Voluntary Action Camden e-bulletin 8th February 2019

Voluntary Action Camden’s AGM

There was a great turn out of local Camden voluntary and community organisations, activists and public sector colleagues at last night’s VAC AGM.  Our main speaker, John Tizard, the new chair of NAVCA gave a clear and insightful analysis of where the sector is and how we got here.  He praised the sector for battling for our members and communities in the face of cuts and urged us all to continue to work constructively with the public sector, despite the challenges of the contract culture and widespread adoption of a market approach.  The age of Local Strategic Partnerships may be behind us (when cross sector working was the norm) but the current interest in social prescribing shows what can be achieved when the public sector and VCS work together.  John welcomed the news that VAC would be working more closely with the Volunteer Centre, C4, CDA and others to support the local sector in a more joined up way. Finally, he urged the sector to continue to speak up for our members and enable the voices of marginalized communities.  In a time of unprecedented austerity and hardship for many people, we cannot abandon our duty to give voice to the marginalized.
VAC chair Julie Christie-Webb paid tribute to Simone Hensby who left in January after 20 years at VAC and will be greatly missed by all. Kevin Nunan will be standing in as interim Executive Director for the moment.
You can view the latest Annual Report here.
VAC announced a new Social Prescribing Learning Network that will be launched in April. Look out for futher information soon.

4 offers of pro bono support:

Fighting Precarious Housing Situations

Law for Life, the Foundation for Public Legal Education is launching a new programme supporting community groups to work with London residents dealing with precarious housing issues and homelessness.
Law for Life will support community groups working directly with people experiencing housing problems. Find out more at the Law for Life website.

Rothschild & Co. pro-bono advice offer

Pro bono support for organisations with a turnover over £500k.  Examples of support include financial modelling and assistance in creating high impact presentations, as well as advice on human resources, marketing, PR.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year and you can apply for support at any time.  For more information, please contact: UKCommunity.Investment@RothschildandCo.com

Volunteering support from Lendlease

Lendlease is redeveloping Euston station. The Graduate Action Learning Programme is a scheme supporting local charity partners to work with a small team of Lendlease graduates on a defined capacity building project over a three month period. Business skills include marketing, IT, business planning, project management, financial management, events management and building management. The scheme runs for 3 months from May to July.
Apply by Friday 22 February. Contact Shaparak Rahimi, Shaparak.Rahimi@lendlease.com

Pilotlight

Pilotlight is an award-winning charity that connects the charity and business worlds to create positive social change. The programmes enable organisations and their leaders to develop the strategic business skills needed to become more effective and sustainable. Our programmes are free of charge.
Deadline for applications is 28th February. More details at the website.

BBC Arabic Festival 2019

Friday 22 – Wednesday 27 March
The BBC Arabic Festival is an annual programme of international short films and documentaries about today’s Arab world. The festival is free and for all.

Data and Refugee Organisations

Datakind and Superhighways are undertaking a survey of small charities, community groups and volunteers working with migrants and refugees to find out how they make use of data. Access the online survey here.

Camden Patient & Public Engagement Group

Tuesday 12 February (14:00 – 16:00) at St Pancras Hospital conference room.
The main presentations are as follows:
1. Presentation Title: St Pancras Hospital Site Consultation Findings – (Camden & Islington NHS Foundation Trust)
Vincent Kirchner, Medical Director, Camden & Islington NHS Foundation Trust
2. Presentation Title: Moorfields Eye Hospital  – Consultation Programme
Katherine Ayers, Head of Communications – Moorfields
3: Presentation Title: A new Crisis café (update)
Helena Quinn, Mental Health Commissioning Manager (London Borough of Camden & NHS Camden CCG).  rsvp to Martin Emery

Should parents and carers have access to your online health records?

12th February 5:30pm – 7:30pm UCLH
A feature of our new Electronic Health Record System (EHRS) will be offering patients an online patient portal with which they will be able to access a limited version of their health record.
However, patients may benefit from family members and carers accessing their health care records as well. We would value your views and opinion on this option.  Information and booking at Eventbrite.

Free trip for 11-16 yr olds to Somerset House

“Good Grief, Charlie Brown!” exhibition and Augmented Reality Workshop
Saturday 16th February, 10.30-4.30pm. Somerset House (meeting at 10.30am outside 1A Centre, 1A Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4SR.)
Run by Holborn Community Association. Book here. For more information email Chloe Plumb 1aarts@holborncommunity.co.uk or call 02074052370

Unprovoked Screening

The film is a powerful portrait of girl-on-girl knife crime. Presented by The Thanet and Map Studio Cafe.  Information and bookings at Eventbrite

LGBT+ Hate Crime Training

As part of LGBT History Month, Camden LGBT Forum are delivering “Hate Crime Awareness Training” at L&D (Crowndale) on Monday 25th February, 1pm-3pm. The training will provide an overview of all forms of Hate Crime and how to support victims. There will be a particular focus on raising awareness of LGBT+ identities, promoting LGBT+ equality and tackling homophobia, biphobia and transphobia. Book through Camden L&D here. For more info: nyree.moore@camden.gov.uk

Camden Disability Action

Catch up with the latest news from Camden Disability Action.

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

Crowdfund London 2019

Up to £50k for community crowdfunding projects this spring
Find out more at the Mayor’s crowdfunding website.

Edge Fund open for our 10th funding round

The fund will be giving out £40,000 to grassroots groups in the UK & Ireland. The deadline for application is Sunday 24th February, midnight. Details here.

Camden Community Festival Grants Are Open For 2019-20

Camden Council’s community festival grants, administered by Voluntary Action Camden, are now open. This annual grant scheme adds brightness, culture and diversity to all areas of Camden, thanks to the local communities that work tirelessly to put these festivals together. Last year Camden Council funded just over 50 community events and are looking forward to the 2019-20 applications.
Application forms: please read the grant criteria guidelines first to see if your event is eligible.
~ Grant criteria guidelines
~ Application for small scale events under 500 attendees
~ Application fro large scale events over 500 attendees
For all application inquires please contact Voluntary Action Camden on 0207 284 6550 or email acharles@vac.org.uk
If you have any event related enquiries, for example road closures, health and safety or anything else event related, contact Camden Events Service on 020 7974 5633 or email events@camden.gov.uk
Closing date Thursday 28th February.  See the VAC website for full details.

The HS2 Camden Fund

The Camden Fund aims to strengthen the sense of place and alleviate the disruption of the development of HS2 Ltd. on local people by achieving one or more of the following aims:
1. A Happier and Healthier Camden
2. A Better Connected Camden
3. A Stronger Voluntary and Community Sector
We aim to inform applicants of the result of their application within 16 weeks. Applicants can submit applications at any point between midnight on the 15th May 2018 and midnight on the 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.

Creative Writing workshop

The sessions aim to provide an opportunity to explore your creative side and build self-confidence through a series of simple writing exercises using prompts to help you with reflection and recall.  Students are encouraged to share their writing and offer supportive and constructive feedback on each other’s work.
Thursdays 10:30am – 12:30pm 14th, 28th February and 14th March
Charlie Ratchford Resource Centre, Belmont Street, NW1 8HF
To book your place, please contact Mandira Manandhar on 020 7284 6573/6550 or mmanandhar@vac.org.uk
Or Mind on 020 7241 8996 healthymindscp@mindincamden.org.uk

Coil

Learn the technique of hand coiling textiles, using cotton, wool and ribbon to explore shape and form and produce flat mats and coasters
This is a free five week course for Camden Residents.
Thursday 28th Feb – 28th March 1:00 – 3:00pm at The Haven, Castlehaven Community Centre, 23 Castlehaven Rd, NW1 8RU
For more details contact Mandira 0207 284 6573 or Erica 0207269 6035 or Elisha 020 7241 8996

Safeguarding Courses from VAC in 2019

Safeguarding Advance: Developing knowledge and understanding.

Tuesday 19th  February 9.45am – 3pm (Includes lunch)
If you work frequently with children and their families, it is essential that your organisation has up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding legislation and child protection procedures. This Advanced course is designed to develop existing understanding of the safeguarding process through a variety of written text, case studies and interactive exercises.
Suitable for anyone who has attended safeguarding training previously and would like to update their knowledge and skills further, including volunteers and workers of all levels.
Please contact: Dianne Carlton Ogunyemi, our Community Partnership Advisor Lead for more information and to book your place, as well as customised Safeguarding training enquires.
Tel: 020 7 284 6575 | Email: dogunyemi@vac.org.uk email (Monday – Wednesday)
More safeguarding courses coming soon. Contact Dianne for information.

Need a Meeting Room near Chalk Farm?

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.

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

Fostering Information Evenings

Are you interested in fostering? Information evenings are held regularly throughout the year for people interested in fostering. These give an overview of fostering, different types of placements, what fostering for Camden is like and gives you a chance to speak with a fostering social worker.
Open evenings start at 5pm and finish at 6.30pm.  These are held on the first Thursday of the month at Crowndale Centre, 218 Eversholt street, NW1
camden.gov.uk/fostering E: fostering@camden.gov.uk or call 0800 028 1436

Understanding Domestic Abuse and Coercive Control

An introductory course to domestic abuse, this course is aimed at individuals who may come into contact with survivors, but do not play a front line role. This will enable people to develop their understanding of domestic abuse and its impacts, and build their confidence around identifying signs of domestic abuse and the skills to respond and signpost to appropriate services.
Date: 6th March 2019 – 9:30am to 12:30pm
Location: St Pancras Community Association, 67 Plender Street, London, NW1
Cost: £55.  Book places here

Join a friendly health walk in Regent’s Park

Every other Wednesday starting 13th Feb, 27th Feb etc.
Meet at 9.45 for a 10.00 am start
West Euston Partnership, One Stop Shop, 29-31 Hampstead Road, London NW1. For more information Call: 020 7388 7932 Email: chuks@westeuston.org

Hate Crime Drop In Surgery

Are you being targeted with verbal, online or physical abuse because of your disability, religion, race, sexual orientation or transgender identity? If so you are a victim of hate crime. To get support please attend our drop in service. The sessions will be run with Metropolitan Police, Camden Council and partners.
Crowndale Centre, NW1 1BD Time: 12-2pm, Room: C, D (Ground Floor)
13 February, 13 March, 10 April, 8 May

Latin American House Spanish Classes

From Thursday February 14th, there will be weekly Spanish conversation classes at Latin American House. With a qualified tutor, you can start from scratch or improve on your speaking skills, and learn more about Latin American culture. Email for more information LAHspanishclasses@gmail.com

Nafsiyat Cultural Competency Workshops

These are aimed at counsellors/therapists who would like to strengthen their practice in this area.
The workshop will draw on clinical examples and work as well as the intercultural experience to put forward the processes involved in working at the juncture of the client’s inner and outer experiences.
Sundays 17/2, 16/6, 8/9, 10/11
TCost £68.71 Book  here

Transition for a young person with SEND aged 16-25?

Now recruiting for Sept 2019, this is an opportunity for SENDCO’s, teachers, parents, carers and local authority members to come and see our college and find out more about our offer.
Friday 15th February 9.30 – 10.30am
Elfrida Rathbone Camden, 7 Dowdney Close, NW5
RSVP to sousan@elfridacamden.org.uk with names and your chosen date.

Opportunity to Break into Fundraising for Working Class Applicants

12-month salaried job and professional development programme, giving talented people from working-class communities who have experience working in frontline community-focused roles the tools and experience to develop in grant-giving positions in foundations and trusts.
The ultimate aim of the programme is that by 2027 we want to ensure 40% of grant-giving decision makers are from working-class backgrounds, having deep community ties and real experience of the issues affecting those communities. Applications close on 30th April. Apply by visiting 2027.org.uk/

Young Camden Foundation seeks Clerk to the Trustee Board

£14.50 – £16.30 an hour Part-time
YCF are looking for someone special to join our growing charity.  You will be responsible for:
~ Provide effective administrative support to the Board
~ Ensure the Board of Trustees is properly constituted
~ Manage information effectively in accordance with legal requirements
~ Provide procedural and governance advice to the Board of Trustees
Please send your CV with a covering letter to info@youngcamdenfoundation.org.uk Closing date: 8 March 2019

Camden Arts Centre seeks Trusts and Foundations Manager

Permanent contract; Part-time, 16 hours p/w
We are seeking an experienced trusts fundraiser to join our dynamic Development Department. This new part-time role has responsibility for researching and preparing written applications to UK or international grant-giving trusts and foundations, corporate foundations, public-sector or other statutory funders and grant-making bodies. Full details here.
Closing date: Monday 25 February at 10.00am. Interviews Thursday 7 March

Older People Project Coordinator

£24,500 pro-rata / £14,700 actual.Part-time
To lead the successful delivery of the project, working with staff and volunteers from the 3 partner organisations. This is an Ageing Better in Camden funded consortium project run by Kentish Town City Farm (KTCF), Queen’s Crescent Community Association (QCCA), Castlehaven Community Association (CCA). You will support older people to achieve greater independence, positive mental and physical wellbeing and social inclusion; promoting independence and quality of life approaches to develop activities and programmes that will reduce isolation and loneliness amongst older people in Camden.
Closing date: 23 February 2019.  Full details here.

The Advocacy Project seeks MH User Involvement Coordinator

£27,350 30 hours per week. Closing date: 12pm.Monday 18/02/19
The ethos of our User Involvement services is to bring those who have been users of health and care services back into projects and forums to help improve the services we all need.
We have started to work with Camden mental health user involvement service and are looking for an exceptional User Involvement Coordinator to join our dynamic and innovative User Involvement team.
For questions contact Ali Wright on ali@advocacyproject.org.uk or 020 8969 3000.  To apply go to https://www.advocacyproject.org.uk/who-we-are/our-team/work-for-us/

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 Health Advocates for Community Links, part of a new Care Navigation and Social Prescribing service in Camden. Community Links Health Advocates 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

Desk and Training Space in Somers Town

Training Link has desk space for a small charity or charity worker who wants to be based in Somers Town. Mondays and Wednesdays available, please contact Peter Lush on director@traininglink.org.uk or 020-7383-5405. Meeting or training room available in the evenings and weekends. Reasonable rates.

Our mailing address is:
29 – 31 Hampstead Road, London, NW1 3JA

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