Voluntary Action Camden Newsletter – 28th 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 are kicking off the launch of the new VAC CEO Network with an event entitled ‘Good leadership in difficult times’.
It is a breakfast event and will be held at The British Library.

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 sector. The Network is there to encourage, guide, support and develop voluntary, community and social enterprise sector leaders.

This event will explore the importance and value of building resilience, enhancing your coping skills and extending your perspective during challenging times.
We will be joined by guest speaker Jane Ide, Chief Executive of ACEVO who will be sharing her thoughts on the subject. We will also have a Q&A session facilitated by Rashid Iqbal, Chief Executive of The Winch.

The event will be followed by an opportunity for attendees to have a guided tour of the British Library exhibition.
To purchase your free ticket, please click here

RCN strike: Choose the right NHS service for you and your family
The Royal College of Nursing has announced that members will take strike action from Sunday 30th April to Monday 1st May 2023. This period includes a bank holiday Monday. This will impact some hospitals but not all in Camden and Islington.
Nurses make up a significant proportion of the NHS workforce so there is likely to be a great impact upon local services.
If you need medical assistance this bank holiday weekend, please choose NHS services wisely to make sure care is available to patients who need it most.
This includes using 111 online as the first port of call for health needs and continuing to only use 999 if it is a life-threatening emergency.

University College London Hospital is working hard to maintain safe care for their most critically ill patients who are in hospital during the strike.
UCLH will provide care in its emergency department for patients with a life-threatening illness or injury only. Please see their website for public information on the services provided.
The NHS is asking patients to choose services wisely over this period and take simple steps to help ensure care is available to patients who need it most.

In addition, some GP and dental services will be available over the bank holiday weekend. If you have a health concern, try to contact your local practice, or use the NHS 111 online service for quick health advice.

Ahead of the bank holiday weekend, please make sure you have enough of any medication you need as some pharmacies may have different opening hours or be closed. Use the NHS Find a Pharmacy site, which will be updated regularly.

Celebrate Castlehaven’s New Community Hub
Friday 5th May

Join Castlehaven Community Association for the opening of their new community space!
From 3-7pm on Friday 5th May, there will be performances, games, and yummy food and drink for the whole family.
Everyone is welcome
To learn more, please click here

London CVS Network Impact Report
This is the first ever collective impact report from the London CVS Network. It aims to spotlight the vital role of local CVSs (and other local infrastructure organisations) in connecting, supporting and strengthening the sector.

It shows the extensive reach of the network into communities through their own networks of voluntary and community groups. It highlights the number of organisations supported and represented by London’s infrastructure organisations. It spotlights activities over the course of an unprecedented year, with large sums leveraged into the wider sector. It also shows the potential that could be reached if there were similar organisations in every London borough.
Read the report here

The Servers’ Society Relocates to Whitechapel
The Servers’ Society UK Association which had been running guided meditation groups, groups for the study of the self, spiritual healing appointments and weekend events on wellbeing and spirituality in everyday life has relocated from 4 Carol Street, Camden to 15 Romford Street, Whitechapel.
The new location presents the opportunity to offer more services over more days.
To find out more, please click here

Your local Kentish Town community centre needs you!
On Sunday 7th May the Kentish Town Community Centre are hosting a street party to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles.
We are looking for team players who can help run our information point, run our bar, stop cars from coming down the road (Busby Place, which will be officially closed) and help us collect donations for our foodbank.
As a volunteer you will get a free lunch and a free specially printed Coronation t-shirt.
If you are interested please email alice@ktcc.org.uk and include your name, date of birth and phone number.

Do you want to diversify your board?
Getting on Board free practical guide: How to Diversify your Charity’s Board is aimed at charitable organisations, charitable networks, funders and federations that want to recruit and retain new and diverse trustees but do not have the skills to do so.
How to Diversify Your Charity’s Board: a practical guide offers a comprehensive overview of every stage charities need to address to organise and execute a successful recruitment and induction strategy.
There are case-studies, practical exercises, free templates and thought leadership pieces throughout. You can download it for free here

The Philological Foundation Trustee vacancy
The Philological Foundation is an educational charity making grants to students and schools in Westminster and Camden.
We currently have a vacancy for a trustee and are keen to recruit someone who can contribute to our work by bringing experience and knowledge of one or more of the following: The challenges facing young people and students today, Secondary schools in Camden and Westminster, Tertiary education, Marketing and promotion
If you are interested in finding out more about us, please click here
The Chair of Trustees, Clio Whittaker, is also available for an informal chat, please email her at thephilological@gmail.com to arrange a date and time for a call.

The Royal Free Charity vacancy: Welfare Rights Advisor
This is a full-time role, 37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday.
If you would like to view the job description please click here or email jobs@royalfreecharity.org
If interested, submit a CV, equal opportunity form and supporting statement addressing how you meet the criteria set out in the job description and person specification

Mind in Camden vacancies:
Resources Director: Closing Date: 14/05/23 at 13.00pm
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.

Operations Director: Closing Date: 14/05/23 at 13.00pm
We are looking for an experienced service manager and leader to manage and develop services to take our operations, values and vision forward.

To learn more and apply for either role: download an application pack here, or phone 020 7911 0822 (24hrs), or email recruitment@mindincamden.org.uk

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

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

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

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

The Philological Foundation grants
The Philological Foundation provides grants to students and schools in Camden and Westminster.
It helps schools enable children to take part in school journeys or to provide special benefits such as playground equipment, library books or musical instruments.
Grants are available for young people under the age of 26 whose families cannot provide them with financial support.
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

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

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

Camden Jobs and Skills Event
Thursday 18th May 2023, 10am – 3pm
Regents Place 10 Brock Street Regents Place, Camden London NW1 3FG

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

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.

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

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

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

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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