VAC Weekly Newsletter
25th March 2022
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VAC Membership
Help us build the strongest possible community voice
Membership is free to local organisations and groups interested in contributing to a stronger Voluntary and Community Sector in Camden. As a member you will have access to high quality advice and guidance, local networks and support to grow and develop your organisation. Click the link above to learn more about the benefits of becoming a member and join us.
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In this week’s newsletter look out for more information, resources, funding and donation opportunities for helping Ukrainian refugees, healthcare opportunities and more from around the Camden area
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VAC administered Google Grants
VAC has been funded by Google to help small organisations get back into the “real world” training / meeting environment.
The intention is to help very small voluntary and community organisations get back into buildings by helping them afford the hire fee, and also assist them with technical advice if they want to run ‘blended’ events and meetings.
Groups can book space for a single event or block book a series of dates for future meetings and events worth up £300 per quarter.
VAC is administering the scheme. Our intention is to keep the process as simple as possible to minimise any administrative burden on the groups, VAC and of course the organisations providing space.
Not all venues are part of the scheme so please do check out our room hire directory here
For more information and to see if your group is eligible visit our website here or contact Ricky at rsingh@vac.org.uk
UK Government Announces ‘Homes for Ukrainian’ Refugees Scheme with ‘Thank You’ Payment to Sponsors
A small monthly payment will be available for UK host families who volunteer to house Ukrainians fleeing their homeland due to the Russian invasion.
Please click here for more details.
Arnold Clark Community Fund Reopens for Spring 2022 Round
The Arnold Clark Community Fund is open to all UK-registered charities and local community groups who fall into the eligibility criteria. The fund is also open to community interest companies, charitable incorporated organisations and social enterprises.
Successful applicants will receive up to £1,000 in financial aid.
Please click here for more details
Camden Council Green Homes Grants
Keeping homes warm over the winter months can be difficult, especially with rising energy bills. The Green Homes Grant may be able to assist by providing funding of up to £10k for homeowners and £5k for landlords to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. The improvements could help save up to £600 a year on energy bills and make homes warmer and more comfortable.
Find out more here
Funding to Equip Disadvantaged People with Communication Skills for Employment
Application Deadline: 2nd May 2022
Grants of up to £5,000 will support a project or running costs for a charity that equips disadvantaged people (aged 18 and over) with the communication skills ready for employment.
To learn more, please click here
City Bridge Trust Announces Funding for London Place-based Giving Schemes
Place-Based Giving Schemes (PBGSs) bring together people from different sectors (voluntary and community; public; private) to build stronger communities and leverage their community assets. Applications should build on our work through London’s Giving and enable place-based giving schemes to develop and become more sustainable.
Funding is available for eligible organisations for up to two years.
Please click here for more details.
See the Funding pages on VAC’s website for all the latest information.
Alternatively, Camden Voluntary and Community groups can contact us for Grant Finder help, please email rsingh@vac.org.uk
Access the Idox Camden 4 Community grant search here.
NAVCA Funders List
A useful list of small trusts and foundations most useful to small charities.
Lists of Emergency Funders
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Camden Council prepares to welcome refugees from Ukraine
“Teams across the council’s services, working alongside the voluntary sector and community organisations, are putting in place the wrap around arrangements to ensure that anyone who arrives in Camden – either to base themselves here or to travel on via St Pancras to other parts of the country – gets the initial and ongoing support they need.”
Read more about the local response plans and expectations here.
For those wondering what they can do right now, please donate to DEC’s Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal if you can
For information on other ways to help, visit Ukrainian Institute London’s website here or NCVO where a range of support options are listed
Cervical screening campaign
In April, the NHS will have teams of healthcare professionals and volunteers sharing information with women and people with a cervix about how, where and why to get a cervical screening – a free test that helps to prevent cervical cancer.
If you’d like a healthcare professional to come along and talk about cervical screenings at events happening in April, please contact Patricia Macauley, Director of MMC (Multi Cultural Marketing Consultancy), who is working with the NHS. Email Patricia at patricia@mmc-uk.co.uk or call 07932709312.
Free Arthritis Open Clinic at YMCA Club
4th April
Central YMCA and Arthritis Action have partnered to offer a free Open Clinic for people with Arthritis. These sessions will give practical help to reduce the pain of arthritis through self-management and lifestyle advice.
To find out more and book a free 10 minute session please click here
NCS Seek Venue in Camden
Groundwork London are funded to run 1 summer programme in Camden. They are interested in finding a large venue in the borough to host the NCS.
The ideal requirements would include: one large hall for up to 100 people, 1-2 breakaway rooms or spaces, access to a prayer room or an separate space which could be used as a prayer room. Plus WiFi, access to drinking water, car park spaces, a lockable storage space and wheelchair accessibility throughout.
Access would be need predominately between 9:00-17:00. Please contact NCSvenues@groundwork.org.uk if you are able to host such an event or to make further enquiries.
Purpose built Community Centre available September 2022
Camden Council are looking for charities and voluntary organisations to express their interest to run a brand new community centre in Maitland Park.
This new community space is over 3,500 square foot and features:
• a café-style dining area with a domestic type kitchenette and office/reception space with storage
• a large hall (1180sf) that can be divided into 2 studio spaces
• meeting rooms: 1 large room with a kitchenette, 1 small meeting room and a toilet
• central hallway/corridor space with 4 toilets
• a community garden
Camden Council are seeking an organisation/ group who will use the space in collaboration with the local community, managing the use and letting of the hall and meetings rooms for local community benefit alongside your own business.
Further information, including floor-plans, particulars and application process can be found here. For any further questions regarding this space please email maitlandparkspace@camden.gov.uk
Free ‘bite sized’ surgery sessions for community organisations in London
As part of their City Bridge Trust funded London Spotlight programme, Locality are offering free bite sized ‘surgery’ sessions with their consultancy team.
You can get valuable ‘take aways’ on topics including: Funding, Local Data, Social Impact and Organisational Health.
For more details and to book your Spotlight session, please click here.
Locality are also running an impact workshop and some mini clinics at the end of March. These will be aimed at community organisation who are supporting young people.
Please contact liba.ravindran@locality.org.uk if you want to attend either event and you will be sent more information about how to register and join:
Online mini clinic – 29th March, 12-1.30pm or 3.30-5pm
Online Workshop – 30th March, 2-3.30pm
£5 tickets offer from Sadler’s Wells for 40 Years of Phoenix Dance
The tickets are available for performances on Tue 29 and Wed 30 Mar at 7.30pm.
Please note that these £5 tickets can only be booked online.
When booking please use the promocode BIDPHOENIX
To book and find out more about the show, please click here
FREE NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Information Technology
Improve your Information Technology (IT) skills and knowledge, specifically using Word, Excel and PowerPoint software.
This qualification is suitable for learners who are using IT in their job or plan to pursue a career requiring IT skills. This opportunity will help to develop your knowledge, whilst gaining a nationally recognised, professional qualification.
For more information, please contact New Challenge on: (Main number) – 020 8795 3999 or email: courses@newchallenge.org
Henna Asian Women’s group recruiting x2 Project Support Workers.
Deadline Monday 22nd April 2022, by 5pm.
12 months contract with possibility of extension, depending on funding.
Henna Asian Women’s Group is looking for Individuals, who are quick learners and can take their own initiative. The right candidates will have the admin skills to support the manager to provide an excellent service to women, especially to older women. This role will require you to be supportive and understanding and be able to deal with any issues that may arise confidently.
For more information and an application form please email info@hennaorg.co.uk
Please note
Our newsletter content email address has changed. Please send any information that you would like included in our weekly newsletter to social@vac.org.uk
Local Newsletters:
SHAK
Latin American House
Creative Lives
Healthwatch Camden
Young Camden Foundation
AWN
West Euston Project (WEP)
London Sport (sign up)
Forum+
Charity Tax Group
Dragon Hall Newsletter
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VAC Events
Keep in eye on our Events Calendar to book and for more info.
VAC new Community Directory
VAC is pleased to announce the launch of our new Community Directory services for Camden groups.
Our online directories provide a space for voluntary and community groups in Camden to promote their services and activities. Searching the directory then allows residents and other stakeholders in Camden to easily connect with groups and access services and valuable support.
You can search our Directories to find and connect with groups, find community space to rent or hire and find healthy activities and social opportunities in Camden’s green spaces and parks.
Voluntary Action Forum 16th March: Community Vaccine Champions Project and Benchmarking Community Building Services
VAC’s most recent forum took place on 16th March where we discussed a new local project sponsored by the Department of Levelling Up Housing & Communities (DLUHC) to reduce inequalities in the uptake of COVID vaccination in Camden.
Hear about the various different activities planned as part of this project, including a new grant programme for organisations, unregistered groups, and local residents. This session was recorded, find out more here
GDPR Training Resources
The video, slides and comprehensive notes from the two recent VAC online training sessions on GDPR are now available on the website. These will help you understand the theory and legal framework of the GDPR with practical steps on how to remain compliant.
Past Voluntary Action Forums: Resources
You can find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here.
More details on the VAC website: https://vac.org.uk/
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London Funders webinars
In March & April, London Funders are hosting 3 webinars to mark 2 years since lockdown 1 began. The 1st session will include some of the Reports Reloaded contributors to discuss how we build on lessons from past crises to inform the future of funding. Speakers will include VAC CEO Keith Morgan.
For more details please click here
Thriving Communities Webinar
The next Thriving Communities webinar will be on:
Co-production and Social Prescribing
Tuesday 29 March, 9.30-10.30am.
Please click here for more details and how to sign up.
You can find more details about the webinar series, and how to catch up with previous webinars on the website.
Please note all these webinars have closed captions and live BSL interpretation as standard.
Women + Health fundraising Firewalk challenge
On 30th March from 18.30 to 21.30, Women + Health are planning to light up Russell Square as supporters brave hot coals for a fundraising Firewalk challenge!
The Firewalk will be an energising and empowering experience for all. ·
Participate!: here
Donate: here
Or contact us: connect@women-and-health.org or call 020 7482 2786
Women + Health is a local charity which provides low-cost holistic body and mental health therapies and counselling for Camden residents and survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence. For more information, please click here
North Central London Cancer Alliance workshop
North Central London Cancer Alliance are planning a free online workshop to help develop an information resource to support people through the pathway for cancer diagnosis (or not), treatment, and follow up care.
The workshop will be repeated on two dates – 31st March and 5th April.
To register, please click here
Camden Council Procurement Exchange meeting
At the request of some community buildings managers Camden Council is inviting people who are involved in purchasing services to meet for a Procurement Exchange.
If there is sufficient interest they will be hosting an lunchtime meeting Wed 30th March 12:30-13:30 on Zoom.
This is a participatory meeting to enable anyone responsible for building management to meet up and discuss costs associated with running a community building.
To express an interest, or find out more please complete the online survey to prioritise efforts here
For any other questions or queries please get in touch at Sam.Rowe2@camden.gov.uk.
Complete the survey with your details to get the Zoom link. Please can you complete the survey by Monday 28th March
Learning Together sessions
London Plus are collaborating with Inside Out Wellbeing to host the next Learning Together session, focusing on Social prescribing, Intersectionality and Mental Health
Wednesday 30th March: 1pm – 2:30pm
This workshop will explore: Social prescribing & intersectionality, culturally-informed support, case study discussion and how to incorporate mental health support
Please click here to register to attend
Call for VCS organisations that can deliver cooking sessions in and around Holborn Area.
Organisations in/around Holborn with access to a kitchen are needed to facilitate community cooking sessions for Afghan Refugees who are currently in bridging hotels.
Interested organisations will need to complete a trauma informed training and cultural awareness session which are being delivered by Hopscotch Women’s Centre (2 hours).
Organisations must be able to supply their own tutor and run classes for up to 10-12 people. Ideally, organisations will also need to provide children activities/a creche worker as adults tend to have children with them that they can’t leave alone.
Small grants of up to £3k are available for organisations that are interested in doing this work. For more information, please contact: vcs@camden.gov.uk.
Locality London surgery sessions for community organisations
As part of their City Bridge Trust funded London Spotlight programme, Locality are offering free bite sized ‘surgery’ sessions with their consultancy team.
You can get some valuable insight into topics including: Funding, Local Data, Social Impact and Organisational Health.
For more details and to book your Spotlight session please click here or contact liba.ravindran@locality.org.uk
NCVO announce new CEO
NCVO has announced that the board of trustees have appointed Sarah Vibert as Chief Executive Officer. Sarah will take up the role with immediate effect.
Sarah has been interim CEO at NCVO since January 2021, a role she has undertaken with openness, humility, and courage, earning our respect and admiration and that of our sector.
Sarah originally joined NCVO as Director of Public Policy and Volunteering, arriving just before the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in January 2020. Before joining us, Sarah gained a wealth of experience as CEO of The Neurological Alliance and held senior roles in other organisations including, the Epilepsy Society, The Prince’s Charities, and the Greater London Authority. Sarah also volunteers regularly, including as a trustee of the Brain and Spine Foundation.
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Data Entry Volunteer Role with VAC:
Do you have some experience using databases? The VAC Community Links Team is looking for a Data Entry volunteer. As a volunteer you will support the team entering data into our Salesforce database. Training and support available for successful volunteers.
For role description and more information, please contact Mandira Manandhar on 020 7284 6573 or email mmanandhar@vac.org.uk
Coram’s Fields OSC vacancies
Playworker
Hours: 20hrs p/w term-time / 35hrs p/w during school holiday periods
The Play Worker role is an integral part of Coram’s Fields Play Service team, providing high quality childcare within our established weekly Out of School Club (OSC) provision and Holiday Schemes.
How to Apply: Please visit our website to download an application form.
Applications should be emailed to Ed May: ed.may@coramsfields.org.uk by Monday 11th April
Coram’s Fields OSC Sessional Playworker
Hours: Varied, anticipated up to 35 hours during school holidays and as and when required during term time.
This role will form an integral part of Coram’s Fields Play Service team, providing flexible support to our established weekly OSC provision and Holiday Schemes.
How to Apply: Please visit our website to download an application form.
Applications should be emailed to Ed May: ed.may@coramsfields.org.uk by Monday 11th April
Age UK Camden vacancy: Social Prescribing Link Worker
Closing date: 27th March 2022 (5pm)
35 hours per week, 12 months fixed term contract
The Camden Care Navigation and Social Prescribing service is looking to recruit a Social Prescribing Link Worker to join this vibrant team. Their work is supporting Camden adults, operating as a door to services and opportunities, matching people with appropriate support to manage their health and wellbeing.
For more information and to apply, please click here
Age UK Camden vacancy: Finance Director – Interim Cover
Part-time (28 hours per week)
Age UK Camden are recruiting to this post on a permanent basis, we are also looking for an interim cover with immediate availability. (Please specify which contract type you are applying for)
This vital role has overall responsibility for the effective financial management of the Age UK Camden Group (Age UK Camden and its subsidiaries). You will contribute to the overall development of the organisation’s growth and development and be key in the risk management and mitigation.
For more information and to apply, please click here
Latin American House vacancies x2:
Children and Young People Coordinator.
Deadline for applications: Thursday, 31st March 2022
The post holder will be responsible for coordinating, delivering and developing a comprehensive, diverse and inclusive programme of activities, classes and events throughout the year, for children aged 5-16.
For more information and to apply, please click here
Early Years Practitioner to join the team at Menchú Bilingual Nursery.
Deadline for applications: Saturday 30th April 2022
The post holder must possess CACHE or NVQ Level 2 or above
qualification in Childcare Education. It will not be necessary to speak Spanish, although it is desirable.
For more information and to apply, please click here
Coram’s Fields Nursery Vacancies x2:
Early Year’s Practitioner (Level 2)
Deadline: Monday 28th March
37.5hrs per week: full-time, part-time, and term-time-only working options.
The Early Years practitioner role is an integral part of Coram’s Fields Nursery providing high quality childcare within our setting, playing an important role in the continuing growth and development of the nursery.
Please visit our website here to download an application form or find out more.
Applications should be emailed to Ed May: recruitment@coramsfields.org.uk
Senior Early Year’s Practitioner (Level 3)
Deadline: Monday 28th March
37.5hrs per week: full-time, part-time, and term-time-only working options.
The Senior Early Years Practitioner (Room Leader) is one of two qualified childcare professionals, responsible for working alongside our Head of Early Years, to ensure the smooth day to day running of Coram’s Fields Nursery. They are the principal link between the Head of Early Years and our talented team of practitioners, coordinating and supervising the work of the team on the ground to create a high quality, stimulating learning environment for all our children.
Please visit our website here to download an application form or find out more.
Applications should be emailed to Ed May: recruitment@coramsfields.org.uk
Volunteering during the pandemic
The latest guidance for Enabling safe and effective volunteering during coronavirus (COVID-19) is available here
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Afghan Refugee Crisis
The Council and VCS continue to work together to help meet the needs of the Afghan Refugees in Camden. A steering group (led by Hopscotch) meets weekly and there is a database of offers and needs held by the council. You can donate to the Hopscotch appeal here. Keep up to date at the council website here.
Support for British-Ukrainian Aid
Funding platform easyfundraising has pledged to StandWithUkraine and double every donation raised through their site for British-Ukrainian Aid for the next 6 months.
The charity supports people suffering due to the war and humanitarian crisis.
Shoppers using the easyfundraising website or app can raise donations for British-Ukrainian Aid simply by doing their normal shopping with thousands of online retailers.
Click here for more information
Law for Life six-week housing-rights course
Law for Life are looking for participants for an upcoming course on housing rights for BAME communities, kindly funded by Trust for London. The six-session long course is free of charge and is an introduction to various aspects of housing law and how to use it in practice.
For this programme, they are particularly keen to invite organisations/initiatives working with Black African, Black Caribbean, Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities as the existing research shows they have been particularly affected by both the housing crisis and the pandemic. However, we also welcome participants from organisations working with other similarly affected groups and individuals.
Please register your interest in attending the course and find more info here
This call for participants is open until Monday 28th March.
£10 Tickets Offer To See BLACK LOVE at Kiln Theatre
The Kiln Theatre are offering an allocation of £10 tickets for their new production Black Love
The £10 tickets (usually £32) are for performances from:
Mon 28th Mar to Sat 9th April at 7.30pm and 2.30pm.
To book please call the Box Office on 020 7328 1000 or click here and use the promocode BID
Free support programme for social enterprises in London
Civil Society Consulting are delivering a free support programme for social enterprises in London.
Funded by the GLA and the Dept for Business Energy and Infrastructure, this ‘Peer Networks’ programme aims to develop social enterprises, equip them with new skills, and connect them to others in a peer support network.
For more information contact: Natasha Ereira-Guyer natasha@civilsocietyconsulting.co.uk
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
UCL are looking for new volunteering opportunities to promote to their students. Visit their info for recruiters page to find out more.
Keep in touch and up-to-date via the e-bulletin and @onecamden twitter.
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Got an item for the e-bulletin?
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Send your item to social@vac.org.uk by noon on Thursday for publication in the following day’s edition. The e-bulletin comes out every Friday. Submissions should be 50 – 75 words. Please send plain text or a format that can be copied (ie not embedded in an image). Send links to documents rather than attachments. Make sure to include contact details.
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Watch a short video about our work!
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Find out more about our work supporting the community and community groups with this short video.
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