Membership is free, click on the link box above and join us today

We also have information on a range of local events and opportunities from around the Camden area.

Proud to Be: Black Health and Wellness Event 
Tuesday 4th October at Cafe KOKO: 6:30-9pm
Launching Camden Black History Season, this event will showcase spoken word, music, black entrepreneurship and touch on Camden’s programme for the season.
The event will be hosted by Diane Louise Jordan, a TV and radio personality known as a ‘Broadcaster across boundaries’.
To register your place, click here

NCVO Charity Training: Autumn Programme 

NCVO is offering a range of online charity training courses this autumn, covering topics such as volunteer management, supporting good governance, and outcomes and impact measurement.
To learn more and sign up, click here

Ethical Property Foundation: Energy Efficiency Service 
The Ethical Property Foundation is offering a consultancy service for charities looking to reduce their energy bill costs and ensure that their property improvements are cost effective.
For more information, contact simon.taylor@ethicalproperty.org.uk

Affordable Warmth Information Event 

Thursday 6th October at St Silas Church Hall: 11am

Come along and find out how Camden Council services can help you deal with the cost-of-living crisis. This event is for Camden’s private renters, housing association residents and non-council leaseholders.
For more details about the event, click here

Link UP London’s Flash Consulting: Digital Marketing 
Wednesday 19th October on Zoom: 6-7:30pm
The importance of digital communications could not be denied during the pandemic and, 2 years on, Social Good Organisations are continuing to develop their digital growth.
With a drive to improve but with limited funding available for support, the event provides a free 1-1 session with a digital expert.
To sign up, please click here

Pascal Theatre Company: Free workshop for 13-16 year-old girls 
Saturday 8th October near Euston Station: 2.30-4.30pm
Pascal Theatre Company invites girls aged 13-16 to a workshop on Saturday 8 October to share experiences of, and opinions on, expectations of girls. The event celebrates The Day of the Girl Child (11th October).
The workshop will be led by trained, DBS-checked professionals. Refreshments provided.
For more information and to sign up, contact sally@pascal-theatre.com 

KOVE: Annual General Meeting 

Thursday 13th October at Mazenod Social Club: 1.30-3.30pm

Come and join KOVE at their Annual General Meeting for the launch of KOVE@20 – a celebration of 20 years of campaigns and activities. The guest speaker is Councillor Pat Callaghan, Deputy Leader, Camden Council.
For more information, contact Lynda Stuart on 07773 267505 or John Miles on 07817 424356.

Sadler’s Wells Tickets Offer for Tango After Dark 

Sadler’s Wells is offering £12 tickets for performances of Tango After Dark from Tue 11th to Sat 22nd Oct. Please note that this offer must be booked by Sun 9th Oct.
To book your £12 tickets, click here and enter the promo code: BID12

North London Waste Authority’s New Waste Prevention Plan  

Mon 10th Oct at Islington Climate Centre: 2–4:15pm

Thurs 27th Oct via Microsoft Teams: 5:30–7:45pm

Camden Council is hosting an engagement session to inform and develop North London Waste Authority’s new Waste Prevention Plan for 2022-25. Stakeholders will meet NLWA and hear about the draft Plan, exchange ideas, share interests, and discuss ways to get involved going forward.
To sign up, please click here

Dog Control Public Spaces Protection Order: Consultation 

Camden Council is considering new measures to tackle issues around antisocial behaviour associated with irresponsible dog owners in the area.
Find out more and have your say here

FEAST Vacancy: Camden Food Poverty Alliance Coordinator

FEAST With Us is excited to announce that they have been successful in their application to host the CFPA coordinator, in collaboration with Camden Council. This position is a vital next step in the mapping, organising, and connecting of food provisions in the borough to make sure Camden residents get the support that they need.
For more information and to apply, click here

Newsletter Submissions
Please send any information (approximately 50-75 words long) that you would like included in our weekly newsletter to social@vac.org.uk

Home (shine-london.org.uk) – save money on energy bills
https://findfood.camden.gov.uk
Help With the Cost of Living | London City Hall
Free and impartial help with money, backed by the government | MoneyHelper
WISH Plus – Camden Council – Energy efficiency advice and income maximisation checks
Cost of Living Signposting Resource | London Plus
British Gas Energy Trust Grant

Institute of Health Equity Report: Fuel poverty, cold homes and health inequalities 

This report reviews the evidence on both the direct and indirect impacts of fuel poverty and cold homes on health; the effects of inequalities and the relationship between health inequalities and climate change. It makes the case for prioritising reducing fuel poverty through policy suggestions at both the national and local level.
Read the report here

Government Scheme to Cut Energy Bills

A new government scheme will see energy prices for non-domestic energy customers such as businesses, charities and public sector organisations cut – protecting them from rising energy costs. The scheme will cover energy use for 6 months from 1 October 2022 to 31 March 2023, and is in addition to the Energy Price Guarantee for households.
Read more here

Help shape Clean Air Action in Camden 

Camden Council is consulting on a new Clean Air Action Plan which sets out their plan for the next 4 years to clean Camden’s air. Share your thoughts and ideas to shape their projects and policies, and find out how you can help by reducing air pollution and protecting your health.
Learn more here

Addressing Poverty in London:

London Challenge Poverty Week: 17-23 Oct 2022 

London Challenge Poverty Week is coming up soon. It is coordinated by 4in10: London’s Child Poverty Network. Find out more here

London Child Poverty Alliance Summit: 20 Oct 2022

The London Child Poverty Alliance are hosting the London Child Poverty Summit on 20 October. Find out more and book your tickets here

Call for ideas around addressing poverty 

Together with Joseph Rowntree Foundation, New Local has launched a Call for Learning & Ideas to explore local approaches to addressing these challenges. Find out more here

Local Newsletters:

SHAK
Young Camden Foundation (Funding Newsletter)
AWN (sign up)
London Sport (sign up)
Fitzrovia Community Centre
Coram’s Field Community Newsletter (sign up)
CAWH Newsletter

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

VAC administered Google Grants
The VAC administered Google Grants scheme is still ongoing.

VAC have been funded by Google to provide up to £300 per quarter for small organisations looking to book one-off spaces to work in or to hold community sessions and training, and up to £600 for the ongoing rent of office and hot desking space.

It is available to small voluntary or community sector organisation with income under £150,000 a year looking to book a venue in Camden.

To find out more, please click here
or get in contact with Ricky at Rsingh@vac.org.uk

Energy Saving Trust: Energy Redress Fund
Energy Saving Trust has been appointed to distribute payments from companies who may have breached Ofgem rules. Registered Charities, Community Interest Companies, Co-operative Societies and Community Benefit Societies can apply for funds to deliver energy related projects that meet the scheme priorities and benefit people in England, Scotland and Wales.
Learn more here

The People’s Project Fund 
Closing date: 12pm on Friday 7th October 2022, or when an application limit has been reached.

The National Lottery is giving community organisations the chance to apply for funding of up to £70,000. After a national campaign the winners will be decided by public vote.
Learn more here

Resident Opportunities and Empowerment Grant
Closing date for applications: 2nd October 2022

This new grant is intended to enable non-profit making organisations with social housing sector experience to help tenants take an active role in how their home is managed.
Learn more here

GLA Funding: Warmer Homes Programme
With energy bills continuing to rise, the Mayor is urging Londoners, local authorities, and community organisations to raise awareness of the Warmer Homes programme with anyone who may be eligible.
The scheme offers free energy efficiency grants of up to £25,000 to households with a residual income of up to £20,000 per year after rent/mortgage and council tax.
Learn more here

To re-discover funding removed from this list, please see our newsletter archive here

Other available funders include:

• Camden Giving
• Grants Online
• My Funding Central
• Idox Camden 4 Community
• VAC main funding page

The “B” Word Series Events 

Every Wednesday from 5th October at the London Irish Centre.

The series of events hosted by IamI includes the Spoken Word sessions ‘Enough Words’. Team up with facilitators to work towards producing your own piece and perform live to family and friends. The Melanin Rising Workshop explores the ingredients, special properties and the making of skin cream.
Book your space here

Black Entrepreneurs Event 

Wednesday 5th October: 6pm-8pm

As part of Black History Season, Camden is hosting a Black Entrepreneurs event to provide tools for business owners and start-ups to succeed in the world of business. Hosted by Ndu Uchea (Word on the Curb) and a panel of industry experts, the event will be an opportunity to gain invaluable insight into areas including building confidence, resilience and overcoming self-sabotage.
To sign up, please click here

Free Health & Well-being Opportunities for Adults in Camden
In response to the current cost of living crisis, Castlehaven Community Association has launched a brand new programme of free activities and workshops, providing adults in Camden with free access to health & well-being activities and learning opportunities.
From weekly Self Defence, Pilates, Mindfulness & Boxercise sessions to one-off workshops such as Foraging, and CV Writing, we have opportunities for everyone to cultivate healthy habits
For more information please click here

Free workshops for the Camden Community from Hampstead Theatre and The Winch
Hampstead Theatre and The Winch are delighted to launch a programme of free workshops for the Camden community.  Uniquely devised in partnership with residents from the local area, ‘Community Creates’ will provide free arts and crafts activities in various local locations from September 2022 through to 2023.
A programme and more information is available both from Hampstead Theatre here
And The Winch here

VAC is looking for an SEO Volunteer
VAC has gone through the process of developing a brand proposition, values and redesigning our website, but we now need some assistance to ensure our website is properly optimised so that we can better reach those in Camden who are looking for our help.
We are looking for an expert SEO volunteer who can help VAC handle SEO for our website so its pages are represented accurately in search engines, presenting information in ways that make it easier to find the organisation.
For more information please click here

Volunteering with VAC! Join our Community Links Team
Are you able to commit to at least 2 hours per week and interested in supporting people in your community to access health and wellbeing services?

Community Links Volunteers are a part of the Care Navigation and Social Prescribing Service in Camden. They support social prescribing in a variety of ways including signposting residents to community-based activities, helping with referrals, motivating users to connect with new interests and activities, accompanying residents to appointments and introducing them to a range of different opportunities in Camden.

For more info and to apply, please click here
Or contact Mandira Manandhar on mmanandhar@vac.org.uk or 020 7284 6573

Free Specialty Coffee Traineeship with Well Grounded 

Get free training, accreditations, work experience and job opportunities in coffee on an 8-week Alpro-sponsored programme this October.

You’ll learn everything you need to be a barista, take on a 4-week work placement and go into work in the coffee industry.

To apply, please contact info@wellgroundedjobs.co.uk

Latin American House vacancy: Office Manager 
Closing date: 3rd October
Latin American House is looking for an Office Manager to be the key person of the organisation’s central operations, providing an effective administrative support function at their Centre.
For more information and to apply, please click here.

Kilburn Older Voices Exchange vacancy: Coordinator
Closing date: 17th October
KOVE are looking for someone with sound administrative skills and a knowledge of charity organisation to support their activities and help develop a more age-friendly Kilburn. You’ll need to work freelance, flexibly, from home for two days a week. A warm-hearted commitment to the full citizenship of all older people is essential.

To view the full job description please click here
The application process starts with an informal phone conversation with the former coordinator, Mel Wright. To apply for this role, please contact: melwillwright@gmail.com

The Salvation Army’s mentoring programme looking for volunteer mentors
The Salvation Army’s mentoring programme supports survivors of modern slavery and are looking for volunteer mentors.
We aim to support, empower and champion individuals to set and achieve their goals, build confidence, and establish life in community.
You would be paired with a fellow mentor to meet with a mentee fortnightly for 12 months. We are looking for female and male applicants.

If you would like to discuss this opportunity further, please contact ATMSMentoring@salvationarmy.org.uk

Symptoms can include, but are not limited to: exhaustion, memory or concentrations issues, breathlessness, persistent headaches and muscle aches, chest tightness, palpitations, dizziness and sleep disturbance.
As a token of appreciation there is a £15 shopping voucher available for participation.

The Community Links team at VAC can also assist Camden residents with access to the long covid clinic at UCLH.
For further information please contact Nasrin at nrashid@vac.org.uk or Donna Clutterbuck at LongCovid@soton.ac.uk or on 07721520243

LIFT: Affordable Coworking Spaces 

LIFT can help entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds in Camden, Islington, Hackney and Tower Hamlets to access co-working space, no matter your financial situation. This includes people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, women, lone parents and people with disabilities, who are underrepresented in these industry sectors.
For more information, contact lift.futures@islington.gov.uk

Camden Children’s Services BSL Video

Camden Council has published its first video explaining Camden’s children’s services and the support available to families in the borough in British Sign Language (BSL). The video, which features signing interpreters as well as full English subtitles, gives a detailed summary of services and support available for children and families, including Children in Need, Early Help and Child Protection services.
Watch the video here

Startup School for Seniors 

Advantages of Age is offering online courses for Londoners aged 50+ looking to start their own businesses.

The course is delivered online by entrepreneur Suzanne Noble and business coach Mark Elliott. They create a fun, interactive learning experience and support you to progress week by week. Fully sponsored places are available to residents of London.

Register your place on the next available course here.

Canopy: Looking for Partner Organisations 

Canopy is looking for a partner organisation who are working with young people, based in Camden and interested in the environment. They have a project funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and are looking for a partner to deliver with them in Spring/Summer 2023.
For more information, please contact jake@canopy.si.

Past Voluntary Action Forums: Resources

You can find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here.

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

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Membership is free, click on the link box above and join us today

VAC have been funded by Google to provide up to £300 per quarter for small organisations looking to book one-off spaces to work in or to hold community sessions and training, and up to £600 for the ongoing rent of office and hot desking space.

It is available to small voluntary or community sector organisation with income under £150,000 a year looking to book a venue in Camden,

To find out more, please click here
or get in contact with Ricky at Rsingh@vac.org.uk

VAF: The Camden VCSE Sector in the New Health System 

On 21st September VAC hosted the Voluntary Action Forum: Delivering the North Central London VCSE Strategy. It was a great session with useful insights from local groups. This is just the beginning of designing the way we want to work within the new health system in Camden and in North Central London.

Read more about the session here

Camden Children’s Services BSL Video

Camden Council has published its first video explaining Camden’s children’s services and the support available to families in the borough in British Sign Language (BSL). The video, which features signing interpreters as well as full English subtitles, gives a detailed summary of services and support available for children and families, including Children in Need, Early Help and Child Protection services.
Watch the video here

The “B” Word Series Events 

Every Wednesday from 5th October at the London Irish Centre.

The series of events hosted by IamI includes the Spoken Word sessions ‘Enough Words’. Team up with facilitators to work towards producing your own piece and perform live to family and friends. The Melanin Rising Workshop explores the ingredients, special properties and the making of skin cream. Book your space here

Black Entrepreneurs Event 

Wednesday 5th October: 6pm-8pm

As part of Black History Season, Camden is hosting a Black Entrepreneurs event to provide tools for business owners and start-ups to succeed in the world of business. Hosted by Ndu Uchea (Word on the Curb) and a panel of industry experts, the event will be an opportunity to gain invaluable insight into areas including building confidence, resilience and overcoming self-sabotage.

To sign up, please click here

Startup School for Seniors 

Advantages of Age is offering online courses for Londoners aged 50+ looking to start their own businesses.

The course is delivered online by entrepreneur Suzanne Noble and business coach Mark Elliott. They create a fun, interactive learning experience and support you to progress week by week. Fully sponsored places are available to residents of London.

Register your place on the next available course here.

EcoCounts Workshop: Reduce your bills and your CO2 

Monday 26th September at Islington Climate Centre: 7pm-9pm

We all need to save money on our energy bills, so come and find out how other people have been doing it. Pick up tips about how to swat the kilowatts and cut the carbon through group discussion and input from practitioners. Entry is free.

For more information contact Adam on adam.hardy@ecocounts.community

LIFT: Affordable Coworking Spaces 

LIFT can help entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds in Camden, Islington, Hackney and Tower Hamlets to access co-working space, no matter your financial situation. This includes people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, women, lone parents and people with disabilities, who are underrepresented in these industry sectors.

For more information, contact lift.futures@islington.gov.uk

Addressing Poverty in London:

London Challenge Poverty Week: 17-23 Oct 2022 

London Challenge Poverty Week is coming up soon. It is coordinated by 4in10: London’s Child Poverty Network. Find out more here.

London Child Poverty Alliance Summit: 20 Oct 2022

The London Child Poverty Alliance are hosting the London Child Poverty Summit on 20 October. Find out more and book your tickets here.

Call for ideas around addressing poverty 

Together with Joseph Rowntree Foundation, New Local has launched a Call for Learning & Ideas to explore local approaches to addressing these challenges. Find out more here.

Help shape Clean Air Action in Camden 

Camden Council is consulting on a new Clean Air Action Plan which sets out their plan for the next 4 years to clean Camden’s air. Share your thoughts and ideas to shape their projects and policies, and find out how you can help by reducing air pollution and protecting your health.

Learn more here

Institute of Health Equity Report: Fuel poverty, cold homes and health inequalities 

This report reviews the evidence on both the direct and indirect impacts of fuel poverty and cold homes on health; the effects of inequalities and the relationship between health inequalities and climate change. It makes the case for prioritising reducing fuel poverty through policy suggestions at both the national and local level.

Read the report here.

Government Scheme to Cut Energy Bills

A new government scheme will see energy prices for non-domestic energy customers such as businesses, charities and public sector organisations cut – protecting them from rising energy costs. The scheme will cover energy use for 6 months from 1 October 2022 to 31 March 2023, and is in addition to the Energy Price Guarantee for households.

Read more here

Canopy: Looking for Partner Organisations 

Canopy is looking for a partner organisation who are working with young people, based in Camden and interested in the environment. They have a project funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and are looking for a partner to deliver with them in Spring/Summer 2023.

For more information, please contact jake@canopy.si.

Free Specialty Coffee Traineeship with Well Grounded 

Get free training, accreditations, work experience and job opportunities in coffee on an 8-week Alpro-sponsored programme this October.

You’ll learn everything you need to be a barista, take on a 4-week work placement and go into work in the coffee industry.

To apply, please contact info@wellgroundedjobs.co.uk

Latin American House vacancy: Office Manager 

Closing date: 3rd October

Latin American House is looking for an Office Manager to be the key person of the organisation’s central operations, providing an effective administrative support function at their Centre.

For more information and to apply, please click here.

Newsletter Submissions
Please send any information (approximately 50-75 words long) that you would like included in our weekly newsletter to social@vac.org.uk

Home (shine-london.org.uk) – save money on energy bills
https://findfood.camden.gov.uk
Help With the Cost of Living | London City Hall
Free and impartial help with money, backed by the government | MoneyHelper
WISH Plus – Camden Council – Energy efficiency advice and income maximisation checks
Cost of Living Signposting Resource | London Plus

Cost of living crisis: Joint statement
The Directory of Social Change has united with other sector infrastructure bodies across the UK to call for an urgent response to the cost of living crisis.

The statement urges the government to urgently deliver meaningful financial support to those in the greatest need, and to provide targeted financial assistance for those charities, voluntary organisations and communities that are on the frontline of this crisis.

Read the full statement here.

Collective action letter: charitable food aid is not the solution to financial hardship
The Independent Food Aid Network (IFAN), together with the Trussell Trust and Feeding Britain, is gathering signatures from individuals working and volunteering with food banks, community kitchens and other organisations providing food poverty relief for a joint letter to the new Prime Minister. The letter asks for urgent action to end the need for charitable food aid as a solution to financial hardship

Find the letter here

Local Newsletters:

SHAK
Young Camden Foundation (Funding Newsletter)
AWN (sign up)
London Sport (sign up)
Fitzrovia Community Centre
Coram’s Field Community Newsletter (sign up)
CAWH Newsletter

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

The Baobab Collective Fund 

Closing date: 5pm on 25th September

Baobab have announced a new £3 million fund to grow, sustain, and strengthen Black and Global Majority communities that are resisting racial injustice in the UK.

Learn more here

The People’s Project Fund 

Closing date: 12 noon on Friday 7th October 2022, or when an application limit has been reached.

The National Lottery is giving community organisations the chance to apply for funding of up to £70,000. After a national campaign the winners will be decided by public vote.

Learn more here

Resident Opportunities and Empowerment Grant
Closing date for applications: 2nd October 2022

This new grant is intended to enable non-profit making organisations with social housing sector experience to help tenants take an active role in how their home is managed.

Learn more here

GLA Funding: Warmer Homes Programme
With energy bills continuing to rise, the Mayor is urging Londoners, local authorities, and community organisations to raise awareness of the Warmer Homes programme with anyone who may be eligible.
The scheme offers free energy efficiency grants of up to £25,000 to households with a residual income of up to £20,000 per year after rent/mortgage and council tax.

Learn more here

To re-discover funding removed from this list, please see our newsletter archive here

Other available funders include:

• Camden Giving
• Grants Online
• My Funding Central
• Idox Camden 4 Community
• VAC main funding page

This event is run in partnership with Irish in Britain and involves various physical and mental health support, exercise sessions, massage and access to social prescribing services.
It is open to everyone, so feel free to drop in.

Free Health & Well-being Opportunities for Adults in Camden
In response to the current cost of living crisis, Castlehaven Community Association has launched a brand new programme of free activities and workshops, providing adults in Camden with free access to health & well-being activities and learning opportunities.
From weekly Self Defence, Pilates, Mindfulness & Boxercise sessions to one-off workshops such as Foraging, and CV Writing, we have opportunities for everyone to cultivate healthy habits

For more information please click here

An open training session on gambling, its impact and related harms.
2pm – 4pm on 26th September 2022, Online

The subject of gambling and its associated harms is acknowledged by experts as a serious health issue, with far reaching consequences. It negatively affects finances, mental health and relationships, not just for the gambler but for the those around them. If you would like to know more about gambling addiction and related harms, please join this free CPD accredited webinar

To register please click here

Free workshops for the Camden Community from Hampstead Theatre and The Winch
Hampstead Theatre and The Winch are delighted to launch a programme of free workshops for the Camden community.  Uniquely devised in partnership with residents from the local area, ‘Community Creates’ will provide free arts and crafts activities in various local locations from September 2022 through to 2023.

A programme and more information is available both from Hampstead Theatre here
And The Winch here

Symptoms can include, but are not limited to: exhaustion, memory or concentrations issues, breathlessness, persistent headaches and muscle aches, chest tightness, palpitations, dizziness and sleep disturbance.
As a token of appreciation there is a £15 shopping voucher available for participation.

The Community Links team at VAC can also assist Camden residents with access to the long covid clinic at UCLH.
For further information please contact Nasrin at nrashid@vac.org.uk or Donna Clutterbuck at LongCovid@soton.ac.uk or on 07721520243

Stakeholder workshop: What does it mean to live a good life in Camden?
Tuesday 27 September: 3pm – 4:30pm

This online workshop by London Borough of Camden is about ‘Good Life Camden’, a wellbeing framework which is being built to measure what it means to live a good life in Camden.
They are seeking the perspective of organisations working in Camden on what your beneficiaries, customers or service users tell you is important to them – from health, to education, to civic participation – and any data you can share to help build a framework with the people of Camden.

To register your place, please click here

Healthy Start scheme
The Healthy Start scheme supports pregnant women and families to eat healthily and to access vitamins.
Do you receive income support? You could get help to buy milk, fruit, vegetables and infant formula.

If you’re pregnant or have children under the age of 4, the Healthy Start scheme can give you:
£4.25 each week from the 10th week of your pregnancy
£8.50 each week for children from birth to 1 year old
£4.25 each week for children between 1 and 4 years old
All pregnant women and families with young children can also get free Healthy Start vitamins from children’s and health centres.

To apply, please click here

Past Voluntary Action Forums: Resources

You can find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here.

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

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Quarterly Update to Members and Subscribers

September 2022

CEO Spotlight

Keith Morgan, Chief Executive Officer

…and finally

We hope you’ve enjoyed our quarterly update from VAC. Stay tuned for our next quarterly update in a few months. In the meantime, our normal weekly bulletin will resume on the 23rd September. If you have any items for the newsletter, please email social@vac.org.uk and take a look at the publishing criteria on our website.
You can also check our website for our latest training and events, as well as more details on our projects and services, including the latest grants for Room Hire and Community Champions Initiative.

We wish you all the best, from Keith & the VAC team: Alex, Dianne, Donna, Hasel, John, Mandira, Manuella, Nasrin Ricky, Ella and Lola,  and all the Trustees and Volunteers.

Membership is free, click on the link box above and join us today

We also have information on a range of local events and opportunities from around the Camden area.

This is an opportunity to share your knowledge and ideas to design the delivery of the 2 key objectives in the North Central London ‘Working with the VCSE Sector Strategy’ delivery plan.

1.    How can we design and deliver innovative community-focused and strength- based models of care in Camden?
2.    What do procurement and contracting processes that support a strong and thriving VCSE sector look like in this new environment?

Learn more and register here

The statement urges the government to urgently deliver meaningful financial support to those in the greatest need, and to provide targeted financial assistance for those charities, voluntary organisations and communities that are on the frontline of this crisis.

Read the full statement here.

Health Event at the London Irish Centre.
Wednesday 28th September in the Macnamara Hall: 11am-3pm

This event is run in partnership with Irish in Britain and involves various physical and mental health support, exercise sessions, massage and access to social prescribing services.
It is open to everyone, so feel free to drop in

Free Health & Well-being Opportunities for Adults in Camden
In response to the current cost of living crisis, Castlehaven Community Association has launched a brand new programme of free activities and workshops, providing adults in Camden with free access to health & well-being activities and learning opportunities.
From weekly Self Defence, Pilates, Mindfulness & Boxercise sessions to one-off workshops such as Foraging, and CV Writing, we have opportunities for everyone to cultivate healthy habits

For more information please click here

Urban Foraging Workshops at Castlehaven
Starting Friday 16th September

As part of their health & wellbeing programme, Health Haven, Castlehaven, is running two Urban Foraging workshops in the Castlehaven Community Park and surrounding areas.
The first workshop will take place on Friday 16th September, focusing on exploring edible plants growing in the area. The second workshop, on the 23rd of September, will explore the medicinal value of plants.

For more information and to book your spot, please email
healthhaven@castlehaven.org.uk.

Collective action letter: charitable food aid is not the solution to financial hardship
The Independent Food Aid Network (IFAN), together with the Trussell Trust and Feeding Britain, is gathering signatures from individuals working and volunteering with food banks, community kitchens and other organisations providing food poverty relief for a joint letter to the new Prime Minister. The letter asks for urgent action to end the need for charitable food aid as a solution to financial hardship

Find the letter here

Kilburn Older Voices Exchange vacancy: Coordinator.
KOVE are looking for someone with sound administrative skills and a knowledge of charity organisation to support their activities and help develop a more age-friendly Kilburn. You’ll need to work freelance, flexibly, from home for two days a week. A warm-hearted commitment to the full citizenship of all older people is essential.

To view the full job description please click here
The application process starts with an informal phone conversation with the former coordinator, Mel Wright. To apply for this role, please contact: melwillwright@gmail.com

Newsletter Submissions
Please send any information (approximately 50-75 words long) that you would like included in our weekly newsletter to social@vac.org.uk

Home (shine-london.org.uk) – save money on energy bills
https://findfood.camden.gov.uk
Help With the Cost of Living | London City Hall
Free and impartial help with money, backed by the government | MoneyHelper
WISH Plus – Camden Council – Energy efficiency advice and income maximisation checks

Local Newsletters:

SHAK
Young Camden Foundation
AWN (sign up)
London Sport (sign up)
Fitzrovia Community Centre
Coram’s Field Community Newsletter (sign up)
CAWH Newsletter

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

VAC have been funded by Google to provide up to £300 per quarter for small organisations looking to book one-off spaces to work in, or to hold community sessions and training, and up to £600 for the ongoing rent of office and hot desking space.

It is available to small voluntary or community sector organisation, with income under £150,000 a year, who wish to book a venue in Camden

To find out more, please click here
or get in contact with Ricky at Rsingh@vac.org.uk

Sustaining Spaces Fund
Closing date : 16th September 2022

NSUN will be awarding grants of £500-£1000 to those facilitating community spaces where people with shared identities and experiences come together in support of one another’s wellbeing.

For more information please click here

Resident Opportunities and Empowerment Grant
Closing date for applications: 2nd October 2022

This new grant is intended to enable non-profit making organisations with social housing sector experience to help tenants take an active role in how their home is managed.

Learn more here

Clarion Futures Digital Grants Programme – Final Funding Round 2022
Applications for Digital Grants Round 11, are currently open, and the deadline for submission is 12 noon, 21st September 2022.

Grants of between £1,000 and £5,000 will be available to organisations seeking to deliver innovative, well designed projects that support Clarion residents and the wider community to address digital exclusion.
Please note that this is a revised timeframe from what has previously been published, and this is the final Digital Grants funding round for this year.

To learn more, please click here

GLA Funding: Warmer Homes Programme
With energy bills continuing to rise, the Mayor is urging Londoners, local authorities, and community organisations to raise awareness of the Warmer Homes programme with anyone who may be eligible.
The scheme offers free energy efficiency grants of up to £25,000 to households with a residual income of up to £20,000 per year after rent/mortgage and council tax.

Learn more here

To re-discover funding removed from this list, please see our newsletter archive here

Other available funders include:

• Camden Giving
• Grants Online
• My Funding Central
• Idox Camden 4 Community
• VAC main funding page

Do you want to volunteer in Camden and Islington? Join the Volunteer Centre Camden at Hugh Cubitt Community Centre, 48 Collier Street, N1 9QZ for our first in-person volunteering fair in 2.5 years.
It will be outside, but under cover.
No need to book, just pop in on the day.

Forest Bathing (nature mindfulness) session for Visually Impaired People
2pm on Thursday 22nd September

Meet at Hampstead Heath Overground Station, South End Road, NW3 2QD. No booking required.
Forest Bathing, a leisurely walk in a forest or woodland, is a great way to de-stress and focus your senses as you walk through nature. 
VIPs and assistance companions welcome.
 
For more information phone Rosemary at Visually Impaired in Camden on 07980 328 959 or email rosemary@somerstown.org.uk 

An open training session on gambling, its impact and related harms.
2pm – 4pm on 26th September 2022, Online

The subject of gambling and its associated harms is acknowledged by experts as a serious health issue, with far reaching consequences. It negatively affects finances, mental health and relationships, not just for the gambler but for the those around them. If you would like to know more about gambling addiction and related harms, please join this free CPD accredited webinar

To register please click here

Free workshops for the Camden Community from Hampstead Theatre and The Winch
Hampstead Theatre and The Winch are delighted to launch a programme of free workshops for the Camden community.  Uniquely devised in partnership with residents from the local area, ‘Community Creates’ will provide free arts and crafts activities in various local locations from September 2022 through to 2023.

A programme and more information is available both from Hampstead Theatre here
And The Winch here

Good Childhood Report Briefing Invite
Thursday 22nd September: 10:30am – 1pm

The Childrens Society undertake research into the wellbeing of the children and young people of England and reports its findings nationally. This meeting is focused on the findings and is aimed at professionals who work with, manage services or commission work to support children, young people and families.

Learn more and register here

Trustee Matching Event from Camden Giving
Wednesday 21st September: 6 – 8pm at Havas KX, 3 Pancras Square

Are you interested in sharing your expertise and getting more involved with the local community?
Join Camden Giving for a Trustee Matching Event… Small charities could be transformed with your support!
You’ll meet brilliant Camden organisations who are recruiting Trustees and be able to ask them your important questions.

Learn more and register here

Camden Coproduction Network Meeting
Thursday 15th September: 10am – 11.30am

At this meeting we will hear from the Hillside Club talking on the power dynamics working in a Co-productive way and Islington Council colleagues on their Let’s Talk Islington programme
This meeting will take place on Zoom.

Please contact Participation@Camden.gov.uk to join the meeting

Symptoms can include, but are not limited to: exhaustion, memory or concentrations issues, breathlessness, persistent headaches and muscle aches, chest tightness, palpitations, dizziness and sleep disturbance.
As a token of appreciation there is a £15 shopping voucher available for participation.

The Community Links team at VAC can also assist Camden residents with access to the long covid clinic at UCLH.
For further information please contact Nasrin at nrashid@vac.org.uk or Donna Clutterbuck at LongCovid@soton.ac.uk or on 07721520243

The Salvation Army’s mentoring programme looking for volunteer mentors
The Salvation Army’s mentoring programme supports survivors of modern slavery and are looking for volunteer mentors.
We aim to support, empower and champion individuals to set and achieve their goals, build confidence, and establish life in community.
You would be paired with a fellow mentor to meet with a mentee fortnightly for 12 months.  We are looking for female and male applicants.

If you would like to discuss this opportunity further, please contact ATMSMentoring@salvationarmy.org.uk

Special educational needs consultation
Closing date: Thursday 22nd September

Camden Council is asking parents, carers, children, young people and professionals to have their say on the new draft Camden SEND strategy to improve services for children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities

Watch our short animated film here
Find out more and have your say here

Stakeholder workshop: What does it mean to live a good life in Camden?
Tuesday 20th September OR Tuesday 27 September, 15:00-16:30

This online workshop by London Borough of Camden is about ‘Good Life Camden’, a wellbeing framework which is being built to measure what it means to live a good life in Camden.
They are seeking the perspective of organisations working in Camden on what your beneficiaries, customers or service users tell you is important to them – from health, to education, to civic participation – and any data you can share to help build a framework with the people of Camden.

To register for Tuesday 20th September, please click here
To register for Tuesday 27th September please click here

Healthy Start scheme
The Healthy Start scheme supports pregnant women and families to eat healthily and to access vitamins.
Do you receive income support? You could get help to buy milk, fruit, vegetables and infant formula.

If you’re pregnant or have children under the age of 4, the Healthy Start scheme can give you:
£4.25 each week from the 10th week of your pregnancy
£8.50 each week for children from birth to 1 year old
£4.25 each week for children between 1 and 4 years old
All pregnant women and families with young children can also get free Healthy Start vitamins from children’s and health centres.

To apply, please click here

Camden Safeguarding Adults Partnership Board (SAPB) Safeguarding consultation
Deadline: 10th September

Everyone has the right to live a life that is free from abuse, harm and neglect. To this end, Camden Safeguarding Adults Partnership Board (SAPB) is running a Safeguarding consultation to seek views from people to help develop strategy priorities for the next 5 years.
The survey is also available in Sylheti, Somali and Easy read. Please email Patricia Cox at patricia.cox@camden.gov.uk to ask for the translated surveys

For more information and to take the survey, please click here

Past Voluntary Action Forums: Resources

You can find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here.

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

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Membership is free, click on the link box above and join us today

We also have information on a range of local events and opportunities from around the Camden area.

Influence.
This less well-known area of VAC’s work involves presenting a Camden Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) voice at a strategic level.

This includes raising awareness about what the sector can offer, connecting the sector with strategic stakeholders, having sector influence in borough policy and strategy, ensuring that the sector is not excluded from decision-making process, or overlooked as a delivery partner in the provision of community-based services and projects that meet the needs of local people.

We use our voice to amplify yours…

Learn more here

This is an opportunity to share your knowledge and ideas to design the delivery of the 2 key objectives in the North Central London ‘Working with the VCSE Sector Strategy’ delivery plan.

1.    How can we design and deliver innovative community-focused and strength- based models of care in Camden?
2.    What do procurement and contracting processes that support a strong and thriving VCSE sector look like in this new environment?

Learn more and register here

Hillview Festival 2022 – Tomorrow
2pm-9pm on Saturday 3rd September

This family festival is free, open to all and takes place in the leafy courtyards, and surrounding streets of the Hillview Estate, Whidborne Street, King’s Cross WC1H.
The culturally diverse programme is full of local artistes, music, dance and other performances, as well a puppet theatre, a pop-up Ceilidh, drop in arts, dance & circus skills sessions, a community marketplace and more!

For more information please click here

Camden & Islington Autumn 2022 Volunteering Fair
12-2pm on Tuesday 13th September

Do you want to volunteer in Camden and Islington? Join the Volunteer Centre Camden at Hugh Cubitt Community Centre, 48 Collier Street, N1 9QZ for our first in-person volunteering fair in 2.5 years.
It will be outside, but under cover.
No need to book, just pop in on the day.

Forest Bathing (nature mindfulness) session for Visually Impaired People
2pm on Thursday 22nd September

Meet at Hampstead Heath Overground Station, South End Road, NW3 2QD. No booking required.
Forest Bathing, a leisurely walk in a forest or woodland, is a great way to de-stress and focus your senses as you walk through nature. 
VIPs and assistance companions welcome.
 
For more information phone Rosemary at Visually Impaired in Camden on 07980 328 959 or email rosemary@somerstown.org.uk 

An open training session on gambling, its impact and related harms.
2pm – 4pm on 26th September 2022, Online

The subject of gambling and its associated harms is acknowledged by experts as a serious health issue, with far reaching consequences. It negatively affects finances, mental health and relationships, not just for the gambler but for the those around them. If you would like to know more about gambling addiction and related harms, please join this free CPD accredited webinar

To register please click here

Free workshops for the Camden Community from Hampstead Theatre and The Winch
Hampstead Theatre and The Winch are delighted to launch a programme of free workshops for the Camden community.  Uniquely devised in partnership with residents from the local area, ‘Community Creates’ will provide free arts and crafts activities in various local locations from September 2022 through to 2023.

A programme and more information is available both from Hampstead Theatre here
And The Winch here

The Salvation Army’s mentoring programme looking for volunteer mentors
The Salvation Army’s mentoring programme supports survivors of modern slavery and are looking for volunteer mentors.
We aim to support, empower and champion individuals to set and achieve their goals, build confidence, and establish life in community.
You would be paired with a fellow mentor to meet with a mentee fortnightly for 12 months.  We are looking for female and male applicants.

If you would like to discuss this opportunity further, please contact ATMSMentoring@salvationarmy.org.uk

Students’ Union UCL vacancy – Head of Volunteering
We’re looking for someone passionate about volunteering to lead our successful Volunteering Service – one of the largest and most respected volunteering teams in UK Higher Education. If you’re an experienced leader with the ability to build partnerships, then this could be the role for you.

Find out more here.

Newsletter Submissions
Please send any information (approximately 50-75 words long) that you would like included in our weekly newsletter to social@vac.org.uk

Home (shine-london.org.uk) – save money on energy bills
https://findfood.camden.gov.uk
Help With the Cost of Living | London City Hall
Free and impartial help with money, backed by the government | MoneyHelper
WISH Plus – Camden Council – Energy efficiency advice and income maximisation checks

Local Newsletters:

SHAK
Young Camden Foundation
AWN (sign up)
London Sport (sign up)
Fitzrovia Community Centre
Coram’s Field Community Newsletter (sign up)

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

VAC have been funded by Google to provide up to £300 per quarter for small organisations looking to book one-off spaces to work in, or to hold community sessions and training, and up to £600 for the ongoing rent of office and hot desking space.

It is available to small voluntary or community sector organisation, with income under £150,000 a year, who wish to book a venue in Camden

To find out more, please click here
or get in contact with Ricky at Rsingh@vac.org.uk

Resident Opportunities and Empowerment Grant
Closing date for applications: 2nd October 2022

This new grant is intended to enable non-profit making organisations with social housing sector experience to help tenants take an active role in how their home is managed.

Learn more here

Clarion Futures Digital Grants Programme – Final Funding Round 2022
Applications for Digital Grants Round 11, are currently open, and the deadline for submission is 12 noon, 21st September 2022.

Grants of between £1,000 and £5,000 will be available to organisations seeking to deliver innovative, well designed projects that support Clarion residents and the wider community to address digital exclusion.
Please note that this is a revised timeframe from what has previously been published, and this is the final Digital Grants funding round for this year.

To learn more, please click here

Age UK Camden: Support for Residents
Application deadline: 15th September 2022

Hardship Grants of up to £500 are currently available via Age UK Camden – this is specifically for Camden residents aged 66 years or over with £6,000 or less in savings who are struggling financially.

Further information is available here
Find the Application Form here
For queries please email: hardshipgrants@ageukcamden.org.uk or call 020 7239 0400

GLA Funding: Warmer Homes Programme
With energy bills continuing to rise, the Mayor is urging Londoners, local authorities, and community organisations to raise awareness of the Warmer Homes programme with anyone who may be eligible.
The scheme offers free energy efficiency grants of up to £25,000 to households with a residual income of up to £20,000 per year after rent/mortgage and council tax.

Learn more here

To re-discover funding removed from this list, please see our newsletter archive here

Other available funders include:

• Camden Giving
• Grants Online
• My Funding Central
• Idox Camden 4 Community
• VAC main funding page

The Childrens Society undertake research into the wellbeing of the children and young people of England and reports its findings nationally. This meeting is focused on the findings and is aimed at professionals who work with, manage services or commission work to support children, young people and families.

Learn more and register here

Trustee Matching Event from Camden Giving
Wednesday 21st September: 6 – 8pm at Havas KX, 3 Pancras Square

Are you interested in sharing your expertise and getting more involved with the local community?
Join Camden Giving for a Trustee Matching Event… Small charities could be transformed with your support!
You’ll meet brilliant Camden organisations who are recruiting Trustees and be able to ask them your important questions.

Learn more and register here

Camden Coproduction Network Meeting
Thursday 15 September: 10am – 11.30am

At this meeting we will hear from the Hillside Club talking on the power dynamics working in a Co-productive way and Islington Council colleagues on their Let’s Talk Islington programme
This meeting will take place on Zoom.

Please contact Participation@Camden.gov.uk to join the meeting

Symptoms can include, but are not limited to: exhaustion, memory or concentrations issues, breathlessness, persistent headaches and muscle aches, chest tightness, palpitations, dizziness and sleep disturbance.
As a token of appreciation there is a £15 shopping voucher available for participation.

The Community Links team at VAC can also assist Camden residents with access to the long covid clinic at UCLH.
For further information please contact Nasrin at nrashid@vac.org.uk or Donna Clutterbuck at LongCovid@soton.ac.uk or on 07721520243

Special educational needs consultation
Closing date: Thursday 22nd September

Camden Council is asking parents, carers, children, young people and professionals to have their say on the new draft Camden SEND strategy to improve services for children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities

Watch our short animated film here
Find out more and have your say here

Stakeholder workshop: What does it mean to live a good life in Camden?
Tuesday 20th September OR Tuesday 27 September, 15:00-16:30

This online workshop by London Borough of Camden is about ‘Good Life Camden’, a wellbeing framework which is being built to measure what it means to live a good life in Camden.
They are seeking the perspective of organisations working in Camden on what your beneficiaries, customers or service users tell you is important to them – from health, to education, to civic participation – and any data you can share to help build a framework with the people of Camden.

To register for Tuesday 20th September, please click here
To register for Tuesday 27th September please click here

Desk donation
Hopscotch Women’s Centre have a collection of desks which are no longer required. The desks are in a good condition and they are looking to donate them.

For photos and more information please contact Frank.Hayman@hopscotchuk.org

Healthy Start scheme
The Healthy Start scheme supports pregnant women and families to eat healthily and to access vitamins.
Do you receive income support? You could get help to buy milk, fruit, vegetables and infant formula.

If you’re pregnant or have children under the age of 4, the Healthy Start scheme can give you:
£4.25 each week from the 10th week of your pregnancy
£8.50 each week for children from birth to 1 year old
£4.25 each week for children between 1 and 4 years old
All pregnant women and families with young children can also get free Healthy Start vitamins from children’s and health centres.

To apply, please click here

Management for Community Centre Sought
Applications deadline: 5th September

Can you run a community centre for the benefit of local residents? Camden Council have published information on the new Maitland Park Community Centre and are looking for a suitable operator for the new build premises. The centre has a hall, training room, office and café area.

All the information can be found on the council’s website: here

Camden Safeguarding Adults Partnership Board (SAPB) Safeguarding consultation
Deadline: 10th September

Everyone has the right to live a life that is free from abuse, harm and neglect. To this end, Camden Safeguarding Adults Partnership Board (SAPB) is running a Safeguarding consultation to seek views from people to help develop strategy priorities for the next 5 years.
The survey is also available in Sylheti, Somali and Easy read. Please email Patricia Cox at patricia.cox@camden.gov.uk to ask for the translated surveys

For more information and to take the survey, please click here

Past Voluntary Action Forums: Resources

You can find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here.

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

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

As a VAC member you will be part of a dedicated network through which you can express your views and contribute your knowledge and expertise to the benefit of all.

Membership is free, click on the link box above and join us today

We also have information on our next VAF, and a range of local events and opportunities from around the Camden area.

Connect.
Using our directories, forums and knowledge of Camden we are able to work in partnership with others to foster collaboration.

We can help to bridge any gaps in capability by promoting and supporting partnerships which benefit all those involved.
Such partnership often produces results which are much more than the sum of its parts as groups lift the potential of one another.

Even when we cannot help directly, our team can provide you with the contacts you need to connect with others.

Learn more here

This is an opportunity to share your knowledge and ideas to design the delivery of the 2 key objectives in the North Central London ‘Working with the VCSE Sector Strategy’ delivery plan.

1.    How can we design and deliver innovative community-focused and strength- based models of care in Camden?
2.    What do procurement and contracting processes that support a strong and thriving VCSE sector look like in this new environment?

Learn more and register here

Castlehaven Community Picnic at Elm Village – This weekend
Saturday 27th August: 11am – 4pm

Looking for something free & fun for the whole family this Saturday?
Come along to the Elm Village Open Space Community Garden (Barker Drive, NW1 0JW) between 11 am – 4 pm for a community picnic.
Bring your own picnic and participate in a variety of activities such as seed sowing, watering, and nature-themed arts & crafts.
Please note the Elm Village Open Space is NOT accessible via wheelchair.

Good Childhood Report Briefing Invite
Thursday 22nd September: 10:30am – 1pm

The Childrens Society undertake research into the wellbeing of the children and young people of England and reports its findings nationally. This meeting is focused on the findings and is aimed at professionals who work with, manage services or commission work to support children, young people and families.

Learn more and register here

Special educational needs consultation
Closing date: Thursday 22nd September

Camden Council is asking parents, carers, children, young people and professionals to have their say on the new draft Camden SEND strategy to improve services for children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities

Watch our short animated film here
Find out more and have your say here

Stakeholder workshop: What does it mean to live a good life in Camden?
Tuesday 20th September OR Tuesday 27 September, 15:00-16:30

This online workshop by London Borough of Camden is about ‘Good Life Camden’, a wellbeing framework which is being built to measure what it means to live a good life in Camden.
They are seeking the perspective of organisations working in Camden on what your beneficiaries, customers or service users tell you is important to them – from health, to education, to civic participation – and any data you can share to help build a framework with the people of Camden.

To register for Tuesday 20th September, please click here
To register for Tuesday 27th September please click here

VAC is looking for an SEO Volunteer
VAC has gone through the process of developing a brand proposition, values and redesigning our website, but we now need some assistance to ensure our website is properly optimised so that we can better reach those in Camden who are looking for our help.
We are looking for an expert SEO volunteer who can help VAC handle SEO for our website so its pages are represented accurately in search engines, presenting information in ways that make it easier to find the organisation.

For more information please click here

hopscotch vacancies
hopscotch women’s centre has the following vacancies available:

HR Administrator
On Call Coordinator
Fieldcare Supervisor

For all the information and to apply for any of these roles, please click here

Mind in Camden vacancies

Resources Team Assistant: 21 hours per week
Closing Date: 05/09/22 at 09.00am

Community Mental Health Recovery Support Workers
Closing Date: 12/09/22 at 09.00am
1 post:17.5 hours per week, 1 post: 35 hours per week

For all the information on both of these roles and to apply: click here, phone 020 7911 0822 (24hrs), or email recruitment@mindincamden.org.uk

SHAK vacancy: Female Youth Worker
Closing date: 18th September

SHAK looking to recruit a Female Youth Worker to work at the ARC youth Club on the Alexandra & Ainsworth estate in Kilburn, Camden, NW London.

For more details and to apply please click here

IAMI Ltd vacancy: Youth and Community Worker
Closing date: Sunday 11th September

The Youth and Community Worker will focus on support, engagement, programme growth, developing ideas for, and implementing our Volunteer Programme and User led activities, as well as delivering some project activity.
We’re looking for an experienced professional, strongly aligned with our values, passions, and beliefs, to lead on Youth and Community work at IAMI Ltd

For more information and apply, please click here

Newsletter Submissions
Please send any information (approximately 50-75 words long) that you would like included in our weekly newsletter to social@vac.org.uk

Home (shine-london.org.uk) – save money on energy bills
https://findfood.camden.gov.uk
Help With the Cost of Living | London City Hall
Free and impartial help with money, backed by the government | MoneyHelper
WISH Plus – Camden Council – Energy efficiency advice and income maximisation checks

Local Newsletters:

SHAK
Latin American House
Young Camden Foundation
AWN (sign up)
London Sport (sign up)
Somers Town Community Newsletter
Heath Hands
Fitzrovia Community Centre
Coram’s Field Community Newsletter (sign up)

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

VAC have been funded by Google to provide up to £300 per quarter for small organisations looking to book one-off spaces to work in, or to hold community sessions and training, and up to £600 for the ongoing rent of office and hot desking space.

It is available to small voluntary or community sector organisation, with income under £150,000 a year, who wish to book a venue in Camden

To find out more, please click here
or get in contact with Ricky at Rsingh@vac.org.uk

Clarion Futures Digital Grants Programme – Final Funding Round 2022
Applications for Digital Grants Round 11, are currently open, and the deadline for submission is 12 noon, 21st September 2022.

Grants of between £1,000 and £5,000 will be available to organisations seeking to deliver innovative, well designed projects that support Clarion residents and the wider community to address digital exclusion.
Please note that this is a revised timeframe from what has previously been published, and this is the final Digital Grants funding round for this year.

To learn more, please click here

Age UK Camden: Support for Residents
Application deadline: 15th September 2022

Hardship Grants of up to £500 are currently available via Age UK Camden – this is specifically for Camden residents aged 66 years or over with £6,000 or less in savings who are struggling financially.

Further information is available here
Find the Application Form here
For queries please email: hardshipgrants@ageukcamden.org.uk or call 020 7239 0400

2023 GSK IMPACT Awards – core funding and free training for health charities
Closing date for Stage 1 applications is 1st September 2022.

GSK’s IMPACT Awards reward charities doing excellent work to improve people’s health and wellbeing. Organisations must be at least three years old, working in a health-related field in the UK, with income between £120k and £3m. Up to 15 awards will be made, ranging from £4,000 to £50,000.

For more information and to apply, please click here

GLA Funding: Warmer Homes Programme
With energy bills continuing to rise, the Mayor is urging Londoners, local authorities, and community organisations to raise awareness of the Warmer Homes programme with anyone who may be eligible.
The scheme offers free energy efficiency grants of up to £25,000 to households with a residual income of up to £20,000 per year after rent/mortgage and council tax.

Learn more here

Disability Justice Fund
Application Deadline: 3rd October 2022

This is a £3 million fund from Trust for London and City Bridge Trust to advance strong, vibrant, diverse and sustainable Disability justice, equity and inclusion in the UK.

For more details, please click here

To re-discover funding removed from this list, please see our newsletter archive here

Other available funders include:

• Camden Giving
• Grants Online
• My Funding Central
• Idox Camden 4 Community
• VAC main funding page

Are you interested in sharing your expertise and getting more involved with the local community?
Join Camden Giving for a Trustee Matching Event… Small charities could be transformed with your support!
You’ll meet brilliant Camden organisations who are recruiting Trustees and be able to ask them your important questions.

Learn more and register here

Free family yoga sessions for Camden families
Friday 26th August, Saturday 3rd September and 10th September: 11am – 12pm

These classes at Old diorama Arts Centre, NW1 3FE, give parents and children (aged 3 and upwards) the opportunity to explore yoga together through breathing exercises, poses, partner work, games and meditation.
Please wear comfortable clothing and bring water. Yoga mats will be provided.

To book a place, please email: cherylreynald@yahoo.co.uk

Out of Step Running Club – Mental health support through running and community connections.
Newcomer (walking and jogging) sessions – Mondays at 1pm and Wednesdays at 7pm on Hampstead Heath.

Our focus is on improving people’s sense of wellbeing through connections with others and being physically active outdoors.
Sessions are a mix of walking and jogging and are facilitated by qualified run leaders.
Adults of all abilities are welcome to these free, friendly and supportive sessions.

For more information please click here
or sign up here

Camden Coproduction Network Meeting
Thursday 15 September: 10am – 11.30am

At this meeting we will hear from the Hillside Club talking on the power dynamics working in a Co-productive way and Islington Council colleagues on their Let’s Talk Islington programme
This meeting will take place on Zoom.

Please contact Participation@Camden.gov.uk to join the meeting

Families for Life: Community Champion training
This free 6-week programme starts on 13th September and runs until the 18th October at Crowndale Centre, 218 Eversholt St, from 10am – 12pm.

The Camden Health and Wellbeing Team is recruiting volunteers for the Families for Life Community Champion training. It is for existing volunteers, parents, carers and whoever else might be interested in becoming an inspirational volunteer.
On this programme you will build your skills and knowledge to help you form strong local connections to support healthy lifestyle programmes available in Camden.

For more information please email Syria Chowdhury on syria.chowdhury@camden.gov.uk or call 07734 603060

Symptoms can include, but are not limited to: exhaustion, memory or concentrations issues, breathlessness, persistent headaches and muscle aches, chest tightness, palpitations, dizziness and sleep disturbance.
As a token of appreciation there is a £15 shopping voucher available for participation.

The Community Links team at VAC can also assist Camden residents with access to the long covid clinic at UCLH.
For further information please contact Nasrin at nrashid@vac.org.uk or Donna Clutterbuck at LongCovid@soton.ac.uk or on 07721520243

Desk donation
Hopscotch Women’s Centre have a collection of desks which are no longer required. The desks are in a good condition and they are looking to donate them.

For photos and more information please contact Frank.Hayman@hopscotchuk.org

Healthy Start scheme
The Healthy Start scheme supports pregnant women and families to eat healthily and to access vitamins.
Do you receive income support? You could get help to buy milk, fruit, vegetables and infant formula.

If you’re pregnant or have children under the age of 4, the Healthy Start scheme can give you:
£4.25 each week from the 10th week of your pregnancy
£8.50 each week for children from birth to 1 year old
£4.25 each week for children between 1 and 4 years old
All pregnant women and families with young children can also get free Healthy Start vitamins from children’s and health centres.

To apply, please click here

Management for Community Centre Sought
Applications deadline: 5th September

Can you run a community centre for the benefit of local residents? Camden Council have published information on the new Maitland Park Community Centre and are looking for a suitable operator for the new build premises. The centre has a hall, training room, office and café area.

All the information can be found on the council’s website: here

Camden Safeguarding Adults Partnership Board (SAPB) Safeguarding consultation
Deadline: 10th September

Everyone has the right to live a life that is free from abuse, harm and neglect. To this end, Camden Safeguarding Adults Partnership Board (SAPB) is running a Safeguarding consultation to seek views from people to help develop strategy priorities for the next 5 years.
The survey is also available in Sylheti, Somali and Easy read. Please email Patricia Cox at patricia.cox@camden.gov.uk to ask for the translated surveys

For more information and to take the survey, please click here

Past Voluntary Action Forums: Resources

You can find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here.

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

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

This is an important time as strategic and social developments locally, nationally and globally put increasing pressure on small community organisations.
As a VAC member you will be part of a dedicated network through which you can express your views and contribute your knowledge and expertise to the benefit of all.

Membership is free, click on the link box above and join us today

Develop.
We are here to help organisations to develop their potential, to build their capacity and to lay the strong foundations necessary for success.
We are in a position to provide tailored support and unrivalled local insight.

Our wide range of services will allow Camden VCS organisations to maximise their strengths and their capability.

Learn more here

Are you interested in sharing your expertise and getting more involved with the local community?
Join Camden Giving for a Trustee Matching Event… Small charities could be transformed with your support!
You’ll meet brilliant Camden organisations who are recruiting Trustees and be able to ask them your important questions.

Learn more and register here

Desk donation
Hopscotch Women’s Centre have a collection of desks which are no longer required. The desks are in a good condition and they are looking to donate them.

For photos and more information please contact Frank.Hayman@hopscotchuk.org

Free family yoga sessions for Camden families
Friday 26th August, Saturday 3rd September and 10th September: 11am – 12pm

These classes at Old diorama Arts Centre, NW1 3FE, give parents and children (aged 3 and upwards) the opportunity to explore yoga together through breathing exercises, poses, partner work, games and meditation.
Please wear comfortable clothing and bring water. Yoga mats will be provided.

To book a place, please email: cherylreynald@yahoo.co.uk

Healthy Start scheme
The Healthy Start scheme supports pregnant women and families to eat healthily and to access vitamins.
Do you receive income support? You could get help to buy milk, fruit, vegetables and infant formula.

If you’re pregnant or have children under the age of 4, the Healthy Start scheme can give you:
£4.25 each week from the 10th week of your pregnancy
£8.50 each week for children from birth to 1 year old
£4.25 each week for children between 1 and 4 years old
All pregnant women and families with young children can also get free Healthy Start vitamins from children’s and health centres.

To apply, please click here

Out of Step Running Club – Mental health support through running and community connections.
Newcomer (walking and jogging) sessions – Mondays at 1pm and Wednesdays at 7pm on Hampstead Heath.

Our focus is on improving people’s sense of wellbeing through connections with others and being physically active outdoors.
Sessions are a mix of walking and jogging and are facilitated by qualified run leaders.
Adults of all abilities are welcome to these free, friendly and supportive sessions.

For more information please click here
or sign up here

Save The Date: Collaborative research event
Thursday 29 September from 14.00-17.00

Join the UCL Community Research Initiative for our Student Dissertation Showcase at UCL’s Friends House, Euston Road, London (online/hybrid available too).
You will hear from master’s students and voluntary organisations who decided to do something different by collaborating to carry out cutting edge research.
Learn about the process, get inspired, and even make connections to carry out research like this in your organisation!

Learn more and RSVP here
Or contact CRIS@ucl.ac.uk

Camden Coproduction Network Meeting
Thursday 15 September: 10am – 11.30am

At this meeting we will hear from the Hillside Club talking on the power dynamics working in a Co-productive way and Islington Council colleagues on their Let’s Talk Islington programme
This meeting will take place on Zoom.

Please contact Particpation@Camden.gov.uk to join the meeting

Lifting Limits are recruiting a Trustee with expertise in Fundraising
We are looking for a new trustee with experience in fundraising and implementing fundraising strategies.
Lifting Limits’ mission is to challenge gender stereotyping and promote gender equality, in and through education.

For more information, please read the role description here.
The position has a rolling deadline, so please apply as soon as possible!

Camden Council Vacancy: Community Bus Outreach Officer
Closing date: Wednesday 1st September

Camden Council are looking for people to work as part of our exciting and rewarding community bus team! Camden have been running a COVID vaccination bus for the past year and began a Camden Mobile Health bus earlier this year. This service is already achieving some amazing results and making a difference to the communities connection with their health and wellbeing.

To learn more and apply, please click here

Newsletter Submissions
Please send any information (approximately 50-75 words long) that you would like included in our weekly newsletter to social@vac.org.uk

Home (shine-london.org.uk) – save money on energy bills
https://findfood.camden.gov.uk
Help With the Cost of Living | London City Hall
Free and impartial help with money, backed by the government | MoneyHelper
WISH Plus – Camden Council – Energy efficiency advice and income maximisation checks

Local Newsletters:

SHAK
Latin American House
Young Camden Foundation
AWN (sign up)
London Sport (sign up)
Somers Town Community Newsletter
Heath Hands
Fitzrovia Community Centre

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

VAC have been funded by Google to provide up to £300 per quarter for small organisations looking to book one-off spaces to work in, or to hold community sessions and training, and up to £600 for the ongoing rent of office and hot desking space.

It is available to small voluntary or community sector organisation, with income under £150,000 a year, who wish to book a venue in Camden

To find out more, please click here
or get in contact with Ricky at Rsingh@vac.org.uk

Clarion Futures Digital Grants Programme – Final Funding Round 2022
Applications for Digital Grants Round 11, are currently open, and the deadline for submission is 12 noon, 21st September 2022.

Grants of between £1,000 and £5,000 will be available to organisations seeking to deliver innovative, well designed projects that support Clarion residents and the wider community to address digital exclusion.
Please note that this is a revised timeframe from what has previously been published, and this is the final Digital Grants funding round for this year.

To learn more, please click here

Hardship Grants for Older Camden Residents from Age UK Camden
This fund provides grants of up to £500 to reduce vulnerability and hardship for those aged 66 or over. The money can be used to purchase household items and/or as a financial sum paid into their bank account.
If household items or white goods are needed, we can purchase the item from Argos, so do include the link to the item needed along with delivery/connection services and recycling charges.

You can apply for the grant either personally or on behalf of another by filling in the form here
If you have any questions please email hardshipgrants@ageukcamden.org.uk

2023 GSK IMPACT Awards – core funding and free training for health charities
Closing date for Stage 1 applications is 1st September 2022.

GSK’s IMPACT Awards reward charities doing excellent work to improve people’s health and wellbeing. Organisations must be at least three years old, working in a health-related field in the UK, with income between £120k and £3m. Up to 15 awards will be made, ranging from £4,000 to £50,000.

For more information and to apply, please click here

GLA Funding: Warmer Homes Programme
With energy bills continuing to rise, the Mayor is urging Londoners, local authorities, and community organisations to raise awareness of the Warmer Homes programme with anyone who may be eligible.
The scheme offers free energy efficiency grants of up to £25,000 to households with a residual income of up to £20,000 per year after rent/mortgage and council tax.

Learn more here

Disability Justice Fund
Application Deadline: 3rd October 2022

This is a £3 million fund from Trust for London and City Bridge Trust to advance strong, vibrant, diverse and sustainable Disability justice, equity and inclusion in the UK.

For more details, please click here

To re-discover funding removed from this list, please see our newsletter archive here

Other available funders include:

• Camden Giving
• Grants Online
• My Funding Central
• Idox Camden 4 Community
• VAC main funding page

Central YMCA is pleased to offer a free 6-week Pilates programme, specifically catered to Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) women who are not currently engaging in regular physical activity and need support to get started.
These classes offer a safe space to feel at ease and connect with other women who also have a desire to improve their physical and mental wellbeing.

To learn more, please click here

Startup School for Seniors fully funded places for Londoners
Thanks to Learn Ealing and GLA funding there are 50 fully funded places available for the award-winning Startup School for Seniors course.
This is an eight-week eLearning course covering everything you need to know to start or grow your own business.
The course is enrolling now and starts on 9th September 2022. Learners can be employed or unemployed but must be residents in London for a fully sponsored place.

For further information, please contact mark@startupschoolforseniors.com

London Plus Social Prescribing event: Meet the Network
Thursday 15th September: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

We are excited to hold our third free online networking event exclusively for London Social Prescribing Network members. It will offer a safe space for members to chat about social prescribing, from the challenges you face to the successful projects you might be working on.
Please register here

London Plus have also created a new social prescribing FAQs page to help you and your practice.
Learn more here

Jubilee Hall Trust’s Run for Your Life event
Saturday 10th September

Jubilee Hall Trust’s Run for Your Life event is back on Saturday 10th September. Run, jog, or walk the spectacular trails of Hampstead Heath on any of our 10K, 5K or 2K courses.
With a friendly community atmosphere, everyone is to join the 2k Fun Run – those under six must always be accompanied by an adult on the course.

For details and to register, please click here
Or, If you have any questions, please email louise@jubileehalltrust.org

London Unseen: Heritage Tours and Trails
London Unseen is a season of trails, tours and events that celebrate the many incredible histories of the city, as told by communities, practitioners, artists and activists. Curated on behalf of the Mayor of London’s Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm, the season is supporting over 20 community heritage practitioners to provide over 40 events free of charge to the public.

Learn more here

Families for Life: Community Champion training
This free 6-week programme starts on 13th September and runs until the 18th October at Crowndale Centre, 218 Eversholt St, from 10am – 12pm.

The Camden Health and Wellbeing Team is recruiting volunteers for the Families for Life Community Champion training. It is for existing volunteers, parents, carers and whoever else might be interested in becoming an inspirational volunteer.
On this programme you will build your skills and knowledge to help you form strong local connections to support healthy lifestyle programmes available in Camden.

For more information please email Syria Chowdhury on syria.chowdhury@camden.gov.uk or call 07734 603060

Symptoms can include, but are not limited to: exhaustion, memory or concentrations issues, breathlessness, persistent headaches and muscle aches, chest tightness, palpitations, dizziness and sleep disturbance.
As a token of appreciation there is a £15 shopping voucher available for participation.

The Community Links team at VAC can also assist Camden residents with access to the long covid clinic at UCLH.
For further information please contact Nasrin at nrashid@vac.org.uk or Donna Clutterbuck at LongCovid@soton.ac.uk or on 07721520243

Management for Community Centre Sought
Applications deadline: 5th September

Can you run a community centre for the benefit of local residents? Camden Council have published information on the new Maitland Park Community Centre and are looking for a suitable operator for the new build premises. The centre has a hall, training room, office and café area.

All the information can be found on the council’s website: here

Camden Safeguarding Adults Partnership Board (SAPB) Safeguarding consultation
Deadline: 10th September

Everyone has the right to live a life that is free from abuse, harm and neglect. To this end, Camden Safeguarding Adults Partnership Board (SAPB) is running a Safeguarding consultation to seek views from people to help develop strategy priorities for the next 5 years.
The survey is also available in Sylheti, Somali and Easy read. Please email Patricia Cox at patricia.cox@camden.gov.uk to ask for the translated surveys

For more information and to take the survey, please click here

Start Well Case for Change: Share your views
Health and care organisations in North Central London (NCL) are working together on Start Well: a long-term programme looking at children and young people, maternity and neonatal services. The aim is to understand if we are collectively delivering the best services to meet the needs of people living in Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey and Islington, and those from neighbouring boroughs and beyond who choose to use our services.

To learn more and take the survey, please click here

Past Voluntary Action Forums: Resources

You can find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here.

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

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Membership is free, click on the link box above and join us today

The Community Links team at VAC can also assist Camden residents with access to the long covid clinic at UCLH.
For further information please contact Nasrin at nrashid@vac.org.uk or Donna Clutterbuck at LongCovid@soton.ac.uk or on 07721520243

For more info contact 0207 267 6635 or email us eventplanners@qcca.org.uk

Free Pilates classes for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic women
Programme begins on Monday 22nd August

Central YMCA is pleased to offer a free 6-week Pilates programme, specifically catered to Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) women who are not currently engaging in regular physical activity and need support to get started.
These classes offer a safe space to feel at ease and connect with other women who also have a desire to improve their physical and mental wellbeing.

To learn more, please click here

Kilburn up High – online creative workshop
Thursday 18th August

Take part in a fun interactive online creative workshop, for children 11 and over, exploring the culture, sounds and words of Kilburn with local artist Linett Kamala from Lin Kam Art and be part of a new art project for Brondesbury Bridge on Kilburn High Road.
No previous artistic experience is required.

For more information, or to sign-up, please click here

Startup School for Seniors fully funded places for Londoners
Thanks to Learn Ealing and GLA funding there are 50 fully funded places available for the award-winning Startup School for Seniors course.
This is an eight-week eLearning course covering everything you need to know to start or grow your own business.
The course is enrolling now and starts on 9th September 2022. Learners can be employed or unemployed but must be residents in London for a fully sponsored place.

Register here
Or, for further information, please contact mark@startupschoolforseniors.com

Free Community Festival at Likewise Centre
Thursday 18th August, 12pm-5pm,

This Free Community Festival is at Likewise Centre, 8 Fairhazel Gardens, NW6 3SG
“Zen in Mind” – The Zen Project and Mind in Camden bring to you the first of a series of monthly festivals to celebrate mental health and support the local Camden community.
Open to all and all activities are free, including food, massage, mindfulness sessions and more. Climb on board our big yellow American school bus and take part in one of our activities to help create some calm and ease anxiety. We have something for everyone. No need to book – just turn up.

For more information please click here

London Plus Social Prescribing event: Meet the Network
Thursday 15th September: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

We are excited to hold our third free online networking event exclusively for London Social Prescribing Network members. It will offer a safe space for members to chat about social prescribing, from the challenges you face to the successful projects you might be working on.
Please register here

London Plus have also created a new social prescribing FAQs page to help you and your practice.
Learn more here

Jubilee Hall Trust’s Run for Your Life event
Saturday 10th September

Jubilee Hall Trust’s Run for Your Life event is back on Saturday 10th September. Run, jog, or walk the spectacular trails of Hampstead Heath on any of our 10K, 5K or 2K courses.
With a friendly community atmosphere, everyone is to join the 2k Fun Run – those under six must always be accompanied by an adult on the course.

For details and to register, please click here
Or, If you have any questions, please email louise@jubileehalltrust.org

Management Community Centre Sought
Applications deadline: 5th September

Can you run a community centre for the benefit of local residents? Camden Council have published information on the new Maitland Park Community Centre and are looking for a suitable operator for the new build premises. The centre has a hall, training room, office and café area.

All the information can be found on the council’s website: here

Camden Council vacancy: ASC Coproduction Lead
Application deadline: 8th September at 4.40pm

This role will help to develop an effective coproduction framework for social care and we are looking for someone who has a comprehensive understanding of social care and the current social, political and financial context. This should include direct experience or an in-depth understanding of, and empathy for, those who draw on care, their carers and the issues they face.

For more information and to apply, please click here

London Plus vacancy: Communications Officer
Application deadline: Sunday 4th September

We are looking for a communications officer with a keen interest in supporting charities and community organisations to join the London Plus team.

For more information and to apply, please click here

Newsletter Submissions
Please send any information (approximately 50-75 words long) that you would like included in our weekly newsletter to social@vac.org.uk

If you would like to know more, please click here

Cost of Living Support in Camden
We are all feeling the impact of the rise in the cost of living. We have collated a range of links below to help people to manage some of the challenges associated with the higher cost of living:

Home (shine-london.org.uk) – save money on energy bills
https://findfood.camden.gov.uk
Help With the Cost of Living | London City Hall
Free and impartial help with money, backed by the government | MoneyHelper
WISH Plus – Camden Council – Energy efficiency advice and income maximisation checks

Local Newsletters:

SHAK
Latin American House
Young Camden Foundation
AWN (sign up)
London Sport (sign up)
Somers Town Community Newsletter
Heath Hands
Fitzrovia Community Centre

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

It is available to small voluntary or community sector organisation with income under £150,000 a year looking to book a venue in Camden,

To find out more, please click here
or get in contact with Ricky at Rsingh@vac.org.uk

Hardship Grants for Older Camden Residents from Age UK Camden
This fund provides grants of up to £500 to reduce vulnerability and hardship for those aged 66 or over. The money can be used to purchase household items and/or as a financial sum paid into their bank account.
If household items or white goods are needed, we can purchase the item from Argos, so do include the link to the item needed along with delivery/connection services and recycling charges.

You can apply for the grant either personally or on behalf of another by filling in the form here
If you have any questions please email hardshipgrants@ageukcamden.org.uk

2023 GSK IMPACT Awards – core funding and free training for health charities
Closing date for Stage 1 applications is 1st September 2022.

GSK’s IMPACT Awards reward charities doing excellent work to improve people’s health and wellbeing. Organisations must be at least three years old, working in a health-related field in the UK, with income between £120k and £3m. Up to 15 awards will be made, ranging from £4,000 to £50,000.

For more information and to apply, please click here

GLA Funding: Warmer Homes Programme
With energy bills continuing to rise, the Mayor is urging Londoners, local authorities, and community organisations to raise awareness of the Warmer Homes programme with anyone who may be eligible.
The scheme offers free energy efficiency grants of up to £25,000 to households with a residual income of up to £20,000 per year after rent/mortgage and council tax.

Learn more here

Disability Justice Fund
Application Deadline: 3rd October 2022

This is a £3 million fund from Trust for London and City Bridge Trust to advance strong, vibrant, diverse and sustainable Disability justice, equity and inclusion in the UK.

For more details, please click here

To re-discover funding removed from this list, please see our newsletter archive here

Other available funders include:

• Camden Giving
• Grants Online
• My Funding Central
• Idox Camden 4 Community
• VAC main funding page

Making Every Contact Count – Using Conversation to Improve Wellbeing
Making Every Contact Count (MECC) courses help staff and volunteers use their everyday conversations to support residents with their daily struggles and signpost them to further help.
We are adding new dates all the time and regularly refresh our courses to suit evolving resident needs, like our Cost of Living Crisis short course which covers the basics of MECC and how it can be used to support residents who are struggling financially.

Courses are free to staff working in Camden and Islington. To book a place, please click here

Families for Life: Community Champion training
This free 6-week programme starts on 13th September and runs until the 18th October at Crowndale Centre, 218 Eversholt St, from 10am – 12pm.

The Camden Health and Wellbeing Team is recruiting volunteers for the Families for Life Community Champion training. It is for existing volunteers, parents, carers and whoever else might be interested in becoming an inspirational volunteer.
On this programme you will build your skills and knowledge to help you form strong local connections to support healthy lifestyle programmes available in Camden.

For more information please email Syria Chowdhury on syria.chowdhury@camden.gov.uk or call 07734 603060

Camden Safeguarding Adults Partnership Board (SAPB) Safeguarding consultation
Deadline: 10th September

Everyone has the right to live a life that is free from abuse, harm and neglect. To this end, Camden Safeguarding Adults Partnership Board (SAPB) is running a Safeguarding consultation to seek views from people to help develop strategy priorities for the next 5 years.
The survey is also available in Sylheti, Somali and Easy read. Please email Patricia Cox at patricia.cox@camden.gov.uk to ask for the translated surveys

For more information and to take the survey, please click here

Start Well Case for Change: Share your views
Health and care organisations in North Central London (NCL) are working together on Start Well: a long-term programme looking at children and young people, maternity and neonatal services. The aim is to understand if we are collectively delivering the best services to meet the needs of people living in Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey and Islington, and those from neighbouring boroughs and beyond who choose to use our services.

To learn more and take the survey, please click here

Past Voluntary Action Forums: Resources

You can find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here.

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

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

This is an important time with strategic and social developments locally, nationally and globally putting increasing pressure on community-based organisations.
As a member you will be part of a dedicated network through which you can express views and contribute your knowledge and expertise to the benefit of all.

Membership is free, click on the link box above and join us today

VAC have been funded by Google to provide up to £300 per quarter for small organisations looking to book one-off spaces to work in or to hold community sessions and training, and up to £600 for the ongoing rent of office and hot desking space.

It is available to small voluntary or community sector organisation with income under £150,000 a year looking to book a venue in Camden,

To find out more, please click here
or get in contact with Ricky at Rsingh@vac.org.uk

Learn more here

Futsal Stars Foundation Community Funday: Tomorrow
This Saturday (6th August), come along to the Castlehaven Community Park (23 Castlehaven Rd, NW1 8RU) between 11am – 3pm for fun, free, family activities. Play football with London Futsal Stars, enjoy free food, activities, performances, face painting, and so much more.

The Futsal Stars Foundation aims to create a positive impact in the community through sport. Find out more about their work here

Making Every Contact Count – Using Conversation to Improve Wellbeing
Making Every Contact Count (MECC) courses help staff and volunteers use their everyday conversations to support residents with their daily struggles and signpost them to further help.
We are adding new dates all the time and regularly refresh our courses to suit evolving resident needs, like our Cost of Living Crisis short course which covers the basics of MECC and how it can be used to support residents who are struggling financially.

Courses are free to staff working in Camden and Islington. To book a place, please click here

Law Centre moves to Camden Town
The Camden Community Law Centre, first founded in 1973, is now operating in Greenland Road, having left its former home – an old cinema in Prince of Wales Road – in October.

To find out more about the Centre and its work read on here

Young Camden Foundation vacancy: Membership Engagement & Communications Officer
Deadline: 26th August

Young Camden Foundation is looking for a Membership Engagement & Communications Officer to proactively engage with our members and deliver an impactful and effective communications strategy for the charity, under the direction and guidance of the CEO.

For more information and to apply, please click here

London Irish Centre vacancy: Advice Officer
Deadline: 9am on 17th August

The purpose of this role is to improve opportunities and reduce poverty in London. Working primarily with people who identify as Irish, we deliver Advice Quality Standard (AQS) advice and casework on benefits and housing as well as wider advice around Irish state pensions, returning to and moving from Ireland, Irish passport and birth certificate applications.

For more information and to apply, please click here

Lifeafterhummus Community Benefit Society vacancy: Centre Coordinator
Surplus foodbank and re-use centre on Phoenix Road, NW1, are looking for a friendly, enthusiastic and hardworking individual to join our team.
We provide support to circa 80 households weekly, carry out collections from 45 stores, redistribute surplus to 11 local hostels and 1 after-school club, provide access to a ‘Room of Things’ and operate a passive surplus food cart. We redistribute 15 tonnes of surplus food per quarter. As a community benefit society we are continuously adapting to the needs of the community.

For more information and to apply, please click here

Holly Lodge Community Centre vacancy: Manager (21 hours per week)
Holly Lodge Community Centre is looking for a part-time Manager for the day to day running of the Centre. The post is lottery funded until the end of 2023, after which the Manager should secure funding to take the post forward.
The hours are flexible and a knowledge of Quickbooks would be an advantage.

For a full job description please email hollylodgelondon@hotmail.com

Newsletter Submissions
Please send any information (approximately 50-75 words long) that you would like included in our weekly newsletter to social@vac.org.uk

Read on here

NHS North Central London Integrated Care Board VCSE Partnership
Deadline for bids: Midnight on Monday 15th August 2022.

The Camden Borough Partnership would like to undertake community action research around priority areas to support open conversations with local communities. We want to identify and explore key inequalities around reach, access, outcomes and experiences.
We are looking to work with a lead facilitating VCSE organisation and a group of grassroots organisations – working as a joint VCSE Partnership.

If you would like to know more, please click here

Cost of Living Support in Camden
We are all feeling the impact of the rise in the cost of living. We have collated a range of links below to help people to manage some of the challenges associated with the higher cost of living:

Home (shine-london.org.uk) – save money on energy bills
https://findfood.camden.gov.uk
Help With the Cost of Living | London City Hall
Free and impartial help with money, backed by the government | MoneyHelper
WISH Plus – Camden Council – Energy efficiency advice and income maximisation checks

Local Newsletters:

SHAK
Latin American House
Young Camden Foundation
AWN (sign up)
London Sport (sign up)
Somers Town Community Newsletter
Heath Hands

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

You can apply for the grant either personally or on behalf of another by filling in the form here
If you have any questions please email hardshipgrants@ageukcamden.org.uk

2023 GSK IMPACT Awards – core funding and free training for health charities
Closing date for Stage 1 applications is 1st September 2022.

GSK’s IMPACT Awards reward charities doing excellent work to improve people’s health and wellbeing. Organisations must be at least three years old, working in a health-related field in the UK, with income between £120k and £3m. Up to 15 awards will be made, ranging from £4,000 to £50,000.

For more information and to apply, please click here

GLA Funding: Warmer Homes Programme
With energy bills continuing to rise, the Mayor is urging Londoners, local authorities, and community organisations to raise awareness of the Warmer Homes programme with anyone who may be eligible.
The scheme offers free energy efficiency grants of up to £25,000 to households with a residual income of up to £20,000 per year after rent/mortgage and council tax.

Learn more here

Disability Justice Fund
Application Deadline: 3rd October 2022

This is a £3 million fund from Trust for London and City Bridge Trust to advance strong, vibrant, diverse and sustainable Disability justice, equity and inclusion in the UK.

For more details, please click here

Greene King Grants
Deadline 14th August 2022
This fund aims to support and promote grassroots sport within local communities by supporting people and projects that run sports activities which positively impact the local community and would tangibly benefit from funding in the short-term.
Individuals may nominate a sports club or organisation to receive a cash grant to continue delivering sports activities. Grants of up to £3,000 are available

For more information, please click here

To re-discover funding removed from this list, please see our newsletter archive here

Other available funders include:

• Camden Giving
• Grants Online
• My Funding Central
• Idox Camden 4 Community
• VAC main funding page

As part of the consultation, the team would like to visit your voluntary and community organisations for a one-hour workshop with parents and carers. We can provide a small budget to support sessions, including refreshments or staff costs, to help facilitate conversations. To express an interest in this, please email us at sendstrategy@camden.gov.uk.

Family holiday activities on Hampstead Heath
Join Heath Hands for free / low cost holiday family activities on Hampstead Heath. There is a £3 suggested donation for some activities, but this is optional if that is unaffordable.
Find out about wild flowers, trees, go pond dipping, and more!

For more information, please click here

Families for Life: Community Champion training
This free 6-week programme starts on 13th September and runs until the 18th October at Crowndale Centre, 218 Eversholt St, from 10am – 12pm.

The Camden Health and Wellbeing Team is recruiting volunteers for the Families for Life Community Champion training. It is for existing volunteers, parents, carers and whoever else might be interested in becoming an inspirational volunteer.
On this programme you will build your skills and knowledge to help you form strong local connections to support healthy lifestyle programmes available in Camden.

For more information please email Syria Chowdhury on syria.chowdhury@camden.gov.uk or call 07734 603060

Free 6 Weeks Digital Media Training at the SKY TV Campus, West London from MAMA Youth Project
Deadline: Monday the 8th of August

Calling all young creatives living in London aged 18-30 with a passion for creating compelling content and a desire for a career in media.
Apply now for 6 weeks of free intensive digital media training with BAFTA winning company, Licklemor Productions. Lunch and travel expenses provided.

For more information and to apply, please click here

To find out more, please click here

Camden Safeguarding Adults Partnership Board (SAPB) Safeguarding consultation
Deadline: 10th September

Everyone has the right to live a life that is free from abuse, harm and neglect. To this end, Camden Safeguarding Adults Partnership Board (SAPB) is running a Safeguarding consultation to seek views from people to help develop strategy priorities for the next 5 years.
The survey is also available in Sylheti, Somali and Easy read. Please email Patricia Cox at patricia.cox@camden.gov.uk to ask for the translated surveys

For more information and to take the survey, please click here

Start Well Case for Change: Share your views
Health and care organisations in North Central London (NCL) are working together on Start Well: a long-term programme looking at children and young people, maternity and neonatal services. The aim is to understand if we are collectively delivering the best services to meet the needs of people living in Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey and Islington, and those from neighbouring boroughs and beyond who choose to use our services.

To learn more and take the survey, please click here

Ethical Property Foundation support
Every year London’s property advice charity the Ethical Property Foundation supports dozens of small voluntary groups with free online advice, training and signposting support from experienced property advisers. You might need help with an issue with the roof, the lease, basic premises management or negotiating with the landlord.
If you need support with your premises, whether rented or owned, click here to learn more

Early Bird £10 & £15 Tickets Offer for The Darkest Part of the Night at Kiln Theatre
There is an allocation of £10 and £15 tickets from Kiln Theatre for the world premiere of The Darkest Part of The Night
These tickets are available for all performances until Saturday 13th August.

To book, please call the Kiln Theatre Box Office on 020 7328 1000 or go online here and use the promocode BID.

Past Voluntary Action Forums: Resources

You can find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here.

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

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You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Using a online random generator we selected the winner of the £50 worth of shopping vouchers which was Michael Parkes, a trustee at the Calthorpe Project.

Congratulations to Michael and thank you again for all the responses.

Read on here

NHS North Central London Integrated Care Board VCSE Partnership
Deadline for bids: Midnight on Monday 15th August 2022.

The Camden Borough Partnership would like to undertake community action research around priority areas to support open conversations with local communities. We want to identify and explore key inequalities around reach, access, outcomes and experiences.
We are looking to work with a lead facilitating VCSE organisation and a group of grassroots organisations – working as a joint VCSE Partnership.

If you would like to know more, please click here

Becoming a school governor in Camden
Could you make a positive impact on a school in Camden? Camden Learning wants local school governors to reflect the diversity of our community – people from every background and with a wide range of life experience. Anyone aged over 18 who wants to make a positive contribution to a school can apply.
If you would like to hear what some of our Camden school governors have to say take a look at this short video

To find out more, please click here

Camden Safeguarding Adults Partnership Board (SAPB) Safeguarding consultation
Deadline: 10th September

Everyone has the right to live a life that is free from abuse, harm and neglect. To this end, Camden Safeguarding Adults Partnership Board (SAPB) is running a Safeguarding consultation to seek views from people to help develop strategy priorities for the next 5 years.
The survey is also available in Sylheti, Somali and Easy read. Please email Patricia Cox at patricia.cox@camden.gov.uk to ask for the translated surveys

For more information and to take the survey, please click here

Start Well Case for Change: Share your views
Health and care organisations in North Central London (NCL) are working together on Start Well: a long-term programme looking at children and young people, maternity and neonatal services. The aim is to understand if we are collectively delivering the best services to meet the needs of people living in Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey and Islington, and those from neighbouring boroughs and beyond who choose to use our services.

To learn more and take the survey, please click here

SHP recruiting: Peer Mentor Volunteers
Deadline: 5pm Tuesday 23rd August.

We are delighted to be recruiting for Peer Mentor Volunteers to join our growing team!
SHP Peer Mentors use their lived experiences of substance use recovery, mental health problems, homelessness, or the criminal justice system to inspire, motivate and support others to make positive changes in their lives.
Successful applicants will be invited to attend an online interview, and the training programme will be delivered over 8 sessions between Monday 19th September & Thursday 13th October.

Please contact peermentoring@shp.org.uk for an application pack.

Latin American House vacancy: Children and Young People Coordinator.
Deadline: Monday, 5th September

The position holder will be responsible for coordinating, delivering and developing a comprehensive, diverse and inclusive programme of activities, classes and events throughout the year. They will also be in charge of attracting children from Latin American and local families, creating a positive impact in our growing communities.

For more information and to apply, please click here

Newsletter Submissions
Please send any information (approximately 50-75 words long) that you would like included in our weekly newsletter to social@vac.org.uk

Home (shine-london.org.uk) – save money on energy bills
https://findfood.camden.gov.uk
Help With the Cost of Living | London City Hall
Free and impartial help with money, backed by the government | MoneyHelper
WISH Plus – Camden Council – Energy efficiency advice and income maximisation checks

Local Newsletters:

SHAK
Latin American House
Young Camden Foundation
AWN (sign up)
London Sport (sign up)
Somers Town Community Newsletter
Heath Hands

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

Are you a small voluntary or community sector organisation with income under £150,000 a year who would like to book a venue in Camden?
VAC have been funded by Google to provide up to £300 per quarter for small organisations looking to book a space to provide for their work group / activity / community session.

Find out more here
or get in contact with Ricky at Rsingh@vac.org.uk

Hardship Grants for Older Camden Residents from Age UK Camden
This fund provides grants of up to £500 to reduce vulnerability and hardship for those aged 66 or over. The money can be used to purchase household items and/or as a financial sum paid into their bank account.
If household items or white goods are needed, we can purchase the item from Argos, so do include the link to the item needed along with delivery/connection services and recycling charges.

You can apply for the grant either personally or on behalf of another by filling in the form here
If you have any questions please email hardshipgrants@ageukcamden.org.uk

Disability Justice Fund
Application Deadline: 3rd October 2022

This is A £3 million fund from Trust for London and City Bridge Trust to advance strong, vibrant, diverse and sustainable Disability justice, equity and inclusion in the UK.

For more details, please click here

Home Office Launches Support for Victims and Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse Fund
Application deadline: 12am on 25th July 2022

This is funding for voluntary sector organisations in England and Wales providing nationally accessible support to victims and survivors of child sexual abuse.
The Home Office is inviting voluntary sector organisations, either as a single organisation or multi-organisation consortium, to apply to this three-year, £4.5 million fund.

To learn more, please click here

Greene King Grants
Deadline 14th August 2022
This fund aims to support and promote grassroots sport within local communities by supporting people and projects that run sports activities which positively impact the local community and would tangibly benefit from funding in the short-term.
Individuals may nominate a sports club or organisation to receive a cash grant to continue delivering sports activities. Grants of up to £3,000 are available

For more information, please click here

Camden Giving: We Make Camden Kit
Rolling fund

In partnership with Camden citizens and Camden Council, Camden Giving are funding great ideas that will make Camden a better place.
The ‘We Make Camden Kit’ gives money and support to Camden residents and community groups who have great ideas for their communities. Residents and community groups can apply via Camden Giving’s website to receive up to £1,500 to deliver ideas that make a difference for the community. Residents can also receive support with insurance, safeguarding and connections to make their ideas a success.

For more information and to apply click here.

Launch of Government’s VCSE Health and Wellbeing Fund 2022-25
Application Deadline 5th August 2022: 9am

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), and NHS England and NHS Improvement (NHSEI) are seeking applications from VCSE sector organisations for the next round of the Health and Wellbeing Fund.
The theme of the 2022 to 2025 fund is women’s reproductive wellbeing in the workplace.

For more details, please click here

To re-discover funding removed from this list, please see our newsletter archive here

Other available funders include:

• Camden Giving
• Grants Online
• My Funding Central
• Idox Camden 4 Community
• VAC main funding page

As part of the consultation, the team would like to visit your voluntary and community organisations for a one-hour workshop with parents and carers. We can provide a small budget to support sessions, including refreshments or staff costs, to help facilitate conversations. To express an interest in this, please email us at sendstrategy@camden.gov.uk.

Family holiday activities on Hampstead Heath
Join Heath Hands for free / low cost holiday family activities on Hampstead Heath. There is a £3 suggested donation for some activities, but this is optional if that is unaffordable.
Find out about wild flowers, trees, go pond dipping, and more!

For more information, please click here

Families for Life: Community Champion training
This free 6-week programme starts on 13th September and runs until the 18th October at Crowndale Centre, 218 Eversholt St, from 10am – 12pm.

The Camden Health and Wellbeing Team is recruiting volunteers for the Families for Life Community Champion training. It is for existing volunteers, parents, carers and whoever else might be interested in becoming an inspirational volunteer.
On this programme you will build your skills and knowledge to help you form strong local connections to support healthy lifestyle programmes available in Camden.

For more information please email Syria Chowdhury on syria.chowdhury@camden.gov.uk or call 07734 603060

Jubilee Hall Trust’s Run for Your Life event
Saturday 10th September.

Run, jog, or walk the spectacular trails of Hampstead Heath for 10K, 5K or 2K and take in views of the capital!
From elite runners to families with little ones, you’ll be started in waves to get the best experience. It’s chip-timed and you’ll receive a medal at the finish line.
A friendly community atmosphere where people of all ages are welcome to join in.

To register, please click here
If you have any questions, please contact Louise@jubileehalltrust.org

Runnymede Trust and friends race equality and migrants rights summit
2nd – 4th September

Runnymede Trust and friends are calling communities together to participate in a major race equality and migrants rights summit in Leeds on the 2nd – 4th September. It which will feature 50+ interactive sessions including world cafes, workshops, poster walls, an incredible show and much much more.
Together we can have the challenging conversations, celebrate our successes and work together to effect transformational change.

For more information, please click here

Free 6 Weeks Digital Media Training at the SKY TV Campus, West London from MAMA Youth Project
Deadline: Monday the 8th of August

Calling all young creatives living in London aged 18-30 with a passion for creating compelling content and a desire for a career in media.
Apply now for 6 weeks of free intensive digital media training with BAFTA winning company, Licklemor Productions. Lunch and travel expenses provided.

For more information and to apply, please click here

Early Bird £10 & £15 Tickets Offer for The Darkest Part of the Night at Kiln Theatre
There is an allocation of £10 and £15 tickets from Kiln Theatre for the world premiere of The Darkest Part of The Night
These tickets are available for all performances until Saturday 13th August.

To book, please call the Kiln Theatre Box Office on 020 7328 1000 or go online here and use the promocode BID.

Past Voluntary Action Forums: Resources

You can find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here.

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

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.