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State of the Voluntary and Community Sector in Camden report

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Camden State of the Sector Report

This research was commissioned by  VAC, Camden Council and the other Camden Infrastructure Partners to help local stakeholders better understand the strengths and challenges of Camden’s civil society in today’s operating environment, as well as support requirement. By analysing a mix of primary and secondary data, supplemented by interviews with local stakeholders, we identified contributory factors to a challenging ten years. The sector has been hit by financial and demand pressures associated with these unprecedented times. Changes to workforce and operational practices identified by this research project will hopefully help identify opportunities to better meet the needs of the sector. The State of the Camden Voluntary and Community Sector Report presents the sector’s support requirements against some of the biggest challenges for the VCS the research identifies.

 

Highlighted Charity/Group of the week 07/06/2024 – Re-engage

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Re-engage

Re-engage were set up in 1965 – a charity with teams across the country that aims to end loneliness among those aged 75 and over. They tackle social isolation by increasing connections and fostering community spirit, and drive awareness of some of the risks and dangers that older people are more vulnerable to, such as fraudulence and scams.

 

Re-engage provide a number of services, including call companions, tea parties and group activities delivered by their volunteers, ranging from dancing to tai chi.

 

 

They are now appealing for volunteers in Camden who can drive older people to and from a new activity group.

 

The monthly, Sunday sessions are being held from this month (June) at the Hampstead Court Care Home in Boundary Road, NW8.

 

Ruth Carter, an Engagement Officer at the charity, said: “Most of the older people who take part in the groups say they are more physically active, feel happier and are part of the community. They love to come along to socialise, have fun and make new friends.

 

“By volunteering to drive the older people you will help brighten their lives and ensure they have something they can look forward to and treasure.”

 

If you’d like to volunteer please contact: ruth.carter@reengage.org.uk.

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VAC Newsletter 03/05/2024

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Spotlight  |   Features, News and Policy  |   Funding   |   Events and Training   |
Jobs and Volunteering   |   Surveys, Resources and Opportunities

Informal volunteering and social action
It’s important to remember that so much community work and social action takes place outside of large groups and networks, particularly locally. You can start a volunteering project even if you’re just one person! This week we’re sharing some resources which can help you find small community projects based around swapping and sharing, campaigning, and environmental and community care in the Camden area, and, if there’s gap in the market, find out more information on starting your own!

Upcoming Training

More details in the Events and Training section

Charities losing impact and independence, audience hears
Outgoing CEO of Lloyds Bank Foundation, Paul Streets, told an audience of charity leaders on Wednesday that larger charities are struggling to deliver effective services thanks to underfunded public contracts. Charities should hand back services to the state if they are unable to run them, said Streets, rather than continue to struggle to carry out their contracts.

A third of charities suffered cyber attacks in the last year
32% of charities experienced a form of attack or breach on their cyber security in the last year, a figure which increases for charities with £500,000 or more in annual income. Phishing, viruses and malware, and digitally impersonating organisations were the most common kinds of attacks, but the government has claimed that businesses are more likely than charities to protect themselves through proper “cyber hygiene” measures. 

Majority of community buildings lack energy efficiency 
A report by Social Investment Business has found that over half of the community buildings in the country do not meet a basic energy efficiency standard of EPC rating C, commonly suggested as the minimum required for sale or let. For charities that rent such buildings from local councils to do their work, this results in higher energy bills as councils often neglect essential maintenance work to improve building efficiency. 

Every week VAC checks various sources for the latest funding opportunities relevant for Camden groups.
You can visit our website for a round up of the latest opportunities added this week:  Search for Funding – Voluntary Action Camden (vac.org.uk).

We’ve included a selection of the latest funds below but check out our new funding portal for many more opportunities.
If you need help sourcing or applying for funds, get in touch with our consultancy service, free for all Camden groups!

VAC UPCOMING TRAINING

  • Voluntary sector organisational structures; what’s right for you? 15th May, 10.00am – 12.00pm

Find out more here: https://vac.org.uk/news-and-events/events/

Open to VAC Members only
If you are a voluntary service or group delivering services in Camden and are not a member of VAC, please join here: https://vac.org.uk/get-involved/membership

OTHER EVENTS

Cost of Living event – Camden Disability Action
Camden Disability Action is hosting a Cost of Living Event at the Greenwood Centre, Kentish Town, NW5 1LB on Tuesday 7th May. There will be presentations about benefits, grants, debt and energy. Attendees will then be able to speak directly to expert advisors from Camden Disability Action, Deaf Plus, Mary Ward Legal Centre, Citizen’s Advice, the Disability Job Hub, Energy and Tackling Poverty Team from Camden Council as well as other local services about any specific issues you may have and to hear what these services can help you with. Captions and BSL interpreters will be present at the event. Contact constance@camdendisabilityaction.org.uk with any questions about the event.

Endometriosis Support Session in Camden
Do you suffer from Endometriosis or suspect you might have the symptoms like painful period, painful bowels, fatigue, pelvic pain, infertility? Endometriosis is an invisible condition which affects 1 in 8 women in the UK, and can have a huge impact on the physical, mental, and socio-economic health of women and girls. Healthwatch Camden invites you to join their upcoming support session with a women’s health practitioner teaching mindfulness meditation and gentle exercises for pelvic pain. You will then hear from a mental health nurse and have the chance to ask her any questions and share your experiences in a safe space with other women who suffer from this condition. Contact info@healthwatchcamden.co.uk or call 020 3687 0015 for more information.
15th May 2024, St Pancras & Somers Town Living Centre, 2 Ossulston St, NW1 1DF

Discover the value of flexible working
Join the Inclusive Business Network on 21 May, 12pm to 1pm, for an online event exploring the benefits of flexible working. Hosted with Timewise, learn about the value of fostering and effects on wellbeing. Hear from experts, share experiences, and drive positive change in Camden. Email christine.shobande@camden.gov.uk or hayley.lynch@camden.gov.uk  to register. You can also register here to join IBN.

Scene & Heard 25th birthday pop-up museum
Come see how Scene & Heard brings imaginations to life on and off the stage in Camden at a FREE pop-up museum. Explore interactive displays, galleries and incredible costumes inspired by the amazing imaginations of children. Suitable for all ages, open 10th-11th May, 11am – 7pm. Refreshments available all day. 

Walking on Hampstead Heath with Heath Hands
Did you know that May is National Walking Month? A great opportunity to join  Heath Hands on their walks, including one of 3 health walks, women-only Nordic walking walk in partnership with QCCA or one of their regular nature discovery and nature mindfulness walks – find out more on their website. 

Mental Health Employment Specialist (IPS)
Hillside Clubhouse are recruiting an IPS Employment Specialist based within their Camden team. If you are passionate about supporting people with mental health into employment and want to join a well established IPS team, then this could be the role for you!  Please apply here.
Closing Date: 18th May.

Elfrida Rathbone Camden is recruiting a new Director
Elfrida Rathbone Camden are looking for an exceptional leader who is passionate about their missionhttps://www.charityjob.co.uk/jobs/elfrida-rathbone-camden/director/965350?tsId=1 and has vision.  The new Director will be leading the organisation through a period of significant change.
Deadline: 20th May.

Trustees needed at The Winch
The Winch seeks three trustees passionate about child development and aligned with their values of integrity and collaboration. If you’re eager to enhance leadership skills and drive positive change in North Camden, apply by May 27. They seek expertise in property development, philanthropy, and financial strategy. Join them in fostering vibrant communities. Apply now. 

Part-time Manager at Belsize Community Library 
The Belsize Community Library seeks a part-time Manager, £33,000 (pro rata) for 24hrs/week. Experience in community library settings and events programming is essential. Seeking a highly organized, motivated individual passionate about fostering community connections through literacy and creativity. Apply by May 20, 2024, or sooner if a suitable candidate is found. Interviews are ongoing from April 29, 2024. Read the full job description for details. 

Age UK Camden Dementia Wellbeing Worker
Age UK Camden Dementia Wellbeing Service is looking to recruit a Dementia Wellbeing Worker to join their team working 35 hours per week on a permanent basis. The service supports Camden residents over the age of 55 in the early or moderate stages of dementia, to live independently and safely at home for as long as possible, stay socially engaged and carry on doing what they love. Age UK Camden are looking to fill this post on an immediate basis so they will be interviewing shortlisted candidates on a rolling basis.
Closing Date: 31st May.

Volunteering Opportunities at Abbey Community Centre
ACC are looking for volunteer befrienders to help reduce isolation by regularly visiting individuals over 60s in their homes and help provide ad hoc support. If you’re passionate in Children’s Services and family support, you can volunteer in assisting running creative and fun activities for under 5s whilst building relationships with their parents and carers. Other volunteering opportunities available, please contact vol-opps@abbeycc-kilburn.org.uk with any questions. 

Volunteer as a tutor with Action Tutoring
Action Tutoring are holding two events over the next two weeks where you can come and find out about volunteering to tutor disadvantaged children with their English and maths. The second event is part of the “Big Help Out” weekend on 7th-9th June. Find out more and sign up here.

Panel recruitment for We Make Camden Kit fund
Camden Giving are aiming to recruit 10-12 Camden residents who will access training and support, to decide how this year’s funds are best spent through their participatory grant giving process. They particularly welcome applications from people from communities and groups that are underrepresented in decision making. These are LGBTQ+ people, men, people with disabilities, care leavers, people under 25 and people from the global majority.
Deadline for applications: Friday 30th May

Go FWD Music Project 
Go FWD is a thrilling new initiative led by Gain Ctrl and Go Forward Youth, offering 10 weeks free studio time and professional independent artist development for young people aged 16-25.  Sessions will run on Wednesdays and Fridays in Camden at Go Forward Youth’s base. With a unique music studio and mentoring experience from producers that have worked with the likes of Potter Payper to One Direction, they are ready to empower a fresh cohort with the tools needed to navigate the music business.  With limited spaces available, please email dominique.buchanan@go-forwardyouth.org for more information.

Stallholder call-out for Camley Street Festival 2024! 
Last year 150-200 local people joined exciting stallholders from across the community; as well as food, music, and fun, free activities! You can participate in lots of different ways, ideas are welcomed. Email your stall idea and who you are to rozita.leetham@camden.gov.uk and caisha.mohamud@camden.gov.uk by midnight Sunday 19th May to sign up!

Single-use plastics and reusables survey and campaign
The NLWA want to hear your thoughts on single-use plastics and switching to reusable alternatives.
Take their survey today and be in with a chance to win a £200 voucher! Open to adults that live or work in Camden. Are you passionate about the environment? Do you see yourself as a reusables champion? You could star in their new campaign! Find out more.

Bertram street multi-use sports hall for hire
A brand-new sports hall will be in the new community centre on Bertram Street, Highgate. The multi-use sports hall is available for a huge variety of activities including basketball, football or to do karate lessons or hold classes for creative music, dance or theatre practice. For more info of the activities you can hire the hall for, please contact the new centre manager Eiran Kelly at Ekelly@hncc.org.uk. 

Talk for Health 6-day Peer Counselling Programme 
On the full Talk for Health Peer Counselling Programme, you will deepen your knowledge and skills as well as have space to practice the four key learning areas of Talk for Health: open and truthful talking, empathic listening, basic counselling skills, and how to create your own wellbeing group. Starting Saturday 8th June.

Local VCS Newsletters

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

Got an item for the e-bulletin?

Send your item to social@vac.org.uk by noon on Wednesday for publication in the following Friday’s edition. 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.

Ways to Get Involved

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Copyright © 2021 |Voluntary Action Camden | All rights reserved.

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

Registered Charity Number 880216. Company Limited by Guarantee registered in England No: 2388150. Registered Office: Belmont Street, London, NW1 8HF

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VAC Newsletter 26/4/2024

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Spotlight  |   Features, News and Policy  |   Funding   |   Events and Training   |
Jobs and Volunteering   |   Surveys, Resources and Opportunities

Farewell to our IT and Digital Manager, Alex Charles

It’s a sad day for us here at VAC. Alex, who is our IT and Digital Manager in name but much much more than that in presence, contribution and stature, is leaving VAC after having been a key member of our team for such a long time. Alex has always been a great champion of VAC’s work, and has been a figure of support and encouragement for all of us here. Her absence is going to leave a significant hole and she will be sorely missed. In her own words:

“Having worked for VAC for close to 20 years in one role or another, it’s with a heavy heart to be moving on to new pastures. Throughout my time at VAC, I’ve remained deeply passionate about the incredible work VAC has done – and continues to do – supporting the Camden VCS. It’s been a wonderful journey for me getting to know Camden in-and-out and meet many groups and devoted and passionate people along the way; some of whom have been working in the Camden VCS for as long as, or longer than me. I will miss you all, and my wonderful colleagues, most of  whom I’ve known for many years, but look forward to continuing to support VAC on it’s journey with Salesforce on a freelance basis. Keep doing the wonderful work you all do and may our paths cross again!”
Thank you Alex for all your help and expertise over the years!
We wish you all the best of luck in the future.

Upcoming Training

We’ve got just a few hot tickets left for our Budgeting and Financial Planning workshop next Tuesday! This day long session will cover the key ingredients and make you a pro in planning your organisation’s finances. The training will take place at the Crowndale Centre on 218 Eversholt Street, NW1 1BD. You can book your place using the link below.

More details in the Events and Training section

Creating Ultra-Low & Local Circular Food Waste Zones in Camden 
Lifeafterhummus Community Benefit Society have shared their report on food waste in Camden (and beyond). In the summer of 2023 they interviewed 109 businesses and over 30 VCS partners in and around Somers Town on the barriers to giving and receiving surplus food. The research revealed that more food than previously thought is going to waste in Camden and has led to 4 recommendations to the Council.The data also suggest that VCS organisations struggle to meet the demand for food related services and need additional resources. Widely requested by over 80% of respondents is Food, Goods, Transport and Funding. The organisation are now inviting councillors, officers, VCS partners and businesses to express an interest in attending a workshop (on a date to be agreed) to look at the possibilities of implementing these recommendations by taking an inter-departmental and collaborative approach.

Exclude us from marriage value changes, charities say
A number of charities have stressed to the government that they will lose millions in charitable funds if proposed changes to marriage value, which relates to property value increase when lease is extended, go through. This could be averted by an exemption for charities, argue key figures in the sector.

Xledger Charity Digital Financial Report
Along with Censuswide UK, Xledger have produced a report looking at digital transformation and the financial backdrop in the charity sector. Xledger’s CEO, Peter Hucker, has also written this piece in Civil Society about how financial tools can aid charities.

Every week VAC checks various sources for the latest funding opportunities relevant for Camden groups.
You can visit our website for a round up of the latest opportunities added this week:  Search for Funding – Voluntary Action Camden (vac.org.uk).

We’ve included a selection of the latest funds below but check out our new funding portal for many more opportunities.
If you need help sourcing or applying for funds, get in touch with our consultancy service, free for all Camden groups!

VAC UPCOMING TRAINING

  • Budgeting and Financial Planning 30th April, 9.30am – 4pm
  • Voluntary sector organisational structures; what’s right for you? 15th May, 10.00am – 12.00pm

Find out more here: https://vac.org.uk/news-and-events/events/

Open to VAC Members only
If you are a voluntary service or group delivering services in Camden and are not a member of VAC, please join here: https://vac.org.uk/get-involved/membership

OTHER EVENTS

Cost of Living event – Camden Disability Action
Camden Disability Action is hosting a Cost of Living Event at the Greenwood Centre, Kentish Town, NW5 1LB on Tuesday 7th May. There will be presentations about benefits, grants, debt and energy. Attendees will then be able to speak directly to expert advisors from Camden Disability Action, Deaf Plus, Mary Ward Legal Centre, Citizen’s Advice, the Disability Job Hub, Energy and Tackling Poverty Team from Camden Council as well as other local services about any specific issues you may have and to hear what these services can help you with. Captions and BSL interpreters will be present at the event. Contact constance@camdendisabilityaction.org.uk with any questions about the event.

Grandparents in Taiwan – An Illustrated Talk
Photographer, Hsi Lun Chen (Shiloh), grew up on the island of Matsu off the coast of Taiwan. From 1956 to 1992 tight military control had restricted the use of cameras on the island. As a result, a whole generation of grandparents had few or no photos of themselves or their young families. In 2015 Shiloh set out to change this, photographing residents aged 85 and above and exploring their lives and untold stories. Book your tickets for this event at Community Association for West Hampstead on Friday 26th April.

Free steel pan music-making for young Camden residents
The Steel Pan Music team are inviting young people in Camden to their free music-making sessions, held in the Warren Centre on Mondays and Saturdays. Steel pan is learnt by rote, copying note patterns, not reading sheet music, so progress is fast and lots of fun! Contact hi@steelpanmusic.org.uk for more information.

Children’s Nature Garden Open Day
Join Castlehaven Community Association on Saturday, 27th April, for the opening of their Children’s Nature Garden at the Elm Haven Community Garden located on Barker Drive, NW1 0JW. Plant wildlife-friendly plants, participate in nature-themed arts & crafts and help name the garden. This event is open to all, but children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, please email environmentalteam@castlehaven.org.uk.

Mental Health Employment Specialist (IPS)
Hillside Clubhouse are recruiting an IPS Employment Specialist based within their Camden team. If you are passionate about supporting people with mental health into employment and want to join a well established IPS team, then this could be the role for you!  Please apply here.
Closing Date: 18th May.

Calthorpe Community Garden office administrator 

Calthorpe Community Garden is seeking an experienced and driven part time office administrator to take ownership of business stream management as well as the charity’s office tasks. This is a part time (fixed term contract) six month role with an aim to develop into a long term position at the charity, so they are looking for someone who is ready to become part of the team! To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter to info@calthorpecommunitygarden.org.uk by 30th April 2024. 

Age UK Camden Dementia Wellbeing Worker
Age UK Camden Dementia Wellbeing Service is looking to recruit a Dementia Wellbeing Worker to join their team working 35 hours per week on a permanent basis. The service supports Camden residents over the age of 55 in the early or moderate stages of dementia, to live independently and safely at home for as long as possible, stay socially engaged and carry on doing what they love. Age UK Camden are looking to fill this post on an immediate basis so they will be interviewing shortlisted candidates on a rolling basis.

Volunteering Opportunities at Abbey Community Centre
ACC are looking for volunteer befrienders to help reduce isolation by regularly visiting individuals over 60s in their homes and help provide ad hoc support. If you’re passionate in Children’s Services and family support, you can volunteer in assisting running creative and fun activities for under 5s whilst building relationships with their parents and carers. Other volunteering opportunities available, please contact vol-opps@abbeycc-kilburn.org.uk with any questions. 

Women + Health seek female trustee 
Women + Health supports Camden residents with physical and mental health. They need a female fundraising trustee with fundraising experience, working on strategy, events, corporates and high net worth individuals. She will work with the director, MC and fundraising coordinator. BAME women and other underrepresented groups are welcomed.  Have a look at the current board of trustees, and contact trustee@women-and-health.org.uk with your CV or any questions.
Deadline: Saturday 27th April 

SHP Peer Mentoring Team open recruitment
SHP Peer Mentoring Team are looking for volunteers to join their peer mentoring service in Camden, Islington and Westminster with lived experience of substance use, mental health support, homelessness and the criminal justice system and who are now a minimum 6 months abstinent, are stable in their recovery and want to volunteer their time to help others. Send applications and enquiries to peermentoring@shp.org.uk by 28th April 2024.

Volunteer as a tutor with Action Tutoring
Action Tutoring are holding two events over the next two weeks where you can come and find out about volunteering to tutor disadvantaged children with their English and maths. The second event is part of the “Big Help Out” weekend on 7th-9th June. Find out more and sign up here.

Roundhouse Creative Leadership course
How to lead with clarity, confidence and purpose – The Roundhouse are accepting applications for their creative leadership course. Join a diverse group of emerging creative leaders and learn how to strategise, communicate effectively, and evolve into an impactful leader. For young people seeking roles in high-impact sectors such as government, the arts, business & philanthropy. Free to apply, pay only if selected.
Apply by Wednesday 1st May

Bayes Business School Charity Master’s Programmes
The Centre for Charity Effectiveness at Bayes Business School (formerly Cass) offer 5 specialist charities master’s programmes, aimed at empowering and supporting performance in the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector and nurturing the charity leaders of tomorrow. The programmes are taught in a part-time, flexible format, allowing students to balance work in the non-profit sector and study.

TikTok Charity Academy
For those who want to learn more about how to use TikTok for fundraising, advocacy and driving positive change, the social media platform is launching a new initiative along with Media Trust, giving over 100 charities the chance to get 3 weeks free training. Senior figures in the sector spoke at the launch event to explain the opportunities TikTok offers, and urged others not to underestimate the potential of the platform to reach young people. The academy will take place on 1-19 July and is now open to applications until 21st May. 

Historic Royal Palace’s Community Access Scheme
This is a free opportunity for organisations supporting Camden residents to access tickets, resources and special event invitations to Historic Royal palaces (Tower of London, Kensington Palace, Hampton Court and more). Sign up to attend a short training session on either:
•    Tuesday 28 May, 10:00-14:30 at Kensington Palace
•    Tuesday 4 June, 10:00-14:30 at Kensington Palace
To register, please complete this online form by Tuesday 21st May: 

Neighbourly platform for accessing local volunteer help
Neighbourly is a free to use platform for connecting charities and business with local volunteers. The service is all about making people aware of local resources and opportunities, such as time, money or product surplus, to create a positive impact in the community.

Local VCS Newsletters

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

Got an item for the e-bulletin?

Send your item to social@vac.org.uk by noon on Wednesday for publication in the following Friday’s edition. 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.

Ways to Get Involved

Join us on social media

Become a Member
Use your own custom HTML
Opt in to receive VAC e-newsletter direct to your inbox

Copyright © 2021 |Voluntary Action Camden | All rights reserved.

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

Registered Charity Number 880216. Company Limited by Guarantee registered in England No: 2388150. Registered Office: Belmont Street, London, NW1 8HF

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Highlighted Charity/Group of the week 05/04/2024 – Touch Project CIC

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Spotlighted Charity of the week – The Touch Project

Welcome to one of our Camden New Groups Network members – Touch Project, and its founder Kathy Breidenbach.

VAC has recently started the New Groups Network for support and peer mentoring, and we were delighted to meet Kathy and learn about her work and her organisation. Touch Project is a Not-for-Profit community interest company and is run by a team of experienced, qualified & caring volunteers.

Find out what Touch Project is about and what they do in Kathy’s own words and photos of her and her faithful assistant Joy:

“Our mission is to encourage learning, growing, and helping people connect to all aspects of themselves. If you want to reduce stress & improve relaxation, if you’d like to have fun while improving your wellbeing naturally and nurture more caring connection in your life, please come and join us as we co-create wellbeing workshops every Thursday evening and the last Sunday afternoon of the month.

Every week we joyfully explore connection, communication, boundaries, and enjoy home-made healthy goodies. Wellness skills nurture and improve your quality of your life! We have Joy the Labradoodle, so you can get some good puppy love at a fully accessible venue, the Old Diorama near Euston.”

Free female and helper tickets are available, please call Kathy on 07832737813.

https://www.touchproject.world/

photograph of regent's canal

Highlighted Charity/Group of the week 08/03/2024 – the Stroke Association

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The Stroke Association

 

Our Community Links Referrals and Case Management Lead, Nasrin, has been working closely with the Stroke Association recently:

 

“The concept of Social Prescribing has become increasingly popular in recent times. However, I believe the voluntary sector truly shines in this area by offering support to the community. Whenever our clients need help accessing local services to enhance their well-being, we make every effort to connect them with the numerous outstanding groups and charities present in the borough. However, there may be occasions when a gap exists, and it is in such situations that VAC plays a crucial role in filling that gap and facilitating the establishment of the required group.

 


Our collaboration with the Stroke Association has revealed a critical gap in services in Camden. As a result, we have played a key role in facilitating the provision of suitable premises for the establishment of a much-needed Camden Communication Support group. The Stroke Association’s ability to now operate within the borough is truly remarkable. Caroline from the Stroke Association referred to the new opportunity to offer something “closer” to their residents in Camden. This initiative holds utmost importance for the community, as it has the potential to offer invaluable guidance, education, and emotional assistance. Furthermore, it will greatly benefit professionals such as social prescribers and clinicians, enabling them to connect individuals with community resources that can aid in their recovery and boost their confidence.”

 

highlighted charity banner

Highlighted Charity of the week 16/02/2024 – WE RESTART

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WE RESTART

 

VAC is welcoming WE RESTART as one of our newest member organisations and part of our Camden New Groups Network.

 

WE RESTART is a new charity empowering community through creative arts. In Autumn 2023, they opened the A.R.I.A. (Asylum seeker, Refugee and Immigrant Artists) Hub, a dedicated space to nurture the talents and potential of artists-at-risks. It offers comprehensive, long-term support that is crucial for building sustainable careers in the arts.

Cristina Antonini is the Co-founder of WE RESTART. She says:

 

“The A.R.I.A. Hub is a studio residency here at our office in High Holborn, where 7 selected artists share their experience and develop their career in the arts. Together they are also developing a project to showcase during the next edition of the Refugee Week. WE RESTART are among organisations participating in the Mayor of London’s program Skills for Londoners. We help asylum seekers and refugees in enrolling to ESOL, Math and Digital Skills courses with AEB providers / London Multiply. We do so working from hotel accommodations (more specifically in Brent) to engage directly with potential students. We would like to bring our experience also to Camden and support the asylum seekers staying in hotels in the borough.

 

 

Our program encompasses the provision of tools and materials, mentorship, professional development, and networking opportunities. We firmly believe that by nurturing the talent and creativity of asylum seekers, refugees, and immigrant artists, we preserve their artistic identities – priceless assets in their journeys to rebuild their lives and extraordinary gifts to the communities where they have found refuge.”

 

To learn more, you can visit We Restart’s website.

Highlighted Charity of the week 02/02/2024 –Families4Peace

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Sector Spotlight: Families 4 Peace
Families4Peace is a grassroots organisation that began with a desire to create a community project that addressed the inequity in London. In 2021, a couple of north west London secondary school friends were looking for a way to make an impact on their community. As they were busy organising their project, the conflict in Ukraine unfolded.Recognising the gravity of the crisis, the teens quickly appealed to their families, schools, and peers to help address this crisis which would ultimately bring more than 100,000 Ukrainian refugees to the United Kingdom. 

In response to the crisis, Families4Peace collaborated with VAC and Camden council to host a community event to disseminate information to Ukrainians in the Camden area. More than 150 Ukrainian families attended.

 

In early May 2022, the Families4Peace community centre opened its doors at The Cavendish School to hundreds of newly arriving Ukrainian families. Running by-weekly community hubs and information support, organise more community events including family cooking sessions, prep support for school aged children and after school activities for the many secondary school children in our network.

 

There are many opportunities to get involved with Families4Peace. They need volunteers to help run their community centre, manage their social media presence, organise fundraisers and help with translation and ESOL courses.

 

To find out more about this amazing grassroots organisation visit – Families 4 Peace

Highlighted Charity of the week 26/01/2024 – Somers Town Museum

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“Voluntary Action Camden has supported the development of the Somers Town Museum since its inception as a local History Club celebrating the radical history of the neighbourhood. We have also worked with the Museum to co-deliver a training session on setting up a Community Interest Company (CIC) and promote the Museum to residents looking for opportunities to get involved in community projects through social prescribing referrals.

Led, run, and developed by residents and other volunteers the project has grown into a successful Community Interest Company, and now has shop front premises on Phoenix Road in the heart of Somers Town. An astonishing range of activities and opportunities to get involved are on offer for residents – it is a tiny space with huge ambitions!”

 

There is so much to discover at the Somers Town Museum… some of their recent work involved hunting down and bringing home some of the famous Gilbert Bayes sculptures that disappeared from St Pancras Housing estates (now Origin Housing). You can find out more about this and sign up to their newsletter and find out about events and more on the website: https://aspaceforus.club/

 

Camden Infrastructure Alliance (VAC, VCC, C4) Joint Statement: Cost of Living Crisis

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The Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) provides essential support for those in need, but it also finds itself under enormous pressure as a result of the current cost-of-living crisis.

 

The pandemic disproportionately affected voluntary and community organisations that were already struggling to meet demands with insufficient resources. Before we have even begun to recover from the impact of the pandemic, the sector is faced with another crisis that may last even longer.

 

We are deeply concerned for the continued resilience of our sector and are calling for cross-sector unity and resistance to the much-anticipated reduction in public spending.

 

The government has announced immediate, short-term action to support households, businesses, and the charity sector cope with soaring energy bills. For many households this will not abate the financial strain they are facing, nor will it alleviate continued pressure on already stretched frontline services.

 

We welcome Camden Council stepping in to help residents least able to manage soaring energy bills and everyday costs. However, we urge the council to remember the community services that are often the first port of call for people struggling to make ends meet. Current funding in the community sector is not keeping up with inflation or the increasing costs of providing essential services in the community. From foodbanks to debt advice, mental health services to animal rescue, every part of the sector is experiencing both extraordinarily high demand and rapidly dwindling resources.

 

As hardship deepens, particularly with winter looming, some donors are finding that they are no longer able to contribute to charities.  We know that some local food banks are seeing demand increase while donations are slowing down.

 

We are pleased that the Government has listened to the sector’s call for voluntary and community organisations to be included in support plans for businesses. As it stands, this support is only for six months, and all of the signs point to this crisis lasting much longer. We need a commitment to longer-term support to ensure financial stability and confidence.

 

The sector needs additional targeted financial support to deliver essential services, but we also want to work systematically with the council to tackle the crisis. Camden’s response to the pandemic highlighted the value of cross-sector collaboration. It also demonstrated the importance of forming partnerships built on trust across the public and VCS sectors. We are inviting the council to join us in developing strategic plans to support residents struggling to cope with the cost of living.

 

Camden’s VCS has consistently demonstrated its ability to respond quickly and efficiently. Nevertheless, the vital work of the voluntary and community sector simply cannot be spread any thinner.

 

We have the experience, community reach, ingenuity and resolve to tackle this latest crisis and ensure that meaningful support reaches those in need. As key infrastructure partners we will be working with the Council to ensure that perspectives of the VCS inform the council’s support for the sector.

 

Signatories

Keith Morgan

CEO, Voluntary Action Camden

 

 Foyezur Miah

Co-Chair, C4

 Dominic Pinkney

CEO, Volunteer Centre Camden
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