Voluntary Action Camden e-bulletin 6th December 2019

Charity Annual Returns: Remember to do it and Remember to print it

Many organisations have a deadline to submit their return in December.  However, The Charity Commission is no longer providing copies of annual returns once they have been submitted online. So remember to print your return in draft form before submitting it, as you will not receive a PDF of the final version as you did previously.
More info can be obtained from Sandy Adirondack’s free legal update email service for voluntary organisations,  sign up here.

#CamdenAgainstViolence Need Volunteers

#CamdenAgainstViolence now have a base in Wellsley Road and need some volunteers to help develop the project.
1. A dynamic person that can help with fundraising 1 day per month – need good interpersonal skills due to handling some very sensitive issues.
2. A web designer to set up and manage a new web page, which will be accessible to our community and link wth referral partners. 1/2 day per week.
The Regeneration Hub, Wellesley Road, NW5 4PA. Contact  michelle.youthengagement.cav@gmail.com

Arts 4 Dementia opportunity for people living with dementia and their companions.

The workshop programme, taking place at the Science Museum, is starting on 21 January and running for four weeks.  Participants will benefit from a private view of this breath-taking presentation of the history of medical science.
For people living with dementia and their companions
Weekly on a Tuesday, 2-4pm 21 January 2020 – 11 February 2020
To register, please contact Lois Gillie, Charity Coordinator E:lois@arts4dementia.org.uk

Camden Patient and Public Engagement Group (CPPEG) open meeting

Tuesday 10 December 14:00 – 16:00
At St Pancras Hospital, Conference Centre, 4 St Pancras Way, NW1 0PE
Health & Wellbeing Strategy – Start Well, Live Well, Age Well
Age UK Camden Information and Advice Service
Health & Wellbeing Neighbourhood Assembly
Our PPG newsletter shares all our latest news and opportunities for patients and the public to be involved in our work. Please email camccg.communications@nhs.net to subscribe.

Camden Green Spaces Survey

Camden  is currently undertaking an online survey to gather suggestions on how to invest in green spaces over the next five years.
This survey will build upon the Commonplace Local CIL consultation that was carried out last year.  The information gathered will help Camden develop and plan for the next Green Space Investment Programme.

Camden Library Lates programme

6 December with a ‘Live from the Library’ session with Simeon and Jo Slater at Swiss Cottage Library (£7.50/£5 7.00pm).
Library Lates is aimed at ages 18+ and includes a whole range of events featuring live music, spoken word, theatre and performance, themed supper clubs, and much more. Here are some sample events in the pipeline:
• ‘Live from the Library’ – a rolling programme of live music events featuring up and coming artists from the local community
• Themed Supper Club – Jeeves & Wooster; Pyjama Party & Drag Queen ‘Jackanory’; Murder Mystery – ‘Malice in Wonderland’; Georgian Gothic – an exploration through poetry, prose and letters, focusing on Camden residents Mary and Percy Shelley and Lord Byron
www.lovecamden.org

Camden Adult Social Care Survey

1000 recent recipients of services from Camden Adult Social Care will receive a survey through the post shortly.
The survey is being administered securely by Quality Health Limited who are also able to take responses over the telephone and arrange interpreters (including British Sign Language Interpreters) if needed. Any format can be requested, including easy read or large print.
Camden Adult Social Care has moved to a different approach to social work which captures aspirations and focusses on individual strengths as well as needs. This survey has been designed to capture performance against some of the new outcomes we would like to see as a result of this change.
Contact Jane Standing (jane.standing@camden.gov.uk) 0207 974 5088

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

Brand New Fund –  Two Magpies

Two Magpies has just launched https://www.twomagpiesfund.co.uk
They give out small grants (up to £15,000) to charities and community organisations, working with women who have experienced abuse and children growing up in poverty and difficult circumstances.  Organisations working in Camden, Haringey, Westminster and Islington are eligible.

New Lloyds Bank Foundation Grant Programme

Small but vital charities can apply for grants of £45k or £100k over 3 years that can be used entirely for core costs. The process has been simplified as well. Learn more about the funding process and check your eligibility

Pocket Parks

A £1.35 million fund has been launched to help local communities in England create new pocket parks or to revive rundown green spaces in their area.
Community groups can now bid grants of up to £15,000 for new pocket parks and up to £25,000 to renovate existing parks which have fallen into disrepair, bringing them back into public use.

New fund for frontline organisations tackling loneliness

A new £2 million fund is being launched to help organisations at the frontline of tackling loneliness across the country. Further details on the funding application process, including eligibility and when it will open, will follow in due course.

Funding For February Half-Term Activities

The John Lyons School Holiday Activity Fund enables organisations to deliver  activities for children and young people during the school holidays.
The Fund will pay for the running costs of holiday programmes that provide young people with activities in supportive and accessible environments.
Applications for February half term should be submitted by 18 January 2020.

Grants up to £1000 from The National Lottery

The National Lottery has turned 25 and is celebrating this milestone by bringing people together and offering grants of between £100 and £1000 to people and communities with a great idea.

The Mayor of London UEFA EURO 2020 Grants Programme

As part of the Mayor’s strategy for sport and social integration, The Mayor of London UEFA EURO 2020 Grants Programme will see up to £525,000 spent.
Have an idea for an event or project that’ll bring your community together?
Information workshop Tuesday 7 January (eve) City Hall. Please sign up here.
Applications are open now until Monday 20 January 2020. For more information and to apply: www.london.gov.uk/euro-2020-microgrants

Core Funding Grants Available to Support Small and Medium UK Charities

The Woodward Charitable Trust is now providing funding for core costs only, rather than for specific projects, with the intention of having a more direct impact on the organisations concerned.
You must have an annual turnover of less than £300,000 and work in one of the following arts, children, disability, disadvantage, rehabilitation, cohesion etc
The Trust favours small-scale, locally based initiatives and is especially interested in those that make good use of volunteers and encourage past and current users to participate. Full details here.
The next deadline for applications is 31 January 2020 (noon).

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.

Healthy Minds Programme with Mind in Camden

The latest Healthy Minds community programme is now available.  A range of activities are available from VAC, Mary Ward, Mind in Camden, BWA, Good Gym, the Round House and more.  Find out what’s on and how to book.

Have Your Say About VAC

We are listening to our members and subscribers to get your views on VAC and find out what you think VAC should be working on now and in the coming years. It’s a short survey and as a thank you everyone who completes the survey has a chance to win £100.

Safeguarding Courses:

Safeguarding Introduction: Protecting Children in the Community (Level 2)
Tuesday 10th December: 10.00am – 1.00pm
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.
Suitable for anyone requiring basic safeguarding training, including volunteers, play workers and new starters who have never had safeguarding training before.
The workshop will cover essential aspects of safeguarding:

Safeguarding Advance: Developing knowledge and understanding. (Level 3)
Wednesday 18th December: 10.00am – 2.30pm (Includes lunch)
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.
This Advanced course is designed to develop existing understanding of the safeguarding process through a variety of written text, case studies and interactive exercises.
Please contact: Dianne Carlton Ogunyemi, our Community Partnership Advisor Lead to book your place, 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/

Works for Me Employment Programme

Open to all visually impaired people who live, work or study in London between 18 and 65yrs.  One to one advice; contact with experts; network with other visually impaired people; employment information.
Contact: employment@londonvision.org or tel: 07773584028.

Festive Family Day at Regents Place

Sunday 8 December 11am – 4pm
Free activities including Snowglobe workshops, Winter Wreath making, Snowman Storytelling and more. rose.alexander@regentsplace.com

Become a qualified Ramblers Walking for Health Leader

Free half day training course to become a qualified volunteer walk leader. This will qualify you to set up your own local walking group, or to assist with an existing walk in Camden. Health walks are great way for people to get some gentle exercise, meet new people and explore their local area.
Next free Walk Leader training course is being help Monday 9th December 10am-1.30pm at Camden Council Offices, 5 Pancras Square. Sign up here:
Contact Steph Smith, Active Living Officer: Stephanie.Smith@camden.gov.uk

WinterFEST

The festive season is upon us, which means it’s time to celebrate!
We’ll be hosting our popular winter community festival on Friday 13th December, 3-7pm. Once again we have a huge array of exciting activities for all ages to enjoy.
We can’t wait to welcome you into our winter wonderland!
Find out more here – https://bit.ly/2OGoRII

Join Camden Carers for a walk around Regents Park

13th December 2019
Meet outside Camden Town tube station
All are welcome including people with learning disabilities and family carers
If you would like to come, please contact PJ or Daphne on 020 79 74 37 37 or email PJ.walsh@camden.gov.uk  more details here.

Meal & Celebration for anyone in need over Christmas

Hosted by Chalk Farm Foodbank, CAP and Revelation Church. 19th December, 4.00-6.00PM. Salvation Army Chalk Farm, 10-16 Haverstock Hill, Chalk Farm, London NW3 2BL. Sign up clients by 6th December.

Successfully applying for jobs in Camden Council

Camden Council recognise that applying for a job in the Council can be difficult.
In order to help local people apply for jobs in the Council they are running a workshop for Camden residents to help them understand the expectations of hiring managers so that they are able to apply for a job successfully.
The workshop will be held on 12th December from 1pm – 3pm at 5 Pancras Square. If you have a CV, or a job application please bring it along.
Please contact Resourcing@camden.gov.uk if you are interested in attending.

Community Connectors/Volunteers-New Year, New Start

Want to make a difference in 2020? Elfrida Rathbone Camden is recruiting parent volunteers to support Camden parents by offering practical help at our drop-in and 1:1 sessions. We offer 3 days FREE training covering the key skills needed for the role, starting January/February. Lunch is provided.
Contact Jill now to find out more by email Jill@elfridacamden.org.uk or call 07939877745 for an informal chat.

Kentish Town City Farm is seeking a Trustee to fulfil the role of Treasurer

Kentish Town City Farm is a community charity that helps city people connect with animals, nature and the environment. The farm is a four-acre site, alongside two railway lines in the Borough of Camden. With sheep, goats, chickens, geese, three horses, two donkeys, twopigs and a cow.
The Treasurer’s role is key to its professional oversight through the provision of advice on all aspects of financial management, reporting, controls etc.
The closing date for applications is the 24th January. Please contact Angela Woods chair@ktcityfarm.or.uk

Mobile GP Referral Supervisor

Sport Link worker doing sport referrals in Camden etc.
Active Health Supervisor (Reps Level 3 or 4 Fitness Professional). Working across a number of our sites in North London
Full-time  £23,500 per annum plus 20 days annual leave. Full details here.

Sessional Community & Activity Workers

Unity Works is a specialist not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting people with a learning disability to gain skills, achieve qualifications and secure jobs, so they can reach their full potential.
The opportunities created through our Community Health & Wellbeing programmes help people to gain confidence and make positive use out of their leisure time. We are currently seeking dynamic and self-motivated individuals to work within this team based out of Kentish Town
For more information or to apply: www.unityworks.org.uk/getinvolved Or email: Laura.murphy@thecamdensociety.co.uk

How to apply to join Camden Patient Council

Patient council members take part in a ward visit every third Monday of the month to review the ward environment and speak with patients/service users on the wards. The Patient Council are looking for Camden residents who have experience accessing secondary mental health services, particularly lived experience of the ward environment.
If you are interested please contact Katja Huijbers, Camden Mental Health Service User Involvement Coordinator  katja@advocacyproject.org.uk

Age UK Camden seeks 3 posts

Men’s Outreach Worker (21 hours per week) (3 days per week)
S01 23-25 £31,434 to £32,577 pa  pro rata for 21 hpw. (Fixed term Dec 2020)
Ageing Better Camden is looking for a male Outreach Worker to contribute to a new Outreach project with the ABC Outreach Service, to trial innovative approaches to reaching, initiating contact and engaging with significant numbers of older men across Camden.  Closing date 10th December.
Day Care Officer Part-time – Henderson Court Day Centre
Pro rata for a 25 hour week is £18,452.14 pa to £19,467.86 pa
25  Hours per week and the required hours are 11 am to 4pm Monday to Friday inclusive
Closing date: Monday 9th December 2019
Interview date: W/C Monday 16th December 2019
Part Time Cook
Day Care Centre £10.55 per hour for a 20 hour week (Monday to Friday) plus 6% pension contribution.
For further details and an application form visit the website www.ageukcamden.org.uk or email jobs@ageukcamden.org.uk or telephone 020 7239 0400.  No CVs, no agencies please.

Involving a Deaf or Disabled Person in Designing Services

CDA is recruiting volunteers for its Disability Advisory Group (DAG). The DAG is a steering group that will oversee CDA’s engagement work and provide advice and troubleshoot where necessary. The engagement work aims to promote co-production (partnership) work between Camden Council and deaf and disabled people. The group has just been formed and will meet once every six weeks.
Expenses will be paid and volunteers receive £10 vouchers for meetings. We also have a budget for some accessibility costs. If you’re interested please call Tom on 07908746927 or email on tom@camdendisabilityaction.org.uk

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

Election! Campaigning with Confidence – Dos and Don’ts

The sector is urged to campaign with confidence. There has been much scare mongering over the Lobbying Act but most of the provisions only apply to organisations “where the expenditure can reasonably be regarded as intended to influence the electoral prospects of parties or candidates.” Few voluntary organisations in Camden will meet this criteria or be spending over £20,000 – the threshold for registering. The key point to remember is that you should focus on your campaign issue and not a political party. Remember there are also risks with not campaigning and standing up for your issues. View our updated guidance here.

Cheap Community Tickets to London Zoo

Looking for a great outing for your group?  This is a fantastic offer with tickets from just £3 – £6.50.  A trip to the zoo is usually ruled out by the high cost of tickets.  Responding to local demand, ZSL London Zoo are offering heavily subsidised tickets to organisations or groups who work with people with additional needs and/or disabilities, families on a low income and older people.
To find out more or to apply for subsidised tickets please visit zsl.org/cas

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.

Street Storage

Street Storage provide units of free accessible storage for the homeless using meanwhile space in London and are currently operating in Tottenham Court Road. They are nearing capacity and have just hired the first member of staff to manage the day to day referrals and help grow the service. Street Storage would like to find a meanwhile space big enough to accept post eviction storage and storage for low income families as a charity.
If you can help contact Rachel 07429 367 689 londonstreetstorage@gmail.com

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

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