 2 energetic and organised people who are highly passionate in working with people from different cultural backgrounds to join the small team of the charity. Both posts are part-time:
• Research for Action + Influence Tutor 2 ½ days – 17 ½ hours per week (Ref: RAI)
• Women’s Development Worker [Supporting Women Project] 3 days – 21 hours per week (Ref: SWP)
The Research for Action and Influence Tutor will lead on the accredited research programme comprising 3 modules (research, action and influence and presentation skills). He/ she will co-ordinate, deliver, monitor and evaluate the project.
The female* Women’s Development Worker [Supporting Women Project] will design, co-ordinate, deliver, monitor and evaluate the project Supporting Women Project.
Both posts are fixed term until the 31st of July 2016.
*NB the post-holder for the Supporting Women Project must be female as per the funder’s requirements. The post is exempt under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1.
Salary: Scale PO2 pt35 – £33,583 including ILW pro-rata
For an application pack, please email to mulat@evelynoldfield.co.uk or please send a 65p A4 SAE to the Director, Evelyn Oldfield Unit (EOU), 356 Holloway Road, London N7 6PA. Closing date 27th October.
or download the packs from here

Mildmay Community Partnership seeks Centre Assistant
Closing Date: Friday 30th October 2015
Hours: 15 per week – £10/hour Fixed Term Contract: 12 months Mildmay Community Partnership is a membership organisation and registered charity working with and for the community of Mildmay, a ward of Islington in north London. MCP manages the Mildmay Community Centre, an award-winning Passivhaus building available to hire for events, training and community projects. This is an exciting opportunity to join the organisation at a key point in its development. Working alongside the Centre Manager you would help to ensure that the Mildmay Community Centre is a vibrant, well-managed facility that operates for the benefit of local residents.
The Centre Assistant needs to be self-reliant, energetic able to work on their own initiative and to prioritise activities. The ongoing success of the Centre will depend heavily on the organisational skills of the Centre Assistant and their ability to communicate effectively with all members of the community.
To apply, send your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability, when you are available and your motivation for the role by email to mildmaycp@gmail.com (with the subject line ‘Re: Application for Centre Assistant’).

Solace seeks Volunteers
Complex Needs Refuge Support Volunteer
We are looking for a volunteer to work in our Complex Needs Refuge in Camden. This is an extremely varied role which includes helping with the day to day running of the refuge and supporting women with complex needs affected by Domestic/Sexual Violence. The right volunteer must have an understanding and experience working with women affected by Domestic/Sexual Violence, Mental Health and Substance Misuse.
Please contact Ammarah Ahmad for the information pack and application form. The deadline to submit applications is by 5pm on Wednesday 28th October 2015. Email: volunteering@solacewomensaid.org Tel: 020 7619 1350
Psychology Project Volunteer
This is an exciting new role to develop a Psychologically Informed Practice (Environments) at our Complex needs refuge. This role gives the successful candidate the opportunity to take ownership of a project that actively assists our refuge to support our service users with complex needs on the road to recovery and independence. It will help develop research skills and practical application of knowledge in a live environment. A Psychology qualification ideally degree or above and awareness of the impact of Domestic and Sexual Violence is essential for this role.
Please contact Ammarah Ahmad for the information pack and application form. The deadline to submit applications is by 5pm on Wednesday 28th October 2015. Email: volunteering@solacewomensaid.org Tel: 020 7619 1350

Home Start Camden seeks Volunteers
Are you a parent or do you have parenting experience? Would you like to enhance your skills to offer friendship and support to families with young children? Can you give 3-4 hours weekly, to visit a family with young children who may be going through a difficult time?
Family Support Volunteer
Next Preparation Course Starting 17th November to 10th December
Every Tuesday & Thursday in Kentish Town
Certificates awarded & expenses paid
For information pack ring 020 7424 1603 email: info@homestartcamden.org
www.homestartcamden.org.uk

North London Rape Crisis seeks helpline volunteers
Volunteers needed to provide support to women and girls age 13+ who have experienced any form of sexual violence at any time in their lives. The volunteers will be required to commit to 12 months post training and to attend a 9 week training course on Fridays from 4th December 2015 to 12th February 2016 excluding the two bank holidays in December. You are required to attend 80% of the sessions to be able to proceed to working on the helpline. You will need to have an interest in working with survivors of sexual violence and will have the opportunity to work towards an OCN accredited qualification for ‘Professionals Working in the Sexual Violence Sector’ at level 2 or 3.
Please contact Ammarah Ahmad for the information pack and application form. The deadline to submit applications is by 5pm on Monday 26th October 2015.
Ammarah: Email: volunteering@solacewomensaid.org Tel: 020 7619 1350

The Mayor’s Office for Policing And Crime currently have some vacancies for Camden’s Independent Custody Visitors Scheme
Details about the role and how to apply are on the MOPAC website.
Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) are members of the local community who volunteer to visit police stations unannounced to check on the treatment and welfare of people held in police custody. Their recommendations can require the police to make improvements for the welfare of detainees. Working as part of a local panel, they play a valuable role in maintaining public confidence in this important area of policing.

Age UK Camden seeks Personal Health Budgets Direct Payments Support Worker
(17.5 hours per week) Fixed Term Contract up to 30th September 2016
Local Government Scale SO1 £28,845-£30,525pa pro rata for 17.5 hours £14,422.50-£15,262.50 plus 6% contributory pension.
Personalisation Support In Camden (PSIC) is a subsidiary of Age UK Camden. It is a new venture, which has been set up to provide Direct Payments support to under 65’s in Camden until a new disability user led organisation is established.
You will promote the direct payments service, with particular emphasis on Personal Health Budgets for Mental Health service users and also assist in providing support to disabled people, including those with learning difficulties, under 65 years of age, mental health service users, and parents of Disabled Children who wish to receive or are receiving direct payments from the London Borough of Camden.
If you are interested in the above vacancy please see the application pack including the full job description and person specification at the following link to our website www.ageukcamden.org.uk or email jobs@ageukcamden.org.uk.
The closing date for receipt of completed application forms is 9 am on Monday 19th October 2015 and interviews will be held on Friday 30th October 2015.

Somers Town Community Association seeks Operations Manager
Permanent position £35,000 (Pro Rata £30,000) per annum 30hrs a week.
You will have the skills to identify and implement a diverse range of enterprise models whilst also providing leadership. You will demonstrate the ability to support and develop the competence and expertise of our staff team, particularly our youth and community café teams. This represents an excellent opportunity for a highly motivated Operations Manager to make their mark, help shape, strengthen and expand our services.
The successful candidate will have excellent written and verbal communication with strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise, plan and manage workload effectively.
Email: admin@somerstown.org.uk or telephone 0207 388 6088 for a full application pack – Closing date 30 October 2015 at 5.00pm

Volunteer Vacancy at VAC
Do you live, work or volunteer in Camden? Would you like to support people in your community to improve their health and their access to services that will help them to maintain good health and wellbeing? Do you want to develop experience and skills in the field of public health? Can you commit at least 2 hours per week?
VAC is offering free Royal Society of Public Health (RSPH) Level 1 training to those who want to volunteer their time to become Community Health Advocates. The RSPH Level 1 training is a two days course, with a 20 question multiple choice test at the end of the second day of training. It could provide a useful skill set and experience for people who may be interested in following a health related career path in the future.
After completing the training, VAC will support local teams of volunteers to act as links between community based services and GPs. You may wish to take advantage of additional opportunities to increase your knowledge, for example smoking cessation, cancer awareness, diabetes etc.
In return for your commitment to the project for 2 hours a week we offer support, out of pocket expenses and other professional development opportunities. Details on the VAC website.
Mandira Manandhar (Mon, Tues and Thurs) 020 7284 6573 or email: mmanandhar@vac.org.uk
Peter Simonson (Mon and Thurs) 020 7284 6568 or email: projectsupport@vac.org.uk

Budding Builders from Construction Youth Trust
Budding Builders is a Construction Youth Trust programme which helps to remove barriers to employment by providing young people with an opportunity to learn new, demand-led skills in a variety of different trades; offer CSCS card training and support; and clear progression routes into work or further training.
There is a course in Camden starting the 26th of October, in partnership with Kings Cross Construction Skills Centre. The aim is to target young women who are considering the industry as a career. The course will provide an introduction to the trades, raise awareness about the industry, support and advise the women with future plans and opportunities. We pride ourselves on making the industry accessible to all and inspire people to go beyond our short courses. The course will be led by an experienced female carpenter and we will have female guest speakers to talk to our budding female operatives.
The success of our projects depends on the partnerships we create. We are seeking organisations that would like to refer women onto our October course and organisations who would like to act as our community practical partner for our 2016 projects. Please get in contact with Nicola Mason on 0207 467 9540 or nicola.mason@constructionyouth.org.uk

Are you looking to employ an assistant to help with your care needs? CamdenPAs can help you.
CamdenPAs.org.uk is a new service that makes it easy to find a personal assistant (PA) and puts you in control of your care and support.
If you have care needs, you can employ a PA to help you to live as independently as possible.
CamdenPAs features an online ‘marketplace’ for you to browse through a list of profiles of PAs in the borough. Profiles give details about the services they provide, their skills, experience and personal interests.
You can look through the list to find suitable matches and choose someone you like to help support you.
When you find a match you can contact the PA to arrange an interview and see how you get on. If you like them you can then work out contract details such as hours, duties and wages, and hire them.
If you do not find anyone suitable, you can set up your own a profile describing your requirements and interests, for PAs to look through and contact you.
You can employ a PA whether you receive a direct payment or fund your own care. If you receive direct payments you can get support with the employment from Personalised Support In Camden or AgeUK Camden.
Become a PA
If you’re a PA looking for work or are just starting out, CamdenPAs can help you. As well as helping you finding a job, the site features advice on looking for work, becoming a PA and where to get training.
Why not set up your profile today? Find out more, visit: camdenpas.org.uk or p hone: 020 7278 4437

Socially Responsible Recruiting
A new, award-winning skills matching service that connects employers with skilled and experienced people to do one-off or part-time jobs has launched in Camden, with a strong social benefit ethic.
“There is a very large number of people in Camden who are fantastically skilled and work-ready but are off the radar to employers because they’re not looking for full-time work and aren’t constantly scouring the job ads,” says Jonathan Collie, founder of Trading Times.
These people are highly skilled over 50s, and family carers. Trading Times brings them to you. It’s free to candidates. It costs you only £35, and only when you are connected to the perfect candidates.
Paul Fordham of Abbey Community Centre in Camden said: “”We posted our occasional job opportunity on Trading Times because we at the Abbey Community Centre recognise the value of the flexibility that can come with age. Trading Times offers a tailored means to directly target opportunities at an older group that the vast majority of other job sites simply do not seem to tap.”
Register at https://tradingtimes.org.uk/ and let Trading Times match you with the right local people for your needs.

Find Jobs and Volunteering opportunities at https://www.vac.org.uk/

Take Back the City
Take Back the City is generating a manifesto for London by meeting with local groups – full details on the website and this 2 minute film about what we’re doing.
We’re meeting 100 groups of people over the next few months to find out what they want to see included in our People’s Manifesto. So far the most popular demands are affordable housing and a living wage. Action on police racism, free transport, open and free green space, and lower tuition fees have also come up as popular demands. You can enter your demands here.

Camden Consultations
Other consultations out at the moment include a consultation on Camden Future Libraries and Camden VCS strategy and changes to early education and childcare and children’s centre services. You can find all Camden consultation on the Wearecamden consultation hub.

FREE VAC Membership for Unfunded Groups: Voluntary Action Camden Small organisations with no paid staff and a turnover of less than £1,500 can now join for FREE. To take advantage of this offer just fill in the membership on the online form here.