Highlights: New Draft Local Plan; Fairtrade Fortnight; Over 50s and Domestic Violence; Hate crime knowledge sharing event; Camden Community Festivals Fund; Kentish Town Community Centre Activities; Awards for All/Reaching Communities- One to One Support for Camden Groups; Finding Carnegie Playing Fields; Care and support information day; Open Forum; Decentralise in Camden; Independent Disability Advisor Group members; Superfast Broadband Vouchers; plus news, funding, events, jobs, volunteering and more.
NEWS
New Draft Local Plan
The new Local Plan, like a neighbourhood plan, has to follow a statutory process which takes some time. This is the first formal stage in the process and we will produce an amended version of the plan towards the end of the year for further consultation before submitting to the Planning Inspectorate for public examination. The new Local Plan is not therefore expected to be adopted until 2016. Until the Local Plan is adopted by the Council, the basic condition requirement for conformity with the Council’s strategic policies continues to apply to our existing policy documents. Any implications of the emerging local plan on neighbourhood plans can be discussed as part of on-going engagement between the Council and individual forums.
Some of the updated evidence we have gathered to inform the review of the Council’s planning policies may be helpful for your work if you have not already seen it and is available on the web site under ‘evidence base’. www.camden.gov.uk/localplan
There will be some community group meetings as part of the consultation on the draft Local Plan, where there will be an opportunity to discuss the proposed changes in more detail. An invitation email will be sent out soon.
It’s Fairtrade Fortnight 23 February – 8 March
Celelebrating the impact of Fairtrade and turning a spotlight on the producers who grow the products we love.
Fairtrade Fortnight sees the premiere of a thought provoking 13-minute film – Fairtrade Matters – focusing on tea farmers in rural Malawi.
For more details and to get involved visit www.fairtrade.org.uk
Over 50s and Domestic Violence
Organisations in Camden who may be reaching out to women aged 50 – 77, living in Camden, who may be suffering from domestic abuse are invited to this event. Tuesday 3rd March at 10am at Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square. Following on from last year’s successful ‘know it isn’t love’ campaign aimed at 16 – 25yr olds, this new campaign hopes to do the same for the over 50s. Please rsvp to Cynthia Akinsanya, email: Cynthia.Akinsanya@camden.gov.uk
Hate crime knowledge sharing event on 18 March 2015
Do you come into contact with victims of hate crime through your work?
The Camden hate crime knowledge sharing event on Wednesday 18 March is aimed at frontline practitioners and their managers to build confidence in recognising hate crime and supporting third party reporting.
Keynote speeches will be given by Sir Keir Starmer KC, QC, former director of public prosecutions who specialises in human rights law, and Trevor Phillips, current deputy chair of the Board of the National Equality Standard and former chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
Further experts will include Les Moran, Professor of Law at Birkbeck, University of London and Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Packer from the Metropolitan Police Service.
There will be workshops that cover a variety of themes including faith, LGBT, people with disabilities, race, intersectionality, women and supporting victims of hate crime. These workshops will be delivered by specialist organisations including Tell MAMA, Community Security Trust, Camden LGBT Forum, Camden People First, The Monitoring Group, Vision Sense and Victim Support.
The event takes place at Senate House from 10am to 4pm.
If you would like to attend, please request a place by Friday 27 February.
Any questions, please contact charles.braddick-southgate@camden.gov.uk community cohesion officer
Camden Community Festivals Fund
Once again funding is available for community festivals in Camden. The fund is managed by Voluntary Action Camden (VAC). See the ‘Funding’ section below for full details.
National News
The Coalition’s Social Policy Record: Policy, Spending and Outcomes 2010-2015
Youngest children and poorer households worst hit by Coalition’s selective cuts, according to major new report.
Poorer groups have been worst affected by changes to direct taxes, benefits and tax credits despite the Coalition’s promise that the rich would carry the burden of austerity, according to a major new report from LSE and the Universities of Manchester and York. As a result, poverty has been increasing and will get worse in the next five years. Read more here.
Let’s design support systems on the assumption everyone is deserving
Debra Allcock Tyler laments the insidious creep of Victorian paternalistic attitudes to charity and the return to ideas of the deserving and undeserving poor. Full article in Third Sector.
‘It’s A Bake Off!’ at Kentish Town Community Centre Saturday 28th March 1.30-5pm.
Bring in cakes to enter or just turn up for some lunch, an egg hunt and tea party. Free, open to all. Bakers must sign up in advance. Visit www.ktcc.org.uk/events for more information. 17 Busby Place, NW5 2SP
Kentish Town Community Cente are also looking for one-off volunteers and Festival Events Assistants, details can be found here https://do-it.org/organisations/kentish-town-community-centre.
Awards for All/Reaching Communities- One to One Support for Camden Groups
VAC and BIG will be offering further one to one support sessions for Camden groups applying for Awards for All and Reaching Communities in 2015. They will take place on 23rd March. Please contact Ricky or Monica acharles@vac.org.uk tel 020 7284 6550 to book your 45min session. You will need to send in your completed draft by 16th March.
Finding Carnegie Playing Fields
88 years ago the Carnegie UK Trust gave the equivalent of £10million to help create, protect and improve playing fields. Today, you can help us bring the records on these fields up to date. We have already done some of the legwork with a pilot project. Read more about the fields we have found here.
Help find out about the rest.
Care and support information day – Wednesday 11 March 2015
Find out how care and support is changing in Camden and the help available to you at an information day at Swiss Cottage library.
To mark the launch of new Camden Care Choices website – your first stop for information and advice about care and support – an information day is being held for you to find out about the information, advice and wide range of support available to you in the borough.
Drop in anytime throughout the day to:
• learn about Camden Care Choices, the marketplace directory and online needs assessment
• find out about the Care Act and how it will affect you
• meet local organisations including Age UK Camden, Camden Carers and many more to find out about the range of services they offer
• speak to social care staff
• get free money advice, a free NHS health check and much more
Wednesday 11 March 10am to 4pm – drop in any time at Swiss Cottage library, 88 Avenue Road, London NW3
For more information about the event: Email: careact@camden.gov.uk Phone: 020 7974 6345
Open Forum 12.30 – 3.30 pm Thursday 5th March 2015
The Conference Hall, St Pancras Hospital 4 St Pancras Way, London NW1 0PE
Do you / have you used Drug or Alcohol services in Camden? – What’s Good? Bad? Missing?
Come along and tell us your experience – A chance to influence how your treatment is delivered in Camden.
Presentations from the Hep C trust, the alcohol service and the BBV nurse from C&IFT. Everybody in Camden with a drug or alcohol history is welcome! But anyone too disruptive may be asked to leave.
Refreshments from 12.30 until 1pm. For any more information – please contact Alex or Rachel on 020 3355 7113 or 07770 014 109
Decentralise in Camden
The Camden Climate Change Alliance will be hosting a half day event on Thursday 21 May – ‘Decentralise In Camden’ – to bring together local organisations who are interested in understanding and contributing to Camden’s vision for decentralised energy networks. With knowledgeable speakers and case studies, the event will provide an opportunity for attendees to understand the benefits of implementing or connecting to an energy network, to learn about the various projects delivered to date and most importantly, what will be going on in Camden in over the coming years.
If your organisation would be interested in finding out more about the ‘Decentralise in Camden’ event, register your interest by emailing camdencca@camden.gov.uk and we’ll keep you updated.
Do you want to take you passion for your charity and use it to speak for your charity?
Society Speakers is a fun an exciting club, not for profit, public speaking club mainly (but not totally) aimed at people who work for charities. It’s an amazing way to improve your public speaking and leadership skills. We meet in Fitzrovia twice a month, when you can learn and practice your public speaking in a friendly and supportive environment.
As a guest, it’s free to visit.
www.societyspeakers.org – email: awareness@societyspeakers.org
Healthwatch Camden
Out now – the Weekly News & Info digest 20/02/15 and the Director’s Blog
Independent Disability Advisor Group members
Transport for London are recruiting people to join their Independent Disability Advisory Group (IDAG).
They want disabled people who live in the capital, are strategic thinkers and can influence services.
The role is paid and is for 30 days a year, during three years.
The role of the Independent Disability Advisory Group (IDAG) is to review key policies including TfL’s business plan and flagship projects, as well as recommend guiding principles to ensure that we succeed in promoting equality for disabled people in London. They hold five Sub-Regional Mobility forums twice a year which are chaired by an Advisory Member.
They want to be as diverse as the city we represent and welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability.
For further information about these roles and to obtain an application pack, contact: Email idag@tfl.gov.uk Telephone 020 3054 7165. The closing date 13th March 2015. Interviews will be held during March.
Superfast Broadband Vouchers
Super Connected Cities enables organisations (includes SME, registered charities, social enterprises or sole traders) to apply for up to £3000 of funding for a faster broadband connection. This will enable participating organisations to transfer data quickly, work in the cloud and access high speed broadband (usually of 30Mbit/s or more) to increase productivity.
The voucher scheme offer ends on 31 March 2014. More details at the Super Connected Cities website.
The 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
UK Deaf Sport, New Horizons Youth Centre, Holborn Community Association, VAC, Castlehaven Community Association, Hillside Clubhouse, Henna Asian Women’s Group, 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
FUNDING NEWS
See the Funding pages on VAC’s website for all the latest information.
The Camden Hive – A new crowdfunding website to help you make Camden even better
Have an idea to make Camden even better? Need funding? The Camden Hive page on the crowdfunding website Spacehive brings together projects for the public good by people who live, work or play in Camden. Your idea needs to be in Camden, costed and open to the public. Choose a fundraising target and how long to run your campaign. Then upload an explanation of your idea plus photos or a video and get a totaliser showing the time left and who has pledged money so far. Use your networks, social media, email and the press to attract pledges of support. If you hit your target in your chosen period, you get the money to start work and Spacehive take a small sum for costs and Paypal charges. As with most crowdfunding sites, if your project misses its target no-one’s account is debited, but you may still get publicity and in-kind support. More info at Project Dirt
On Tuesday 10 March Spacehive is running a workshop to show how to create a project on the Camden Hive, 6-8pm at the council’s new premises at 5 Pancras Square, N1C 4AG. To book, email nick.wilson-young@camden.gov.uk
The Fashion & Textile Children’s Trust has funding available for vulnerable children
For children (0-18 years), where the parent or carer works / has previously worked, in any aspect of the UK fashion and textile industry. (This is very broad reaching and even covers employees that work in supermarkets that sell clothing!)
We have two different grant types, as follows: (grants typically start at £150)
Wellbeing grants for items including essential items (including clothing, bedding and white goods) therapies, respite activities, mobility equipment, specialist clothing and adaptations to the home.
Education grants for items including specialist tutorial support, learning tools (including specialist tools, books and course equipment), school necessities (including uniform and sports equipment), transport costs and school fees*
*Applications for support with school fees are considered where the state education system has been unable to meet the young person’s needs, and there is no alternative state school.
To make an application, we ask that the parent or carer meets the following criteria:
1. The child must be aged between 0-18 yrs.
2. The parent or full time carer, must currently work or have previously worked in the UK fashion and textile industry
3. The parent is able to show that there is no state provision for the needs of their children
Ageing Better in Camden Announce Invitations to Tender
Ageing Better in Camden has now published the Invitation for Tender Documentation for the Digital Inclusion Project and the Intergenerational Activities Project on the Age UK Camden website. Ageing Better apologise for the delay. http://www.ageuk.org.uk/camden/ageing-better-in-camden/.
Please note that there is an ‘Acknowledgement of Tender Form’ in the ‘Invitation for Tender Documentation’.
Ageing Better in Camden need to receive this form, so that you can be included in the clarification dialogue between Ageing Better in Camden and other bidders about the tendering documentation and process.
The revised timetable for the tendering process is also on the website.
Please note that the Intergenerational Activities Project now covers children (under 18 years old) AND younger adults (18 – 40 year olds) across Camden.
Please refer to http://www.ageuk.org.uk/camden/ageing-better-in-camden/ for updates.
Camden Prevention Challenge: Improving mental health
£750k has been identified to develop new preventative support for people with mental health problems in Camden. The £750,000 is equally funded by Camden Council, Camden Clinical Commissioning Group and Camden & Islington Foundation Trust.
Camden’s Adult Mental Health Commissioners are hosting 3 events in March to get ideas from mental health service users, providers, carers and practitioners how the money should be best spent.
Ways to contribute:
1. Post comments/ideas on We are Camden webpage
https://www.wearecamden.org/mentalhealth/
2. Join us at conversation events taking place in March below- please RVSP rosemary.howes@camden.gov.uk – places are limited.
3. Contact a Mental Health Commissioner or member of the Mental Health and Substance Misuse Commissioning Team
Conversation one: How can we enable people with mental and physical health to take part in physical activities and music?
Camden’s Mental Health Wellbeing Centre, The Hub, 8 Fairhazel Gardens, London, NW6 3SG
Wednesday 11 March, 2 to 4pm
Conversation two: What can help people take charge of their mental health?
Queen’s Crescent Community Centre, 45 Ashdown Crescent, London NW5 4QE
Monday 23 March, 2 to 4pm
Conversation three: What would make it easier for people to take part in community activities and opportunities?
Bedford House Gym, Holborn Community Association,35 Emerald Street, London WC1N 3Q
Monday 30 March, 1 to 3pm
Contacts:
After 9th March, Richard Elphick, Strategic Mental Health Commissioner –– richard.elphick@camden.gov.uk 020 7974 8545
Julia Chappell, Strategic Mental Health Commissioner – julia.chappell@camden.gov.uk 020 7974 6651
Rosemary Howes, Mental Health Placement and Performance Co-ordinator in Mental Health Commissioning Team – rosemary.howes@camden.gov.uk 020 7974 5070
Capital Clean-up Grant and Kit
Anyone from community groups to charities, youth groups to small businesses can now apply for grants of between £500 and £1,500, or a clean-up kit, to bring volunteers together and get involved in Capital Clean-up 2015
See more at: http://www.projectdirt.com/cluster/capitalcleanup/#!/journal_entry/33925
Home Office – Child and Adult Victim Sexual Abuse Support Fund
Grants are available for registered charities and other voluntary and community sector organisations in England and Wales providing local or national services to victims of sexual abuse to help meet the increased demand on those services.
The Sexual Abuse Support Fund is aimed at non-statutory organisations in England and Wales providing support to victims of sexual abuse to help meet the increased demand on those services. Organisations can provide local services or national services.
Deadline: 2 March 2015 (5pm). It is expected that successful applicants will be notified by the end of March 2015.
Link to guidelines: http://www.norfolk-pcc.gov.uk/sexual-abuse-victims-fund (NB Norfolk are administering the fund – it is open to all regions).
Home Office – Child Abuse Inquiry Support Fund
New one-off fund with a deadline of 2 March 2015 (5pm).
Grants are available to registered charities and other voluntary and community sector organisations in England and Wales which have experienced an increase in demand as a direct result of the announcement of the Child Abuse Inquiry on 7 July 2014.
Deadline: 2 March 2015 (5pm). It is expected that successful applicants will be notified by the end of March 2015.
Link to guidelines: http://www.norfolk-pcc.gov.uk/sexual-abuse-victims-fund (NB Norfolk are administering the fund – it is open to all regions).
Camden Community Festivals Fund
Camden Council is supporting this grants programme in recognition of the contribution made by community festivals and events to strengthening Camden communities and in developing a rich culture and economy within the borough.
The fund is to sustain and develop Camden’s rich culture, its strong communities and dynamic partnerships by supporting quality, creative events, projects and activities. This year the fund is managed by Voluntary Action Camden (VAC).
Applications are welcome for grants of £200 to £5000 for:
~ Small-scale events with a capacity of under 500 people, the maximum amount that can be applied for is £500. A copy of the application form can be downloaded here.
~ Larger-scale events with a capacity of 500 people or more the maximum that can be applied for is £5,000. Please note the average is £1,000. A copy of the application form can be downloaded here.
A copy of the detailed guideline can be downloaded here.
The application process is open from Monday 19th January 2015.
The deadline for completed applications is: 6pm on Thursday 16th March 2015
Full details and links to the forms can be found at https://www.vac.org.uk/camden-community-festivals-fund/
If you would like more information and/or to be sent hard copies of the application forms and the guidelines please contact acharles@vac.org.uk. Tel. 020 7284 6553. Fax. 020 7284 6551. VAC, 293-299 Kentish Town Road, London NW5 2TJ.
Please note your grant is only administered by VAC. For all other aspects of your event please contact Camden Council’s events team. events@camden.gov.uk. Tel: 020 7974 5633.
Camden Carers Service Urgent Brief Breaks
Every carer knows when things reach a critical pitch and the pressure valve is about to blow.
That’s when you may need an Urgent Brief Break!
If you provide unpaid care for someone who lives in the London Borough of Camden then you may be eligible
Referrals can be made by a Professional or you can refer yourself
For more information please call Angela 020 7428 8950 or email referrals@camdencarer.org.uk
Don’t forget to sign up to Funding Central for free email funding alerts. Go to www.fundingcentral.org.uk/
VAC EVENTS
VAC has a full programme of courses coming up: Click here to find out more. All courses are ?25 for members (unless otherwise stated).
Mental Health First Aid Training at VAC
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a nationally approved two-day course, designed for anyone without specialist mental health training. The course promotes awareness of mental health issues, and trains non-mental health professionals to recognise those affected by mental health problems and to offer initial help and guidance towards professional support. This can lead to improved outcomes for those affected, their families, friends, colleagues and employers.
Participants will receive a copy of the MHFA manual and certificate on completion of the course.
Do you have any questions or want to book a place?
Contact the Mental Health Team at Voluntary Action Camden:
Maureen Brewster on mbrewster@vac.org.uk or 020 7284 6563
Ann Wolfe on awolfe@vac.org.uk or 020 7284 6565
Sue Dowd on sdowd@vac.org.uk or 020 7284 6559
Next course dates: Monday 16th February and Monday 23rd February 2015
New VAC Training Programme
- 13th March: Project Management Introduction
———————————————————– - 6th May: Project Management Starter
- 14th May: Governance/Trustees 6 evenings
Dementia Friends Information Sessions
Would you like to improve your understanding of dementia and what it might be like to live with the condition?
People with dementia sometimes need a helping hand to go about their daily lives and feel included in their local community. Dementia Friends is about raising awareness and encouraging people to do the small things that can make a difference to people living with dementia – from helping someone find the right bus to spreading the word about dementia. The initiative, run by the Alzheimer’s Society, aims to create a network of one million Dementia Friends across England by 2015.
Dementia Friends Information Sessions are short, interactive and fun. If you would like VAC to run a session for your organisation or community group, please contact Ann Wolfe on awolfe@vac.org.uk or call 020 7284 6565. For more information see the Dementia Friends website: http://www.dementiafriends.org.uk/
OTHER EVENTS
Lunchtime Volunteering Fair with Volunteer Centre Camden
Looking for volunteers? Come and meet people who want to volunteer at our next volunteering fair
Thursday 19th March, 12-2pm
Clarence Way Hall, Bradfield Court Off Hawley Road, NW1 8RN
Check out all of the details here. And book your place via eventbrite here.
Discover Recovery, Camden’s annual community celebration of recovery.
Wednesday March 25th 11am-4pm. At Arlington Conference Centre (220 Arlington Rd, NW1 7HE)
This will be a celebration and promotion of recovery opportunities and achievements across the borough, with those in recovery at its heart.
The event will be hosted by a partnership of Camden recovery services, including CRI, SHP and NHS foundation Trust, and featuring:
· info stalls by recovery organisations throughout Camden
· programme workshops/tasters
· speakers sharing their recovery story
· recognition awards to recovery role models
· poetry
· live music
· T-shirt printing
· artwork display
· refreshments provided by Camden’s Recovery Cafe (Royal College Street) And much more.
Whole Systems Change – co-producing new models of health and care in London
16th April from 2pm till 5pm at Human Rights Action Centre
Take part in LVSC’s exciting new event which will explore co-production between the voluntary & community sector (VCS), local communities, patient bodies and the statutory and academic sectors in shaping and delivering new models of primary and community care as outlined in the NHS Five Year Forward View and the Better Health for London report.
The event aims are to:
• Understand the complexities of the current health and care system and the need for change.
• Explore the role of the of the voluntary & community sector (VCS), local communities and patient bodies in shaping and co-producing the new models of primary and community care as set out in the Five Year Forward View and Better Health for London
• Agree a draft health and care manifesto outline for London.
The event is for:
• London’s voluntary & community sector (VCS)
• Healthwatch organisations
• National, regional and local policy makers and commissioners
• Academic Health Science Networks and Clinical Senates
• Health Education England (including the London HEEs)
There will be interactive workshops on developing a health and care roadmap and manifesto.
Confirmed speaker: Dr Sam Everington, Chair Tower Hamlets CCG. Dr Everington also leads national work on primary care-driven care models and service redesign and is a member on the King’s Fund Board.
Other speakers to be confirmed. Link to registration
Children England and Engage London: Rising to the Leadership Challenge with Children at Heart. The event will include networking lunch after the main session. Free to attend.
Friday 13th March 9.30 -12.30 at The Foundry, 17 Oval Way, Vauxhall SE11 5RR
Children are affected by almost every decision adults make – by families, by communities and by government. They suffer the impact of economic and social problems but they rely on us to work out what should be done about it. In the run up to the General Election, it’s time to get the message out to politicians that children –20% of the UK population but without a vote – should be at the heart of plans for the future. As a sector we need to rise to this challenge, develop leadership collaboration across the region, and call on decision-makers to ‘Put Children at Heart.’
This morning will be an opportunity to hear a range of perspectives on leadership from the sector, share your thinking on rising to the challenge, develop leadership collaboration across the capital, and get involved with the Children at Heart campaign.
More information here http://www.childrenengland.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Rising-to-the-Leadership-Challenge-with-Children-at-Heart1.pdf Free to attend
Booking: http://subscribercrm.childrenengland.org.uk/Event-Booking/EventId/1157
International Women’s Day Celebration 8th March
Celebrate International Women’s Day at an evening dedicated to the plight of women and children in the Middle East fleeing war, rape, death and fundamentalism in the second decade of 21st century.
Come along with your family members and friends and enjoy a memorable evening.
Programme:
6.30 Welcome
7.00 Violence in the region and its consequences for women & children
7.30 Live performance
8:00 Dinner
9.00- 11.00 Dance with DJ music
Hanley Crouch Community Association The Laundry Sparsholt Road London N19 4EL Buses: W7, W3, 210, 91 Overground: Crouch Hill
Voluntary Groups, ‘Workfare’ and Benefits Sanctions: The Perils of Participation
Thursday 19th March 12.30-3pm LIFT Islington, 45 White Lion Street, London N1 9PW
The ‘Help to Work Programme’ (introduced last April) is specifically designed to attract the involvement of charities and voluntary groups.
The meeting on the 19th March is organised jointly by KVV, Greater London Volunteering and the London Voluntary Services Council. It will provide an opportunity to:
• Spread information about the Help to Work Programme and the ways in which it is being rolled out by the DWP, primes and their subcontractors (including testimony from claimants who have been affected);
• Share information and experiences between participants who have had contact with the Programme;
• Gain greater understanding and awareness about the effects of workfare and benefits sanctions;
• Help to decide what further action can be taken.
This event will be of particular relevance for volunteer centres, advice agencies, food banks, employment support projects, those operating charity shops and local Councils for Voluntary Services.
The event is free and includes lunch. Please arrive at 12.30pm for a 1pm start to the meeting. You can find out more and register for the event here.
More information on Help to Work and Work fare can be on the Keep Volunteering Voluntary (www.kvv.org.uk) and Boycott Workfare (http://www.boycottworkfare.org/) websites.
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
Equalities Support Programme for voluntary and community organisations working with children, young people and families
Do you want to provide services that better meet the needs of your local communities and different equalities groups? This programme introduces local voluntary and community organisations (VCOs) in London to the Engage London Equality Act Toolkit. This course will be very helpful for individuals in these VCOs with a policy, engagement or equalities remit or those with an interest in helping these VCOs improve equal opportunities in service delivery.
The session will enable participants to:
• Assist your local voluntary and community organisations (VCOs) to use the Engage London Toolkit, and other equalities resources, in planning your work
• Improve the capacity of your VCOs to identify the needs of groups that may face discrimination or inequalities in accessing services
• Consider how your VCOs can deliver services that are better able to meet the needs of equalities groups
Wednesday 11th March 9.45 – 16.30
Race Equality Foundation, Unit 22 Deane House Studios, 27 Greenwood Place, London NW5 1LB
engagelondon@childrenengland.org.uk Web: www.childrenengland.org.uk/engagelondon/
Governance In The Voluntary And Community Sector
14 May 2015 – 18 Jun 2015 (£71/£25) Thursdays, 17:30-20:30
A short course for members of governing bodies or anybody who is interested in developing the knowledge and skills required to be a member of a governing body in the voluntary or community sector. With the knowledge gained from this course you can become an effective participant in the governance of new and existing organisations. This is not a qualification course.
Areas covered:
* Introduction to the Role of a Governing Body Member
* Developing Governance – Responsibilities and Accountability
* Governance – Strategy and Structures
Find out more and book at the Mary Ward Centre website. For questions about the course contact Kevin Nunan.
Free Speech, surveillance and human rights: uniting London in response to the Charlie Hebdo Atrocities
Tuesday 3rd March 7pm at Highgate Library and Civic and Cultural Centre
Kilburn Older Voices Exchange, the British Society of Gerontology, and London Borough of Camden present The first Kilburn Debate of 2015: Kilburn – your lifetime neighbourhood?
What policy changes would encourage us to ‘age in place’?
9.30am– 4.30pm Tuesday, 3rd March, 2015
Morning: Older peoples’ contribution to research
Passing by or by-passing: Intergenerational use of public space; Professor Sheila Peace, Open University
How older people are helping change the street environment; Rita Newton, Senior lecturer, Salford University
1.30–2.30pm: Films by KOVE and other local older film-makers
Afternoon: New developments – London and Kilburn
The London picture and lessons from other cities; Professor Colin Haylock, Newcastle University, Past President of the Royal Town Planning Institute, member Mayor’s Design Advisory Group;
Making changes to Kilburn High Rd: a case study; Jacqueline Saunders, Principal Traffic Planner, Camden
Kingsgate Resource Centre for Older People, 208 Webheath, Palmerston Road NW6 2JU
This free event is open to users of the Centre, local residents of any age, British Society of Gerontology members, service professionals and anyone with an interest in the issues under discussion. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.
For information and to register, contact: John Miles (07817 424356 johnmiles68@yahoo.co.uk) or Mel Wright (07539 390786 mel.wright@kove.org.uk)
Working with Complex Needs: Free Training Offer for Camden Based Groups
Clean Break is offering FREE training workshops to health, social care and voluntary sector organisations working in Camden in February – March 2015
Designed to help you reflect on and identify successful strategies to support women with complex needs, this training is ideal for frontline staff, managers, volunteers, advice workers, support staff and others who want to improve their practice. This bespoke package uses short play Sounds Like An Insult, performed by graduates of Clean Break’s theatre education programme, as a stimulus for discussion and critical reflection. Commissioned by Clean Break in association with NOMS and the Department of Health, Sounds Like An Insult explores the experiences of women offenders with complex mental health needs, and the challenges of diagnosis and treatment within the criminal justice system. Following the performance, we engage participants through creative techniques to explore the challenges and opportunities of working with women who may have complex mental health needs, addiction and/or experience of the criminal justice system and who often, as a result, struggle to access or remain engaged in services.
We will be running these free two hour training workshops in Camden, throughout February and March 2015. We can work with groups of up to 30 and may be able to offer multiple workshops for organisations which have larger numbers to accommodate.
If you would like to discuss your organisation’s specific needs or ask questions about the workshop, or to book a session, please email Ros Terry ros.terry@cleanbreak.org.uk. More information at www.cleanbreak.org.uk
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
JOBS AND VOLUNTEERS
Creating Deaf Sport Coaches
For a limited time UK Deaf Sport are offering financial support for people who want to become coaches in deaf sport.
The aim of the bursary is to increase the numbers of coaches in deaf grass roots sport
Ideally you will be a person who is deaf or hard of hearing or somebody from the deaf community who wants to be involved in coaching people who are deaf or hard of hearing in sport.
We are looking for people who want to begin coaching by taking their first level 1 qualification and those looking to progress from level 1 to level 2
The coach bursary scheme is open for a limited time only from 1st February to 20th of March 2015.
Applications must use the form and be submitted either in writing or via e mail to the National Participation Officer no later than 20th March 2015. Click here to find out more.
Looking for a challenging and rewarding role?
New Horizon Youth Centre works with young homeless/vulnerable people in Kings Cross and is seeking volunteers to support its youth work and advice services from Monday to Sunday. We provide training, support, lunch, travel expenses and the chance to work alongside dynamic and creative team and client group.
Contact us now to find out more
Email info@nhyouthcentre.org.uk or call 0207 388 5560. www.nhyouthcentre.org.uk/
Holborn Community Association have a vacancy:
Senior Administrator who will lead on administrative functions across all three HCA sites.
Are you an organised person with administrative experience and excellent computer skills? An opportunity has arisen to join Holborn Community Association, a growing & exciting community charity in WC1 – a great location to work in.
We need someone who has:
Minimum 2 years experience working in an administration role
High level of accuracy, organisation and attention to detail
Excellent IT skills including use of Microsoft software and ideally Google Apps
Willingness to work flexibly
Hours per week: 25. Salary: £21,675 pro rata (NJC Scale pt 19). Full DBS (CRB) check will be required
Information pack and application form available on our website www.holborncommunity.co.uk or by emailing admin@holborncommunity.co.uk
Closing Date: Monday 2nd March 2015 at 12 pm
Interviews will be held: Monday 9th & Tuesday 10th March 2015
Castlehaven Community Association seeks Environmental & Community Projects Officer
Are you passionate about engaging communities in environmental projects? Do you have experience of project managing community lead food growing/ wildlife/ conservation/ landscape projects? Would you like to work for a thriving community association in the heart of Camden Town?
Hours: 25 Hours per week (5 days x 5 hours inc alternate weekends)
Salary: £21,675 (Scale 4-19) Pro Rata for 25 hours per week £11.91 per hour
At Castlehaven we have four acres of urban green space just off Camden high street. We have been working to transform it into a vibrant and loved park space that is rich in biodiversity, providing opportunities for the local community to learn about gardening, food growing and environmental issues. We are looking for a self motivated, proactive and creative individual to manage the environmental projects and open space at the Castlehaven Community Association.
Application closing date: Sunday 1st March 2015. Interviews will take place on Friday 6th March 2015.
Download Application Form & Job Description www.castlehaven.org.uk or email Anita Lake on anita@castlehaven.org.uk for an application pack, tel: 020 7485 3386
VAC seeks Database and Website Data Entry Volunteer
Are you good with data entry and would like to learn more about using online databases and website? We are looking for a new volunteer to carry on this valuable work. Ideally you will be able to offer 2 days per week – 14 hours/week (Tuesday & Wednesday). The main role is to:
~ To update and maintain information on the Client Database and ensure the accuracy of all data recorded.
~ To provide data-entry support to enter core VAC and VAC project work, outcomes and evaluations on the database and / or other monitoring software e.g. MS Excel.
~ To keep the VAC website up-to-date with the latest training opportunities from VAC and latest funding opportunities as they relate to the local Camden Voluntary and Community Sector.
Find out more on our website or contact Alex Charles alexcharles@vac.org.uk Tel: 020 7284 6562
Mental Health Community Development Worker £26,342 – Islington based
Hillside Clubhouse is a dynamic mental health charity in North London. Our community development service works at a strategic level with the local authority, NHS and community organisations to identify and address barriers faced by people from excluded communities (including BMER, LGBT and faith) accessing mental health and community based services. The postholder will also provide direct support to individuals to access services including talking therapies and supportive services. Experience of working with people and organisations to influence change will be essential as will an in depth knowledge of issues facing excluded communities in accessing services. You will also need to develop a clear understanding of and referral pathways into local services and be able to enable individuals to access them.
For an application pack please email gsell@hillsideclubhouse.org.uk or telephone 020 7700 6408.
Closing date: Monday 2 March 2015 More details at www.hillsideclubhouse.org.uk
Camden Carers Service seeks Befrienders
Would you like to help older carers around the borough of Camden have a better social life too? Do you value older people? Do you have time available in the day? Are you friendly and reliable?
Camden Carers Service is launching a new project to provide befriending and support for our older carers. We are looking to recruit volunteers interested in befriending from a range of backgrounds, varying life experiences and across all ages. People who are friendly, patient, good listeners and understanding will be spending time with carers on a weekly basis for a couple of hours or so.
Volunteering with CCS as a befriender means you provide support (typically up to 12 weeks) for older carers after the initial introduction process. You will need to be able to visit your befriendees regularly for minimum of 3 hours per week. DBS check required. Contact Camden Carers Service for further information contact tamari@camdencarers.org.uk Tell: 02074288950
£3000 AGE grant for employers recruiting an apprentice – available for six months only
Between January and June 2015, London-based employers of 250 staff or fewer can access a grant of £3,000 if they choose to recruit an apprentice aged 16-24. The grant is available exclusively to employers who have not recruited an apprentice in the last twelve months. Grants are available after the apprentice has been in post for thirteen weeks.
Apprenticeships are a cost-effective way to tackle skills shortages, helping organisations across all industries to harness fresh talent.
For advice on accessing the grant and support in recruiting an apprentice in recruiting an apprentice, please contact the Camden Apprenticeships team on 0207 974 1736 or email apprenticeships@camden.gov.uk
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.
Henna Asian Women’s Group Befriending Service 2015
Henna Asian Women’s Group is opening their Befriending service to all individuals that are in need for extra help to improve their social circle in the new year. We will reach out to the most vulnerable individuals that live in any Borough of London. Henna volunteers will pay regular weekly visits to clients and support them into taking steps to come out of the home and access different services.
We are recruiting both Male and Female volunteers to become Befrienders on this project. If you have a few hours to spare each week, would like to gain experience in the health and social care sector or simply just want to give something back to the community then please contact us.
Contact Ammarah Ahmad, ammarah_hennaorg@yahoo.co.uk, Telephone: 020 7372 9860, Volunteer Coordinator, Henna Asian Women’s Group, www.hennaorg.co.uk
SkillShare
Skillshare is an easy way to find skilled people to support your organisation. What sort of skills are on your wish list? Current skills on offer include: furniture restoration, photography, Nia technique instructor and food and textiles teacher, plus many more. Thirty local organisations are already signed up and accessing our database of skilled volunteers. The last volunteer we placed was a photographer who is going to be taking photographs of Camden for two local organisations.
For more information contact SkillShare, skillshare@volunteercentrecamden.org.uk or 020 7424 9990.
CamdenPAs – personal assistants in health and social care
A new website www.camdenpas.org.uk has been created in partnership with HCCT, Camden Council, DISC and Age UK Camden to boost the market of health and social care personal assistant and provide more choice for the employers of PAs.
CamdenPAs is new way for those wanting to employ a personal assistant to find a PA who meets their interests and needs. Employers can look through PA profiles or post their own advertisement to specify what they are looking for.
The site is also an opportunity for those with an interest/experience in health and social care roles to promote themselves in this expanding market. The site is an exciting, flexible opportunity to gain entry into employment since more and more people have personal budgets and direct payments and are becoming employers. It
is also an opportunity for trainees or those who have worked as unpaid carers.
The site matches Personal Assistants with potential employers. It allows PAs to add ‘profiles’ promoting their skills, experience and interests. They can also view and respond to the ‘ads’ of those wanting to employ a PA.
Access CamdenPAs at: www.camdenpas.org.uk
If you have any questions do get in touch via the email below, or contact DISC and Age UK Camden who can assist potential employers interested in recruiting PAs or creating their ad. contact@camdenpas.org.uk
Find Jobs and Volunteering opportunities at https://www.vac.org.uk/
OFFERS, RESOURCES and ANNOUNCEMENTS
Feedback from 27th January Event 2015: ‘Developing a new relationship between the Council and the voluntary sector’
Voluntary and Community Sector representatives were invited to an event at the Camden Centre which was held on the morning of 27th January. The event was the second in a process by which we are looking at how the Council and the VCS can better work together in partnership in the context of the financial challenge facing the Council.
The aim was for a working event focussed on further developing a model of our relationship for the future. Both the structure of the event and the themes discussed were developed from an event launching this process on 5th December 2014.
Please find attached the notes of the workshop discussions and next steps. The notes can also be located at https://www.wearecamden.org/tackling-the-financial-challenge-with-the-vcs/ should you want to add further comments.
HR Advice for Camden Groups from VAC
VAC is offering Camden VCS groups a free service every Thursday to answer HR related queries, by telephone or e-mail. As well as dealing with one-off queries, free of charge, on Thursdays, we can also offer an “Expert Critical Friend” package, which provides 3.5 hours of support at a cost of £150, for you to use as, when and where you need it. This package is suitable if managers or trustees need more substantial help with:
~ Drafting or reviewing HR policies and procedures
~ Support to work through difficult situations, eg. redundancy, disciplinary issues
~ Coaching on dealing with a number of HR issues
~ Training to improve practical HR knowledge throughout your organisation
Contact Caroline Jepson by e-mail at cjepson@vac.org.uk or by telephone: 020 7284 6564
OneCamden is the website to help you access Voluntary and Community Sector support in Camden. Find support to help you volunteer, or find volunteers; support for your voluntary organisation (from charity registration to Community Accountancy); or get advice on starting a Social Enterprise. There are links and resources on this site and links to the partner’s sites. If you would like to request support use the ‘Get Help’ button on the top right to let us know what support you need and we will be in touch.
This is a new initiative for Camden so do let us know what you think, or if you have any suggestions to make OneCamden better.
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.
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To get discounts on training, room hire and many more benefits click here to join Voluntary Action Camden
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If you have an item for the e-bulletin, please email it to Kevin Nunan, knunan@vac.org.uk with a note of which section you would like it to appear under.
