Voluntary Action Camden Newsletter – 21st April 2023

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

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

We spend so much of our lives surrounded by brickwork and concrete, but not too far lies the green freedom of Camden’s parks and green spaces.

If you click on our Green Social Prescribing directory, linked below, you will find a wide range of activities and social opportunities including walking groups, community gardening projects, finding the art in nature and much more.

If you want to get out and about in your free time, take a look now.
To learn more, please click here

Disability Oversight Panel Meeting
Tuesday 2nd May: 6.10pm – 8.10pm
At The Greenwood Centre, 37 Greenwood Place, NW5 1LB
This Disability Oversight Panel meeting will provide an opportunity to talk about Transport
We will hear about how the Council and Transport for London support d/Deaf and Disabled residents.

Registration: If you would like to come, please let us know by 26th April 2023 at: DisabilityOversightPanel@Camden.gov.uk

Transport: If you require travel assistance to attend the meeting, please let us know by 26th April at DisabilityOversightPanel@Camden.gov.uk Or call 020 7974 4476
There will be BSL Interpreters and a Speech to Text Reporter available at this meeting

Locality in-person event: Open day for racialised community groups
17th May: 10am-1pm
At Locality, 33 Corsham Street, London, N1 6DR

This will be a free, in-person half-day event to help increase the capacity for work around racial justice in London. The space will be for people from racialised groups to network and connect with each other whilst exploring topics relevant to their community organisations. There will be opportunities for peer support, 1-to-1 consultations with Locality staff, and specific thematic guidance around things like funding and addressing London’s Recovery Missions.
To find out more and book, please click here

Your Community, Your Imperial – scholarships for students of Black heritage
Imperial has created new scholarships for students of Black heritage as part of a £10 million investment to drive inclusivity of Black and underrepresented students, with a long-term vision of creating a legacy of Black scientists and researchers.
Find out more about these opportunities, the scholarships and life at Imperial by registering your interest here

Online CVSL Conference: VCS response to the rise in cost of living
25th May: 9:30am – 3pm

Join the Centre for Voluntary Sector Leadership (CVSL) to explore the vital role the third sector is playing when it comes to supporting communities facing economic challenges. CVSL is an Academic Centre of Excellence and part of The Open University Business School. The conference will convene practitioners, policymakers, funders and researchers to discuss their experiences and share ideas on how the sector can support the communities facing the cost of living crisis.
This event will be held online and is free to all, book your free place here

VCSE Health and Wellbeing Cost of Living Crisis guidance
The VCSE Health and Wellbeing Alliance has launched guidance on ‘Tackling the cost of living crisis and impacts on health and wellbeing: Key actions health and care policy makers, commissioners and provider organisations can take’. The resource brings together insights from across the sector and discusses how the cost of living crisis is having a significant impact on health and wellbeing with particularly acute challenges being faced by groups who already face health inequalities.
You can read the guidance here

Community Health Event – Camden Council and NHS
29th April, 12:00pm – 4:00pm
At: 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.
It is an opportunity to bring people together to open up the conversation of health and wellbeing, and to get more people engaged in health services.
This event will include education, physical activity, NHS health checks, family activities and more.

Free online digital skills and leadership training
London South Bank University, through its Dagile project, is offering free online digital skills and leadership training to employed Londoners.
The training courses are accessible online 24/7 to fit around people’s busy schedules and is supported throughout by experienced tutors. The courses, covering IT Skills, Digital Marketing and Leadership are all accredited by OCN London.
To learn more, please click here

EcoCounts Climate Workshop
Tuesday 25th April: 6.30pm in Finsbury Park
Do you want a comprehensive overview of the whole climate change science, based on the UN IPCC reports?
Climate Fresk is an engaging, well-thought-out workshop that teaches and entertains with the next one happening on Tuesday 25th at 6:30pm in Finsbury Park.
Climate change is something that should be considered in every decision we make – you can’t know too little or too much to appreciate this workshop.
To learn more and sign up, please click here

Celebrating and Collecting Camden’s Black History
Camden Local Studies & Archives Centre have published a new news item on our web page about the new Camden Black History Hub and the “Hidden Voices” project which they hope will result in the addition of new archives of Camden’s Black history for the collections of Camden Local Studies and Archives Centre.
Read the article here

Coram’s Fields Trustee vacancy
Coram’s Fields, a charity dedicated to supporting children and young people, is delighted to invite applications to join its Board of Trustees. We are looking for between 4-6 new Trustees to join our committed Board and are keen to hear from anyone who shares our enthusiasm for giving young people the best start in life.
More information and instruction on how to apply can be found here

Culpeper Community Garden Islington Vacancy
Closing date: 15th May
Culpeper Community Garden Islington is seeking  a Community Gardener for 21hrs per week
For the full details, the job description and how to apply, please email gardenworker@gmail.com

Street Storage Are Recruiting For A Referral Support Worker
Applications close midnight Sunday 30th April

Street Storage is an ambitious and innovative homelessness charity providing free, accessible storage for people experiencing homelessness. Founded in 2019, we have grown exponentially in the past 18 months and have developed a strong reputation in the sector and the homelessness community.
We are looking for a Referral Support Worker (full time) to work on site at our storage units in Camden and Hackney (soon to be Highbury & Islington) and to support our existing Referral & Outreach Manager with the management of referrals, appointments, drop in times and storage administration.

For a full JD/further details about the application process 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

VAC Consultancy Service
Contact us today if you need advice or support to develop any aspect of your established or aspiring Camden voluntary and community sector organisation.
Learn more 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

Women’s Urgent Support Fund
Round One Deadline 5pm 19th May 2023

Smallwood Trust is delivering this programme with £3 million in funding from the National Lottery Community Fund.
The programme will provide emergency funding which helps to meet the following objectives:
•    Women affected by the cost-of-living crisis and poverty gain confidence, tools, skills and support to build their financial resilience and improve their mental health.
•    Vital frontline jobs/roles and services are safeguarded or enhanced by the additional funding, allowing organisations to meet the increased need for their services.
Over two rounds of funding, the Trust aims to commit 50% of the grants to projects that support women experiencing racial inequality and/or women with disabilities.
Grants of £15,000 to £60,000 are available across three years.
To learn more, please click here

Lloyds Bank Foundation Launches New £3m Racial Equity Fund
Closing date: 31st May

Applications are now open for unrestricted grants from Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales, supporting small charities and CICs led by and working with people who face inequity because of their race or ethnicity.  Around 40 grants will be awarded to focus on immediate and long-term support to help people break free from poverty.
To learn more, 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

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

The Ubele Initiative – The Phoenix Way
Closing date: 8th May

Grants up to £20,000 are available for Black and racially minoritised community organisations working with children and young people at risk of becoming involved in violence, that have or will suffer disruption to their programmes due to the current inflation and cost of living crisis. Successful organisations will be working with young people or women and girls who are at risk.
To learn more, please click here

National Lottery Awards for All
This is a quick way to apply for smaller amounts of funding between £300 and £10,000.
This programme is here to support communities with the things that are important to them, including mitigating the impact of the cost-of-living crisis and supporting them as they seek to recover, rebuild and grow following the Covid-19 pandemic.
To learn more, 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

Are you interested in changing careers, finding a new role, or upskilling to access high-growth sectors? If so, this is an opportunity to network, meet local and inclusive employers and get the latest tips to give you the edge in the labour market.

•    Talk to employers, recruiters and training providers face-to-face
•    Network with dozens of professionals that will help you build your career
•    Have a specialist review your CV and provide improvement tips
•    Find local jobs and training courses
•    Attend pop-up workshops, delivered by recruitment specialists Matrix
•    Get a professional photo taken for your LinkedIn profile

To register, please click here
Or for further information, email goodwork@camden.gov.uk or call 0207 947 1666

IT HUB for local Disabled people at the Greenwood Centre.
Camden Disability Action will be running an IT HUB at the Greenwood Centre every Monday (bar the Bank Holiday Mondays) from 5pm to 9pm in the main foyer/reception area from now until 12th June 2023.
The IT HUB offers a warm space to local Disabled people and their friends, family and support workers. People who register on arrival, will have free use of laptops with accessible equipment plus Wi-Fi. Tea and Coffee will be provided.

To learn more, e-mail: reception@camdendisabilityaction.org.uk, call 0203 833 1111, or drop in to us at The Greenwood Centre, 37 Greenwood Place, London NW5 1LB

Talk for Health events:
Talk for Health is running a peer counselling skills programme from Friday, 21st April for 4 consecutive Fridays between 10am – 4pm at Cripplegate Foundation.
Our Programme teaches the skills of authentic talking, empathic listening and managing a group. This enables all our graduates to go on and join or set up their own ongoing groups for connection and wellbeing.
To find out more and register, please click here

Talk for Health also have an Online Special on Breathwork with practical breathing exercises to help connect the body and the mind on Wednesday, 19th April from 6pm – 8pm
To find out more and register, please click here

Celebrate Earth Day at Castlehaven
Enjoy nature-themed activities for the entire family in Castlehaven’s Community Park from 10am – 2:30pm TOMORROW.
Activities include, a scavenger hunt, making clay tree faces, hanging decorations, and making a wishing tree.
This drop-in event is free; no registration is needed. Children will need to be accompanied by an adult.
For more information, please email our Environmental team at environmentalteam@castlehaven.org.uk

Startup School for Seniors
This fully sponsored, eight-week e-Learning course is specifically designed for aspiring entrepreneurs aged 50+ in London.
Starting on 11th May, you’ll learn from entrepreneur Suzanne Noble and business coach Mark Elliott as they guide you through the process of starting a successful business of any type. Alongside the main programme is the opportunity to join their sector-specific courses aimed at Creative and Green Economy businesses.
It is a chance to learn, network and get your business off the ground.
To find out more and register, please click here

The Story of Holborn and it’s Music Halls in Ten Songs
Performed by The Good Companions
Thursday 27th April: 6pm – 7.30pm
At Camden Local Studies & Archives Centre, 2nd Floor, Holborn Library, 32-38 Theobalds Road, London WC1X 8PA

Between 1860 and 1940 Holborn was at the heart of London’s music scene. The Holborn Empire was among the most popular theatres in the city and its stars were household names.
Join the Good Companions for a musical romp through Holborn’s colourful and dramatic history, with rousing, singalong performances of the era’s classic songs.
Admission is free

Free Community Leadership Course
Starting Tuesday April 25th at St. Pancras and Somers Town Living Centre

This free, 5-week course is for Camden volunteers, VCF staff and residents (without a UK degree) who wish to develop their confidence, skills, and knowledge of community work.
Taught by Birkbeck tutors, the course covers topics such as community engagement and development, wellbeing and resilience, and project evaluation. These sessions are a great opportunity to meet others in the sector and network.
To sign up or learn more about eligibility, please click here or email a.hetherton@bbk.ac.uk with any questions.

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.

Programme and Fundraising Manager (Full time)
Closing date: 24th April

St Pancras Community Centre are looking for an experienced Programme and Fundraising Manager, with well-honed project management skills to help us deliver our exciting programme of work, impressing both our partners and funders in the process.
To learn more, please click here

Third Age Project vacancy: Deputy Manager
This is an exciting and rewarding full-time, permanent position within a successful grassroots older people’s Charity who will support and act as a successor to the General Manager.
We focus on reducing social, economic, health inequalities and empowering older people in taking on volunteering roles as co-producers of our services.
To view the job description please email tony@thirdageproject.org.uk and if you are interested, please submit a CV, and covering letter highlighting your skills and experience to the same address.

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

Earthquake Support Group
Roj Women provides group sessions in Turkish for those who were affected by the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. The sessions will be facilitated by two therapists to offer a safe space to think and talk about the impact of earthquakes on the community.
1st Group is for women on Mondays 17-24 April & 1 May at 11:30am at Selby Centre
2nd Group is for everyone on Sundays 16-23 & 30 April at 1:30pm at Kurdish Community Centre

Interested in saving money and energy?
Come along to Castlehaven Community Centre from 11am – 12:30pm on the 27th April for a free advice session with Camden Think & Do and Power Up North London.
Learn the tips and tricks that can help you save money, reduce your carbon footprint, and make your home more energy efficient.
For more information, please email ellie@thinkanddocamden.org.uk

Camden Libraries fine amnesty
Please return your overdue library books to any of the Camden Libraries before 30th June and all existing fines on the returned books will be waived.

North London Cares social clubs
Each month North London Cares run free social clubs in the community, either outdoors or in a local venue, online and on the phone.
We understand that being involved and connected can look different for everyone and hope there is something coming up this month that appeals to you.
To find out more please click here or call 0207 118 3838 – option 1 for Social Clubs.

Volunteer Week 2023
Volunteers’ Week 2023 (1st -7th June) is an annual celebration of the contribution millions of people make across the UK through volunteering in their communities.
This year’s website is now live and it is full of information and resources, have a look here

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

Our mailing address is:
Greenwood Centre, Greenwood Place, London, NW5 1LB

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