VAC Weekly Newsletter
7th January 2022
|
|
Happy New Year from VAC. This week’s newsletter includes:
NHS in Camden and North Central London: supporting people over the winter and changes to Fertility Services in Camden consultation surveys, VAC Social Prescribing Learning network event, Arts 4 Dementia workshops, funding webinar details, Talk for Health upcoming events.
Plus, following a quiet holiday period, this is a bumper issue for job and volunteering opportunities for the new year.
+ available courses + Newsletters + Resources + funding & more
|
|
NHS services in North Central London this winter
Please take some time to contribute to this important study to help the local NHS understand your experiences with accessing local NHS services when you feel unwell, when a family member is unwell, and other health-related decisions you have made to keep you healthy this winter.
Access to services within the NHS has been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and winter is usually a time when the demand on services increases. Accessing services at the right place and time is vital for providing high quality health and care to support local people
To take part click here
Changes to Fertility Services in Camden
Until the 13 February 2022, North Central London Clinical Commissioning Group will be seeking views from residents, service users, clinicians, voluntary and community groups, fertility groups and others on a draft single fertility policy for our boroughs. This is an important consultation that will affect fertility services in the borough when they become one larger service covering the 5 north central London boroughs. If you are an organisation working with Camden residents that this policy may affect, please help to circulate this consultation link.
|
|
|
VAC Social Prescribing Learning Network: Online networking event
10-11.30, Thursday 20th January 2022
VAC Social Prescribing Learning Network are hosting a networking event for arts and cultural organisations and local social prescribers (Social Prescribing Link Workers, Care Navigators etc).
This is an opportunity to meet Elijah Kellman, a new link worker working on an arts and culture pilot at University College London Hospital, other social prescribers in Camden, and hear from some arts organisations who are receiving social prescribing referrals and / or offer activities and opportunities that support good health.
Register here
Arts 4 Dementia programme: Current Workshops
Art School with Central Saint Martins
Fridays, 3pm-5pm, 11 Feb – 1 April
BA fine Art students from Central Saint Martins will act as facilitators, guiding participants through a variety of artistic practices from traditional to digital art forms. The participants will receive a tote bag with all the art materials required for the course. No previous art experience is required.
The course will start on Zoom due to potential University closures in the new year with the hopes of holding some of the sessions at the Central Saint Martins campus in Granary Square, Kings Cross.
Art Wednesdays
Wednesdays 2pm – 3pm, Ongoing
A weekly virtual opportunity for people with early-stage dementia and carers to socialise, engage creatively, share experiences and ideas – and enjoy a laugh – in an online video group chat via Zoom.
Places are limited so please get in touch to secure a place. You can email emily@arts4dementia.org.uk or call 020 3633 9954
To learn more, click here
Funding Webinar
12.30-1pm, 1st February 2022, via Zoom
Easyfundraising are running a free online funding webinar to explain how easyfundraising works for community groups and voluntary sector organisations, how to get started and how to make the most of their services.
Register here
Learn more about easyfundraising here
Talk for Health: Upcoming events
“Join a community and get free, effective, long lasting peer counselling which is as effective as therapy”
Free for all Islington and Camden residents
Talk for Health have a range of upcoming events, including Taster sessions to learn more.
For their full list of events and how to register, click here
Volunteering during the pandemic
The latest guidance for Enabling safe and effective volunteering during coronavirus (COVID-19) is available here
Camden & Islington NHS Trust: Healthcare Assistant Apprentice
Taster Session: Wednesday 12th January
Programme Dates: Monday 17th – Friday 28th January
Princes’s Trust are running a programme to help get 18-30-year-olds jobs as Healthcare Assistant Apprentices with the NHS in Camden and Islington.
Healthcare Assistant Apprentices are the entry-level position to becoming a nurse. You’ll be helping look after patients in the hospital, covering everything from health monitoring to supporting their mental wellbeing. The role involves a combination of working and study for a 15 months.
To register or for more information, click here
Kentish Town City Farm: Part Time Administrator (16 hours per week)
Closing date: 5pm, 27th January 2022
salary £10,000 (£25,000 pro rata)
Kentish Town City Farm is a local charity that helps people living in the city connect with animals, nature and the environment. They are looking for an excellent administrator to help our small, dedicated team get our booking systems and data collection up to date and integrated into our activities. The right person will be comfortable using a wide range of IT systems including web-based platforms so they can establish and maintain central systems and processes. They will be a great communicator, giving support and anchoring the team to create extra capacity, allowing everyone to excel in their roles
To apply please send CV and covering letter to info@ktcityfarm.org.uk
For full details, please click here
Young Barnet Foundation: New job vacancies
Young Barnet Foundation is currently seeking new staff who are excited to improve the lives of children and young people across Barnet by joining their expanding team.
Current roles include: Head of Community Services, Membership Development officer, Corporate / Trust & Foundation Fundraiser, Community Fundraiser. All closing on 14th January 2022. An Impact and Data Officer, closing 16th January 2022 and a Communication Assistant (Kickstarter role)
To find out more about any of these roles, click here
Action Youth Boxing Intervention (AYBI): Senior Safeguarding Officer Role
Two days per calendar month on a voluntary basis to start (expenses paid / all work resources provided)
Closing Friday 28th January 2022
The mission of Action Youth Boxing Interventions is to break the cycle of offending behaviours and violence in young and vulnerable people, with the purpose of improving lifestyle choices, belief and chances for the future.
The role will have a legal responsibility for dealing with all safeguarding issues for the organisation and provide advice, training and support to all staff, coaches and volunteers.
The Senior Safeguarding Officer will liaise with Camden Safeguarding Children’s Partnership and other agencies to ensure safeguarding culture is embedded within the culture of the organisation
Please submit an updated CV & cover email, explaining your suitability for this role to: manager@aybi.org
Latin American House is looking for 2 roles:
Communities and Culture Coordinator.
Closes: Monday 17th January 2022
The post holder will lead a diverse and sustainable programme of community and cultural activities and events.
To apply or for more information, click here
Children and Young People Coordinator.
Closes: Tuesday 25th January 2022
The post holder will be responsible for coordinating, delivering and developing a comprehensive, diverse and inclusive programme of activities, classes and events throughout the year.
To apply or for more information, click here
Please note
As you will probably know Kevin Nunan has retired as the VAC CEO. Please send any information that you would like included in our weekly newsletter to jnellis@vac.org.uk or social@vac.org.uk
Local Newsletters:
SHAK
Latin American House
Creative Lives
Healthwatch Camden
Young Camden Foundation
AWN
West Euston Project (WEP)
London Sport (sign up)
Forum+
Charity Tax Group
|
|
See the Funding pages on VAC’s website for all the latest information.
Access the Idox Camden 4 Community grant search here.
Charity Marketing Grants Programme
Closing date for applications is 10 January 2022
The Marketors City Livery Company has announced a new Charity Marketing Grants Programme for 2021-2, funded by its charity The Marketors’ Trust. A total of £20,000 is being made available as grants for small charities (turnover between £10,000 and £100,000 annual income) to run marketing and fundraising campaigns.
There is one grant of £10,000 and four grants of £2,500 each.
full details are available on our website here, where there is an Information Sheet and an online application form.
Tackling Food Inaccessibility Fund:
This fund is open for applications until 28th January 2022
Camden citizens are working with the Camden Giving, Camden Food Poverty Alliance and Camden Council to provide funds to organisations involved in tackling food inaccessibility.
Charities, community interest companies, TRA’s, schools, charitable incorporated organisations and community benefit societies are all welcome to apply.
Grants of up to £7,500 are available for organisations providing food access to Camden residents and/or services that help people affected by food inaccessibility.
For more information and to apply visit here.
Hubbub have opened their Community Fridge Fund
Applications open until 1st February 2022
The fund offers funding of up to £4000 to set up a fridge and join Hubbub’s Community Fridge Network.
Please visit here for more information and to apply.
The Big Give new match funding campaign: The Women & Girls Match Fund
Applications open from Monday 13th December to Tuesday 11th January
The Women and Girl’s Match Fund is a match funding campaign for charities that are working to improve the lives of vulnerable, disadvantaged or underrepresented women and girls in England and Scotland
The Women & Girls Match Fund is a week-long match funding campaign which will launch on International Women’s Day 2022, Tuesday 8th March.
Further details including eligibility, key dates and how to apply can be found here
Funding Opportunities for Camden’s Childrens Charities
The Childhood Trust is London’s Child Poverty charity, dedicated to alleviating the impact of poverty on children and young people living in the capital. The Childhood Trust offers financial support to children’s charities through matching funding campaigns. For more information email campaigns@childhoodtrust.org.uk
NAVCA Funders List
A useful list of small trusts and foundations most useful to small charities.
Lists of Emergency Funders
|
|
VAC Events
Keep in eye on our Events Calendar to book and for more info.
15th December Voluntary Action Forum: Manifesto Update and Meet our new CEO
At our last Voluntary Action Forum we followed up our May forum where we first looked at creating a Manifesto for the VCS. We gathered ideas and put them on an online wall (which you can view here).
Click here to view the recording
VAC Autumn Update
Click here to view the VAC Autumn update to Members and Subscribers
GDPR Training Resources
The video, slides and comprehensive notes from the two recent VAC online training sessions on GDPR are now available on the website. These will help you understand the theory and legal framework of the GDPR with practical steps on how to remain compliant.
Past Voluntary Action Forums: Resources
You can find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here.
Safeguarding Courses:
More details on the VAC website: https://vac.org.uk/
|
|
Support to Camden residents who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Are you working with a Camden resident who is homeless or at risk? Beam can support them into a new job.
Residents can use Beam’s platform to raise funds for training, technology (e.g. laptops and smartphones), childcare, travel to work and work attire. Beam’s caseworkers provide 1-1 support with CVs, applications and interview skills. Through Beam, residents also get priority access to local jobs with 90+ employer partners.
To refer clients, visit beam.org/refer or contact referrals@beam.org
LIFT employability courses
LIFT is a partnership between 4 boroughs (Islington, Camden, Hackney and Tower Hamlets) and seeks to inspire diverse residents with a career in the knowledge economy (tech, creative production or life sciences), thus addressing under representation in this growing sector and creating a more inclusive economy. Camden council is rolling out this support to service users across the borough, especially focusing on Euston, King’s Cross and Somers town. LIFT can also offer individual support for service users to help them get onto relevant training courses or access jobs, apprenticeships and paid internships.
LIFT is looking especially to reach out to service users facing multiple barriers to employment through ethnicity, disability or limited educational attainment.
Get in touch with cina.aissa@islington.gov.uk who is the LIFT Community engagement officer for Camden, or visit www.liftfutures.london to find out more.
Free NCFE Level 2 courses in Camden from New Challenge
IT User Skills – teaching vital skills for Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
Information, Advice and Guidance – providing learners with knowledge and best practice in signposting and referring clients to appropriate services to meet their needs
Mental Health First Aid and Mental Health Advocacy in the Workplace – This qualification is designed for any learner that wants to raise their awareness of mental health and the problems that can cause mental ill health
Learn more here
Fun, Fitness & Socialising with Silverfit
Talacre Community Sports Centre NW5 3AF: Fridays at 11:45.
Looking for a new way to get active and meet friends too?
Silverfit Charity has just started indoor fitness classes in Camden and would love for you to come along and join them.
Classes are fun, help burn fat, increase core strength and are suitable for all abilities!
Sessions are FREE and open to anyone 45+. Try them out on Friday
Find out more and to book here, contact pete@silverfit.org.uk or ring 07901 504903
|
|
Volunteering Opportunity: The Kids Network
The Kids Network are looking for committed, fun and passionate volunteers who live or work in Camden to make a real difference to the children of London. This year long mentoring programme supports children with their social and emotional development before they transition into secondary school.
For more information and to apply click here
LMK is recruiting its first Youth Advisory Board!
LMK is an education charity who run workshops that educate young people about healthy and unhealthy relationship behaviours, so that they can avoid abuse and thrive in their relationships – a prevention programme against domestic violence and relationship abuse.
They are looking for 15 young people, aged 16-19, to become part of the Youth Advisory Board and to use their skills to make a difference in the lives of other young Londoners.
To find out more about LMK, take a look at the website: www.justletmeknow.org or email youthboard@justletmeknow.org with any questions.
Become a Likewise Trustee
Likewise is looking to recruit four Trustees to our Board. New Trustees will be valuable friends offering insight, fresh perspectives, varied expertise and opinion to help us achieve our goals.
We’re looking particularly for individuals who have experience in the following areas:
· Finance
· Fundraising
· Communications, marketing, profile raising
· Mental health and social care policy environment
For more information about Likewise, the role of trustees in the organisation, our values and how to apply, please visit our website.
Henna Asian Women’s Group is recruiting Volunteers
Henna is looking for active, friendly and caring volunteers to join the team. As a volunteer you will help Henna to grow and support our members by offering a befriending service, assist on outings and be actively involved in Henna projects and day to day activities
Please contact Aysha on 07752 681828 or aysha@hennaorg.co.uk or info@hennaorg.co.uk or visit the website for more information
Kilburn Older Voices Exchange trustees seek to appoint a new Chair
Kilburn Older Voices Exchange (KOVE) is an established charity in north-west London (primarily Camden & Brent). We want to appoint a new Chair and trustee to help manage our small staff team and support the Trustees and Steering Group to plan and prioritise our support and development work.
A commitment to the full citizenship of all older people will be essential, alongside experience of managing staff or of using small budgets to maximum effect.
If you share KOVE’s ambitions, please get in touch. We look forward to hearing from you.
Contact: melwillwright@gmail.com
|
|
Afghan Refugee Crisis
The Council and VCS continue to work together to help meet the needs of the Afghan Refugees in Camden. A steering group (led by Hopscotch) meets weekly and there is a database of offers and needs held by the council. You can donate to the Hopscotch appeal here. Keep up to date at the council website here.
Hopscotch’s Afghan Crisis Appeal
Hopscotch is working as one of the leads with Camden Council and other major charities.
We have, on standby, four Afghan Family Advocates who are professional leads to deliver:-
Essential Cultural Orientation Training for council staff, charities and volunteers so everyone is interacting appropriately and effectively
To act as referral specialists with refugees in a trauma-informed way
Click here to donate.
Barnardo’s Boloh Helpline
Barnardo’s Boloh Helpline announces the expansion of the service to support the mental health and wellbeing of adult asylum seekers across the UK. This project is funded by the Home Office and is in addition to the current service that offers support to children, young people and their parents.
The Helpline will offer advice, signposting, emotional support and 8 free sessions of therapy by qualified Barnardo’s therapists. These sessions can take place remotely via telephone or online. Barnardo’s has a large pool of culturally informed therapists who speak a range of languages.
Referrals are welcome from professionals via our referral form, as well as direct contact from asylum seekers by telephone, email or online chat.
The Helpline – 0800 151 2605 – is open Monday – Friday (10am-8pm) and Saturday (10-3pm) via phone, webchat and email
You can make a referral to the Helpline here.
Or to learn more, click here
Space rental at Latin America House, Kilburn
A range of space available for events, classes and more.
Find out more here
Central YMCA has launched a survey for 16-25 year olds
Central YMCA are carrying out a survey to better understand the issues that affect young people today and the barriers that prevent them from overcoming these issues.
The results of the survey will help organisations to understand how they can better focus efforts to support young people where they really need it. There is an incentive, as one of the respondents will win a £300 voucher.
To answer the survey: www.ymca.co.uk/survey
If you have any questions please email julia.harvey@ymca.co.uk
Growing your business through sustainability
Learn how to make your organisation more sustainable and help grow your business. In this training you will learn the importance of Sustainability not only for your business but in the context of the wider world, understanding your current carbon footprint, simple yet, impactful changes that can immediately be actioned and how to embed them within your marketing strategy.
In this workshop you will learn:
~ Why sustainability is good for business
~ How to start your journey
~ Where to use sustainability measures to engage employees and customers
This session is run using YouTube and is 60 minutes long. The course assumes no prior knowledge or experience. There will be the opportunity to ask questions during the session.
Supporting People with Long-Covid in Camden
The Camden team support people with signs & symptoms lasting for longer than 12 weeks (NICE) to be diagnosed as Long-Covid. They may occur in conjunction with other conditions. Referrals need to come from GP’s or the Post-Covid clinic at UCLH. They should be sent to, camdenreferrals.cnwl@nhs.net
The Long-Covid team consists of Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy with a Rehab Assistant to support and access to psychology if required.
Contact Rob Clarke on rob.clarke6@nhs.net for any information or enquiries.
How to Volunteer and How to Recruit Volunteers in Camden
Volunteer in Camden at Time to Spare.
Volunteer for the NHS at GoodSAM.
Join a neighbourhood Mutual Aid group.
Organisations that are signed up to Time to Spare can now request volunteers through a brokerage team making it much easier to access the volunteers. The brokers can help match volunteers with voluntary and community organisations who have a need for verified/ vetted volunteers. The service will also help to verify or carry out new DBS check with volunteers.
Get support and resources from Volunteer Centre Camden
The council has a page of resources to help community organisations
UCL are looking for new volunteering opportunities to promote to their students. Visit their info for recruiters page to find out more.
Keep in touch and up-to-date via the e-bulletin and @onecamden twitter.
|
|
|
Got an item for the e-bulletin?
|
|
|
Send your item to jnellis@vac.org.uk or social@vac.org.uk by noon on Thursday for publication in the following day’s edition. The e-bulletin comes out every Friday. Submissions should be 50 – 75 words. Please send plain text or a format that can be copied (ie not embedded in an image). Send links to documents rather than attachments. Make sure to include contact details.
|
|
|
Watch a short video about our work!
|
|
|
|
Find out more about our work supporting the community and community groups with this short video.
|
|
|
|
