Voluntary Action Camden e-bulletin 8th March 2019

Youth violence and the role that London’s local Infrastructure can play?

Jake Ferguson, CEO of neighbouring Hackney CVS writes about the Violence Reduction Unit which has been set up by the London Mayor and MOPAC to reduce serious violence in the London through a multi-agency approach. What role can London’s local infrastructure play to reduce youth violence in the capital?

Find out about the Youth Safety Fund

On 18th February applications opened for Camden’s Youth Safety Fund.
The purpose of the Youth Safety Fund is to support work and deliver the outcomes associated with the 17 recommendations set out in the Youth Safety Taskforce Report. The event is run by Young Camden Foundation.
The information session will outline:
~ Background to the Youth Safety Taskforce and its priorities
~ How to apply to the Youth Safety Fund and the process.
There will also be a chance for us to answer any questions you may have about the taskforce, the fund and the applications process. Book at Eventbrite.

Do You Work with Migrants and Refugees?

House of Illustration, a gallery in Kings Cross, are currently exhibiting illustrations from the refugee crisis and offering free entry to groups that support refuges or anyone else affected by migration. The exhibition closes on 24 March 2019. For more info contact Amy: amy.forshaw@houseofillustration.org.uk or 020 3696 2028

Free Employability Programme with Free Crѐche Facility

Would you like to improve your skills, knowledge and gain confidence? Do you need help finding a job?
Monday 18th March 10.00 am – 2.00 pm
at Hopscotch Asian Women’s Centre, 50-52 Hampstead Road, London NW1
Job search and access to a range of job opportunities; CV writing; Mock Interviews; Information on Courses and Training
Take part in our FREE group training modules and activities
Free Childcare  Tel: 020 7388 8198
To be eligible for our programme, you must be female, unemployed or economically inactive, have the right to live and work in the UK and from a Black, Asian and minority ethnic background.

We Make Camden

To celebrate the people behind the place, we are inviting Camden residents to share their experiences, memories, hopes, journeys and reflections about their time in the borough. We are aiming to create a shared sense of pride and build a picture of the people that have helped to shape Camden’s communities.
These stories will form part of a campaign to celebrate Camden’s diversity and create a shared sense of belonging.
For more information and to get involved, please contact Jessica.Black@camden.gov.uk / 020 7974 2141

Camden Intergenerational Network

Wednesday 8th May 2.15pm for tea or coffee, meeting 2.30pm – 5.00pm.
At Age UK Camden, Tavis House, 1-6 Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9NA.
if you have any questions, would like to join the Network, or know someone who would, please contact Lydia.Shellien-Walker@AgeUKCamden.org.uk.

Maiden Lane Community Centre Jobs and Training Fair

17 April 2019 – 12-5PM At The London Irish Centre
50-52 Camden Square, London NW1 9XB
Please contact Naz if you would like a stall to  promote job, training or volunteer opportunities. nazrul@maidenlanecommunitycentre.org tel: 020 7267 9586

Revealed: The Thousands Of Public Spaces Lost To The Council Funding Crisis

A national investigation uncovers how cash-strapped councils are selling off libraries, parks and community centres, and how they use the  proceeds. Read the article in the Huffington Post.

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

Youth Safety Fund to Support Projects Aimed at Preventing Youth Violence

Open until Sunday 31 March.
Bids to the fund must be made by partnerships of at least two bodies, which can include public sector, schools, charities, voluntary and community orgs.
Local young people will be among those on the panels to assess applications, for projects running for one or two years under two categories:
• Under £5,000 per year (£10,000 total)
• £5,000 to £25,000 per year (£50,000 total).
This is the first of two opportunities to apply to the Youth Safety Fund, with another due in late 2019 / early 2020.
To find out more and download an expression of interest application form please visit  www.camden.gov.uk/youthsafetytaskforce.
If you have any questions about Youth Safety Fund or application process please contact youthsafety@camden.gov.uk

Camden Giving Kings Cross Fund

Camden Giving’s KX Fund will soon open for applications. It aims to increase:
~ Social Cohesion
~ Employment opportunities
~ Quality and access to natural environments
Full details at Camden Giving.  closing date midnight, 17 April

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  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 Advanced: Developing knowledge and understanding.

Tuesday 26th March, 9.45am – 2.30pm (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.  The training will cover the following:
• Department for Education’s updated statutory guidance
• Myth Busting & Social Care
• Awareness of current issues / Understanding emerging forms of abuse.
• Safeguarding awareness & assessing need: Race, culture, gender and ability.
• Dealing with disclosures
• Safeguarding in Camden, thresholds and the role of professionals.
To find out more book email Dianne Carlton-Ogunyemi

Introduction to Safeguarding for Trustees.

Wednesday 27th March: 9.45am – 1.00pm
The Charity Commission for England and Wales recently stated that safeguarding should be a key governance priority for all charity trustees.
There has never been a better time to make sure your charity is doing all it can to protect children and young people at risk.
• Understand, review and manage the safeguarding arrangements in your organisation.
• Ensure your charity is meeting its legal ‘safeguarding duty of care’.
To find out more information or to book your place please email Dianne Carlton-Ogunyemi at: dogunyemi@vac.org.uk 

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

EU Make Camden advice summit

11 March. Swiss Cottage Library
At this free event, EU Make Camden, EU citizens will be able to access advice and hear about what is being done in Camden to manage the impact of Brexit on the borough’s communities. Residents can register to attend here. The event will also be available on live stream.
We are also offering a wider package of support for EU residents as part of our proactive approach to preparing the borough for Brexit:
• Frontline Council staff will be briefed with up to date contact information
• Partner with key advice organisations to ensure that ongoing advice
• Work through schools, community groups and voluntary organisations, to ensure all are prepared to show Camden residents where to access the support they need.
• Invest in our cohesion services to promote healthy communities and convene a cohesion conference.

A place of Support for those Experiencing Mental Health Crisis

Camden CCG are making a case for investment in a local service where people experiencing a mental health crisis in the evenings and at weekends would be able to get support.
Come along and share your views and hear about our ideas for the service and share your ideas on what it might offer.
This event is for anyone who has an interest in mental health who lives in Camden; whether you are currently, or have used, mental health services, or are a carer for someone with a mental health problem.
12 March, 3 pm – 5:30 pm at Queens Crescent Community Centre, NW5
To reserve a place and for more information please visit www.mentalhealthcamden.co.uk or call 0207974 2868.

Tea, Toast and Tweeting

Belsize Community Library, 20th March 12 – 3pm
Are you 50+ and need help with using twitter?  Come and join in with a technology afternoon tea party.  Bring your own device for a 1:1 session
Places are limited and should be booked in advance. Email: friendsofbelsizelibrary1@gmail.com or tel:  020 586 6746 (Mon-Wed, 10-6pm)

Free half day Motivational Interviewing training this March

Do you work with residents? Would you like to learn more about behaviour change skills? Free Motivational Interviewing training to those who have already attended Making Every Contact Count training.  19th or 20th March.
The course is designed for front line staff who have the opportunity to deliver brief interventions through having motivational conversations with residents.
Spaces are very limited, find out more here

Dementia Action Alliance

The next meeting of the alliance will be on 19 March  from 10am – 12pm at Crowndale Centre  (Council Chamber) , 218 Eversholt St, Kings Cross, NW1
Contact  Priya Satish, Dementia Friendly Communities Coordinator – Priya.Satish@alzheimers.org.uk

WomenSpeak Group for International Women’s Day

This is an opportunity to experience a women’s group in the MenSpeak format and pick up  tools for use in your own community, your own work and to hang out in good conscious company.
On International Women’s Day on 8th March. Full details at Meetup.

Kingsgate Community Centre’s AGM

Wednesday 13th March 2019 at 3.30pm
This is a great opportunity to see how the centre is doing and get an insight into how we continue to progress into the future.
After the meeting there will be some light refreshments and entertainment.

What’s on at WEP

West Euston Partnership have a full calendar of activities taking place every day of the week.  All at Hampstead Rd, H-pod or Regents Park.

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.
6th March 2019 – 9:30am to 12:30pm
St Pancras Community Association, 67 Plender Street, London, NW1
Cost: £55.  Book places here

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.
13 March, 10 April, 8 May
Crowndale Centre, NW1 1BD Time: 12-2pm, Room: C, D (Ground Floor)

Transition to college for a young person with SEND 16-25

Friday 22nd March and 19th April 2019: Coffee Mornings @ Leighton College, a Camden based college for 16-25 year olds with a learning disability. This is an opportunity for SENDCOs, teachers, parents, carers and local authority members to meet for coffee, see the college and ask any questions about applications and transition. Feel free to contact Sousan on 02074241617 or sousan@elfridacamden.org.uk to confirm your attendance. We look forward to meeting you soon.

Hopscotch seek Senior Youth Worker

Hopscotch is currently recruiting a Senior Youth Worker.
£26,880 incl. ILW (£21,504 pro rata). 28 hrs per week (4 days)
An experienced and enthusiastic Youth Worker is required to develop, implement and co-ordinate a culturally appropriate programme of outreach activities in Camden to improve the mental and emotional health and well-being of young Asian women and girls.
For details and an application form, please contact Shammy Ahmed: Tel: 020 7388 8198 E-mail: recruitment@hopscotchawc.org.uk
Closing date  21st March, at 9:00am Interviews 27th March.

Camden Giving is Recruiting Grant Panel Members with Disabilities

The Inclusive Community Fund exists to make existing services more accessible for disabled people. We are looking to appoint 6 Camden residents who are living with a physical, learning or mental health disability to sit on the panel and design the Fund in a way that they know works well.
Find out more at the Camden Giving website or fill out a nomination form with this link: https://doodle.com/poll/b6cf7ar6hbmwzh7m
Send an updated CV and cover later explaining why you would like to be on the panel but we are willing to be flexible and accept applications in forms that suit our applicants for example a phone or video call on 07717595605.

Holborn Community Association is looking for a Peer Intern (aged 15-18)

To provide administrative and workshop support on our summer holiday filmmaking project, in which young people (aged 13-18 years) are supported to make their own short film.
The Peer Intern will also provide peer support and guidance to the young people participating on the project. This is a paid role and an excellent opportunity for someone looking to increase their skills, knowledge and abilities in film and media, community arts and youth work.
deadline: 10am Thurs 21st March. For more info: Go to https://bit.ly/2J9ls5J

Clean Break Theatre Company seeks Female Gardener Volunteer and Catering Volunteer

Clean Break are currently looking for a female volunteer to maintain the garden area. Working as part of a team, help with the upkeep development and protection of the garden, so it can be enjoyed by everyone and a catering volunteer to be apart of the Catering Team.  To assist  with the preparation and  service  of nutritious food to our Members, maintaining Health & Safety and kitchen hygiene  standards
Contact Samantha McNeil- Volunteer Coordinator  Tel: 020 7 482 8600   Email: general@cleanbreak.org.uk  Web: www.cleanbreak.org.uk

Calthorpe Project seeks Children’s Weekend Sport & Physical Activity Co-ordinator (pt)

An exceptional person needed to join our weekend staff team bringing environmental play opportunities to children living in and around Kings Cross. Our Access to Nature project includes food growing, healthy eating, nature watch, arts and forest school style activities.
Salary £8826 gross annually for 12 hour weekend.
Download the application pack from  www.calthorpeproject.org.uk
Or request the documents by emailing ray@calthorpeproject.org.uk
Deadline 5pm Monday, 1st April Interviews – 6th April

Rush In Ballet is recruiting two volunteers

Rush In Ballet runs successful open access ballet classes for all ages in Camden.  As an expanding and successful organisation we are looking for a general volunteer who can help run the charity, dealing with bookings, accounts and general admin tasks. Some experience of arts administration would be an advantage. We are also also looking for a volunteer Stage Manager
To apply for either position or find out more, please contact Natalia at Rush In Ballet  rushinballet@hotmail.co.uk  phone 07830 723473 or 07365807108

Latin American House seeks Book Keeper

The candidate will work alongside the Finance Officer and Director. £14.5/h 6 hours/ week. Role involves responsibility for entries in Sage and assisting in the financial transactions. The candidate will be studying towards becoming a qualified accountant. Basic Spanish an advantage. More information:  info@casalatina.org.uk with the subject “Book Keeper at Latin American House” or call 020 7372 8653 for further information.

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

Office space available to rent at The Winch

Situated on the best stretch of Winchester Road, this office is within easy walking distance of Swiss Cottage, Finchley Road and Belsize Park tube stations. The office is located on the second floor of the former Winchester Arms Pub, which is now repurposed as an innovative community centre by Camden charity, the Winch.
A fantastic community spirit is cultivated within the building, which hosts a number of local organisations. Adjacent to the office is a communal kitchen, with male and female toilets on the floor below. There are plenty of eateries, local shops and a weekly farmers market on your doorstep, as well as Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre. We’re a 10-minute walk to Primrose Hill. Our location has everything your organisation and your staff needs to thrive.
Size: Shared office for 1 to 8 people
Prices: From £832 per month plus service charge (all inclusive)
• All-inclusive prices, flexible and competitive terms
• 250 sq. ft.
• High-Speed Internet Connection
• Great local amenities
• Overlooking the Swiss Cottage Open Space
Available now: Call 020 7586 8731 for more information or to arrange viewings.

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.

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

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