Voluntary Action Camden Newsletter – 21st July 2023

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

We also have our usual range of information on events and opportunities from around the Camden area.

Community Links is the access point for the Camden Care Navigation and Social Prescribing Service and it is hosted by Voluntary Action Camden. The Community Links Team are particularly interested in harnessing the data gathered from anonymised social prescribing referrals to help improve health and well-being outcomes for Camden residents.

Such data can be used to identify trends on residents’ needs, and share insights with partners in the council and NHS to help improve local services. This is explored further in this datawise London case study on VAC and social prescribing.

There have been hundreds of Green Social prescribing referrals since 2021 ranging from support for physical health conditions and recovery to issues of social isolation and mental health. This is where Green Social prescribing excels. It works by finding healthy activities and social opportunities in Camden’s green spaces and parks.

Walks and other activities in our local green spaces have helped many, with, for example, 100% of respondents to our latest survey on the subject telling us that they would use the service again, and recommend it to others.

Alongside referrals we have the VAC Green Social Prescribing Directory where you are able to find a local VCS organisations and the wide range of outdoor activities they offer.

If you would like your organisation included in this directory, please contact info@vac.org.uk

Consultant doctors and dentists strike action
Consultant doctors and dentists are taking strike action for 48 hours from 07:00 on Thursday 20th July until 07:00 on Saturday 22nd July that will affect NHS services. During the two days of action, consultants will provide Christmas Day style cover, meaning they will continue to provide an ’emergency care only’ level of service.

If you have a health concern that is not life-threatening, support is available at NHS 111 online or by phoning NHS 111. If it is a life-threatening emergency such as serious illness or injury, you should still call 999.

If you need advice from a pharmacist, use the NHS Find a Pharmacy site, which will be updated regularly to show the opening hours of local pharmacies.

Are you new to writing grant applications? Do you struggle with writing successful funding bids?
In partnership with All Ways Network (AWN) VAC are pleased to offer all our members a place on one of our ‘Writing a Successful bid’ workshops.

These interactive workshops will take place online between July and September and are accompanied by 1-2-1 surgeries to ensure you leave with the confidence, and tools required to create a good funding application.
To learn more, please click here

Civic Data Innovation Challenge
Closing date: 4th August
The second round of the Civic Data Innovation Challenge is now open. Groups and individuals can apply for up to £60,000 to make their civic data project a reality. The GLA are looking for strong ideas that can measure one facet of civic strength in London and will be more likely to fund ideas that can reach London-wide scale.
Applications that attempt to fill a data gap outlined in the Civic Strength Index are very welcome.
For more information and to apply, please click here

Research on improving free school meals application
A team at Camden Council are doing research on the free school meals application process and are looking to speak with parents/ carers. Taking part would involve either 1:1 discussions, workshops or informal chats in community settings during August.
Participants will receive vouchers for taking part.
If your organisation can help put the team in touch with parents/ carers or be happy to convene a group, please call Sarah Rockett on 020 7974 5076 or email schoolmealsresearch@camden.gov.uk for more information.

Future of the High Street Survey
The UK’s high streets are on the cusp of transformation and the Federation of Small Business (FSB) wants to ensure that the voice of SMEs plays a part in future policy decisions. FSB’s new survey, the ‘Future of the High Street’ will run from 13th to 27th July and is open to all small businesses.
You could also win a £250 in the cash prize draw.
The survey takes approximately 8 minutes to complete.
To take part, please click here

Is joining the new social media app ‘Threads’ worthwhile for VCSE organisations?
There has been a great deal of talk recently regarding the new social media app Threads and you may be asking yourself if it is worth joining.
Here are a couple of articles which consider the pros and cons of Threads for non-profits which may help you decide.
From Nonprofit Tech for Good: Threads for Nonprofits: 5 Tips for the Early Adoption Phase
And from the directory of social change: Is Threads the answer to Twitter’s problems?

Camden Council Vacancy – Citizen Scientist
Closing date: 30th July
As a Citizen Scientist, you will help to ensure that Camden is a place where everyone has a voice. We will provide training and support to help you do this.
Using your experience and understanding of Camden as a place to live, work and study, you will help us to put our residents’ voices and experiences at the centre of everything we do. You will work closely with the Participation Team, where you will be supported to encourage strong citizen involvement in key council projects.
You do not need to be a scientist to do this job, and you don’t need an academic background to be considered for this role.
To learn more, including a sign up for a zoom information session on 25th July, please click here

SPCA Vacancies:
Programme Manager
Saint Pancras Community Association is looking for an experienced Programme Manager with exceptional programme and project management skills.
To learn more and apply, please click here

Facilities Manager
Saint Pancras Community Association are looking for an experienced Facilities Manager to ensure the Community Centre maintains it’s Health and Safety requirements, to organise bookings, and keep the centre clean and tidied to the highest possible standards.
To learn more and apply, please click here

Business Development Volunteer Support vacancy for Startup School for Seniors
As a Business Development Support Volunteer, you will be crucial in helping Advantages of Age Ltd create a new revenue stream for the organisation. Your primary focus will be identifying partnership opportunities and driving direct sales for their new online self-paced course, Startup School for Seniors, designed specifically for individuals aged 50 and above who aspire to launch their own businesses.
If you are interested, please contact suzanne@advantagesofage.com

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 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

New GSK Health Inequalities Programme – Opens for Applications
Application deadline: Monday 14th August: 5pm

The GSK Health Inequalities programme is open to registered charities that are at least one year old, located and working in the UK, with a total annual income of between £20,000 and £150,000.
Up to 15 charities will receive up to £10,000 in unrestricted funding and access to training and development valued at £2,700.
For more details, please click here

Camden Community Partner Fund 2024 to 2031
Camden Council’s Community Partner Fund is now open for applications. The deadline to submit a completed Expression of Interest form is 12 noon on Wednesday 20th September 2023.

The Fund is for Camden organisations who are deeply rooted in their communities and will provide unrestricted funding for seven years from April 2024 to March 2031.
More details about the fund including guidance notes and application form can be found here
The Community Partnership Team will be hosting three online sessions so organisations can find out more about the fund. To register for a session, please visit our website
If you have any further questions, please email vcs@camden.gov.uk

Suicide Prevention Funding
The government is due to make available a £10 million grant fund for suicide prevention VCSE organisations in England across 2023-24 to 2024-25.

The broad purpose of the fund will be two-fold. Firstly, to support the VCSE sector to meet the increased demand, in part brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic and the Cost of Living crisis. Secondly, to support development of innovative preventative activities/services aimed at people at elevated risk of suicide.
The aim is to launch the fund in the coming months.
If you are interested, please sign up to the “Find a Grant” portal, so that you receive notifications once it is launched. You can do so here

Voter ID Grants programme
As you may be aware, the Elections Act (2022) has come into force and brings with it unprecedented changes to our voting rights. Your support is needed to continue to reach under-registered and under-represented Londoners who could be disproportionately impacted.
GLA polling shows that almost 1 in 3 Londoners (32%) are still unaware of the forthcoming photo ID requirement in order to vote.

The GLA is launching phase two of the impartial Voter ID public awareness campaign. The campaign is run in coordination and collaboration with the Electoral Commission, all London borough electoral services and a broad civil society coalition.
Learn more here

Engaged Environmental Science funding
Closing date for outlines: Wednesday 20th September

NERC Engaged Environmental Science funding opportunity is open for exemplar projects that demonstrate excellence in engaged environmental science research.
We welcome: •    environmental science research responding to both scientific and public needs •    equitable partnerships with charities and other intermediaries •    leaders in public engagement with research
Applications successfully shortlisted at outline stage will be provided with a partnership bursary and invited to submit a full application.
For full information, please see the UKRI Funding Finder and register for the webinar on Monday 3rd July 2023 at 11:30am.

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

Do you want to enhance your knowledge about Diabetes?
This engaging talk, delivered by an experienced health professional, will help you understand the challenges, and make a positive impact on your health.
For more information, contact healthaven@castlehaven.org.uk or call 020 7692 2238

Free training for careers in coffee with Well Grounded
Beginning on 25th July

Well Grounded’s next free 4-week coffee course, based in Camden, will be beginning soon. It includes barista skills and qualification, employability training, and a work placement.
This in-person training will be taking place at their Camden base (but is open to people from any borough).
Contact info@wellgroundedjobs.co.uk or apply via Google Forms

Camden Palestine Festival
Sunday 23rd July: 2 – 6pm, Calthorpe Community Garden

Come along and meet cadfa’s Palestinian women visitors, enjoy Palestinian food, music, dancing, talks and more.
Entry is free and any offers to help or participate are welcome.
For more information, please email contact@cadfa.org

Go Forward Youth is looking for a Youth Services Manager to join our care-experience led team to develop a new service to be open in our Camden base from Autumn 2023.
You’d be joining us at an exciting time as we work to provide support to care-experienced young people as they make their transition to independence.
If you are interested in finding out more please see the job description here
Applications via cv and covering letter should be directed to silvie.labatut@go-forwardyouth.org

STBL Vacancies
Community Business Development and Fundraiser
We are looking for someone with the drive to lead community fundraising initiatives and provide community business support, helping to create a more sustainable and scalable business models for both SBTL and the groups we serve.
For more information and to apply, please click here

Communications Officer
We are looking for a self-starter who thrives communicating purposeful, community-inspired content via print, video, email and social media.
For more information and to apply, please click here

Applications for both positions closing on 10th August

Training Link vacancy: New Director
Closing date – Friday 28 July: 5pm.

Training Link is a basic skills training centre in Somers Town, supporting people finding work and fulfilling their potential. We are looking for a part-time Director to start in October 2023 with experience of voluntary sector management; strategy and policy development; finance; fundraising and managing staff.
£35 an hour for 7 hours a week. To arrange a discussion about the post, or for an application pack, email Peter Lush on director@traininglink.org.uk

Mind in Camden vacancy: Resources Director
Applications are invited for this key leadership role in Mind in Camden, an innovative and highly respected mental health charity.
We are looking for someone with substantial management, administration and human resources experience to manage a small team of staff engaged in providing Admin, IT, HR and Premises support to the organisation.
The post holder will be joining our Finance Director, Operations Director, CEO and Service Managers in the Senior Management team.
We welcome diversity, and applications from experienced Office/HR/Admin Managers taking a step up into a more responsible position are welcome.

To download an application pack, please click here, or phone 020 7911 0822 (24hrs), or email recruitment@mindincamden.org.uk

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.

Camden Crisis Sanctuary
Available at the Hopscotch offices from 5-11pm every day of the year, this professional service provides a safe space for anyone in Camden who needs mental health support.

This unique local service is coming up to their second anniversary helping Camden residents who need support, or just a place to decompress.
If you’d like to know more, please click here

Camden Climate Alliance Climate Connectors Programme are looking for partners
Application deadline: 28th July

Would you like to play a key role in helping to broker relationships between schools and businesses to deliver climate action locally? The Camden Climate Change Alliance are looking to partner with up to two community organisations from September 2023 – August 2024.
Funding amount: £10,000 – £15,000
Find out more here
And, If you have any questions, please contact Abigail.roberts@camden.gov.uk and Sahand.kaveh@camden.gov.uk

Special needs services and support – survey for parents and carers
Response deadline: 30th July

Camden Council wants to hear from parents and carers of children with special educational needs and / or disabilities (SEND) on what they think about local services and support.
The responses will help the council improve how Camden supports children and young people with SEND and their families. This survey is part of the SEND Strategy Implementation Plan (2022/27).

To be entered into the prize draw for a chance to win a £50 voucher, please don’t forget to provide contact details at the end of the survey.
To complete the survey please click here

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
A Space for us
North London Cares: Upcoming Clubs

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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