Voluntary Action Camden e-bulletin 6th March 2020

International Women’s Day

Sunday 8 March, 11am-1pm
Ingestre Community Centre, Ingestre Road NW5 1UX
Join us this International Women’s Day for a morning of collective joy, free childcare and a free cooked meal to take home.
Mums, grandmothers and carers are invited to rest and socialise, while experienced male volunteers take care of childcare, cooking and cleaning!

Voluntary Action Camden Annual Gathering and AGM

Tuesday 31st March, 4.30pm at Charlie Ratchford Centre. Save the date.  It’s an opportunity to hear about VAC’s work and our members work and network over refreshments. Meet new faces and greet familiar ones. If you have work that you would like to showcase get in touch with Kevin. More details soon.

Universal credit London advice project

Do you support people claiming universal credit in London? Do you work with people who struggle to access the benefits system (due to disability, language barriers or another reason)?
CPAG’s Universal Credit London advice project provides a free advice service and free training to frontline workers who directly support UC claimants living in a London borough.
For free UC training contact Sabrina Dubash on 020 7812 5220.

The Charity Property Matters Survey 2020

Ethical Property Foundation runs free workshops across the country and has just launched its survey and all local groups are invited to complete it.
This Survey is the only research which asks all voluntary organisations in England & Wales specifically about their property assets and issues.
The 2018 Charity Property Matters Survey revealed:
• More Charities than ever before are renting from a commercial Landlord
• A third of charities believe property poses a high/ very high risk to their future

EU Settlement Scheme Meeting with New Europeans

19th March 2020 1pm-3pm at the St Pancras and Somers Town Living Centre
A representative from New Europeans will be giving a presentation on the EU Settlement Scheme. Some of the areas covered include::
– The potential impact on Europeans of changes in benefits
– Lack of representation and community cohesion
– EU Settlement Scheme and the dangers of becoming undocumented
rsvp to Peter Simonson peter@thelivingcentre.org

Healthy Weight Training

Tuesday, 10 March 2020, 13:30 – 17:00
Royal College of General Practitioners, 30 Euston Square, London, NW1 2FB
Let’s talk about weight: A step-by step guide to conversations about healthy weight. More info and booking at Eventbrite

Camden Carers Are Moving

From Monday 30th March, Camden Carers Service will be based at:
The Greenwood Centre, 37 Greenwood Place, NW5 1LB.
CCC will be closed for two weeks from Mon 16 March. Apologies for any inconvenience caused. Contact number stays the same: 020 7428 8950

Adult Elective Orthopaedic Consultation

Public Meeting Camden – 10 March, 18.30 – 20.30, Council Chamber Crowndale Centre, 218 Eversholt Street, London, NW1 1 BD.
Register on the Eventbrite
We are proposing changes to planned surgery for bones, joints and muscles (planned orthopaedic surgery) for adults. This includes hip and knee replacements; and other surgery of hips, knees, shoulders, elbows, feet, ankles and hands. Any changes could affect residents of Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey, Islington and neighbouring boroughs. Read the proposals and take part in the consultation. Give feedback on the proposals here.

The Camden Companion Guide

The Camden Companion provides a directory of support and services you may wish to consider in Camden to help you to stay well, get active and connect with your local community. Find out more here.

Coronavirus COVID-19 – UK outbreak and latest advice

Keep up to date with the latest Government information and advice here.
• NCVO have produced a practical and informative guide here.
• NHS advice here
• Advice for employers and employees is available here.
• New Scientist have a useful guide to preparing for pandemic here.
For those who need for in depth information you can read the National Coronavirus Action Plan here.

Competitive behaviour between charities has a negative impact on communities

Competitive behaviour between charities has a negative impact on communities by undermining sustainability of organisations and reducing trust between service-providers, according to an interim report. Story in Civil Society.

Health matters: community-centred approaches for health and wellbeing

A Public Health England resource focusing on the concept and practice of community-centred approaches for health and wellbeing and outlines how to create the conditions for community assets to thrive.

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

Partners for Health 2020

Grants are available for projects that can demonstrate:
~ Positive outcomes for people facing significant barriers to health
~ A new approach or a thoughtful development of service
~ Partnership between health and community organisations.
Grants range between £3,000 and £10,000 ( in previous years the average award is £5,000). Usually for one year beginning in 2020.
Apply online via the London Catalyst website www.londoncatalyst.org.uk/grants
The deadline for applications is 5:00pm on Thursday 21 May 2020

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.

Governance in the Voluntary and Community Sector

A short course for trustees/ management committee members and anybody who is interested in developing the knowledge and skills required to be a committee member of a voluntary or community sector organisation. Run by Mary Ward and VAC.  Full details here.

New IT & Digital Capacity Building Programme

VAC is pleased to announce the launch of our new IT and digital capacity building for the sector, delivered in Partnership with CITA and WCIT. Taking on your priorities from our recent survey, we will be delivering a series of FREE 2 hour workshops covering a whole range of topics from getting started with new IT systems, social media use and strategy, website and CRM development through to data protection, compliance and digital strategy.  Please visit our website for more information, download the programme and book your place.

Safeguarding Courses:

Safeguarding Introduction: Protecting Children in the Community (Level 2)
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.
Enquire for dates of next course.

Safeguarding Advance: Developing knowledge and understanding. (Level 3)
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.
Please contact: Dianne Carlton Ogunyemi, our Community Partnership Advisor Lead tfor future dates 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/

Two Events Against Hate and Intolerance

Camden coming together against hate
Thursday 19 March 2020, 6.00 – 8.00pm
The Greenwood Centre, 37 Greenwood Place, NW5
Organised by Camden Council in partnership with the Police and local community organisations, as a reminder of Camden’s zero tolerance for hate.  Reps from the Council, Metropolitan Police, Forum+ and Camden People First
The building is fullly accessible. All welcome, no need to book.
Details from Serrina.lobban@camden.gov.uk  or call 07771 572 976
Panel Discussion on Right Wing Extremism hosted by Camden Council
25 March, 6 to 8pm at The Greenwood Centre, 37 Greenwood Place, NW5
Come and join us to a community panel discussion touching on issues relating to hate crime, racism, and violent and non-violent far-right extremism.

What Does Climate & Environmental Change Mean to Us?

A conversation for Camden’s BAME community to talk about climate change and other dilemmas from their view.  Communities in Camden are connected to international Communities experiencing floods in Bangladesh, crop failure in Africa, heatwaves in India and Pakistan, pullution in Latin America and more.
Monday 23rd March 6-8pm; Monday 30th March 6-8pm; Tuesay 7th April 4.30 – 6.30pm; Thursday 23rd April 10 – 12pm
All events take place at the Think and Do pop up cafe in Kentish Town.

Ingestre Community Centre AGM

12th March 7pm. Nominations welcome for, Chair, Treasurer, Secretary and Fundraiser. Please email your details to Michelle:  ingestre13@yahoo.co.uk

British Library Family Events

Family Takeover: Make & Create is on Saturday 7 March from 11.00 – 15.00. This is a free drop-in event suitable for all ages. Families can pop by for a half hour or stay for the full four hours. Inspired by World Book Day.
Sunday 8 March from 9.00 – 11.00, is a Relaxed Early Opening for Families for families with children on the autism spectrum and other sensory needs. Enjoy the library free from the hustle and bustle of the public. Full details here.

The Winch AGM

19th March 2020, 6:45pm at Belsize Community Library
RSVP: rsvp@thewinch.org to book your place

North Central London Social Prescribing Event

Thursday 12th of March from 12.30pm. Lift Islington, 45 White Lion St, N1
This event aims to celebrate what has been achieved so far and plan how we can collectively grow and strengthen social prescribing provision.
The event is open to anyone working in NCL who is involved or interested in social prescribing.
Information and bookings at online.

Camden Intergenerational Network Meeting

Wednesday 1st April 2020, from 2-4pm
Age UK Camden, Tavis House, 1-6 Tavistock Square WC1H 9NA
The theme of this meeting is: Looking to the future
Stephen Burke from United for All Ages and other guest speakers will discuss what the future looks like regarding intergenerational practice.
RSVP for the network meeting by Friday 6th March to Corinna Gray via email ageingbetterincamden@ageukcamden.org.uk or phone 020 7239 0400

Free Monthly Family Cooking Classes

For Somers Town (and Regent’s Park) families
2nd Saturday of every month 3.45pm to 7pm
At Somers Town Community Association, 150 Ossulston Street, NW1
No-cut (safety) gloves provided for children. Halal friendly and vegan
facebook.com/lifeafterhummus | info@lifeafterhummus.com

Celebrating 50 years the Brandon Centre

Thursday 19 March 6:00 – 8:00 at Triton Cafe, 17-19 Triton Street, NW1
The Brandon Centre is an innovative and welcoming young people’s charity providing mental health, contraception and wellbeing services to local people and communities across London.  Details and booking at Eventbrite.

Camden’s Annual CYP and Families Provider Event

Wed, 11 March 9.00 – 2.00pm at Lumen United Reformed Church & Community Centre URC, 88 Tavistock Place, WC1H
Each delegate will also have an opportunity to attend two workshops.
Lunch and networking 1pm.  Book at Eventbrite.
Please confirm your dietary requirements by contacting Sandra Soteriou at Sandra.soteriou@camden.gov.uk.

Community Association for West Hampstead seeks Manager

£19,200 per annum inc L W (FTE £32,000)
for 21 hours/week plus 3% contributory pension
We are a small, active community association serving the diverse population of West Hampstead in the London Borough of Camden.
We are seeking an energetic and motivated Manager to lead us in the next phase of our development.
Closing date: Thursday 19 March. Interviews: Monday 30 March.
We are committed to welcoming people from the widest possible diversity of background, culture and experience.
Download recruitment pack from: info@cawh.org.uk, or 020 7794 3729.
CAWH is based at West Hampstead Community Centre, 17 Dornfell St, NW6

Global Generation Youth and Community Engagement Manager

Time commitment 3 days a week with the potential for more
Salary £27,000 per annum pro rata
Applications due Monday 23 March 2020 at 9am
As the Youth & Community Engagement Manager you will have great engagement, project management and people skills to develop and implement the vision of the Youth and Community programmes in King’s Cross.
Email your CV and a separate covering letter (maximum two pages) explaining why you are best suited for the role to jobs@globalgeneration.org.uk

Abbey Community Centre is looking for a Saturday Community Events and Engagement Coordinator

An enthusiastic, driven individual is wanted to inspire and motivate local people to engage and participate with the centre’s evolving community events programme on Saturdays. The post holder will also take lead responsibility for operations on Saturdays including the care and security of the community centre building.
Part time 7.5 hours per week (1.5 hours of these on weekdays – can be offsite). Actual salary £5,460 (£25,480 F.T.E.). Pro-rata 30 days leave annually plus bank holidays.
To be considered for this post one year’s recent experience in a role involving organising successful events/activities on a regular basis is required.
For more information: https://abbeycc-kilburn.org.uk/index.php/vacancies/ closing date Monday 16th March 2020, 10am.

Camden Community Connectors Administrator (AUC/ABC)

14 hours per week. £23,628 to £24,927pa (pro rata) + 6% contributory pension
(Initial 6-month contract with the possibility of an extension)
You will be a good communicator, have excellent computer skills, and be able to work in a team. A high level of accuracy and attention to detail as well as excellent organisational and time management skills are required.
For further details and an application form visit our website.
Closing date: Friday 13th March 9am. Interview date: Wednesday 18th March

Could you help in the event of an emergency in Camden?

VCC are delivering essential training for anyone who wants to take part as an Emergency Volunteer in Camden
The CAMERA (Coordinating and Mobilising Emergency Response Activists) volunteer team gives an opportunity for local people to help in situations such as these. Book on Eventbrite.

Lifting Limits is looking for a Development Officer

Lifting Limits, a charity with a mission to challenge gender stereotyping and promote gender equality in and through education, is seeking a passionate and entrepreneurially minded fundraiser with a track record in the small charity sector.  Deadline for applications is 9th March.  For full details and to apply visit our website https://www.liftinglimits.org.uk/job-opportunities/.

Community Connectors/Volunteers Recruiting Now

Elfrida are always looking for enthusiastic people to become Community Connectors to support parents/carers and their families living in Camden.
ERC offer full training covering the key skills for the role, so no qualifications needed. You will receive 1:1 support, out of pocket expenses and be a part of a local network. Next training course 27th March and 3rd April 2020, 10-2.30pm both days.
You can help by sharing parenting tips, offering practical support to those who need it and using your skills to help organise group activities for families and their children.
If you are interested, want more information or to reserve your place contact Jill: Jill@elfridacamden.org.uk or call 07939877745 for a chat.

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

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.

Coronavirus COVID-19 – UK outbreak and latest advice

The UK Chief Medical Officers have raised the risk to the UK from low to moderate. This follows the World Health Organisation’s declaration that this is a public health emergency of international concern.
• Government information and advice here.
• NHS overview here
• NHS common questions here
Advice for employers and employees from Acas is available here.

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

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