Highlights: Improving mental health in Camden; New VAC Website; Database and Website Data Entry Volunteer; CPPEG open meeting; Re-energising Camden; One to One Support for Lottery Grants for Camden Groups; LGBT History Month; Camden Community Festivals Fund; Voter Registration Day; Ageing Better in Camden announces delay to invitations to tender; Camden Carers’ Service Activities; Keib Thomas Community Development Memorial Lecture; Volunteer Centre Events in February; Camden Mental Health Peer Mentoring Pilot Service; Getting Online at Camden Libraries; plus news, funding, events, jobs, volunteering and more.
NEWS
Do you want to be part of the challenge to improve mental health in Camden?
£750k has been identified to develop new preventative support for people with mental health problems in Camden. We want to work with you to develop ideas for how to best spend the funding.
We have created this fund because promoting good mental health is one of the biggest challenges that is facing Camden. There are over 36,000 people living with common mental health problems in the borough.
We want to hear your thoughts and ideas on mental health and how the fund should be used.
There will be a ‘conversation’ event on Thursday 12th February from 9:30 – 12:00 at St Pancras Hospital Conference Hall.
This is open to anybody, especially people with mental health problems, carers, providers and practitioners who wish to help us develop a shared approach to mental health prevention.
This will be the first of many chances to get involved and develop this support with us.
If you are interested please email Richard.elphick@camden.gov.uk or phone on 020 7974 8545. You can also send us your thoughts online at: www.wearecamden.org/mentalhealth
New VAC Website
The new VAC website is now available at www.vac.org.uk. The new site has been redisigned following consultation with users. We hope you find it easier to find what you are looking for. New features include integrated event booking using eventbrite that enables users to pay for training online; a new, improved directory of organisations, more examples of our work; clearer text and better integration with twitter and facebook. Do let us have any feedback on the new site at vac@vac.org.uk
VAC seeks Database and Website Data Entry Volunteer
Are you good with data entry and would like to learn more about using online databases and website? We are looking for a new volunteer to carry on this valuable work. Ideally you will be able to offer 2 days per week – 14 hours/week (Tuesday & Wednesday). The main role is to:
~ To update and maintain information on the Client Database and ensure the accuracy of all data recorded.
~ To provide data-entry support to enter core VAC and VAC project work, outcomes and evaluations on the database and / or other monitoring software e.g. MS Excel.
~ To keep the VAC website up-to-date with the latest training opportunities from VAC and latest funding opportunities as they relate to the local Camden Voluntary and Community Sector.
Find out more on our website or contact Alex Charles alexcharles@vac.org.uk Tel: 020 7284 6562
CPPEG open meeting, Monday 9th February, 14:00 – 16:00
St Pancras Hospital Conference Hall. The presentations will cover unscheduled care, the future of out of hours & 111 followed by an update on Long Terms Conditions & Cancer Care.
Presentation 1: Unscheduled Care, and The future of Out of Hours & 111
Speaker: Sharon Barrington, Deputy Director, Strategy & Planning, CCG
Presentation 2: Update on Long Term Conditions & Cancer Programme
Speaker: Sally Mackinnon, Commissioning Programme Lead, Long Term Conditions and Cancer, CCG
To attend please RSVP Caroline Straker (email: Caroline.Straker@camdenccg.nhs.uk / Tel: 020 3688 2044)
Re-energising Camden – Collaborative Investment In Community Energy
Keep up to date with the re-energising Camden initiative to bring green energy to schools and third sector organisations. Find out more on the Project Dirt website.
Awards for All/Reaching Communities- One to One Support for Camden Groups
VAC and BIG will be offering further one to one support sessions for Camden groups applying for Awards for All and Reaching Communities in 2015. They will take place on 23rd March. Please contact Ricky or Monica acharles@vac.org.uk tel 020 7284 6550 to book your 45min session. You will need to send in your completed draft by 16th March.
LGBT History Month
February is LGBT history month. Find out more at the website, where you can download resources, find events and upload your own events.
Camden Community Festivals Fund
Once again funding is available for community festivals in Camden. The fund is managed by Voluntary Action Camden (VAC). See the ‘Funding’ section below for full details.
Rock ‘n Roll Rescue
Camden’s latest charity shop is dedicated to all things musical and aims to raise money for local organisations. Founder, Knox, has featured on BBC Radio London (about 1.30 min in) and the Camden New Journal. Find out more on their facebook page.
Voter Registration Day
How you register to vote has changed and as a result many are now feared to be missing from the electoral register, especially young people and minorities. Find out how to encourage registration at Bite the Ballot.
Ageing Better in Camden announces delay to invitations to tender
Ageing Better in Camden had planned to issue invitations to tender on 4th February for:
• Digital Inclusion Project
• LGBT Community Action
These have been delayed while we get agreement from the Big Lottery, but we hope to be in a position to publish them in the next few days. Our intention is to keep to our published timetable. Please accept our sincere apologies for this delay.
Also please note Ageing Better in Camden is making an amendment to the previously advertised information about the Intergenerational Work. There is now £42501 available for a two year contract, 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2017. This work will connect socially isolated and lonely older people in Camden with children and also with younger adults.
Please refer to http://www.ageuk.org.uk/camden/ageing-better-in-camden/ for updates.
National News
Charities to Get £1.2M to Help with A&E Crisis
Contracts for charities to support accident and emergency departments during periods of winter pressure have been announced this week. The Cabinet Office is providing £1.2m in grant funding from to Age UK, Red Cross and the Royal Voluntary Service who will mobilise volunteers in the 29 most under-pressure accident and emergency departments for 12 weeks from today. The story does not appear to have been picked up in the mainstream media but you can read more at Civil Society.
Shawcross Reappointment ‘Grave Concern’
Acevo has attacked the reappointment of William Shawcross as chair of the Charity Commission as a “grave concern” and questioned whether the proper processes were followed. The announcement was made without warning, eight months before Shawcross’s first three-year term as chair would have ended in October and leaves a coalition appointee in place three years into the new government. Cabinet Office say “no rules had been broken”.Full story at Civil Society and Third Sector magazines.
Charity leaders conspire in bleak future for Voluntary Services as ‘servants of the government’ claims The National Coalition for Independent Action (NCIA)
In a blistering critique of the threats posed to the values and work of the voluntary sector, voluntary groups are challenged to fight for the rights of the people they serve, protect their own independence and resist the privatisation of public services. NCIA, a network of voluntary sector workers, also accuses leadership bodies and major charities of squandering the unique respect and radical space that charities and voluntary groups have occupied in British society, by allowing themselves to become the willing servants of government and of private corporations as they take over public services.
Based on extensive research over the last year, NCIA’s Inquiry shows how voluntary services have been “re-engineered” to serve and support cuts in services and spending, and assist the outsourcing of what’s left. In the process, the voice of charities, whose duty is to speak out against and oppose these catastrophic changes, has been silenced by the co-option and compromise of bidding for contracts and acceptance of ‘marketplace’ values.
NCIA’s report Fight or Fright: Voluntary Services in 2015, has been welcomed by voluntary organisations, including the Refugee Council and Children England. More on the story at Third Sector.
Camden Carers’ Service
Free training, outings and events for unpaid carers in Camden
Monday 9 Feb: Camden Carers Voice meets quarterly to campaign and lobby for carers’ rights. It is carer-led, drawing on everyone’s skills, talents and abilities. Next meeting 10am – 1pm, Argenta House, 1 Aspern Grove, Belsize Park, NW3 2AF – the focus will be on mental health services. Ring Beth on 020 7697 1336 for more details or to book a place.
Benefits training for male carers with Mary Ward legal centre, 2 – 3.30pm. Ring Yoni on 020 7428 8950 or email yoni@camdencarers.org.uk to book.
Tuesday 10 Feb: Art as Therapy seeks to explore how art can help the individual connect to universal aspects of the human experience. Next group meets 1 – 3pm. All unpaid carers in Camden welcome. Ring Sitara on 020 7428 8950 or email sitara@camdencarers.org.uk for details or to book.
Male carers group, 2 – 4pm. A space for male carers to be men whilst offering tools for energy maintenance and carer-related training. To book a place please call Yoni on 020 7428 8950 or email yoni@camdencarers.org.uk
Wednesday 11 Feb: Work Club – completing application forms. For carers wishing to return to the workplace, 10am – 12pm. Call Sitara on 020 7428 8950 or email sitara@camdencarers.org.uk for details or to join.
A group for carers and former carers in Camden meets 2nd and 4th Weds in Kentish Town. Next meetings 11th and 25th Feb, 10.30 – 12pm. Ring 020 7428 8950 for details.
Thursday 12 Feb: Guided Tour of British Museum, 2 – 4pm, open to all carers. To book a place please call Yoni on 020 7428 8950 or email yoni@camdencarers.org.uk
Monday 16 Feb: Planning for Change training, 10am – 1 pm. Designed for carers wishing to make a change in the balance between their caring and non-caring life, or whose caring role has ended. For more information or to book please call Sitara on 020 7428 8950 or email sitara@camdencarers.org.uk
Memory Project, 2 – 4pm: a fortnightly group for people with dementia and their carer or close relative to create individual memory projects of their choice. To book a place please call Zakeera on 020 7428 8950 or email zakeera@camdencarers.org.uk
Tuesday 17 Feb: Older carers’ outing to the Wellcome Institute, 10am – 1pm. For older carers of 70+ with or without their cared-for, and people with dementia and their carers .To book a place please call Zakeera on 020 7428 8950 or email zakeera@camdencarers.org.uk
Wednesday 18 Feb: A monthly group for carers of 70+ which gives support and information, 11am – 1pm. To book a place please call 020 7428 8950 or email Zakeera@camdencarers.org.uk
Thursday 19 Feb: Art social workshop, 2.30 – 4.30pm. A space to socialise and be artistic under the guidance of a group leader. To book a place please call Yoni on 020 7428 8950 or email Yoni@camdencarers.org.uk
Keib Thomas Community Development Memorial Lecture – Re-asserting the right to be heard:
Manifesto for Organising Community Development for Social and Political Change – Post May 2015
Date & Time: Wednesday 11 February 2015, 6.00 pm to 8.45pm with Prof John Diamond
At London Metropolitan University, Henry Thomas Room TG30, Tower Building, 166-220 Holloway Road, London, N7 8DB. Booking required: http://keibthomas.eventbrite.co.uk
Find out about the Community Development Network London. Contact Matt Scott on 020 8692 8784 or 07827 258 411 or email Matt Scott
This event is open to anyone with an interest in community development. It is a forum for workers and practitioners. This forum is for Community Development Workers/Practitioners (volunteer or paid) from all sectors working with communities in London. Managers, policy workers and academics and students are also welcome.
Volunteer Centre Events in February
10th February: February Volunteering Fair @ Working Men’s College for Men and Women
11th February: Volunteer Management Training: Recruiting and Supporting Volunteers @ Clean Break Theatre Company
19th February: Influencing Up Training for Volunteer Coordinators
Find out more at the website: http://volunteercentrecamden.org.uk/events-2/
Camden Mental Health Peer Mentoring Pilot Service
VoiceAbility are pleased to announce that we have been awarded a contract by Camden CCG to deliver a Camden Mental Health Peer Mentoring Pilot Service. As such we will be recruiting a project Coordinator who has lived experience of mental health problems and we will also be recruiting a team of 36 volunteer peer mentors , the application process will be published shortly. We will be working with service providers and support agencies to identify those who will benefit from having someone who has lived experience to help them identify and meet a specific need or goal. Service user will be at the heart of the project design, creating publicity resources and delivering the peer support on the ground. We look forward to moving this exciting initiative forward and will be distributing further information in due course.
VoiceAbility, United House, North Road, London, N7 9DP www.voiceability.org
Free Speech, surveillance and human rights: uniting London in response to the Charlie Hebdo Atrocities
Tuesday 3rd March 7pm at Highgate Library and Civic and Cultural Centre
Get Help to Get Online at Camden Libraries
Camden Libraries provide hands-on support if you need help to use computers and get online, access services, register for housing, use HomeSwapper, apply for benefits, get money advice, search for jobs and much more.
There are courses to suit various levels. Ask at these sessions or visit camden.gov.uk/adultlearning
Simply drop in at any of these weekly sessions:
• Kentish Town Library Tuesdays, 10am to 1pm, or Fridays, 2pm to 4pm
• Crowndale Centre Wednesdays, 10am to 2pm
• Pancras Square Library Wednesdays, 10am to 12noon
The Capacity Building Bulletin is produced monthly, targeting the community and voluntary sector in Camden. It provides up to date/recently live information and news on funding and training. To access the latest information please follow the Link www.camden.gov.uk/cbbulletin
Kentish Town Community Centre, Hillside Clubhouse, Ethiopean Community In Britain, Kingsgate Community Centre, Camden Carers Service, Camden Federation of Private Tenants, Henna Asian Women’s Group, Kentish Town City Farm, and Camden PA are recruiting. See Jobs and Volunteers section below.
Camden Shares. The website for exchanges in Camden. www.camdenshares.org.uk
You can join in on Facebook. Like us if you like us.
Follow all the Camden Voluntary Sector news on OneCamden on Twitter.
You can read more about all of these stories on our news page at www.vac.org.uk/new
FUNDING NEWS
See the Funding pages on VAC’s website for all the latest information.
Capital Clean-up Grant and Kit
Anyone from community groups to charities, youth groups to small businesses can now apply for grants of between £500 and £1,500, or a clean-up kit, to bring volunteers together and get involved in Capital Clean-up 2015
See more at: http://www.projectdirt.com/cluster/capitalcleanup/#!/journal_entry/33925
Home Office – Child and Adult Victim Sexual Abuse Support Fund
Grants are available for registered charities and other voluntary and community sector organisations in England and Wales providing local or national services to victims of sexual abuse to help meet the increased demand on those services.
The Sexual Abuse Support Fund is aimed at non-statutory organisations in England and Wales providing support to victims of sexual abuse to help meet the increased demand on those services. Organisations can provide local services or national services.
Deadline: 2 March 2015 (5pm). It is expected that successful applicants will be notified by the end of March 2015.
Link to guidelines: http://www.norfolk-pcc.gov.uk/sexual-abuse-victims-fund (NB Norfolk are administering the fund – it is open to all regions).
Home Office – Child Abuse Inquiry Support Fund
New one-off fund with a deadline of 2 March 2015 (5pm).
Grants are available to registered charities and other voluntary and community sector organisations in England and Wales which have experienced an increase in demand as a direct result of the announcement of the Child Abuse Inquiry on 7 July 2014.
Deadline: 2 March 2015 (5pm). It is expected that successful applicants will be notified by the end of March 2015.
Link to guidelines: http://www.norfolk-pcc.gov.uk/sexual-abuse-victims-fund (NB Norfolk are administering the fund – it is open to all regions).
BIG puts another £10m into programme to help charities win contracts and take investment
The Big Lottery Fund has doubled the amount of funding available through its grants programme to help charities win contracts and investment (ie take on debt). Read the story at Civil Society or find out more at the BIG Potential website.
Camden Community Festivals Fund
Camden Council is supporting this grants programme in recognition of the contribution made by community festivals and events to strengthening Camden communities and in developing a rich culture and economy within the borough.
The fund is to sustain and develop Camden’s rich culture, its strong communities and dynamic partnerships by supporting quality, creative events, projects and activities. This year the fund is managed by Voluntary Action Camden (VAC).
Applications are welcome for grants of £200 to £5000 for:
~ Small-scale events with a capacity of under 500 people, the maximum amount that can be applied for is £500. A copy of the application form can be downloaded here.
~ Larger-scale events with a capacity of 500 people or more the maximum that can be applied for is £5,000. Please note the average is £1,000. A copy of the application form can be downloaded here.
A copy of the detailed guideline can be downloaded here.
The application process is open from Monday 19th January 2015.
The deadline for completed applications is: 6pm on Thursday 16th March 2015
Full details and links to the forms can be found at https://www.vac.org.uk/camden-community-festivals-fund/
If you would like more information and/or to be sent hard copies of the application forms and the guidelines please contact acharles@vac.org.uk. Tel. 020 7284 6553. Fax. 020 7284 6551. VAC, 293-299 Kentish Town Road, London NW5 2TJ.
Please note your grant is only administered by VAC. For all other aspects of your event please contact Camden Council’s events team. events@camden.gov.uk. Tel: 020 7974 5633.
The Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust- Bid for Better
The Bid for Better membership engagement scheme awards grants of up to £400 towards activities or equipment to improve patient experience, promote mental wellbeing or make our services more accessible.
As well as Trust service users, we would like to encourage bids from external organisations whose service users would be benefitted in any of the above ways.
Your idea should benefit two or more patients or service users. If you would like to apply for up to £400 for your project or idea then we will ask you to complete an application form giving us all as much detail as possible.
You can apply online http://www.tavistockandportman.nhs.uk/about-us/join-us/patient-and-public-involvement-ppi/bid-better/apply-bid-better-funding
or you can request a form by post or email by contacting the PPI team.
The closing date for applications is Thursday 5th March 2015.
To be considered for funding you must be a Member of the Trust. If you are not a member already it is really easy to join.
If you have questions about the process or need help to complete your application form, a member of the PPI team will be more than happy to assist you. Please contact us by telephone or email or you can pop into the PPI office on the ground floor of the Tavistock Centre.
Email: PPI@tavi-port.nhs.uk Telephone: 020 8938 2059
Camden Carers Service Urgent Brief Breaks
Every carer knows when things reach a critical pitch and the pressure valve is about to blow.
That’s when you may need an Urgent Brief Break!
If you provide unpaid care for someone who lives in the London Borough of Camden then you may be eligible
Referrals can be made by a Professional or you can refer yourself
For more information please call Angela 020 7428 8950 or email referrals@camdencarer.org.uk
Don’t forget to sign up to Funding Central for free email funding alerts. Go to www.fundingcentral.org.uk/
VAC EVENTS
VAC has a full programme of courses coming up: Click here to find out more. All courses are ?25 for members (unless otherwise stated).
MH First Aid Places Available
There are a couple of places left on VAC’s next Mental Health First Aid course which takes place over two full days on Monday 16th February and Monday 23rd February (10am to 5pm both days).
Places are open to staff and volunteers from Camden-based organisations at a heavily subsidised rate of only £25 per person. If you would like to book a place, please contact Sue Dowd on sdowd@vac.org.uk.
Mental Health First Aid Training at VAC
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a nationally approved two-day course, designed for anyone without specialist mental health training. The course promotes awareness of mental health issues, and trains non-mental health professionals to recognise those affected by mental health problems and to offer initial help and guidance towards professional support. This can lead to improved outcomes for those affected, their families, friends, colleagues and employers.
Participants will receive a copy of the MHFA manual and certificate on completion of the course.
Do you have any questions or want to book a place?
Contact the Mental Health Team at Voluntary Action Camden:
Maureen Brewster on mbrewster@vac.org.uk or 020 7284 6563
Ann Wolfe on awolfe@vac.org.uk or 020 7284 6565
Sue Dowd on sdowd@vac.org.uk or 020 7284 6559
Next course dates: Monday 16th February and Monday 23rd February 2015
New VAC Training Programme
- 16th – 23rd February: Mental Health First Aid
- 17th February: Budgeting for your Project
- 18th February: Project Management
- 19th February: Project Management Starter
—————————————————– - 6th March: Fundraising and Income Generation Strategy
- 13th March: Project Management Introduction
- 31st March: Introduction to Social Enterprise and Business Planning
Dementia Friends Information Sessions
Would you like to improve your understanding of dementia and what it might be like to live with the condition?
People with dementia sometimes need a helping hand to go about their daily lives and feel included in their local community. Dementia Friends is about raising awareness and encouraging people to do the small things that can make a difference to people living with dementia – from helping someone find the right bus to spreading the word about dementia. The initiative, run by the Alzheimer’s Society, aims to create a network of one million Dementia Friends across England by 2015.
Dementia Friends Information Sessions are short, interactive and fun. If you would like VAC to run a session for your organisation or community group, please contact Ann Wolfe on awolfe@vac.org.uk or call 020 7284 6565. For more information see the Dementia Friends website: http://www.dementiafriends.org.uk/
OTHER EVENTS
Let’s chat
Do you want more confidence speaking English? Do you want to practise speaking with other people from your local area?
Every Mon – 9th Feb till 2nd Mar from 3 – 4pm
Every Thurs – 12th Feb till Mar 5th from 4.30 – 5.30pm
At The Haven, 23 Castlehaven Rd, London NW1 Call 020 7485 3386 for more information
NCiFoundations Fundrasing Event
NCiFoundations, a registered charity (RCN 1151520), based in Camden is having its 1st fund-raising event on Saturday the 28th of February 2015 from 11am-4pm, venue at: 14 Cleveland Street W1T 6QG.The event will be to raise funds to support desperate orphans in Kenya and Uganda who are in desperate need of clothing, feeding, education sponsor and creating an awareness to end Female Genital Mutilation. Our event will also be promoting NCiFoundations other aims and objectives which involve supporting UK Local community projects to enhance and protect our UK local borough community.
At the event we will be showcasing beautiful handcraft artworks made by the orphans
For more information please visit our website: www.ncifoundations.org.
Email: info@ncifoundations.org . Tel: +44(0) 7900928873. Also interested sponsors please do get in touch as well. Venue: 141 Cleveland Street W1T 6QG (11-4pm) nearest station to venue is Warren Street Station.
Kilburn Older Voices Exchange, the British Society of Gerontology, and London Borough of Camden present The first Kilburn Debate of 2015: Kilburn – your lifetime neighbourhood?
What policy changes would encourage us to ‘age in place’?
9.30am– 4.30pm Tuesday, March 3rd, 2015
Morning: Older peoples’ contribution to research
Passing by or by-passing: Intergenerational use of public space; Professor Sheila Peace, Open University
How older people are helping change the street environment; Rita Newton, Senior lecturer, Salford University
1.30–2.30pm: Films by KOVE and other local older film-makers
Afternoon: New developments – London and Kilburn
The London picture and lessons from other cities; Professor Colin Haylock, Newcastle University, Past President of the Royal Town Planning Institute, member Mayor’s Design Advisory Group;
Making changes to Kilburn High Rd: a case study; Jacqueline Saunders, Principal Traffic Planner, Camden
Kingsgate Resource Centre for Older People, 208 Webheath, Palmerston Road NW6 2JU
This free event is open to users of the Centre, local residents of any age, British Society of Gerontology members, service professionals and anyone with an interest in the issues under discussion. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.
For information and to register, contact: John Miles (07817 424356 johnmiles68@yahoo.co.uk) or Mel Wright (07539 390786 mel.wright@kove.org.uk)
Islington Mind’s LGBT service – open Information day – part of LGBT History Month 24th Feb 11 – 3pm
Introducing the unique pan-London service that is offered every Tuesday to the LGBT community. At 35 Ashley Road, N19 3AG. Programme for the day includes:
Information about Outcome; Yoga; Drama; Art workshops; Animation workshops; Ear acupuncture; Head massage; Taster therapies with MSH – grooming and holistic clinic.
Best Curry in town (FOR £3), raffle and many other surprises…
RSVP: sigal.avni@islington.mind.org
Working with Complex Needs: Free Training Offer for Camden Based Groups
Clean Break is offering FREE training workshops to health, social care and voluntary sector organisations working in Camden in February – March 2015
Designed to help you reflect on and identify successful strategies to support women with complex needs, this training is ideal for frontline staff, managers, volunteers, advice workers, support staff and others who want to improve their practice. This bespoke package uses short play Sounds Like An Insult, performed by graduates of Clean Break’s theatre education programme, as a stimulus for discussion and critical reflection. Commissioned by Clean Break in association with NOMS and the Department of Health, Sounds Like An Insult explores the experiences of women offenders with complex mental health needs, and the challenges of diagnosis and treatment within the criminal justice system. Following the performance, we engage participants through creative techniques to explore the challenges and opportunities of working with women who may have complex mental health needs, addiction and/or experience of the criminal justice system and who often, as a result, struggle to access or remain engaged in services.
We will be running these free two hour training workshops in Camden, throughout February and March 2015. We can work with groups of up to 30 and may be able to offer multiple workshops for organisations which have larger numbers to accommodate.
If you would like to discuss your organisation’s specific needs or ask questions about the workshop, or to book a session, please email Ros Terry ros.terry@cleanbreak.org.uk. More information at www.cleanbreak.org.uk
Tricycle Takeover 2015
A weeklong event in which the Tricycle Young Company takeover The Tricycle Theatre for an entire week. There will be workshops, theatre, film, music and poetry by both emerging and established artists. This year’s Tricycle Takeover coincides with the upcoming elections and gives a voice to the political views of young people, many of whom are heading to the ballot box for the first time. The week provides young people with an amazing opportunity to learn, develop, and can act as a brilliant platform to support those at the start of their career. Equally importantly, it is a week of brilliant performance for everyone.
Camden Chinese Community Centre New Year Celebration Saturday 14th February at 11am to 3pm.
The event will be held at The Camden Centre, Bidborough Street, London, WC1H 9BT. The nearest tube station will be at Kings Cross St Pancras. Please click here for a map.
11:00am to 12:30pm (Chinese Food & Handicrafts Stalls) 12:30pm to 3.00pm (Variety Show)
Admission Ticket : Adult (£5), Child (£2) *A £12 family ticket for 2 adults and 2 children (under 12) will be available
Tickets are available at the Centre in advance and at the door. Tickets are limited, first come first served.
Telephone no: 020 7388 8883 Email: silvia.chui@camdenccc.co.uk
At the event there will be lion dancing, acrobats, magic show, Chinese opera & New Year songs, Chinese traditional & folk dance, Peking noodles making demonstration and raffle draw.
There will be a raffle draw at the event, raffle tickets are sold for £1 each.
First prize for the raffle draw includes one return ticket to Hong Kong (sponsored by See Woo Group)
2nd prize £388 banquet at Phoenix Palace Restaurant
3rd prize banquet at Sushi Bento
4th prize £188 banquet at New Joy King Lau.
Housing allocation consultation 2015
There will be a special lunchtime briefing for people working in the voluntary sector on Monday 23rd February at 11.30am-1pm at: 5 Pancras Square, London, N1C 4AG
To book a place, please contact Zoe Goldblum or Giovanni Bruggi (see below).
If your organisation has a regular meeting (either with staff or service users) and you would like a member of the housing allocation consultation team to attend to give a presentation on the proposed changes to the scheme and answer any questions, please contact either Zoe Goldblum or Giovanni Bruggi (see below).
For more information, to book a place for a workshop or the special briefing or to arrange another meeting, please contact:
• Zoe Goldblum, Senior Policy Officer, Zoe.Goldblum@camden.gov.uk or call 020 7974 4544.
• Giovanni Bruggi, Business Support Officer, Giovanni.Bruggi@camden.gov.uk or call 020 7974 5519
Camden CCG and Cancer Research UK are delivering a cancer awareness workshop for individuals who work or volunteer within the Camden community.
This is particularly relevant for those who work with people at risk of developing cancer, such as the elderly. The workshop empowers volunteers and community members in Camden with the knowledge, skills and confidence to talk about Cancer.
By attending the workshop you will:
~ Increase your knowledge of key messages around cancer prevention, screening and early diagnosis
~ Build your confidence to talk to the public about cancer
~ Help you to encourage people to make lifestyle changes, access local services and visit their GP promptly with any concerns
The workshop will be held from 9:00 to 12:00 on Thursday, 19 February 2015 at St Pancras Hospital.
The event is sponsored by Camden CCG’s Long Term Conditions and Cancer programme. Free.
To book a ticket or for more information contact ltceducation@camdenccg.nhs.uk or telephone 0203 688 2071.
Community Voices for Health (CV4H) Network event Monday 9th February 2015, 2 – 5pm
Help us shape our future health priorities at Conference room, Voluntary Action Islington
• Provide an overview of LVSC and University of East London discussions with UCL Partners
• Explain more about the UCL Partners programme and hear from Fiona McKenzie, Patient Experience and User Involvement Project Manager for London Cancer, the Integrated Cancer System for North Central and North East London and West Essex within UCL Partners.
• Report on VCS impact on reducing Health Inequalities – feed-back from conference and next steps?
• Help to shape potential future priorities for CV4H in the context of UCL Partners’ programme, as well as inform LVSC’s strategic health programme through its membership of Regional Voices.
I hope you will join us. If you aren’t currently a member of the network (or aren’t sure if you are) but would like to come to the event, please contact Sandra van der Feen, LVSC: sandra@lvsc.org.uk in the first instance.
Camden Carers Service Events
Most events, outings, training and other activities are open to all carers who are registered with us, unless stated for a particular group by condition, or other criteria. Please check with CCS if in doubt about your eligibility for an event or activity.
1. Outings and Guided Tours – We offer a selection of activities around London all of which are available for free for carers.
2. Carers Yoga – fortnightly classes for carers of all abilities. Wear loose fitting clothes
3. Benefits Training with Mary Ward – a 3-session course on offer to both Male Carers and also to all Carers in partnership with Mary Ward Legal Centre. The course offer hands on advice and experience with how to use websites, talk on the phone with benefits officers and raise your benefits claims in a manner that gets results.
4. 1st Aid Training with St John’s Ambulance – A new scheme to train carers around London.
5. Art Social Workshop – A space to socialise and get artistic.
6. Mindfulness for Carers– 2-session introduction course for Carers by Robert Mitcham. Robert runs weekly mindfulness sessions on Monday evenings in Euston that are free for all carers.
7. Male Carers Group – a new group for Male Carers. The aim of the group is to provide a space for Male Carers to be men while offering tools for energy maintenance and carer related training.
We also have two very SPECIAL EVENTS: Thursday 26th February – Life Outside Caring Fair – lots of interesting activities, stalls and information for you to find something different to do outside your caring role – with lunch! Tuesday 3rd March – Special Interactive Training Day on Keeping Safe whilst Caring – with Kevin Morgan and Nick Llewellyn bringing the issues to life. There are many more events – please see the website for further details. www.camdencs.org.uk
Don’t forget that Camden TDS run a full programme of course which are subsidised or free for voluntary sector partner organisations. There is a link to a list of partner organisations on the home page.
Find more Training Opportunities at www.vac.org.uk
JOBS AND VOLUNTEERS
Kentish Town Community Centre’s Youth Service is recruiting Youth Workers:
Youth Worker x 1 (10 hours / Evening Work)
The successful applicant will be working across the youth projects, supporting the Youth team in the planning, delivery and monitoring of the projects. The successful applicant will have good experience of delivering sessions, direct one to one work, the ability to design and implement content, a belief in the potential of young people and the ability to build a rapport with young people.
Youth Worker x 2 (Bank Staff)
This role is strictly for bank staff and applicants would need to be available to work as and when necessary to support delivering the needs of the projects (i.e. during staff absence etc). Occasionally this may mean being notified on the day of which you are required to work. This is a great opportunity for individuals seeking to gain wider experience within the field of youth work.
Both roles require: L2 qualification in Youth Work or relevant equivalent, Sound understanding of Safeguarding procedures.
Contact Halima Begum, Youth Project’s Manager, Kentish Town Community Centre, 17 Busby Place, London NW5 2SP T: 07763 433041 / 020 7482 3212 E: halima@ktcc.org.uk
Mental Health Community Development Worker £26,342 – Islington based
Hillside Clubhouse is a dynamic mental health charity in North London. Our community development service works at a strategic level with the local authority, NHS and community organisations to identify and address barriers faced by people from excluded communities (including BMER, LGBT and faith) accessing mental health and community based services. The postholder will also provide direct support to individuals to access services including talking therapies and supportive services. Experience of working with people and organisations to influence change will be essential as will an in depth knowledge of issues facing excluded communities in accessing services. You will also need to develop a clear understanding of and referral pathways into local services and be able to enable individuals to access them.
For an application pack please email gsell@hillsideclubhouse.org.uk or telephone 020 7700 6408.
Closing date: Monday 2 March 2015 More details at www.hillsideclubhouse.org.uk
Mary Ward Centre has a Childcare Tutor Vacancy
The tutor will be expected to take responsibility for planning the course, within the framework of Centre policy and practice, as well as teach the course.
The successful applicant will hold a recognised qualification, or have extensive experience, in childcare.and have proven experience in adult education, or relevant experience in leading groups of adults.
Application forms are available from our website: www.marywardcentre.ac.uk, and interviews will take place on Tuesday February 24th 2015.
Please send in your completed application form, including the supporting statement saying how you meet each of the points listed in the Person Specification, by Monday February 16th 2015. Application forms should be sent to Mandy Yu, at Mandy.Yu@marywardcentre.ac.uk
Kingsgate Community Centre seeks:
Deputy Youth Worker: £18,000 27hrs a week
2 x Sessional Play worker: £9 p/h 25hrs a week
The role of the Deputy Youth Worker is to assist the Community Play Youth Development Manager with the planning and delivery of an exciting programme of activities for the children and young people who live in the Ward of Kilburn, as well as face to face work with children and young people. You will have the chance to lead on projects.
You will be required to work during the term time and holidays and some evenings.
The role of Sessional Play Workers is to assist the Deputy Youth worker with the delivery of an innovative range of activities, and engage in face to face work with children and young people.
You will be required to work initially during the Holidays and subsequently term time.
We are after our workers to get involved and work with the transitional age range 8 – 14yrs.
Although we would prefer our candidates to have a professional qualification in Youth Work or Level 2 in Play Work; relevant experience in the field or other related professions will be accepted.
We do not accept CV’s as part of our application process.
Kingsgate Community Association is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and families and all posts are subject to enhanced CRB disclosure.
Closing date: 20th February 2015. Interview: 9th March 2015
To request an application pack please email: info@kingsgatecc.org.uk or 0207 328 9480
The Ethiopian Community in Britain is recruiting a Part Time Co-ordinator
– The post holder will be responsible for the management of the day to day activities of the Ethiopian Community in Britain to achieve its overall aims and objectives.
– The post holder is expected to carry out duties of a level of responsibility appropriate to the post
– The post holder will also be expected to deputise in other areas with a similar level of responsibility as and when required by the Board of Trustees.
Gross annual salary: £10,000.- (21 hours per week for 1 year with a possibility of extension subject to availability of funding)
Closing Date for Application: 19th February 2015 at 4pm.
For application pack, please send an A4 size envelope with 80p SAE to: Ethiopian Community in Britain, 2A Lithos Road, London NW3 6EF or interested applicants can collect the pack from the office Monday to Friday between 10am and 4pm
For more information on the job advert, please contact:
Mr Alemahu Dessie, email: postmaster@ethiopiancommunity.co.uk ; tel: 020 7794 4265
Camden Carers Service seeks Volunteer Co-ordinator
CSS are a consortium of two organisations and would like to increase the number of volunteers we involve as well as the range of volunteering roles. This is where you would come in. You will help us think about what volunteer roles would be useful, write the role outlines, promote and recruit to these roles. Additionally, you will help to make sure that all our volunteers are comfortable with what they are doing and check in with them regularly. Arranging social events for our volunteers and encouraging our service users to volunteer will be part of parcel of your time with us.
As well, our volunteer procedures need streamlining and perhaps updating too. So your contribution here would be most welcome.
Mentoring from an experienced Volunteer Manager is on offer as well as being part of a new consortium. You will gain people management skills, so useful when seeking employment. CCS supports personal development, so you will have the opportunity to take full advantage of everything they have to offer. Through Volunteer Centre Camden you will have access to the Central London volunteer centres volunteer management training, to include an introduction to volunteer management and support and supervision of volunteers. CCS offers safe-guarding training and also has access to further training through London Borough of Camden.
Travel and lunch expanses paid. Contact Camden Carers Service for further information tamari@camdencarers.org.uk Tell: 02074288950
Camden Carers Service seeks Befrienders
Would you like to help older carers around the borough of Camden have a better social life too? Do you value older people? Do you have time available in the day? Are you friendly and reliable?
Camden Carers Service is launching a new project to provide befriending and support for our older carers. We are looking to recruit volunteers interested in befriending from a range of backgrounds, varying life experiences and across all ages. People who are friendly, patient, good listeners and understanding will be spending time with carers on a weekly basis for a couple of hours or so.
Volunteering with CCS as a befriender means you provide support (typically up to 12 weeks) for older carers after the initial introduction process. You will need to be able to visit your befriendees regularly for minimum of 3 hours per week. DBS check required. Contact Camden Carers Service for further information contact tamari@camdencarers.org.uk Tell: 02074288950
Kentish Town City Farm is recruiting a Trustee.
The City Farm is a long established Camden organisation and is looking for a new addition to the board of trustees. Please contact Rachel@ktcityfarm.org.uk for information
£3000 AGE grant for employers recruiting an apprentice – available for six months only
Between January and June 2015, London-based employers of 250 staff or fewer can access a grant of £3,000 if they choose to recruit an apprentice aged 16-24. The grant is available exclusively to employers who have not recruited an apprentice in the last twelve months. Grants are available after the apprentice has been in post for thirteen weeks.
Apprenticeships are a cost-effective way to tackle skills shortages, helping organisations across all industries to harness fresh talent.
For advice on accessing the grant and support in recruiting an apprentice in recruiting an apprentice, please contact the Camden Apprenticeships team on 0207 974 1736 or email apprenticeships@camden.gov.uk
Trustee / Management Committee Member for Camden Federation of Private Tenants
We need enthusiastic and committed individuals to contribute to the development and growth of our small but important housing charity, which gives a voice to vulnerable and disadvantaged private renters, who now make up over a third of Camden’s households
We particularly need people with skills, knowledge and experience in one or more of
the following areas, but an interest in private tenants’ issues, commitment and reliability are also important:
Fundraising; Communications; Marketing; Social Media
Full details at Do-it.org.uk
Socially Responsible Recruiting
A new, award-winning skills matching service that connects employers with skilled and experienced people to do one-off or part-time jobs has launched in Camden, with a strong social benefit ethic.
“There is a very large number of people in Camden who are fantastically skilled and work-ready but are off the radar to employers because they’re not looking for full-time work and aren’t constantly scouring the job ads,” says Jonathan Collie, founder of Trading Times.
These people are highly skilled over 50s, and family carers. Trading Times brings them to you. It’s free to candidates. It costs you only £35, and only when you are connected to the perfect candidates.
Paul Fordham of Abbey Community Centre in Camden said: “”We posted our occasional job opportunity on Trading Times because we at the Abbey Community Centre recognise the value of the flexibility that can come with age. Trading Times offers a tailored means to directly target opportunities at an older group that the vast majority of other job sites simply do not seem to tap.”
Register at https://tradingtimes.org.uk/ and let Trading Times match you with the right local people for your needs.
Henna Asian Women’s Group Befriending Service 2015
Henna Asian Women’s Group is opening their Befriending service to all individuals that are in need for extra help to improve their social circle in the new year. We will reach out to the most vulnerable individuals that live in any Borough of London. Henna volunteers will pay regular weekly visits to clients and support them into taking steps to come out of the home and access different services.
We are recruiting both Male and Female volunteers to become Befrienders on this project. If you have a few hours to spare each week, would like to gain experience in the health and social care sector or simply just want to give something back to the community then please contact us.
Contact Ammarah Ahmad, ammarah_hennaorg@yahoo.co.uk, Telephone: 020 7372 9860, Volunteer Coordinator, Henna Asian Women’s Group, www.hennaorg.co.uk
SkillShare
Skillshare is an easy way to find skilled people to support your organisation. What sort of skills are on your wish list? Current skills on offer include: furniture restoration, photography, Nia technique instructor and food and textiles teacher, plus many more. Thirty local organisations are already signed up and accessing our database of skilled volunteers. The last volunteer we placed was a photographer who is going to be taking photographs of Camden for two local organisations.
For more information contact SkillShare, skillshare@volunteercentrecamden.org.uk or 020 7424 9990.
CamdenPAs – personal assistants in health and social care
A new website www.camdenpas.org.uk has been created in partnership with HCCT, Camden Council, DISC and Age UK Camden to boost the market of health and social care personal assistant and provide more choice for the employers of PAs.
CamdenPAs is new way for those wanting to employ a personal assistant to find a PA who meets their interests and needs. Employers can look through PA profiles or post their own advertisement to specify what they are looking for.
The site is also an opportunity for those with an interest/experience in health and social care roles to promote themselves in this expanding market. The site is an exciting, flexible opportunity to gain entry into employment since more and more people have personal budgets and direct payments and are becoming employers. It
is also an opportunity for trainees or those who have worked as unpaid carers.
The site matches Personal Assistants with potential employers. It allows PAs to add ‘profiles’ promoting their skills, experience and interests. They can also view and respond to the ‘ads’ of those wanting to employ a PA.
Access CamdenPAs at: www.camdenpas.org.uk
If you have any questions do get in touch via the email below, or contact DISC and Age UK Camden who can assist potential employers interested in recruiting PAs or creating their ad. contact@camdenpas.org.uk
Find Jobs and Volunteering opportunities at https://www.vac.org.uk/
OFFERS, RESOURCES and ANNOUNCEMENTS
HR Advice for Camden Groups from VAC
VAC is offering Camden VCS groups a free service every Thursday to answer HR related queries, by telephone or e-mail. As well as dealing with one-off queries, free of charge, on Thursdays, we can also offer an “Expert Critical Friend” package, which provides 3.5 hours of support at a cost of £150, for you to use as, when and where you need it. This package is suitable if managers or trustees need more substantial help with:
~ Drafting or reviewing HR policies and procedures
~ Support to work through difficult situations, eg. redundancy, disciplinary issues
~ Coaching on dealing with a number of HR issues
~ Training to improve practical HR knowledge throughout your organisation
Contact Caroline Jepson by e-mail at cjepson@vac.org.uk or by telephone: 020 7284 6564
A new online mental health support service now available for Camden residents
Big White Wall offers a secure environment for Camden residents to address mental health problems.
Big White Wall has two services available to Camden residents, plus a range of tools that allow users to manage themselves more effectively.
1. Support Network – this online, fully moderated peer support community is accessible by anyone over the age of 16 and is available 24/7. This is an anonymous service and allows an individual access for a period of up to six months.
2. Live Therapy – provides online 1-to-1 therapy using audio, webcam and instant messaging via a secure platform for people over the age of 18. To access this service, an individual will need to provide personal details. On average, people will access 10 therapy sessions (50 minutes each), however this will be reviewed should the individual require more. If an individual is deemed unsuitable for Live Therapy, they will be referred to an alternative service. More details here.
Both services work on a self-referral basis which means Big White Wall gives Camden residents the opportunity to take control, allowing them to feel better, sooner.
To access this support, people in Camden simply need to enter their postcode at www.bigwhitewall.com
Visiting the VCS
Starting in early 2015 the Community and Third Sector team would like spend a bit more time working more closely with Camden’s voluntary and community organisations to see at first hand some of the challenges – as well as the achievements – that you face. The team would like you to invite one person from our team who will work from your building or office for one day per month for three months (or longer if all goes well!). We will bring our laptops – all we will need is a table or desk and access to your wi fi – perhaps there would be space in your reception area. We will be getting on with our own work – but happy to lend a hand informally if needed. Hopefully this will enable the Community and Third Sector team and VCS colleagues to get to know each other better and help us have a better understanding of some of your day to day work. If you are interested in taking part please email Noor.Al-Baddawy@camden.gov.uk or call her on 020 7974 6626.
OneCamden is the website to help you access Voluntary and Community Sector support in Camden. Find support to help you volunteer, or find volunteers; support for your voluntary organisation (from charity registration to Community Accountancy); or get advice on starting a Social Enterprise. There are links and resources on this site and links to the partner’s sites. If you would like to request support use the ‘Get Help’ button on the top right to let us know what support you need and we will be in touch.
This is a new initiative for Camden so do let us know what you think, or if you have any suggestions to make OneCamden better.
FREE VAC Membership for Unfunded Groups: Voluntary Action Camden Small organisations with no paid staff and a turnover of less than ?1,500 can now join for FREE. To take advantage of this offer just fill in the membership on the online form here.
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To get discounts on training, room hire and many more benefits click here to join Voluntary Action Camden
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If you have an item for the e-bulletin, please email it to Kevin Nunan, knunan@vac.org.uk with a note of which section you would like it to appear under.
