Voluntary Action Camden e-bulletin 7th June 2019

Carers’ Week

Next week is Carers’ Week.  Get invovled and find out about all the activities that are planned at the Camden Carers website.  Listen to the carers podcast .

West Euston Partnership

You can read the newsletter here and find out what’s on at WEP.

Free Day Out Offer

Organisations working with CHildrent and Young Poeople are being offered free passes to an exhibition at Olympia. Hyper Japan is the UK’s largest Japanese pop culture, food, and animation convention.  Running from July 12-14th at the London Olympia, it is a fantastic day out for people of all ages.
Contact HJ.charities@hyperjapan.co.uk

Training for Trustees

13 June – 18 July.  6 Thursday evenings 17:30-20:30 in Camden
A short evening course for trustees/management committee members or anybody who is interested in developing the knowledge and skills required to be a member of a governing body in the voluntary or community sector. Ideal for new trustees as an induction, for experienced trustees who want a refresher and for those just starting out as trustees. The course is a partnership between VAC and Mary Ward Centre.
To discuss the course content contact Kevin Nunan, tel; 020 7284 6557, Email: knunan@vac.org.uk
Full details at the Mary Ward website.To book email Rahul Miah,  Rahul.Miah@marywardcentre.ac.uk tel: 020 7269 6042

Knowledge Quarter Conference 2019

The Conference has the theme of ‘The Future of Knowledge’ and will host an interesting mix of speakers.  Full programme and booking at Eventbrite.
VAC Members get a special discounted rate of £75.  Enter the code code is KQ75.  (VAC membership is free).

CPPEG Open meeting

Tuesday 11 June, 14:00 to 16:00, St Pancras Hospital, Conference Centre.
Presentations on St Pancras Hospital update (design of new inpatient setting); What is patient experience telling the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust? General Practice Patient Participation Groups (PPGs) working with the Adult Social Care team (implementing a new strength based practice model)
RSVP Martin Emery Tel: 0203 688 1755 or email: martin.emery@nhs.net.

Camden Disability Action

Welcome to new CEO, Colin Brummage!  Read the latest CDA newsletter here.

Nominations for the 2019 London Faith and Belief Community Awards are now open

The awards recognise the creative, generous and vital work of London’s faith and belief communities, by bringing together local heroes and shining a light on their inspirational works.  Find out how to nominate someone here.

Moorfields Eye Hospital Consultation

There are  plans to move Moorfield Eye Hospital from City Road to Camden. Two discussion sessions will be held on Monday 10 June taking place at 11am-12.30pm and 2pm-3.30pm at the St Pancras and Somers Town Living Centre.  Full detials and booking here.

Camden Patient Participation Group (PPG) Forum

Wednesday 19 June 17:30 – 20:30
St Pancras Hospital, Conference Room, 4 St Pancras Way, NW1 0PE
The initial half hour will be allocated for refreshments and networking.
~ PPG success stories (Adelaide Medical Centre & James Wigg Practice)
~ General Practice Primary Care Networks – what are they & what will they do?
~ Social Prescribing and Care Navigation – what services does it provide?

The language of the market has distorted strategic commissioning

John Tizard challenges the public sector to improve the state of commissioning.  He makes a number of proposals:
“I suggest that at the national and local levels the VCS should make the case for being recognised and respected by commissioners and commissioning bodies as a voice of service users and communities, complementing representatives such as elected politicians and acting as a source of expertise in service design and delivery, and advocating for service users.
The VCS and its representative local bodies (such as infrastructure bodies) should also lobby to be involved in all stages of strategic commissioning and consulted on budgeting and resource allocation.”  With councils reversing years of outsourcing (see next article) now is the time to look again at the state of commissioning.

Why councils are bringing millions of pounds worth of services back in-house

After 40 years of awarding contracts to the private sector, insourcing is now the way for local authorities to cut costs and improve quality. Full story in the Guardian.

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

Inclusive Community Fund

The Camden Giving ‘Inclusive Community Fund’ is a partnership with Camden Disability Action, funded by the London Borough of Camden’s Community Impacts programme. The programme puts people with disabilities at the heart of the decisions, empowering them to make informed choices on which projects to fund based on their own experiences.
The Inclusive Fund exists to increase access to, and participation in, mainstream services, activities and facilities for disabled adults in Camden.
Grants from £2.5k to £20k are available. Deadline 15th July. Details here.

Communities Together- Cohesion Fund

Up to £72K will be available to the voluntary and community sector to deliver activities that promote community cohesion. The fund will be open from 10th June to 1st July for small grant applications of £500-£1,500 with a very quick and simple application process.
Decisions will be made by a grant panel of Camden residents.  Full details about the fund will be available soon.

Shaping Young Londoners Future

The Mayor is looking for project applications that will provide activities that can make a real difference to young people so they feel positive about their prospects; are informed by local knowledge, need and demand and shaped by those closest to the community;  have involved young people in the design and delivery.
More details on eligibility, grants here. Closes 12-noon on 12 July.

The HS2 Camden Fund

The Camden Fund aims to strengthen the sense of place and alleviate the disruption of the development of HS2 on local people. Aims:
1. A Happier and Healthier Camden
2. A Better Connected Camden
3. A Stronger Voluntary and Community Sector
Closing date: 14th May 2020. Full details at Camden Giving.

Healthy Minds Programme with Mind in Camden

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

Safeguarding Courses from VAC in 2019
(Coming Soon)

More details on the VAC website: https://vac.org.uk/events/

Resilient Families Training

3-day course: 1/8, 8/8, 15/8, Crowndale Centre, 218 Eversholt St, NW1
Developed in partnership with the internationally-renowned Anna Freud Centre for Children and Families and the Centre for Parent and Child Studies at the South London and Maudsley NHS Trust, this 3-day course will give you knowledge, skills and practical tools for helping children, families and adults.
To register, or for more information, contact learning@camden.gov.uk

Two Age UK Camden Events

Tickets are now on sale for  a one off Age UK Camden Pop-up restaurant in the garden of  Great Croft Health and Positive Living Hub in King’s Cross, Cromer Street, WC1H 8LE, on June 20th from 6.30pm -9.30 pm. Enjoy an elegant three course meal prepared by Michael D’Adamo, head chef at Marcus Wareing restaurant The Gilbert Scott, for just £30 a head. Buy tickets here:
A day of music, food and fun at Age UK Camden’s Community Garden Party on 11th June in the beautiful garden at our Great Croft Health and Positive Living Hub in King’s Cross, Cromer Street, WC1H 8LE. All are welcome, entry is free and it’s £5 for a BBQ lunch. Just turn up!

Childhood vaccination:  What’s important to you?

Healthwatch Camden Community Forum Tuesday 2nd July, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm at 37 Greenwood Place, London NW5 1LB
Take part in a discussion about childhood vaccinations
You do not need to have any medical knowledge to take part. The research team wants to hear about what is important to you and why.
To register contact Shelly Khan, shelly.khan@healthwatchcamden.co.uk  Tel: 020 7383 2402 by 18th June.

Summer Film Project for 14-18 yr olds

At 1A Arts Centre, Holborn Community Association & Somerset House.
For ages 14-18. Saturdays – 15th June through to 20th July (10am-5pm)
Summer holidays – Mon 29th July through to Fri 9th Aug (10am-5pm).
To get involved go to the webpage or email 1aarts@holborncommunity.co.uk

Get Involved with a Summer Carnival Arts Project

We are inviting people of all ages to collaborate to make music, costumes, props and gigantic puppets to perform in 4 carnival parades in London
Workshops run every Tuesday 2.30 to 4.30 at Cressfield Sheltering residence for older people at 1 Cressfield street and on Wednesday 2.30 to 4.30, when students from local schools also take part in the workshops.
On the week of half term we will run a drumming workshop at Map Studio Cafe at 46  Grafton Road  2-4pm, then costumes and puppet making on Tuesday 28th at 10.30 to 12.30 and another one on Friday 31st at 2-4. Call Julia on 07960550982 for more information and bookings

Ageing Better in Camden’s Learning Seminars

Wednesday 12th June
10am-11am ‘An ordinary conversation’ – what works in street outreach?
11.15am-12.15pm ‘Connecting men to their communities’
Age UK Camden, Tavis House, 1-6 Tavistock Square WC1H 9NA
These free seminars explore the impact of outreach work with older people in Camden and/or the research we have carried out with men.  RSVP ageingbetterincamden@ageukcamden.org.uk by Wednesday 29th May 2019. Spaces will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

Free English Classes through Gardening and Cooking

Fridays 10.30 to 12.30 until 12 July at Skip Garden, Tapper Walk, N1C
Book at hello@speak-street.com tel: 020 3637 9668

Arts workshops for young people and older community members (May to September)

Arts workshops for young people and older community members across Kentish Town.  Workshops will be happening at local sites and have  been devised in collaboration with North London Cares, Free Space Project at Kentish Town Health Centre and Queens Crescent Community Association.
To register interest and receive more information email Leo Smith: info@cskx.org  020 8001 5357 / www.cskx.org

VAC seeks Treasurer

If you would like to lead on financial oversight and strategy at Camden’s umbrella organisation for the voluntary sector we would love to hear from you.  In the first instance contact Kevin Nunan, Interim Executive Director, for further information: knunan@vac.org.uk

The Thanet Youth and Community Centre are looking for Sessional Youth Workers (Pool staff)

If you are a dynamic, creative and experienced Youth Worker and would like to join our team at the Thanet Youth Club on a sessional basis (usually 4hrs pw) please email myriam@thethanet.com for a job pack by Friday 14th June.

Lauderdale House have two Vacancies

Marketing and Communications Manager
We are seeking a highly organised individual with three or more years’ marketing experience and an interest in digital and social media. This is an extremely varied role which includes the full marketing and communications mix. An exciting opportunity to build on a new brand, website and ticketing system to refresh the marketing strategy at this historic venue.
Applications close Monday 24 June.Details here.
Fundraising Executive (Part Time)
An opportunity to raise funds to support Lauderdale House’s charitable aims. This is a very exciting time to join the team following ‘Lauderdale Transformed’, a major capital refurbishment and upgrade which started in September 2015 and was completed in October 2016 when the building re-opened. The Fundraising Executive will have the opportunity to:
Applications close Monday 24 June. Details here.

Opening Doors London have 2 Vacancies

Research and Policy Officer
21 per week, £28,752 to £29,796 pa pro rata
Closing date Tuesday 25th June 10 am (Interview date to TBC)
You will scope, collate and store relevant research and policy, identify current knowledge gaps and support the Training and Policy Manager in undertaking further research into the needs of older LGBT+ people to influence change.
Ambassador Development Officer
21 per week, Scale 6 £28,752 to £29,796 pa pro rata
Closing date Tuesday 18th June 10am Interview date – Monday 24th June
Your role will be to ensure LGBT+ diversity of recruitment and to provide training, co-ordination and support to the volunteer Ambassadors.
If you are interested in either position, please see the application pack iat the following link in our website www.ageukcamden.org.uk / www.openingdoorslondon.org.uk  or email Jobs@openingdoorslondon.org.uk

Are you a Qualified Teacher with Time to Volunteer?

The English Network is a Camden run project which links qualified volunteer EFL teachers with Camden residents who need to improve their English language skills. Lessons are taught one-to-one within libraries and other Council buildings in Camden for an hour a week.
This post requires a TEFL qualification, preferably a CELTA or Trinity TESOL certificate, but candidates with a TEFL certificate will be considered if they have previous teaching experience.
To apply contact Sheila Rahman, Sheila.Rahman@camden.gov.uk

Volunteer with VAC and develop experience and skills in public health

VAC provide training, and work opportunities for Camden volunteers who can commit 2 hours per week.
We offer free Royal Society of Public Health (RSPH) training to volunteer as a Community Links volunteer, part of a new Care Navigation and Social Prescribing service in Camden. Community Links volunteers signpost residents to community based activities and help with formal referrals where community based activities are needed alongside clinical care.
Contact: Mandira Manandhar, Community Links Co-ordinator (Mon, Tues and Thurs) 020 7284 6550/6573 or email: mmanandhar@vac.org.uk

VAC is recruiting volunteers to help us in our new building in Chalk Farm

VAC has recently moved to a new home at Charlie Ratchford Centre, Belmont Street, NW1. We are sharing the building with Camden Carers and Camden Disability Action.  It is a very busy building with lots of visitors and events.
We are recruiting volunteer receptionists to be the first point of contact for visitors. I 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

Need a Meeting Room near Chalk Farm
Special rates for Camden network events

VAC now has 3 new rooms to hire out for Events/Training, etc. at our new base in 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.

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.

Help make Camden a Healthier and Happier Place

Come along to the co-design event to develop ideas for how health and wellbeing should be addressed in the west of Camden. These ideas will be taken forward by the council and partners and will have the support of other experts (including councillors, GPs, directors and community leaders).
We’re looking for residents who live in Kilburn, Swiss Cottage, Fortune Green or West Hampstead to come and get involved.
Friday 20th June 5:00pm–8:30pm at Sherriff Centre
Contact Henry Langford (henry.langford@camden.gov.uk or 02079743219) or Tom Wastling (tom@wearefuturegov.com).

Camden Alive

Interested in the history of your area and people’s Camden stories?
Camden Alive are looking for volunteers who will be trained in how to interview people and how to make films about people’s stories.
Training will be two days: Monday 10 June 2019 and Friday 14 June
The project is looking for people to join in from Maiden Lane, The Sidings, Lismore Circus, Brunswick, The Bourne, St Silas & Southfleet, Alexandra & Ainsworth, Regent’s Park, Ossulston and Chalcots.
To find outmore email suzie.plumb@camden.gov.uk

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

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