Voluntary Action Camden E-Bulletin - 4th November 2022

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VAC Weekly Newsletter
4th November 2022

VAC Membership
Join VAC as a member and become part of a network committed to connecting and amplifying the voice of the Voluntary and Community Sector in Camden.

Membership is free, click on the link box above and sign up today

Highlights

This week we spotlight our Charity Trustees Networking and Appreciation Event on Monday 7th November, hosted by Voluntary Action Camden, Volunteer Centre Camden and Camden Council.

We also have information on a range of local events and opportunities from around the Camden area.

Charity Trustees Networking and Appreciation Event

Monday 7th Nov at LABS House Bloomsbury: 6:30 – 8pm

Celebrate the achievements and contributions of Camden trustees and join us to kick off Trustees’ Week 2022 in style. This event is brought to you by Voluntary Action Camden, Volunteer Centre Camden and Camden Council.

The Mayor of Camden, Councillor Nasim Ali, Councillor Nadia Shah, and Sophia Moreau from Getting on Board, will be attending to show their appreciation for the contribution that you make to Camden.

The evening will include an opportunity for you to meet and network with other Camden trustees. We look forward to seeing you there!

Booking is essential.
To register your place, click here

Camden Local Plan Review

Work has started on reviewing the Camden Local Plan 2017, which provides the framework for managing development in the borough. This is your opportunity to shape the future of Camden.

The engagement on the Local Plan Review is open from the 4th November 2022 to the 13th January 2023. This will inform the preparation of a draft Local Plan to be published in 2023.

Click here to have your say.

Flash Consulting: Strategy & Planning

Thursday 17th Nov at Scratch Hub, Battersea Arts Centre: 6 – 8pm

Join Link Up London for a free Flash Consulting session and tap into the expertise of London’s top strategy talent! You will be matched with a consultant to get support in creating a new strategy for your organisation, refining your existing strategy for 2023, or developing your current strategy into an Operational Plan.

Open Training Session on Gambling and Related Harms

Monday 7th Nov: 2 – 3.30pm

The subject of gambling is acknowledged by experts as a serious health issue, with far reaching consequences. It negatively affects finances, mental health and relationships, for both the gambler and those around them. If you would like to know more about gambling addiction and related harms, please join this free, CPD-accredited webinar.

Green and Energy Efficient Buildings Seminar

Wednesday 16th Nov: 12 – 2pm

Do you want to make your premises greener and more energy efficient? The Ethical Property Foundation is hosting a free seminar for organisations leasing buildings from Camden Council. This will look at understanding energy performance certificate (EPCs), eco initiatives and pay back periods, green habits, environmental jargon and lots more.

Managing Access and Inclusion Training Session

The Access and Sustainability Advisory Service at the Centre for Accessible Environments are running a free online training session for London-based, not-for-profit organisations. The two-hour session is on ‘Managing Access and Inclusion’ and provides an introduction on managing access for disabled people.

For more information, click here

To book your place, contact asas@cae.org.uk

KOVE Annual Free Concert

Monday 21st Nov at the Kiln Cinema: 1.30pm

KOVE is hosting a free community classical show, with a variety of entertainment provided by local people. Booking is not required.

North London Cares Vacancy: Programme Coordinator

Closing date: 14th November

North London Cares is looking for a creative, confident and versatile Programme Coordinator to join their team and lead their Social Clubs programme, working across Camden and Islington.

To learn more and apply, click here

Compost Newham Vacancies

Compost Newham is recruiting two roles to lead its Compost Newham project, a bespoke programme of working to support Newham’s Voluntary, Community and Faith Sector to grow and thrive. The work aims to offer a programme of development support including: capacity building, network development, events and training and building cross-sector relationships.

For more information, click here or contact mailto:anne@compostlondon.org.uk

Healthwatch Camden Vacancy: Research & Administrative Officer (PT)

Healthwatch Camden is hiring a part-time Research & Administrative Officer to work on providing an information service for Healthwatch Camden, helping to ensure that it is readily accessible, and effectively directing people to the support or advice they need.

To apply, email your CV to info@healthwatchcamden.co.uk

Newsletter Submissions

Please send any information (approximately 50-75 words long) that you would like included in our weekly newsletter to social@vac.org.uk

VAC Cost-of-Living Crisis Resource

VAC recognises that the cost-of-living crisis is a huge concern for families, businesses, and the Voluntary Community Sector.

We are collating information and resources to help community groups and residents in Camden navigate through the crisis. To find out more, click here

Cost of Living Crisis Survey to Camden Voluntary Sector Groups

The Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) provides essential support for those in need, but it also finds itself under enormous pressure as a result of the current cost-of-living crisis.

We are deeply concerned for the continued resilience of our sector and are calling for cross-sector unity and resistance to the much-anticipated reduction in public spending.

We have put together a short survey to help understand how your organisation is responding to the cost of living crisis, the ongoing and evolving impact and what further support you need to tackle this new challenge.

The results of this survey will inform plans to provide additional support to the sector. The survey shouldn’t take longer than 10 minutes and is available here

Camden Infrastructure Alliance: Cost-of-Living Crisis Joint Statement

The Camden Infrastructure Alliance – Voluntary Action Camden, C4 and Volunteer Centre Camden – have published a joint statement urgently calling for targeted financial government support for the Voluntary and Community Sector in the face of the cost-of-living crisis.

We are deeply concerned about the additional pressures of a cold winter on Camden’s already overstretched community services.

To read the full statement, please click here

Charity Commission Guidelines: Political Activity

The Charity Commission has released a new ‘five-minute statement’ to advise charities of the rules around supporting, or opposing, a change in government policy or the law.

Read it here

Local Newsletters:

SHAK
Young Camden Foundation (Funding Newsletter)
Young Camden Foundation (Events and Training Newsletter)
AWN (sign up)
London Sport (sign up)
Fitzrovia Community Centre
Coram’s Field Community Newsletter (sign up)
CAWH Newsletter
St Pancras Community Association (sign up)
Castlehaven in Bloom (sign up)

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

VAC administered Google Grants
The VAC administered Google Grants scheme is still ongoing.

VAC have been funded by Google to provide up to £300 per quarter for small organisations looking to book one-off spaces to work in or to hold community sessions and training, and up to £600 for the ongoing rent of office and hot desking space.

It is available to small voluntary or community sector organisation with income under £150,000 a year looking to book a venue in Camden.

To find out more, please click here
or get in contact with Ricky at Rsingh@vac.org.uk

The Hampstead Wells and Campden Trust

The principal objectives of The Hampstead Wells and Campden Trust are the alleviation of poverty and the advancement of health in the Trust’s area of benefit. They make grants to organisations, individuals and families.

Learn more here

North London Community Fund

Closing date: 11pm on 16th December 2022

NLWA has established the North London Community Fund to support waste prevention initiatives in the north London area. This fund provides community-based (non-profit making) organisations with funding to develop new approaches to reduce waste and/or extend the reach and impact of existing waste prevention activity in north London.

Learn more here

NatWest Social & Community Capital

NatWest Social & Community Capital offers support to social ventures looking to scale, through loans with flexible terms and business support. They offer alternative funding to business charities and social enterprises who don’t qualify for mainstream loans. Their community business loans offer funding from £30,000 to £750,000, with flexible terms and repayment holidays, including access to sector experts.

To learn more, click here or contact bertie.herrtage@natwest.com

Camden Childcare Grant

If you’re a lone parent in Camden and you’re interested in looking for a new job, to re-enter employment, or want to expand your skillset by attending training or education sessions, you may be eligible for a grant worth up to £1,500 to cover childcare costs while attending job interviews, training or education sessions.

Learn more here

Propel Funding
Propel is a new fund launched by London Funders to enable organisations to explore, develop and lead collaborative approaches to tackle some of London’s biggest challenges. It has three priorities: A New Deal for Young People; Building Strong Communities and Robust Safety Net.
Learn more here

ASDA Foundation Grants

The Asda Foundation supports small, grassroots organisations in several ways throughout the year. Current funding available includes a Cost-of-Living Grant and an Empowering Local Communities Grant.

Learn more here

GLA Funding: Warmer Homes Programme
With energy bills continuing to rise, the Mayor is urging Londoners, local authorities, and community organisations to raise awareness of the Warmer Homes programme with anyone who may be eligible.
The scheme offers free energy efficiency grants of up to £25,000 to households with a residual income of up to £20,000 per year after rent/mortgage and council tax.
Learn more here

To re-discover funding removed from this list, please see our newsletter archive here

Other available funders include:

Introduction to Safeguarding for Trustees

Wednesday 9th Nov: 10am – 11.30am via Zoom

The theme for Trustees Week this year is ‘Making a Difference in Changing Times’. Join us to find out more about a trustee’s responsibilities and ensure your organisation is doing all it can to protect its volunteers, staff and beneficiaries. This virtual introduction session is free for all new trustees delivering services to children, young people and vulnerable adults in Camden.

To register your place, click here

Camden and Islington Trustees Recruitment Fair

Thursday 17th Nov: 7 – 8:30pm

Recruiting trustees or looking to become a trustee? Meet potential trustees or find out about trustee roles available locally at Volunteer Centre Camden’s online recruitment fair.

To sign up as a volunteer, click here

If you’re looking to recruit a trustee, contact Shafia at shafia@volunteercentrecamden.org.uk

Volunteers & The Law Workshop

Thursday 17th Nov: 10am – 12pm

Volunteer Centre Camden is hosting an online workshop for volunteer managers based everywhere. The session will cover volunteer roles and the law, the Equality Act, duty of care and more.

To register your place, click here

Camden Interfaith Week Workshop

Camden Council are working with The Faith & Belief Forum to develop a one-year, action-oriented working plan for 2023-24 for Camden Faith Leaders Forum.

This interactive group workshop will explore key questions to understand what is needed in Camden, and how different stakeholders can work together to have an impact. Anyone who lives, works, or worships in Camden is welcome.

To learn more, click here

Free Legal Clinic: SPCA

Wednesday 16th Nov: 5 – 7.30pm

In partnership with the University of Westminster Legal Advice Clinic, St Pancras Community Association will be hosting a free Housing Law Information and Advice Session. This will be an opportunity to learn more about your rights as a tenant, or gain advice on a housing issue you cannot resolve.

For more information, click here

We Were Here Talk

Friday 11th Nov at West Hampstead Community Centre: 7:30pm

To celebrate Black History Month, Community Association West Hampstead is hosting a talk by Emily Momoh (Camden Black British History Lead). ‘We Were Here’ is a collection of eight biographies of significant individuals of African and Caribbean heritage who lived, worked or studied in Camden.

To register your place, click here

Free Research Clinic from UCL

Thursday 10th Nov: 2pm – 4:30pm

UCL’s Community Research Initiative is hosting their second annual research clinic. Participants will be assigned trainee research consultants, who will help to develop your ideas to create research project briefs. Project briefs can be uploaded onto the Community Noticeboard resource, which is used by hundreds of master’s students looking for a real-world, useful project for their dissertation.

To register your place, click here

Greening Community Buildings Seminar

Wednesday 16th Nov: 12-2pm via Zoom

Camden Council and the Ethical Property Foundation are hosting a seminar for charities who own or lease a community building. Participants will gain advice and ideas on how to make their building greener and more energy efficient.

For more information, contact Sam Rowe on sam.rowe2@camden.gov.uk

To register your place, click here

Free Intensive Digital Media Training

Calling all young creatives aged 18-25 with a passion for creating compelling content and a desire to work in the media. Apply now for 6 weeks of free intensive digital media training with BAFTA-winning company, Licklemor Productions. The award-winning training is based at the SKY TV Campus in Osterley and can grant you instant industry access, while teaching you how to excel in production.

For more information, click here

Arts 4 Dementia Programme

Every Friday from 28th Oct to 9th Dec at Cockpit Yard: 11:30am – 1pm

A new Arts 4 Dementia programme is aimed at people with early-stage dementia, mild cognitive impairment and their companions. Participants will have the opportunity to work with some of the UK’s best makers and learn the art of craft.

To register for the autumn programme, contact emily@arts4dementia.org.uk or call 0203 633 5401.

Camden’s Evening and Night-time Community Conversations
Tuesday 15th Nov at Kiln Theatre: 2pm-5pm
Camden Council wants to hear about your evening and night-time experiences in Camden. Drop into one of the following workshops to participate:

For more information, contact nighttime@camden.gov.uk

Volunteering with VAC! Join our Community Links Team
Are you able to commit to at least 2 hours per week and interested in supporting people in your community to access health and wellbeing services?

Community Links Volunteers are a part of the Care Navigation and Social Prescribing Service in Camden. They support social prescribing in a variety of ways including signposting residents to community-based activities, helping with referrals, motivating users to connect with new interests and activities, accompanying residents to appointments and introducing them to a range of different opportunities in Camden.

For more info and to apply, please click here
Or contact Mandira Manandhar on mmanandhar@vac.org.uk or 020 7284 6573

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

SPCA Vacancy: Community Cafe Manager (PT)

SPCA are seeking someone to manage and run their Community Café and team of volunteers. The manager will also promote the café in the community by arranging activities in the café setting.

To learn more and apply, click here

Royal Free Charity: Volunteer Piano Tuner

The Royal Free Charity is in need of a piano tuner to help fix the hospital piano at Barnet Hospital. They have a number of volunteer musicians who would love to make use of the piano to brighten up the days of patients and staff in the hospital.
If you can help, please contact r ebecca.mcmahon@royalfreecharity.org

The Kids Network: Volunteer Opportunity

The Kids Network are looking for volunteers to mentor children across North London. The programme matches children aged 8 to 11 with positive role models and local volunteer heroes from the community. Could you spend 1-2 hours a week supporting a child, having fun and exploring London? You will receive training, 1-1 support, networking events, a monthly budget and travel expenses.

Click here to apply.

Castlehaven Food Bank: Volunteer Drivers

The Castlehaven Food Bank is a lifeline for many in the local community struggling to make ends meet. To meet demand, Castlehaven is looking for volunteers with a full driving licence and a car to help deliver food parcels every Thursday.

To find out more, contact carmen@castlehaven.org.uk

Hillside Clubhouse Vacancy: IPS Employment Specialists
Closing date: 7th November 2022

Hillside Clubhouse is hiring 3 new IPS Employment Specialists to join their busy and exciting teams working across Camden & Islington. Have you ever considered working within the Mental Health Sector and supporting people back into paid employment? This is an opportunity to offer ongoing support to people developing the tools and skills required to transform their lives.

For more information and to apply, click here

WAC Arts Vacancy: Senior Support Workers

Closing date: 14th November

WAC Arts are looking to expand their current team of Senior Support Workers, who work with young people during their performing arts sessions. They are looking for people who are pro-active and flexible, with an eagerness to get to know the young people they work with and support their learning and wellbeing in sessions.
For more information and to apply, click here or contact recruitment@wacarts.co.uk

Survivors Can Shine – Trustees Needed

Survivors Can Shine works to bring communities together and change perceptions around abuse; empowering children and young people to speak out, be heard, and be safe.

They are seeking individuals who are passionate about the cause to devote the necessary time, skills and commitment to their growing organisation.

For more information, contact rosa@survivorscanshine.org.uk or call 07956661690

Long Covid survey
The Community Links team at VAC are working with the University of Southampton to facilitate a study into Long Covid. If you had, or think you had, Covid 3 or more months ago and yet continue to experience symptoms that are not explained by any other health conditions the study would like to talk to you about your experiences.

Symptoms can include, but are not limited to: exhaustion, memory or concentrations issues, breathlessness, persistent headaches and muscle aches, chest tightness, palpitations, dizziness and sleep disturbance.
As a token of appreciation there is a £15 shopping voucher available for participation.

The Community Links team at VAC can also assist Camden residents with access to the long covid clinic at UCLH.
For further information please contact Nasrin at nrashid@vac.org.uk or Donna Clutterbuck at LongCovid@soton.ac.uk or call/text “Long Covid Research’’ on 07721520243.

Community Kitchen & Warm Space

SPCA are proud to announce the opening of their new Community Kitchen & Warm Space at St Pancras Community Association, 67 Plender Street. Come alone or with your family to get a free meal and join in with activities.

To learn more, click here

SPCA Boutique: Winter Warmers

Free winter clothes are available at a new boutique on the ground floor of St Pancras Community Association, 67 Plender Street.

Donations of clean winter clothes and blankets are welcomed.

To learn more, click here

Startup School for Seniors: Green Economy Business

Are you seeking to start a business with people, purpose or planet in mind? Startup School for Seniors is launching a new online course for entrepreneurs with a social conscience. Starting on 21st November, the full-time, two-week programme will equip you with the skills to turn your idea into a business or increase the trading income of an existing business. This programme is fully-funded for Londoners of any age.

To learn more, click here

Winter Wellness Project

The Elizabeth House Winter Wellness Project supports older council tenants to keep warm and well during the winter. From October 2022, if you are over 65, Elizabeth House can help you access grants and support to keep your home warm, access flu jabs, learn about local activities and more.

For more information, click here

Central YMCA Club Kids Programme

The Central YMCA Club is running a programme to support children aged 4-13 to develop a broad range of physical, mental and social skills, whilst having fun. Opportunities on offer include after-school sports clubs, swim school and holiday playschemes. Childcare vouchers are also accepted for all these programmes.

For more information, click here

Club Matters Programme

Club Matters is a Sport England, Lottery-funded programme that provides free resources, support, and guidance to grassroots sports clubs, groups and community organisations, as well as the workforce that supports them.

Click here to see their upcoming workshops programme

Henna Asian Women’s Group

Become a member of Henna Asian Women’s Group and get access to weekly sessions. Henna can provide you with a way to connect with other people, whether it’s through exercise, music & singing, ESOL, arts & crafts or the Wellbeing Hub.

For more information, click here or call 0207 372 9860.

Past Voluntary Action Forums: Resources

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

Got an item for the e-bulletin?

Send your item to social@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.