Voluntary Camden Newsletter – 19th May 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.

Camden Youth Social Action Grants of up to £5,000 available
Closing date: Midnight on Friday 23rd June

Camden Youth Council (CYC) have an exciting opportunity for young people in Camden to make a real difference through social action – by offering grants of up to £5,000 to help tackle three areas of concern for local young people.
These areas are: Young people’s safety, The environment & Skills for life – CV writing, finding a job, managing finances and how to secure a home in the future.
These three grant areas are aimed at young people aged 12 to 19, or up to 25 with a special educational need or disability, who live, work or go to school in Camden.
All applications must be supported by a partner organisation such as your school or youth club.

Find out more and download an application form here

Discover-Me Project from Laamiga
Staring: 12th June  6.30-8.30 pm

Are you a woman aged over 18 from a Black, Asian, minority ethnic, refugee and migrant background living in Camden and Islington?
Would you like to develop your self-confidence, communication and creativity skills?
Laamiga warmly invite you to join the Discover-Me Project.

There are monthly online webinars, starting on 12th June, 6.30-8.30pm, in storytelling, communication and creativity skills for women from minority ethnic, refugee, & migrant backgrounds aged over 18 in Camden and Islington.
For more information email info@laamiga.org with your name, email address and telephone number or call 0208 257 7317 and leave your contact details.

Camden Private Renters Forum
On Thursday 8th June at 5pm, Camden is hosting a new Camden Private Renters Forum.
Many renters are not aware of their rights.
This forum will provide expert advice on how to negotiate rent increases, manage any issues with damp/mould, signpost to further help on the rising cost of living and explain what the Council can do to help.
Private renting can be difficult so it’s important that renters across Camden know how to access support and advice.
The forum will be hosted on Zoom and is open to anyone renting privately in Camden.
Residents can find out more information and register here

Free arthritis management advice
Central YMCA Club have partnered with Arthritis Action to offer a free Open Clinic to people living with Arthritis on Monday 22nd May.

The open clinic provides practical advice on how to reduce the pain of arthritis through self-management and lifestyle choices, and will be held at Central YMCA Club, just 1 minute walk from Tottenham Court Road station.
Book your free 15-minute session with Dietitian Martin Lau here

Free Community Festival: “Zen in Mind”
Thursday May 25th, 12pm-5pm
At the Surma Community Centre (1 Robert Street, NW1 3JU)

The Zen Project and Mind in Camden bring to you another of their monthly festivals to celebrate mental health and support the local Camden community. Open to all and all activities are free. Free food, massage, mindfulness sessions and more.
Climb on board our big yellow American school bus and take part in one of our activities to help create some calm and ease anxiety.
We have something for everyone. No need to book – just turn up.
For more information please click here

Vietnamese Mental Health Service to close
Vietnamese Mental Health Service will close its operation from 30th September 2023.
From 15th May no new referral can be accepted.

The next 4 months will focus on the transitioning plan, assisting and supporting current users to access local mainstream Mental Health Services.
The Management Committee would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank everyone for your support and assistance over the past 35 years.

EcoCounts Climate Workshop
Saturday 20th May at 11am

Are you looking for a comprehensive overview of climate change science, based on the UN IPCC reports?
Climate Fresk is an engaging workshop that teaches and entertains and EcoCounts are running one tomorrow at Space4, 2nd Floor, 113-115 Fonthill Road, N4 3HH.
You can’t know too little or too much to appreciate this workshop.
For more details and to sign up, please click here

Free Youth Work & Youth Justice Training
Wipers Youth CIC is an award-winning social enterprise which specialises in working with vulnerable and disadvantaged young people.
We offer exceptional youth work and youth justice training courses, and have a limited number of free spaces available on the courses below:

Tuesday 6th June (virtual)
• Trauma and Child Criminal Exploitation 10am – 1pm
• Cultural Competency 1:30pm – 4:30pm

Wednesday 7th June (at Voluntary Action Islington, Kings Cross, 200A Pentonville Road, N1 9JP)
• Coaching and Mentoring Young People from 10am – 1pm
• Delivering Effective Group Work from 1:30pm – 4:30pm

To enquire about booking a space please email training@wipers.org.uk
Or, for more information please click here

Iam Irish Youth, Community and Playworker Sessional Vacancies.
Iam Irish are currently recruiting sessional Youth, Community and Playworkers for forthcoming projects.
For more information, or to apply with your CV, please email hello@iamirish.org

Vacancies at Latin American House
Latin American House is currently recruiting for the following three roles

Communities & Cultures Coordinator
To lead the implementation of its Communities & Cultures programme
Closing date – 8th June

Children & Young People Coordinator
To lead the implementation of its Children & Young People programme
Closing date – 7th June

Level 3 Early Years Practitioner
Level 3 Early Years practitioner to join the team at its bilingual nursery, Centro Infantil Menchu.
Closing date – 5th July

Full job descriptions and instructions on how to apply can be found 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 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

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

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 Today.

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

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

To register, please click here or contact Ricky at rsingh@vac.org.uk for more information.

Third Sector Fundraising Summit
6th – 7th June
This event will be held at Events@No6, London (from £95) or online (free) and will hear from UK charities on how to get the most from your fundraising strategy.
It is designed to offer you key insights into remaining creative and authentic with your fundraising strategy through a series of case studies, fireside chats, roundtable sessions and expert panel discussions.
Tickets are available here, in-person space is limited

Wild Camden Festival
London Wildlife Trust will be hosting the ‘Wild Camden Festival’ on 4th June at Camley Street Natural Park (N1C 4PW) between 12 & 4pm.
We will be celebrating World Environment Day and showcasing ways that local residents can take action towards sustainable living and using local green spaces to promote wellbeing.
We still have spaces for local organisations to run a stall or an activity showcasing their work.
Please contact Fiona at fmcgain@wildlondon.org.uk for further details

Stories of St James’ Burial Ground
An Historical Exhibition by Museum of London Archaeology.
9th May – 30th August

This event will explore the history of St James’ burial ground, archaeological
excavations at the site and the lives of local people buried there.
Open Mondays 10-6, Tuesdays 10-6, Thursdays 10-7, and alternate Saturdays 11-5
At Camden Local Studies and Archives Centre
2nd Floor, Holborn Library
32-38 Theobalds Road, London WC1X 8PA
Admission is free

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

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

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.

Mind in Camden vacancy: Community Development Manager (28 hours/ week)
Closing Date: 24th May at 13.00pm

This is an exciting opportunity with Mind in Camden to lead and develop a Community Development Service as part of the new Camden Mental Health Alliance.
You will manage an established team and have experience of working with BME groups, community development and networking.
This is an opportunity to make a significant contribution to a new partnership and make a real difference to people’s wellbeing.
To find out more and download an application pack, please click here, or phone 020 7911 0822 (24hrs), or email recruitment@mindincamden.org.uk

Volunteer Drivers needed for Castlehaven Food Bank
Castlehaven Community Association is looking for friendly, reliable volunteers with their own car/van to pick up food from our suppliers and deliver it to the Food Bank in Camden Town on Wednesday mornings, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Please email anna@castlehaven.org.uk to apply

Henna Asian Women’s Group vacancy: part-time Project Support Officer (3 days/21 hours)
Closing date: TODAY 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

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

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.

Camden’s Windrush 75 Programme
22nd June 2023 marks the 75th anniversary of the arrival of HMS Windrush in 1948.
This is a significant milestone; it is the last chance to honour the living pioneers but to also open a wider public conversation about the past, present and future of the UK.
As part of the programme, Camden’s Culture Team will be creating a series of podcasts which explores Camden’s Windrush generation past, present, and future and are inviting members of the community to participate throughout May.
For more information and to get involved please email culture@camden.gov.uk

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
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

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

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