Voluntary Action Camden e-bulletin 4th June 2021

Happy Volunteers’ Week

Volunteers’ Week takes place from 1 to 7 June, and this year will be an online occasion. To help organisations thank their volunteers for their hard work over the last difficult year, NCVO has produced a wide range of resources:
Volunteers’ Week website for information on how to get involved
Organise online events to connect with your communities
Download resources
A big thank you from VAC to all the fantastic volunteers in Camden.

It’s Carers’ Week Next Week

Celebrate Carers’ Week next week with Camden Carers.  Find out more here.  Don’t miss the Songhaven concert, streamed live for an intimate virtual audience on 11 June 2021 in tribute to Carers Week.  1 – 2pm.  Details at Eventbrite.

Vaccine Bus

The COVID-19 community vaccination bus will be on Brunswick Square, opposite UCL’s School of Pharmacy (WC1N 1AZ) on:
• Friday 4 June, 3 – 7pm
• Saturday 5 June, 10am – 2pm
And at Hampstead Theatre, Eton Avenue, Swiss Cottage on:
• Tuesday 8 June, 3 – 7pm
• Friday 11 June, 3 – 7pm
• Saturday 12 June, 10am – 2pm
This is a free service for anyone who is currently eligible for the vaccine including those aged 30 and over. You don’t need to be registered with a GP or have an NHS number to be vaccinated. If you haven’t had your first dose of the vaccine yet, book your free appointment now by calling Camden Council on 020 7974 4444 (option 9). You can also turn up at the bus during operating times but please try to book in advance to guarantee your appointment.

Summer In Camden programme

Running activities for young people in a park or green space?  Get your activity listed on the Summer In Camden programme. This is an opportunity to be part of a widely publicised programme of activities across the borough, which have the potential to give our children and young adults the best summer ever.
More info here.  Use this proforma to list your activity and return it to : Miriam.Hatter@Camden.gov.uk; Rema.Patel@camden.gov.uk; deborah.bush@camden.gov.uk

Two Thriving Communities webinars

Heritage & Social Prescribing, Wednesday 9th June 12.30-1.30pm Details and booking here
National Partnership Working across the National Academy for Social Prescribing – Who we are and what we do. Find out how the NASP partnerships build sustainability and legacy, Tuesday 6th July, 3-4.30pm Details and booking here.

UCL Social Hackathons – summer series applications now open

Social Hackathons are one-day events where you get a group of UCL student volunteers to group-think solutions to a community need or problem you’ve identified.  You’ll also get £500 to help turn the ideas from the day into a reality.
Social Hackathons run between Thursday 24th June to Friday 30th July, from 10am-4pm and will be held online over Zoom. Details here. Apply here by Friday 11 June.

Uprising Stand Out

Uprising are running 4-week online employment support programme Stand Out. The programme will run from July 26th. The programme combines an intensive daily month-long online curriculum with up to twelve months of mentoring for each participant, designed to help young people stand out in a competitive job market. From online socials to resilience workshops, it has everything young people need to find a job, develop their skills and make new friends.
Further information and booking at https://www.uprising.org.uk/stand-out

Route into Work with London Transport Museum

London Transport Museum will be hosting a range of summer courses for young people. Find out more here.
If you have any questions, please contact RouteIntoWork@ltmuseum.co.uk.

Somers Town Big Local Consultation Invitation to Tender

Somers Town Big Local would like to recruit consultants to undertake a consultation to gather ideas and information that will inform the development of our next two-year plan. We must produce this plan in order to unlock the funding for our programme.
We welcome proposals from consultants, local organisations, and community groups. Deadline 11th June
Please email engagement@stbl.org.uk for a copy of the invitation to tender.

We Make Camden Nominations

Nominate a Camden organisation, group of residents, business or team within the NHS or other public service to be recognised for their amazing efforts since the pandemic began. Email camdentalking@camden.gov.uk before 21st June.

Zen Project

The Zen Project is a social enterprise all about making all things “Zen” accessible to all. From simple breathing techniques to relaxing sound healing, we have something for everyone. Our converted American School bus offers a tranquil space where you can escape the hustle and bustle and make some time for yourself, to relax and restore. All of our sessions last less than 20 minutes and are totally free! Just turn up (or prebook via email if you would like) and hop on board!! Check out the schedule.

Newsletters

Camden People First Easy Read
London Plus
Recommend Me
SHAK news
Young Camden Foundation
All Ways Network
West Euston Partnership
Volunteer Centre Camden

EU Settlement Scheme Deadline Soon

If you are an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen you and your family need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue to live, work and study in the UK.
You need to apply even if you have lived in the UK for many years or have a permanent residence document. The deadline for applications is Wednesday, 30 June 2021.
You do not need to apply if you have indefinite leave to remain or enter, or are an Irish citizen.

Community Power and the NHS: call for evidence

New Local (formerly the New Local Government Network) is exploring how community power can protect the future of the NHS.  Full details and how to submit evidence here.

Young Camden Foundation –Summer Opportunities Fund

YCF is pleased to announce that the Summer Opportunities Fund is now open for applications for its fourth consecutive year.
The Summer Opportunities Fund is designed to enable organisations to deliver fun, new and accessible activities for children and young people during the summer break.
Organisations can apply for up to £3,000. Local organisations that have not previously accessed YCF’s grants are encouraged to apply. Applications for £5,000 will be considered only from organisations who are not in receipt of any other grant from YCF such as the Holiday Activities Fund. Deadline: 15 June 2021. For more information visit Funding (youngcamdenfoundation.org.uk).

Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales – Grant Programme Open

The Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales funds small and medium sized local charities, funding  work helping people overcome complex social issues across England and Wales. Aimed at registered charities with an annual income of £25,000 to £1 million with a track record of helping people on a journey of positive change through in-depth, holistic and person-centred support. The focus is on work supporting adults and young people aged 17+. Unrestricted grants of up to £50,000 over 2 years, together with development support for your charity. Our programme has two strands, Complex Social Issues and Racial Equity. For more information and to apply, visit the website

Hampstead, Wells and Campden Trust

Current priorities are debt, homelessness and mental health although other categories will also be considered. Grants are available for £2,000 and £10,000. If you are seeking a larger amount than this please contact the office first.
It is recommended to contact our Grant’s Officer to discuss any potential applications before starting an application. Full details here.

Lloyds Bank Foundation Racial Equity funding

Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales is to launch its Racial Equity funding for small and local charities that are led by and that support Black, Asian, and ethnic minority communities. Charities can apply for two-year unrestricted grants of £50,000 alongside development support.  Full details here.

Windrush Community Fund Phase 2

Grants of between £2,500 and £25,000 are available to:
~ Increase awareness and understanding of the Windrush Scheme and Windrush Compensation Scheme or both.
~ Reach more communities and those individuals who may have been affected because they could not prove their lawful status in the UK.
~ Ensure that individuals and communities know how to apply.
~ Build capacity at a community and grassroots level to support those affected to access the schemes.  Full details here.  Closes 30 June.

Lists of Emergency Funders

• Civil Society
• Ian McLintok’s LinkedIn blog
• NCVO’s funding central site is currently free for non-members.
• Charity Bank 
• Grants Online

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.
Next Forum is on Wednesday 16th June at 11am.

Past Voluntary Action Forums: Resources

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

Safeguarding Courses:

Introduction to Safeguarding for Volunteers
Tuesday, June 22 @ 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Every organisation that delivers charitable activities has a duty to safeguard volunteers, staff members, and participants.
https://vac.org.uk/event/introduction-to-safeguarding-for-volunteers/
Introduction to Safeguarding for Trustees
Wednesday, June 30 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
The Charity Commission for England and Wales states that “safeguarding should be a key governance priority for all charity trustees”.
https://vac.org.uk/event/introduction-to-safeguarding-for-trustees-2/

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

Free Heath Hands events and activities on Hampstead Heath

With lockdown easing, Heath Hands are now offering a series of free public events on Hampstead Heath, including nature mindfulness, nature walks and public volunteering sessions. All welcome. Find out more here.
We are also happy to organise free walks or other outings for community and youth groups over the summer months. More information here or get in touch with us on info@heath-hands.org.uk

Barnardo’s Nightwatch Child Exploitation Training

Monday 28th June 2021 14.00 – 16.00
Barnardo’s Nightwatch is delivering an online 2 hour training session to improve the ability of people who work in or with the Night Time Economy in Camden to recognise and respond to child exploitation.
Register your interest to Jerrie.Andrews@camden.gov.uk

Families, Food & Feelings

The Families, Food & Feelings group is FREE for parents/carers of children aged 5-17 who live or are registered with a GP in Islington or Camden. The group aims to support parents/carers in encouraging their children to live happy, healthy lives. The facilitators provide strategies and insight to help parents/carers feel confident. Find out more at the Brandon Centre website.

Sahaja Yoga Meditation (Free)

The method of Sahaja Yoga is unique: Through the experience of Kundalini awakening, the process of going into thoughtless awareness is completely spontaneous and does not require any kind of mental control. The effects of true meditation are long-lasting and increase with regular practice.
Meetup page: https://www.meetup.com/Free-Meditation-Yoga-London/events/xfhrdsyccgbcc/

Camden Co-production Network Meeting

The  fourth Camden Co-production Network Meeting is on 17 June 2021
Camden who have agreed to be guest presenter(s) and will share a particular aspect of their work working with Camden residents to award funds – participatory funding
On Zoom. To join or for inquiries contact Participation@Camden.gov.uk

Small Charity – Big Spaces

Tuesday 15 June, 10:00 – 12:00
A Community Matters event for Community Organisations on Big Advice Day, part of Small Charities Week.
This is an opportunity to pause and consider how to be in a strong place to move forwards for the future. Book here.

Construction Youth Trust Project 16th – 20th August

This free 5 day course will be delivered by Kings Cross Construction and Skills Centre and is aimed at female Camden residents aged 16-30.
For more information or to register a resident you are currently supporting, please email pearl.o’keeffe@constructionyouth.org.uk

London Festival of Ideas

Information sessions and applications will open for small grants to informal groups or organisations with a turnover of less than £100k to host activity during the festival. 28 June – 23 July 2021
For more information, email: civilsociety@london.gov.uk

C&I Recovery College Summer term course guide

Recovery College runs until 16 July.  Courses will be online using Microsoft Teams, with some courses also available as Youtube videos. Full details here.

The Camden Safeguarding Children Partnership

Virtual safeguarding training programme for Summer Term 2021 including Engaging Fathers in Safeguarding; Understanding Early Help in Camden; Contributing to Child Protection Case Conferences; Child Exploitation and many more. Full programme here.

Healthwatch Camden seeks new Director

Healthwatch Camden is looking for a Director that can deliver on an ambitious agenda. The new Director will work with the Trustee Board to develop a new long-term strategy which navigates the organisation through the next stages of the pandemic, the new Health and Social Care legislation and beyond.
Applicants are asked to visit the Healthwatch Camden website for more information, and obtain an Information Pack for the role from Shweta Prabhakar at Harris Hill: shweta.prabhakar@harrishill.co.uk | 020 7820 7320.

Latin American House seeks Nursery Manager

Latin American House’s nursery Centro Infantil Menchú is looking for a nursery manager to join a small and established team.  The Nursery Manager will be responsible for all aspects of managing and running the nursery, leading it to maintain high-quality standards, compliance with Health & Safety regulations and Ofsted requirements. Follow the link below for more information:  https://casalatina.org.uk/get-involved/vacancies/
The deadline for applications is Thursday 24th June at 5 PM.

Castlehaven seeks Environmental Engagement Project Manager

Castlehaven are currently looking for the perfect candidate to manage our highly respected environmental projects here at Castlehaven.  Are you passionate about gardening, nature and people? Would you like to work in the heart of Camden Town for an award-winning community association, managing our urban environmental projects? Full details here.  Closing 6 June.

CAWH seeks Centre Administrator

Community Association for West Hampstead seeks p/t Centre Administrator.  21 hrs pw £13 ph plus pension
You must be a multi taking all rounder who wants to help involve the local community and contribute to a friendly welcoming atmosphere.
For an application pack email info@cawh.org.uk   Closing date 21 June.

The Kids Network is Hiring a Volunteer Coordinator

The Kids Network are hiring a Volunteer Coordinator to join the team to lead on our Camden mentoring programme. You will work to support our mentees by managing our volunteer mentors, bringing the Camden community together through fun and friendship.
This is an exciting opportunity to play a crucial role in the growth of the organisation and make a positive impact for children in Camden as we navigate different covid-19 restrictions. Full details here.

Camden People’s Theatre is recruiting volunteers

Volunteering will take place at Camden People’s Theatre, 58-60 Hampstead Road, London, NW1 2PY
Volunteer shift times: Monday – Saturday 6:15pm – 10:15pm
CPT will reopen to the public on Tuesday 15th June
To Apply Please complete the CPT Volunteer Application form here. We’ll be in touch to arrange a quick conversation before any decisions are made

Nafsiyat seeking Treasurer

North London based mental health charity, Nafsiyat Intercultural Therapy Centre, is seeking a Trustee Treasurer to support the organisation and Trustee Board in the area of financial governance. Details here

Board of Black Girls Hike seeks Non-Executive Director

Black Girls Hike provides a safe space for Black women to explore the outdoors. We challenge the status quo and encourage Black women to reconnect with nature by hosting nationwide group hikes, outdoor activity days and training events.
Please note this role is voluntary and unpaid. Travel expenses will be supported. If you are interested in this role, please email info@bghuk.com

Solace Volunteering Opportunities

Solace Women’s Aid have a number of volunteering vacancies.  See the website for full details and how to apply.

Calthorpe Community Garden, Seeks Chair

Calthorpe Community Garden, a green oasis in central London, exists to improve the physical and emotional wellbeing of the local community. We are seeking a Chair with outstanding communication skills The Chair will lead the Board of Trustees by example, providing a collaborative framework to discuss, decide and implement matters of strategic importance to comply with Calthorpe’s charitable objectives. For a full job description please email: calthorpetrustees@gmail.com. Closing date: 5pm on 11th June 2021.

Castlehaven’s Food Bank Needs Volunteers

Every week Castlehaven’s food bank feeds roughly 200 local residentsts in Camden. As life is returning to ‘normality’ and people are heading back to work we’re in need of more volunteers every Thursday to keep our food bank running. Email sharon@castlehaven.org.uk to get involved.

Learning Disability Network London are Recruiting

LDN London are now paying the London Living Wage for Support Workers (£21,157). We have positions available across Camden, Westminster, K&C and Islington.  Join our team and make a difference.  Details here.

Get Fit, Get Active, Get Gardening

Do you love the great outdoors, gardening and green spaces? Castlehaven Community Association need volunteers every Wednesday from 10:30 am – 2:30 pm to help maintain Castlehaven’s community parks in the heart of Camden Town.
All sessions are led by fully trained staff, and we’ll provide all the training, tools and equipment you’ll need. Email nichola@castlehaven.org.uk to get involved.

COVID-19 Health Champions

Join the COVID-19 Health Champion movement to get the latest advice and guidance about COVID-19 so that you can help and share the information with your community, and let us know what is and isn’t working. You can access trusted information through regular updates and weekly online drop-in sessions about the vaccine, testing and more.
If you work, live or volunteer in Camden, simply complete the form here to sign up! If you’ve got questions, email CHC@islington.gov.uk.

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.

Get a Free Gym Pass at Central YMCA Club

The YMCA Club is London’s friendliest, largest and most iconic gym. With a 25m indoor pool, a 2-tier cardio zone, free weights room and an extensive class timetable, there is something for everyone. The YMCA Club is different than other gyms, it has a true sense of community and our members say they they feel at home and accepted here and that they can improve their wellbeing while reaching their goals.
If you’d like to try it out for yourself you can get a free pass here

Central YMCA Programmes for Children and Young People

Central YMCA run a range of programmes for 4 to 14 year olds at YMCA Club, including action-packed Holiday Playschemes, After School Sports, Swim School and Youth Memberships. Our programme supports children to develop physical skills, whilst promoting inclusivity, positive health and wellbeing. The Club also has a Youth Membership programme for 13 to 18 year olds and accept Young Volunteers from the age of 15. Find out more here.

Tricky Period Pickup Locations

All pick up points can be accessed by anyone in need.
You do not need an address, proof of income or have any links with the pick up point venue (unless otherwise stated). Full list here.

Google Career Certificates

Camden, Google and Coursera are offering free professional training to 500 Camden residents.
There are four programmes to choose from: IT Support, Data Analysis, Project Management and UX Design. You don’t need any experience or a degree to take part in a course, just an interest in starting a new career.
Residents can register for the free courses here

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service

Nominations for 2022 are now open.  Find out more here.

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.

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

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