Voluntary Action Camden e-bulletin 28th February 2020

Two Events Against Hate and Intolerance

Camden coming together against hate
Thursday 19 March 2020, 6.00 – 8.00pm
The Greenwood Centre, 37 Greenwood Place, NW5
Organised by Camden Council in partnership with the Police and local community organisations, as a reminder of Camden’s zero tolerance for hate.  Reps from the Council, Metropolitan Police, Forum+ and Camden People First
The building is fullly accessible. All welcome, no need to book.
Details from Serrina.lobban@camden.gov.uk  or call 07771 572 976
Panel Discussion on Right Wing Extremism hosted by Camden Council
25 March, 6 to 8pm at The Greenwood Centre, 37 Greenwood Place, NW5
Come and join us to a community panel discussion touching on issues relating to hate crime, racism, and violent and non-violent far-right extremism.

What Does Climate & Environmental Change Mean to Us?

A conversation for Camden’s BAME community to talk about climate change and other dilemmas from their view.  Communities in Camden are connected to international Communities experiencing floods in Bangladesh, crop failure in Africa, heatwaves in India and Pakistan, pullution in Latin America and more. All events take place at the Think and Do pop up cafe in Kentish Town.
Monday 23rd March 6-8pm
Monday 30th March 6-8pm
Tuesay 7th April 4.30 – 6.30pm
Thursday 23rd April 10 – 12pm

Camden New Journal Story Highlights Challenge of Finding Affordable Space

A story in this week’s CNJ highlights the dilemma’s posed by the need on one hand for community buildings to raise the rent needed to pay the council and on the other hand the ability of small commuity groups to afford the space.  VAC is involved in the council’s Rent Review (now called Community Spaces Framework) and has made the point that a healthy voluntary and community sector is dependent on the availability of affordable activity space.

Think and Do community cafe launches

Information about the Think and Do concept, its achievements, projects being developed and how you can get involved on the new website. There is a detailed events calendar and the option to submit a request to run an event.

Ingestre Community Centre AGM

12th March 7pm. Nominations welcome for, Chair, Treasurer, Secretary and Fundraiser. Please email your details to Michelle:  ingestre13@yahoo.co.uk

Governance in the Voluntary and Community Sector

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. Mary Ward and VAC.  Details here.

British Library Family Events

Family Takeover: Make & Create is on Saturday 7 March from 11.00 – 15.00. This is a free drop-in event suitable for all ages. Families can pop by for a half hour or stay for the full four hours. Inspired by World Book Day.
Sunday 8 March from 9.00 – 11.00, is a Relaxed Early Opening for Families for families with children on the autism spectrum and other sensory needs. Enjoy the library free from the hustle and bustle of the public. Full details here.

The Winch AGM

19th March 2020, 6:45pm at Belsize Community Library
RSVP: rsvp@thewinch.org to book your place

Friends of the Horse Hospital

The Horse Hospital – an independent arts venue – is campaigning against closure.  The next meeting of the Friends is tonight – Fri 29 Feb 6.00 – 7.30 pm.

Coronavirus COVID-19 – UK outbreak and latest advice

The UK Chief Medical Officers have raised the risk to the UK from low to moderate. This follows the World Health Organisation’s declaration that this is a public health emergency of international concern.
• Government information and advice here.
• NHS overview here
• NHS common questions here
Advice for employers and employees from Acas is available here.

Marmot Review: 10 years on

To mark the 10-year anniversary of the landmark study of health inequalities, Fair Society, Healthy Lives, the UCL Institute of Health Equity (IHE) has launched Health Equity in England: The Marmot Review 10 Years On, commissioned by the Health Foundation.
The report examines progress over the past decade in addressing health inequalities in England and proposes recommendations for future action.
While there has been progress in some areas since 2010’s Fair Society, Healthy Lives, there is growing evidence that health inequalities are widening and life expectancy is stalling.
You can read a summary of the report including comments from the Health Secretary and Shadow Health Secretary on the Politics Home website and you can access the full report from the Institute of Health Equity website.   Read the full briefing from NAVCA (our national umbrella body) here.  Learn more about Health Inequalities here.

Rebalancing the relationship: Moving from competition to collaboration – relationships between large and small orgs

This project, led by NCVO with input from London CVS Network has published the interim report and a useful summary. The project found that there are often tensions in the relationships between the smaller and larger charities, especially when they are serving the same communities.
Several participants expressed a concern that in relentlessly pursuing public sector contracts, some charities appeared to be too driven by market growth and succumb to mission drift. Others worried that charities sometimes failed to consider the impact of their competitive tendering strategies on the sustainability of other organisations valued by beneficiaries.
Please send your comments to VAC by 27 March if you have any feedback.

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

Partners for Health 2020

Grants are available for projects that can demonstrate:
~ Positive outcomes for people facing significant barriers to health
~ A new approach or a thoughtful development of service
~ Partnership between health and community organisations.
Grants range between £3,000 and £10,000 ( in previous years the average award is £5,000). Usually for one year beginning in 2020.
Apply online via the London Catalyst website www.londoncatalyst.org.uk/grants
The deadline for applications is 5:00pm on Thursday 21 May 2020

Grants from The London Marathon Charitable Trust

The London Marathon Charitable Trust have announced £5.2m new funding to maintain and increase participation in physical activity by building, renovating or modernising facilities in London and Surrey.
~ Small Grants £5,000 – £50,000.
~ Major Grants £50,001 – £250,000.
2020 grant application deadlines: 27 May, 10 September, 10 December.
www.lmct.org.uk   www.connectsport.co.uk/london-marathon-charitable-trust

Right to Thrive small grants for community projects:

Have an idea to improve mental health and wellbeing at a community level? Thrive LDN has launched a grant scheme that is designed to support the mental health and wellbeing of Londoners who may experience higher levels of unfair treatment or discrimination. The scheme will award grants ranging from £500 to £10,000 in order to fund grassroots projects – by organisations or by individuals – that work with intersectional or marginalised communities.
Full details here
The deadline for applications is 9am, Monday 2nd March 2020. righttothrive@groundwork.org.uk or 020 7239 1390.

The HS2 Camden Fund

The Camden Fund aims to strengthen the sense of place and alleviate the disruption of the development of HS2 on local people. Aims:
1. A Happier and Healthier Camden
2. A Better Connected Camden
3. A Stronger Voluntary and Community Sector
Closing date: 14th May 2020. Full details at Camden Giving.

Financial Governance for Trustees

Tuesday, 3 March from 5:30 to 7:30
This 2 hour course is tailored for both experienced and new trustees who want better understanding of their charities finances and what to look out for. The workshop addresses key points in financial management and is a practical session whereby participants can look at reports and read and understand them. We’ll Cover
~ Management accounts and how to read them
~ Yearend accounts and statutory requirements
~ Budgets
~ Cash flow
~ Procedures and good practice
Book online on the VAC Training Calendar.

New IT & Digital Capacity Building Programme

VAC is pleased to announce the launch of our new IT and digital capacity building for the sector, delivered in Partnership with CITA and WCIT. Taking on your priorities from our recent survey, we will be delivering a series of FREE 2 hour workshops covering a whole range of topics from getting started with new IT systems, social media use and strategy, website and CRM development through to data protection, compliance and digital strategy.  Please visit our website for more information, download the programme and book your place.

Safeguarding Courses:

Safeguarding Introduction: Protecting Children in the Community (Level 2)
Introductory course designed for all those who work directly with children, young people or their families. Open to all those who have had little or no safeguarding training before.
Enquire for dates of next course.

Safeguarding Advance: Developing knowledge and understanding. (Level 3)
For those who frequently work with or deliver services to children and their families. Course provides essential information that your organisation / group needs to understands it’s legal obligations in regards to child protection procedures and up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding legislation.
Please contact: Dianne Carlton Ogunyemi, our Community Partnership Advisor Lead tfor future dates as  well as customised Safeguarding training enquires.
Tel: 020 7 284 6575 | Email: dogunyemi@vac.org.uk email (Mon – Wed)

More details on the VAC website: https://vac.org.uk/events/

Camden Supplementary Schools Consultation-New Date

5 March 2020 10am to 12pm
All Supplementary Schools in Camden are invited to give their input on Young Camden Foundation’s recent grants programme (SSNF2019). YCF would like to learn more about supplementary schools’ challenges and opportunities.
At Triton Café, next to 20 Triton Street at the back of Regents Place, 338 Euston Road, London, NW1.  RSVP: info@youngcamdenfoundation.org.uk

Bid Writing Boot Camp (Day 1): Understanding Trusts and Prospect Research

Friday 6th March at VAI, 200a Pentonville Road, N1 (£20)
Intensive and hands-on, this two part course designed for BME led youth organisations to learn to write strong funding bids.
For people who lead or work with Black, Asian, Multi-Ethnic and Refugee (BAMER) charities and social enterprises.  Details here.

Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families

Free seminars on transforming children and young people’s mental health.  Transformation Seminar:  – Transforming Children and Young People’s Mental Health Care – Policy and Implementation. 3rd March 2020.  Book here.

North Central London Social Prescribing Event

Thursday 12th of March from 12.30pm. Lift Islington, 45 White Lion St, N1
This event aims to celebrate what has been achieved so far and plan how we can collectively grow and strengthen social prescribing provision.
The event is open to anyone working in NCL who is involved or interested in social prescribing.
Information and bookings at online.

Camden Intergenerational Network Meeting

Wednesday 1st April 2020, from 2-4pm
Age UK Camden, Tavis House, 1-6 Tavistock Square WC1H 9NA
The theme of this meeting is: Looking to the future
Stephen Burke from United for All Ages and other guest speakers will discuss what the future looks like regarding intergenerational practice.
RSVP for the network meeting by Friday 6th March to Corinna Gray via email ageingbetterincamden@ageukcamden.org.uk or phone 020 7239 0400

Free Monthly Family Cooking Classes

For Somers Town (and Regent’s Park) families
2nd Saturday of every month 3.45pm to 7pm
At Somers Town Community Association, 150 Ossulston Street, NW1
No-cut (safety) gloves provided for children. Halal friendly and vegan
facebook.com/lifeafterhummus | info@lifeafterhummus.com

Dementia Club at Kentish Town Sports Centre

Third Thursday of every month from 1pm to 3pm
The next session is Thursday 20th February, 1-3pm
Attendance is free, each session aims to provide professional advice, gentle exercise to music and fun activities in a social atmosphere served with tea, coffee and cakes. A GP is also available to answer any medical concerns.
For information, call Lisa 07956 858 913 or visit www.dementiaclubuk.org.uk

Celebrating 50 years the Brandon Centre

Thursday 19 March 6:00 – 8:00 at Triton Cafe, 17-19 Triton Street, NW1
The Brandon Centre is an innovative and welcoming young people’s charity providing mental health, contraception and wellbeing services to local people and communities across London.  Details and booking at Eventbrite.

Camden’s Annual CYP and Families Provider Event

Wed, 11 March 9.00 – 2.00pm at Lumen United Reformed Church & Community Centre URC, 88 Tavistock Place, WC1H
Each delegate will also have an opportunity to attend two workshops.
Lunch and networking 1pm.  Book at Eventbrite.
Please confirm your dietary requirements by contacting Sandra Soteriou at Sandra.soteriou@camden.gov.uk.

Free Carbon Monoxide Awareness workshop

24th April 9.30 to 12.30 at RCN, 20 Cavendish Square, W1G 0RN
The Gas Safe Charity is working with the Royal College of Nursing to deliver a free half day carbon monoxide workshop aimed at any front line staff and volunteers who deliver their services in the homes of vulnerable people.
To book a free place, please email thinkco@gassafecharity.org.uk

Talking for Wellbeing

Taster session. Thursday 6th March, 4:00 – 6:00pm. Then you can:
• Come to Talk for Health cafes;
• Do our in-depth 4-day Talk for Health Programme.
• Follow these with ongoing groups for strong peer networks.
Register here to attend the next Taster or for more information contact info@talkforhealth.co.uk or call/text 02034 093201

Camden Community Connectors Administrator (AUC/ABC)

14 hours per week. £23,628 to £24,927pa (pro rata) + 6% contributory pension
(Initial 6-month contract with the possibility of an extension)
You will be a good communicator, have excellent computer skills, and be able to work in a team. A high level of accuracy and attention to detail as well as excellent organisational and time management skills are required.
For further details and an application form visit our website.
Closing date: Friday 13th March 9am. Interview date: Wednesday 18th March

Abbey Community Centre is looking for a Saturday Community Events and Engagement Coordinator

An enthusiastic, driven individual is wanted to inspire and motivate local people to engage and participate with the centre’s evolving community events programme on Saturdays. The post holder will also take lead responsibility for operations on Saturdays including the care and security of the community centre building.
Part time 7.5 hours per week (1.5 hours of these on weekdays – can be offsite). Actual salary £5,460 (£25,480 F.T.E.). Pro-rata 30 days leave annually plus bank holidays.
To be considered for this post one year’s recent experience in a role involving organising successful events/activities on a regular basis is required.
For more information: https://abbeycc-kilburn.org.uk/index.php/vacancies/ closing date Monday 16th March 2020, 10am.

Could you help in the event of an emergency in Camden?

VCC are delivering essential training for anyone who wants to take part as an Emergency Volunteer in Camden
The CAMERA (Coordinating and Mobilising Emergency Response Activists) volunteer team gives an opportunity for local people to help in situations such as these. Book on Eventbrite.

Lifting Limits is looking for a Development Officer

Lifting Limits, a charity with a mission to challenge gender stereotyping and promote gender equality in and through education, is seeking a passionate and entrepreneurially minded fundraiser with a track record in the small charity sector.  Deadline for applications is 9th March.  For full details and to apply visit our website https://www.liftinglimits.org.uk/job-opportunities/.

Bluebird Care Camden & Hampstead Carers careers event

Tuesday 3rd March 2:30pm to 4:30pm
St Pancras and Somers Town Living Centre, 2 Ossulston St, Kings Cross, NW1
Whether you are an individual looking for a new career choice or representing an organisation, all are welcome.
To book your place at this careers event please contact Michael Auton: 07862 253514  michaelautonconsultancy@gmail.com  bluebirdcare.co.uk/camden

The St Giles-in-the-Fields & Bloomsbury United Charity Seeks Trustee

The trust are looking for a trustee who can bring their knowledge/experience of supporting older people to the charity to ensure meeting the needs of almshouse residents, thinking about now and into the future.
To find out more or apply please email Hazel Capper, Clerk to the Trustees, at clerk@stgilescharities.org.uk enclosing a CV and a covering letter outlining why you are interested in the role, by Friday 28th February.

LAWRS are looking for committed and motivated Latin American women to join our team

Please take a look at our current job vacancies and find the job descriptions, application and equal opportunities forms at  CharityJob website:  Operations Manager, Counselling and Psychotherapy Coordinator; Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Advice Caseworker – Spanish Speaker; Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Service Manager.  Closing date 27th Feb.

Community Connectors/Volunteers Recruiting Now

Elfrida are always looking for enthusiastic people to become Community Connectors to support parents/carers and their families living in Camden.
ER offer full training covering the key skills for the role, so no qualifications needed. You will receive 1:1 support, out of pocket expenses and be a part of a local network. Next training course end of March/beginning of April 2020.
You can help by sharing parenting tips, offering practical support to those who need it and using your skills to help organise group activities for families and their children.
If you are interested, want more information or to reserve your place contact Jill  Jill@elfridacamden.org.uk or call 07939877745 for a chat.

Volunteer with VAC and develop experience and skills in public health

VAC provide training, and work opportunities for Camden volunteers who can commit 2 hours per week.
We offer free Royal Society of Public Health (RSPH) training to volunteer as a Community Links volunteer, part of a new Care Navigation and Social Prescribing service in Camden. Community Links volunteers signpost residents to community based activities and help with formal referrals where community based activities are needed alongside clinical care.
Contact: Mandira Manandhar, Community Links Co-ordinator (Mon, Tues and Thurs) 020 7284 6550/6573 or email: mmanandhar@vac.org.uk

Reception and Greeting Volunteers in Chalk Farm

VAC are recruiting volunteer receptionists to be the first point of contact for visitors. You will be an important member of the VAC team of volunteers and staff and will have access to training and ongoing support.
Contact Kevin Nunan at VAC on 020 7284 6557 or knunan@vac.org.uk

Want to Share a Skill, Space or Equipment?

Simply add your request to Comoodle Camden, the new local online sharing platform which facilitates sharing for community benefit.

Need a Meeting Room near Chalk Farm?

VAC has 3 new rooms to hire out for Events/Training, etc. at  the Charlie Ratchford Centre in Chalk Farm.
There is a large room for up to 60 people, ideal for large events.
The training room can hold up to 20 people comfortably for training/workshops
The Lounge is a open area for anything that is not confidential and can hold up to 20 people. Smartboard, level access throughout, reasonable prices.
Rates and full details on the VAC website. Special rates for Camden networks.

Coronavirus Prevention

The Government and the NHS have published a useful poster that can be put up in the workplace to remind people how to keep germs at bay. Further information about the virus is available on the government website.

Our mailing address is:
Charlie Ratchford Centre, Belmont Street, London, NW1 8HF

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