Membership is free, click on the link box below and join us today

• VAC and VCC Trustee Network
• VAC CEO Network
• New peer-peer support group for people setting up new community groups and charities in Camden.
• VAC Training for Members
• We also have our usual information on events and opportunities from around the Camden area.

Camden CEO Network
Similar to the trustee network, the CEO Network is for leaders of local voluntary sector organisations in Camden to discuss issues and ideas for the mutual benefit of the VCSE. The Network is there to encourage, guide, support and develop voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector leaders. Find out more on our website: https://vac.org.uk/get-involved/forums-and-networks/camden-ceo-network/. You can also join our dedicated CEO Community of Practice group for access to a dedicated email group to share information, best practice and insights, including access to a quarterly round up of relevant news and guidance and resources for current and aspiring CEO’s.

Camden New Groups Network
We know the importance of having someone to talk to when you are just starting out, so whether you have recently registered your organisation; are drafting your Articles of Association; or developing a fundraising strategy, this group is for you. This is a closed group to anyone who we have supported over the past year. Please email vguetova@vac.org.uk today to join the Camden New Group Network and participate in its inaugural meeting coming soon.         

VAC Training for Members

• Safeguarding Advanced: Developing Knowledge and Understanding: Thursday 5th of October 10:00 – 15:00
• Thinking of setting up a CIC: Thursday 19th October 2023 10:30am to 12:00pm   

See details and book a place in our Events and Training section

Flexible, affordable meeting spaces for hire 

Located just around the corner from King’s Cross Station, our eco-friendly conference suite is easy to find and offers great value for money for charities and other organisations. Book an NCVO meeting room. 

NAVCA: How collaboration in social prescribing helps our communities

We know that the wellbeing of our local communities can be improved when NAVCA members work in partnership with health systems. That’s why we have recently published a set of new social prescribing resources, which aim to help facilitate better conversations and collaborations between local infrastructure organisations and Primary Care Networks. On our blog, we explore the importance of partnership working, and share our new resources  Social Prescribing | NAVCA .

Read more here.

Choose the right NHS service for you and your family

NHS North Central London Integrated Care Board  are urging people to take extra care and to access NHS services wisely during the upcoming industrial action by both senior and junior doctors taking place from 7:00am on Monday 2 October to 7:00am on Thursday 5 October.

The strikes are likely to have an impact on some NHS services and see some appointments disrupted.

However, please attend your booked GP or hospital appointments unless you are told otherwise.

Click here for more advice on how to access NHS services if you need medical help during the strikes.

The Royal Parks – Be mindful in nature…

Join us on a series of free accessible guided ecotherapy sessions to disconnect from the day and reconnect with yourself and nature. With a wide range of experience working with people with a variety of conditions ecotherapist Mimi, will lead you through practicing mindfulness in a peaceful pocket of The Regent’s Park.

For more information and to book a place visit https://royalparks.org.uk/whats-on/accessible-guided-ecotherapy-01102023                                                           Accessible Guided Ecotherapy | The Royal Parks

Newsletter Submissions
Please send any information (approximately 50-75 words long) that you would like included in our weekly newsletter to social@vac.org.uk by no later than 12pm on Wednesday for inclusion in the Friday newsletter. 

Every week VAC checks various sources for the latest funding opportunities relevant for Camden groups.
You can visit our website for a round up of the latest opportunities added this week:  https://vac.org.uk/our-services/fundraising/current-funding-opportunities/

If you need help sourcing or applying for funds, get in touch with our consultancy service, free for all Camden groups!

Here’s a quick snapshot of funds added to our website this week:

The Greater London Authority
is seeking organisations to apply for a share of £11m in UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) to support young Londoners across three strands of activity focusing on NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training).

Application Deadline

5pm on Wednesday 18th October 2023

Please click here for more details.

Pathways Fund

This fund is for youth-led groups that are working to change unjust laws, policies, practices, and cultures that have directly affected their lives and the communities of those they share these experiences with.

Application Deadline: Applicants are encouraged to submit applications before mid-October. 

Please click here for more details.

Organisations across England are being invited to bid for a share of £1 million of government funding to buy life-saving defibrillators for community spaces like town halls, local parks or post offices. The DHSC Community Automated External Defibrillator (CAED) Fund will support provision of 2000 AEDs. These will be distributed across England during 2023-2024, supporting any organisation based in England that is not eligible for the current Department of Education AED programme.

Application Deadline: 21 September 2024, 11:59pm

Please click here for more details.

Our Christmas Connections programme is all about connecting older adults over the Christmas period. Grants of up to £1,000 will be available to support organisations running activities for people over 65 in their community over the festive period.

Funding will only be open to organisations with an annual income of LESS than £250,000.

Registered Charities, Community Groups and Community Interest Companies are eligible to apply.

Application Deadline: Activities must take place between 1st December, 2023 and 2nd January, 2024.

More Detail

Please click here for more details.

VAC UPCOMING TRAINING:
Open to VAC Members only
If you are a voluntary service or group delivering services in Camden and are not a member of VAC, please join here: https://vac.org.uk/get-involved/membership

Safeguarding Advanced: Developing Knowledge and Understanding
Thursday 5th October: 10am – 3pm (Light lunch and refreshments provided);             Location: Conference Room, Crowndale Centre, Third Floor, 218 Eversholt St, London NW1 1BD
This face-to-face training session is free and designed to develop existing knowledge and understanding of safeguarding processes; Guest speaker in the afternoon: Camden Prevent – Understanding radicalisation, extremism and terrorism.
To book a place follow the link below:
https://vac.org.uk/event/safeguarding-advanced-protecting-children-in-the-community/

Thinking of setting up a CIC                                                         Thursday 19th October 2023 10:30am to 12:00pm
A CIC (Community Interest Company) is the often the first organisational structure community groups decide upon.
In this workshop, participants can expect to hear from a local CIC about the journey to registration, discuss the pros and cons, ask questions, and help one another decide if this is an option for your group.
To book a place follow the link:
https://vac.org.uk/event/thinking-of-setting-up-a-cic/

The NSPCC Hub for London and South East -Signposting and Safeguarding Support in Camden  – Virtual Workshop
Thursday 12th October: 1pm – 2pm

The NSPCC Hub for London and South East is based in Camden, and through the hub model, they deliver campaigns, school services and direct services, in collaboration with families, partners, schools, social services, the local community and other organisations.

Amy Campo McEvoy – NSPCC’S Relationship Manager, will explain how the national charity aims to work with more people, reach more children and make the biggest impact they can to stop child abuse and neglect, and how organisations in Camden can work with NSPCC.   
To Book:                                                                          https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/signposting-and-safeguarding-support-in-camden-tickets-726816657187?aff=oddtdtcreator

OTHER EVENTS AND TRAINING:            

Looking at sharpening your skills in Regulation Financial Planning? The Verve Foundation is running a new cohort, and it’s free for candidates. Find out more on their website

Youth programmes on Hampstead Heath
Heath Hands’ term-time youth programmes have restarted on Hampstead Heath – these include youth volunteering on Saturday mornings (10am-12pm) and our youth wellbeing programme for young people struggling with school attendance (Friday mornings 10am-12pm). We also run free nature outings for youth groups. Find out more about all of these here.

Hedgehog Friendly Heath
Heath Hands has a new project working with local residents, community groups and schools to improve wildlife connectivity around Hampstead Heath for hedgehogs (and other species). Have you seen a hedgehog in the area recently? Would you like advice on how to make your garden or local green space more wildlife-friendly?  Find out more about our project and get involved here.
You can also support Heath Hands’ hedgehog crowdfunder to help support this work protecting North London’s key population of hedgehogs and the area a more wildlife-friendly space – for every £1 donated, Aviva donates £2 as part of the Save our Wild Isles community fund.

Rooms for hire at Holborn House, Holborn Community Association
Two spaces suitable for team away days, workshops or short-term office rental. The Green room for up to 10 people, £25 an hour, discount for smaller charities. The workspace for up to 4 people, £20 an hour. We are fully accessible with lift. Wi-Fi and refreshments available. Both rooms have flexible spaces with natural daylight. Enquires to Admin@holborncommunity.co.uk

#Getatheatreticket

Further Than The Edge are offering FREE theatre tickets to see The Morphea at the Bloomsbury Festival thanks to support from CamdenGiving.

Sat 14th and Sun 15th October at 5pm at  Studio Theatre, RADA, WC1E 7EX

If you’re a group or organisation, or a member of one, that works with Camden communities and would like to be part of this initiative, get in touch with us asap! contact@furtherthantheedge.com 

Free adult community learning courses – enrolling now
Do you want to:

• Gain a qualification and improve your digital skills to find work?
• Improve your reading, writing and English speaking?
• Support your child with their schoolwork?
• Gain a childcare qualification?
• Learn more about your wellbeing and local area                                                        Check out free adult community learning courses in Camden – enrolling now

Young Camden Foundation events

Autism & SEND Training 

• Date: October 12th
• Time: 12:45 – 3:00 PM
• Location: N1C Centre, N1C 4BQ
• Sign up: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/level-up-youth-work-camden-autism-send-training-tickets-723304602537?aff=oddtdtcreator

Join Young Camden Foundation for a comprehensive training session led by the Autism Hub, focused on Autism and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This workshop is perfect for youth workers, educators, and anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of how to support young people with Autism. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your skills and make a positive impact on the lives of young people in our community.

Speed Networking Event

• Date: October 31st
• Time: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
• Location: Warren Centre, W1T 5JU
• Sign up: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/level-up-youth-work-speed-networking-event-tickets-717101478827?aff=oddtdtcreator

Our Speed-Networking event is the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, share experiences, and explore potential collaborations within the youth work field. There will be refreshments provided. Our last speed-networking event completely sold out, so make sure to come along! 

Participation People
Live, study, or work in Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey, or Islington? Aged 14-20? Exciting news! Join our Youth Champions program to shape healthcare for your community. Collaborate with leaders, develop skills, and make friends. Fun, creativity, and pizza await! First event: Sept 30, 11 AM – 3 PM, London W1T 6AQ. Contact Temi at 07734 387 365 or temi@participationpeople.com. Be part of change and enjoy the journey. Don’t miss out! Join us today!

ScotsCare offers free monthly lunch
ScotsCare is a London charity offering support to Scots in London including a free monthly lunch near Euston. Scots over 50 ( first or second generation) are welcome – to register with ScotsCare , call 0800 652 2989. Other free services include a choir, advocacy, counselling and grants.

Remix Dance – free street dance classes
Old Diorama Arts Centre, in Regent’s Place NW1, is seeking participants for their boys-only and older group classes (ages 11 and above).Their dance teacher, Boogie, is an original member of the renowned street dance group, Flawless. The Remix Dance classes will be working on a showcase that will be performed at The Place dance venue in King’s Cross in November.
For more information, please contact Participation Manager, Mariam Hassan – mariam@olddiorama.com, 020 3951 8983, or 07361 862 104.

Camden Local Studies and Archives Centre
Tuesday 3rd October 2023 at 6pm

The Mercenary River
London’s Water History and the Hampstead Waterworks – an illustrated historical talk by Nick Higham at the Camden Local Studies & Archives Centre, 2nd Floor, Holborn Library, 32-38 Theobalds Road, London WC1X 8PA

Admission Free

UCL SOCIAL HACKATHON     Applications are open
We’ve just opened our applications for our Social Hackathons taking place between the 6^th and the 10^th of November, from 10am-4pm.
These are one-day events in which the successful organisations get a group of UCL student volunteers to come up with practical solutions to a community/business need or problem. If you’re successful in your application, you’ll also get £500 from us to help turn the volunteers’ ideas from the hackathon day into a reality!
Please make sure to read our Info for Organisations page for more details.
If you want to apply to take part in our Social Hackathons, please do so here by Sunday the 8^th of October.  
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me any time before the deadline-
csenge.gabeli@ucl.ac.uk
STUDENTS’ UNION UCL
Volunteering Service

Charity Bank to host Free Events on Navigating Change and the Role of Sustainable Finance
Charity Bank is inviting trustees, directors, CEOs and managers of charities, social enterprises and community organisations to attend a series of free regional events in September and October. Held in collaboration with local and national sector partners, the events will explore the critical role of sustainable finance in driving positive change and fostering thriving communities. Speakers will include national and regional experts.
Secure your free place today!
London
Date: Tuesday 3^rd October
Time: 9:30am – 12:30pm
Location: Museum of Brands, London
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/navigating-change-london-sustainable-finance-for-making-an-impact-tickets-686241405517?aff=oddtdtcreator

World Mental Health Day
Is on the 10th October, and Camden Council is providing a free mental health trainings to staff and residents.

Camden Council have two trainings coming up across October and November, but places go quickly so click the links to book your spot!

• Managing Stress: Understand the impact of stress on our wellbeing and how to manage it.
• Mental Health for Managers: Learn about mental ill-health in the context of the workplace and how to support an employee.

Not Just A Conference- Embrace the unique brain injury way of life
#embracethechaos’ is a unique insight into the complexities of brain injury, led by experts with lived experience alongside specialists within the field.
Not Just a Conference is open to professionals who work with people living with brain injury, to feel empowered and curious.
Thursday, 19^th October
£30 / £10 – concession
Sign up by following: Not Just a Conference – Headway East London

British Somali Community are seeking a dynamic, proactive, part-time Development and Operations Manager
British Somali Community is a refugee women-led charity with a 30-year history of delivering much needed services in education, family support, advocacy, and health programmes to the community.

We are seeking a dynamic, proactive, part-time Development and Operations Manager to oversee, grow and develop our organisation to continue to serve our community as we deal with an increase in demand for our services post pandemic and with the rise in the Cost-of-Living crisis.

Deadline: 9/10/2023

 Find our more: https://uk.indeed.com/job/development-and-operations-manager-46e746c07dbee0a3                                          

Hampstead Wells and Camden Trust recruiting new Board Chair
The local grant-making charity for NW Camden (NW3, NW6 and Camden parts of NW2 and NW8), focused on alleviating poverty and tackling homelessness and health inequalities. We are seeking our next chair and want an enthusiastic, engaged, collaborative individual to contribute to our continued development. Voluntary role, travel costs, etc covered.  For more details on the role and how to apply visit https://hwct.org.uk/trustees/  Deadline 3 October 2023.

NCVO are looking for a successor for the outgoing chair of the NCVO finance and commercial committee The NCVO Treasurer will step away in Autumn 2024. Find out more about the role and apply. 

FEAST With Us Vacancies: Camden Food Partnership (CFP) Coordinator & Volunteer Admin 
Closing date 30 Sept 23 

FEAST use surplus food to provide nutritious community meals to vulnerable people in North London. Vacancies: 

• CFP Coordinator – lead the existing network of c40 VCS and other food organisations in Camden Borough, in partnership with Camden Council. 
• Volunteer Administrator – help manage the c300 volunteers who support them with their meal services in Camden and north London. 

Fitzrovia Youth in Action is looking for a new Chairperson to lead the charity  
We are looking for people who reflect the community in which we work and who have a range of skills and experiences. We would love to hear from Camden residents or people who work in Camden, although this is not an essential requirement.  To find out more, please visit http://www.fya.org.uk/fya-chair-person-recruitment/. If you have any questions, or would like to talk about the role, please contact our current Chair Natalie Speranza on natalie.speranza@gmail.com.
Please submit a CV, including an email explaining why you are interested in the role to info@fya.org.uk. The closing date for applications is Sunday 8th October 202

The People’s Museum Somers Town is looking for volunteers
The People’s Museum Somers Town has made a space for the ‘Radical Reformer Uncommon People’s histories of an area at risk from development, recording change now, as well as saving working class heritage. We are looking for volunteers for the role of  Refill & Reuse Educator – Save the planet and get others to refill glasses and bottles so we don’t keep using plastics! Flexible hours at weekends/ Fridays. Expenses paid and commission on sales. Location: Outdoor King’s Cross market.                                              Email: diana@aspaceforus.club                            www.aspaceforus.club

Single Homeless Project
SHP is open to recruit new peer mentor volunteers.
If you have lived experience of substance use, mental health, homelessness and the criminal justice system and are now in a stable place in your recovery and would like to give back through volunteering, please contact peermentoring@shp.org.uk for an application pack.

Ascension Trust – Bridge Watch – Suicide Prevention Programme
A new programme is being delivered by the Ascension Trust in partnership with a range of stakeholders including the RNLI, Police, Port of London Authority, and the NHS, and working across several mental health charities.
The project aims to train and develop volunteers to act as a ‘physical presence’ around the bridges of the Thames, to identify and support those who are at risk of self-harm and suicide by listening, understanding, talking, and working with a team to provide support needed to help them.
If you are interested in finding out more, express your interest here

Institute for Voluntary Action Research (IVAR) vacancy: Senior Researcher x2         
IVAR are looking for two experienced researchers or project managers to join our dynamic team. The role encompasses leading evaluations, research and facilitation. Projects will include work with individual organisations, multi-stakeholder programmes and sector-wide projects that build dialogue between charities and funders. We are looking for people who will thrive on this mix and are comfortable with the wide-ranging responsibilities that come with working in a small organisation.
To learn more and apply, please click here

Clean Break seeks Female Catering Chef Volunteers  

Clean Break Theatre is based in Kentish Town is currently recruiting for Female Catering Chef Volunteers for one day a week either on Monday or Wednesday 10-2.30pm. For further information please contact volunteering@cleanbreak.org.uk or go to our website to download the role description About Us | Clean Break

Social Media volunteer for Further Than The Edge             
We are a theatre production and performance group Further Than The Edge. We’re looking for a Social Media volunteer for our production The Morphea in October at the Bloomsbury Festival. A good opportunity if you want to get involved in the arts sector. We’re a small, friendly team and can provide references. Interested? Contact Rowenna at: artists@furtherthantheedge.com

Touch Project vacancy: Administrator
Touch Project is looking for an administrator, initially for 3-4 hours per week with the potential for more as the organisation expands in social prescribing for BEH & C&I NHS Foundation Trust. We would prefer a volunteer, but we are willing to pay a London living wage to the right applicant.
The role would work with our founder Kathy and would involve data entry, a monthly news email and other administrative duties. To learn more about Touch Project, please click here
and apply for the role by contacting Kathy on 07923737813.
Kathy is dyslexic and would prefer text messages, voice notes or phone calls
 
St Pancras Community Association Facilities & Admin Manager, part time
The role includes overseeing daily office operations, managing supplies and equipment, liaising with vendors and providing administrative support to the team. In addition, the role includes undertaking all of the Centre’s Health and Safety requirements, as well as taking responsibility for our Hall Hire business, nurturing relationships with clients to encourage repeat business.
See the full description and apply online.  (https://spca.org.uk/jobs/#jobs)                              Closing date: 4 October 2023.
 
SPCA Marketing and Communications Executive, part time
Play a crucial role in raising SPCA’s brand in the community. You will be responsible for our marketing and communications strategy and content; manage key communications channels including our website, newsletters, and social media; and coordinate with colleagues to generate content across the organisation.
See the full description and apply online.  (https://spca.org.uk/jobs/#jobs)
Closing date: 4 October 2023

Mill Lane Garden Centre Vacancy: Seasonal Staff
Mill Lane Garden Centre is a West Hampstead based social enterprise garden centre, providing training and learning to people with a learning disability.
We’re looking for friendly and outgoing people to work at our garden centre from the end of November until just before Christmas. This position involves supporting with Christmas tree deliveries, moving, and packing Christmas trees all whilst providing excellent customer service to the local community.
For more information, please click here. 

Age UK Camden and VAC Social Prescribers Innovators Programme 
A new initiative is being delivered by the Camden Care Navigation and Social Prescribing Service, hosted by Age UK Camden (AUC) and Voluntary Action Camden.
The project aims to develop volunteering within the service as a way to help retain existing social prescribers and to support successful recruitment to new social prescriber roles.
Contact Mandira at mmanandhar@vac.org.uk if you are interested in volunteering on this new venture.

Local VCS Newsletters:

SHAK
Young Camden Foundation (Funding Newsletter)
Young Camden Foundation (Events and Training Newsletter)
AWN (sign up)
Fitzrovia Community Centre
Coram’s Field Community Newsletter (sign up)
CAWH Newsletter
St Pancras Community Association (sign up)
Castlehaven in Bloom (sign up)
UCL Volunteering Service Newsletter (sign up)
Latin American House
London Irish Centre
North London Cares: Upcoming Clubs
Castlehaven Community Association (sign up)
Heath Hands

If you would like your Camden VCS newsletter added to this list, please email social@vac.org.uk

Looking for a previous newsletter entry? Find it in our archive here

Find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here