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Improving Digital Access

VAC is keen to talk to community organisations and groups in Camden working with residents to improve digital access – we are specifically interested in approaches that help to embed the use of apps, texting and website access to help with everyday things like shopping, paying bills, banking etc, and with helping residents access devices and data they need.

If we haven’t already contacted you please get in touch to discuss a small pilot project aimed at building on existing voluntary sector capacity in this area with the focus on accessing health care.

To find out more please contact Donna – dturnbull@vac.org.uk by 31st July.

Upcoming Training & Events

Camden Carers Service : face to face session Voluntary Action Camden, 8-12 Camden High St, NW1 0JH, 27th August, 10am – 11.30am
Virtual: Understanding Gaming and Gambling Harms – Health and Social Care Focus 17th September, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Introduction to Safeguarding for new starters and volunteers Crowndale Centre, 218 Eversholt St, NW1 1B, 25th September,10:00 am – 12:00 pm

We wanted to make sure anyone who missed it last week get’s a chance to look at our Annual Report for 2023. We’re really excited for you to find out about all the work we’ve been doing over the last year, from our Community Action Research Project to the new Innovation Award we launched for recruiting residents to volunteer in our Care navigation service. You can also learn about the partnerships we’ve build with amazing non-profit groups across Camden to support our diverse communities and provide fundamental services where they are needed.

Introductions from our chair of Trustees Benaifer Bhandari and our CEO Keith Morgan give insights on our key achievements and successes in 2023, as well as the challenges we’ve faced. These are also reflected by our broader look at the sector and a statement on workforce challenges and the climate emergency from Camden Council’s Head of Community Partnerships John Muir.

Our report introduces you to the key groups and networks we lead, such as the CEO network, New Group network and Ukraine Refugee Response. There’s also information on how we represent the sector at key strategic partnership groups. We end on a look to the future, with 12 key plans for our work going forward.

To read the report, click here!

Small charities need new representative body
Panellists at the recent CIOF Fundraising convention have called for a new body to represent and support small charities, in the wake of the closure of the Small Charities Coalition and the Foundation for Social Improvement, two institutions that supported the small charity sector. The panel also spoke about the funding dilemmas faced by small charities, suggesting that funders are less likely to allocate funding as they fear small charities’ survival in the long run. Charity campaigning more strictly policed, review finds
Charity campaigning and protest rights are more facing more and more restrictions and tone policing, according to the first annual UK civic space review from Bond, the UK network for civil society organisations working in international development. The review found trends that increasingly clamp down on rights in key areas of civic society. Charities give reaction to King’s Speech
Groups and leaders across the sector have given a mixed review to last week’s King’s speech, in which the new government announced a raft of new bills last week. The children’s wellbeing and English devolution bills were on the whole well-received, although some pointed out where legislation could go further. You can find more reaction here.

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!

Funding from Hampstead Wells and Campden Trust – HWCT supports North Camden by funding organisations addressing poverty and enhancing well-being. They are offering small grants up to £2,500 and larger grants averaging £15,000. Projects in debt advice, homelessness support, and mental health are prioritised.
The Fore Funding Programme is open to any sector and region within the UK with particular interest in grassroots organisations working with underserved communities.
Barclays Community Football Fund invites applications from projects that will support delivery of football activities to underrepresented groups.
The DPO Centre Charity and Community Fund will help charities and not-for-profit organisations to access data protection consultancy advice and services to ensure that they run efficiently.
The Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust is accepting applications from UK not-for-profit organisations to support projects in the UK aimed at working towards the creation of a peaceful and just world.

VAC UPCOMING TRAINING

Camden Carers Service: face to face session. VAC office, 8-12 Camden High St, NW1 0JH, 27TH August, 10am – 11.30am
Virtual: Understanding Gaming and Gambling Harms – Health and Social Care Focus 17th September, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Introduction to Safeguarding for new starters and volunteers Crowndale Centre, 218 Eversholt St, NW1 1B, 25th September,10:00 am – 12:00 pm

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

Camden Market 50th Anniversary – Summer Event Series
The famous Camden Market is celebrating its 50th birthday with a summer festival including music, art, dance, food and fashion from around the world. From a Bollywood festival to a Black Owned London (BOLO) spotlight session featuring young musical talent, there are a number of events for kids and adults that celebrate diversity and honour the markets past, present and future.

Regents Roots Arts Festival
Collaboratively curated by Old Diorama Arts Centre and Fitzrovia Youth In Action with local residents from Community Champions and Young Guardian, the Regents Roots festival features an eclectic mix of dance acts, circus shows and theatre performances. The festival takes place on Saturday 3rd August – click here to find out more.

Property Webinars on Everyday Premises Management
The Ethical Property Foundation have announced two Property webinars, free to voluntary organisations, that will empower your organisation’s property strategies. The first, on 29th August, is on Everyday Premises Management, while the second will run on the 19th September and will cover How to Read a Lease.

Latin American House Summer Camp for Kids
This free summer camp offers a wide variety of activities to keep your kids entertained and active throughout the day. Including sports, games, arts and crafts, cooking, science experiments and day trips. Spots are limited, so be sure to register early!
Dates: Week 1 from 29 July to 2 August
Week 2 from 5 August to 9 August

Adult Community Learning Tutors – Camden

We are seeking enthusiastic and qualified tutors to join our adult community programme in Camden. Our adult learning programme supports adults with a learning disability to develop self-confidence, learn new skills and to improve their understanding of their local community. Please note tutors must have AET or a teaching qualification. For more information, please click here.
Closing Date: 30th September

Supervisor (Mailing & Distribution Social Enterprise) – Kentish Town
Unity Works are seeking a dynamic and motivated individual to assist the Social Enterprise Manager in running their mailing and distribution social enterprise. The ideal candidate will be comfortable and confident dealing with customers as well as championing a real commitment to improving the lives of adults with a learning disability, with a background in customer service and developing community business opportunities. Part of the role will be assisting in the mentoring of trainees attending the social enterprise.
Closing Date: 23rd August

Holborn Community Association Doorstep Help Volunteer
Looking for an exciting new volunteering opportunity? Look no further! Holborn Community Association is introducing a Doorstep Help Befriending Scheme, and we need you! We are searching for empathetic, enthusiastic and reliable befriending volunteers to get involved and make a real difference, through empowering others and helping to reduce loneliness and isolation amongst older adults, living in the Holborn area. For further information, please contact us on felia@holborncommunity.co.uk or call us on 07484036879.

Mind in Camden
Healthy Minds Community Engagement and Development Worker
Would you like to be a part of an expanding community mental health programme which transforms the lives of socially isolated people in Camden? Are you personable, approachable and socially committed to fostering community through meaningful activities? Mind in Camden are seeking a community engagement and development worker to support the delivery of our active service.
Closing date: Monday 29th of July at 1.00pm
Senior Manager – Reach Out Camden and Community Services
Would you like to take on a senior management role in an alliance of community mental health services? Do you take pride in fostering a supportive environment and harnessing the creativity of your team? Join Mind in Camden to help transform the mental health system and the lives of people in Camden. They’re looking for someone with at least two years’ management experience in mental health or related services. You may have senior management experience or you may be a service manager looking to step up to a more senior role.
Closing date: 14th August
Senior Community Mental Health Recovery Support Worker
Mind in Camden are looking for a supportive and proactive leader to join their community service as a Senior Community Mental Health Recovery Support Worker. The post involves direct work with service users, supervising a team of staff and working in partnership with colleagues across different sectors in Camden. You’ll be working collaboratively alongside partners and statutory providers to adapt the service offers to meet changing local needs.
Closing date: 14th August

Age UK Camden
Age UK Camden is is a local, independent and innovative charity which has provided services to older people in Camden for more than 50 years through diverse and inclusive services. These services are highly valued by the residents of Camden and the voluntary and statutory sectors. They are looking to recruit:
Volunteering & HR Coordinator
A skilled and experienced Coordinator to support their Volunteering and HR functions. Our Volunteers are integral to how we deliver services in Camden. The successful candidate will be responsible for the co-ordination and effective management of volunteer services in the Age UK Camden Group (inc subsidiaries) including recruitment, placement, induction and ongoing support and training as well as record keeping/report producing via the database.
Deadline: 31st July 2024
Quality and Governance Coordinator
A skilled and experienced Coordinator to support the organisation in their Quality and Governance functions. The successful candidate will have a key role in the development and delivery of quality, compliance and corporate support services including strategy and business planning.
Closing date: Wednesday 7th August

People’s Museum Somers Town – Story Bike & Art Club
Summer jobs – Story Bike: A chance to develop a new social action service from grounds up. Opportunity for an outgoing natural promoter keen to help less mobile people. Paid ‘Service Developer’ contract roles, cyclist and volunteer opportunities. More information about both roles here. Please contact with CV info@aspaceforus.club.

Saturday Art Club Job Opportunity: Develop our Saturday Art Club! We are looking for a creative and responsible individual who would enjoy mentoring to promote and run our Saturday Art Club for all ages. Help develop art skills & confidence, and build community ties. Apply with CV and why you are interested in this: info@aspaceforus.club.

Fundraising and Development Organiser for Xenia
Xenia are looking for the newest member of their staff team to drive growth forward. A small ambitious charity, Xenia work to enable refugee, asylum seeking, migrant and British women to connect as equals, engage with their local area, build community, explore heritage and the arts and find their voice. This 2 day per week role is right for you if you have a desire to work in a self-managing role, have a good understanding of migrant women’s lives, and an unwavering commitment to equality and inclusion. Feel free to email to find out more welcome@xenia.org.uk.
Deadline: 6th August

Camden Summer University
Aged 13 to 19? Live in Camden, go to a Camden state school, attend a Camden Council youth centre or have a Camden social worker? Choose from nearly 70 free courses in arts, media, fashion, sport, cookery, work and life skills at venues across the borough. The programme runs from Thursday 25 July to Friday 23 August. Bookings now open – check the website to book your places.

UK Finance launch charity banking support website
A new website aimed at helping charities to support and manage bank accounts, with an account finder tool, step-by-step guide and FAQs. The resource includes tailored advice and a digital guide – you can find it here.

Charity Commission issue social media guidance
The charity commission have released guidance on setting social media policies, managing potential risks, and campaigning and fundraising on social media, as well as other helpful topics.

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.

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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 E-Bulletin 19th July 2024

by Duncan Cordy19 July 2024

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

Upcoming Training & Events

Camden Carers Service : face to face session Voluntary Action Camden, 8-12 Camden High St, NW1 0JH, 27th August, 10am – 11.30am
Virtual: Understanding Gaming and Gambling Harms – Health and Social Care Focus 17th September, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Introduction to Safeguarding for new starters and volunteers Crowndale Centre, 218 Eversholt St, NW1 1B, 25th September,10:00 am – 12:00 pm

To read the report, click here!

Large charities report gender pay gap data
UK organisations with over 250 employees have provided information on their gender pay gaps to the government. A study done by Civil Society has analysed what the latest data looks like for the charities involved, revealing that while the average median gender pay gap fell in 2023 (down to 6.8% from 7.2% in 2022), the mean gap remained the same as the year before, at 9.8% on average. The data also shows that the average median gender pay gap at charities was lower than the national average for all employees.

Experts warn of serious dangers involved in fundraising
Senior figures in fundraising organisations and think tanks spoke recently at The Chartered Institute of Fundraising’s annual convention about the often under-recognised threats of sexual harassment and harmful behaviours that female fundraisers face. The panel heard how 48% of women fundraisers have experienced sexual harassment at work in the last 2 years, and that cultural accountability procedures are fundamental for the profession to improve safety.

Charity Commission report record number of applications
More applications than ever were received in the year up to March 2024, for organisations applying for for charitable status. The report showed that the regulator received 9,008 applications, and that 54% of those achieved charitable status. We’ll be bringing you more analysis from the report next week.

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).

Greater London Authority Democratic Participation community grants are available to equity-led organisations to run impartial projects in trusted community settings between September 2024 and June 2025. Successful projects will support eligible Londoners, but especially under-registered and under-represented communities, to exercise their civic and democratic rights at the ballot box and beyond.
GSK Community Health programme: supporting small charities that are at least a year old, located and working in the UK with a total annual income between £20,000 and £150,000 tackling health inequalities.
The Weavers’ Company Benevolent Fund’s principal aim is to support people in trouble, particularly young offenders and ex-offenders, as well as other disadvantaged young people.
The Freelands Foundation Inclusive Practices Fund will support organisations to reimagine engagement and education; aiming to foster belonging and connection between young people in primary and secondary school, their teachers and visual arts spaces.
7Stars Foundation is offering grants for registered charities with an annual turnover of less than £1.5 million to deliver projects and activities that support young people aged 16 years and under across the priority themes of abuse, addiction, child carers, and homelessness.
Art Fund is offering funding to help museums, galleries and visual arts organisations provide paid opportunities for full-time university students to gain meaningful, developmental work-experience.

VAC UPCOMING TRAINING

Camden Carers Service: face to face session. VAC office, 8-12 Camden High St, NW1 0JH, 27TH August, 10am – 11.30am

Have you ever wondered who cares for the carer?
Do they know they are a carer, and as a carer, have rights and are entitled to support? At Camden Carers, our mission is to provide tailored support to those who spend their time caring, unpaid, for others.

Virtual: Understanding Gaming and Gambling Harms – Health and Social Care Focus 17th September, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

Could you talk to a young person if you were worried about their gaming? Do you know what might influence a young person to gamble?
Ygam are working with Voluntary Action Camden to offer a fully funded workshop designed to develop your understanding of gaming and gambling harms, enabling you to have conversations with the children and families you work with.

Introduction to Safeguarding for new starters and volunteers Crowndale Centre, 218 Eversholt St, NW1 1B, 25th September,10:00 am – 12:00 pm

We all have a role to play in ensuring children live their lives free from violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation.
This introductory course is designed for new starters and volunteers who work both directly and indirectly with organisations or groups delivering services to children, young people and their families in Camden. This session is free for all those who live or work in Camden and have had little or no safeguarding training before.

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

Learning Disability Network Women’s Group Meeting
Learning Disability Network London’s next Women’s Group meeting will be at the Greenwood Centre in Camden on Tuesday 23rd of July, 2pm-3:30pm. This group meets every 2 months and discuss women related topics. Next week they will be talking about women’s health! Contact Luana on lbaptista@ldnlondon.org for more information.

Camden Council – Suicide Awareness Training
September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day, this year the theme is ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide’. Camden Council has partnered with Rethink Mental Illness to deliver a suicide awareness training session, free to all staff working in Camden. Delivered through a range of activities and case studies, the training will cover topics including:
–   Understanding and challenging the stigma associated with suicide
–   Warning signs of suicide risk
–   How to hold a safe conversation with someone having thoughts of suicide
–   How to look after yourself when supporting someone at risk
If you work with residents, and would like to understand how to better support people who may be at risk of suicide, you can book a place here.

Castlehaven Invites you to their Summer Picnic
You’re invited to Castlehaven’s Community Association FREE Summer Celebration in their Community Hub (21 Castlehaven Rd, NW1 8RU) on Thursday, 25th July. There will be family-friendly fun, delicious picnic food, and more! Everyone welcome – bring your loved ones and a picnic if you can. For more information, please email info@castlehaven.org.uk or call 0207 485 3386.

Kurdish Community Meeting
The next Kurdish Community meeting in London is on Sunday 21st July at 24 Haverstock Hill, Chalk Farm, NW3 2BQ. The meetings are run on a monthly basis by Kurdish volunteers in order to help the community get together, celebrate ethnic identity and share knowledge in a sociable, cultural, educational and family friendly setting. All ethnicities are welcome. The program will include: welcome and introductions, arts, crafts and games for kids, knowledge sharing, skills, and business ideas, and refreshments will be provided.

SPCA Family Funday & Joining Camden Fringe
Join St Pancras Community Association for a FREE afternoon of family fun on Saturday 20th July, with bouncy castles, music, games, a BBQ and More. No need to book, just come along.
Then, on Wednesdays + Saturdays, 3-21 of August. 7:30 – 8:30 PM, SPCA are opening its doors to run some comedy nights with Square Go Comedy! Tickets are £8 and there will be drinks available. Find out more here.

Camden New Town Community Festival 2024
Bringing our community together: 20 July: Jazz, poetry & “open mike” , 21 July: Family Day, both in Camden Square Gardens NW1.
Festival parade – 6 metre high Climbing Tower – Arts and Crafts – Children’s activities – Dance performances – Dr Bike – Face painting – food & refreshments – Green Corner – Healthy Living tent – local history – live music – • chess challenge – restart & sewing workshops – • Film Tent – stalls and information
To book a stall, volunteer or make a donation please contact the Festival Office on 020 7485 6827 or email festival.mlcc@yahoo.co.uk.

VAC are hiring a new CEO! Last chance to apply…
Sadly, VAC’s wonderful CEO, Keith Morgan, is leaving to take on a new opportunity. We’ve just posted a listing where you can find out more about the role and submit your application. We wish to hear from applicants with senior leadership skills, who have the knowledge and insights around infrastructure to ensure we meet the continued needs of our local communities. You will lead an experienced and passionate staff team with strong community links and diverse talents to meet the challenges for voluntary and community organisations in 21st century Camden.
Deadline: 26th July 2024.

Castlehaven – Environmental Project Coordinator
The deadline is fast approaching for Castlehaven’s Environmental Project Coordinator role. Castlehaven Community Association is looking for a full-time coordinator to deliver climate-friendly initiatives, environmental education, and assist with admin. This 24-month contract closes at Midnight, Sunday 21st July 2024. Apply now.

Mind in Camden
Senior Manager – Reach Out Camden and Community Services
Would you like to take on a senior management role in an alliance of community mental health services? Do you take pride in fostering a supportive environment and harnessing the creativity of your team? Join Mind in Camden to help transform the mental health system and the lives of people in Camden. They’re looking for someone with at least two years’ management experience in mental health or related services. You may have senior management experience or you may be a service manager looking to step up to a more senior role.
Closing date: 14th August

Healthy Minds Community Engagement and Development Worker
Would you like to be a part of an expanding community mental health programme which transforms the lives of socially isolated people in Camden? Are you personable, approachable and socially committed to fostering community through meaningful activities? Mind in Camden are seeking a community engagement and development worker to support the delivery of our active service.
Closing date: Monday 29th of July at 1.00pm

Castlehaven Environmental Project Coordinator
Castlehaven Community Association are looking for a full-time Environmental Project Coordinator to help deliver climate-friendly community initiatives, environmental education sessions and assist with admin. The ideal candidate will have good knowledge of gardening & horticulture, experience delivering workshops, and the ability to inspire people of all ages & abilities. This is a 24-month fixed term contract. Applications close at Midnight Sunday 21st July 2024.

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.

JustGiving Winter Fundraising Guide
JustGiving have published a fundraising guide for Winter 2024, which includes a range of tips and resources to help time your campaigns as well as how to analyse and report on the success of your campaigns. You can find it here.

UK Youth Summer Jobs Programme
This programme from UK Youth offers paid summer work placements for young people aged 16-25 who are at risk of violence. The programme will provide young people with direct employment opportunities in with employers in their local area.

Camden Women’s Safety Survey
Camden want to hear about the experiences of women and girls in the area to understand how safe you feel living, working and travelling in our borough. The survey closes on 7th October, and you can find it here.

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?

Ways to Get Involved

Join us on social media

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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 E-Bulletin 12th July 2024

by Duncan Cordy12 July 202416 July 2024

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VAC Chief Executive Vacancy

As we mentioned in last week’s newsletter, we are hiring for a new Chief Executive to replace our outgoing CEO Keith Morgan. You can find out more information about the role and submit your application here. In the meantime, here are a three reasons from him about why you should apply to the role:

1. VAC is at the forefront of the voluntary community sector in Camden. It has a proud history of serving communities in Camden, and it is well positioned as a strategic leader for the sector. ‘With great power comes great responsibility’ and VAC has never shied away from this. You will be joining VAC at a pivotal moment as it broadens its membership offer and deepens its relationship with the council through 7 years of secured core funding.

2. VAC’s staff and trustees are passionate about their work and committed to seeing the organisation grow. Through the toughest of times the team has shown resilience and vision. They know why they are here and what needs to be done to achieve the organisations aims and objectives. You will be inheriting an unmatched team of skilled, diverse and collaborative individuals.

3. We Make Camden. The voluntary and community sector in Camden is strong with over 2,000 organisations. The sector embodies Camden’s popular image of being rebellious and pioneering. VAC’s members are supportive and engaged and will guide you through this exciting new chapter.

“I’ve had a great time at VAC, and I know you will too. Every day was different but was always filled with examples of how we are improving the lives of our community”.

Our Annual Report for 2023 is here! We’re really excited for you to find out about all the work we’ve been doing over the last year, from our Community Action Research Project to the new Innovation Award we launched for recruiting residents to volunteer in our Care navigation service. You can also learn about the partnerships we’ve build with amazing non-profit groups across Camden to support our diverse communities and provide fundamental services where they are needed.

To read the report, click here!

Sector leaders respond to Election results
Key charitable groups and leaders have given their reactions to Labour’s win in last week’s general election. Organisations such as NCVO, CFG, Bond and Hospice UK urged the new government to recognise the need for an improved relationship with the charity sector and support an area that contributes so much to the fabric of civil society.

Report analyses charities’ relationship with technology
The new Charity Digital Skills Report for 2024 has been released, which gives insights into how charities are using technology. The report suggests that broadly, the sector is becoming more and more comfortable using digital skills and new technologies such as AI, but that barriers remain that prevent progress, and smaller charities have significantly less digital capacity than larger ones.

Income from fundraising events raised £132m in 2023
Research on the UK’s 25 largest charity-owned mass participation events grew 16% in 2023 compared with the previous year, new research has shown. The resurgence included £77m raised by the four biggest events, showing the public appeal of mass fundraising events especially since the end of Covid related restrictions.

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).

British Ecological Society Outreach and Engagement Programme offers grants of up to £2,000 for individuals, teams and organisations to engage public audiences with the ‘excitement of ecological sciences’.
Asda Foundation Grant for Investing in Spaces and Places – support is available for projects that address building repair, building development and outdoor development.
Music for All is offering an instrument-only funding round to community projects and to schools in the UK who are looking to enhance and expand their music provision.
WCIT Charity IT4Good Grants Programme will support activities such as the development and delivery of new services, solutions, training, apps, analytics, AI, robotics, or accessibility features/hardware.
The Xero Beautiful Business Fund has been established to help small businesses invest in their future operations.

VAC UPCOMING TRAINING

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
Let’s talk about Disability – and build a movement for change!
Join Camden Disability Action on Wednesday 17th July at the Greenwood Centre in Kentish Town, NW5 1LB for an afternoon of insightful presentations , networking and guest speakers. This in-person event is a great place to start if you want to partner with CDA or if you are Camden resident with an impairment or health condition and want to get involved. Find out more and reserve your place here.

Henna Asian Women’s Group celebrate South Asian Heritage Month
As part of the South Asian Heritage Month, Henna Asian Women’s Group is celebrating an event on the 5th August at 12 pm-3 pm at the Crowndale Centre, 218 Eversholt St, NW1 1BD. Attendees of the South Asian Heritage Week event can expect a rich and diverse experience that celebrates vibrant cultures, traditional food, and musical entertainment. RSVP on 07752681828 info@hennaorg.co.uk.

Holborn Community Memory Cafe
Holborn Community are hosting a new weekly creative session happening for Older Adults called Memory Cafe, starting Monday 29th July (2pm-4pm). This is the first of 9 weekly creative and reminiscence sessions for older adults. Carers are welcome to attend and participate in these sessions. Email andrew@holborncommunity.co.uk to book your tickets.

A Space for Us @ Somers Town Festival
Join in the history area of the Somers Town Festival along Phoenix Road to celebrate the centenary of St Pancras Housing with: an outdoor social housing exhibition; radical bookstall; retro music by JF Whitney; films indoors; and FREE rides on the Storybike! Saturday 13th July, 12-6.30pm.

The Zen Project Free Community Festival
The Zen Project and Mind in Camden bring to you one of a series of monthly festivals on 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 the 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. More information here.
Thursday 18th July, Likewise in Swiss Cottage, 8 Fairhazel Gardens, NW6 3SG

Women Speak: Hear their story, find your strength
Have you ever felt like gambling was taking control? You’re not alone. GamCare are running a free event for women only on Tue 16th July, online, where you can hear form women who have been through something similar.
• Hear Nikki’s Story: Nikki Adams, who has been through her own journey with gambling, will share her experience in a video message.
• Empower Each Other: Chat openly with other women who understand what you’re going through. Reserve your place here.

Portraits of Camden LGBTQ Workshop
On Saturday 13th July, create your own portrait with fabric and be part of a huge quilt that tells the story of Camden. Join with forum+ at Portraits of Camden LGBTQ Workshop to freely explore your creativity, meet new people and celebrate Camden. Portraits of Camden is led by Camden resident, Joana Monteiro – PhD candidate at UAL London College of Fashion, Founder of Knit Up social enterprise, sustainable fashion and design expert. The workshop is free to join, for ages 18+ and bookings can be made here.

Camden Council Community Health Event
Camden Council is running a Community Health Event in Talacre Gardens on Saturday 13th July. Help is needed with setting up stalls, directing residents, organising live entertainment, supporting sports activities, collecting feedback, managing queues and note taking. Volunteers are needed from 10am and are expected to stay for a minimum of 2 hours. All volunteers will be provided with free food. In case of bad weather, the event will be rearranged to take place on Saturday 20th July. Please contact anita.khalil@camden.gov.uk for more information.

VAC are hiring a new CEO!
Sadly, VAC’s wonderful CEO, Keith Morgan, is leaving to take on a new opportunity. We’ve just posted a listing where you can find out more about the role and submit your application. We wish to hear from applicants with senior leadership skills, who have the knowledge and insights around infrastructure to ensure we meet the continued needs of our local communities. You will lead an experienced and passionate staff team with strong community links and diverse talents to meet the challenges for voluntary and community organisations in 21st century Camden.
Deadline: 26th July 2024.

Mind in Camden – Healthy Minds Community Engagement and Development Worker
Would you like to be a part of an expanding community mental health programme which transforms the lives of socially isolated people in Camden? Are you personable, approachable and socially committed to fostering community through meaningful activities? Mind in Camden are seeking a community engagement and development worker to support the delivery of our active service.
Closing date: Monday 29th of July at 1.00pm

Age UK Camden Volunteering & HR Coordinator
Age UK Camden is looking to recruit a skilled and experienced Coordinator to support their Volunteering and HR functions. Our Volunteers are integral to how we deliver services in Camden. The successful candidate will:
• Be responsible for the co-ordination and effective management of volunteer services in the Age UK Camden Group (inc subsidiaries) including recruitment, placement, induction and ongoing support and training as well as record keeping/report producing via the database.
• Support the HR Function of Age UK Camden (including subsidiaries currently Age UK City of London). Reporting to the Head of HR and Central Services.

Camden Women’s Safety Survey
We want Camden to be a safe place for everyone, but sadly, we know too many women don’t feel safe when they’re out and about on our streets. We’d like to hear the experiences of women and girls in Camden to understand how safe you feel living, working and travelling in our borough. The survey should take up to five to six minutes and will build on the work from our first survey in 2022. Survey link here. The survey closes on 7th Oct 2024. For more information, please contact savannah.ray@camden.gov.uk.

IMPACT Network Coordinator
Camden are looking to recruit 8-10 members, including people who receive care and support, carers, front-line staff, funders/decision-makers and relevant service providers to join the IMPACT Network. The Camden Network will be focusing on involving people in strategic decision-making. There will be 4 local network meetings in total over a six-month period. People with lived experience will receive a £75 Reward and Recognition payment for their involvement for each of the sessions and food, refreshments and travel costs to the meeting will be covered. If this is something you or someone you know would like to take part in, or if you have any questions, please contact freyja.banks@camden.gov.uk.

Healthwatch Camden survey for women and girls
Healthwatch Camden is conducting research into conditions related to menstrual health, specifically Endometriosis, a condition affecting 1 in 10 women and girls. They are inviting women and girls living in Camden to share their menstrual health experience through a short survey. If you have endometriosis or suspected symptoms, they invite you for an in-person or online interview where you will be reimbursed for your time. Any information you share is completely anonymous and confidential. Contact at info@healthwatchcamden.co.uk.

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

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VAC E-Bulletin 5th July 2024

by Duncan Cordy5 July 202416 July 2024

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

Upcoming Training & Events

Our Annual General Meeting takes place next Monday at Camden Town Hall, and this year the theme for the meeting is: AI and the voluntary sector – Embracing the potential. We will be welcoming the Mayor of Camden who will introduce the event, as well as our guest speaker Jonathan Chevallier, CEO of Charity Digital. We will be running some information stalls and serving up tasty food. Click the link below for more information.

VAC AGM 2024 – AI and the voluntary sector: Embracing the potential 8th July, 5.45-8pm
Fundraising Tips for Trustees 10th July, 6pm-7pm

More details in the Events and Training section

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).

The Society Foundation is an independent registered charity with a funding programme for organisations working in capacity building activities, staff training and development or external consultancy/support. Applications accepted until 8 July.
Warburtons Community Grants programme welcomes applications from not-for-profit organisations with charitable purposes that are based and working in England, Scotland or Wales as long as their projects are addressing one of Warburtons’ priority areas.
Skinners’ Charity Foundation is offering grants for registered not-for-profit organisations across London and Kent to deliver projects that support NEET young people to move into employment or get employment-ready.

VAC UPCOMING TRAINING

Fundraising Tips for Trustees 10th July, 6pm-7pm

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

Queer Brown Stories’ Launch Party!
Join for the launch of ‘Queer Brown Stories’! Expect fun activities, food, music, and stalls showcasing community groups and artists. ‘Queer Brown Stories’ is a mural celebrating the diverse experiences of Queer South Asian existence within cities and explores the community’s hopes for the future of Camley Street – and is part of Camden Council’s inclusive development of the neighbourhood.
7th July, Camley Street Underpass Gallery, near 120 Camley Street, N1C 4PG

Young Camden Foundation’s Summer Party
YCF are celebrating their 7th birthday with a summer party – an evening filled with fun, laughter, and community spirit at Papier HQ in Camden. Including a raffle, refreshments and bubbly, performances by local talented performers and speeches, plus the opportunity to connect with community members, local businesses, councillors and young people and everyone in between.
10th July, 39 Plender Street, NW1 0DT

Age UK Camden Day Care Centre Manager
Age UK Camden are looking for a skilled and experienced Day Care Centre Manager for the centre – Great Croft, for older people in Camden – based in Kings Cross. Their centres provide a wide range of activities as well as being specialist Day Care Centres caring for older people with complex needs. The Day Care Centres also provide a hot lunch and a range of special events. The dedicated, specialist team support people with care needs, including those living with mild – moderate dementia and complex needs.
Closing date: Monday 8th July 2024

Age UK Camden Fundraising Manager
Age UK Camden are looking for a dynamic, experienced Fundraising Manager who will manage a portfolio of work that ranges from Fundraising, Income Generation in areas such as the Charity Retail Shop, Marketing and Communications and Community and Corporate Engagement. The role also involves working closely with the CEO and the external bid writer who focuses on funding from Trusts and Grants
Closing date: Monday 15^th July 2024

Two Promoter Roles at People’s Museum Somers Town
Summer jobs – Story Bike: A chance to develop a new social action service from grounds up. Opportunity for an outgoing natural promoter keen to help less mobile people. Paid ‘Service Developer’ contract roles, cyclist and volunteer opportunities. More information about both roles here. Please contact with CV info@aspaceforus.club.

Little Village Baby Bank Manager
Do you have what it takes to lead an amazing team of staff and volunteers to make a big difference to families across London? Little Village are looking for a Baby Bank Manager who can unite and inspire members of the Camden Hub to help them to give more young children across the capital the things they need to thrive.
Deadline: 9th July

Street Storage (Homelessness Charity) Seeks Volunteer
Street Storage is the only UK charity providing free, accessible and safe storage for people experiencing homelessness. They are looking for someone to assist the team every Monday 10am – 4pm carrying out duties such as getting people’s bags and cases to and from the storage unit when they drop in for belongings, greeting people, offering refreshments and generally being on hand for staff and people using Street Storage alike. So a people person with a bit of muscle would be perfect! Please contact caroline.allouf@streetstorage.org.

NCL Health Alliance engagement on Long Term Conditions
The North and Central London Health Alliance are inviting expressions of interest from VCS organisations to take part in designing and testing an improved model of care for Long Term Conditions. This expression of interest seeks a provider (organisation or partnerships of organisations) with significant experience of leading patient / resident participation ideally with people who have a number of health conditions. This is an exploratory piece of work that will take place in 2 Primary Care Network locations as a pilot to help inform future services. Contact social@vac.org.uk or dturnbull@vac.org.uk for the expression of interest form and/or for more information.

Free and low-cost activities for children and young people
Summer is here and there are lots of fantastic free and low-cost creative and performing arts, sports and physical activities, youth and play projects, as well as trips, on offer for children and young people in Camden. Check out Camden Rise website for the full programme of activities and opportunities.

Whatimpact VCSE Survey
Whatimpact’s mission is to amplify the voice of the VCSE (Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise) sector. With the UK election approaching, they aim to gather data and provide a platform for VCSEs to share their perspectives on collaborating with the private sector. Whatimpact are inviting charities, community groups, and social enterprises across the UK to participate in their brief survey. Your feedback will help understand your current challenges and aspirations to enhance cross-sector collaboration.

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

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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 E-Bulletin 28th June 2024

by Duncan Cordy28 June 202416 July 2024

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Spotlight | Features , News and Policy | Funding | Events and Training |
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Upcoming Training & Events

VAC AGM 2024 – AI and the voluntary sector: Embracing the potential 8th July, 5.45-8pm
Fundraising Tips for Trustees 10th July, 6pm-7pm

More details in the Events and Training section

Survey reveals importance of small charities
Meeting the theme of Small Charities Week, which takes place from 24th-28th June, research commissioned by NCVO shows a quarter of people have used small charities for support due to the cost of living crisis. Responses to the survey indicate that small charities have a vital role in meeting demand for services that otherwise would not be provided.

48% of people do not trust traditional media reporting on charities
Enthuse have released their Summer 2024 Donor Pulse Report, which includes insight on a number of interesting areas relating to the charity sector. Among the findings from the report are figures on how much the public trust in traditional and social media reporting on charities, as well as information on what percentage of people say they intend to donate to charities in the future.

6.5 million participated in Big Help Out
6.5 million people, among them Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak, took part in the Big Help Out weekend on 7-9 June. The event gives volunteers the chance to participate in a range of registered events, and a survey that was carried out reflected the positive effects for people who took part.

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).

European Prize for Women Innovators to reward women who have brought outstanding innovations to market and have made significant impact on the innovation ecosystem.
Innovative Health Initiative has launched a new call for proposals including topics on heart disease in cities, big data and arthritis, regulatory sandboxes, and how best to measure the impacts of a therapy on patients’ lives.
Public Voices in AI Fund is seeking proposals for projects which seek to ensure that uses of AI are informed by the voices of people underrepresented in or negatively impacted by AI.
School for Social Entrepreneurs provides this free development learning programme with a match trading grant to support locally rooted community businesses in England to become stronger and more sustainable.
Austin and Hope Pilkington Trust funding is intended to support those in society who face the greatest challenges and whose opportunities are the most limited.

VAC UPCOMING TRAINING

Fundraising Tips for Trustees 10th July, 6pm-7pm

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

First-ever Camden Schools Art Biennale
This summer, a new Camden Schools Art Biennale hosted by Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London, with Camden Council and Camden Learning, is coming to Granary Square, King’s Cross. From 11 to 17 July, visitors to the free exhibition will be able to explore hundreds of artworks by Camden schoolchildren, with creative work by every school and every key stage of learning – from primary and special schools to secondary schools, through to A-level.

Invitation: explore the past and present of Kilburn
The One Kilburn Community Fund winners, Electronic Sheep, would like to invite you on a journey through Kilburn’s history – exploring its vibrant past and dynamic present in motion for their film, Kilburn in Motion, on 29th June. This is the first of a series of workshops and events that forms part of the making of the film, Kilburn in Motion. There are 25 spaces available for this event. Find out more and reserve your free space here. Any questions, do not hesitate to get in contact with electronicsheep@gmail.com.

VCC Volunteer Manager’s Forum
Join Volunteer Centre Camden online on Tuesday 2nd July for networking and peer support in the company of volunteer managers from everywhere. Topics are decided by you on the day and booking is free. VCC’s forums are peer-to-peer learning, in which the group on the day will work through solutions together.

Regent’s Roots community and arts festival
Hit Festival Regent’s Roots returns for the third year with another fun-filled summer celebration celebrating South Asian Heritage Month, featuring performances, interactive and playful arts installations and workshops, a marketplace of local organisations and activities, pop-up gaming and inflatables. Come along for a free lunch feast and spend a joyful afternoon with the vibrant backdrop of Regent’s Park Estate – the city is our stage. The festival has been organised in collaboration with residents, and co-produced by Old Diorama Arts Centre and Fitzrovia Youth in Action.
3rd August, Streets Surrounding Old Diorama Arts Centre.

Hearing Voices Projects Development Worker
At Mind in Camden, this vacancy in the Hearing Voices Projects team involves supporting and developing innovative support services for people who hear voices, see visions, have other sensory experiences, altered states or unshared beliefs. Mind in Camden are looking for someone with knowledge of peer support and a range of perspectives on mental health. Job description and application details here.
Closing date: Sunday 30th June 2024

Job Opportunity: Assistant Workshop Facilitator
Camden are seeking an enthusiastic Assistant Workshop Facilitator to support Healing Choir, a new weekly vocal gathering in Kilburn’s Tin Tabernacle. The role involves assisting the lead artist, Sharon Gal, with preparation, organization, and participant support. Ideal candidates have experience with diverse groups, are friendly, resourceful, punctual, and knowledgeable about Health & Safety practices. A basic DBS check is required. To apply, send your CV and supporting statement to paprikacollective@gmail.com.
Deadline: 1st July

Free Networking Group at the Gunnercooke Foundation
This free programme works with business leaders and pairs them with third sector organisations of varying sizes and stages of growth with the aim of addressing often common challenges and helping to grow the organisation, in the form of regular ‘Hub’ meetings. Requirements for joining are very minimal – the member would need to commit to attending the hub meetings (which take place 4-6 times a year), be the CEO or equivalent as well as having an annual revenue of over £50k. Contact Hannah.Richardson@thegunnercookefoundation.com for more information.

July Sharing Spaces Sessions at Clarence Hall
Following the success of their first month at Clarence Hall’s Sharing Space, nestled within the Clarence Way Estate, Castlehaven Community Association is offering more free, family-friendly workshops every Tuesday from 2-5 pm. Activities include gardening, arts & crafts, textile printing, and a children’s clothes swap. Everyone is welcome, so get involved and learn more about the workshops here.

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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Ways to Get Involved

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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 E-Bulletin 21st June 2024

by Duncan Cordy21 June 202416 July 2024

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

Upcoming Training & Events

Our next VAC Trustees Network event: Fundraising Tips for Trustees.

For anyone who currently has a role as a trustee, or is thinking of applying to become a trustee, we’ll be sharing some invaluable tips and practical information in this workshop.

The event, which will be co-hosted with Volunteer Centre Camden, will consist of three parts: we’ll be starting with some expert guest speakers from All Ways Network, following up with a Q&A facilitated session and then finally an opportunity to network with fellow attendees. To find out more, and book your tickets, visit our website.

Understanding online gaming and gambling harms 27th June, 1pm-2pm
Fundraising Tips for Trustees 12th July, 6pm-7pm.

More details in the Events and Training section

NPC produces report on Youth Mental Health Crisis
NPC have published a new report giving insight on how charities are responding to the rising mental health needs of children and young people, and how a different approach to funding could help with the increased demand for services. The report outlines 6 key areas for funders to focus on to better enable charities to respond to the crisis.

“Radical honesty” essential for inclusivity
Charity leaders have spoken about the need for radical honesty as a building block for anti-racist, inclusive organisations, at a panel on the Third Sector conference this week. Speakers from Reframing Race and Girls Friendly Society offered insights into how the sector can look at changing cultures and processes.

Government urged to improve volunteer movement
The Charity Retail Association (CRA) has published a manifesto with a list of recommendations for the next government to help promote a culture of reuse and waste reduction and make it easier for volunteers to move between charities. The manifesto centres the success and importance of charity shops and how, in order to maintain that, processes for volunteers must be improved.

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).

Rosa’s Stand With Us Fund – grants are available for not-for-profit women’s and girls’ organisations delivering frontline services in the UK addressing male violence against women and girls.
Energy Saving Trust’s Carbon Emissions Reduction for not-for-profit groups in Great Britain for projects that empower householders to reduce their carbon emissions and engage positively with the transition to net zero and for the development of innovative products and services related to energy.
Islamic Relief UK is offering grants of between £1,000 and £40,000 for voluntary, community, and social enterprise sector organisations across the UK to deliver projects that support marginalised and vulnerable people and their communities.
Co-op Local Community Fund – supporting projects in Co-op members’ communities that help to create Sustainable Future for People and the Planet (the themes for this year).
Ofgem Energy Industry Voluntary Redress Scheme – grants are available to registered charities for projects supporting people in or at risk of fuel poverty across England, Scotland and Wales.

VAC UPCOMING TRAINING

Understanding online gaming and gambling harms 27th June, 1pm – 2pm
Fundraising Tips for Trustees 10th July, 6pm-7pm

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

First-ever Camden Schools Art Biennale
This summer, a new Camden Schools Art Biennale hosted by Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London, with Camden Council and Camden Learning, is coming to Granary Square, King’s Cross. From 11 to 17 July, visitors to the free exhibition will be able explore hundreds of artworks by Camden schoolchildren, with creative work by every school and every key stage of learning – from primary and special schools to secondary schools, through to A-level.

Take back Control of the Climate Crisis Narrative
The climate crisis has dozens of causes, all together creating the existential threat the world faces. Weigh them all up in a facilitated game-based workshop, find out what others think from different world views and discuss where it leaves us. Forget about pessimism, take back control of the narrative.
June 24th, Islington Climate Centre, 21 Parkfield Street, N1 0PS

Heath Hands 25th Birthday + Community Fun Day
Heath Hands, the conservation and community charity for Hampstead Heath turns 25 this year and to celebrate, they’ve made a short film about their activities – view it here! You can also join them for the Hampstead Heath Community Fun Day at the Parliament Hill Bandstand from 1-5pm on Sunday 23rd June. Including hula hooping, South Asian dancing, live music, face painting, henna, nature activities, art activities, Bike MOTs and more! More information here.

Castlehaven Urban Gardening Talk
Award-winning gardener Mark Soanes will be delivering a talk all about garden design principles and it’s correlation with the environment on the 29th June from 2 – 4 pm. Booking is essential – please catherine@castlehaven.org.uk.

Zen in Mind – Free Community Festival
The Zen Project and Mind in Camden bring to you one of a series of 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 the big yellow American school bus and take part in one of many activities to help create some calm and ease anxiety. Something for everyone. No need to book – just turn up. More information here.
Thursday 27th June, 12pm-4pm, Swiss Cottage, 8 Fairhazel Gardens, NW6 3SG

People’s Museum of Somers Town – various events
‘Rough City’ – Exhibition Opening – 21st-22nd June 5-9pm
BA Interior Architecture final year student work from Middlesex University focusing on the effect of the homogenisation of the built environment through design intervention in the Coal Drops Yard development in Kings Cross.
Retro Vinyl Night – Thursday 27th June, 6pm
People’s Museum retro vinyl club, led by DJ Flytowhitneysmoon. Bring your own vinyls with you, or just come along and hear what others have to share.
All events are taking place at People’s Museum, 52 Phoenix Rd, NW1 1ES

CAWH Healthy Morning Walk
Free of Charge ( Pay for your drinks and snacks). Contact: Beatrice on 0207 794 3729 or by email beatrice@cawh.org.uk. An opportunity to meet at the centre and go for a healthy morning walk together to encourage each other and meet new people. Anyone can join! (over 18). Meet at the West Hampstead Community centre. 25th June from 11am to 12:30pm, West Hampstead Community Centre, 17 Dornfell Street, NW6 1QN.

Kurdish Community meeting
The next Kurdish Community meeting in London is on Sunday 23rd June from 2.00 – 6.00 pm at 24 Haverstock Hill, Chalk Farm, NW3 2BQ. The meetings are run on a monthly basis by Kurdish volunteers in order to help the community get together, celebrate ethnic identity, share knowledge in a sociable, cultural, educational and family friendly setting. All ethnicities are welcome.

Street Storage (Homelessness Charity) Seeks Volunteer
Street Storage is the only UK charity providing free, accessible and safe storage for people experiencing homelessness. They are looking for someone who can play a vital role in the safe storage of people’s most prized possessions and be part of a team who aims to create a warm, welcoming safe space for people who store with them. Duties would consist of getting people’s bags and cases to and from the storage unit when they drop in for belongings as well as greeting people, offering refreshments and generally being on hand for staff and people using Street Storage alike. So a people person with a bit of muscle would be perfect! Please contact caroline.allouf@streetstorage.org.

Youth Safety Multi-Media Competition – enter your project
Camden’s annual Youth Safety Multi-Media Competition aims to raise awareness of the issues affecting the safety of young people in Camden and encourage young people to come together and think about their concerns, aspirations and hopes for the future. The competition is open to children and young people in Camden aged 10 to 18. Entries must be by children and young people in partnership with their school, youth organisation or play centre.

Unlock your mentoring potential with the Winch
Looking for support with your mentoring programme? In partnership with the Mayor of London, The Winch are very excited to offer your organisation a unique opportunity to support your mentoring practice. Working with a team of grassroots professionals, you will gain access to micro grants, training and framework implementation masterclasses among others. Contact daniel@thewinch.org
Call for Proposal: Learning Partner
The Winch is seeking to commission a learning partner for the Good Neighbourhood Project, a three-year initiative that supports residents to lead in imagining and building towards fairer, greener local neighbourhoods. Their aim is to learn in order to embed practices and approaches and demonstrate accountability to the people they engage.

Carol Street Workshop Available to Lease
A property on Carol Street, close to Camden Underground, is available. This property owned by Camden Council and is being reserved for incorporated charities and community groups. A further rent reduction of 50% is available for eligible organisations. An open day will take place on Wednesday 3rd July between 10-1pm. For further details please visit the Council’s website.

Free Courses from We Find Any Learner
New courses are available from We Find Any Learner, with three of the most popular online courses being offered free of charge. To find out more, head to the website, where you can sign up or look through the full list of courses. To sign up, you will need to be at least 19 years old, residing in England and not currently enrolled in an apprenticeship programme.

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?

Ways to Get Involved

Join us on social media

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Use your own custom HTML

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 E-Bulletin 14th June 2024

by Duncan Cordy14 June 202416 July 2024

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

Upcoming Training & Events

Newly announced this week, our next VAC Trustees Network event: Fundraising Tips for Trustees.

For anyone who currently has a role as a trustee, or is thinking of applying to become a trustee, we’ll be sharing some invaluable tips and practical information in this workshop.

Understanding online gaming and gambling harms 27th June, 1pm-2pm
Fundraising Tips for Trustees 12th July, 6pm-7pm.

More details in the Events and Training section

NCVO & ACEVO publish Voluntary Sector Manifesto
A new manifesto has been published by NCVO & ACEVO which proposes 7 key strategies to augment the future relationship between the government and charity sector. The recommendations include bringing charities into policy-making by establishing a civil society charter, and appointing a “philanthropy champion” within government.

Charity Governance Code launches public consultation
Established to support charities and trustees by providing guidance and developing high standards of governance, the Charity Governance Code are inviting charities across the sector to take part in a new survey. The consultation is aimed at learning about the relationships different charities have with the governance code, whether or not they currently use it. The deadline to complete the survey is 11th August.

Door-to-door fundraising received negatively by majority
A survey from the Fundraising Regulator on public attitudes to different fundraising methods, has revealed that 62% of people rated their most recent experience of door-to-door fundraising negatively. The survey also analysed public opinion on public and online fundraising.

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).

North London Community Fund – Projects must either be intervention-based with a behaviour change focus, or aim to reach communities not currently participating in pro-environmental behaviours.
Young Camden Foundation Summer Opportunities Fund for activities that will help keep children and young people engaged, active, and supported, promoting their mental and physical wellbeing.
Lloyds Bank Foundation invites Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisations to apply for unrestricted grants of up to £75,000 over a three year period.
City Bridge Foundation Suicide Prevention funding programme to support strategic projects that achieve systemic change in suicide prevention across London.
Skinners’ Charity Foundation supporting programmes of work where young people receive a vocational qualification as part of their employment progression.

VAC UPCOMING TRAINING

Understanding online gaming and gambling harms 27th June, 1pm – 2pm
Fundraising Tips for Trustees 10th July, 6pm-7pm

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

Hopscotch Women’s Centre events for Refugee Week
Hopscotch Women’s Centre are holding two upcoming community arts events for Refugee Week. On 17th – 21st June, in collaboration with the British Library, creative works and stories by refugee women and girls will be showcased at the Last Word community space. Then from 17th June – mid July, additional creative artworks and case studies will be displayed at Old Diorama Arts Centre, where Hopscotch has been working from to deliver English classes and wellbeing sessions for refugee women throughout this year.

Camden New Town Community Festival 2024
Bringing our community together: 20 July, Jazz, poetry & “open mike” in Camden Square Gardens NW1, 21 July, Family Day in Camden Square Gardens NW1.
Festival parade – 6 metre high Climbing Tower – Arts and Crafts – Children’s activities – Dance performances – Dr Bike – Face painting – food & refreshments – Green Corner – Healthy Living tent – local history – live music – • chess challenge – restart & sewing workshops – • Film Tent – stalls and information
To book a stall, volunteer or make a donation please contact the Festival Office on 020 7485 6827 or email festival.mlcc@yahoo.co.uk.

People’s Museum of Somers Town – Various Events
People’s Museum Day of Walks – This Saturday 15th June, 12-4pm
For the London Festival of Architecture choose from 4 walks around landmark estates in Somers Town to celebrate the centenary of St Pancras Housing.
‘Rough City’ – Exhibition Opening 20th June 5-9pm
BA Interior Architecture final year student work from Middlesex University focusing on the effect of the homogenisation of the built environment through design intervention in the Coal Drops Yard development in Kings Cross. The exhibitions will also be open 21st & 22nd June.
Retro Vinyl Night – Thursday 27th June, 6pm
People’s Museum retro vinyl club, led by DJ Flytowhitneysmoon. Bring your own vinyls with you, or just come along and hear what others have to share.
All events are taking place at People’s Museum, 52 Phoenix Rd, NW1 1ES

Queen Square Community Picnic
Holborn Community has partnered up with SGTM Church, Love Camden and The October Gallery to host a community picnic. There will be free snacks/drinks, games and art activities. More info here.
Saturday 6th July – 12.30pm – 3pm, Queen Square, Bloomsbury.

CAWH Healthy Morning Walk
Free of Charge ( Pay for your drinks and snacks). Contact: Beatrice on 0207 794 3729 or by email beatrice@cawh.org.uk. An opportunity to meet at the centre and go for a healthy morning walk together to encourage each other and meet new people. Anyone can join! (over 18).Meet at the West Hampstead Community centre. 25th June from 11am to 12:30pm, West Hampstead Community Centre, 17 Dornfell Street, NW6 1QN.

Endometriosis Support Session in Camden
Do you suffer from Endometriosis or experience symptoms like painful period, painful bowels, fatigue, pelvic pain, infertility? Endometriosis is an invisible condition affecting 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 support session on the 19th June, 10-11:30am, to hear from health professionals, and also to share your experiences with other women with the condition.
Where: St Pancras and Somers Town Living Centre, 2 Ossulston St, NW1 1DF

Mind in Camden Community Mental Health Recovery Support Worker
Mind in Camden have two roles open for self-motivated, empathic, and dynamic Community Mental Health Recovery Support Workers to join their one-to-one mental health support service. You’ll be primarily responsible for supporting people to identify and meet their self-defined mental health needs and aspirations, to understand the range of options available to them, to support them emotionally, and to connect them with appropriate community resources and services. Find information for the 35 hour a week role here, and the 27.5 hour a week role here.
Closing date: Sunday 16^th June 2024

Adult Early Help Pilot Lead & Worker
Camden is excited to be recruiting for the Adult Early Help Pilot team! They are looking for a team of person-centred professionals and someone to lead and support the team to test and develop an adult early help (AEH) offer for adults in the borough. This is an opportunity to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders to create a new approach to working with adults in Camden. Pilot lead and worker.
Closing date: Sunday 16^th June 2024

Chief Operating Officer (Deputy CEO) at Coram’s Fields
Coram’s Fields are pleased to be recruiting to the role of Chief Operating Officer. This is a new role within the charity and forms an integral part of the Senior Management Team (SMT), contributing to the strategic direction of the charity and leading some of its core business functions, namely human resources, finance and commercial. Applications should be returned to Lois Turnbull (Office Assistant) and are accepted by e-mail (Recruitment@coramsfields.org.uk) or in hard copy to Lois Turnbull, Coram’s Fields, 93 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1DN.
Closing date: Monday 17^th June 2024

Hearing Voices Projects Development Worker
Also at Mind in Camden, this vacancy in the Hearing Voices Projects team involves supporting and developing innovative support services for people who hear voices, see visions, have other sensory experiences, altered states or unshared beliefs. Mind in Camden are looking for someone with knowledge of peer support and a range of perspectives on mental health. Job description and application details here.
Closing date: Sunday 30th June 2024

Camden Summer University
Young people aged 13 to 19 who live in Camden, go to a Camden state school, attend a Camden youth centre or have a Camden social worker can choose from nearly 70 free courses in arts, media, fashion, sport, cookery, work and life skills with Camden Summer University. The programme runs at venues across the borough from Thursday 25 July to Friday 23 August 2024. Check the website to view courses – bookings open on 17 June.

Understanding Mental Health – Paid Opportunity
This new initiative aims to understand experiences and challenges faced by residents (18 and above) with mental health conditions in Camden. Your insights will shape initiatives and strategies for the community. The project involves:
•   Group meetings with individuals with lived experiences.
•   Discussions will cover various mental health topics.
•   Permission to audio record conversations for accuracy (no identifying information will be used in reporting).
If you would like to join, please contact Priyanka on Priyanka.patil@camden.gov.uk.

Wipers Youth Work and Youth Justice training courses
Wipers Youth CIC is an award-winning social enterprise specialising in working with vulnerable and disadvantaged young people. In partnership with AB Charitable Trust, they are offering 3 exceptional CPD certified youth work & youth justice training courses, absolutely free. These sessions will be in-person at Voluntary Action Islington, 200A Pentonville Road, N1 9JP. Visit Wipers’ website to find out more and book your place.

Somers Town People’s Museum Story Bike Project
Do you know someone who struggles to walk? Would you be interested in guided historical walks around Somers Town? Are you looking for volunteer opportunities? People’s Museum are excited to announce this new initiative: The Story Bike! It is an electric passenger bike to: transport people around Somers Town for free, accompany guided historical walks, and allow businesses or individuals to hire the bike for personal use. Additionally, the People’s Museum is looking for volunteers excited to drive the Story Bike! If you’re interested in volunteering, please fill out this form! For more information, please contact diana@aspaceforus.club.

Random Acts of Connection – Loneliness Awareness Week
Marmalade Trust’s Loneliness Awareness Week celebrates ‘Random Acts of Connection’ this year. It is being held between 10-16th June and the theme encourages everyone to have more of those simple everyday interactions which can reduce feelings of social isolation and loneliness. Good Practice Mentors are celebrating Loneliness Awareness Week by hosting some special online sessions, and sharing the learning and resources from the Ageing Better programme which aimed to reduce loneliness and social isolation amongst the over 50s.

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

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VAC E-Bulletin 7th June 2024

by Duncan Cordy7 June 202416 July 2024

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

Loneliness Awareness Week

Loneliness Awareness Week takes place from 10th – 16th June, and we are marking it with a VAC forum (find out more below), a spotlight on local resources in today’s newsletter, and by sharing information on other groups doing fantastic work to combat loneliness and social isolation.

Meet people and make new friends with Camden’s amazing voluntary sector

The voluntary sector in Camden works hard to support residents in all sorts of ways, but running through many activities and services is an increasing emphasis on enabling people to socialise and build friendships. Consequently, Camden has an excellent selection of social activities and opportunities provided by voluntary and community sector organisations. If you do not know where to start to find out about the hundreds of organisations and groups in this borough you can head to VAC’s directories on our website. You can search by area, community, activity, organisation type or name. Here are some of the some of the things you might find….

Search for community centres in your area to find different activities and social opportunities under one roof. Often these spaces will have access to welfare and cost of living support as well as art and craft groups, health and wellbeing programmes, exercise classes, cooking, coffee mornings, outings…… all the centres will have different things on offer so keep looking until you find what you need!

There is an entire world of small organisations in Camden’s neighbourhoods, often specialised and running activities like support schools, training, environmental projects, sports, community-run theatre, museum, library, or arts project. Some might have their own buildings whilst others are based in community centres or shared community space. These groups will have different opportunities to get involved and attend events and activities.

Many organisations and groups also support specific communities and address equalities in the borough. You should be able to find groups who speak your language, share your culture, or share a common cause or interest. Some of these groups may be resident-led where you can help to run the group or join campaigns, activities, events or volunteering roles.

For residents who may not be able to join a group or activity, there are befriending or ‘community connecting’ initiatives. Some of these operate remotely through phone calls or online groups, others are face to face. These initiatives usually depend on volunteers so you could also volunteer to befriend others.

Community gardens (and a city farm) are dotted around the borough if you like the outdoors and fancy gardening, food growing or just hanging out with other people in a relaxing green space. Try the Green Social Prescribing Directory to find other outdoor activities and walks in parks and on Hampstead Heath. Walking groups are supported by different organisations and are a popular and informal way for people to meet and chat. There are walks for different abilities and that will appeal to different interests like history or wildlife.

Volunteering is another great way to get to know people or reconnect with local community. Volunteer Centre Camden have information about opportunities on their website, or you can contact individual organisations to see if they have volunteer roles that need filling. For example, many food projects depend on volunteers to help run them. This may be as a reciprocal arrangement where you become a member of a food club, cooperative or social supermarket.

This is just a snapshot of what you might find on VAC directories, but there is a lot more, and things do change and develop. You can enhance your search by going to the websites of organisations you like the sound of and signing up for email updates and newsletters. There are also links to other local voluntary sector newsletters included in VAC newsletters. Happy searching!

Upcoming Training

Dementia, Mental Capacity and Safeguarding Adults 11th June 10.00am – 16.00pm
VAC Forum – Social isolation, loneliness and community connectedness 12th June, 10.00am – 11.00am
Understanding online gaming and gambling harms 27th June, 1pm-2pm

More details in the Events and Training section

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.

Small charities underfunded & overlooked, report says

A new report from the Centre for Social Justice shows that small charities (under £1 million income) account for 97 per cent of charity closures in the last 10 years, and are most at risk of closure. The report aims to give a balanced look at the varying roles of success for smaller to larger charities in the UK, and also analyses how the public perceive differently sized charities.

NPC argue for gift aid by region
Charity think tank New Philanthropy Capital has recommended a list of policies for the government to improve the relationship with the charity sector, including varying gift aid. The move would boost the impact of donations in deprived areas and help redistribute charitable momentum to where it is most needed, argues the consultancy.

Muscular Dystrophy garden wins at Chelsea Flower Show
This year’s Chelsea flower show rewarded the Muscular Dystrophy UK Forest Bathing Garden, designed by Ula Maria, as Best in Show. Grant-making charity Project Giving Back funded 15 charity gardens at this year’s show, all designed around a variety of charitable and humanitarian causes, and the Best in Show winner celebrates the concept of ‘forest bathing’, offering a place of refuge, solace and reflection for people affected by a muscle-wasting condition. You can take a look at the winning garden here.

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).

Last chance for the Camden VCS Resilience Fund 2024 – accepting applications until 19th June! The fund aims to support Camden’s VCS organisations to address immediate risks and to make changes that will increase organisational sustainability and resilience in the medium to longer term. YCF are hosting a webinar with Camden council on 11th June, to answer questions on the fund.
LandAid – London Youth Homelessness Support Fund for charities in London to support young people between the ages of 16-25 who are at risk of homelessness.
YCF Heads Up! Mental Health Fund 2024, designed to address the mental health crisis among children and young people (YCF are also hosting a webinar to provide more information on the fund and answer questions – see link above).
Resuscitation Council UK is offering small grants as part of its ‘Restart a Heart’ 2024 campaign to help educate people about cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and how to use a defibrillator with the aim of saving lives
The Parkinson’s UK Physical Activity Grants Programme supports activity providers, national governing bodies, Parkinson’s groups and branches, and sports and healthcare professional who are based and operating within the UK.

VAC UPCOMING TRAINING

Dementia, Mental Capacity and Safeguarding Adults 11th June, 10.00am – 16.00pm
VAC Forum – Social isolation, loneliness and community connectedness 12th June, 10.00am – 11.00am
Understanding online gaming and gambling harms 27th June, 1pm – 2pm

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

NSPCC Open Day
NSPCC are celebrating Childhood Day by welcoming professionals to their London and South East hub on June 10th. Attendees will get the opportunity to learn about the direct services NSPCC delivers, speak with practitioners, see therapy rooms and connect with different teams across the organisation to explore avenues to work together. Register your interest here, or contact Amy.CampoMcEvoy@nspcc.org.uk to find out more information.
Where: Alexandra Ciardi House, 7-8 Greenland Place, NW10AP

People’s Museum host panel discussion on social housing
On Friday 7th June, Somers Town People’s Museum are hosting “Housing is not enough / not enough housing“, a discussion featuring a number of speakers including John Broughton, author of Municipal Dreams, Ellen Peirson, Levitt Bernstein Architects and Dr Elizabeth Darling. This London Festival of Architecture event will look at the legacy of the utopian St Pancras Housing Society in the light of today’s social housing issues. Book your tickets here.

Music & Art for the Mind + others at CAWH
Community Association for West Hampstead have a series of events coming up in June:
1. Wellbeing Coffee morning, 11th June – An opportunity to meet new people, information on healthy diet and a group walk on 25th June. Open to anyone.
2. Music for the Mind, 12th June, & Art for the Mind, 19th June – a free service for over 60s. Sandwiches, Biscuits and Tea provided.
3. Basis Sewing Group Every Monday in June – An opportunity to meet new people, learning basic sewing skills (mend your socks, sew a button on, patch trousers). Open to anyone.
All events take place at 17 Dornfell Street, NW6 1QN. Contact Beatrice on beatrice@cawh.org.uk or 0207 794 3729 for more information.

VCC Volunteering Fair + Volunteer Manager’s Forum
Want to volunteer in Camden and Islington? Volunteer Centre Camden are running a Summer 24 Volunteering Fair in person in at Abbey Community Centre, 172 Belsize Road, NW6 4BJ on 12th June. No need to book – just drop in to meet groups recruiting volunteers. Then on 2nd July, join online for networking and peer support in the company of volunteer managers from everywhere. Topics are decided by you on the day and booking is free.

Sounddelivery Media Festival of Learning
Join Sounddelivery Media for their Festival of Learning – Harnessing the insights of leaders with lived experience including Charity Meetup on 11th – 20th June 2024. A festival pass will give you access to 20+ online masterclasses, learning lunches, peer discussions, wellbeing sessions, and a keynote talk by award-winning broadcaster Ashley John-Baptiste. Create your own learning journey by picking & choosing from sessions on campaigning, pitching to the media, social media and more.

Sharing Spaces Sessions at Clarence Hall
Castlehaven Community Association has transformed Clarence Hall, nestled within the Clarence Way Estate (NW1 8RN), into a Sharing Space as part of a Think & Do Camden initiative to transform spaces into climate hubs. Throughout the summer, they will host a series of free and family-friendly workshops, talks and screenings on sustainable living, food growing, upcycling, energy usage, and more. Join them on Saturday, 8th of June, from 12pm for a free launch event and discover more about the workshops here.

Talk for Health ‘Conscious Dance’ – celebrating movement
This Mental Health Awareness Week in 2024, Talk for Health is embracing the theme of ‘Movement’ with great enthusiasm. To celebrate, they’ve launched a unique event, ‘Conscious Dance,’ designed to encourage community and personal well-being through the joy of movement. Join them on Thursday 13th June 6-8pm @ Old Diorama Arts Centre. Sign up here.

Senior Manager – Reach Out Camden & Community Services

Would you like to take on an interesting and varied senior management role and be part of a community mental health charity? Mind in Camden are looking for someone with at least two years of management experience in mental health or related services who can lead and further develop Reach Out services. More information here.
Closing date: 10th June 2024

Age UK Camden Day Care Officer
Age UK Camden Day Care Centres are looking to recruit Day Care Officers to cover a range of hours and shifts across two Day Care Centres. The successful candidate will have shared responsibility in the team for the implementation of a comprehensive service of care and support for service users, act as a key worker for individual clients and deliver holistic and person centred wellbeing services which provide service users with social interaction and support to maintain their personal interests.
Closing date: 10th June 2024

Age UK Camden Day Care centre Kitchen Assistants
Age UK Camden Day Care Centres are looking to recruit two Kitchen Assistants across two Day Care Centres based in Kings Cross and Hampstead (staff are expected to be able to work at both locations as required).Their dedicated, specialist team supports people with care needs, including those living with mild – moderate dementia and complex needs. The specialist Day Care Centres care for older people with complex needs and provide a wide range of activities. You can find out more information and how to apply here.
Closing date: 10th June 2024

Big Help Out celebrate volunteers week
From Friday 7th-Sunday 9th June, aligning with volunteers week, Big Help Out are running a promotion for their community network. The Big Help Out is a nationwide platform that promotes volunteering opportunities and raise awareness of volunteering. You can find local volunteering groups on their website, or let BHO know about your own initiative so they can connect with you and circulate information.

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service
Each year, this award celebrates the work of voluntary groups across the UK and is the highest award given to local voluntary groups in the country. You can nominate groups for the award, look through volunteering opportunities and find out about previous winners on the website.

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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Ways to Get Involved

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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 e-bulletin 24th May 2024

by Duncan Cordy24 May 202416 July 2024

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

New VAC Forum – social isolation, loneliness, and community connectedness

We’ve recently new announced the latest VAC forum which will take place on Wednesday 12th June. Ahead of loneliness awareness week (10th-16th June), we will be highlighting a number of events and initiatives held by ourselves and other groups who are doing important work to challenge the stigma around loneliness. If your group in the Camden area is holding an event on this topic we’d like to hear from you, along with anyone else who is doing something to mark loneliness awareness week and what kinds of things you’ll be doing. Get in touch with us at social@vac.org.uk.

New Groups Network

VAC’s Camden New Groups Network is a network for newly set-up organisations and anybody who considers starting a charity or social enterprise. The Network aims to bring people and organisations together to share, learn and develop for peer support, mentoring and networking.
To join in the Network please email VAC Membership Development Officer at vguetova@vac.org.uk
The Network’s next online meeting will be on 29th of May from 12:00 to 13:00. To join in email vguetova@vac.org.uk for the online MS teams link.

Upcoming Training

Dementia, Mental Capacity and Safeguarding Adults 11th June 10.00am – 16.00pm
VAC Forum – Social isolation, loneliness and community connectedness 12th June, 10.00am – 11.00am
Understanding online gaming and gambling harms 27th June, 1pm-2pm

More details in the Events and Training section

General election guide for charities
With a general election coming up in less than 6 weeks, it’s important that charities are prepared and knowledgeable about guidelines around engaging in political activity and campaigning. Civil Society have produced this handy article with a collection of resources and information geared towards the charity sector and campaigning before the election.

Barriers to volunteering affecting small charities the most
Reponses to Pro Bono Economics’ VCSE sector survey indicate that small charities experienced low volunteer numbers over the last 12 months, meaning many have been unable to meet their main objectives. The survey reports that volunteer recruitment challenges were less of an issue for large charities compared with last year, whereas small charities faced a struggle to recruit in the period up to May 2024.

Survey analyses cost-of-living crisis impact on the sector
Easyfundraising have released results from a new survey on how the cost-of-living crisis has affected charities over the last year. The survey focused on grassroots charities, and found that the vast majority of them reported worsening financial situations in 2023.

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).

Pilgrim Trust Young Women in Mind programme to help improve the mental health of women aged 16-25 in the UK.
NHS Blood and Transplant’s Community Grants Programme for projects that address misinformation and barriers, share information, and increase support for donation among Black, Asian, mixed heritage and minority ethnic communities.
Hubbub and Starbuck’s Eat it Up Fund to support UK registered organisations with an early-stage food waste project with potential for impact at scale.
Scops Art Trust for registered charities, and other constituted, not-for-profit organisations to deliver projects and activities that help people to understand, participate in, and enjoy the arts, particularly the performing arts (music, drama, opera, and dance).
Wolfson Foundation’s ‘Funding for Places’ Grants Programme accepting applications from charitable organisations and educational establishments in the UK who are seeking grants for capital initiatives, i.e. buildings (new build or refurbishment) and equipment.

VAC UPCOMING TRAINING

Dementia, Mental Capacity and Safeguarding Adults 11th June, 10.00am – 16.00pm
VAC Forum – Social isolation, loneliness and community connectedness 12th June, 10.00am – 11.00am
Understanding online gaming and gambling harms 27th June, 1pm – 2pm

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

Invitation to Community Awards at UCL
Thursday, 30 May, 4:00 – 6:00 PM, Bloomsbury Theatre, UCL
A heartfelt thank you to the incredible volunteers and community organisations who make an impact on the communities in London! Join for an afternoon of inspiring stories, award presentations, and community building in the Bloomsbury Theatre before a catered reception. If you’re free earlier than 4:00pm, there’s the Volunteer Appreciation Social (book your space here) ahead of the ceremony from 2:30 PM, which includes an exciting array of board games and crafts activities, a photobooth, and some snacks and drinks to celebrate volunteering and kick off the awards with a blast You’ll get to meet student volunteers, counterparts in other community organisations and chat to the team ahead of the ceremony in the theatre.

Sounddelivery Media Festival of Learning
Join Sounddelivery Media for their Festival of Learning – Harnessing the insights of leaders with lived experience including Charity Meetup on 11th – 20th June 2024. A festival pass will give you access to 20+ online masterclasses, learning lunches, peer discussions, wellbeing sessions, and a keynote talk by award-winning broadcaster Ashley John-Baptiste. Create your own learning journey by picking & choosing from sessions on campaigning, pitching to the media, social media and more.

Support the first ‘Lightning Hack’ event at UCL
Thursday 6th June 2.30-4.30pm
The Volunteering team at Students’ Union UCL have collaborated with Camden Council to host their first ever ‘Lightning Hack’ event – where groups of students will be connected with local community organisations to come up with ideas and solutions to current challenges pitched by you. 60 students are signed up so far and they are looking for 8 local community organisations to join on the day. Please get in touch with oliver.peachey@ucl.ac.uk before Friday 31st May if you’d like to join.

CAWH’s special Film Night featuring The Grass Arena
The Community Association for West Hampstead are inviting you to their special Film Night featuring The Grass Arena, directed by Gillies MacKinnon (who has a deep connection with the community centre, having once worked there as a volunteer) followed by Q&A with the director himself! The event will take place at West Hampstead Community Centre, 17 Dornfell Street, NW6 1QN, on Friday 24th May from 7pm, film starts at 7:30pm.

Sharing Spaces Sessions at Clarence Hall
Castlehaven Community Association has transformed Clarence Hall, nestled within the Clarence Way Estate (NW1 8RN), into a Sharing Space as part of a Think & Do Camden initiative to transform spaces into climate hubs. Throughout the summer, they will host a series of free and family-friendly workshops, talks and screenings on sustainable living, food growing, upcycling, energy usage, and more. Join them on Saturday, 8th of June, from 12pm for a free launch event and discover more about the workshops here.

Free Community Festival at the Likewise Community Centre
The Zen Project and Mind in Camden bring to you another of their monthly festivals on Thursday 30th May 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 the big yellow American school bus and take part in activities to help create some calm and ease anxiety. With something for everyone, there’s no need to book – just turn up. More information here.

Talk for Health ‘Conscious Dance’ – celebrating movement
This Mental Health Awareness Week in 2024, Talk for Health is embracing the theme of ‘Movement’ with great enthusiasm. To celebrate, they’ve launched a unique event, ‘Conscious Dance,’ designed to encourage community and personal well-being through the joy of movement. Join them on Thursday 13th June 6-8pm @ Old Diorama Arts Centre. Sign up here.

Ambassadors for Change Community Event
Survivors Can Shine are delighted to invite you to this year’s Ambassadors for Change Community Event, taking place on Saturday 25th May 2024! SCS are thrilled to announce that the event will take place on the iconic Hampstead Heath, the first event of its kind to be held there! If you haven’t already, you can register here. The event will bring children, young people and the wider community together in collective strength in a positive movement for change. For more information email lily@survivorscanshine.org.uk or call 07878841675.

Young Camden Foundation’s Pride Celebration
Did you know, in the Borough of Camden 17% of people do not identify as straight or heterosexual, higher than the national average! Join on Thursday 6th June for an evening of learning and conversation. From 6:00pm there will be a panel: Building Bridges: Strengthening Solidarity Between Camden’s LGBTQ+ CYP Organisations and Marginalised Communities featuring those working at leading LGBTQ+ organisations including Mosaic LGBT+ Young Persons’ Trust, Gendered Intelligence and ELOP. There will be a chance to network with others from within the sector and learn from each other on how to better support LGBTQ+ young people you work with.

Kurdish Community Meeting
A group of volunteers from the Kurdish Syrian Community Group are running events for the Kurdish Syrian diaspora and people from all ethnicities. The events are family-friendly with games, quizzes for adults, arts and fun activities for the kids.
The next Kurdish Community meeting in London is on Sunday 26th of May from 2.00-6.00pm at 24 Haverstock Hill, Chalk Farm, NW3 2BQ.

Senior Manager – Reach Out Camden & Community Services

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.

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.

Go! London Young Entrepreneurs Start Up Programme
Does your organisation work with young people in London who may be interested in starting a sports-related business? The Go! London Young Entrepreneurs Start Up Programme is currently looking for 25 young people to take part in an exciting programme delivered by the School for Social Entrepreneurs in London. But they need help to find them! Those working with young people are invited to come along to a briefing session to find out more about the programme and give you the information you need to refer people to the programme. The session will take place on Thursday 23rd May from 5pm – 6pm, and you can register here.

Camden social isolation campaign
Are you working on loneliness or social isolation in Camden? Get in touch with Camden Council! They are launching a campaign to raise awareness of loneliness. As part of this, they are keen to showcase stories about the work local groups and organisations are doing to reduce loneliness in our borough and help residents connect with the local community. If you are delivering or have delivered a project to reduce loneliness or social isolation, contact lucy.jacob@camden.gov.uk.

Opportunities for Camden Young School Governors
This free opportunity on Thursday 6th June from 12.30-1.30pm includes training and support, for those keen to learn about the Camden Young Governors’ Pathway to Governance Programme, and find out how you can give back to the borough while gaining valuable skills and knowledge by volunteering as a school governor. You can register or find out more here.

Healthwatch Camden are looking for volunteers
Do you want to help improve health and social care services in Camden? Healthwatch Camden are your local health champion, and they are seeking volunteers who will help them to engage directly with the local community and represent their voices to decision-makers. Depending on your interests, you can choose to help with research work, health promotion activities, or even become trained as authorised visitors to local services. Please contact info@healthwatchcamden.co.uk to sign up today.

Free one-day leisure centre pass for over 60s
Last chance for over 60s to claim free one-day leisure centre pass! Camden over 60s can claim a FREE one-day leisure centre pass to try out swimming, classes and gym facilities in any Camden Better Leisure Centre. There are less than 100 free passes left. To claim yours and browse the wide range of free and low cost physical activities for over 60s in Camden visit 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

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*Please note there will be no VAC newsletter next week (Friday 31st May). Instead look out for a quarterly update from our CEO, Keith Morgan!*

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VAC e-bulletin 17th May 2024

by Duncan Cordy17 May 202416 July 2024

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

Ygam

Our Community Safeguarding Partnership Lead, Dianne, works with different organisations around Camden to promote the wellbeing of children and vulnerable adults. This week, Dianne has highlighted the work of Ygam, a charity raising awareness about the potential harms of gambling and gambling addiction. In her words:

Voluntary Action Camden’s Community Safeguarding Project is always looking for practical and solution focused ways to tackle the safeguarding challenges faced by our voluntary organisations, community groups, faith and supplementary schools delivering services to under 18’s in Camden.

This led to our partnership work with Ygam, an award-winning charity with a mission to prevent children and young people from experiencing gaming and gambling harms through awareness raising, education and research.

First established in 2014, Ygam came about as a result of the lived experience of its founders Anne and Keith Evans, who lost their son Alan Lockhart by suicide in 2010.
Alan had suffered for over 25 years with a gambling addiction; he took his own life at age 40.

Together they were determined to use education as a tool to raise awareness and help safeguard future generations against gaming and gambling harms.

Over the past two years, Ygam’s partnership with VAC has helped deliver bespoke, practical, and informative training sessions to parents, professionals, community workers and volunteers all over Camden. Working alongside JoAnn Sproule, our dedicated training and engagement manager; her diverse background in education, youth work, and the voluntary sector has seen her take on various roles which have included Mental Health First Aider and Senior Youth Worker.

By empowering professionals and helping parents to safeguarding their own children and young people from the dangers, the Community Safeguarding Project continues its partnership with Ygam this summer. Join us for our virtual session in June and keep a look out in the VAC Newsletter for our accredited City and Guilds programme coming soon.

To find out about further training for your organisation, contact JoAnn Sproule at: JoAnnSproule@ygam.org
You can find Ygam’s website here: https://www.ygam.org/

Upcoming Training

Voluntary sector organisational structures; what’s right for you? 15th May, 10.00am – 12.00pm
Safeguarding, signposting and Support: Camden Carers 23rd May, 10.00am – 11.00am
Dementia, Mental Capacity and Safeguarding Adults 11th June 10.00am – 16.00pm*
VAC Forum – Social isolation, loneliness and community connectedness 12th June, 10.00am – 11.00am*
Understanding online gaming and gambling harms 27th June, 1pm-2pm*

* newly announced this week.

More details in the Events and Training section

“Donor Pulse” report on public donation trends
Enthuse’s “Donor Pulse” repor t gives analysis on the latest trends in donor behaviour and public opinion on supporting charities. The report studies the current political and economic environment how it effects donor support for charities, and provides insight on the wider relationship between the public and the charity sector.Majority of adults want charities to behave sustainably
A new survey by a group of large charities returned findings that 8/10 adults believe charities should be environmentally sustainable, and half of those said they would be more likely to donate to a charity if they knew it had been investing in sustainability. The survey also analysed public opinion on their view on the responsibility for sustainability in businesses versus charities.

Report finds age influences how people hear about charitable causes
Social media influencers are a significant avenue for younger people to discover charitable causes, according to part 2 of a new report from Tomorrow’s Donor, Today. The report studied various age groups and how each was most likely to hear about good causes, as well as how they perceive charities differently.

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).

London’s Violence Reduction Unit – Innovation Fund 2023-2025 for community-led organisations across London supporting vulnerable Londoners who have been involved in or are at risk of violence
Women’s Health Community Fund to improve education and awareness on common health issues experienced by women in the UK
Henry Smith Charity Holiday Grants for Children – priority to projects that will benefit disadvantaged and disabled children in the most deprived areas in the UK
Schroder Charity Trust for charities in the UK who are working in the areas of education and young people, communities, environment and conservation, health, arts, culture and heritage
Grocers’ Charity Grants for registered charities in the UK with a turnover of under £500,000

VAC UPCOMING TRAINING

Voluntary sector organisational structures; what’s right for you? 15th May, 10.00am – 12.00pm
Safeguarding, signposting and Support: Camden Carers 23rd May, 10.00am – 11.00am
Dementia, Mental Capacity and Safeguarding Adults 11th June, 10.00am – 16.00pm
VAC Forum – Social isolation, loneliness and community connectedness 12th June, 10.00am – 11.00am
Understanding online gaming and gambling harms 27th June, 1pm – 2pm

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

Good Work Camden’s Jobs and Skills event
Whether you are looking for a new role, interested in training or want advice on interviews – the Good Work Camden’s Jobs and Skills event is the place to be! Come along and meet with a wide range of local employers, attend workshops, and receive expert advice on career development. This free event will take place on Thursday 23 May, 11am to 4pm at the Crowndale Centre, 59 Crowndale Road, London NW1 1TN. There will be a quiet session for neuro-divergent and disabled residents from 10am to 10.45am.

Upcoming Free Workshops from Birkbeck
Next Steps for Newham ESOL Learners
21st May, 11:00 – 14:00, Mary Ward Centre E15 2TF.
Includes:
• Workshops, stalls and opportunities.
• Information on jobs, volunteering and further learning.
Drop in on the day, Contact esolexhcange@compostlondon.org.uk for questions.

Building Confidence to Return to Education in partnership with the Recovery College.
23rd May, 10:00 – 12:00, Birkbeck campus.
Increase self-awareness and challenge negative beliefs about returning to education.
More information about the course and the Recovery College and sign up link.

Sharing Spaces Sessions at Clarence Hall
Castlehaven Community Association has transformed Clarence Hall, nestled within the Clarence Way Estate (NW1 8RN), into a Sharing Space as part of a Think & Do Camden initiative to transform spaces into climate hubs. Throughout the summer, they will host a series of free and family-friendly workshops, talks and screenings on sustainable living, food growing, upcycling, energy usage, and more. Join them on Saturday, 8th of June, from 12 pm for a free launch event and discover more about the workshops here.

Free Community Festival at the Likewise Community Centre
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 the big yellow American school bus and take part in activities to help create some calm and ease anxiety. With something for everyone, there’s no need to book – just turn up. More information here.

Talk for Health ‘Conscious Dance’ – celebrating movement
This Mental Health Awareness Week in 2024, Talk for Health is embracing the theme of ‘Movement’ with great enthusiasm. To celebrate, they’ve launched a unique event, ‘Conscious Dance,’ designed to encourage community and personal well-being through the joy of movement. Join them on Thursday 13th June 6-8pm @ Old Diorama Arts Centre. Sign up here.

Young Camden Foundation’s Pride Celebration
Did you know, in the Borough of Camden 17% of people do not identify as straight or heterosexual, higher than the national average! Join for an evening of learning and conversation. From 6:00pm there will be a panel: Building Bridges: Strengthening Solidarity Between Camden’s LGBTQ+ CYP Organisations and Marginalised Communities featuring those working at leading LGBTQ+ organisations including Mosaic LGBT+ Young Persons’ Trust, Gendered Intelligence and ELOP. There will be a chance to network with others from within the sector and learn from each other on how to better support LGBTQ+ young people you work with.

Camden Carers Support & Wellbeing worker

An exciting opportunity to join Camden Carers and make a difference to the lives of people and families in Camden. This is a full time role with a 2 year contract, for a support & wellbeing worker (mental health lead) who is a hardworking, enthusiastic and flexible team member, able to adapt to the ever changing and challenging times we find ourselves in.
Deadline for applications: 20th May, 9am.

Training Link Green Learning Coordinator
Training Link is recruiting a new Green Learning Coordinator, who will develop and run environmental workshops for local residents in Somers Town. The purpose of the role is to design and deliver a new Green Learning programme for Training Link and to support residents in Somers Town in their journey to becoming cleaner and greener through community engagement, training and project delivery. To apply for this role, please submit your CV and a cover letter to Tanya Buynovskaya, Director, on director@traininglink.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.

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.

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 Scams Prevention & Support
If you have concerns about scams, think you may have been a victim of a scam or would like some tips on how to avoid them, then Age UK Camden can help. Their Information & Advice team are here to support you through providing awareness talks or 1-1 support for anyone over 50. Get in touch with one of their advisors today and see how they can help you, on 020 7837 3777.

Introducing Castlehaven CA’s Community Cinema
Experience the magic of cinema for free every first Thursday of the month at Castlehaven’s brand-new community cinema in Clarence Hall (NW1 8RN). Transport yourself across the globe with a captivating selection of films spanning various genres. Mark your calendars for their next screening on Thursday, 6th June, of the French drama “120 BPM” in honour of LGBTQ+ Pride month. Don’t miss out on this cinematic adventure—discover more here.

Laamiga Mentee Opportunities
Laamiga a women’s charity are recruiting adult women, who live in Camden and are from Black, Asian, minority ethnic, refugee and migrant backgrounds for their virtual online Mentoring programme. Laamiga provide a trained and supervised volunteer female mentor for 12 months. Mentors can support with English language conversation, study skills, job search, business start ups, UK workplace culture, career development, interview & parenting skills, etc… For more information email info@laamiga.org or call 0208 257 7317.

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?

Ways to Get Involved

Join us on social media