Voluntary Action Camden e-Bulletin 28th August 2015

Psychological Therapies: The Way Ahead for Camden’s BMER Communities; New Adult Social Care Market Development Strategy; Camden CCG’s Annual General Meeting; Refurbishment of Falkland Place; Health and Safety for Marginalized Communities; Urban Harvest; St Pancras Community Open Day and Family Fun Day; West Euston Community Festival; Royal Albert Hall Friendship Matinee; New Funding from the Edge and London Cycling; + jobs, volunteers, events, training, offers and resources.

Psychological Therapies: The Way Ahead for Camden’s BMER Communities
Wednesday 7th October 1:30pm to 4:30pm
Come and tell us your views on how psychological therapies services should best meet the needs of BMER communities in future
This event is hosted by London Borough of Camden’s Mental Health Commissioners and Voluntary Action Camden. It is aimed at Camden BMER community members and Camden voluntary and community sector organisations working with BMER groups
Tea and coffee will be provided. Venue St Pancras Hospital, Conference Hall.
To reserve your place please email: mentalhealthteam@vac.org.uk. Spaces are limited and bookings will be confirmed in September

New Adult Social Care Market Development Strategy
‘The Council’s Adult Social Care has developed a Market Development Strategy to foster a stronger more effective partnership between the Council and providers, to ensure the delivery of a more person centred, sustainable, care and support market that ensures the safety of vulnerable adults.
The Market Development Strategy provides a broad overview of social care services and likely changes in the future. This is supported by 6 Market Position Statements that explains how the Strategy will be delivered for different client groups and how Camden Council will work with our care providers.
Providers are encouraged to read the market position statements on http://camden.gov.uk/ccm/content/social-care-and-health/about-social-services-in-camden/market-development/ and use this to inform the ongoing development of your services and any contract opportunities you are responding to.
Our ambition, as set out, is to work co-productively with clients and providers to improve support in Camden. We therefore welcome any comments and ideas from providers relating to our market development strategy.’ You can speak to us at contract monitoring meetings, provider forums, market engagements events or through asccommissioning@camden.gov.uk

Camden CCG’s Annual General Meeting
Wednesday 16 September 2015
Camden CCG Agenda:
12:40pm-1:20pm Lunch/Networking
1:30pm-1:45pm Welcome- Chair of Camden CCG
1:45pm-2:30pm Presentations of:
• 2014/15 accounts
• Key Camden CCG success stories
• Public and patient perspective
2:30pm-2:45pm Open Q&A session – with Chair, speakers and supplementary panel members (incl. Governing Body members)
2:45pm-3:35pm Interactive session-table top discussions on key CCG priorities, with refreshments available
To book your place and for further details, please go to http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/camden-clinical-commissioning-groups-ccg-annual-general-meeting-registration-17793562023

Refurbishment of Falkland Place
Tuesday 15th September 10.30am-12pm.
The format of the session will be a site visit/ walk- around and conversations around specific themes to enable a team of Landscape Architects to develop sketch designs.
Groundwork are also working with Camden Council on developing and implementing designs for Cumberland Market, Camden Gardens, Swiss Cottage Open Space and drawing up a masterplan for St Pancras Gardens.
If you would like to attend a site analysis sessions for any of the above, or if you know of anyone who might be interested in attending please get in touch.
Please confirm your availability by Thursday 3rd September by replying to CamdenParks@groundwork.org.uk

Health and Safety for Marginalized Communities
Thursday, 17 September 10:00 am – 1:00 pm | Free
It is targeted in particular at migrant workers, unpaid carers, cleaners and people working in the hospitality industry. Some of the most marginalised people – probably working long hours, in dangerous conditions and on low pay.
Too many people are working in dangerous and unhealthy conditions – and often working long hours for low pay. Job insecurity pushes people to keep their heads down and just get on with the job, even if it’s risking their health. Lots of people may not have the help and support of a trade union. If this sounds like you, then make that change. Attend the VAC/London Hazards Centre training and have some fun learning about your rights and how to enforce them. More information and bookings on the VAC website.

Urban Harvest
Saturday 26th September 11am – 4pm at Kentish town health centre NW5 2BX
A wonderful Urban Harvest Festival celebrating local food and local growers as well as giving you the chance to take part in a huge range of events: building a wormary, making tea from plants in the garden, creating plant based dyes, sing away about food and press apples to name but a few.
All of this will be taking place in our Well-Beeing Garden
Everyone is welcome and all activities are free
The event is run by Kentish Town Transition and Kentish Town Improvement Fund
See more at: www.projectdirt.com

St Pancras Community Open Day and Family Fun Day
Sunday 13 September, in St Pancras Gardens. There’s going to be lots of free activities for all the family.

West Euston Community Festival
Saturday 12th September, Hpod and Cumberland Market. Free entertainment, family fund and health activities. Contact 020 7388 7932 www.westeustonpartnership.co.uk

Royal Albert Hall Friendship Matinee 9th October 3pm
The Music of Bond with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Tickets only £5 for members and users of voluntary and community groups and carers. Book online at www.royalalberthall.com or tel: 020 7589 8212.

Wild Bunch Club
Wednesday 2nd September it’s the Autumn Club at our favourite venue ‘Electrowerkz’. 7 – 11pm £5 on the door. Wheelchair access, over 18s only. Siren 020 7359 7443

Camden Chinese Community Centre Nursery
The nursery is a well-established facility, which has been in Camden for nearly 30 years. The nursery service aims to provide a happy, healthy, caring and stimulating pre-school environment where children aged between 2 and 5 years old of all nationalities can develop their full potential. The nursery is OFSTED-inspected and rated as good. It offers a range of activities, including:
• Personal, social, and emotional development
• Communications and language
• Mathematics
• Literacy
• Understanding of the world
• Physical development
• Exploring arts and design.
Friendly fully qualified staff carefully planning a wide range of activities, including story-time, singing, role-play, cooking, creative activities, physical play, outdoor learning.
Places available please contact email us at nursery@camdenccc.co.uk or call on 020 7485 4156 for more information.
United Reform Church, Buck Street, Camden NW1 8NJ Telephone: 020 7485 4156
Service hours: Monday – Friday, 51 weeks of the year (closed 1 week for Christmas)
core hours: 9:30am – 3:30pm extended hours: 8am – 6pm.

Healthwatch and Statistics
What is Healthwatch Camden’s role in relation to monitoring targets and statistics? What about areas not covered by targets – equal access to services, or about getting a real say in services? Respond here to have your say.

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

Camden and Islington Public Health
The latest edition of the newsletter is available online.

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

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

Kentish Town Community Centre, Jobs in Mind, VAC 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

DSC Policy Bulletin
DSC have the answers to a tsunami of bad news hitting the sector – from the Charity Commission attempting to introduce fees, to the fake fundraising crisis, and the new Charities Bill. You can read it all online here.

Public trust in charities is at its lowest for eight years
Relentless negative campaigning by government and the press is finally paying off for them with a significant drop in public trust. Full story at Civil Society magazine.

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

The Edge Fund
The Edge Fund support work run by and for communities facing discrimination and injustice. We fund work carried out by individuals and grassroots groups in Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England that find it difficult to get funding elsewhere. Specifically, we fund work that challenges abuses of power and aims to change society by bringing an end to the systems that cause injustice. While applicants may be working on short term reforms, ​we are looking for applicants that ultimately aim to end or replace these systems with a just alternative, rather than trying to improve or reform them.
To apply for a grant of up to £3,000 you need to answer 5 questions in no more than 2 pages. The deadline for applications is 5pm Sunday 25 October. Read more.

Cycling Grants for London
Cycling Grants London is a community grants programme offering grants of up to £10,000 – over 3 years – to fund projects that engage communities across London in safe, enjoyable and inclusive cycling activities.
London is fast becoming a world class cycling city and Cycling Grants London aims to make sure all Londoners benefit from the joys of cycling.
Grants are available for community groups, charities and social enterprises for cycling activities that are tailored to local communities. Examples of activities that can be funded include: guided rides, mechanics training, cycle training and bike hire schemes. The grants can be used to buy equipment, train staff or volunteers and cover running costs.
The deadline to apply is Monday 21 September at 10am.
To find out further information on the funding available, who can apply, how to apply, useful tips and resources to plan your project, visit our website.

The Jack Petchey Foundation small grants for youth programmes
The Small Grants Fund allows those organisations who are running the Achievement Award Scheme well, to apply for a small grant of up to £750 to enhance their work with young people.
Please note that you must already be running the Achievement Award in your school or club, AND you must have recently nominated a Leader Award winner too. For more information on this see How to Apply.

Crowdfunding?
Don’t forget that there is a dedicated page on Spacehive just for Camden projects. And set up costs are free to Camden groups. Find out more at Spacehive Camden.

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

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

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

Dementia Carers Training
For carers who are supporting someone with dementia
Session 1- Monday 7th September
Session 2 – Monday 14th September
Session 3 – Monday 21st September
(Arrival 9.45 am) 10.00am – 12.30 pm
Light Refreshments will be provided on the day
For general information or to book a place, please call Camden Carers Centre on 0207 428 8950 Or alternatively email Zakeera

Streets of London Music Project
For people with mental health issues
Autumn 2015 – Spring 2016 Band Workshops
Wednesdays 12-2pm at Fitzrovia Centre Foley Street W1W 6DN
– Guided Walk on London’s rich music history and eclectic community for inspiration
– Performance opportunities
– Recording studio experience
No previous experience is required
All Welcome
For enrolment / referrals forms – please email: lucia@upbeatmusic.org
Or text/call Lucia at: 07762151783 http://www.upbeatmusic.org

Breathing and Empowerment Workshop for Women
Saturday 19th September 2015 3pm – 5pm
The Venue, 02 Centre, 255 Finchley Road, London NW3 6LU
Women who want to feel more relaxed, confident and inspired to change their lives. Those ready to believe that they can start making those changes!
About workshop: This two hour workshop will introduce you to the benefits of breathing exercises for relaxation, confidence and fitness.
£45.00 Refreshments included.
To reserve your place please book online: http://www.wegottickets.com/event/330497
For any queries do call Heather on 07956 880103 or Catherine on 07980 659169. Email takeamoment2@gmail.com

What makes life good for people with long term health conditions
Come to this workshop and turn your ideas into plans!
Friday 18 september 2015, 1.30pm – 3.00pm (refreshments from 1.00pm)
Kingsgate resource Centre, 208 Webheath, Netherwood Street, London NW6 2JU
To learn more and to book your place, contact Frank Dove, LB Camden by Friday 11 September
020 7974 4435 frank.dove@camden.gov.uk

A celebration for World Mental Health Day
October 9th at St Pancras Hospital
VoiceAbility and VAC are supporting the Camden Borough User Group (CBUG) to hold an event to celebrate World Mental Health Day. It will be at the conference Hall, St Pancras Hospital on the 9th October between 11am and 4pm.
If you or anyone you support would be interested in attending, then please print off the attached flyer and spread the word. The event will have a social focus with hot food, music, speakers, performance, stalls and more.
We are also holding a photography competition and all entries will be displayed on the day, there is a flyer attached about this too.
For any further details please contact us at by email or by phone on:
camdenuserinvolvement@voiceability.org Telephone: 020 3355 7113

Deaf Awareness Event
A new initiative to encourage more staff and volunteers to take up Deaf Awareness is now available in Camden.
Signs4Life have set up an introductory workshop in Deaf Awareness to help staff to communicate and engage with their deaf & hard of hearing colleagues, service users, students, and patients in Camden. The Deaf Awareness event will be taking place on Tuesday 22nd September 2015 at Camden Cypriot Women’s Organisation, 2c Falkland Road, London, (NW5 2PT) from 10:30am – 12:30pm. This local initiative is to help identify barriers that deaf people face and explore their culture and community but also to encourage inclusion of all people with sensory, physical or learning disabilities in Camden. Attendance is strictly by booking only (limited places). For further information please contact Sara on info@signs4life.org

Engage to Succeed
‘Engage to Succeed’ is an intervention programme developed by the Windsor Fellowship funded by Camden Council that seeks to reduce and re-engage young people aged 18+ who are NEET (not in education, employment or training) or at risk of becoming NEET.
The project is for 2 years and works with young people across Camden.
‘Engage to Succeed’ includes:
• two days of personal and soft skills development training
• personal development focused 1-2-1 mentoring
• volunteering opportunities within Camden
• two Information, Advice and Guidance 1-2-1 sessions focused on employment, education or training for each participant
The project focuses on working with young people aged 18+ from across Camden, to bring together young people that would not normally meet one another thus challenging some of the stereotypes which our experience has shown exist. The programme will also raise community resilience and awareness of cross cultural and community similarities.
Workshops will be available on the following date(s) – with more dates to follow in due course:
Wednesday 2nd September
Register to attend: https://windsorfellowship.wufoo.eu/forms/engage-to-succeed-camden/
Participant Eligibility Criteria
Are you: Aged 18+; A Camden resident and not currently working, studying or doing a course?
Contact Email: robertsd@windsor-fellowship.org; Telephone: 020 7250 8445

Volunteer Management Training
VCC’s Measuring The Impact of Your Volunteering Programme training course will give you practical, user-friendly tools to help you do just that.
Measuring The Impact Of Your Volunteering Programme For Beginners
Thursday 1st October 10am-1pm @ The Wellcome Trust in Euston
You will receive a copy of the NCVO measuring impact toolkit (£35) to take away. With that in mind, free places will be £35+booking fee and the rest will be £94+booking fee.
To book your place and to find our more information have a look at Eventbrite.

Talksafe Over the Rainbow – A Groupwork Programme for LGBTQ Youth aged 16 – 21
Talksafe2 provides free face to face, telephone and online counselling to young people aged 10 to 21. The aim of the Talksafe2 project is to support a young person’s emotional wellbeing with the hope of them making better sexual health choices later on in life. Talksafe offers counselling on any of the issues that young people may be experiencing such as bullying, discrimination, family relationship issues, exam pressures.
Groupwork series for LGBTQ people aged 16 to 21 in central London on Wednesdays starting in October 2015, nearest tube Kings Cross, Euston or Angel.
The group will run for 12 sessions and will focus positively on; Healthy Lifestyles & Relationships; Identity; Self Esteem; Coming Out; Coping with discrimination.
Young people can choose to do all, or drop into some of the sessions.
Talksafe has an interactive website www.talksafe.org.uk where a young person can access information on a wide range of issues and topics. They can also ask a question online in complete confidence, which can be answered by a Peer Mentor, or access our online counselling service.
Terrence Higgins Trust, 314-320 Gray’s Inn Road, London, WC1X 8DP Kris.Black@tht.org.uk Tel: 07768 462 434 or 0207 812 1874

LivingWell Day at KTCC
Wednesday 2nd September 2015 10am – 4pm Free
Relax at Kentish Town Community Centre this September with a free day of activities to feed mind and body.
FREE crèche for Under 5s, meditation, yoga and much more!
– Meditation for Beginners 10.30am and 4pm
– Five Ways to Well-Being 11.15am
– Yoga for Beginners 12pm
– Lunch + Talk on Nutrition 1pm
– Vital Dance + Development 2.15pm
– Art + Music Session 2pm
– Sleep Talk 3.15pm
The centre is wheelchair accessible. If you require additional on-site assistance please ring 020 7482 3212
The creche will operate on a first come first served basis between 10am-1pm. To register your interest or to help out on the day please email isabelle@ktcc.org.uk. More information on the KTCC website.

Writing the short play with Little Pieces of Gold at Torriano Meeting House
A series of five playwriting workshops focusing on the short play. The aim is to enable you to develop your playwriting skills, nurture your writer’s voice and investigate what makes a great short play.
The workshops will be an opportunity to:
Short play showcases are thriving so writing a short piece is an excellent way to develop your playwriting skills and get your work seen. New writing nights can kickstart writing careers as events are frequently attended by producers, directors and literary agents. Writing the short play and being involved with a showcase event is also a brilliant way of collaborating with other theatre makers and forging creative relationships going forward.
Mondays – 5 Oct, 12 Oct,19 Oct, 2 Nov, 9 Nov 7.30 – 9.30 pm
Torianno Meeting House. Cost £80.00. Contact Torriano Meeting House to book
Also the Torrriano Meeting House AGM is at 5.30 – 6.15pm on Sunday 6th September
and there is a Working Group meeting at 6 -7.15pm on Monday 7 September .

New Evelyn Oldfield Unit Research for Action and Influence Course 2015-16
Accredited London Region Open College Network, Level 3
Are you interested in working towards a qualification whilst gaining some useful and practical skills in research and presentation skills? Then this course is for you.
Starting from October, we will run 22 half-day sessions spread over 9 months. We will support RMCO representatives to gain the skills and confidence to be able to research issues of refugee and migrant communities including education, training and employment, welfare and social concerns.
The training is free. Participants will benefit from mentor support, tutorials and one to one support from the tutor.
Eligibility and how to apply:
This is a course for refugees and migrants only. Applicants must be active in a refugee or migrant community organisation working in London (this can be paid or voluntary). English levels have to be sufficient to manage independent report writing.
Please contact Alexandra, EOU administrator on 020 7697 4100 / Alexandra@evelynoldfield.co.uk for further information and/ or to request an application form.

Prince’s Trust Team Programme
The next Prince’s Trust TEAM Programme at Canalside Activity Centre is starting on 21/09/15.
For 16-25 years old; Unemployed or not in education or training; Available to attend a 12 week course full time
Team is a 12-week personal development course that will help you to develop your employability skills and to move into education, employment or training.
· Get a nationally recognised qualification: “Certificate in Employment, TEAMWORK AND Community Skills”( Entry Level 3, Level 1 or 2)
For information, please do not hesitate to contact Mustapha Elmsioui mustapha.elmsioui@epiccic.org.uk

Made of Money
Tues 22nd & Wed 23rd September2015
Award-winning financial education project, offered as two day facilitator training
We’ll equip you to deliver flexible content around savings, credit, debt, communication,
coping with consumer culture, and children & money
Sliding costs from £100 to £350; in-house trainings also available
100% of trained facilitators would recommend Made of Money to other organisations
Made of Money is a project of Quaker Social Action (QSA) www.quakersocialaction.org.uk/madeofmoney

Promoting Change Training
Our enthusiastic trainers have designed this course specifically for professionals across Camden and Islington, and will focus on guiding and supporting learning opportunities by challenging you, reinforcing involvement and maintaining an energetic pace throughout the programme.
By attending the course you will:
· Gain an insight into the key health promotion messages for smoking, healthy eating, physical activity and alcohol consumption
· Understand how to effectively raise the topic of health behaviours in your conversations
· Learn how to effectively shape behaviours to support a healthy lifestyle and encourage independence
· Explore the best way to put these skills and strategies into practice within the context of your own role
Places are allocated on a first come, first served basis so don’t delay – take the next step in your professional development and confirm your place today: http://promotingchangetraining.eventbrite.com
Contact Paula Prince at Whittington Health NHS for dates or for more information:
Email: paula.prince@nhs.net Telephone: 0207 527 1189. Free. I day. 7, 10 or 30 September.

Camden Ageing Network Meeting
Councillor Larraine Revah Camden’s Champion for Older people invites you to attend the Camden Ageing Network 2-4pm on 9th September 2015 in The Council Chamber, Camden Town Hall, Judd Street, WC1
The meeting provides an opportunity for you to hear and ask questions about many new projects and initiatives
The meeting will include update from
• Camden’s older peoples commissioner
• Age UK Camden on new projects and initiatives in Camden for older citizens
• Kilburn Older Voices Exchange presents what KOVE is currently doing with Ageing Better Camden and to show their new film A Nice Cup of Tea.
• Community Programmes: provision for local adults at the British Museum
Plus more to be confirmed. Please call: 0207 974 1459 if you require further information

Tennis for blind and partially sighted people
Liven up your Friday evenings – come and play sound ball tennis at The Globe Tennis Club
190A Haverstock Hill, NW3 2AL behind Belsize Park tube station [Northern line] Buses C11, 168 and 268
We can meet and guide people to the tennis club from Belsize Park tube station, Hampstead Heath Overground station or nearest bus stops.
Every other Friday: 11th and 25th September and so on… From 6pm to 8pm
Sessions are FREE. Equipment and coaching provided. Please wear tennis or tennis-like footwear.
Sessions followed by a social get-together.
Want to know more? Phone Rosemary on 07980 328 959 or email: Rosemary@somerstown.org.uk

Free English Classes
Would you like to speak English better? Then come to our free classes.
Every Monday 6pm-8pm at The Evelyn Oldfield Unit, Resource for London, 356 Holloway Road, N7 6PA
Please contact Alexandra for more information on 0207 697 4105 alexandra@evelynoldfield.co.uk

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

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

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

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

Organisational Development Officer Job Opportunity
Sobus are looking for an Organisational Development Officer to deliver the new strategy to better support the voluntary sector in Hammersmith and Fulham. Someone who can pro-actively support the voluntary sector to grow, secure income, develop new meaningful partnerships and become better at evaluating its impact.
Salary: £31,460 – 34,120 per annum (depending on experience)
Hours: Full time 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent (subject to funding)
Closing date: Tuesday 22th September 2015 at 12noon
Interviews: Week Commencing 12th October 2015
To apply visit our website to download an application pack
Further information: email Shad.Haibatan@sobus.org.uk

Kentish Town Community Centre currently have 2 part time Youth worker vacancies
KTCC are looking for enthusiastic and experienced individuals to join the youth team, the roles are focused on 2 core youth projects, working with young people aged 11-19 in Kentish Town.
For more information or to apply please visit www.ktcc.org.uk
Closing date for applications is 21st September 2015.

Urban Growth Volunteer Assistant with Jobs In Mind
Do you enjoy working outside? Do you want to gain experience of supporting individuals with wide ranging mental health needs? Do you love vegetables? If the answer to all three is yes then please keep reading.
We are a mental health charity whose varied services provide specialist support and advice around problems at work, training and education. Our mission is to understand, support and enable the recovery of those affected by mental health problems.
We have been working across a range of London boroughs for 26 years now with specialist networks in Islington, Camden and Westminster.
Urban Growth is a practical and therapeutic work-based recovery programme based in Camden Town. We provide horticultural training in organic food growing and informal therapeutic support to individuals with mental health problems. Through horticultural training, participants gain personal and vocational skills to improve their mental health, wellbeing and employability.
We are looking for a keen individual to help assist our Urban Growth coordinator on-site for a maximum of two days a week, Monday and Wednesday 10am-3pm.
You will need to be confident in supporting small groups and working with individuals who have a wide range of mental health needs. This role is largely an outdoor role, so please be aware of this when applying.
Apply by sending your CV and a one page covering letter, explaining why you’d be the best person to join our programme as an assistant volunteer.
Deadline 9am, 31st August 2015. Details on www.charityjob.co.uk

Volunteer Role and VAC to Update Website and Database
This role is ideally suited to someone who wants to learn how to edit and update a website using WordPress. It is also suited to anyone looking to gain some experience of volunteering in an office environment with a view to finding or returning to employment. No prior experience is necessary or required as training will be given.
Role Title: Website and Data Entry Volunteer
Responsible to: ICT Training and Communications Support Worker
Salary Scale: Voluntary position
Hours: 1-2 days per week – max 14 hours/week (Tuesday & Wednesday)
Location: VAC, 293 – 299 Kentish Town Road, London NW5 2TJ.
Role Purpose
~ To keep the VAC website up-to-date with the latest funding opportunities as they relate to the local Camden Voluntary and Community Sector.
~ To update and maintain information on the organisation database, as and when required.
~ To provide other data-entry and administrative assistance to the ICT training and communication support worker and other staff, as and when required.
To apply please forward a CV and cover letter to alexcharles@vac.org.uk more details at www.vac.org.uk

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

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

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

Help Us Help You – Complete the VAC Survey
VAC provides a range of services and support to the voluntary and community sector and social enterprises in Camden. With further cuts and policy changes anticipated in Camden the knock on effect to local organisations is going to be challenging.
We would appreciate it if you could complete our short questionnaire to help VAC understand what support or services you are likely to need from VAC over the next couple of years and how we can help best advocate on your behalf for the sector.
The survey consists of 13 short questions and shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes to complete. You can also opt to keep your responses anonymous if you prefer to do so.
You can complete the survey via the following Survey Monkey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/5ZLH8M6
Or on our website, at: https://vac.org.uk/influence/surveys-and-polls/survey-what-support-do-you-need-from-vac/
All completed surveys will be entered into a prize draw for a £20.00 cash prize!

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

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