Voluntary Action Camden e-Bulletin 27th October 2023

Camden’s Response to On-Going Events in the Middle East
VAC shares the council’s deep concern about the escalating events in the Middle East and the conviction that one of Camden’s key strengths is its diversity.
Please click here to find out about Camden’s response to on-going events in the Middle East.
The escalation of the conflict has been associated by a sharp rise in Anti-Semitic and Islamophobic hate crime here in the UK.
There are many organisations that log and challenge hate crime. A full list of organisations providing support can be accessed Hate crime – Camden Council and some key ones are listed below: 

• Support for victims of anti-Muslim hate www.tellmamauk.org/submit-a-report-to-us  
• Community Security Trust protects British Jews from antisemitism and related threat  https://cst.org.uk/about-cst 

VAC seeks Treasurer – Join our Board of Trustees

We are seeking a new trustee to take on the exciting role of Treasurer to join our experienced and passionate Board of Trustees. We are looking for someone who will liaise with relevant staff, committee members and/or volunteers to ensure the financial viability of the organisation.
Find out more on our website: https://vac.org.uk/vacancies/treasurer-of-board-of-trustees/

VAC Training for Members

• SAFEGUARDING for Volunteers and New Starters – Online Workshop: Wednesday, 1st November 13:00 – 14:30 – FREE
• CAMDEN TRUSTEE NETWORK: Trustee Recruitment Online Workshop: Tuesday, 7th November 18:00 – 19:00 – FREE
• VIRTUAL INTRODUCTION TO GDPR for those new to or needing a refresher on GDPR theory: Tuesday 21st November 13:30 -14:40 – FREE
•  COMPLYING WITH GDPR – for those with responsibilities for managing GDPR: Tuesday, 28th November 14:00-15:00 – FREE
• CREATING A WORKFORCE FOR THE FUTURE – FREE – Camden CEO Network; Thursday 30th November 08:30am – 10am

See details and book a place in our Events and Training section
New VAC training coming up – details to be published soon 

Health & Temporary Accommodation 
Trust for London’s new report looks at the health and wellbeing of people living in temporary accommodation in London, and includes a number of recommendations for improvement.

Winter Learning
This report from the Greater London Authority and London Councils follows an evaluation of different interventions to support low income households in the context of the cost of living crisis. It includes recommendations based on the findings.

Good Childhood Report
The Good Childhood Report from The Children’s Society evaluates the biggest issues facing children in the UK. The report found that almost a third of children are unhappy with their lives in some way, while 74% feel positive about the future.

Adult Carers
45% of carers in the UK don’t get enough support, according to this Adult Carer Survey Report from the Carers Trust.

Fire Alarms
The London Fire Brigade are looking for feedback on their proposal to change how they respond to automatic fire alarms.

Camden Talks Data event
Taking place on Wednesday, 8th November, from 5.45pm to 7.30pm at Pancras Square Library, 5 Pancras Square N1C 4AG.
This event is an opportunity to have an open discussion about how we collect and use data ethically to improve services for Camden residents. You don’t need any special knowledge about data or technology to take part.
Please reserve your spot by clicking the link. If you have any access requirements, additional needs or cannot access the Eventbrite booking link please let us know by emailing: participation@camden.gov.uk

Newsletter Submissions
Please send any information (approximately 50-75 words long) that you would like included in our weekly newsletter to social@vac.org.uk by no later than 12pm on Wednesday for inclusion in the Friday newsletter. 

Every week VAC checks various sources for the latest funding opportunities relevant for Camden groups.
You can visit our website for a round up of the latest opportunities added this week:  https://vac.org.uk/our-services/fundraising/current-funding-opportunities/

If you need help sourcing or applying for funds, get in touch with our consultancy service, free for all Camden groups!

Round up of Funding News from the Camden 4 Community Team Newsletter

• Financial Relief for England’s Flood-hit Businesses
• Ofgem Energy Redress Scheme Opens for Autumn 2023 Round
• Grants to Build Connections Between Scottish Diaspora Communities
• Mosques in England and Wales Can Apply Now for Protective Security Funding

Single Homeless Accommodation Programme
The Mayor of London  has secured a portion of a national budget of £270m to deliver homes with support for Londoners sleeping rough and young Londoners aged 18-24 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Capital funding is available for homes that will start and complete from April 2023 to the end of March 2025, and up to three years of revenue funding is available to fund much-needed support to the Londoners who will move into these homes. For further details on the sorts of schemes that can be funded please see  funding guidance.
Providers can contact roughsleepinghomes@london.gov.uk to discuss the programme.

London Mayor Funds Rewilding of London

The Mayor announced further funding to Rewild London to make the capital more resilient to climate change. Local authorities, civil society organisations and community groups that manage land are all invited to apply for funding and further information can be found in the grants guide, available at this link. The deadline for applications is Monday 27 November 2023.  Rewild London is managed by Groundwork London on behalf of the GLA and London Wildlife Trust will provide specialist support. Any questions about the fund can be emailed to rewildlondon@london.gov.uk.

We Make Camden Kit 

The We Make Camden Kit is a partnership between Camden Citizens, Camden Council, Camden Giving and Camden businesses. Funding is available to support great ideas that will make Camden a better place. Decisions on who receives funding and support are made by a panel of Camden residents from across the borough, with the panel of Camden residents supported by a partnership between Camden Council and Camden Giving. There is no closing date and applications are renewed fortnightly. Find out more here: We Make Camden Kit. 

Grant Opportunities for Projects Benefiting Children & Young People’s Mental Health
Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise groups in Camden and other NCEL boroughs: The CAMHS Provider Collaborative has a £1.5M fund available for your projects. If you’re aiming to support young people’s mental health and reduce hospital admissions, grants of up to £50,000 are on offer, with an emphasis on either early intervention or addressing inequalities. Express interest now to find out more! https://compasswellbeing.co.uk/expression-of-interest/

Grants for Projects Supporting Children & Young People’s Mental Health in North Central East London!
If you’re part of a Voluntary, Community & Social Enterprise (VCSE) in Barnet, Enfield, Haringey, Islington, Camden, Waltham Forest, Havering, Redbridge, Barking and Dagenham, Tower Hamlets, Newham, City, or Hackney, here’s an opportunity for you. From a total fund of £1.5M, grants will range from £5,000 to £50,000. We’re especially interested in projects that benefit children and young people with learning disabilities and autism.
The deadline for applications is December 4^th, 2023.                                           Express an interest now to find out more!

Support for Young People
If your organisation supports young people at risk of anti-social behaviour, consider applying for the Million Hours Fund. Grants of between £30,000 – £100,000 are available.
Deadline: Friday 24th November, 12pm

Joseph Roundtree Foundation
The Storytellers Fund from Joseph Rowntree Foundation will support individuals or organisations to tell stories that help to spread their message and create a better world.
Deadline: Friday 10th November

Human Rights
The London Human Rights Communities Programme offers funding and training opportunities that encourage learning about human rights.

Reaching Communities
The Reaching Communities Fund from the National Lottery Community Fund is for projects that make a positive impact in and across communities.
Deadline: ongoing

Cultural Bridge Fund is open – apply by 22 November 2023

Cultural Bridge is a unique investment programme between all UK arts councils and leading German cultural institutions that supports the development of cross-border partnerships. Partnerships must be bi-lateral, including at least one German partner and one UK partner
The funding is for activity that starts from April 2024 and is completed by March 2025. For further information on how to obtain this fund go to
Funding | Cultural Bridge (cultural-bridge.info)
For general enquiries: UK organisations contact:
contact@cultural-bridge.info 
German organisations contact:
deckers@fonds-soziokultur.de

Camden 4 Community – Funding alerts and news for the VCSE 
 https://funding.idoxopen4community.co.uk/camdencommunity 

More funding news and information on VAC website at 
https://vac.org.uk/guides-and-resources/fundraising/funders
                                                                   

VAC UPCOMING TRAINING:
Open to VAC Members only
If you are a voluntary service or group delivering services in Camden and are not a member of VAC, please join here: https://vac.org.uk/get-involved/membership

Introduction to Safeguarding for Volunteers and New Starters  – Virtual workshop, Wednesday, 1st November: 1pm – 2:30pm – FREE
This introductory course is designed for volunteers and new staff who work both directly and indirectly for organisations or groups delivering services to children, young people or their families in Camden.

All sessions will be held virtually, so please make sure you have access to Zoom online or the App beforehand .

To book follow the link and instructions on VAC website: https://vac.org.uk/event/virtual-introduction-to-safeguarding-for-volunteers-and-new-starters-4/

Camden Trustee Network: Trustee Recruitment Workshop
Tuesday, November 7 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm  – FREE
Join us ONLINE  at our Trustee Recruitment Workshop for the Camden Trustee Network which we are co-hosting with our partners at Volunteer Centre Camden on Tuesday 7th November, 6-7pm online. (Zoom link TBA for those who sign up for the event).
This workshop will cover all aspects of trustee recruitment from identifying needs, how to promote the role and tips for onboarding/induction.
https://vac.org.uk/event/camden-trustee-network-trustee-recruitment-workshop/

Virtual Introduction to GDPR – Virtual workshop, Tuesday 21st November: 1:30 – 2:30pm – FREE

All organisations and groups that manage, hold or process data are subject to GDPR.

GDPR applies to any personal data you collect, including volunteers and employees and the law requires you to provide a reason as to why your charity / organisation is collecting and storing this information.

This virtual workshop aims to provide you with basic knowledge and understanding of UK GDPR and how to ensure compliance. It is suitable for those completely new to GDPR or for those looking for a short refresher.

To book follow the link and instructions on the VAC website: https://vac.org.uk/event/virtual-introduction-to-gdpr/

Managing and Complying with GDPR – Virtual workshop, Tuesday 28th November: 2-3pm – FREE
Are you the person directly responsible for managing GDPR at your organisation and ensuring your compliance with current legislation? Do you advise, induct or provide support to colleagues on the proper collecting and processing of users’ personal data and information? If there is a problem relating to data protection to people turn to you to sort it out?

This online workshop aims to provide you with up to date knowledge and understanding of the UK GDPR and how to ensure compliance.

To book follow the link and instructions on the VAC website: https://vac.org.uk/event/managing-and-complying-with-gdpr/

Creating a Workforce for the Future – in person event for the Camden CEO Network, Thursday 30th November 08:30 – 10am
Are we creating enough non-traditional employment pathways into the VCS? Are we replenishing the talent pool? How do we remain a competitive employer

Understanding what skills are existent or missing in the voluntary sector workforce – and what challenges organisations are facing around workforce planning – is an important step to better supporting the sector, particularly in the current climate.

This event is open to Camden CEOs only. To book follow the link and instructions on the VAC website: https://vac.org.uk/event/ceo-network-creating-a-workforce-for-the-future/. Sign up to the Camden CEO Network here: https://vac.org.uk/get-involved/forums-and-networks/camden-ceo-network/

OTHER EVENTS AND TRAINING: 

Rethink Advocacy service is currently running a drop in advocacy session at the Greenwood Centre, 37 Greenwood Place, London, NW5 1LB for people with Learning Disabilities. Please come along on 21^st November at 2pm or 19^th December at 2pm.  The drop in is also working alongside Social Services to support clients to develop their Communications Passport.  Please call Sian Phillips 07483 332490 for more information.

Birkbeck University Workshops 

Fake or Real News

Wed, 1 Nov 2023 18:00 – 20:00. Online. Includes Birkbeck certificate of participation. As we spend more time online, critical thinking is a vital skill for the workplace and everyday life. Learn how to spot fake news, fact vs opinion and evaluate online arguments in this free workshop. Click here to find out more and sign up.

Pathways
Wed, 22 Nov 2023 10:00-13:30. The Winch, Old Winchester Arms, 21 Winchester Rd, Belsize Park, London NW3 3NR.

Want support with deciding what to do next and how to get there? Unsure of what job you’d be good at? Pathways offers free advice and training! FREE lunch and Birkbeck certificate of participation.
Click here to find out more and sign up for the event.

Q4 Community Training
Friday 17 November, 1 – 4 PM at Google UK,  6 Pancras Sq, London N1C 4AG
Google invites you to join our latest community training day where we bring together local organisations for a networking lunch & sessions co-designed by our community partners.

RSVP here to secure your seat! If you have any questions, please reach out to communityengagementuk@google.com.

Register now to take part in National Lottery Open Week 2024
The next National Lottery Open Week will take place from Saturday 9th – Sunday 17th March 2024. To say thank you for the £30 million raised for good causes every week by players, The National Lottery will offer free entry and special offers at a range of participating National Lottery funded venues across the UK, as part of Open Week. Should you have any specific questions about what your offer could be or require further guidance, please get in touch via email thankstoyou@lotterygoodcauses.org.uk

Somali Week Festival

The Somali Week Festival plays a vital role in connecting the Somali community to the broader Black history narrative and promotes cross-cultural understanding among various communities in the UK. The festival provides a platform for celebrating and sharing Somali culture and art, contributing to the collective recognition of Black culture and heritage. For more information on the 2023 Somali Week Festival events please visit www.kayd.org.

Black History Season: Community Health Event on 18th November 2023
In the Crowndale Centre, 218 Eversholt St, NW1 1BD from 12pm-4pm.
Open to everyone; includes a health discussion forum, NHS health checks, physical activities, health support organisations; and family games, children’s activities, free healthy food, entertainment, and other free wellbeing activities focusing particularly on Black Communities in Camden.
Volunteers for this event are also needed:

Help needed:

• Setting up tables/chairs
• Distributing flyers/directing residents to the venue, inside and outside
• Helping on stalls, e.g. children’s craft activities and games
• Supporting resident feedback (Graffiti Wall) on health issues/priorities in the Black Community
• Managing queues free food stalls, etc, or helping with tea /coffee

Please contact Anita Khalil for more information Anita.Khalil@camden.gov.uk

Black History Month Celebration at the Irish Cultural Centre – Hammersmith – London – Sunday 29th October at 6 pm to 9 pm
Join IamIrish at the Irish cultural centre for a FREE evening of performance, culture and community to celebrate Black History Month.
You can book tickets here :
https://irishculturalcentre.co.uk/event/iamirish-x-icc-black-history-month-celebration/

Queer Brown Stories by Camden’s Camley Street project and the Dhaga collective
An opportunity for Queer & Trans South Asian folx who live/work in Camden to inspire a collaborative mural for the Camley Street underpass – exploring the future of Queer South Asian existence in Camden and the city.
Join us this Saturday for a Collage Workshop & Film Screening & Food, ‘Taking Up Space in the City’ Saturday 28th Oct, 12 – 4pm, Old Diorama Arts Centre.
In collaboration with Naz and Matt Foundation, ⁠Club Kali, Old Diorama Arts Centre and HENNA Asian Women’s Group (also offering voter registration support). 

Real Talk – young people’s debate for 16 to 21-year-olds in Camden
5pm to 7.30pm on Thursday 9 November at the Crowndale Centre, 218 Eversholt Street NW1. 
Real Talk is a debate for 16 to 21-year-olds who live or go to school in Camden, or attend a youth centre here. This free early evening event offers a safe space for young people to express their opinions and challenge preconceptions on topics that matter most to them.  Young people can find out more and book a free place here.

Talk for Health is delighted to continue supporting the mental health and wellbeing of Islington and Camden residents. We have a programme starting on 17th November, so if you, or someone you know, needs to talk then click here for more details and to sign-up. Alternatively, you can sign up to a Taster starting on the 1^st November, click here to sign up.  

Go-Forward Youth, 10 Greenland Street, NW1 0ND
A month of free well-being days, every Thursday in November, open to young people with care-experience or otherwise and anyone who is a community leader/facilitator/advocate for young people:  Please join us at Go-Forward Youth, 10 Greenland Street, NW1 0ND for yoga, motivational coaching for confidence and well-being, and a free pampering makeover.  Sessions start from 10am – book ahead or turn up on the day: telephone: 020 79168372 or email: silvie.labatut@go-forwardyouth.org

Camden Council National Youth Work Week Event in Partnership with YCF – 7 November
Camden Council are hosting their National Youth Work Week Event in collaboration with Young Camden Foundation on the 7th of November.
There will be performances from young people, a number of stalls from our organisations and more. Please save the date or email alev@youngcamdenfoundation.org.uk if you would like to get involved
Date & Time: 7 November, Time TBC
Location: Camden Council Chambers

Camden’s first Data Charter Event
The first Camden Talks Data event is taking place on Wednesday, 8th November, from 5.45pm to 7.30pm at Pancras Square Library, 5 Pancras Square N1C 4AG.  Refreshments will be available upon arrival.
This session will build on previous engagement with residents to develop our Data Charter. You can find out more here: https://www.camden.gov.uk/data-charter
Please reserve your spot by clicking the link provided : https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/camden-talks-data-tickets-736628374297?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

Hopscotch Women’s Centre is recruiting
Human Resources and Office Manager – Salary: £28,000-31,000 – 35 hours a week Hybrid: One day a week working remotely Reports to: CEO, working closely with Senior Leadership Team
VAWG/IDVA Complex Needs and Multiple Disadvantage Advocate
Reporting to: Programmes Manager Salary Band: £29,000 – £31,000 per annum full time equivalent Hours: 21 hours per week Location: Camden
For more details  go to Work for Homecare — Hopscotch (hopscotchuk.org)

Latin American House is recruiting for a new Director
Hours of Work: F/T 35 hrs per week
Starting Salary: £42,000 (Gross)
Closing date for applications: 13th November 2023 at 23:59
To find a complete Job Description and instructions on how to apply click on the link 

Mind in Camden Trustee recruitment
We are affiliated to National Mind along with over 100 other local Minds across England and Wales, but we are an independent charity with our own Board of Trustees. We have about 35 staff and up to 80 volunteers. We are based in Camden Town, London. For more details about what we do see: www.mindincamden.org.uk
To ask for more details and the Trustee role description email Brian Dawn at bdawn@mindincamden.org.uk
Ideally, we would like you to commit to a minimum of two years.

VCS Strategic Lead | Camden Consortium of Community Centres (C4)
Camden Community Centres Consortium (C4) brings together community and voluntary sector partners across Camden. C4 improves the living conditions and mental and physical well-being of people in Camden. They are looking for someone with expert skills in fundraising, and someone experienced operating at a strategic level with extensive knowledge and contacts across the Camden voluntary, statutory and community sectors. Part-time, 2 year contract, £49,000 per year FTE. Deadline 7 November. More info

Community Engagement Officer | Camden High Line
 The Camden Highline is a proposed public park and garden walk, transforming the disused railway between Camden Town and King’s Cross into a new green artery for London. They are looking for an enthusiastic and driven Community Engagement Officer to join their team. The role will focus primarily on delivering a new scheme of work called ‘Camden Highline – Tracking the Heritage’, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF). As Community Engagement Officer, you will report to the CEO and work alongside a project team. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit a 60-second cover video along with your CV to jobs@camdenhighline.com
18 month fixed-term contract, £28,000+benefits.
Deadline 27 October       More info.

Age UK Camden and VAC Social Prescribers Innovators Programme 
A new initiative is being delivered by the Camden Care Navigation and Social Prescribing Service, hosted by Age UK Camden (AUC) and Voluntary Action Camden.
The project aims to develop volunteering within the service as a way to help retain existing social prescribers and to support successful recruitment to new social prescriber roles.
Contact Mandira at mmanandhar@vac.org.uk if you are interested in volunteering on this venture.

Local VCS Newsletters:

SHAK
Young Camden Foundation (Funding Newsletter)
Young Camden Foundation (Events and Training Newsletter)
AWN (sign up)
Fitzrovia Community Centre
Coram’s Field Community Newsletter (sign up)
CAWSH newsletter
St Pancras Community Association (sign up)
Castlehaven in Bloom (sign up)
UCL Volunteering Service Newsletter (sign up)
Latin American House
London Irish Centre
North London Cares: Upcoming Clubs
Castlehaven Community Association (sign up)
Heath Hands

If you would like your Camden VCS newsletter added to this list, please email social@vac.org.uk

Looking for a previous newsletter entry? Find it in our archive here

Find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here

Our mailing address is:
Greenwood Centre, Greenwood Place, London, NW5 1LB

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