Voluntary Action Camden e-bulletin 8th November 2019

Election! Campaigning with Confidence – Dos and Don’ts

The sector is urged to campaign with confidence. There has been much scare mongering over the Lobbying Act but most of the provisions only apply to organisations “where the expenditure can reasonably be regarded as intended to influence the electoral prospects of parties or candidates.” Few voluntary organisations in Camden will meet this criteria or be spending over £20,000 – the threshold for registering. The key point to remember is that you should focus on your campaign issue and not a political party. Remember there are also risks with not campaigning and standing up for your issues. View our updated guidance here.

Register to Vote

Currently, around two million people aged 18 to 30, who care about climate and will be most affected by any changes, are not registered to vote. To vote you must register to vote within the next three weeks – before 26 November.
There are a number of campaigns to help you support your users to register to vote such as #itsourtime aimed at encouraging young people to vote.

Camden Trustees’ Week 2019

Thanks to all the trustees who came  to our two events for Camden trustees this week: ‘The Trustees’ role in Safeguarding’  and ‘Changes to the Health Service’. Read an interesting blog post about trusteeship here.
Don’t forget you can find a library of general resources from VAC as well as specific resources on governance. Trustees can network with others on the Camden Trustees Meetup group and get information on trustee recruitment from VCC.

Think and Do Pop-up Space for Climate & Eco Action

Transition Kentish Town are co-designing a community space for climate and eco action with the council,  located in the old Flap Jacks cafe on Kentish Town Road. Get the latest update here.   Get in touch thinkanddo@camden.gov.uk
Follow updates from Transition Kentish Town on twitter. Find our more about the background and aims of the project here.

Do you want to be at the heart of planning for community mental health services?

The Advocacy Project want three people with experience of mental health challenges to be actively involved in the Task and Finish group (which is a working group for the Mental Health Integrated Partnership Board).
You will be expected to do some work outside of meetings which  may include reading papers and collaborating on documents
If Interested email katja@advocacyproject.org.uk by the 3rd of December.

News from Kentish Town City Farm

The sun shone on Sunday 27 October for the annual Apple Day celebration at Kentish Town City Farm.  The Trustees and staff took the opportunity to thank all the farm visitors and the local community for their support during the recent HOOF campaign “Hands Off Our Farm” and to reassure them of the future of the Farm and announce the appointment of Rachel Schwartz as Farm Director. See the story at: http://ktcityfarm.org.uk/hands-off-our-farm/

Being Human festival 14–23 November

Being Human is the UK’s only national festival dedicated to public engagement with humanities research.  14 and 23 November and will explore the theme ‘Discoveries & Secrets’. The full programme of over 250 events is available at beinghumanfestival.org/events/

WEP Lunch, Health and Wellbeing day flyer.

The event will take place at West Euston Partnership, on Wednesday 13 November 2019 between 12.00noon and 4.00pm.
There will be a delicious free lunch, health and wellbeing activities including free massage, haircuts, raffle and health talks.

National Academy for Social Prescribing Set Up

The new National Academy for Social Prescribing will be backed by £5m of government funding.
The academy will help ensure more patients can benefit from social prescribing by sharing best practice, developing training and accreditation and improving the evidence base for social prescribing. Details here.

What commissioning looks like from the inside

Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales published its Crisis in Commissioning report in 2016 which found central and local government were using bureaucratic, complex and inappropriate contracting and commissioning processes to secure vital public services. The experiences of small charities taking part in commissioning processes revealed a system in crisis which left charities threatened with closure and the future of public services, including homelessness, domestic abuse and mental health support, at risk.
In an exclusive post, an anonymous former commissioner reveals what commissioning looks like from the inside.

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

The Supplementary Schools Network Fund (SSNF)

The fund is available for one year from January 2020 and is designed to support supplementary schools in Camden to provide high quality educational programmes that are accessible, fun and engaging whilst ensuring the safeguarding of children and young people (6 to 18 years).
Young Camden Foundation invites applications from supplementary schools or out-of-school settings for grants from £1000 to a maximum of £2500
The closing date for applications is 17th November 2019.
For information and application form grants@youngcamdenfoundation.org.uk

Physical Activity Inclusion Fund and Community Foundation

PAIF offers local community groups in Camden the opportunity to apply for grants of up to £1.5K, to ‘kick start’ projects that aim to reach our inactive communities.
Full details are here:   Or for contact – CamdenPAIF@GLL.ORG
GLL aslo run a Community Foundation offering funding for community groups.

Funding available for specialist community projects for vulnerable women and girls

Local groups supporting women and girls with issues like period poverty, domestic and sexual abuse, mental health and long-term unemployment can to apply for a share of £3.5 million for their vital work.
A further round of the Tampon Tax Community Fund is open to charities and community groups working with women of all ages and backgrounds to build their skills, confidence and self-esteem.

Inclusive Communities Fund (Deadline Monday!)

Camden Giving has funding available for organisations with an annual income of less than £500,000 whose existing services, activities and facilities are not easily accessible for adults with physical, learning, cognitive or mental health disabilities in Camden. Projects should bring together disabled and non-disabled adults by improving access to, and participation in their existing services, activities and facilities. Apply for up to £20,000 before 11th November.
Visit www.camdengiving.org.uk/inclusive-community-fund or email admin@camdengiving.org.uk for more information.

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.

Have Your Say About VAC

We are listening to our members and subscribers to get your views on VAC and find out what you think VAC should be working on now and in the coming years. It’s a short survey and as a thank you everyone who completes the survey has a chance to win £100.

Safeguarding Courses:

Safeguarding Introduction: Protecting Children in the Community (Level 2)
Tuesday 10th December: 10.00am – 1.00pm
Introductory course designed for all those who work directly with children, young people or their families. Open to all those who have had little or no safeguarding training before.
Suitable for anyone requiring basic safeguarding training, including volunteers, play workers and new starters who have never had safeguarding training before.
The workshop will cover essential aspects of safeguarding:

Safeguarding Advance: Developing knowledge and understanding. (Level 3)
Wednesday 18th December: 10.00am – 2.30pm (Includes lunch)
For those who frequently work with or deliver services to children and their families. Course provides essential information that your organisation / group needs to understands it’s legal obligations in regards to child protection procedures and up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding legislation.
This Advanced course is designed to develop existing understanding of the safeguarding process through a variety of written text, case studies and interactive exercises.
Please contact: Dianne Carlton Ogunyemi, our Community Partnership Advisor Lead to book your place, as well as customised Safeguarding training enquires.
Tel: 020 7 284 6575 | Email: dogunyemi@vac.org.uk email (Mon – Wed)

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

Free Interview Skills course at West Euston Partnership

9th, 11th, 15th and 18th November
Boost your confidence in the interview room through our series of helpful techniques and exercises
To book your place, contact David Hermanstein on 07908845154 or at david.hermanstein@camden.gov.uk

Works for Me Employment Programme

Open to all visually impaired people who live, work or study in London between 18 and 65yrs.  One to one advice; contact with experts; network with other visually impaired people; employment information.
Contact: employment@londonvision.org or tel: 07773584028.

Creating Easier Opportunities For Volunteering Workshop

For Volunteer Managers. Tuesday 26th November, 10am-1pm at St Pancras Community Association.  Info and bookings at Eventbrite.

Meal & Celebration for anyone in need over Christmas

Hosted by Chalk Farm Foodbank, CAP and Revelation Church. 19th December, 4.00-6.00PM. Salvation Army Chalk Farm, 10-16 Haverstock Hill, Chalk Farm, London NW3 2BL. Sign up clients by 6th December.

All Ways Network Meet the Funders Event

26 November, 10.30 – 2.00. Osmani Centre, E1 5AW.
Aimed at small not-for-profit with an annual income of £1 million or less working with Muslim beneficiaries living in the UK.  Info and bookings at Eventbrite.

The Caraf Centre Cultural Story Festival

Saturday 23rd November from 12.00 – 6.00 pm
Workshops, face-painting, young writers showcase and bookstalls. An event for the whole family to enjoy. At the Caraf Centre, Queens Crescent, NW5

November 2019 Volunteer Managers’ Forum

Wednesday 13th November, 10am-1pm to discuss all things volunteer management with volunteer managers in Camden, and beyond. Details here.

“What makes groups welcoming for older people and why does it matter? An older people’s perspective.”

An Ageing Better in Camden learning seminar
Wednesday 13th November 2019 | 10am – 11.45am Tavis House, WC1H
ABC will present evidence collected from older people in Camden on how community groups can be made as welcoming as possible.
RSVP by Wednesday 16th October to reserve your space – email on ageingbetterincamden@ageukcamden.org.uk or call us on 020 7239 0400.

Kilburn & West Hampstead Pensioners Action Association & KOVE (Kilburn Older Voices Exchange)

Present Live Music Now – a Winter Jazz Concert with Michael Blanchfield Trio: 1.30 pm, Thurs 21 Nov at Kingsgate Community Centre, 107 Kingsgate Road.
Refreshments provided – admission free – all over 60s welcome.

Community Connectors

Are you a parent/carer living in Camden? Elfrida Rathbone Camden is recruiting parent volunteers to support other Camden parents by offering practical help at our drop-in and 1:1 sessions. We offer 3 days FREE training covering the key skills needed for the role. Lunch provided
Training will take place on Friday 15th, 22nd and 29th November 2019 from 10.00-2.30. Lunch will be provided.
More information email Jill@elfridacamden.org.uk or call 07939877745 for an informal chat.

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 building in Chalk Farm

We are recruiting volunteer receptionists to be the first point of contact for visitors. 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

EU Citizens Rights Information Sessions

The website www.eurights.uk, allows a community group or community champion to book a lawyer to attend their event for free. Seraphus will: (i) give a presentation on the Settled Status scheme, (ii) answer any questions, and (iii) remain available afterwards for one-to-one questions with audience members. The one requirement to benefit from this free service, is for at least 40 members of the European community (EEA or Swiss nationals) and their family members to have confirmed their interest to attend.

Cheap Community Tickets to London Zoo

Looking for a great outing for your group?  This is a fantastic offer with tickets from just £3 – £6.50.  A trip to the zoo is usually ruled out by the high cost of tickets.  Responding to local demand, ZSL London Zoo are offering heavily subsidised tickets to organisations or groups who work with people with additional needs and/or disabilities, families on a low income and older people.
To find out more or to apply for subsidised tickets please visit zsl.org/cas

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.

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. Special rates for Camden networks.

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

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