Voluntary Action Camden

Voluntary Action Camden e-bulletin 4th December 2020

VAC Weekly Newsletter
4th December 2020

News  |  Funding  |  VAC Events  |  Other Events  |  Jobs & Volunteers  |  Offers & Resources

Highlights

Thriving Communities; Next Voluntary Action Forum; Catherine Capaldi Awards; Support Grants for Organisations with Premises; Mental Health Sustainability Grants; Castlehaven WinterFEST; British Library Family Fun; How to Communicate with your Child’s School; Social Prescribing and NHS Facilities; New BAME led Foundation + news + Resources + funding + jobs + volunteers and more

Feature 

Thriving Communities

VAC is the lead organisation for the North Central London (NCL) area in the Thriving Communities Programme. The programme focusses on social prescribing and covid 19 related support delivered by the voluntary and community sector, and is being delivered through the National Academy for Social Prescribing. The Regional lead is London Plus.
VAC’s role is to work closely with our CVS / infrastructure counterparts in Islington, Barnet, Enfield, and Haringey, to disseminate information from the various strands of the programme to local VCS organisations, and co-produce and share learning through the Learning Together network. All the information about the programme and access to Thriving Communities learning opportunities can be found here, including a free regional support initiative for vcs, faith and social enterprise groups supporting communities through COVID19.  Apply by 11 December 2020.
Funding opportunities include Thriving Communities fund – multi themed VCS led partnerships delivering activities for residents impacted by Covid 19. There is limited funding and high expectation – it is projected that around 30 awards will be made nationally. If you are considering applying and want to discuss and / or share details with other interested groups and organisations in the borough to avoid multiple Camden bids please get in touch with Donna at VAC dturnbull@vac.org.uk

 

 

Lockdown Has Ended –  Now We Enter Tier 2

London has moved into a ‘high’ level of local COVID alert,  known as ‘Tier 2’. Full details here.  For 5 days over Christmas there will be new rules.

Voluntary Action Forum, 16th December, 11 – 12.30pm.

What’s it all about? VCS Role in Local Care and Health system  – Why Neighbourhoods Matter
Aim: To look at the purpose of the neighbourhoods agenda and build the knowledge of the VCS
The December forum is looking at the new Neighbourhoods agenda – how it came about and the role of the VCS.  Full details and booking at Eventbrite.

Catherine Capaldi Awards

Elfrida Rathbone Camden are delighted to announce that the Catherine Capaldi Awards are open for applications.  These awards are open to anyone who identifies as a disabled person and who has an idea or solution to break down a barrier faced by disabled people or to improve their access to services, inclusion or community participation.  More information and how to enter here.

Support Grant for Organisations with Premises

The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG) supports businesses (including charities) that were open as usual, providing services in person to customers from their business premises, but which were then required to close for at least 3 weeks due to local lockdown restrictions imposed by government.
There is a good briefing for the VCS from Charity Tax Group
Key requirements are the premises were “required to close for at least 3 weeks because of the lockdown” and “unable to provide its usual in-person customer service from its premises”.  There is some discretion including for organisations that don’t pay business rates.  Camden’s guidance is now out.
The council is organising two livestream Q&A sessions to provide an overview of the Tier 2 restrictions and the process for grant applications and eligibility. The meetings will take place over Microsoft Teams, with no registration or Microsoft licence required:
Thursday 3 December 2-3pm – join here
Thursday 10 December 3-4pm  join here

Mental Health Sustainability Programme Grants Fund

Are you supporting communities disproportionately impacted by Covid-19?  Up to £5,000 available for small/medium VCS organisations.  AMHP are looking at funding costs that can positively impact the sustainability of an organisation – specifically those that are supporting the mental health and wellbeing of communities disproportionately impacted by Covid-19; with a focus on organisations that are led by and/or are supporting BAME communities. Other disadvantaged groups also considered such as the homeless community, those in contact with the criminal justice system, children and young people, women and girls, victims of domestic violence etc.
Details here.  Return your application to  Daniah@amhp.org.uk before 11:59pm on Sunday 13 December 2020. Deadline Sunday 13th December.

Castlehaven WinterFEST 2020

Monday 7th December – Friday 11th December
Online festive fun for the whole community. Dance at our Jingle Bell Disco, sing along with our brilliant Community Choir, or talk to Santa directly from his toy workshop in the North Pole
Explore WinterFEST, there is something for everyone:  Full details here.

Family Fun with the British Library

Activities to enjoy at home and a live family zoom session.  Full details here.

How to Communicate with Your Child’s School

An online webinar for parents and carers of children in school (mainly aimed at secondary school-age) in Camden and Islington.
This session will provide some key steps to follow when you need to communicate with your child’s school and how to keep your cool throughout the process for positive results.
Apply to VRUReferrals@islington.gov.uk quoting REF NO. NBGN08

National

Social prescribing and NHS facilities

How could the NHS better use its facilities to support social prescribing, holistic care and community resilience? Read the Kings Fund report here.

New Black and Ethnic Minority community-led foundation backed by major charities

A new foundation led by and supporting Black and Ethnic Minority communities is being created and will start its development phase at the beginning of next year.
Baobab Foundation will be “a new type of foundation, led by the communities it serves”, and aim to address the chronic underfunding of community organisations led by people of colour.  Full story here.


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

Return to Play Fund

The £16.5 million fund is split into three strands and brings our total support for the sport and physical activity sector to more than £220m.
The Return to Play Fund will support groups, clubs and organisations who’ve been impacted by restrictions brought in to tackle the pandemic.
£10m – Return to Play: Small Grants. £300 and £10,000 to help sport and activity groups, clubs and organisations respond to the immediate challenges of returning to play in a Covid-19-safe environment.
£5m – Return to Play:  £10,001 to £50,000. It’ll help local sports clubs and organisations to adapt and open important places and spaces that can help them welcome back their local community safely.
£1.5m – Return to Play: Active Together. This crowdfunding initiative will help sports clubs and organisations set up their own campaigns.
Find out more about each of the funds at the Sport England website.

Lists of Emergency Funders

 

VAC Events

Keep in eye on our Events Calendar to book and for more info.

Camden Voluntary Action Forum

The forum is open to all Camden voluntary and community  groups and organisations, community activists, social entrepreneurs, volunteers and anyone interested in local voluntary action. The Forum currently meets monthly online on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 11am.
Wed 16th December, 11am. Neighbourhood approaches to Covid response.
BAME disproportionality  follow up forum (date tbc)

Past Voluntary Action Forums: Resources

You can find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here.

Safeguarding Courses:

Safeguarding Advance: Developing knowledge and understanding 2
Tuesday, 8th December at 10:00 am – 11:45am. Book Here.
If you frequently work with or deliver services to children and their families, it is essential that your organisation / group has up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding legislation and understands it’s legal obligations in regards to child protection policy and procedures.
Virtual Introduction to Safeguarding for Trustees
Tuesday, 12 January 2021 at 10:00 am – 11:30 am    Book Here
There has never been a better time to make sure your organisation is doing all it can to protect children and young people at risk.
For information on upcoming courses contact Dianne:
Tel: 020 7 284 6575 | Email: dogunyemi@vac.org.uk email (Mon – Wed)

Our safeguarding Lead Dianne Carlton-Ogunyemi talks to Jane Murphy from Camden Learning and Suzie Yassin from the National Resource Centre for Supplementary Education (NRCSE) about what the guidance means for you and how it can help you create a safer environment for children.  Listen here.

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

Families for Life Community Champion

Zoom Information Session to find out about:
~ The Families for Life Community Champion Volunteer Programme
~ Who our current Champions are and what they do
~ How we can support you to become a Champion
Monday 14th December 10.15AM TO 11APM or
Tuesday 15th December 1.15PM to 12PM
contact: Syria Chowdhury, Community Champion Coordinator, m: 07734 603 060, e: syria.chowdhury@camden.gov.uk

Camden Safeguarding Children Partnership

Multi-agency online training programme Spring Term 2020-21
A full programme of multi-agency safeguarding training on zoom and teams.
To book onto the free training, please visit the Partnerships’s website. You will be required to register an account if you haven’t done so already.

Domestic violence and abuse online workshop

Introduction to domestic violence and abuse e-learning
This e-learning is intended for everyone that would like to gain an awareness on domestic violence and abuse. It will provide you with an introduction to what the types and signs of abuse are, how to respond and what actions to take.
Access the e-learning via the L&D Hub if you already have an account. If you are from a VCS organisation without an account please find details here  to sign-up for an account on the L&D Hub.

Responding to domestic violence and abuse online workshop

Camden Safety Net two-hour online workshops on responding to domestic violence and abuse for staff that come into regular contact with residents.
25th November or 15th December
This online workshop will help you become more aware of the indicators of domestic abuse and violence and more confident in what to do in these instances. The workshop will explore the dynamics of a domestic abuse situation and what the barriers are for a victim/survivor seeking help.
Book a place via the L&D Hub if you already have an account. If you are from a VCS organisation without an account please find details here  to sign-up for an account on the L&D Hub.


London Irish Centre is Recruiting

Digital Culture Officer Fixed Term for 6 months (possibility for extension)
Full Time – 35 hours per week £22,000 pa
The purpose of this role is to promote Irish culture and community in London, with a focus on digital culture and heritage.
The Digital Culture Officer will support the London Irish Centre with the running and administration of its cultural, heritage and education programme. The role is an exciting opportunity to work within and promote Irish arts in London.
Application packs available at https://www.londonirishcentre.org/workwithus
The deadline for applications is 9am Monday 14th December.

Small Green Shoots seek Junior Content Producer

3 days per week – days to be discussed
National Minimum Wage + Pension & Benefits
Based at our new office in Kings Cross, you will be part of a dynamic, fast-paced and highly motivated team who are passionate about Music, Events, Content. We hope to transform the lives of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, giving them an opportunity to engage with Music and the Arts, and to use these experiences as a springboard for their future.
To apply for this vacancy, you must complete your CV and portfolio of editing work to constance@smallgreenshoots.co.uk by Tuesday 15th December 2020 http://www.smallgreenshoots.co.uk

Maths on Toast is recruiting

Maths on Toast is the family maths charity. Currently recruiting 2 Trustees  Full details are here;  and
Community Resource Programme Coordinator.
3-month temporary contract starting January 2020 (possible extension)
2 days per week (14 hours) Salary: £24,000 pro rata
The role requires proven admin skills plus community relationship management/networking experience.
For the trustee roles we welcome applications from anyone with lived experience as a parent/carer and/or working in a community or family support setting, as well as individuals who may have experienced challenges with formal education and individuals from marginalised groups.
Email Lucy Davis, CEO – lucy@mathsontoast.org.uk – if you would like to arrange an initial phone call about the role, or have any questions.
Please apply by sending a CV and a letter (max. 2 sides A4) explaining your motivation and relevant experience. Please provide 2 references in your letter and send to info@mathsontoast.org.uk. Deadline: 31st December 2020

KOVE seeks Treasurer

Kilburn Older Voices Exchange (KOVE), a longstanding local community action group for older people based in Kilburn and West Hampstead, is looking for a new treasurer. This voluntary role involves working with the KOVE Chair and Administrator on the annual budget plus other routine financial tasks (reconciling bank statements, checking finance reports, authorising payments etc.) and attending and reporting to five Steering Group meetings per year. Experience of working or volunteering in finance or budget management would be valuable, especially online, and knowledge of working remotely would be an advantage. To have an informal discussion about the role, contact Peter Lush in the first instance, on 07973-845285.

Lifeafterhummus Community Benefit Society is looking for a Quickbooks bookkeeper

As a society Lifeafterhummus have had to adapt very quickly to continue supporting our beneficiaries. Our revenue model has changed completely and we are reliant on grant funding/ pocket funding/ donations. We are looking for a competent, experienced freelance bookkeeper who will also create project lines for the various pots of monies. This will allow us to have a real-time overview including being able to use this as the basis for accurate projections. Tidying of accounts plus projection work: £15ph x 20hrs per week over 4 weeks. £15ph x 12hrs of training staff to effectively use the system. £15ph x 8hrs per month for 5 months to help with ongoing bookkeeping. Contact farrah@lifeafterhummus.com

Census Job opportunities

The next census is in 2021 and the Office of National Statistics is hiring for new local Census jobs, with applications invited for exciting new temporary roles at all levels.
All the current openings, application information and FAQs are on censusjobs.co.uk
For more information about the 2021 Census and local communities click here.

HostNation seeks Treasurer

An exciting opportunity to join a refugee befriending charity as Treasurer.
HostNation exists to make it easier for those of us at home in London, to be friends with those looking for a place they can call home.
To find out more about this exciting role contact our chair, Daniel Silverstone for an informal chat Daniel@dsilverstone.co.uk
Please submit a brief personal statement setting out why you would like to apply together with an up-to-date CV and send to info@hostnation.org.uk.
The closing date for applications is 18 December 2020

Become a Families for Life Community Champion

Families for life programmes offer free healthy eating and active play activities for families with children age 2-11.  Do you live in Camden?  Are you passionate about improving health? Available two or three hours a week?
For more information on how to be part of our volunteering team, please contact: Syria Chowdhury, Community Champion Coordinator m: 07734 603 060, e: syria.chowdhury@camden.gov.uk

Age UK Camden is Recruiting

Camden Community Connector
£32,063 to £33,229 pa pro rata for a 21 hour (4 day week – 8 month contract possible extension)
As a Community Connector you will support individuals, many of whom are facing challenging circumstances, to find and engage with social opportunities and connections. Do you have excellent active listening skills, and can you inspire people to connect with opportunities in their community?
Administrator – Counselling Service
£26,350 to £27,800 pa pro rata for a 21 hour week
In this role you will assist with Age UK Camden’s (AUC) administrative needs, particularly the Counselling Services
Closing date post Monday 7th Dec at 9am.
For further details and an application form visit www.ageukcamden.org.uk or email jobs@ageukcamden.org.uk or telephone 020 7239 0400.

Hopscotch Homecare urgently need Care Workers.

Hopscotch Homecare are a very caring,well-established and expanding care agency that has been providing care workers to clients in and around Camden for 20 years. We are looking for care workers who would like to help our clients to continue living safely and independently in their own homes.
Day/Night hours available and must be able to work at least two late shifts a week and alternate weekends  Contact:recruitment@hopscotchawc.org.uk

Paid work opportunities for people who have been laid off/ reduced income

Local Adult social care providers are still recruiting, and as they support the NHS to move vulnerable adults out of hospital to stay well at home, their need is growing. Contact Proud to Care.

Telling Your Covid Stories

At the September forum we discussed how to tell the story of the sector’s responded to the pandemic  – so we are collecting your stories about how you responded.  The responses will be used to tell the story of how vital the sector is in supporting Camden through these challenging times.  You can click here https://www.tfaforms.com/4863725 to put your story in writing or contact Len Lauk (llauk@vac.org.uk) if you would prefer to be interviewed.

Private Sector Tenant Engagement Survey

Have your say on private renting in Camden.  The council want to improve communication so that private renters are more aware of their rights and what the council can do for them.
Take the survey.  More details here.

Parks for Health: survey and workshop

Further mapping of Camden and Islington’s parks and open spaces. particularly how parks could be used to improve people’s health and wellbeing.  Take the survey.  Details of the workshops in the survey link. Read the blog.

Census 2021 Will Provide a Snapshot of Modern Society

Census day will be on Sunday 21st March 2021.
Camden census officers are available to talk to your community group – contact:
07452 938090 or julia.clifford43@field.census.gov.uk
07452 935015 abdulwaheed.funmilayo59@field.census.gov.uk
For more information about the Census go to Opendata.camden.gov.uk

Keeping The Community Directory Up-to-date

As we enter Autumn lots is changing.  Buildings are starting to re-open, some activities are moving back into the real world, some food parcel deliveries have ended, while other food projects continue.  Help us to keep the directory up-to-date by updating your details as they change.
If you would like to make a new entry in the directory use this link.   If you would like to update an existing entry look out for an email from us early next week with a unique link for you to update.
View the Directory here.  View the map here.

How to Volunteer and How to Recruit Volunteers in Camden

Volunteer in Camden at Time to Spare.
Volunteer for the NHS at GoodSAM.
Join a neighbourhood Mutual Aid group.
Organisations that are signed up to Time to Spare can now request volunteers through a brokerage team making it much easier to access the volunteers. The brokers can help match volunteers with voluntary and community organisations who have a need for verified/ vetted volunteers. The service will also help to verify or carry out new DBS check with volunteers.
Get support and resources from Volunteer Centre Camden
The council has a  page of resources to help community organisations

Keep in touch and up-to-date via the e-bulletin and @onecamden twitter.  We have a comprehensive COVID-19 update page and a resources page.

Got an item for the e-bulletin?

Send your item to knunan@vac.org.uk or info@vac.org.uk by noon on Thursday for publication in the following day’s edition.  The e-bulletin comes out every Friday. Submissions should be 50 – 75 words.  Please send plain text or a format that can be copied (ie not embedded in an image). Send links to documents rather than attachments. Make sure to include contact details.

Ways to Get Involved

Join us on social media

Facebook

Twitter

Website

Become a Member

Watch a short video about our work!

 

Find out more about our work supporting the community and community groups with this short video.

Forwarded VAC newsletter by a colleague?? 

Opt in to receive VAC e-newsletter direct to your inbox

Copyright © 2020 |Voluntary Action Camden | All rights reserved.

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

Registered Charity Number 880216. Company Limited by Guarantee registered in England No: 2388150. Registered Office: Belmont Street, London, NW1 8HF

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.


 

ajax-loader