Voluntary Action Camden Newsletter – 17th March 2023

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

We also have information on a range of other local events and opportunities from around the Camden area.

Learn more here

This week we would like to spotlight our story. It is a long story, but it is one that has always had the wellbeing and love of the community at its heart.

VAC developed from the social reform movements of the 19th Century. It was a period when there was no code of governance and no guidance for charitable groups, just a sense of doing what was right for the poorest in the community.
Our earliest predecessor, the Hampstead Council for Social Welfare, was setup to coordinate these efforts and it worked so well that it was quickly adopted in other areas.
In the 1930’s local focus shifted from providing relief to the poor to improving society and hygiene, and working to address the wider causes of poverty.

Between the 1930s and the 1980’s we periodically changed our name to properly reflect our activities. In 1965 the borough of Camden was created and in the 1980s we moved to Kings Cross and became Voluntary Action Camden where we specialised in facilitating partnerships, instigating collaborative work and acting as an intermediary between the community and the public sector.

Now based in Kentish Town, we continue to be here for you, to help to develop and support the Camden VCS and to do what we can to strengthen our beloved borough.

If you would like to read an expanded version of our story, please click here

Sector Infrastructure Funding Report
Voluntary sector infrastructure bodies perform vital roles supporting and enabling voluntary and community organisations, both locally and at a national level. This report from 360 Giving explores how the voluntary sector infrastructure has changed over the last 12 years, particularly by looking at its finances and funding. It highlights a number of challenges around the funding of these organisations.

To read more, including a summary of the key conclusions, please click here

Career Advice Workshop
Thursday 23 March: 11-12:30pm
At Sidings Community Centre, 150 Brassey Road, NW6 2BA

Camden Council are running a free workshop to help you land your dream job.
If you’re in need of some expert career advice, head over to Sidings Community Centre for the LinkedIn workshop. Our team will provide support with the basics of looking for new opportunities, how to create a professional LinkedIn profile, building a social network and much more.

If you’re interested, please contact jobhub@camden.gov.uk or call 0207 974 1666 for more information and how to register.

Become a Families for Life Community Champion – free training
Find out how volunteering can boost your CV and job prospects, and help share information about free, fun and healthy lifestyle programmes for families.
Join Camden Learning’s free five-week training for parents and carers who want to be Families For Life Community Champions – the course starts on Tuesday 25 April.

For more information, please email syria.chowdhury@camden.gov.uk or call 07734 603 060.

Somers Town Future Neighbourhoods 2030
Support for your Future Neighbourhoods projects and ideas.
STCA, Camden Council and University of the Arts London are working with local organisations to deliver a 12 week design-led course that supports Somers Town residents to develop their Climate Action ideas towards deliverable and funding-ready purposes.

If you are interested, please email jobhub@somerstown.org.uk or join us at:
A Lunchtime Workshop: The Living Centre (2 Ossulston St. NW1 1DF)
Monday 20th March.
To RSVP to this event, please contact info@thelivingcentre.org

Litter picking and the Great British Spring Clean
Help keep Camden clean by taking part in Keep Britain Tidy’s Great British Spring Clean from 17th March to 2nd April.
If you’re organising a community litter pick then Camden Veolia can provide litter picking equipment.
To find out more, please click here

Free ‘Making Every Contact Count’ training
The council is providing free Making Every Contact Count training courses to all staff, volunteers and residents working or living in Camden.
Even short conversations can be used to help to someone who is struggling. MECC is designed to help you to make the most of everyday conversations with residents, and support them with whatever challenges they may be facing.
To view the courses and book, please click here

Free Community Festival at the Likewise Community Centre – “Zen in Mind”
Thursday 30th March, 12pm-5pm

The Zen Project and Mind in Camden bring to you another of their monthly festivals to celebrate mental health and support the local Camden community. The festival is open to all and all the activities are free: free food, massage, mindfulness sessions and more.
Climb on board the big yellow American school bus and take part in one of our activities to help create some calm and ease anxiety. We have something for everyone.
No need to book – just turn up.
For more information, please click here

Camden’s Windrush 75 Programme
22nd June 2023 marks the 75 anniversary of the arrival of HMS Windrush in 1948.
This is a significant milestone; it is the last chance to honour the living pioneers but to also open a wider public conversation about the past present and future of the UK.
As part of the programme, Camden’s Culture Team will be creating a series of podcasts which explores Camden’s Windrush generation, past, present, and future and are inviting members of the community to participate throughout May.
For more information and to get involved please email culture@camden.gov.uk

SWC brain workshop
Have you ever walked passed the big, wavy building on Howland Street and wondered what research goes on there?
Sainsbury Wellcome Centre are designing some fun things about the brain to display to the public. They want to know what local people think, feel, know (and want to know!) about how the brain works.

Join a Brain Workshop on 28th or 29th March. No experience required, £50 voucher for attending.
To find out more and register, please click here

Young People for Inclusion
Young People for Inclusion is re-launching on 31st March 2023!
YPFI is a youth group for 16- to 25-year-olds who are disabled, learning disabled or neurodivergent: we run activity based sessions combined with life skills, independence building and youth empowerment, and we support young disabled people to create change in the community.
Delivered by Elfrida Rathbone, and based at Somers Town Community Association once every 2 weeks until summer.
Contact andy@elfridacamden.org.uk, and see the webpage for more info and dates.

West Hampstead Community Centre free bimonthly Coffee morning
Tuesday 21st March from 11am to 12:30pm

Please come along and join Beatrice for the regular free bimonthly Coffee morning on Tuesday 21st March from 11am to 12:30pm at the West Hampstead Community Centre. It is an opportunity to find out what’s on and to tell us what you want to happen.
You are welcome afterwards to join our free warm hub from 12:00 to 2pm, our very own cook Holly makes delicious vegetarian homemade soup from Monday to Thursday .
We hope to see you there!

Mind in Camden vacancy – Community Development Manager
Closing Date: 3rd April at 1.00pm

This is an exciting opportunity with Mind in Camden to lead and develop a Community Development Service as part of the new Camden Mental Health Alliance.
Taking ownership of our the newly rebranded Community Development Service that works with local BME communities, you will ensure that we continue to reach under-served communities.
To learn more and download an application pack, please click here, or phone 020 7911 0822 (24hrs), or email recruitment@mindincamden.org.uk

Become a Trustee of SHAK
SHAK (South Hampstead and Kilburn Community Partnership) is a resident led charity based on the iconic Alexandra and Ainsworth estate in the Kilburn ward of Camden NW London, an area of high rates of deprivation and poverty but big potential. Our mission is to enable young people and adults to overcome barriers to economic and social inclusion.

We are seeking new trustees with skills in the areas of safeguarding, fundraising, strategy development etc. . We are particularly interested in increasing representation at board level from minority communities
To learn more and apply, please click here

Talk for Health vacancy: Programme Manager
Closing date: 13th April

Talk for Health is a small, innovative and award-winning mental health social enterprise on a mission to make therapy accessible to all.
We teach people the skills of therapeutic talk and enable them to participate and/or lead in a network of ongoing groups to support theirs and others mental wellbeing.
We are looking for a Programme Manager who will lead on our service operations across Camden and Islington.
To learn more and apply, please click here

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

VAC Cost-of-Living Crisis Resource
The cost-of-living crisis remains a huge concern for families, businesses, and the Community and Voluntary Sector.

VAC works hard to keep our cost-of-living resource page continually updated as part of our efforts to help community groups and residents in Camden navigate through the crisis.

To find out more on the support available, which includes information about local warm hubs, local assistance schemes, Council resources and more, please click here

Cost of Living Document
London Plus’ cost of living support and resources document is filled with useful resources for those experiencing difficulties as a result of the the cost of living crisis. It is always being updating, so it’s worth checking to see if there’s anything new

Cost of Living Good Practice
London Plus also have an organisational good practice document, which spotlights some of the great work from the sector, helping to mitigate the impact of the cost of living crisis. If you have anything useful that could be added to these documents, please contact Henry at info@londonplus.org

Food Aid Resources
The London’s Lifelines website now has a page dedicated to food aid resources, specifically for organisations providing food to those hardest hit by the crisis. It’s still in the early stages and they are looking for more content to add, so if you are a food aid organisation and would like us to include any information, please contact lvsg@londonplus.org

FSI announces closure
Trustees at the Foundation for Social Improvement (FSI) have announced that they will be formally winding up the infrastructure charity, due to funding issues. FSI had recently partnered with NCVO to deliver the legacy of the Small Charities Coalition, after it closed down in 2022
To learn more, please click here

Links to Local VCS Newsletters has been moved to the end of this newsletter

VAC administered Google Grants
The VAC administered Google Grants scheme is still ongoing.

VAC have been funded by Google to provide up to £300 per quarter for small organisations looking to book one-off spaces to work in or to hold community sessions and training, and up to £600 for the ongoing rent of office and hot desking space.

It is available to small voluntary or community sector organisation with income under £150,000 a year looking to book a venue in Camden.

To find out more, please click here
or get in contact with Ricky at Rsingh@vac.org.uk

Go! London Partnership
Expressions of interest deadline: 28th March

The purpose of Go! London is to use the power of sport and physical activity to transform the lives of young Londoners. The focus is on under-served children and young people aged 4-24, those at a higher risk of poverty, social exclusion and discrimination.
To discover more about the initiatives this fund supports and the information sessions happening in the coming week, please click here

Climate Action Fund – Energy and Climate
This funding aims to inspire and support communities across the UK to address the energy and climate crisis. We’re looking for projects that show how communities can address climate change while tackling the energy challenges through community-led climate action.
To learn more, please click here

Hong Kong Community Fund
Closing date: 27th March

The Greater London Authority (GLA) has launched the Hong Kong Community Fund for 2023, following on from the success of the Welcoming Hongkongers Fund.
The fund aims to support Hongkongers, to make them feel welcomed and build a sense of belonging in their new communities in London.
For more information, including details on an online application support session, please click here

London Catalyst’s ‘Partners for Health’ grants
Closing date: Thursday 1st June – 5:00pm

Is your charity tackling health inequalities?
London Catalyst’s ‘Partners for Health’ grants are now open for applications for projects that can demonstrate:
Positive outcomes for people facing significant barriers to health.
A new approach or thoughtful development of service.
Partnership between health and community organisations
For more information, please click here

Cost of Living Support for Youth Organisations
Rolling deadline

Charitable and not-for-profit youth organisations delivering high-quality youth provision whose work is being hindered, curtailed, or cut back due to rising core costs can apply for funding to address these unprecedented demands.
UK Youth, in partnership with Pears Foundation, is offering unrestricted multi-year grants for charitable and not-for-profit youth organisations with an annual turnover of less than £500,000 to help them cover rising prices and increased costs due to the cost-of-living crisis.
To learn more, please click here

Grants to Improve Accommodation for Domestic Abuse Survivors
The Mayor of London, working in partnership with the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) is offering a new programme supporting safe, psychologically informed environments (PIE) for survivors of domestic abuse
To learn more, please click here (login required)

Transforming Futures Fund
Closing date: 20th March

Funding to help create positive, lasting change for transgender people in England.
For more details, please click here

To re-discover funding removed from this list, please see our newsletter archive here

Other available funders include:

• Camden Giving
• Grants Online
• My Funding Central
• Idox Camden 4 Community
• VAC main funding page

Cost of Living Bus Event at Castlehaven
22nd March: 11am – 3pm

On Wednesday 22nd, Castlehaven Community Association are holding a Cost of Living Advice Bus Event in partnership with Camden Council at 23 Castlehaven Road, London NW1 8RU
Citizen Advice Bureaux (CAB), Mary Ward Legal Advice, Rent Arrears, Castlehaven services and lots more will be attending and you will be able to ask for 1-2-1 advice on a range of topics. These might include: Help with cost-of-living crisis funding applications, help with debt, help with energy bills, help with rent arrears and support with food.

If you cannot attend this date, there are other COL bus events happening in the borough, find out more here

Good Work Camden: Supporting refugees into council vacancies
28th March: 12.30 – 2pm
At 5 Pancras Square, N1C 4AG

In collaboration with Camden Council’s HR department, Good Work Camden is delivering an insight session to support refugees into council vacancies.
The session will:
Provide an overview of Camden Council job applications, including reasonable adjustments.
Give you an overview of how to apply to temporary work with the council through our Talent Pool.
Share live vacancies with hiring managers in attendance.
An interview tips and mock interview session to support your journey into work.
Insight in to the benefits of an apprenticeship and how to apply.

Translators will also be available.
For further information, please click here or contact jobhub@camden.gov.uk to register

Free online training: Managing Access and Inclusion
21st March: 10am-12pm

This training is provided by the ASAS service (Access and Sustainability Advisory Service). The ASAS service primarily focuses on helping registered charities make their premises more accessible for people with a variety of different disabilities including physical, visual and hearing impairments.
The training will focus on: the principles of inclusive design, understanding different access needs, the Equality Act & legislation, access guide, access audit & design appraisals and support and resources for London based charities.
If you would like to attend, please contact ASAS@cae.org.uk

NHS and Camden Council: Community Health Event
Saturday 25th March: 12pm-4pm
Location: Lismore Circus, 1-2 Lismore Circus, NW5 4QF

As part of our long-term health inequalities work, Camden Council, in partnership with NHS colleagues from Brondesbury Medical Centre, are holding a Community Health event in Lismore Circus.
This event will bring together and highlight all aspects of health which will include education, physical activity, NHS health checks, family activities and many more to be confirmed.
It is an opportunity to bring people together to open up the conversation of health and wellbeing and get people engaged in health services.

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.

The Royal Free Charity vacancy: Young Volunteers Programme Manager
This is a full-time role, 37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday that requires attendance in the office and travel between RFC sites (Chase Farm, Barnet, Finchley Memorial and Hampstead hospitals).

If you would like to view the job description please click here or email jobs@royalfreecharity.org
If interested, please submit a CV, equal opportunity form and supporting statement addressing how you meet the criteria set out in the job description and person specification.

Castlehaven Community Association vacancy: Ageactivity 60+ Project Co-ordinator
Closing date: 20th March

CCA is looking for a caring, organised person to deliver their over 60’s programme, Ageactivity 60+. This is a part-time role with a 12-month contract, perfect for someone who has experience working with older people.
Find out more about the role and how to apply, please click here

SPCA Vacancy: Caretaker Cleaner (Part-time)
Closing date: 31st March
St Pancras Community Association are looking for a reliable and energetic Caretaker/Cleaner to join our part-time caretaking team.
For more information and to apply please click here

Trustee Opportunity at HWCT
Closing date: 20th March

The Hampstead Wells and Campden Trust (HWCT) makes grants benefiting people in the northwest of Camden. We are seeking Trustees to help the charity soundly navigate its future while providing as much help as we can to voluntary groups and services working locally and to people in need in our community.
For more information, please click here

Affordable Spaces for Rent in Kilburn
Need a space for an event, activity, or class? Or a place to work, whether on an ad-hoc or permanent basis? Are you looking for a local and accessible space?

Latin American House offers a range of bright, recently renovated spaces, with prices ranging between £28 and £55 an hour. We are conveniently located in Kilburn close to several transport connections, and are always happy to discuss any accommodations you may require.
Please click here to find out more about our spaces. Remember that voluntary organisations in Camden can also rent a space at Latin American House for free with VAC’s Google Grants scheme.

The Players of St. Peter seeking to rent storage area
The Players of St. Peter has been performing Medieval Mystery Plays for over 70 years and keeping alive an important English tradition. Since its inception in 1946 the group has performed pre-Reformation plays updated for a modern audience. Now based at St. Saviour’s church, South Hampstead, we welcome new actors and backstage helpers of all abilities. If you would like to join us please get in touch.

We are currently seeking to rent about 75 square feet of storage in the area to house our collection of costumes and props. If you are able to help then please get in touch at: info@theplayersofstpeter.org.uk

Local VCS Newsletters:

SHAK
Young Camden Foundation (Funding Newsletter)
Young Camden Foundation (Events and Training Newsletter)
AWN (sign up)
London Sport (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)
Heath Hands
UCL Volunteering Service Newsletter (sign up)
Latin American House
London Irish Centre

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

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Greenwood Centre, Greenwood Place, London, NW5 1LB

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