Membership is free, click on the link box below and join us today

• VAC Training for Members
• VAC and VCC Trustee Network
• VAC CEO Network
• VAC Camden New Groups Network
• We also have our usual information on events and opportunities from around the Camden area.

VAC Training for Members

• Signposting and Safeguarding Support – NSPCC Camden Virtual Workshop Thursday 12th of October 13:00 – 14:00
• Thinking of setting up a CIC: Thursday 19th October 2023 10:30am to 12:00pm   
• Introduction for Volunteers and New Starters – Virtual Workshop: Wednesday, 1st November 13:00 – 14:30

See details and book a place in our Events and Training section

Camden Trustee Network
VAC and VCC have launched the Camden Trustee Network which brings together trustees from different Camden VCSE organisations to share experience, good practice, ideas and offer peer support. If you are a trustee in Camden, this group is for you! Find out more on our website: https://vac.org.uk/get-involved/forums-and-networks/camden-trustee-network/. We encourage all trustee’s in Camden to sign up to our trustee community of practice group, a private online space to connect with other trustees and access dedicated resources for trustees

Camden CEO Network
Similar to the trustee network, the CEO Network is for leaders of local voluntary sector organisations in Camden to discuss issues and ideas for the mutual benefit of the VCSE. The Network is there to encourage, guide, support and develop voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector leaders. Find out more on our website: https://vac.org.uk/get-involved/forums-and-networks/camden-ceo-network/. You can also join our dedicated CEO Community of Practice group for access to a dedicated email group to share information, best practice and insights, including access to a quarterly round up of relevant news and guidance and resources for current and aspiring CEO’s.

Camden New Groups Network
We know the importance of having someone to talk to when you are just starting out, so whether you have recently registered your organisation; are drafting your Articles of Association; or developing a fundraising strategy, this group is for you. This is a closed group to anyone who we have supported over the past year. Please email vguetova@vac.org.uk today to join the Camden New Group Network and participate in its inaugural meeting coming soon.         

Flexible, affordable meeting spaces for hire 

Located just around the corner from King’s Cross Station, our eco-friendly conference suite is easy to find and offers great value for money for charities and other organisations. Book an NCVO meeting room. 

The Royal Parks – Be mindful in nature…

Join us on a series of free accessible guided ecotherapy sessions to disconnect from the day and reconnect with yourself and nature. With a wide range of experience working with people with a variety of conditions ecotherapist Mimi, will lead you through practicing mindfulness in a peaceful pocket of The Regent’s Park.

For more information and to book a place visit https://royalparks.org.uk/whats-on/accessible-guided-ecotherapy-01102023                                                           Accessible Guided Ecotherapy | The Royal Parks

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 by no later than 12pm on Wednesday for inclusion in the Friday newsletter. 

Every week VAC checks various sources for the latest funding opportunities relevant for Camden groups.
You can visit our website for a round up of the latest opportunities added this week:  https://vac.org.uk/our-services/fundraising/current-funding-opportunities/

If you need help sourcing or applying for funds, get in touch with our consultancy service, free for all Camden groups!

A new name for City Bridge Trust
We are excited to inform you that City Bridge Trust and our wider charity, Bridge House Estates, have come together under a new brand name. As of 26 September, we are now operating as City Bridge Foundation, a name chosen to reflect our dual role as a bridge owner and major player in the capital’s charity sector. The City of London Corporation will remain our sole trustee, and our relationships with funded organisations will not be materially impacted. We’re also encouraging grant-holders to promote their partnership with City Bridge Foundation, including on their website, in the media and on social channels.

Tackling loneliness and isolation for the blind and partially sighted

This new funding from Fight For Sight and Vision Foundation aims to support organisations whose work will improve the experience of being blind and partially sighted in the UK.
With grants of up to £30,000, this funding programme is dedicated to reducing the levels of loneliness and / or isolation experienced by blind and partially sighted Londoners.
The new fund launched on Monday 2 October, 2023.
More information: www.visionfoundation.org.uk
The Tackling Loneliness and Isolation in London Fund is co-funded by City Bridge Foundation.

Funding Available to Support Refugee Children and Young People (England)

Local authorities and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise organisations based in England can apply for funding from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities – Children and Young People’s Resettlement Fund.

The fund was introduced to support children and young people who have come to the UK under one of the following schemes:

• The Homes for Ukraine scheme
• The Ukraine Family scheme
• The Ukraine Extension scheme
• The Afghan citizens resettlement scheme
• The Hong Kong British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) visa scheme

A total of £2.5 million is available and will be made available over two years.

• £800,000 in 2023 to 2024
• £1.7 million in 2024 to 2025

The grant can be used to fund projects that support the children and young people.
Link:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-children-and-young-peoples-resettlement-fund-prospectus/the-children-and-young-peoples-resettlement-fund-prospectus

The deadline for applications is 11.59pm on 1 November 2023.

VAC UPCOMING TRAINING:
Open to VAC Members only
If you are a voluntary service or group delivering services in Camden and are not a member of VAC, please join here: https://vac.org.uk/get-involved/membership

Thinking of setting up a CIC                                                      Thursday 19th October 2023 10:30am to 12:00pm
A CIC (Community Interest Company) is the often the first organisational structure community groups decide upon.
In this workshop, participants can expect to hear from a local CIC about the journey to registration, discuss the pros and cons, ask questions, and help one another decide if this is an option for your group.
To book a place follow the link:
https://vac.org.uk/event/thinking-of-setting-up-a-cic/

Free fully funded practitioner training to support all families to learn about money

No specialist knowledge is needed to attend any workshop running up to December 2023 

This free 90-minute workshop for practitioners working with families offers a new inclusive family approach to learning about money. The approach supports children aged 3-7 with a focus on diverse needs, including autism spectrum disorders and social, emotional and behavioural difficulties.

The training is funded by the Money and Pensions Service and delivered by Campaign for Learning.

Find out more and book your funded place: https://www.campaign-for-learning.org.uk/Web/CFL/Events/Inclusive_FinEd.aspx 

The NSPCC Hub for London and South East -Signposting and Safeguarding Support in Camden  – Virtual Workshop
Thursday 12th October: 1pm – 2pm

The NSPCC Hub for London and South East is based in Camden, and through the hub model, they deliver campaigns, school services and direct services, in collaboration with families, partners, schools, social services, the local community and other organisations.

Amy Campo McEvoy – NSPCC’S Relationship Manager, will explain how the national charity aims to work with more people, reach more children and make the biggest impact they can to stop child abuse and neglect, and how organisations in Camden can work with NSPCC.   
To Book:                                                                          https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/signposting-and-safeguarding-support-in-camden-tickets-726816657187?aff=oddtdtcreator

Introduction to Safeguarding for Volunteers and New Starters  – Virtual workshop, Wednesday, 1st November: 1pm – 2:30pm
This introductory course is designed for volunteers and new staff who work both directly and indirectly for organisations or groups delivering services to children, young people or their families in Camden.

All sessions will be held virtually, so please make sure you have access to Zoom online or the App beforehand .

To book follow the link and instructions on VAC website: https://vac.org.uk/event/virtual-introduction-to-safeguarding-for-volunteers-and-new-starters-4/

OTHER EVENTS AND TRAINING:           

Looking at sharpening your skills in Regulation Financial Planning? The Verve Foundation is running a new cohort, and it’s free for candidates. Find out more on their website

Youth programmes on Hampstead Heath
Heath Hands’ term-time youth programmes have restarted on Hampstead Heath – these include youth volunteering on Saturday mornings (10am-12pm) and our youth wellbeing programme for young people struggling with school attendance (Friday mornings 10am-12pm). We also run free nature outings for youth groups. Find out more about all of these here.

Hedgehog Friendly Heath
Heath Hands has a new project working with local residents, community groups and schools to improve wildlife connectivity around Hampstead Heath for hedgehogs (and other species).  Find out more about our project and get involved here.
You can also support Heath Hands’ hedgehog crowdfunder to help support this work protecting North London’s key population of hedgehogs and a more wildlife-friendly space – for every £1 donated, Aviva donates £2 as part of the Save our Wild Isles community fund.

Rooms for hire at Holborn House, Holborn Community Association
Two spaces suitable for team away days, workshops or short-term office rental. The Green room for up to 10 people, £25 an hour, discount for smaller charities. The workspace for up to 4 people, £20 an hour. We are fully accessible with lift. Wi-Fi and refreshments available. Both rooms have flexible spaces with natural daylight. Enquires to Admin@holborncommunity.co.uk

#Getatheatreticket

Further Than The Edge are offering FREE theatre tickets to see The Morphea at the Bloomsbury Festival thanks to support from CamdenGiving.                                                   Sat 14th and Sun 15th October at 5pm at  Studio Theatre, RADA, WC1E 7EX

If you’re a group or organisation, or a member of one, that works with Camden communities and would like to be part of this initiative, get in touch with us asap! contact@furtherthantheedge.com 

Free adult community learning courses – enrolling now
Do you want to:

• Gain a qualification and improve your digital skills to find work?
• Improve your reading, writing and English speaking?
• Support your child with their schoolwork?
• Gain a childcare qualification?
• Learn more about your wellbeing and local area                                                        Check out free adult community learning courses in Camden – enrolling now

Young Camden Foundation events

Autism & SEND Training 

• Date: October 12th
• Time: 12:45 – 3:00 PM
• Location: N1C Centre, N1C 4BQ
• Sign up: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/level-up-youth-work-camden-autism-send-training-tickets-723304602537?aff=oddtdtcreator

Join Young Camden Foundation for a comprehensive training session led by the Autism Hub, focused on Autism and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This workshop is perfect for youth workers, educators, and anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of how to support young people with Autism. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your skills and make a positive impact on the lives of young people in our community.

Speed Networking Event

• Date: October 31st
• Time: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
• Location: Warren Centre, W1T 5JU
• Sign up: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/level-up-youth-work-speed-networking-event-tickets-717101478827?aff=oddtdtcreator

Our Speed-Networking event is the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, share experiences, and explore potential collaborations within the youth work field. There will be refreshments provided. Our last speed-networking event completely sold out, so make sure to come along! 

Remix Dance – free street dance classes
Old Diorama Arts Centre, in Regent’s Place NW1, is seeking participants for their boys-only and older group classes (ages 11 and above).Their dance teacher, Boogie, is an original member of the renowned street dance group, Flawless. The Remix Dance classes will be working on a showcase that will be performed at The Place dance venue in King’s Cross in November.
For more information, please contact Participation Manager, Mariam Hassan – mariam@olddiorama.com, 020 3951 8983, or 07361 862 104.

UCL SOCIAL HACKATHON     Applications are open
We’ve just opened our applications for our Social Hackathons taking place between the 6^th and the 10^th of November, from 10am-4pm.
These are one-day events in which the successful organisations get a group of UCL student volunteers to come up with practical solutions to a community/business need or problem. If you’re successful in your application, you’ll also get £500 from us to help turn the volunteers’ ideas from the hackathon day into a reality!
Please make sure to read our Info for Organisations page for more details.
If you want to apply to take part in our Social Hackathons, please do so here by Sunday the 8^th of October.  
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me any time before the deadline-
csenge.gabeli@ucl.ac.uk
STUDENTS’ UNION UCL
Volunteering Service

World Mental Health Day
Is on the 10th October, and Camden Council is providing a free mental health trainings to staff and residents.

Camden Council have two trainings coming up across October and November, but places go quickly so click the links to book your spot!

• Managing Stress: Understand the impact of stress on our wellbeing and how to manage it.
• Mental Health for Managers: Learn about mental ill-health in the context of the workplace and how to support an employee.

Not Just A Conference- Embrace the unique brain injury way of life
#embracethechaos’ is a unique insight into the complexities of brain injury, led by experts with lived experience alongside specialists within the field.
Not Just a Conference is open to professionals who work with people living with brain injury, to feel empowered and curious.
Thursday, 19^th October
£30 / £10 – concession
Sign up by following: Not Just a Conference – Headway East London

Abbey Community Centre 
Centre Administrator, part-time, with specific responsibility for room bookings
We are looking for a part-time Centre Administrator with specific responsibility for room bookings, a key operational role within a friendly and supportive staff team.
Salary: £7,886 – £8,571 actual (£23,000 – £25,000 FTE) paid holidays (30 days annually pro-rata), auto enrolment pension
Hours: Onsite; 3- 4 days per week, for total of 12 hours. Either 3 days, for 4 hours, 1.30-5.30 or 4 days for 3 hours between 2- 5.00 pm. On occasion you may be required to work until 6-6.30 pm.
Full details on our website: https://abbeycc-kilburn.org.uk/vacancies

British Somali Community are seeking a dynamic, proactive, part-time Development and Operations Manager
British Somali Community is a refugee women-led charity with a 30-year history of delivering much needed services in education, family support, advocacy, and health programmes to the community. We are seeking a dynamic, proactive, part-time Development and Operations Manager to oversee, grow and develop our organisation to continue to serve our community as we deal with an increase in demand for our services post pandemic and with the rise in the Cost-of-Living crisis.
Deadline: 9/10/2023

 Find our more: https://uk.indeed.com/job/development-and-operations-manager-46e746c07dbee0a3      

Camden Council is recruiting

There is a new job opportunity of Volunteer Coordinator in the Camden Volunteer and Engagement team.
Closing date: Monday 9th October 2023 at 23:59
Interviews to be held: Week commencing 23rd October 2023
Click here to view job on external site
or copy paste the link below in your browser:
Volunteer Coordinator – LBC ORC Career Site Careers (oraclecloud.com)

Street Storage is recruiting a Chair of Trustees
Street Storage is an ambitious and innovative homelessness charity. The only charity of its kind in the U.K., we provide free, accessible storage for people experiencing homelessness. Founded in 2019, we have grown exponentially in the last few years and developed a strong reputation in the sector and the homelessness community. We are now going national for the first time ever!
We are looking for a competent and confident person to lead the Board and to oversee the strategy of the organisation.
If you are interested, please have a look at our Volunteer page for more details including a full Role Description. If you are STILL interested, please send Street Storage’s Director Rachel Woolf a copy of your CV and a cover letter to rachel.woolf@streetstorage.org by Tuesday 24th October.
Phone screenings and interviews will likely take place w/c 6th November.

NCVO are looking for a successor for the outgoing chair of the NCVO finance and commercial committee The NCVO Treasurer will step away in Autumn 2024. Find out more about the role and apply. 

Fitzrovia Youth in Action is looking for a new Chairperson to lead the charity  
We are looking for people who reflect the community in which we work and who have a range of skills and experiences. We would love to hear from Camden residents or people who work in Camden, although this is not an essential requirement.  To find out more, please visit http://www.fya.org.uk/fya-chair-person-recruitment/. If you have any questions, or would like to talk about the role, please contact our current Chair Natalie Speranza on natalie.speranza@gmail.com.
Please submit a CV, including an email explaining why you are interested in the role to info@fya.org.uk. The closing date for applications is Sunday 8th October 2023

The People’s Museum Somers Town is looking for volunteers
The People’s Museum Somers Town has made a space for the ‘Radical Reformer Uncommon People’s histories of an area at risk from development, recording change now, as well as saving working class heritage. We are looking for volunteers for the role of  Refill & Reuse Educator – Save the planet and get others to refill glasses and bottles so we don’t keep using plastics! Flexible hours at weekends/ Fridays. Expenses paid and commission on sales. Location: Outdoor King’s Cross market.                                      Email: diana@aspaceforus.club                            www.aspaceforus.club

Single Homeless Project
SHP is open to recruit new peer mentor volunteers.
If you have lived experience of substance use, mental health, homelessness and the criminal justice system and are now in a stable place in your recovery and would like to give back through volunteering, please contact peermentoring@shp.org.uk for an application pack.
The deadline for applications is 5pm Tuesday 10^th October.

Ascension Trust – Bridge Watch – Suicide Prevention Programme
A new programme is being delivered by the Ascension Trust in partnership with a range of stakeholders including the RNLI, Police, Port of London Authority, and the NHS, and working across several mental health charities.
The project aims to train and develop volunteers to act as a ‘physical presence’ around the bridges of the Thames, to identify and support those who are at risk of self-harm and suicide by listening, understanding, talking, and working with a team to provide support needed to help them.
If you are interested in finding out more, express your interest here

Clean Break seeks Female Catering Chef Volunteers  

Clean Break Theatre is based in Kentish Town is currently recruiting for Female Catering Chef Volunteers for one day a week either on Monday or Wednesday 10-2.30pm. For further information please contact volunteering@cleanbreak.org.uk or go to our website to download the role description About Us | Clean Break

Social Media volunteer for Further Than The Edge             
We are a theatre production and performance group Further Than The Edge. We’re looking for a Social Media volunteer for our production The Morphea in October at the Bloomsbury Festival. A good opportunity if you want to get involved in the arts sector. We’re a small, friendly team and can provide references. Interested? Contact Rowenna at: artists@furtherthantheedge.com

Touch Project vacancy: Administrator
Touch Project is looking for an administrator, initially for 3-4 hours per week with the potential for more as the organisation expands in social prescribing for BEH & C&I NHS Foundation Trust. We would prefer a volunteer, but we are willing to pay a London living wage to the right applicant.
The role would involve data entry, a monthly news email and other administrative duties. To learn more about Touch Project, please click here
and apply for the role by contacting our founder Kathy on 07923737813.
Kathy is dyslexic and would prefer text messages, voice notes or phone calls
 

Mill Lane Garden Centre Vacancy: Seasonal Staff
Mill Lane Garden Centre is a West Hampstead based social enterprise garden centre, providing training and learning to people with a learning disability.
We’re looking for friendly and outgoing people to work at our garden centre from the end of November until just before Christmas. This position involves supporting with Christmas tree deliveries, moving, and packing Christmas trees all whilst providing excellent customer service to the local community.
For more information, please click here. 

Age UK Camden and VAC 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.

Local VCS Newsletters:

SHAK
Young Camden Foundation (Funding Newsletter)
Young Camden Foundation (Events and Training Newsletter)
AWN (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)
UCL Volunteering Service Newsletter (sign up)
Latin American House
London Irish Centre
North London Cares: Upcoming Clubs
Castlehaven Community Association (sign up)
Heath Hands

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

Looking for a previous newsletter entry? Find it in our archive here

Find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here

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

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