VAC Weekly Newsletter
5th May 2023 |
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VAC Membership
VAC represents local organisations in conversations with local government and funders, we advise on local issues and we inform, support and train local charities depending on their needs
Membership is free, click on the link box above and join us today |
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| This week we spotlight a save the date for the upcoming VAC AGM!
We also have lots of information on a range of local events and opportunities from around the Camden area. |
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| Save the date! – VAC AGM and Future of Camden VCSE Sector Event
VAC is delighted to announce that our in-person AGM will be held on 4th July 2023, 5:45pm – 8pm.
We will announce further details soon, but you can now register for your place and lock the date in your diary! You won’t want to miss this free event!
The event will be held at the Greenwood Centre, Greenwood Place, NW5 1LB and include guest speakers, good food, networking and the launch of VAC 2026
To register, please click here or contact Ricky at rsingh@vac.org.uk for more information. |
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VAC CEO Network
Last week we announced that we are kicking off the launch of the new VAC CEO Network with an event entitled ‘Good leadership in difficult times’
This new 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.
If you would like to know more, including the benefits and upcoming event information, please click here
Why friendship makes us healthier
As part of this article by the BBC, which looks at the health and wellbeing benefits of friendship, the author spoke to VAC staff member Donna Turnbull.
Alongside other contributors, Donna discusses social isolation and the benefits that social prescribing can have for those of all ages.
To read the full article, please click here
UCL Press Publication: Engaging Communities in City-Making
This publication aims to consider community voices in the co-production of urban environments and the outcomes this engagement can have in the processes and structures of city making.
It is a highly detailed and interesting read, and VAC staff have contributed to Chapter 7 “Collaborating for environmental justice: Somers Town air quality”
To read more, please click here
Camden gears up for Coronation weekend
Camden is getting ready to celebrate the Coronation of The King and The Queen Consort with over 30 street parties set to be held across the borough.
There are also a number of free, open to all events and activities you can take part in with your family over the Coronation weekend.
Learn more here
Making Every Contact Count Training
Camden Council provide free Making Every Contact Count training to anyone living and working in Camden.
MECC equips staff to have brief but beneficial conversations with residents, supporting their health and wellbeing in areas like lifestyles, finance and housing issues. We have still have spaces on our two main courses!
• Good Conversations for Camden: 24/05/23 and 13/06/23
• The Cost-of-Living Crisis and MECC: 17/05/23 and 06/06/23
You can learn more and book a place here
Bereavement Awareness Training
Camden Council are partnered with Cruse Bereavement care to provide a free bereavement awareness course to Camden staff and residents.
The course aims to provide participants with the confidence to talk to people who are bereaved in an empathetic way, finding the right words and providing simple signposting.
Previous sessions of the course have been highly popular, with 100+ participants attending each session and highly positive feedback.
Spaces fill up quickly, to book a place, please click here
Fitzrovia Community Centre looking for community partners
Fitzrovia Community Centre is looking for community partners to provide centre-based activities during the school summer holidays to complement a programme of off—site trips.
We are particularly looking for youth providers but are open to projects for all ages. There are 3 rooms available, a small garden, kitchen and use of IT and AV equipment.
Partners will need to have secured funding for delivery.
Please contact Donna at donna@fitzroviacommunitycentre.org or on 07403 099939 to arrange a visit.
Third Age Project – New Job Opportunity as Deputy Manager
Closing Date: 15th May 2023
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, who has announced their retirement. Our focus is in reducing the stark social, economic, health inequalities that exist and empowering older people in taking on volunteering roles as co-producers of our services.
If you would like to view the job description please email tony@thirdageproject.org.uk
If interested, please submit a CV, and covering letter highlighting your skills and experience.
St Pancras Community Association vacancies:
Premises Manager (Full time)
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. The role includes undertaking all of the Centre’s Health and Safety requirements, as well as taking responsibility for our Hall Hire business.
For more information, and to apply please click here
Programme and Fundraising Manager (Full time)
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.
For more information, and to apply please click here
Henna Asian Women’s Group vacancy: part-time Project Support Officer (3 days/21 hours)
Closing date: Friday 19th May 2023 at 5 pm
Henna Asian Women’s Group are looking for a person who is a quick learner and can take their own initiative, someone who has admin skills to support the manager in providing excellent service to women, especially to older women.
This role will require you to be supportive and understanding, and be able to deal with any issues that may arise confidently.
12 months contract with the possibility of extension, depending on funding.
For more information, an application form, job description and personal specification, please email info@hennaorg.co.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 |
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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
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
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
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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:
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Celebrate Castlehaven’s New Community Hub
TODAY!
Join Castlehaven Community Association for the opening of their new community space!
From 3-7pm today, there will be performances, games, and yummy food and drink for the whole family.
Everyone is welcome
To learn 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.
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
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
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 |
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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 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
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
Become a Trustee of SHAK
Closing date: 7th June
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
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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
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
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)
UCL Volunteering Service Newsletter (sign up)
Latin American House
London Irish Centre
A Space for us
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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| Got an item for the e-bulletin? |
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| Send your item to social@vac.org.uk by noon on Thursday for publication in the following day’s edition. The e-bulletin comes out every Friday. Submissions should be 50 – 75 words. Please send plain text or a format that can be copied (ie not embedded in an image). Send links to documents rather than attachments. Make sure to include contact details. |
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