Voluntary Action Camden e-Bulletin – 1st July 2022

by Alex Charles1 July 20221 July 2022

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VAC Weekly Newsletter
1st July 2022

Become a Member

VAC Membership

Become a VAC member and help us connect and amplify the many voices of the Voluntary and Community Sector in Camden.
Membership is free, including our practical help, which can be accessed here.

Click on the link box above, join us today and add your voice to ours.

Highlights

This week we spotlight the Community Safeguarding Partnership Service which seeks to support, encourage and assist organisations delivering services to children in Camden to be confident in their ability to keep them safe.

We also have news about the upcoming Camden Advice fair, the Camden Mela call out for volunteers and other event and opportunities from around the Camden area.

Community Safeguarding Partnership Service (CSPS)

All children have the right to live their lives free from violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation.

Funded by the London Borough of Camden since 2006, the Community Safeguarding Partnership Service (CSPS) aims to support, encourage and assist all voluntary, supplementary schools and faith groups, delivering services to children in Camden to be confident in their ability to keep them safe.

By offering a tailored approach to child protective challenges, the service works alongside organisations and groups to reinforce good practice and embed safeguarding culture within service delivery.

Learn more and get in contact here

Camden Summer Advice Fair from Camden Advice Network, Camden Council and VAC
21st July: 11am to 5pm, at the London Irish Centre, NW1 9XBThis is an opportunity for residents to receive on the spot advice on a range of issues and to find out about employment opportunities, mental health support, financial help, benefits advice and more, so that you can make sure you’re accessing all the support that you’re entitled to.
Local residents can just turn up on the day and drop in at a time that works for you.If you’re not free but want some help or advice, please get in touch. Call us on 020 7974 4444 (option 9), visit camden.gov.uk/advice or call Camden Advice Network on 0808 278 7855. Whatever is happening, please don’t suffer in silence – help is available.

The morning network session is co-facilitated by VAC and hosted by the team at the Irish Centre. It is an opportunity for the local VCS to network and discover more about the wide range of support available from other organisations in Camden.

Camden Mela: A celebration and a call for volunteers and materials
The Camden Mela is a family friendly festival celebrating Bangladeshi culture is taking place in Coram Fields 17th July 2022, the theme this year centres around cohesion, and diversity of Camden’s communities.
The festival organisers are looking for volunteers to assist in the parade, help with stall holders and clearing.

They’re also looking for large posters, signage, banners for individuals and groups of 3-4 people and include wording like “Camden Mela”or “My Camden”. The flags, drawings and wordings should also represent the makers heritage.
Colours for materials including paint and paper can be red, green, orange, black, gold and tigers also welcome! The bigger the better!
Any kind of fabric that can be waved and anything that can be shaken!
All drop offs can be made at Old Diorama Arts Centre, 201 Drummond Street, Regent’s Place, London, NW1 3FE.

For further information please contact Mariam Hassan, at mariam@olddiorama.com
If you would like to apply for a stall, please email nasim.ali@kcbna.org.uk

New Emotional Wellbeing Service for Camden
Bupa Health Clinic – Nr Kings Cross, 300 Grays Inn Rd, London Wc1X 8DU

Camden Beam is now open: A free, open access emotional health and well-being drop in for 18-21 year old in Camden. Provided by The Children’s Society with support from Bupa Foundation, the service is open every Thursday between 6-8:30pm, delivered by a specialist team of well-being practitioners.

You do not need an appointment or referral to access the service. You will be able to drop-in and talk to one of the specialist team and access advice and support.

For more information, contact the team at: Camdenbeam@childrenssociety.org.uk or click here

Managing your community building
Camden Council is hosting a series of free lunchtime seminars for voluntary and community sector building managers

Getting the Best from Your Building’s Lease with the Ethical Property Foundation:
12 July 12-2pm
Understand different occupational agreements, legal jargon, fundamentals of what a building lease should cover and how to prepare for a new lease.

Managing Access & Inclusion at Community Buildings with the Centre for Accessible Environment:
20 July 12-2pm
How to ensure your building is fully accessible to people with different needs. This includes information on undertaking an accessibility audit.

To book a place for either training, please register here

Young person’s video-making competition at Camden New Town Community Festival
Deadline for submissions: 8th July 2022

Open to young people with a connection to Camden.
Make a video, under 2 minutes in length on the theme: ‘The Everyday Fantastic’ and submit to: info@cutmoose.com.
3 x £50 prizes to win! Categories 10-12 years; 13-16 years and group entry.
Screenings will take place at the Camden New Town Community Festival on 17th July.
The competition is funded by We Make Camden, for more information, please click here

Camden Coproduction Network Meeting
Thursday 7 July 2022: 10am – 11.30am

The Camden Coproduction Network aims to improve how people with a learning disability are supported.
We will hear from colleagues in Camden working on the Living a Good Life project.
This project was developed with people with learning disabilities & family carers when day services had to close due to lockdown.

The meeting will take place on Zoom, if you would like to join, please contact Michael Bond at Participation@Camden.gov.uk

Sadler’s Wells ticket offer: Wed 6th July at 7.30pm
Sadler’s Wells have allocated £9 tickets for Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Don Quixote
Please note that these tickets are only for the performance on Wed 6th July at 7.30pm.

To access the £9 tickets please click here and use promocode DONQ9

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

Pascal Theatre Company Vacancy: Communications & Marketing Manager for a Camden Women’s Heritage Project (part-time)
Deadline: 20 July 2022

We are looking for an experienced, freelance Communications & Marketing Manager to work part-time over two years. The appointee will create a marketing strategy to support the two-year project and design publicity campaigns, newsletters and social media posts etc to reach new and existing audiences. Close collaboration with the Director and Film Director is essential as is the direction and supervision of the Social Media Officer.

Much of the work will be remote but the candidate must be able to attend occasional meetings and events in Central London.

For further information, please contact Sally: sally@pascal-theatre.com

Nafsiyat Vacancy: Clinical Administration Manager
Deadline: 5pm Monday 11th July

Nafsiyat Intercultural Therapy Centre are looking for a proactive person with a friendly, can-do attitude to become responsible for the management of Nafsiyat’s small clinical admin team, and the timely and smooth delivery of services provided by therapists.

To learn more and apply, please click here

Royal Free Charity Vacancies:
Welfare Rights Supervisor (part time)
Application deadline: 8th July at 12 noon
For all the information and to apply, please click here

Volunteer Team Manager for Barnet & Chase Farm Hospitals (full time)
Application deadline: 12th July at 12 noon
For all the information and to apply, please click here

Unity works vacancy: Social Enterprise Manager – Mill Lane Garden Centre (Full time)
Deadline: 10th July

We are seeking a dynamic individual to manage our Social Enterprise Garden Centre in West Hampstead. We’re looking for someone with a background in horticulture, confident dealing with customers as well as championing a real commitment to improving the lives of adults with a learning disability.

For more information contact Helen Smith at helen.smith@unityworks.org.uk

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

Russell Cooke Charity bulletin: The Charities Act
In their last newsletter, the Russell Cooke Charity bulletin summarised the key changes that would be brought in by the Charities Act 2022.
The Government has now published an implementation plan explaining when the changes made by the Act will be legally effective. The first changes are expected in Autumn 2022, with the rest taking effect in Spring or Autumn 2023.To keep up to date or learn more about regulatory and legal updates for charities, visit their website hereLocal Newsletters:

SHAK
Latin American House
Creative Lives
Healthwatch Camden
Young Camden Foundation
AWN
West Euston Project (WEP)
London S port (sign up)
Forum+
Charity Tax Group
Dragon Hall Newsletter

Updated VAC administered Google Grants
VAC has been funded by Google to help small organisations get back into the “real world” training / meeting environment and the requirements to access the grant have recently been updatedThe income threshold for applicant groups has been increased to allow a wider variety of VCS groups to apply, the use of space now includes Hot Desking and VAC support to get you going is stronger than ever!VAC is administering the scheme. Our intention is to keep the process as simple as possible to minimise any administrative burden on the groups, VAC and the organisations providing space.
Not all venues are part of the scheme so please do check out our room hire directory here
For more information and to see if your group is eligible visit our website here or contact Ricky at rsingh@vac.org.uk

Applications Invited for Next Round of the Building Strong Communities Fund
Application deadline: 1pm on Monday 8 August 2022

London’s communities have been hard hit by COVID-19. Some communities have been disproportionally affected, many of whom already experience long term inequality and disadvantage in areas such as health, employment, housing and access to green spaces.

The Mayor of London is offering funding for London equity-led voluntary and community sector organisations to enable communities to shape their recovery from COVID-19, through community-led projects.

To learn more about the details and outcomes, please click here

Untold Stories: grants by the Commission for Diversity in Public Realm (round 2)
Application deadline: 4pm on Wednesday, 5th October 2022

The Mayor of London is offering community-led organisations funding and support to make a change in our public spaces.
Whether this is creating something new, highlighting something missing or hidden, or presenting a different story to what already exists, we want to hear from you. You can apply for grants from £1,000 to £25,000 and we have a programme of workshops and extra support to help you apply.

Learn more and apply here

The Weavers’ Company Fund
Application deadline: 14th July

Small registered charities can apply for grants of up to £15,000 for projects working with young offenders; prisoners and ex-prisoners as well as young disadvantaged people at risk of criminal involvement.

Priority will be given to smaller organisations which offer direct services with an income of not more than about £250,000. Funding is available for those helping disadvantaged young people, those from 5 to 30 years of age and groups supporting offenders and ex-offenders, particularly those under 30 years of age

To learn more, please click here

Launch of Government’s VCSE Health and Wellbeing Fund 2022-25
Application Deadline 5 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 system partners value the significant contribution that the VCSE sector makes towards improving health and care. The VCSE sector is a key partner in delivering strategic priorities and improving health and wellbeing across England.

To support this, the system partners are jointly releasing the VCSE Health and Wellbeing Fund 2022 to 2025 to support projects and programmes led by VCSE organisations.
The theme of the 2022 to 2025 fund is women’s reproductive wellbeing in the workplace.

For more details, please click here

Trust for London Local Action Poverty Fund
“Trust for London has once again teamed up with Crowdfunder to launch the Local Action Poverty Fund.
Using the power of the crowd, we’ll be helping projects to find the funding and support they need to turn their ideas into a reality.”

Learn more here

Other available funders include:

Community Safeguarding Partnership’s upcoming session
It’s not too late to grab your free ticket for the Community Safeguarding Partnership’s upcoming session.
Free for VAC members, organisations and groups delivering services to under 18’s in Camden:Virtual Introduction to Safer Recruitment: for small orgs and community groups.
Monday July 11th 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Learn more and get your ticket hereFocus on Organisational Development this Summer with Link UP!
Link UP London provides access to bespoke skilled support for charities, social enterprises and community groups for free.

Link UP Volunteers have industry specific knowledge in areas of crucial importance to any charitable organisation’s development such as finance, legal, human resources, communications, data analysis, social media, and much more.

Book a chat here
Or sign up directly here

Camden New Town Community Festival
Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th July in Camden Square Gardens NW1

Saturday, 4pm-8pm includes Jazz, poetry and ‘open mike’
Sunday, 12pm-6pm is a day for Families.

To book a stall (Sunday only), volunteer or make a donation please contact the Festival team on 020 7485 6827 or email: festival.mlcc@yahoo.co.uk

Camden Safer Neighbourhood Board (SNB) AGM
12th July.

The meeting will start at 6.30 with the formal AGM. It will be followed from 7.15/30 with a discussion around the subject of `Building trust and confidence in policing’. Speakers will include Sophie Linden the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime.

To join, please email camdensnb@somerstown.org.uk

Scholarships for the Black community – Imperial College London
As part of Imperial College London’s investment in their drive to increase Black inclusivity amongst their student body and promote the uptake of STEM subjects in the Black community, including 50 scholarships available over the next 5 years, Imperial are hosting a number of exciting upcoming opportunities for Black students.

To learn more, 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

VAC paid Internship: Communications (15 hours per week)
VAC is seeking a Communications Intern to assist the VAC team for a 4 month period. This position will work with the Communications Lead and IT manager on our communications channels, including the weekly newsletter and social media presence, to promote VAC opportunities and our overall profile.

The role would suit someone looking to gain experience in work-based communications and an interest in developing a career in communications based roles.

To apply, please send a CV and cover letter to info@vac.org.uk

North London Cares vacancy: Programme Coordinator (Social Clubs)
Deadline: 11.59pm 4th July 2022

North London Cares seeks to bring together people across Camden and Islington to tackle loneliness, increase connections and reduce isolation.
One of our wonderful Social Clubs Coordinators is off on her travels from September, so we are looking for a new full time Programme Coordinator to start in August.

For more details or to apply, please click here

C4WS Women’s Group vacancy: Voluntary Facilitator
Deadline: Friday 8th July
Hours: Estimated 5-6 hours fortnightly

The C4WS Women’s Group prides itself on being a peer-led space for women in the C4WS network.
The group meets fortnightly and connect over a variety of activities including painting, crochet, card-making, workshops, spa experiences, and events/day trips.
We are looking for somebody who will coordinate the group and facilitate its sessions going forward. The position is voluntary only (expenses reimbursed).

To apply please send your CV and a cover letter (no more than two A4 sides) to jobs@c4wshomelessproject.org
NB: The position requires an enhanced DBS check. Training around processes and policies will be provided.

Pascal Theatre Company: Vacancy for Heritage Project Manager
Deadline: 13 July 2022

Pascal Theatre Company are looking for an experienced, freelance Project Manager to work part-time on a two year Women’s Heritage programme. The appointee will oversee all strands of the project. These include managing community workshops, events, film, research and the development of website resources. Close collaboration with the Director is required to realise the main aims, outcomes and outputs. Work will be hybrid and hours are flexible.

For further information, please contact Sally: sally@pascal-theatre.com

The Royal Free Charity vacancy: Volunteer Team Database Administrator.
This is a part-time role, 22.5 hours per week over 3 days in the office. Maternity Cover, initially 9 months with a possible extension to 12 months

The main task of the role is to manage the volunteer database and communicate with the volunteers.
To apply please submit a CV, equal opportunity form and supporting statement addressing how you meet the criteria set out in the job description and person specification.

To view the full job description and apply please click this link or email your request to peopleteam@royalfreecharity.org

TfL bus service review
Available until 12th JulyTfL are looking for your feedback in their bus review consultation
Following a review of London’s bus network, TfL has launched a public consultation proposing changes to bus routes, including some in Hammersmith and Fulham borough.Find out which bus routes are included and take TfL’s survey here

Birmingham University & Camden adult social care survey
Birmingham University is working with Camden Council to find out how adult social care may be helping to make people’s lives better, what works well and what is not working.
The research includes 2 confidential interviews, one at the start and another approximately six months later. These interviews would ask about your life, how things may be changing for you, and what you may (or may not) have found helpful. Lasting 30-45 minutes the interviews will take place either over the phone or via zoom, depending on preference.
To thank participants there is a £20 shopping voucher available for the first interview, and an additional £30 voucher for the second

If you are interested or would like to know more about the research please contact Philip Kinghorn on p.kinghorn@bham.ac.uk or on 07754 708 202

Camden Council has a partnership with LabTech to provide pop-up market stall space.
July – August 2022

These market stalls will be situated on Buck Street and Camden Market between July and August 2022, in the heart of Camden and London.
The offer includes a market stall, a funding contribution to purchase initial stall equipment and access to enterprise support training.

To arrange a call to find out more, please email economicdevelopment@camden.gov.uk
or visit the website here

VAC Training Resources
VAC deliver regular training for Camden voluntary and community groups. We also run seminars on topical policy issues and themes, and host regular events aimed at the specific needs of the local community.

To view our on-demand resources, please click here

Civic Futures 2022: Open for applications and nominations
Deadline: Monday 4 July 2022

Civic Futures 2022 is open for nominations and applications and welcome you to apply or nominate someone you think would make a great addition to this year’s programme.
Civic Futures is a Fellowship Programme facilitated by Koreo, Dark Matter Labs and The Young Foundation, in partnership with the Greater London Authority (GLA)

If you want to take part in Civic Futures then you can express your interest here
Or to nominate someone else, please do so here

Past Voluntary Action Forums: Resources

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

Got an item for the e-bulletin?

Send your item to social@vac.org.uk by noon on Thursday for publication in the following day’s edition. The e-bulletin comes out every Friday. Submissions should be 50 – 75 words. Please send plain text or a format that can be copied (ie not embedded in an image). Send links to documents rather than attachments. Make sure to include contact details.

Ways to Get Involved

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Voluntary Action Camden e-Bulletin – 24th June 22

by Alex Charles24 June 2022

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VAC Weekly Newsletter
24th June 2022

Become a Member

VAC Membership

Become a VAC member and help us connect and amplify the many voices of the Voluntary and Community Sector in Camden.
Membership is free, including our practical help, which can be accessed here.

Click on the link box above, join us today and add your voice to ours.

Highlights

This week we spotlight the Cultural Advocacy Project which seeks to raise awareness and breakdown barriers in relation to mental health.

We also have opportunities available to join the VAC team, surveys, events and other opportunities from around the Camden area.

The Cultural Advocacy Project (CAP)
Established in 2018, the CAP is a joint venture between Voluntary Action Camden and Mind in Camden.

The CAP works in partnership with community organisations to develop good practice in understanding, supporting and actively engaging with users that may be experiencing mental illness.

The project seeks to break down barriers and raise cultural awareness across and within communities in a sensitive and confidential manner.

To learn more about the CAP’s mission, how the project works, our partners and how to get in touch, please click here

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

Community Safeguarding Partnership’s upcoming sessions
It’s not too late to grab your free ticket for the Community Safeguarding Partnership’s upcoming sessions.
Free for VAC members, organisations and groups delivering services to under 18’s in Camden:

Virtual Women and Girls’ Personal Safety and Awareness.
Monday Jun 27th 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Learn more and get your ticket here

Virtual Introduction to Safer Recruitment: for small orgs and community groups.
Monday Jul 11th 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Learn more and get your ticket here

Focus on Organisational Development this Summer with Link UP!
Link UP London provides access to bespoke skilled support for charities, social enterprises and community groups for free.

Book a chat here
Or sign up directly here

TfL bus service review
Available until 12th July

TfL are looking for your feedback in their bus review consultation
Following a review of London’s bus network, TfL has launched a public consultation proposing changes to bus routes, including some in Hammersmith and Fulham borough.

Find out which bus routes are included and take TfL’s survey here

Camden New Town Community Festival
Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th July in Camden Square Gardens NW1

Saturday, 4pm-8pm includes Jazz, poetry and ‘open mike’
Sunday, 12pm-6pm is a day for Families.

To book a stall (Sunday only), volunteer or make a donation please contact the Festival team on 020 7485 6827 or email: festival.mlcc@yahoo.co.uk

Camden Safer Neighbourhood Board (SNB) AGM
12th July.

To join, please email camdensnb@somerstown.org.uk

Russell Cooke Charity bulletin
In their last newsletter, the Russell Cooke Charity bulletin summarised the key changes that would be brought in by the Charities Act 2022.
The Government has now published an implementation plan explaining when the changes made by the Act will be legally effective. The first changes are expected in Autumn 2022, with the rest taking effect in Spring or Autumn 2023.

To keep up to date or learn more about regulatory and legal updates for charities, visit their website here

Birmingham University & Camden adult social care survey
Birmingham University is working with Camden Council to find out how adult social care may be helping to make people’s lives better, what works well and what is not working.
The research includes 2 confidential interviews, one at the start and another approximately six months later. These interviews would ask about your life, how things may be changing for you, and what you may (or may not have found helpful. Lasting 30-45 minutes the interviews will take place either over the phone or via zoom, depending on preference.
To thank participants there is a £20 shopping voucher available for the first interview, and an additional £30 voucher for the second

If you are interested or would like to know more about the research please contact Philip Kinghorn on p.kinghorn@bham.ac.uk or on 07754 708 202

Camley Street Festival
Sunday 26th June, 11-4pm.
Camley Street Underpass, Near 120 Camley Street, N1C 4PG

Join us for a fun-packed day as part of this year’s London Festival of Architecture for the grand opening of ‘Connecting Camley Street’ – an art installation designed by local young people and artists Rochester Square – by Deputy Mayor Nazma Rahman at 1pm.
With fantastic performances by local musicians, complimentary food for local residents and the chance to have your say on future plans for the redevelopment of Camley Street.
Contact us to learn more at camleystreet@camden.gov.uk

North London Cares vacancy: Programme Coordinator (Social Clubs)
Deadline: 11.59pm 4th July 2022

For more details or to apply, please click here

C4WS Women’s Group vacancy: Voluntary Facilitator
Deadline: Friday 8th July
Hours: Estimated 5-6 hours fortnightly

At each session, there is also an opportunity for members to stock up on toiletries, sanitary products, and clothing. Every member can also claim for travel reimbursement.
We are looking for somebody who will coordinate the group and facilitate its sessions going forward. The position is voluntary only (expenses reimbursed).

Pascal Theatre Company: Vacancy for Heritage Project Manager
Deadline: 13 July 2022

For further information, please contact Sally: sally@pascal-theatre.com

To view the full job description and apply please click this link or email your request to peopleteam@royalfreecharity.org

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

State of London Debate – This Coming Tuesday
28th June: 7.30 – 9pm
At indigo at The O2, Peninsula Square

Ask the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan and Deputy Mayors about issues that matter – from cycling to jobs, the environment to housing and more – at the annual State of London Debate 2022.

To find out more please click here

Local Newsletters:

SHAK
Latin American House
Creative Lives
Healthwatch Camden
Young Camden Foundation
AWN
West Euston Project (WEP)
London S port (sign up)
Forum+
Charity Tax Group
Dragon Hall Newsletter

The income threshold for applicant groups has been increased to allow a wider variety of VCS groups to apply, the use of space now includes Hot Desking and VAC support to get you going is stronger than ever!

VAC is administering the scheme. Our intention is to keep the process as simple as possible to minimise any administrative burden on the groups, VAC and of course the organisations providing space.
Not all venues are part of the scheme so please do check out our room hire directory here
For more information and to see if your group is eligible visit our website here or contact Ricky at rsingh@vac.org.uk

Applications Invited for Next Round of the Building Strong Communities Fund
Deadline: 1pm on Monday 8 August 2022

The Mayor of London is offering funding for London equity-led voluntary and community sector organisations to enable communities to shape their recovery from COVID-19, through community-led projects.

To learn more about the details and outcomes, please click here

Christmas Challenge 2022 applications are now open! Apply for funding from the Childhood Trust.
Closing date: Friday 1st July

The Childhood Trust is London’s child poverty charity, dedicated to alleviating the impact of poverty on children living in the capital and offers financial support to children’s charities in London through matched-funding campaigns. We are looking for charities that have an existing supporter base and an appetite to engage with us and with the public.

Charities who participate in our campaigns receive workshops on how to run a successful fundraising campaign, one-to-one support on any aspect of the campaign, connections with other charities working with children and young people across London, raised profile and visibility through broader campaigns and events and other activities to raise awareness of the issues around child poverty.

To learn more, please click here
Or email campaigns@childhoodtrust.org.uk

The Weavers’ Company Fund
Deadline 14 July

To learn more, please click here

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

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), and NHS England and NHS Improvement (NHSEI), the system partners, are seeking applications from VCSE sector organisations for the next round of the Health and Wellbeing Fund.
The system partners value the significant contribution that the VCSE sector makes towards improving health and care. The VCSE sector is a key partner in delivering strategic priorities and improving health and wellbeing across England.

For more details, please click here

Learn more here

Other available funders include:

Pride Month Events: June 2022
In celebration of Pride Month 2022, Forum+, an independent charity working to promote equality for LGBTQ+ people in Camden and Islington, have a wide range of exciting events planned.

Learn more here

Making Every Contact Count – Supporting residents with the cost of living crisis
30th June and more!

Making Every Contact Count (MECC) is about assisting front line workers to support residents by using opportunities in conversations we’re already having to signpost further support.

Making Every Contact Count have added a new short online course, covering the basics of MECC, the impacts of the cost of living crisis and information on how best to support residents who are struggling financially.

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

Revolutions in Engineering (RiE) – Revolutions in Engineering is a two week project-based experience at Imperial College London for Black undergraduate engineering students that runs between the 11th-22nd July.
Researchers of African heritage or Afro-Caribbean heritage are under-represented in the UK engineering-research community. Imperial wants to help change this and are inviting all Black students with African-related heritage who are in year 2 or 3 of an engineering or computing degree to apply. The programme is being provided at a full scholarship worth £1,500, though you will need have accommodation in London and pay for your own travel.
Apply for the programme here

A date for your diary: The Camden Mela
A celebration of our culturally diverse community together again.
The Camden Mela is coming up on 17th July at Coram’s Fields from 12pm – 6pm

If you would like to apply for a stall, please email nasim.ali@kcbna.org.uk

Free Mental Health First Aid Training
Rethink Mental Illness are funded by the council to deliver Mental Health First Aid Training sessions to anyone based (live/work/study/volunteer) in Camden or Islington.
The sessions are delivered online, or in person, and if the delegate attends all sessions and completes the online work, they will receive a Mental Health First Aid qualification

Upcoming courses include:
Mental Health Awareness (Online) – 28th June – 3.5 hours
Mental Health First Aid (In Person) – 20th and 21st July – Location TBC in Camden or Islington – 2 days
Mental Health First Aid (Online) – 20th, 21st, 27th and 28th July – 4 x 2.5 hour sessions

For other courses and to book, please click here

‘Sculpture in the air’ at Coals Drop Yard
Recently unveiled at Coals Drop Yard, the Woven Wonders installation by artist Sheila Hicks, who is known for distinctive colours and natural materials, will be viewable until October

The role would suit someone looking to gain experience in work-based communications and an interest in developing a career in communications based roles.

To apply, please send a CV and cover letter to info@vac.org.uk

A Space for us looking for Volunteers – This Weekend!
A Space for us need volunteers to help at exciting open air events
Saturday 25th June: any 3 hours between 10-5pm
Sunday 26th June: any hours between 10- 3pm

The London Festival of Architecture has Somers Town as its focus and we want to put on a party!
We are looking for helpers who are good with the public or painting!
Other tasks will include supervising the public around an outdoor mural, setting out food for an outdoor ”cultural lunch”, setting up and managing screen printing on the Sunday 11-1pm and taking permissions and signed consent for photos and filming

A Space for us also specifically need an Actor
Sunday 26th June at 2pm -3pm, Phoenix Road.
Small fee available, including reasonable travel expenses and lunch

The People’s Museum Somers Town is holding a “mock auction” and need an “auctioneer”.
We are looking for someone who is articulate, funny and loud!
This is on a outdoor stage with other events all day.
There is a serious purpose as we have lost working class heritage which ends up at auction houses.
People will be encouraged to bid on ‘artwork’.
We will need to meet beforehand to discuss the script

For more information or to apply for any of these roles, please contact: Diana or Mercedes at info@aspaceforus.club

PENHA looking for new Trustees
Deadline: 31 July 2022

The Pastoral and Environmental Network in the Horn of Africa is a registered charity and non-profit company.
PENHA seeks to foster sustainable livelihoods among the region’s nomads and pastoralists.
We seek three trustees with legal and risk management experience; fundraising and social media knowledge; or previous charity experience.
We hold six meetings annually.

To apply, please send your CV and cover letter to PENHA UK Programme Manager, Mr Kubara Zamani, e-mail: info@penhanetwork.org
To learn more about PENHA, please visit our website here

Latin American House vacancy: Early Years Practitioner
Latin American House is looking for an Early Years Practitioner, to join the team at Menchú Bilingual Nursery.
The post holder must possess CACHE or NVQ Level 2 or above qualification in Childcare Education. It will not be necessary to speak Spanish, although it is desirable.

To apply or get more information, please click here

Maiden Lane Community Centre volunteer opportunity
Maiden Lane Community Centre are looking for someone to join our play/youth team working with young people aged 5-9 years 10-13 years and 13-19 years old. Training will be provided. This is a great opportunity for someone who would like to work with young people.

For further details, please click here

Camden Council has a partnership with LabTech to provide pop-up market stall space.
July – August 2022

To arrange a call to find out more, please email economicdevelopment@camden.gov.uk
or visit the website here

VAC Community Directories
VAC is pleased to announce the launch of our new Community Directory services for Camden groups.
Our online directories provide a space for voluntary and community groups in Camden to promote their services and activities. Searching the directory then allows residents and other stakeholders in Camden to easily connect with groups and access services and valuable support.
You can search our Directories to find and connect with groups, find community space to rent or hire and find healthy activities and social opportunities in Camden’s green spaces and parks.

To view our on-demand resources, please click here

Civic Futures 2022: Open for applications and nominations
Deadline: Monday 4 July 2022

If you want to take part in Civic Futures then you can express your interest here
Or to nominate someone else, please do so here

Past Voluntary Action Forums: Resources

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

Got an item for the e-bulletin?

Ways to Get Involved

Join us on social media

Watch a short video about our work!

Find out more about our work supporting the community and community groups with this short video.

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Greenwood Centre, Greenwood Place, London, NW5 1LB

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

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Voluntary Action Camden e-Bulletin – 17th June 2022

by Alex Charles17 June 202224 June 2022

*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*

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VAC Weekly Newsletter
17th June 2022

Become a Member

VAC Membership

Become a VAC member and help us connect and amplify the many voices of the Voluntary and Community Sector in Camden.
Membership is free, including our practical help, which can be accessed here.

Click on the link box above, join us today and add your voice to ours.

Highlights

This week we firstly remember the victims of Grenfell Tower on the 5th anniversary of the tragedy.

We spotlight our training resources and we have a range of events and opportunities available around the Camden area, including an exciting paid internship available at VAC.

VAC Training Resources

VAC deliver regular training for Camden voluntary and community groups. We also run seminars on topical policy issues and themes, and host regular events aimed at the specific needs of the local community.

To view our on-demand resources, please click here

Grenfell Tower Tragedy remembered.
Tuesday 14th was the 5th anniversary of the Grenfell Tower Tragedy.VAC stands in solidarity with all those impacted by the tragedy and those who continue to seek justice. We remember all those that were lost and their family and friends.

Making Every Contact Count – Supporting residents with the cost of living crisis
21st June and more!

Making Every Contact Count (MECC) is about assisting front line workers to support residents by using opportunities in conversations we’re already having to signpost further support.

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

Camden Council has a partnership with LabTech to provide pop-up market stall space.
July – August 2022

To arrange a call to find out more, please email economicdevelopment@camden.gov.uk
or visit the website here

A Space for us looking for Volunteers:
A Space for us need volunteers to help at exciting open air events
Saturday 25th June: any 3 hours between 10-5pm
Sunday 26th June: any hours between 10- 3pm

A Space for us also specifically need an Actor
Sunday 26th June at 2pm -3pm, Phoenix Road.
Small fee available, including reasonable travel expenses and lunch

For more information or to apply for any of these roles, please contact: Diana or Mercedes at info@aspaceforus.club

Christmas Challenge 2022 applications are now open! Apply for funding from the Childhood Trust.
Closing date: Friday 1st July

To learn more, please click here
Or email campaigns@childhoodtrust.org.uk

‘Sculpture in the air’ at Coals Drop Yard

Recently unveiled at Coals Drop Yard, the Woven Wonders installation by artist Sheila Hicks, who is known for distinctive colours and natural materials, will be viewable until October

VAC paid Internship: Communications (15 hours per week)

VAC is seeking a Communications Intern to assist the VAC team for a 4 month period. This position will work with the Communications Lead and IT manager on our communications channels, including the weekly newsletter and social media presence, to promote VAC opportunities and our overall profile.

The role would suit someone looking to gain experience in work-based communications and an interest in developing a career in communications based roles.
To apply, please send a CV and cover letter to info@vac.org.uk

PENHA looking for new Trustees
Deadline: 31 July 2022

To apply, please send your CV and cover letter to PENHA UK Programme Manager, Mr Kubara Zamani, e-mail: info@penhanetwork.org
To learn more about PENHA, please visit our website here

Newsletter Submissions
Please send any information that you would like included in our weekly newsletter to social@vac.org.uk

UCLH Council of Governors Elections 2022
Nominations close Tuesday 24 June: 5pmUniversity College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust are seeking nine Trust members to join the Council of Governors, who are keen to represent the interests of our public and patient communities. Elections will be held in the following seats and members aged 18 and over can nominate themselves to stand:
•   1 public governor
•   4 London-based patient governors
•   1 out of London based patient
•   3 staff members (1 other Clinical and 2 non-Clinical)

Self-nomination can be completed online from Monday 6 June here
.
If you would like any more details, please contact uclh.governors@nhs.net or call 020 3447 9290.

* You must be a member of UCLH to stand for governor. Find out more about becoming a member and apply for membership on the website here

State of London Debate
28th June: 7.30 – 9pm
At indigo at The O2, Peninsula Square

Ask the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan and Deputy Mayors about issues that matter – from cycling to jobs, the environment to housing and more – at the annual State of London Debate 2022.

To find out more please click here

Local Newsletters:

SHAK
Latin American House
Creative Lives
Healthwatch Camden
Young Camden Foundation
AWN
West Euston Project (WEP)
London S port (sign up)
Forum+
Charity Tax Group
Dragon Hall Newsletter

Deadline Extension for Rosa’s Stand with Us Fund
4pm on Friday 24th June 2022

The Stand With Us fund has been set up to support the many organisations run by and for women who stand up and take action to address violence against women and girls (VAWG).

For more details, please click here

The Weavers’ Company Fund
Deadline 14 July

To learn more, please click here

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

For more details, please click here

Learn more here

UK Government Announces ‘Homes for Ukrainian’ Refugees Scheme with ‘Thank You’ Payment to Sponsors
A small monthly payment will be available for UK host families who volunteer to house Ukrainians fleeing their homeland due to the Russian invasion.
For more details please click here

Other available funders include:

Black Graduate Careers Conference – on the 23rd June they are hosting a Black Graduate Careers Conference where students will get the opportunity to meet and network with employers and other students and hear from F1 PETRONAS Trackside Fuel Engineer Stephanie Travers on how studying a postgraduate degree propelled her career. This is a free event and free lunch and networking drinks will be provided. The event is open to all Black undergraduate students or Black graduates considering studying a postgraduate degree.
Register to get your free ticket here

A date for your diary: The Camden Mela
A celebration of our culturally diverse community together again.
The Camden Mela is coming up on 17th July at Coram’s Fields from 12pm – 6pm

If you would like to apply for a stall, please email nasim.ali@kcbna.org.uk

Free Mental Health First Aid Training

Rethink Mental Illness are funded by the council to deliver Mental Health First Aid Training sessions to anyone based (live/work/study/volunteer) in Camden or Islington.
The sessions are delivered online, or in person, and if the delegate attends all sessions and completes the online work, they will receive a Mental Health First Aid qualification

For other courses and to book, please click here

Free Community Festival at the Castlehaven Community Centre – “Zen in Mind”
Thursday June 23rd, 12pm-5.30pm

The Zen Project and Mind in Camden bring to you the third 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 free food, massage, mindfulness sessions and more. Climb on board our big yellow American school bus and take part in one of our activities to help create some calm and ease anxiety.
We have something for everyone. No need to book – just turn up.

For more information, please click here

To apply or get more information, please click here

For further details, please click here

Civic Futures 2022: Open for applications and nominations
Deadline: Monday 4 July 2022

If you want to take part in Civic Futures then you can express your interest here
Or to nominate someone else, please do so here

Past Voluntary Action Forums: Resources

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

Got an item for the e-bulletin?

Ways to Get Involved

Join us on social media

Watch a short video about our work!

Find out more about our work supporting the community and community groups with this short video.

Forwarded VAC newsletter by a colleague??

Opt in to receive VAC e-newsletter direct to your inbox

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

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

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Voluntary Action Camden e-Bulletin – 27th May 2022

by Alex Charles27 May 2022

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Opt in to receive VAC e-newsletter direct to your inbox

VAC Weekly Newsletter
27th May 2022

Become a Member

VAC Membership

Become a VAC member and help us connect and amplify the voices of the Voluntary and Community Sector in Camden.
Membership is free, including our practical help, which can be accessed here.

Click on the link box above, join us today and add your voice to ours.

Highlights

In this week’s newsletter we spotlight our questionanaire to members and stakeholders, which will help to inform our future planning, we have details of the next VAC VAF, the upcoming UCLH governor elections, the ‘State of London debate’ information and an exciting opportunity to work with VAC. We also have events and opportunities from around the Camden area.

NB: Please note that due to the Jubilee holidays there will be no VAC newsletter next week

VAC Questionnaire to Members and Stakeholders
VAC is in the process of developing a new strategy and we want to develop it with the input of our key stakeholders, including our members and strategic partners.

This will help us to set our priorities for the next three years and improve are offering to the Camden Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS). All completed entries with contact information provided will be entered into our prize drawer for a chance to win £50 shopping vouchers.

Please help us by completing our short survey here

Voluntary Action Forum: New Integrated Care System (ICS) and more!
15th June: 11am – 12.30pm

At the next free, online Voluntary Action Forum, find out what the emerging Integrated Care System (ICS) is in North Central London, why it is important for the voluntary sector and how you can get connected!

VAC’s Forum on 15th June will be an opportunity improve your understanding of the ICS, hear the priorities for working with the voluntary sector, and connect your organisation!’

UCLH Council of Governors Elections 2022
Nominations close Tuesday 24 June: 5pm

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust are seeking nine Trust members to join the Council of Governors, who are keen to represent the interests of our public and patient communities. Elections will be held in the following seats and members aged 18 and over can nominate themselves to stand:
•   1 public governor
•   4 London-based patient governors
•   1 out of London based patient
•   3 staff members (1 other Clinical and 2 non-Clinical)

Self-nomination can be completed online from Monday 6 June here
.
If you would like any more details, please contact uclh.governors@nhs.net or call 020 3447 9290.

* You must be a member of UCLH to stand for governor. Find out more about becoming a member and apply for membership on the website here

State of London Debate
28th June: 7.30 – 9pm
At indigo at The O2, Peninsula Square

Ask the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan and Deputy Mayors about issues that matter – from cycling to jobs, the environment to housing and more – at the annual State of London Debate 2022.

To find out more please click here

Art Club:Camden – Weekly and holiday meet-up club
This is for young people aged 11-18yrs and, whenever possible, will be held outdoors

This weekly and holiday meet-up art club is organised by CSKX Studios. Art Club:Camden. It aims to support young people’s (11-18 yrs old) creativity through free art workshops, encouraging individual interests, introducing ways of working, supplying art materials, visiting museums and galleries, introducing different artists and working outdoors whenever possible to explore local spaces and available resources.

For further information, click here
Or, contact us via email at info@cskx.org or by calling Leo on 020 8001 5357

Sadler’s Wells Theatre £9 Tickets Offer for Machine de Cirque
Sadler’s Wells Theatre are offering discounted tickets to watch the acclaimed Canadian circus company, Machine de Cirque.

The tickets are £9 and are for performances from Wed 1 to Sat 11 June at 7.30pm.

To access the offer, please click here and enter the promocode BIDMDC9

VAC Vacancy: Community Liaison Worker
Closing date 15 June 2022: 23:59

We are looking for a part time Community Liaison Worker (2 days per week) to work with the the Cultural Advocacy Team to develop and deliver a community outreach programme to BME communities.

Find out more about working with us and apply here

To apply or get more information, please click here

Please note
Please send any information that you would like included in our weekly newsletter to social@vac.org.uk

A Letter from the Leader of the Council
“The past two years have been difficult for all of us and I want to thank you for the sacrifices you have made to help keep our community safe. We are still feeling the impact of COVID-19, and I know that many of you are struggling with the rising cost of living. We are helping Camden to recover by supporting the NHS with the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, helping residents access food, providing free activities for families and supporting local businesses.”

Read more about the council plans and the resources available to residents here

Local Newsletters:

SHAK
Latin American House
Creative Lives
Healthwatch Camden
Young Camden Foundation
AWN
West Euston Project (WEP)
London S port (sign up)
Forum+
Charity Tax Group
Dragon Hall Newsletter

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

For more details, please click here

Learn more here

Camden Council Green Homes Grants
Keeping homes warm over the winter months can be difficult, especially with rising energy bills. The Green Homes Grant may be able to assist by providing funding of up to £10k for homeowners and £5k for landlords to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. The improvements could help save up to £600 a year on energy bills and make homes warmer and more comfortable.
Find out more here

Please also see the Funding pages on VAC’s website for all the latest information.

Alternatively, Camden Voluntary and Community groups can contact VAC for Grant Finder help, please email rsingh@vac.org.uk

NAVCA Funders List

A useful list of small trusts and foundations most useful to small charities.

Other available funders include:

Hampstead Heath Community Fun Day
Sunday 12th June: 12-5pm.

Come to the Parliament Hill Bandstand for a community fun day next month, including Seethrough Theatre’s Carnivall parade, music from Young Music Makers, free nature and art activities and much more.
Please get in touch if you would like to get involved or have any questions

For more information on this and other events on the Heath, please click here

Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Week
23–29 May 2022.

Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Week is a joint campaign from NHS England and Diabetes UK. The campaign aims to raise awareness of Type 2 diabetes, how to prevent it, and at-risk groups, and encourages the public to check their risk via the Diabetes UK ‘Know Your Risk’ tool.

Type 2 diabetes is two – four times more likely in people of South Asian descent and Black Caribbean or Black African descent. That’s why it’s really important that you find out if you are at risk. To do so, please click here

GDPR Training Resources

The video, slides and comprehensive notes from the two recent VAC online training sessions on GDPR are now available on the website. These will help you understand the theory and legal framework of the GDPR with practical steps on how to remain compliant.

Programme Performance and Resource Manager vacancy
Closing date: Sunday 29th May 2022 at 23:59

Through Good Work Camden, Camden are designing and delivering Job Hubs that provide accessible and relational employment support, testing innovative approaches to supporting residents, investing in our employment and skills partners and giving businesses the support they need to enhance their recruitment practices.
In this role you will develop, improve and coordinate performance and programme management systems and tools across Inclusive Economy work streams to ensure the effective tracking and measurement of activity and impact.

Learn more here

For further details, please click here

Elfrida Rathbone Camden vacancy: Community Champions Project Co-ordinator
Closing date: Sunday 29 May. Full time position

The Community Champions Project Coordinator will work to engage and support vulnerable individuals, families and groups in the Kentish town area, by recruiting local people to volunteer as Community Champions. For more details and how to apply, please click here

Volunteering during the pandemic
The latest guidance for Enabling safe and effective volunteering during coronavirus (COVID-19) is available here

Civic Futures 2022: Open for applications and nominations
Civic Futures 2022 is open for nominations and applications and welcome you to apply or nominate someone you think would make a great addition to this year’s programme.
Civic Futures is a Fellowship Programme facilitated by Koreo, Dark Matter Labs and The Young Foundation, in partnership with the Greater London Authority (GLA)

After two successful years, we’re now looking to convene our third group, of 30 people from across London’s civil society, local government and activist spaces to facilitate a collective learning and discovery experience. Running from September 2022-December 2023, the programme will focus on peer connection, exploration and inquiry, systems thinking, and collaboration, in order to deepen connections across the civic system, and create spaces to explore alternative and emerging futures together.

If you want to take part in Civic Futures then you can express your interest here
Or to nominate someone else, please do so here

Physical Activity within Healthcare in London: Survey
Deadline: Today!

London Sport and our partners, the Greater London Authority, the Healthy London Partnership, London Plus, the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities – London and Transport for London, are keen to understand how we might further integrate physical activity within healthcare in London.

We are, therefore, seeking the views of those who provide, plan or commission both healthcare and physical activity (including, active travel, artistic, cultural, heritage, nature and sport based activity) services and opportunities within London. The collective experience and knowledge of colleagues will be crucial in helping us to determine the action and support necessary to progress this work.

Please complete this brief survey here

Funding Experience Survey
The Institute for Voluntary Action Research (IVAR) is asking grant applicants to answer a survey to understand how 100 Open and Trusting grantmakers can improve your funding experience.
What changes could funders make, and which of these matters most? The survey takes 10-15 minutes, and you’ll have the chance to win one of 10 prizes of £100 for your organisation.

To take part, please click here

Entries should be emailed to youthsafety@camden.gov.uk by 5pm, Monday 6 June.
For more details on the criteria for entries, please click here.

Past Voluntary Action Forums: Resources

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

Got an item for the e-bulletin?

Ways to Get Involved

Join us on social media

Watch a short video about our work!

Find out more about our work supporting the community and community groups with this short video.

Forwarded VAC newsletter by a colleague??

Opt in to receive VAC e-newsletter direct to your inbox

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

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

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Voluntary Action Camden e-Bulletin – 20th May 2022

by Alex Charles20 May 202220 May 2022

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VAC Weekly Newsletter
20th May 2022

Become a Member

VAC Membership
Membership is free to local organisations and groups interested in contributing to a stronger Voluntary and Community Sector in Camden. As a member you will have access to high quality advice and guidance, local networks and support to grow and develop your organisation. Click the link above to learn more about the benefits of becoming a member and join us.

Highlights

In this week’s newsletter we spotlight VAC’s contact details to help faciliate the exchange of useful information and resources in these difficult times. We also have a VAC survey which will help inform our future strategy, plus local information and much more about events and opportunities from around the Camden area.

Contact us
Alongside much of the country, Camden residents are experiencing a time of increasing difficulties. The COVID 19 pandemic is still with us and the increasing cost of living is adding additional pressure to household incomes.

The community and volunteer sector continues to strive to help and serve local residents here in Camden, and VAC is dedicated to facilitating conversation and building bridges between the sector and public bodies to ensure funding streams, advice and resource go where they are needed.

Please get in touch with VAC if you would like to get involved, share learning and resources, and connect to groups in the area who are committed to doing everything possible to help our community.

We can be contacted here

VAC Questionnaire to Members and Stakeholders
VAC is in the process of developing a new strategy and we want to develop it with the input of our key stakeholders including our members and strategic partners. This will help us to set our priorities for the next three years and improve are offering to the Camden Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS). All completed entries with contact information provided will be entered into our prize drawer for a chance to win £50 shopping vouchers.

Please help us by completing our short survey here

Read more about the council plans and the resources available to residents here

Learn more here

If you want to take part in Civic Futures then you can express your interest here
Or to nominate someone else, please do so here

Physical Activity within Healthcare in London: Survey
Deadline: 27th May

Please complete this brief survey here

Building Compliance and the Law Seminar
Thursday 26th May: 12-2pm

The Ethical Property Foundation will be running a lunchtime seminar on Building Compliance and the Law on Thursday the 26th of May.
This is aimed at community groups who run from, or hire out, community space. Voluntary and community groups will get an introduction to all statutory and non-statutory building compliance, who needs to do what in an organisation and defending health and safety practices.

You can expect fire, asbestos, legionella, gas and electrical safety to be covered, and the importance of non-statutory compliance. You will find out who is legally responsible for what and how good records can prevent regulatory enforcement. There will also be an introduction to Camden’s Facilities Management service who will give an overview of how they can help you manage your building. The course is free and put on by Camden Council.

If you manage a space and want to attend please register for your Zoom link here

Hampstead Heath Community Fun Day
Sunday 12th June: 12-5pm.

For more information on this and other events on the Heath, please click here

Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Week
23–29 May 2022.

Funding webinar
Wednesday 25th May: 12.30pm

Need funding for your voluntary organisation or group?
Fundraising website easyfundraising are running an online session where you can find out how you can use the platform to benefit from free donations from leading online retailers. Trusted by 180,000 good causes around the UK and established for over 10 years, easyfundraising is the UK’s biggest charity shopping site.

Suitable for all non-profit organisations come along to find out how it works and how to get set up. This is a friendly, informal session where you can ask questions and meet other fundraisers.

Spaces are limited so please register to attend in advance here

Programme Performance and Resource Manager vacancy
Closing date: Sunday 29th May 2022 at 23:59

Learn more here

For further details, please click here

Please note
Our newsletter content email address has changed. Please send any information that you would like included in our weekly newsletter to social@vac.org.uk

Local Newsletters:

SHAK
Latin American House
Creative Lives
Healthwatch Camden
Young Camden Foundation
AWN
West Euston Project (WEP)
London S port (sign up)
Forum+
Charity Tax Group
Dragon Hall Newsletter

National

The Philological Foundation grants for individual students and state-funded schools
The Philological Foundation is a charity that has been making grants to individual students and state-funded schools in the London Borough of Camden and the City of Westminster since 1982.
Our aim is to help schools and young people whose families cannot provide them with financial support so that they can pursue educational and training opportunities.
To check eligibility and to apply, please click here

We Will Social Action Grant Fund
The Ormiston Trust is a grant giving trust that primarily supports schools and organisations that provide direct assistance to children, young people, and families across England. As a match funder awarding grants on the behalf of the #iwill Fund, the Ormiston Trust is offering open grants of up to £5,000 over a 9 to 12-month period to support the embedding of sustainable youth social action in schools.
Learn more and apply here

Funding to Improve Temporary Accommodation Standards in London
Application Deadline: Tuesday 17 May 2022
Better Temporary Accommodation for Londoners is a strategic initiative funded by Trust for London and Oak Foundation that aims to strengthen the voice, connections and influence of people in Temporary Accommodation (TA) and ultimately to improve people’s experience of TA. The programme will run from 2022-25, with the first grants awarded in June 2022.
For more information, please click here

Clarion Futures Digital Grants Programme
Application deadline: 12 noon, Wednesday 18 May 2022
Round 10 of the Clarion Futures Digital Grants Programme is now open for applications.
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.
For Round 10, applications must be submitted by 12 noon Wednesday 18 May 2022 via our dedicated Grants Portal FlexiGrant.
Please email grants@clarionhg.com with any questions.

See the Funding pages on VAC’s website for all the latest information.
Alternatively, Camden Voluntary and Community groups can contact us for Grant Finder help, please email rsingh@vac.org.uk
Access the Idox Camden 4 Community grant search here.

NAVCA Funders List

A useful list of small trusts and foundations most useful to small charities.

Lists of Emergency Funders

VAC Events

Keep in eye on our Events Calendar to book and for more info.

VAC new Community Directory
VAC is pleased to announce the launch of our new Community Directory services for Camden groups.
Our online directories provide a space for voluntary and community groups in Camden to promote their services and activities. Searching the directory then allows residents and other stakeholders in Camden to easily connect with groups and access services and valuable support.
You can search our Directories to find and connect with groups, find community space to rent or hire and find healthy activities and social opportunities in Camden’s green spaces and parks.

GDPR Training Resources

Past Voluntary Action Forums: Resources

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

More details on the VAC website: https://vac.org.uk/

Invitation: London’s Digital Inclusion Conference
23 June: 9.30 am – 4pm
LOTI and the GLA warmly invite you to join them in celebrating digital inclusion in London.

This in-person event will bring together practitioners from the public, private and third sectors to share their progress in tackling digital exclusion, and discuss how they can collaborate more closely in future.
There is an exciting agenda that includes expert speakers, presentations on innovative digital inclusion initiatives and opportunities for networking.
There is also the opportunity for your organisation to have a visible presence at this event. If you have a project you would like to showcase, and it falls within the themes of devices, connectivity, digital skills and / or support, then please get in touch with Polly.Kwok@loti.london to find out how you can be a part of the event exhibition.
If you are able to join, please register and they will be back in touch with more information and the confirmed London venue closer to the event.

To register, please click here

“Zen in Mind” A celebration of Wellbeing
Thursday 26th May: 1pm-6pm

This is a free Community Festival at the Old Diorama Theatre. In association with Fitzrovia Youth Action, 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. Free food, massage, mindfulness sessions and more.
Climb on board our big yellow American school bus and take part in one of our activities to help create some calm and ease anxiety.
We have something for everyone. No need to book – just turn up.

For more information, please click here

Camden Jobs and Skills Event
Thursday 19 May 2022, 10:00am – 4:00pm

Are you interested in changing careers, finding a new role, or upskilling to access high-growth sectors?
If so, don’t miss out on the opportunity to network, meet local and inclusive employers and get the latest tips to give you the edge in the labour market
The event is being held at Camden House LABS Triangle, Camden Lock Place, Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8AB

To register, please click here

Community Health Event
Saturday 21 May 2022, 12pm-4pm
Location: Kilburn Grange Park, Kilburn, NW6 2JL
As part of our long-term health inequalities work, which includes a Mobile Community Health bus, Camden Council, in partnership with NHS colleagues from Brondesbury Medical Centre, are holding a Community Health event on Saturday 21st May at Kilburn Grange Park, 12pm-4pm.
This event will bring together and highlight all aspects of health which will include education, physical activity, NHS health checks, sexual health testing, dietician advice and many more to be confirmed.
It is an opportunity to bring people together to open up the conversation of health and wellbeing, something that has become even more important since the Covid19 pandemic.”

The London Irish Centre Vacancies
The London Irish Centre is the Irish Heart of London. Our Mission is to empower and enrich lives through Irish community and culture. Please see our current vacancies:

Head of Services (Community Development)
Closing date: 9am Monday 16th May

Event Manager
Closing date: 9am Monday 16th May

Operations Administration Assistant
Ongoing recruitment

For more information and to apply, please visit our website

Elfrida Rathbone Camden vacancy: Community Champions Project Co-ordinator
Closing date: Sunday 29 May. Full time position
The Community Champions Project Coordinator will work to engage and support vulnerable individuals, families and groups in the Kentish town area, by recruiting local people to volunteer as Community Champions. For more details and how to apply, please click here

Training Link vacancy: Operations Manager
Application deadline: 5pm, Monday 16 May 2022
Part-time (7 hours per week)
Training Link is a local charity providing basic skills training to help people find work. We are based in Somers Town near the British Library.
We are looking for a part-time Operations Manager to help develop our courses through outreach work and look at new opportunities. The postholder will also support our small staff team and follow up with learners who have completed courses.
For a full-job description, person specification and application form please email director@traininglink.org.uk
For an informal discussion about the post please phone Peter Lush on 07973-845285.

The Kids Network: Volunteering Opportunity
The Kids Network are looking for committed, fun and passionate volunteers who live or work in Camden to make a real difference to the children of London. Their year long mentoring programme supports children with their social and emotional development before they transition into secondary school.
As a mentor, through weekly 1-3 hour sessions, you would:
Help build confidence, resilience and curiosity through child centred, activity-based mentoring.
Experience London through the eyes of a child and make a real impact in your local area.
Build a peer network with fellow mentors, who come from all walks of life, to share your experiences and learn from one another.
Apply here
If you know a child that would benefit from having a mentor, please e-mail Flick f.tennant@thekidsnetwork.org.uk

Volunteering during the pandemic
The latest guidance for Enabling safe and effective volunteering during coronavirus (COVID-19) is available here

Free CPD Accredited Training on Gambling and Related Harms
Tuesday 24th May: 10.30am – 1pm

Currently over 0.5% of our population are considered problem gamblers and 7% of the population of the UK are negatively affected by gambling, which is one in 12 people either directly or indirectly affected by gambling-related harms.
If you would like to know about the subject of gambling and its associated harms, please join this free CPD accredited webinar. If you would like more details, please email Priya.shah@gamcare.org.uk

To register, please click here

Charity Digital Skills survey
Closes Friday 20th May

If you work for a charity or a non-profit organisation, social sector organisation or a funder, based in the UK, Charity Digital and Partners would love to hear your views about your overall organisational priorities, barriers and funding needs, as well as specific digital skills and challenges.

To learn more and to take part, please click here

To take part, please click here

Datawise London data and digital training
Datawise London offers data and digital skills training tailored for small charities and have just renewed their programme for another three years. The training offers a pathway through topics, from beginner to advanced levels.

To find out more, please click here

Free NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health First Aid & Mental Health Advocacy in the Workplace.
This course is for anyone who wants to raise their professional understanding of Mental Health First Aid and its associated care. It is ideal for any public facing role where you are interacting, advising and guiding clients. You will learn how to identify, understand and support colleagues or clients who are experiencing a mental health issue.

To learn more please contact New Challenge (Main number) – 020 8795 3999 or Email: courses@newchallenge.org

Link UP London
Link UP London provides access to Skilled Support to charities, social enterprises and community groups for free on a project-by-project basis.
We’re a small friendly organisation with ambitions to help communities across London by matching professionals to free skilled Volunteering roles with local charities and social good organisations.
Volunteers are all experts in their fields and have industry specific knowledge in areas of crucial importance to any charitable organisation’s development such as finance, legal, human resources, marketing, communications, data analysis, social media, and much more.
If you’re looking for bespoke Skilled Support to grow your organisations, we’d love to hear from you! You can book to chat here.
You can also learn more about Link UP and the work we’ve been doing through our website.

Enter Camden’s Youth Safety Multi-Media Competition
Camden’s next Youth Safety Fortnight will be held this summer. Children and young people are invited to get involved by entering the 2022 Youth Safety Multi-Media Competition – in partnership with their youth centre, community centre or school.
The overall winner will receive a main prize of £500 for their youth or play organisation, community centre or school, plus vouchers for the young people participating.
The overall theme of Youth Safety Fortnight 2022 will be ‘Keeping Children and Young People in Camden Safe’. The focus this year will be on the following:
The Safety of Young Women and Girls. This includes staying and feeling safe in the home, in the community, and whilst travelling. It is important to consider the views and perspectives of all young people, regardless of gender identity, to widen conversations and understanding.
Youth Exploitation. What keeps young people safe from exploitation? How can young people steer away from crime and get involved in positive activities? What are the consequences of getting involved in crime and youth violence?
The purpose of the Multi-Media Competition, which is open to young people aged 10 to 18, is to raise awareness of the issues affecting the safety of young people in Camden and promote conversation. The competition is designed to encourage young people to come together and think about their concerns, aspirations and hopes for the future. Your project should focus on one or more of the elements mentioned in the themes above.
Entries should be emailed to youthsafety@camden.gov.uk by 5pm, Monday 6 June. For more details on the criteria for entries, please click here.

Culturally specific cookbook for Camden residents
Camden council, in partnership with our NHS colleagues are working on a culturally specific cookbook for residents of African and Caribbean heritage, who are at increasing risk of overweight and diabetes.
We recognise that literature around this very important and are keen to get your views to make sure the book is as relevant as possible.
Please complete the questionnaire which will take no longer than 3 minutes to complete. Your answers will be invaluable in helping prepare the cookbook.
To take part, please click here

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Ways to Get Involved

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Voluntary Action Camden e-Bulletin – 17th May 2022

by Alex Charles17 May 2022

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VAC Weekly Newsletter
13th May 2022

Become a Member

Highlights

In this week’s newsletter we again spotlight the important new Camden Community Vaccine Champion Project, Mental Health Awareness Week resources and have much more about events and opportunities from around the Camden area.

VAC services spotlight

Camden Community Vaccine Champion Project
VAC, in partnership with London Borough of Camden, Healthwatch Camden and C4, is pleased to announce the launch of a new fund to help tackle vaccine misinformation and encourage vaccine take up in Camden.

We are inviting individuals, organisations, and groups, including unincorporated associations from Camden, to design new and expand existing initiatives to encourage vaccine take up in the borough. This includes projects and events that seek to tackle misinformation and encourage vaccine take-up.

Learn more here

NAVCA Funders List

A useful list of small trusts and foundations most useful to small charities.

Lists of Emergency Funders

Loneliness and Mental Health Awareness Week: 9th-15th May
This year, with Mental Health Awareness Week the Mental, Health Foundation are raising awareness of the link between loneliness and mental health issues. They are exploring the effect of inequalities on loneliness, sharing help and advice, while also calling for policy change.

To access more information on the campaign, please click here

Invitation: London’s Digital Inclusion Conference
23 June: 9.30 am – 4pm
LOTI and the GLA warmly invite you to join them in celebrating digital inclusion in London.

To register, please click here

Free CPD Accredited Training on Gambling and Related Harms
Tuesday 24th May: 10.30am – 1pm

To register, please click here

Charity Digital Skills survey
Closes Friday 20th May

To learn more and to take part, please click here

To take part, please click here

Camden Jobs and Skills Event
Thursday 19 May 2022, 10:00am – 4:00pm

To register, please click here

To find out more, please click here

To learn more please contact New Challenge (Main number) – 020 8795 3999 or Email: courses@newchallenge.org

“Zen in Mind” A celebration of Wellbeing
Thursday 26th May: 1pm-6pm

For more information, please click here

Head of Services (Community Development)
Closing date: 9am Monday 16th May

Event Manager
Closing date: 9am Monday 16th May

Operations Administration Assistant
Ongoing recruitment

For more information and to apply, please visit our website

Please note
Our newsletter content email address has changed. Please send any information that you would like included in our weekly newsletter to social@vac.org.uk

Local Newsletters:

SHAK
Latin American House
Creative Lives
Healthwatch Camden
Young Camden Foundation
AWN
West Euston Project (WEP)
London S port (sign up)
Forum+
Charity Tax Group
Dragon Hall Newsletter

National

VAC Events

Keep in eye on our Events Calendar to book and for more info.

GDPR Training Resources

Past Voluntary Action Forums: Resources

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

More details on the VAC website: https://vac.org.uk/

Street Storage Volunteer Vacancy: Marketing Volunteer
Street Storage – the only UK charity providing storage for people experiencing homelessness – is growing fast and looking for a Marketing Volunteer. This role can be done remotely or at our Hackney offices and will be approx. 2-4 hours a week. It will focus mainly on website improvement, creating and managing social media content and general branding development.
We have a more detailed role description and are keen to hear from anyone with the relevant skills and time! For more information please email rachel.woolf@streetstorage.org

Volunteering during the pandemic
The latest guidance for Enabling safe and effective volunteering during coronavirus (COVID-19) is available here

How to Volunteer and How to Recruit Volunteers in Camden
Volunteer in Camden at Time to Spare.
Volunteer for the NHS at GoodSAM.
Join a neighbourhood Mutual Aid group.
Organisations that are signed up to Time to Spare can now request volunteers through a brokerage team making it much easier to access the volunteers. The brokers can help match volunteers with voluntary and community organisations who have a need for verified/ vetted volunteers. The service will also help to verify or carry out new DBS check with volunteers.
Get support and resources from Volunteer Centre Camden
The council has a page of resources to help community organisations
UCL are looking for new volunteering opportunities to promote to their students. Visit their info for recruiters page to find out more.

Keep in touch and up-to-date via the e-bulletin and @onecamden twitter.

Got an item for the e-bulletin?

Ways to Get Involved

Join us on social media

Watch a short video about our work!

Find out more about our work supporting the community and community groups with this short video.

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

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

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VAC Quarterly Update to Members and Subscribers (May 2022)

by Alex Charles6 May 20227 June 2022

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Quarterly Update to Members and Subscribers

6th May 2022

CEO Spotlight

Keith Morgan, Chief Executive Officer

I thought I would introduce this quarterly update with an insight into my first few months as the new CEO of VAC. We will see how this goes and if I avoid being flooded with letters of dissatisfaction, I just might make it a mainstay.
Some of you may know me from my time as CEO of Young Camden Foundation. For those that do and have wished me the best of luck in this new venture, thank you. For those that don’t (know me that is) I look forward to meeting you and over the coming months I will be extending an invitation for a coffee and chat.

Baptism of fire

On my first day at VAC, I attended a Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Sector (VCSE) Integrated Care System (ICS) meeting. It was somewhat a baptism of fire and allayed any misguided thoughts I had about easing myself into the role. We spent the first part of the meeting reflecting on the important role the VCSE played during the pandemic to support those in our local community who faced the highest health inequalities. We also talked about the importance of North Central London Clinical Commissioning Group working in partnership with local communities and VCSE. This first meeting was extremely insightful and helped me to acknowledge and understand the importance of VCSE as a strategic partner of the ICS and recognise the unique contribution the sector makes to tackling health inequality in the borough.
VAC is a member of the Integrated Care Partnerships and works with health, social care and related VCS organisations to ensure Camden is the best place to grow, live and age well. On 15 June, 11am – 12pm we will be hosting a forum on the Integrated Care System. Please join us to hear more about what is happening at a neighbourhood level and how you can get involved. You can RSVP here.

Responding to the needs of our members

Throughout the pandemic VAC hosted forums focused on emerging challenges facing the sector. The forums provided an opportunity for local voluntary and community organisations and groups to continue to meet, collaborate and share. We have maintained these forums and I have been working with the VAC team to develop mechanisms to improve the way we consult with members.
We currently have two grant programmes open (Room Hire and Community Champions grant) that we think address some of the challenges community organisations and residents are facing. Please click on the links to find out more.

Emerging challenges

Like many others I’m concerned about the cost-of-living crisis and the impact it will have on Camden residents. As we did during the pandemic, VAC is watching the situation closely and stands ready to support the local community during this difficult period. I recently attended a briefing on the issue hosted by Greater London Authority and heard how London-based charities and community organisations were stepping up their advice and support to tackle the crisis head-on. The Mayor of London has launched a new Cost of Living Hub for Londoners facing financial hardship, as a result of spiralling inflation, increases in National Insurance and Council Tax, and the lifting of the energy price cap. The hub helps Londoners access information, support and advice about claiming benefits, dealing with debt, financial management and mental health support.
The situation in Ukraine is also very concerning. Camden has a long history of providing sanctuary to people fleeing conflict from across the world, and the outpouring of compassion shown by the large number of Camden residents signing up to the Homes for Ukraine scheme is heart-warming. In partnership with London Borough of Camden, VAC is establishing a sense of the responses planned by the local community to the Ukraine Refugee crisis. We have hosted a discussion on the community response and will continue to provide a space for community organisations to hear and discuss what is happening at a statutory and community level. Click here to find out more.
We are also keen to hear about the ideas you and others might have, and how best to coordinate the responses. If you haven’t already please click the link here to complete a short survey about Ukrainian refugee response.

Renewing VAC Strategy

We are in the process of developing a new strategy and we want to develop it with the input of our key stakeholders including our members and strategic partners. As a CVS, there are elements to what VAC sets out to do, and how, that are non-negotiable. However, after coming out of what has been an exceptional period, and facing a mercurial future, it seems imperative that our strategic plan is informed by our key stakeholders. Over the coming weeks we will be asking our members and strategic partners to help us with:

Reflecting on what we have achieved and failed to achieve during the last three years
Understanding the impact of external factors on the context of our work
Reviewing how we frame the language around what we do and what we’ve achieved
Setting out our ambition and priorities for the next three years, and agreeing the values and behaviours needed to achieve them.

Please look out for an invitation from us to complete a short survey.
I hope you enjoyed reading my update as much as I enjoyed reflecting on my first few months. I look forward to sharing more about the work that VAC is doing in the next quarterly update.

Team Updates

Communications and Marketing

John Nellis, Communications Worker

I joined VAC as a part-time Communications Worker in September 2021 to help grow the VAC communications profile and implement our communications strategy. I’ve since taken over writing the weekly VAC newsletter upon the retirement of the CEO, Kevin Nunan, and have begun to use social media to promote VAC’s resources to the VCS community in Camden. We have been steadily growing our audience and are looking to increase the VAC membership. As my role becomes more embedded in the organisation, we hope to increase our abilities further with links to communications professionals within the VCS, increasing our capacity to support groups with communications and signposting to local events and opportunities, as well as promoting the successes of both VAC and our members, our partners and wider Camden VCS.

If you are looking for some support in developing you communications, get in touch with VAC to see how we can help, or email me directly at social@vac.org.uk

Digital and IT

Alex Charles, IT and Digital Manager

The main focus of the last few months has been a redesign of VAC’s Community Directories to improve overall the look and feel, whilst making it easier for groups to promote their services, and for service-users to search and connect with community-based services in Camden. We were delighted to launch our new Directory in January 2022, including a new Green Social Prescribing Directory to help residents and social prescribers connect with green activities in the borough. It’s been really interesting learning from the analytics about the types of services and activities users are searching for and how, using data, we can further develop and improve the Directories to meet the needs of our users.
We are applying a similar, iterative approach to our website, and using tools like Google Analytics and HotJar to understand how users are interacting with our website content. Our funding pages are particularly popular, enabling groups to search for the latest funding opportunities. We are also beginning to notice how our increased efforts around communications have started driving better engagement to our website and take up of our services. None of this would be possible without support from our excellent Website and Data Entry volunteer, Hasel Hooshiar.

If you are looking for support or advice on undertaking digital development or use of digital tools to support your work, get in touch with VAC to see how we can help, or email me directly at alexcharles@vac.org.uk

Keeping VAC information up to date

Hasel Hooshiar, Website and Data Entry Volunteer

Over the last quarter I’ve been adding the latest funding opportunities to VAC’s website, ensuring they have the correct tags and deadlines so that people can search for what they need accurately. I’ve also spent my time helping to keep the details of organisations on VAC’s database and Community Directories up-to-date. I’ve also been helping the staff to record their work on our internal Salesforce database so we have accurate stats to help monitor our work. My key focus over the next few months is ensuring the Directory and the funds are as useful as possible for Camden residents and organisations.

If you need any help adding or updating your details on our Directory, please get in touch with me at volunteer2@vac.org.uk.

Health Inequalities

Community Links Team: Donna Turnbull, Nasrin Rashid and Mandira Manandhar

Care Navigation and Social Prescribing Service

During 2021/22 the Community Links team at VAC has increased the Care Navigation and Social Prescribing Service offer to include a dedicated Green Social Prescribing offer via our new Directory, increased support from volunteers to encourage high intensity users of social prescribing to move into social and community activities, and a focus on exploring the type of activities that might benefit residents affected by Long Covid. Community Links still works closely with our emergency response collaborators Good Gym, Time to Spare and Volunteer Centre Camden who provide task-based volunteering support to residents. This includes shopping and chaperoning to health appointments.

The data and insights from social prescribing and health inequalities collaborations are shared with other VCSEs to develop activities through VAC’s core work. VAC is using the learning from all this work to develop a VCSE perspective in the emerging Integrated Care Partnership and System for Camden and North Central London (NCL).

Winter Resilience Programme
This can be seen in a recent project, delivered in partnership with Healthwatch Camden, Umoja and Life After Humus has illustrated the equalities issues for residents accessing health services, but also points to solutions that we have proposed to explore in a workshop with NCL commissioners. VAC is working with Camden neighbourhoods and with counterparts in the other 4 NCL boroughs to embed the voluntary sector in development and decision making in the health and care system. In parallel we are working with London Plus and National Academy for Social Prescribing to influence regional and national development of social prescribing and addressing health inequalities.

Long Covid
The Community Links Team have also been working on an 8-week pilot project with the UCLH long covid clinic. Referrals are directly from multiple disciplinary teams, and we have been assisting patients across Camden and neighbouring boroughs access social prescribing as a suitable intervention, to support with their recuperation from the effects of long covid. Community Links volunteers have been an integral part in the process, with helping identify as well as motivate with potential opportunities open to individuals in their local community. Over the next few weeks, using data from referrals, we plan to start building a detailed picture of the impact of long Covid on Camden residents, and how the VCS is a vital player in supporting residents in Camden improve their health and well-being.

If you would like to find out more about VAC’s work on Health Inequalities and related projects, get in touch with either Donna Turnbull, Mandira Manandhar or Nasrin Rashid

Cultural Advocacy Project

Mandira Manandhar, Community Links Volunteer Coordinator and CAP Project Manager

You may not know already, but VAC runs a Cultural Advocacy Project (CAP), in partnership with Mind in Camden. The CAP supports and develops mental health projects with BME communities and groups to promote good mental health and well-being across communities. We were delighted to hear recently that we have secured funding for the project to continue for another year.

The project supports weekly peer support groups, individual support, workshops and wellbeing events to support people’s individual mental wellbeing. It provides practical help and support as well as opportunities to engage and connect with local activities/services to reduce isolation.
I deliver a peer support group and provide individual support to the members of Henna Women’s centre. Since our colleague, Zubair, left in February, a new well-being group in Rhyls School has been launched and the group is starting every week on Tuesday from next week.

We are currently working with Mind to plan out the key project deliverables for this coming year.

For more information on the CAP, or for advice and guidance on embedding health and well-being initiatives in your work, get in touch with VAC to see how we can help, or email me directly at mmanandhar@vac.org.uk.

Fundraising Support to Groups

Ricky Singh, Building and Finance Administrator

Over the last few months I have been busy administrating the Google Grants scheme. This is a pot of funding to help community groups pay for premises or space to meet or deliver their activities. The grant enables small groups that do not have the funding to pay for the venue and would otherwise not be able to hold their event. This grant not only helps the groups, but aims to help raise income for community based venues that have seen their booking income fall dramatically due to people working from home and less face-to-to face service delivery.
Currently we have supported 6 groups and 4 venues with pay-outs totalling nearly £2000, but we are looking to fund so much more so do check out the scheme on our website to see if we can assist. Whilst you’re there, check out our Community Champions grant to see if you can apply, or check our funding pages for other opportunities.

Other than the Google Grants scheme I have been supporting groups to search for funding opportunities using our Grantfinder Tool, as well as helping to keep the office and VAC finances in good shape.

For more information on fundraising or other capacity building support, get in touch with VAC to see how we can help, or contact me directly at rsingh@vac.org.uk.

Safeguarding: Community Safeguarding Partnership Service (CSPS)

Dianne Carlton-Ogunyemi, Community Partnership Lead

Funded by the London Borough of Camden since 2006, the Community Safeguarding Partnership Service (CSPS) continues its work to support, encourage, and assist all voluntary, supplementary schools and faith groups, to deliver safe and effective services for children and young people in the borough.
My name is Dianne and since taking over the project’s delivery in April 2018, my work has evolved to include an extensive training portfolio for volunteers, paid workers, senior staff and trustees, a safeguarding podcast at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic and delivery of both virtual and face-to-face sessions.
Unlike standard accredited safeguarding programmes, the project offers training tailored to the child protective needs of individual communities. Over the past six months sessions delivered have raised awareness of issues such as on domestic violence, abuse linked to faith, radicalisation and private fostering arrangements.
If you are an organisation, group or supplementary school delivering services to under 18’s from marginalised, black, Asian, micro ethnic, refugee or disadvantaged communities in Camden, the project is here for you. Look out for our upcoming virtual sessions in May and June on women and girls’ personal safety, safer recruitment for voluntary organisations and groups and an introduction to safeguarding for new volunteers.

For more information on any of the above please contact Dianne Carlton-Ogunyemi at dogunyemi@vac.org.uk Monday – Wednesday.

Keeping our Finances on Track

Manuella Bunketi, Finance Manager

For the last quarter, I have been dealing with the day-to-day financial transactions; sending invoices to the funders, paying our suppliers, processing salaries for staff and dealing with finance matters. I have prepared the management accounts for the year that has just ended for the Board of Trustees and have started gathering information for 22-23 budget and CF Forecast
For the next few months, I am looking forward to finalising the budget and Cash flow forecast for the new financial year 22-23, preparing the financial statements for the year ended March 21-22, in relation with the Independent Examiner for the Companies House and Charity Commission, and looking after the everyday financial transactions and reports.

…and finally

We hope you’ve enjoyed our quarterly update from the Team at VAC. Stay tuned for our next quarterly update in a few months. In the meantime, our normal weekly bulletin will resume on the 13th May. 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 and Ricky and all the Trustees and Volunteers.

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Voluntary Action Camden e-Bulletin – 29th April 2022

by Alex Charles29 April 2022

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VAC Weekly Newsletter
29th April 2022

Become a Member

Highlights

In this week’s newsletter we spotlight the new Camden Community Vaccine Champion Project and a vacancy with VAC to manage the project. There is also a lot more about events and opportunities from around the Camden area.

VAC services spotlight

Camden Community Vaccine Champion Project: VAC, in partnership with London Borough of Camden, Healthwatch Camden and C4, is pleased to announce the launch of a new fund to help tackle vaccine misinformation and encourage vaccine take up in Camden.

Learn more here

NAVCA Funders List

A useful list of small trusts and foundations most useful to small charities.

Lists of Emergency Funders

VAC Vacancy: Grants Manager (Community Champions Project)
Deadline for applications: 11 May 2022 at 23:59
Part time: 22.5hours
The Department of Levelling Up Housing & Communities (DLUHC) have awarded Camden with funding to reduce inequalities in the uptake of COVID vaccination in our communities. To achieve this objective VAC is partnering with London Borough of Camden, C4, and Healthwatch Camden to design and deliver a new Community Chest Grant programme worth £160,000. The Grants Manager will be responsible for overseeing the delivery of this new grants programme.
Apply here

Open call for proposals for free meanwhile premises in Kilburn
Deadline for proposals extended to 6th May
Camden Council and Transport for London are inviting proposals from organisations, social enterprises, start-ups, and others that have ideas to bring a vacant premises in Kilburn to life to the benefit of the neighbourhood.
More information can be found here

The Winch Annual General Meeting
Thursday 28th April: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Join us for an evening of reflection, celebration and community at the beautiful Belsize Community Library.
Hear from our community, our Board of Trustees and from neighbours and friends, as we reflect on our progress and plan for our future.
Sign up here

Google Community NGO Training Session
13 May 2022: 12:00 – 15:30
You are invited to the next Google Community NGO Training Session for local NGO community partners at the Kings Cross Office – Six Pancras Square, London N1C 4AG.
This is a Face to Face session, with an option to join virtually
Please reserve your space here

Sadler’s Wells Ticket offer
Sadler’s Wells are offering £5 tickets for their double bill, Shades of Blue /Warrior Queens
The £5 tickets are for performances on Friday 6th and Saturday 7th May at 7.30pm.
To access the £5 tickets, book here and use the promocode WSBID5

SHP looking for Peer Mentor Volunteers
Applications deadline: 5pm, Friday 6th May
SHP is looking 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.
You can watch a series of short videos by Peer Mentor Sarah talking about her volunteering experience.
For full details of the training and volunteering opportunities please email peermentoring@shp.org.uk to request an application pack

Please note
Our newsletter content email address has changed. Please send any information that you would like included in our weekly newsletter to social@vac.org.uk

Local Newsletters:

SHAK
Latin American House
Creative Lives
Healthwatch Camden
Young Camden Foundation
AWN
West Euston Project (WEP)
London S port (sign up)
Forum+
Charity Tax Group
Dragon Hall Newsletter

National

VAC Events

Keep in eye on our Events Calendar to book and for more info.

GDPR Training Resources

Past Voluntary Action Forums: Resources

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

More details on the VAC website: https://vac.org.uk/

London Health Creation Spring Festival
Thursday 5th May 9:00-1:00pm
London Health Creation Spring Festival is a virtual festival, led by NE London, and open to everyone working in health and social care across London, with speakers and discussion coming live from the Bromley by Bow Centre
Influence the future as we come through the pandemic:
The programme includes discussion on: fairer systems and healthier places; restoring trust; moving from trauma to healing; kindness; gratitude; relational leadership; commissioning compassionate care; overcoming racism and exclusion; losing the primary/secondary care interface; inclusion health; prescribing clean air and examples of health creation in action!
Regenerating ourselves, our systems, our world.
For easy access and registration, please click here

NHS Big Conversation for Improvement
The NHS Big Conversation for Improvement is taking place on Wednesday 11th and Thursday 12th May 2022. It is a fully virtual (online) space and is open to everyone at no cost to join. You simply need to register in advance.
The Big Conversation will bring people together for a range of interactive discussions, workshops and presentations, giving a space for people to talk through the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, explore continuous improvement opportunities and share fresh insights and ideas on how to promote the improvement of health and care for the benefit of everyone, those who experience services and those who provide them.

Euston Community Engagement Advisor role at Euston with Lendlease.
Application deadline: 2nd May
The candidate would work directly with the Euston Project’s Socio-Economic Development Manager and they welcome applicants from the local community.
For more information, please click here

Volunteering during the pandemic
The latest guidance for Enabling safe and effective volunteering during coronavirus (COVID-19) is available here

Chancellor’s Spring Statement impact on charity sector
Following the Spring Statement from the Chancellor, Pro Bono Economics has released its same-day analysis, looking at the challenges that lie ahead for households accessing charities’ services, estimating the impact on charity finances and the sector’s ability to meet increasing need.
To read the full analysis, please click here

Food insecurity blog series from London Plus: The cost of living & food banks
This blog series from London Plus explores the current cost of living crisis, why this has led to an increase in food bank usage, and the role & capacity of food banks to support Londoners.
Read more here

Google Analytics Update: What this means for charities and other voluntary and community groups
Google has announced that they’re turning off their Universal Analytics Platform next year, replacing it with Google Analytics 4. VOSCUR have written a great blog on what this means for charities and other voluntary and community groups. Read more here.

Have your say in improving stop smoking services in Camden
Camden and Islington Public Health have launched an easy-read survey to hear from residents and service users on current stop smoking services and future needs.
We would like to hear from people who smoke or used to smoke about what support they might want or need to help them stop smoking and what worked for them in the past.
Participants will be entered in a prize draw to win a £50 shopping voucher. The survey will close on Friday 29 April.
Please complete the survey here and/or share with relevant contacts.

Volunteer Centre Camden update
Since 2019 Volunteer Centre Camden is encouraging people who live and work in Camden to be Participactive, through carrying out acts of participation, volunteering or social action to support the community.
Looking to recruit volunteers?
It’s quick and easy to advertise a volunteering role. Simply add it to our online database Simply Connect which is free to use, completely self-service and quick & easy to get started.
Looking to volunteer in Camden?
You can search for a volunteering role 24/7 via Simply Connect on our website, which is entirely self serve and gives you direct contact with the organisations recruiting volunteers.
Alternatively, find out when you can come and see us by checking out the Events page on our website.
DBS Workshop for Volunteer Managers:
Got questions about DBS checks for volunteers? Join us on Tuesday 10th May, 2-3pm for a free online workshop with Kiran Rehal (DBS Regional Outreach Advisor for Greater London). She will explain the purpose of the DBS and how it plays a part in safer recruitment. Book your free place here

Keep in touch and up-to-date via the e-bulletin and @onecamden twitter.

Got an item for the e-bulletin?

Ways to Get Involved

Join us on social media

Watch a short video about our work!

Find out more about our work supporting the community and community groups with this short video.

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Voluntary Action Camden e-Bulletin – 15th April 2022

by Alex Charles15 April 202229 April 2022

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VAC Weekly Newsletter
15th April 2022

Become a Member

Highlights

In this week’s newsletter we spotlight our new Ukraine Response resource page on the VAC website, plus information on the impact of the Chancellor’s Spring Statement on the sector, the London Health Creation Spring Festival and much more from the local area.

Please note that we will be unable to send out a newsletter next week

VAC services spotlight

Camden Ukraine Response: We have complied a list of resources on our website for all Camden residents and voluntary and community groups would would like to assist with the Ukraine Crisis and response efforts.

Click here for the latest updates.

National Lottery Community Fund Invites Dialogue on Future Community Support
Rolling deadline
The Bringing People Together funding can support projects that will build stronger connections across communities, and improve the infrastructure and conditions that are needed to strengthen these connections.
For more details please click here.

NAVCA Funders List

A useful list of small trusts and foundations most useful to small charities.

Lists of Emergency Funders

VCS Ukraine Support Survey
In conjunction with Camden Council, Voluntary Action Camden are in the process of collecting as much information as possible on the capacity of local independent services that can support Ukrainian nationals settling in Camden.
This includes support for urgent and immediate needs, such as links to language communities or counselling support.
If you and your organisation is in a position to support this work, please fill in this short online survey.Chancellor’s Spring Statement impact on charity sector
Following the Spring Statement from the Chancellor, Pro Bono Economics has released its same-day analysis, looking at the challenges that lie ahead for households accessing charities’ services, estimating the impact on charity finances and the sector’s ability to meet increasing need.
To read the full analysis, please click hereLondon Health Creation Spring Festival
Thursday 5th May 9:00-1:00pm
London Health Creation Spring Festival is a virtual festival, led by NE London, and open to everyone working in health and social care across London, with speakers and discussion coming live from the Bromley by Bow Centre
Influence the future as we come through the pandemic:
The programme includes discussion on: fairer systems and healthier places; restoring trust; moving from trauma to healing; kindness; gratitude; relational leadership; commissioning compassionate care; overcoming racism and exclusion; losing the primary/secondary care interface; inclusion health; prescribing clean air and examples of health creation in action!
Regenerating ourselves, our systems, our world.
For easy access and registration, please click here

Camden Coproduction Network Meeting
10-11am on Thursday 28 April 2022
Fulfilling Lives Islington and Camden (FLIC) Co-Production + Multiple Disadvantage:
FLIC is an 8 Year Lottery funded programme ending May 2022. FLIC supports people experiencing multiple disadvantages to affect system change and improve the experience and outcomes for people accessing services.
Learn more and register here
If you have any questions, please email Michael at Camden’s Participation Team Participation@Camden.gov.uk or Bex (FLIC Co-Production Lead + co-facilitator) boldham@shp.org.uk

Ticket offer from The Kiln Theatre
The Kiln Theatre have allocated some £10 and £15 tickets for their 5 Star rated Black Love.
These £10 and £15 tickets are available for all 2.30pm and 7.30pm performances until Saturday 23 April.
To book please call the Box Office on 020 7328 1000 or go online and use the promocode BID.

QCCA Vacancy: Youth Services Manager
Applicaton deadline: Tuesday 19th April at 23.59.
QCCA is recruiting for a new youth services manager. It’s a great opportunity to run one of Camden’s largest youth services and have a voice as part of the charity’s senior management team.
Interviews will take place between 9am-6pm on 21st and 22nd April.
Read a full job description here, or email abdul@qcca.org.uk

Please note
Our newsletter content email address has changed. Please send any information that you would like included in our weekly newsletter to social@vac.org.uk

Local Newsletters:

SHAK
Latin American House
Creative Lives
Healthwatch Camden
Young Camden Foundation
AWN
West Euston Project (WEP)
London S port (sign up)
Forum+
Charity Tax Group
Dragon Hall Newsletter

National

VAC Events

Keep in eye on our Events Calendar to book and for more info.

Voluntary Action Forum 16th March: Community Vaccine Champions Project and Benchmarking Community Building Services
VAC’s most recent forum took place on 16th March where we discussed a new local project sponsored by the Department of Levelling Up Housing & Communities (DLUHC) to reduce inequalities in the uptake of COVID vaccination in Camden.
Hear about the various different activities planned as part of this project, including a new grant programme for organisations, unregistered groups, and local residents. This session was recorded, find out more here

GDPR Training Resources

Past Voluntary Action Forums: Resources

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

More details on the VAC website: https://vac.org.uk/

Community Buildings and the Law
If you have responsibility for safety, and you manage a building which is used by members of the pubic, you will be welcome to attend a lunchtime seminar on the essential safety standards in community buildings on the 28th April 12-2pm. This will cover essential regulations you need to know and comply with, roles and responsibilities in delegating safety, record keeping and evidence.
Please can you sign up to the course here, to receive the Zoom link, and please say a bit about who will be coming.
This is an introductory course – if follow up is required please say at the meeting. Course is delivered by the Ethical Property Foundation for Camden Council. Further courses are coming up soon, please use the same link to book on to them too.Locality Workshops
Locality would like to invite you to a series of impact workshops and mini clinics over the next two months. Each will feature different perspectives on measuring the social impact of your work with an interactive workshop.
Mental Health & Wellbeing / Healthy Place, Healthy weight
21 April 2pm – 3.30pm
Book now
New Deal for Young People
5 May 2pm – 3.30pm
Book now
Good work for all Londoners
25 May 2pm – 3:30pm
Book now
The events are free of charge – funded by City Bridge Trust.
We have a limited number of places for 1-1 mini clinics available. Please contact us if you are interested.
You can sign-up to our Spotlight mailing list here.Castlehaven Community Association upcoming activities
Free Easter Holiday Activities for 8-13 year-olds
Castlehaven Community Association has designed a fantastic programme of activities to engage 8-13 yr olds and beat the holiday boredom.
We’ve got activities for every child to enjoy, from gardening to cooking, martial arts to football, drama to chess. Find out more here and email selina@castlehaven.org.uk to sign-up

Camden4Community GrantFinder Update events
Camden 4 Community funding kit is a database of local, regional, national and international funding opportunities portal. You can register for access to the fully searchable database and to set up a regular bulletin, personalised to relevant search criteria. This event will provide knowledge on what’s new on the portal and how to customise it to receive relevant funding opportunities to your mailbox.
If you already use Camden 4 Community portal, this session will show you what’s new as the user interface is changing soon.
If you never used Camden 4 Community, this session will show you how to register and use the portal.
We are running two one-hour session on the 21st April, please let us know which one you would prefer to attend. To register, please click on your preferred link below.
10am -21st April
2pm – 21st April

Google Careers Training Event for Youth Orgs
21st April 2022, 12:30 – 16:00
Google is hosting a careers workshop for young people (Recommended age: 15+ years ) at their offices in Tottenham Court Road (1 – 13 St Giles High St, London WC2H 8AG). The first session will be with a Google trainer, who will help young people develop essential soft skills needed in work today, followed by a Q&A with Google staffers from across the business – from social media to business analysts. For more information, email riqbal@google.com.
Please note: To join the session, youth organisations will need to send supervising adults to accompany the young people attending. Please fill in this form as spaces are limited.

forum+ is hiring
Local LGBT+ charity forum+ is seeking a Community Engagement Officer. This exciting and highly rewarding new role will be an opportunity to support LGBT residents across Camden and Islington. Community conversations and consultations inform the work of forum+ and the charity are seeking someone who will actively pursue tasks, research and create workshops that will generate community insights and understanding of community expectations, needs and interests.
If you are interested in joining the forum+ team, please email info@forumplus.org.uk. For more information please click here

Clean Break Theatre recruiting for female volunteers
Clean Break Theatre, based in Kentish Town, is currently recruiting for female volunteers. These include:
Female Catering one day a week either on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday 10-2.30pmFemale Gardeners Flexible, part-time. Hours are on a flexible basis but would be approximately 6-8 hours a month
For further information please contact:
volunteering@cleanbreak.org.uk

Love your Neighbour full time Programme Coordinator
Application deadline: 5pm Monday 18th April
North London Cares started in 2011 and currently supports a community network of over 1800 older (65+) and younger neighbours (18+) in Camden and Islington, through our Social Clubs and our friendship matching programme: Love your Neighbour. The role is office based with some remote working, visits will take place across Islington. There are flexible working hours and a Staff counselling service
For more Information please click here or contact hello@northlondoncares.org.uk

Henna Asian Women’s group recruiting x2 Project Support Workers.
Deadline Monday 22nd April 2022, by 5pm.
12 months contract with possibility of extension, depending on funding.
Henna Asian Women’s Group is looking for Individuals, who are quick learners and can take their own initiative. The right candidates will have the admin skills to support the manager to provide an excellent service to women, especially to older women. This role will require you to be supportive and understanding and be able to deal with any issues that may arise confidently.
For more information and an application form please email info@hennaorg.co.uk

Latin American House vacancy
Early Years Practitioner to join the team at Menchú Bilingual Nursery.
Deadline for applications: Saturday 30th April 2022
The post holder must possess CACHE or NVQ Level 2 or above
qualification in Childcare Education. It will not be necessary to speak Spanish, although it is desirable.
For more information and to apply, please click here

Volunteering during the pandemic
The latest guidance for Enabling safe and effective volunteering during coronavirus (COVID-19) is available here

Help with the cost of living
The Mayor of London has launched a new Cost of Living Hub for Londoners facing financial hardship, as a result of spiralling inflation, increases in National Insurance and Council Tax, and the lifting of the energy price cap. The hub helps Londoners access information, support and advice about claiming benefits, dealing with debt, financial management and mental health support.
To learn more and apply, please click hereOpen call for premises proposals
Camden Council and Transport for London are inviting proposals from organisations, social enterprises, start-ups, and others that have ideas to bring a vacant premises in Kilburn to life to the benefit of the neighbourhood.
Interested people are asked write a proposal that responds to the project criteria and Camden Council’s Future High Streets Prospectus.
Find out more and submit a proposal via the Camden Council website.
The deadline for proposals is 29th April 2022.Ticket offer from Sadler’s Wells
For their Family Weekend show The Lost Family Ending by balletLORIENT
The £9 tickets are for performances on:
Fri 15 April: 3pm
Sat 16 April: 11am
Sat 16 April: 3pm
To book your £9 tickets click here and use the promocode TLHE9.

Keep in touch and up-to-date via the e-bulletin and @onecamden twitter.

Got an item for the e-bulletin?

Ways to Get Involved

Join us on social media

Watch a short video about our work!

Find out more about our work supporting the community and community groups with this short video.

Forwarded VAC newsletter by a colleague??

Opt in to receive VAC e-newsletter direct to your inbox

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

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

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Voluntary Action Camden e-Bulletin 8th April 22

by Alex Charles8 April 20228 April 2022

*|MC:SUBJECT|*

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VAC Weekly Newsletter
8th April 2022

Become a Member

Highlights

In this week’s newsletter look out for more information on Camden’s continued Ukraine response, including a reminder to fill in the VCS support survey. There is also information on a new Cost of Living Hub for Londoners facing financial hardship, and more.

VAC services spotlight

Social Prescribing: VAC works in partnership with the North Central London Clinical Commissioning Group to develop social prescribing approaches in Camden.

If you are aged 18 or over and live in Camden and are in need of support, we can help connect you to activities, services and other opportunities to help improve your health and wellbeing.

The Care Navigation and Social Prescribing Service aims to prevent ill health, improve health and wellbeing, and improve how your care is coordinated to help you remain independent, particularly if you are living with a long-term health condition.

Learn more here

VAC administered Google Grants
VAC has been funded by Google to help small organisations get back into the “real world” training / meeting environment.
The intention is to help very small voluntary and community organisations get back into buildings by helping them afford the hire fee, and also assist them with technical advice if they want to run ‘blended’ events and meetings.
Groups can book space for a single event or block book a series of dates for future meetings and events worth up £300 per quarter.
VAC is administering the scheme. Our intention is to keep the process as simple as possible to minimise any administrative burden on the groups, VAC and of course the organisations providing space.
Not all venues are part of the scheme so please do check out our room hire directory here
For more information and to see if your group is eligible visit our website here or contact Ricky at rsingh@vac.org.uk

UK Government Announces ‘Homes for Ukrainian’ Refugees Scheme with ‘Thank You’ Payment to Sponsors
A small monthly payment will be available for UK host families who volunteer to house Ukrainians fleeing their homeland due to the Russian invasion.
Please click here for more details.

We Will Social Action Grant Fund
The Ormiston Trust is a grant giving trust that primarily supports schools and organisations that provide direct assistance to children, young people, and families across England. As a match funder awarding grants on the behalf of the #iwill Fund, the Ormiston Trust is offering open grants of up to £5,000 over a 9 to 12-month period to support the embedding of sustainable youth social action in schools.
Learn more and apply here

Arnold Clark Community Fund Reopens for Spring 2022 Round
The Arnold Clark Community Fund is open to all UK-registered charities and local community groups who fall into the eligibility criteria. The fund is also open to community interest companies, charitable incorporated organisations and social enterprises.
Successful applicants will receive up to £1,000 in financial aid.
Please click here for more details

Camden Council Green Homes Grants
Keeping homes warm over the winter months can be difficult, especially with rising energy bills. The Green Homes Grant may be able to assist by providing funding of up to £10k for homeowners and £5k for landlords to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. The improvements could help save up to £600 a year on energy bills and make homes warmer and more comfortable.
Find out more here

Funding to Equip Disadvantaged People with Communication Skills for Employment
Application Deadline: 2nd May 2022
Grants of up to £5,000 will support a project or running costs for a charity that equips disadvantaged people (aged 18 and over) with the communication skills ready for employment.
To learn more, please click here

See the Funding pages on VAC’s website for all the latest information.
Alternatively, Camden Voluntary and Community groups can contact us for Grant Finder help, please email rsingh@vac.org.uk
Access the Idox Camden 4 Community grant search here.

NAVCA Funders List

A useful list of small trusts and foundations most useful to small charities.

Lists of Emergency Funders

Camden Council’s Community Partnerships Team Ukraine Response update
Since the Ukrainian Resettlement Community Response Meeting, held on 15th March, The Community Partnerships Team have been working with a range of partners to develop Camden’s response – below are the outlines of some key follow-up initiatives.
Arrival Reception and Rest Centre:
An arrival reception and rest centre for people arriving into the UK via St Pancras Station has now been set up. The response included support from Little Village (who provided immediate provisions for households with babies and young children), Urban Community Projects (who provided snacks and refreshments for onward travel) and volunteers who have been providing Ukrainian and Russian language support. There are ongoing meetings with a core group of VCS organisations working in and around St Pancras to develop and refine the support offered.
Ukrainian Nationals Arriving and Settling into Camden
Details on the Homes for Ukraine scheme and matching process are still being developed by central government. Camden Council will have a role in undertaking safeguarding checks and home visits to assess the appropriateness of accommodation, and an ongoing responsibility in terms of the provision of statutory services for those who settle in Camden.
We are working to develop a welcome pack and information pack for Ukrainian nationals settling in the borough and their hosts. This guidance will include information about the immediate steps that people will need to take on arrival into the UK, it will also include information about Camden’s wider community offer.
VCS Support Survey
We’d like this guide to include information about local independent services that can support Ukrainian nationals settling in Camden with urgent and immediate needs such as links to language communities or counselling support. We’re working with Voluntary Action Camden to ask you to provide some information in this short online survey.
Some of our key local issues are to encourage groups and individuals to sign up for the Homes for Ukraine campaign, to support and promote public giving locally – such as the Equality Fund for Refugees from Camden Giving, and internationally – such as the Disasters Emergency Committee campaign.
We also need to promote the donation of medical and humanitarian items which are being collected at points across London, and encourage Ukrainian and Russian speakers to support the welcome team at the arrival points. Fluent speakers wishing to register interest can do so at ‘Help support new arrivals from Ukraine’ here

Help with the cost of living
The Mayor of London has launched a new Cost of Living Hub for Londoners facing financial hardship, as a result of spiralling inflation, increases in National Insurance and Council Tax, and the lifting of the energy price cap. The hub helps Londoners access information, support and advice about claiming benefits, dealing with debt, financial management and mental health support.
To learn more and apply, please click here

Open call for premises proposals
Camden Council and Transport for London are inviting proposals from organisations, social enterprises, start-ups, and others that have ideas to bring a vacant premises in Kilburn to life to the benefit of the neighbourhood.
Interested people are asked write a proposal that responds to the project criteria and Camden Council’s Future High Streets Prospectus.
Find out more and submit a proposal via the Camden Council website.
The deadline for proposals is 29th April 2022.

Community Buildings and the Law
If you have responsibility for safety, and you manage a building which is used by members of the pubic, you will be welcome to attend a lunchtime seminar on the essential safety standards in community buildings on the 28th April 12-2pm. This will cover essential regulations you need to know and comply with, roles and responsibilities in delegating safety, record keeping and evidence.
Please can you sign up to the course here, to receive the Zoom link, and please say a bit about who will be coming.
This is an introductory course – if follow up is required please say at the meeting. Course is delivered by the Ethical Property Foundation for Camden Council. Further courses are coming up soon, please use the same link to book on to them too.

Locality Workshops
Locality would like to invite you to a series of impact workshops and mini clinics over the next two months. Each will feature different perspectives on measuring the social impact of your work with an interactive workshop.
Mental Health & Wellbeing / Healthy Place, Healthy weight
21 April 2pm – 3.30pm
Book now
New Deal for Young People
5 May 2pm – 3.30pm
Book now
Good work for all Londoners
25 May 2pm – 3:30pm
Book now
The events are free of charge – funded by City Bridge Trust.
We have a limited number of places for 1-1 mini clinics available. Please contact us if you are interested.
You can sign-up to our Spotlight mailing list here.

Castlehaven Community Association upcoming activities
Free Easter Holiday Activities for 8-13 year-olds
Castlehaven Community Association has designed a fantastic programme of activities to engage 8-13 yr olds and beat the holiday boredom.
We’ve got activities for every child to enjoy, from gardening to cooking, martial arts to football, drama to chess. Find out more here and email selina@castlehaven.org.uk to sign-up
Zen in mind: a day-long celebration of wellbeing
In honour of Stress Awareness Month, Mind in Camden will be running a day-long wellbeing celebration outside the Castlehaven Community Centre. Drop-in from 11am on the 14th of April to relax, unwind & enjoy free guided meditation, breathwork and sound healing in The Zen Project’s bus. For more information, please click here

Ticket offer from Sadler’s Wells
For their Family Weekend show The Lost Family Ending by balletLORIENT
The £9 tickets are for performances on:
Fri 15 April: 3pm
Sat 16 April: 11am
Sat 16 April: 3pm
To book your £9 tickets click here and use the promocode TLHE9.

Volunteering Partnerships Coordinator job at UCL
Deadline 18/04/2022 at 11.59
We’re on the lookout for a full-time Volunteering Partnerships Coordinator (starting salary £29,802 per annum) to join our well-established Partnerships team in the Volunteering Service. The Volunteering Partnerships Coordinator is responsible for supporting our internal and external partnerships with colleagues across Students’ Union UCL, UCL and the Third Sector.
We’re looking for candidates who’d be able to coordinate our service’s marketing and comms activities, maintain and develop relationships with our stakeholders and oversee our flagship service events.
You’ll be joining a close-knit team of professionals on a permanent basis – with an excellent benefits package and good career development opportunities.
To apply please click here

North London Cares Vacancy: Part Time Outreach Officer (0.5)
Application deadline: 5pm on Tuesday 19th April 2022
We’re excited to be looking for a new Outreach and Engagement Officer to join our dynamic team. In this role, you will work closely with our Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator and our Social Clubs and Love Your Neighbour teams to support older neighbours to join and remain active in our programmes.
For more information and apply, please click here

Latin American House vacancy: Finance Officer OR Finance Manager (depending on experience and qualifications).
Deadline for Applications: Sunday 24th April 2022 at 23:59
The ideal candidate will be responsible for all financial matters at the organisation, including (but not limited to): financial planning and management, accounting, payroll, and fundraising.
To apply or get more information please click here

forum+ is hiring
Local LGBT+ charity forum+ is seeking a Community Engagement Officer. This exciting and highly rewarding new role will be an opportunity to support LGBT residents across Camden and Islington. Community conversations and consultations inform the work of forum+ and the charity are seeking someone who will actively pursue tasks, research and create workshops that will generate community insights and understanding of community expectations, needs and interests.
If you are interested in joining the forum+ team, please email info@forumplus.org.uk. For more information please click here

Please note
Our newsletter content email address has changed. Please send any information that you would like included in our weekly newsletter to social@vac.org.uk

Local Newsletters:

SHAK
Latin American House
Creative Lives
Healthwatch Camden
Young Camden Foundation
AWN
West Euston Project (WEP)
London S port (sign up)
Forum+
Charity Tax Group
Dragon Hall Newsletter

National

VAC Events

Keep in eye on our Events Calendar to book and for more info.

VAC new Community Directory
VAC is pleased to announce the launch of our new Community Directory services for Camden groups.
Our online directories provide a space for voluntary and community groups in Camden to promote their services and activities. Searching the directory then allows residents and other stakeholders in Camden to easily connect with groups and access services and valuable support.
You can search our Directories to find and connect with groups, find community space to rent or hire and find healthy activities and social opportunities in Camden’s green spaces and parks.

Voluntary Action Forum 16th March: Community Vaccine Champions Project and Benchmarking Community Building Services
VAC’s most recent forum took place on 16th March where we discussed a new local project sponsored by the Department of Levelling Up Housing & Communities (DLUHC) to reduce inequalities in the uptake of COVID vaccination in Camden.
Hear about the various different activities planned as part of this project, including a new grant programme for organisations, unregistered groups, and local residents. This session was recorded, find out more here

GDPR Training Resources

Past Voluntary Action Forums: Resources

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

More details on the VAC website: https://vac.org.uk/

WEP Is Closing
It is with huge regret that we have to announce that West Euston Project (formerly West Euston Partnership) has closed. Our organisation was established in 1992. We are very proud of the services that we offered to Camden residents since our inception. Sadly, we have been unable to survive in these financially challenging times. We would like to send our heartfelt thanks everyone that has engaged with our organisation over the last three decades.

Camden4Community GrantFinder Update events
Camden 4 Community funding kit is a database of local, regional, national and international funding opportunities portal. You can register for access to the fully searchable database and to set up a regular bulletin, personalised to relevant search criteria. This event will provide knowledge on what’s new on the portal and how to customise it to receive relevant funding opportunities to your mailbox.
If you already use Camden 4 Community portal, this session will show you what’s new as the user interface is changing soon.
If you never used Camden 4 Community, this session will show you how to register and use the portal.
We are running two one-hour session on the 21st April, please let us know which one you would prefer to attend. To register, please click on your preferred link below.
10am -21st April
2pm – 21st April

NHS Big Conversation for Improvement
The NHS Big Conversation for Improvement is taking place on Wednesday 11th and Thursday 12th May 2022. It is a fully virtual (online) space and is open to everyone at no cost to join. You simply need to register in advance.
The Big Conversation will bring people together for a range of interactive discussions, workshops and presentations, giving a space for people to talk through the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, explore continuous improvement opportunities and share fresh insights and ideas on how to promote the improvement of health and care for the benefit of everyone, those who experience services and those who provide them.

Google Careers Training Event for Youth Orgs
21st April 2022, 12:30 – 16:00
Google is hosting a careers workshop for young people (Recommended age: 15+ years ) at their offices in Tottenham Court Road (1 – 13 St Giles High St, London WC2H 8AG). The first session will be with a Google trainer, who will help young people develop essential soft skills needed in work today, followed by a Q&A with Google staffers from across the business – from social media to business analysts. For more information, email riqbal@google.com.
Please note: To join the session, youth organisations will need to send supervising adults to accompany the young people attending. Please fill in this form as spaces are limited.

The Zen Project and Mind in Camden present the launch of monthly mental health festivals in Camden.
Thursday April 14th, 11-4pm – Castlehaven Community centre.
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. Free food, massage, mindfulness sessions and more. Climb on board our big yellow American school bus and take part in one of our activities to help create some calm and ease anxiety. We have something for everyone. No need to book – just turn up. More information here.

Cervical screening campaign
In April, the NHS will have teams of healthcare professionals and volunteers sharing information with women and people with a cervix about how, where and why to get a cervical screening – a free test that helps to prevent cervical cancer.
If you’d like a healthcare professional to come along and talk about cervical screenings at events happening in April, please contact Patricia Macauley, Director of MMC (Multi Cultural Marketing Consultancy), who is working with the NHS. Email Patricia at patricia@mmc-uk.co.uk or call 07932709312.

London Funders webinars
In March & April, London Funders are hosting 3 webinars to mark 2 years since lockdown 1 began.
For more details on session 2 please click here

Umoja Health Forum looking to recruit Volunteer Organisers
Umoja Health Forum is a voluntary organisation which leads thirteen small African organisations from Sub – Saharan Africa, providing health and social care, addressing both physical and mental health.
We are looking to recruit Volunteer Organisers for different projects, which involve planning a variety of weekly activities for local residents.
These include promoting and delivering projects, recruiting local residents, general managing, monitoring and reporting on project work.
All volunteer travel and expenses paid.
Interested candidates should email Umoja at: umojahealthforum54@gmail.com or call Chikwaba Oduka on 07970418893, to express their interest or find out more.

Clean Break Theatre recruiting for female volunteers
Clean Break Theatre, based in Kentish Town, is currently recruiting for female volunteers. These include:
Female Catering one day a week either on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday 10-2.30pmFemale Gardeners Flexible, part-time. Hours are on a flexible basis but would be approximately 6-8 hours a month
For further information please contact:
volunteering@cleanbreak.org.uk

Love your Neighbour full time Programme Coordinator
Application deadline: 5pm Monday 18th April
North London Cares started in 2011 and currently supports a community network of over 1800 older (65+) and younger neighbours (18+) in Camden and Islington, through our Social Clubs and our friendship matching programme: Love your Neighbour. The role is office based with some remote working, visits will take place across Islington. There are flexible working hours and a Staff counselling service
For more Information please click here or contact hello@northlondoncares.org.uk

Henna Asian Women’s group recruiting x2 Project Support Workers.
Deadline Monday 22nd April 2022, by 5pm.
12 months contract with possibility of extension, depending on funding.
Henna Asian Women’s Group is looking for Individuals, who are quick learners and can take their own initiative. The right candidates will have the admin skills to support the manager to provide an excellent service to women, especially to older women. This role will require you to be supportive and understanding and be able to deal with any issues that may arise confidently.
For more information and an application form please email info@hennaorg.co.uk

Coram’s Fields OSC vacancies
Playworker
Hours: 20hrs p/w term-time / 35hrs p/w during school holiday periods
The Play Worker role is an integral part of Coram’s Fields Play Service team, providing high quality childcare within our established weekly Out of School Club (OSC) provision and Holiday Schemes.
How to Apply: Please visit our website to download an application form.
Applications should be emailed to Ed May: ed.may@coramsfields.org.uk by Monday 11th April
Coram’s Fields OSC Sessional Playworker
Hours: Varied, anticipated up to 35 hours during school holidays and as and when required during term time.
This role will form an integral part of Coram’s Fields Play Service team, providing flexible support to our established weekly OSC provision and Holiday Schemes.
How to Apply: Please visit our website to download an application form.
Applications should be emailed to Ed May: ed.may@coramsfields.org.uk by Monday 11th April

Age UK Camden vacancy: Finance Director – Interim Cover
Part-time (28 hours per week)
Age UK Camden are recruiting to this post on a permanent basis, we are also looking for an interim cover with immediate availability. (Please specify which contract type you are applying for)
This vital role has overall responsibility for the effective financial management of the Age UK Camden Group (Age UK Camden and its subsidiaries). You will contribute to the overall development of the organisation’s growth and development and be key in the risk management and mitigation.
For more information and to apply, please click here

Latin American House vacancy
Early Years Practitioner to join the team at Menchú Bilingual Nursery.
Deadline for applications: Saturday 30th April 2022
The post holder must possess CACHE or NVQ Level 2 or above
qualification in Childcare Education. It will not be necessary to speak Spanish, although it is desirable.
For more information and to apply, please click here

Volunteering during the pandemic
The latest guidance for Enabling safe and effective volunteering during coronavirus (COVID-19) is available here

Camden Giving Equality Fund: Open for expressions of interest
The Camden Giving Equality Fund 2022 will provide flexible funding to small charities and social enterprises who are actively bringing together people from different backgrounds to create communities. A panel of 12 Camden residents will award 2 year grants of £30,000 in June 2022 and welcome your expression of interest.

Volunteer Centre Camden update
Since 2019 Volunteer Centre Camden is encouraging people who live and work in Camden to be Participactive, through carrying out acts of participation, volunteering or social action to support the community.
Looking to recruit volunteers?
It’s quick and easy to advertise a volunteering role. Simply add it to our online database Simply Connect which is free to use, completely self-service and quick & easy to get started.
Looking to volunteer in Camden?
You can search for a volunteering role 24/7 via Simply Connect on our website, which is entirely self serve and gives you direct contact with the organisations recruiting volunteers.
Alternatively, find out when you can come and see us by checking out the Events page on our website.
Camden & Islington Volunteering Fair:
Want to volunteer in Camden and Islington? Book your free place for Volunteer Centre Camden and Volunteer Centre Islington’s online volunteering fair on Thursday 7th April at 12.30pm and meet organisations recruiting volunteers now. Organisations will ‘pitch’ their volunteering roles in a Dragon’s Den style. Register here
DBS Workshop for Volunteer Managers:
Got questions about DBS checks for volunteers? Join us on Tuesday 10th May, 2-3pm for a free online workshop with Kiran Rehal (DBS Regional Outreach Advisor for Greater London). She will explain the purpose of the DBS and how it plays a part in safer recruitment. Book your free place here

NCS Seek Venue in Camden
Groundwork London are funded to run 1 summer programme in Camden. They are interested in finding a large venue in the borough to host the NCS.
The ideal requirements would include: one large hall for up to 100 people, 1-2 breakaway rooms or spaces, access to a prayer room or an separate space which could be used as a prayer room. Plus WiFi, access to drinking water, car park spaces, a lockable storage space and wheelchair accessibility throughout.
Access would be need predominately between 9:00-17:00. Please contact NCSvenues@groundwork.org.uk if you are able to host such an event or to make further enquiries.

Call for VCS organisations that can deliver cooking sessions in and around Holborn Area.
Organisations in/around Holborn with access to a kitchen are needed to facilitate community cooking sessions for Afghan Refugees who are currently in bridging hotels.
Interested organisations will need to complete a trauma informed training and cultural awareness session which are being delivered by Hopscotch Women’s Centre (2 hours).
Organisations must be able to supply their own tutor and run classes for up to 10-12 people. Ideally, organisations will also need to provide children activities/a creche worker as adults tend to have children with them that they can’t leave alone.
Small grants of up to £3k are available for organisations that are interested in doing this work. For more information, please contact: vcs@camden.gov.uk.

Purpose built Community Centre available September 2022
Camden Council are looking for charities and voluntary organisations to express their interest to run a brand new community centre in Maitland Park.
This new community space is over 3,500 square foot and features:
   •   a café-style dining area with a domestic type kitchenette and office/reception space with storage
   •   a large hall (1180sf) that can be divided into 2 studio spaces
   •   meeting rooms: 1 large room with a kitchenette, 1 small meeting room and a toilet
   •   central hallway/corridor space with 4 toilets
   •   a community garden
Camden Council are seeking an organisation/ group who will use the space in collaboration with the local community, managing the use and letting of the hall and meetings rooms for local community benefit alongside your own business.
Further information, including floor-plans, particulars and application process can be found here. For any further questions regarding this space please email maitlandparkspace@camden.gov.uk

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