Voluntary Action Camden Newsletter – 24th February 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.

Looking for a collaboration with like-minded groups working towards similar goals?

Looking for rooms to hire or, as winter slowly starts to recede, activities available on our local green spaces?

We hold a range of continually updated and detailed directories where you just might find exactly what you are looking for!

Have a look here

Pop-up Social Prescribing!
8th March: 11am to 1pm at Swiss Cottage Library, 88 Avenue Road, NW3

Come along and have a chat with the Community Links team from Camden’s Care Navigation and Social Prescribing Service and find out more about social prescribing, how it works, and what is on offer in your area.

Or perhaps you’d like to volunteer with us? Find out about Community Links volunteers and opportunities to join our scheme to support volunteers into social prescribing careers.

For more information please email Donna at dturnbull@vac.org.uk

Free Safeguarding Training
Far Right Awareness and Counter Narrative Training open to all voluntary sector organisations and groups in Camden.
Delivered in a 1 hour session, this training is specifically aimed at showing the impact far-right extremism has on families and what can be done to support them
If you would like to sign up for any of the sessions below, please click on the links (sign up to log-in)

•    Family Matters – Far Right Extremism (Lunch & Learn)- Wednesday 8 March- 11:30am- 12:30pm  – in person
•    Family Matters – Far Right Extremism (Lunch & Learn)- Wednesday 8 March- 1pm- 3pm – in person
•    Right Wing Extremism Awareness and Counter Narrative Training- Wednesday 15 March- 1pm- 3pm – online

Learn how to be a community reporter!
Camden Disability Action is running its Community Reporter Training programme on 23rd March, 30th March and 6th April from 1pm-3pm.

The training supports Disabled people in Camden to use phones, video and chat-apps to tell powerful stories about things that impact us, like the cost of living crisis.
You will also be offered one-one mentoring support.

If you would like to join, please contact Tom McDonough on tom@camdendisabilityaction.org.uk or call 0203 833 1111 or SMS 07908 746927

To see some examples of our current reporters’ stories, please click here

Healthy Start – help to buy healthy food
Are you on low income and pregnant or have a child aged 3 or under?

You can get financial help to buy fruit, vegetables, pulses, milk, and infant formula for you and your family. You’ll be sent a prepaid card with weekly top-ups to spend on Healthy Start items.
To find out more and to apply, go to the Healthy Start website here

For help applying, visit your local Children’s Centre.
To find your local centre click here or call 0800 731 0232 or 0800 389 5789

Could you share your home with someone that needs support?
Shared Lives placement is different and the support you provide will depend on you and your life, and the person that you want to share your home with.
You do not need any qualifications as our carers comes from all different walks of life and join Shared Lives. All we ask is that you have a spare room.
We offer extensive training, lots of support and a generous package of around £25,000.

To find out more please click here or email sharedlives@camden.gov.uk

Hampstead Theatre’s free acting and writing programme for Camden residents
Hampstead Theatre is offering Camden residents free acting and writing activities this spring.

Following the success of last year’s Community Creates programme, Hampstead Theatre will be running two ten-week programmes in acting and writing every Tuesday and Thursday starting in March. The programmes are free to attend for Camden residents.
The Community Creates programme starts at Hampstead Theatre from 14th March and 16th March. The Writing and Acting programmes are free to attend, but places must be booked in advance.

For further details please click here, or call 020 7722 9301.

Irish History Month 2023
1st – 31st March at the Irish Cultural Centre, Hammersmith

As part of Irish History Month this year, I am Irish are proud to showcase the #IamIrish Portrait Exhibition after its Global travels!

Since 2016, the exhibition has visited numerous countries, highlighting the rich culture and diversity of those with Irish Heritage. It is now back in London and you are welcome to come along and view it at the Irish Cultural Centre, Hammersmith throughout March.

Event for girls and young women to celebrate International Women’s Day 2023
Camden’s Integrated Youth Support Service is hosting an event for girls and young women to celebrate International Women’s Day 2023.

The event is open to girls and young women aged 11 to 18, and up to 25 with special educational needs or disabilities. It will be held on Saturday 4th March, from 11am to 5pm, at Somers Town Youth Centre, 134 Chalton Street, NW1 1RX.
Register for the event and sign-up up for the free activities here

Well Together coffee morning – and meet our new organiser
At West Hampstead Community Centre starting on Tuesday 7th March from 11am to 12:30pm, and continuing every fortnight

This is an informal meet up around a cup of tea and biscuits to get to know people in the area and meet Beatrice, the New Keeping Well Organiser.
Come to tell us what you would like to see organised in the future and find out what we have available; meet your neighbours and enjoy good company

Invitation to Refer Individuals for Peer Mentor Training with VoiceAbility
Training will take place across four days, the next dates are 7th, 10th, 14th & 17th March.

At VoiceAbility we are committed to providing support to individuals who are facing mental health challenges. Our volunteer peer mentor program pairs individuals with a mentor who has lived experience of mental health challenges and can offer a supportive and understanding relationship.

You may have clients who would benefit from this program and who are able to offer their support. If you have someone in mind, please encourage them to apply, by requesting an application from camden.peermentoring@voiceability.org

Volunteers needed at Fitzrovia Community Centre
Fitzrovia Community Centre is a community centre serving residents living in Camden and Westminster and we are looking for local volunteers to support the running of the Centre. If you are interested in:

•    Salesforce/database admin experience
•    Reception cover
•    Gardening
•    Maintenance work

Please email Gaby at gaby@fitzroviacommunitycentre.org

SPCA Vacancies:
Receptionist and Assistant to the Director (Full time)
Closing date: 15th March
St Pancras Community Association is looking for a Receptionist who will be the first point of contact for our Centre.
For more information, and apply please click here

Premises Manager – Full time
Closing date: 15th March
St Pancras Community Association are looking for a highly motivated, experienced Premises Manager to ensure the Community Centre is maintained to the highest possible standards.
For more information, and to 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
VAC recognises that the cost-of-living crisis is a huge concern for families, businesses, and the Voluntary Community Sector.

We are collating information and resources to help community groups and residents in Camden keep up to date as they navigate through the crisis. To find out more, click here

Charity Commission’s social media guidance
You may have seen the draft Charity Commission social media guidance, which was published earlier this week. The aim of the guidance is to help trustees develop ‘appropriate shared understanding of the charity’s use of social media and the particular risks it can bring,’ and to encourage charities to, ‘adopt a policy on social media as a way to set their charity’s approach.’
This article is a response and contains all the information needed to learn more

Local 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)
Abbey Community Centre Newsletter
Heath Hands
UCL Volunteering Service Newsletter (sign up)

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

Learn more here

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

Camden Community Vaccine Project: Round 2
VAC and the C4 Consortium are inviting community groups and organisations in Camden, including unincorporated associations, to design new and expand existing initiatives to encourage vaccine take-up in the borough. This includes tackling misinformation surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccine programmes.
*Please note: while this fund is officially closed, we are still happy to receive applications
If you are interested in applying for this funding, or would just like to find out more, please click here

Community Festival Grant
Application deadline: 28th February

Camden Council have opened up their community festival funding applications for 2023.
This funding is for community organisations in Camden that are planning community events this year. The Fund welcomes applications from partnerships between multiple groups that demonstrate a commitment to community cohesion and improving inter-community relationships.

Applications are welcome for grants of £200 to £2,000
For any queries and for the application form, please contact the Camden Events Service at events@camden.gov.uk

Migrant Advice and Support Fund
Closing date: Monday 27 February at 9am
The Mayor of London is offering funding to frontline organisations providing specialist advice and/or holistic support to migrant Londoners.
Learn more here

Love Camden: Community Festival Funding 

Closing date: 28th February 2023

Camden Council are delighted to announce that they are opening funding applications for local Community Festivals and Events. Applications are welcome for grants of £200 to £2,000.

Learn more here

Building Strong Communities Fund
Round Three of the Building Strong Communities Fund is now open to receive applications until 1pm on Monday 13 March 2023.

The total funding pot is £200,000 and is made up of microgrants of between £1k to £6k. Microgrants are available for equity led groups with an annual turnover of £0 to £50k to support communities most impacted by Covid-19.

To learn more and apply, 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

Volunteer Managers’ Forum
Tuesday 28th Feb at 2pm: Online

Volunteer Centre Camden is hosting a Volunteer Managers’ Forum. Participants will benefit from peer support and networking and can choose the topics to discuss.

Register your place here

Scams Prevention & Support Awareness from Age UK Camden
Age UK Camden are delivering Scams Prevention & Support Awareness across Camden through group presentations or one-to-one Scams Awareness Sessions.
They are able advise on different types of scams and offer tips on staying safe. The service is available to Camden residents aged 50+.
If this is of interest to you or your group please email:
ann-marie.carrol@ageukcamden.org.uk 
and/or paul.webley@ageukcamden.org.uk to arrange a suitable date and time that works for you.

New Make Every Contact Count (MECC) Courses available
New dates have been added for the Cost of Living Crisis and MECC course, and the Good Conversations for MECC course throughout February and March, both of which will help you learn how to use day to day interactions to better support residents who may be struggling.

Courses are free to staff working in Camden and Islington, to book a place click here

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.

Santé Refugee Mental Health Access Project Vacancies
Santé Refugee Mental Health Access Project is a small local NGO. We support refugees & asylum seekers.

We are looking for volunteers in the following roles:
. Treasurer/Bookkeeper
.  Administrative assistant
.  Befriender/caseworker/advocate

Further information is available on request: Call 020 7482 2903 or email Santeproject44@gmail.com
To learn more about the Santé project, please click here

Friends of University College London Hospitals volunteer role
The Friends of University College London Hospitals, a registered charity, need a volunteer to maintain and grow a membership/mailing list and carry out other administrative tasks, working mainly with the chair of the trustees in the first place.
A desk and work station is provided at the hospital. Time commitment is hard to estimate, but it is expected to be up to one day a week.
The role would suit someone with experience of work in healthcare. Good IT skills essential. Apply with brief CV to uclh.friendsofuclh@nhs.net.

SHAK Vacancy: Youth Centre Manager
SHAK is a resident led charity based on the Alexandra and Ainsworth estate in the Kilburn Ward of Camden, London, dedicated to supporting residents and young people living in an area of high deprivation.
We are looking for a talented and enthusiastic individual to manage and further develop the ARC youth club, coordinating youth activities and programmes based on and around the huge Alexandra & Ainsworth estate in NW London.

Learn more and apply here

Trustee Opportunity at HWCT
Deadline 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

One Kilburn Activators
‘SHAK (South Hampstead and Kilburn Partnership) are recruiting 3 new roles in Kilburn.
Know somebody local to Kilburn? Are they looking for a role to help and support their Community?
SHAK are looking for brilliant people for some brilliant roles.

For more info and to apply please click here

Let me know (LMK) is looking for a new Chief Executive
Closing date: 2nd March
Let Me Know (LMK) is a London-based education charity working with young people to prevent domestic violence, relationship abuse and sexual assault. We are led by survivors, parents and activists and we’re committed to creating a world where domestic violence, relationship abuse and sexual assault no longer exist, and where young people can build happy lives through healthy relationships.
This is an exciting opportunity to succeed our two co-founders and become LMK’s first Chief Executive.You’ll oversee our scaling-up journey, ensuring we’re in great shape for a strong future.

To learn more, please click here

Holloway Neighbourhood Group vacancy: Chief Executive
Closing date: 13th March

Holloway Neighbourhood Group runs a well-established mental health service (the Stress Project) and a busy community centre (the Old Fire Station). We are seeking an experienced charity manager as our new Chief Executive to take responsibility for fundraising, financial management, strategic planning, and leading a committed and experienced team of staff and volunteers.

To learn more please click here

Vacancies at Mind in Camden:
Mental Health Link Worker
To find out more please click here or email recruitment@mindincamden.org.uk

Young people’s mental health survey launched
Camden Youth Council want to find out more about the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people in Camden, as well as local mental health services and support that young people rely on.
Children and young people aged 12 to 19 – or those aged up to 25 with a special educational need or disability – who live or go to school in Camden are invited to respond to this survey before 28th April. It is anonymous and confidential. There’s also an optional prize draw to win £20. Please share this survey with young people that your organisation works with.

Camden Childhood Immunisations Survey
please respond before 28 February

Camden Council and our NHS partners would like to understand more about how parents make decisions around childhood vaccinations, regardless of whether they have chosen to have their children vaccinated or not, or if they are just unsure.
The views of our communities are important to us and will help us to improve our services for parents and carers throughout Camden, and provide relevant, key public health information for our communities, especially around specific issues that impact on childhood vaccination.

This survey is for Camden residents with children aged 0 to 5. Please share with families that your organisations works with.
If you have any questions, please email CIPHAdmin@islington.gov.uk

Youth Safety Multimedia Competition
Deadline for funded entries: 5pm on 10th March

Camden’s Youth Safety Multimedia Competition aims to raise awareness of the issues affecting the safety of young people in Camden. There is funding for up to 10 local organisations to use a maximum of £500 each to develop their multimedia project. We’re inviting creative or multimedia projects, based on the theme ‘Keeping children and young people in Camden safe’.
See previous examples here.

We encourage organisations to make joint applications – in particular, larger organisations working with smaller groups. Please complete and submit a short (downloadable form) – Expression of Interest Form – and email the form to youthsafety@camden.gov.uk
If you don’t need funding for your project, you have until 5th June 2023 to enter the competition

Could you foster a Camden child?
Do you have space in your home and heart to foster a Camden child? We need more people who are willing to provide our vulnerable children with care, stability and consistency. Camden residents who foster are exempt from paying council tax, as well as receiving generous financial support, specialist training and an allocated social worker.

Watch our short animated video, visit camden.gov.uk/fostering, email fostering@camden.gov.uk, call 020 7974 6783 or 0800 028 1436 (freephone) to find out more.

Henna Asian Women’s Group
We provide a platform for people to connect through our hybrid services whether it’s exercise, music & singing, ESOL, Art & Craft, Traditional Games Session, Henna Support Group, Chai with Henna, Befriending, Counselling, Advocacy & Signpost and the Wellbeing Hub.
A hot meal and warm space are provided on Mon & Wed to support local residents in Kilburn and beyond during cost of living crisis.
Call on 0207 372 9860 or email Info@hennaorg.co.uk to learn more

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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