VAC Weekly Newsletter
23rd July 2021 |
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| VAC Appoints New Chair; Some Resources now that restrictions have eased; Community Review Panel for Euston; Walk-in Vaccination Details; Camden Youth Offer Survey; London’s First Mosque Talk; Hilgrove Creates; Camden Summer Offer; AntiUniversity Festival; Join the Patient Advisory Group + Newsletters + Resources + funding + jobs + volunteers & more |
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Appointment of new VAC Chair
VAC is very pleased to welcome Benaifer Bhandari as its new Chair of Trustees. She brings considerable knowledge of Camden organisations and understanding of the needs of Camden citizens to the role, as well as extensive leadership experience in the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector, as both a Trustee and Chief Executive. Benaifer will lead VAC at this crucial time as the organisation, its members and supporters seek to recover and thrive as we move beyond the pandemic. Her position was confirmed at the VAC July 2021 Board meeting, where thanks were given to the outgoing Chair, Julie Christie-Webb, for her many years of leadership and contribution to VAC.
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Restrictions Ease Now and Furlough Ends in September
From 1 August to 30 September (when the furlough scheme ends) the Govt will pay 60% of employees’ wages for hours not worked, up to £1,875. Employers must continue to pay the difference to ensure #furloughed employees receive at least 80% of their usual wages up to a cap of £2.5k a month. See Charity Tax Group.
The Charity Retail Association has produced some useful guidelines on things to think about if you have premises as restrictions ease. Decisions on risk are now down to organisations to determine now that legal restrictions have been lifted. There may be anxiety for staff, volunteers and users coming out of lockdown. Staff and volunteers may be feeling burnt out. Ask people what they are comfortable with, on an individual basis – give people the space and the confidence to say “No” if they are unhappy with the level of risk. Fresh air and ventilation are important. The NHS have 11 tips to cope with anxiety about coming out of lockdown.
Be a part of the Community Review Panel for Euston
The Euston Partnership are inviting local residents, businesses and community organisations to take part in a Community Review Panel for Euston. The new panel will form part of the new joined up delivery arrangements at Euston, providing community representatives with the opportunity to feed into the Governance and decision making process.
The panel will bring together community representatives, including resident groups, business and voluntary sector groups, and give them the opportunity to be closer to and influence decision making. The panel will meet every two months and those selected will be offered training and paid £10.85 per hour. Find out more and apply at the Camden Council website.
Walk-in COVID-19 vaccination events near you this week
For the full list, visit camden.gov.uk/getting-the-vaccine. These are all free services for anyone aged 18+. You don’t need to be registered with a GP or have an NHS number to be vaccinated. You won’t be asked for proof of ID, address or immigration status.
Camden Youth Offer survey
The Council is asking young people aged 12 to 18 what they do in their spare time to help ensure the Council, our voluntary and community sector partners and other local amenities, including parks, galleries & museums, have the right activities and services available for them as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
If you’re aged 12 to 18 – or you know / work with young people who are – there’s a short online survey for young people to complete and an optional prize draw for the chance to win a £50 voucher. The survey closes on 18 September.
London’s First Mosque
3rd August at 6pm. London’s first mosque was established in 1895 within what is now Camden.
In this illustrated talk Abdul Maalik Tailor, Britain’s first professionally qualified Muslim Tour Guide, tells its story and examines other key Muslim history of the borough. Details and booking at Eventbrite.
‘Hilgrove Creates’
A series of free arts workshops run by artists on the Hilgrove estate, open to any and all Camden residents.
From sculpture to script-writing, music production to theatre performance, we have a bunch of exciting workshops planned for Camden residents this August and September. Each art form will have four workshops, which are completely free to attend! Find out more and sign up to them here.
Discover what Camden has on offer this summer
After a year like no other, the school summer holiday is here. Camden Council, Camden Learning, Young Camden Foundation, other local voluntary and community sector partners, schools, early years services and local venues, including the British Library and British Museum, are excited about offering children, young people and families an amazing range of free and low cost activities for ages 0 to 19. Activities for families, children + young people, ages 0-19. Full details here.
AntiUniversity Festival 2021
4-12 September. New and returning Antiuni organisers are invited to chat about your event ideas, ask questions, share suggestions and find solutions together.
London North, 6 August, 7-9pm @ Cooperation Town
19-37 Highgate Road NW5 1JY Register here
Culture, Power and Politics, Summer 2021 Programme.
Apply to participate in a ‘Patient Advisory Group’ (PAG)
‘COVID-19, chronic conditions and disabilities’ project is looking for 5-9 potential collaborator patient partners. The project aims to look at how disabled people from different minority groups within the UK have been affected by the pandemic, who have a range of long term physical and mental health conditions and/or different impairments. The communities we would like to involve include those with heritage from the following regions: South Asia, Southeast Asia, The Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Central and Eastern Europe, including undocumented migrants from those regions too.
The study also conceptualises ‘disability’ very broadly. The commitment is over 18 months and participants will be paid £150 per day. Contact the project here.
Newsletters
Think and Do
Camden Carers
Small Green Shoots
Coram’s Fields
Camden Disabled Voices
Transition Kentish Town
Young Camden Foundation
West Euston Partnership
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How many Olympics does it take to repay £425m?
It’s been nearly 10 years and two Olympics since the London Olympic and Paralympic Games. Despite all the good vibes and volunteering spirit around London 2012, it’s not well understood that Britain’s charities and community groups sacrificed hugely to make these events successful. And nearly a decade on, they’re still waiting for the UK Government to make good on a promise to repay a massive debt.
Charities warned about fraud risk after data breach at National Lottery Community Fund
Personal details linked to thousands of charities could be at risk following a data breach at the National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF).
The data includes the names, dates of birth and bank details (NOT PINs, Passwords or Card details) of people who applied for funds from NLCF’s UK portfolio, England funding or Building Better Opportunities programme between September 2013 and December 2019. Full details at Civil Society.
So-called ‘Freedom Day’ raises as many questions as answers
What does ‘Freedom Day’ really mean for charities in the UK? Jay Kennedy, takes a look into how this day might affect you and your organisation. |
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See the Funding pages on VAC’s website for all the latest information.
Access the Idox Camden 4 Community grant search here.
Community Ideas Grants – Launch of a new Walking and Cycling Grants
Thursday 5th August from 5pm – 6pm
The Community Ideas Grants will be available to smaller community groups, charities and social enterprises who may not have applied for a grant before. Applicants select from a list of pre-approved project ideas to deliver in their community, and will receive further support throughout the application and the project delivery period.
This launch event will share details about the scheme and how to apply, detail what support is available, give you an idea of the project ideas. Register here
We Make Camden Social Action Fund
Camden Giving has been awarded £90,000* to deliver the We Make Camden Social Action Fund. Organisations and individuals can apply for grants of £500-£1,500 for initiatives that support:
~ Social Action in the 4 mission areas (see below)
~ Social Cohesion
~ Local responses and solutions to challenges/ issues/ needs
In addition to the small grants, people can access support to apply, and you don’t need to be an incorporated community group or organisation to apply.
The “We Make Camden Kit” gives money and support to Camden residents and community groups who have great ideas for their communities.
Residents and community groups can apply via Camden Giving’s website to receive up to £1,500 to deliver ideas that contribute to four core themes, also known as Camden’s missions:
~ Food poverty and sustainability
~ Diversity in positions of power
~ Health and sustainability of estates
~ Opportunities for young people
Grow Back Greener Fund now open
Grants between £10,000 and £75,000 are available across two themes: access to green space, and climate adaptation and water, to support local projects that will help create community gardens, revitalise parks, plant trees, create wildlife habitat, restore waterways and turn grey spaces into green. The fund will prioritise locations with poor access to green space and high vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. Find out more and how to apply here.
Projects must be completed by November 2022.
Applications must be submitted by 5:00pm on Monday 13 September.
Shared Endeavour Fund 2021/22
If you are a Civil Society organisation working in London and wish to deliver projects that tackle racism, hate, intolerance, extremism, or radicalisation, then find out more and see if you could apply for funding.
Applications may be submitted before the deadline of 9am on 3rd August 2021. You can find full details here
Future Changemakers Fund – Deadline Sunday!
The Future Changemakers Fund panel will consider projects which will improve the safety of Camden’s young people aged 16-25, with a focus on:
1. Providing opportunities for young people to have positive and relatable role models or mentors.
2. Skills and Employment opportunities to improve mental health, life skills and career progression.
Grants are up to £10,000. Applications can be made directly to Camden Giving
Strengthening Civil Society programme
New Barings funding to support expert legal ‘hub’ organisations. The funding is designed to help hub organisations to scale their activities to enable them to work with more civil society organisations to challenge discrimination and disadvantage and create long-term social change. Details here.
Lloyds Bank Foundation Racial Equity funding
Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales is to launch its Racial Equity funding for small and local charities that are led by and that support Black, Asian, and ethnic minority communities. Charities can apply for two-year unrestricted grants of £50,000 alongside development support. Full details here.
NAVCA Funders List
A useful list of small trusts and foundations most useful to small charities.
Lists of Emergency Funders
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VAC Events
Keep in eye on our Events Calendar to book and for more info.
Camden Voluntary Action Forum
The forum is open to all Camden voluntary and community groups and organisations, community activists, social entrepreneurs, volunteers and anyone interested in local voluntary action. The Forum currently meets monthly online on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 11am.
The Forum is taking a break in August – the next forum is on Wednesday 15th September at 11am Book forums here.
Past Voluntary Action Forums: Resources
You can find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here.
Safeguarding Courses:
Check back for details soon
More details on the VAC website: https://vac.org.uk/events/ |
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Disabled Camden Residents to Steer CIL
A new Steering Group, for Disabled Camden Residents, will drive forward the mission and values for the Greenwood Centre for Independent Living
Please share and encourage disabled residents to contact CDA and be part of shaping the Greenwood Centre for the future.
The meeting will take place online on Thursday 29th July at 2pm until 4.30pm. Full details here. Email Brendan Brendan@camdendisabilityaction.org.uk
Have your say on Euston’s parks and open spaces!
Camden Council is currently updating the Euston Area Plan, a planning policy framework, which sets a long term vision for the area, including helping to ensure that development in the area meets community needs. Details here.
Four Day Peer Mentor Training course
Thursday 5th & Friday 6th August & Thursday 12th & Friday 13th August
From 10am until 4:30pm, venue London Irish Centre, 50-52 Camden Square, London NW1 9XB
Our peer mentors use their own lived experiences of mental health to support someone else to achieve positive changes in their lives.
To reserve your place or request further information drop an email to
camden.peermentoring@voiceability.org or call Lucy 07776769315 or Antoinette 07770012961
Talk For Health – What’s On
Talk for Health is a social enterprise that demystifies effective therapeutic talk, making it accessible to all. We make group peer to peer counselling something we can all do – whether for our own wellbeing, to help others, or both. Find out what’s on at Eventbrite.
Time to Spare Wednesday Webinars
Full details and sign up at Eventbrite.
Elfrida Rathbone Camden Leighton College
The Elfrida Rathbone Camden Leighton College is a specialist education provision for young people with a mild to moderate learning disability aged 16-24. Leighton College is based in Kentish Town, Camden and accepts students from any London Borough.
We are open for applications from students (who must have an Education, Health and Care Plan) for a September 2021 start date and we are able to support transitions from secondary school or other colleges to the Leighton College.
For more information contact Samantha Childs, ERC Education Manager, at samantha@elfridacamden.org.uk or on 07917/ 193 885 / 020 7424 1617.
Sands United FC
If you’re affected by the loss of a child, there’s a team waiting for you to join. Contact Sands, the Stillbirth and neonatal death charity. sufclondon@gmail.com
Good Conversations in Challenging Times – MECC skills online training
New dates for July and August available to book now
An online course ideal for anyone that talks to people about Covid-19 related issues. Also a specific course for conversations about the Covid-19 vaccine, particularly where people may be unsure or unmotivated to take it. Free to attend for anyone who works, volunteers or lives in Camden or Islington.
The Caraf Centre Holiday Play Scheme
Play Scheme- Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5.30pm
£6 per day. Age: 5 to 8 year olds. Limited spaces
To register contact: Indira Vyas at The Caraf Centre, 27-30 Cheriton, Queen’s Crescent, London NW5 4EZ. Phone: 020 7 284 0030 ext: 1 email: sunshine@thecarafcentre.org.uk www.thecarafcentre.co.uk
Uprising Stand Out
Uprising are running 4-week online employment support programme Stand Out. The programme will run from July 26th. The programme combines an intensive daily month-long online curriculum with up to a year of mentoring for each participant, designed to help young people in a competitive job market.
Further information and booking at https://www.uprising.org.uk/stand-out
Sahaja Yoga Meditation (Free)
The method of Sahaja Yoga is unique: Through the experience of Kundalini awakening, the process of going into thoughtless awareness is completely spontaneous and does not require any kind of mental control. The effects of true meditation are long-lasting and increase with regular practice.
Meetup page: https://www.meetup.com/Free-Meditation-Yoga-London/events/xfhrdsyccgbcc/
C&I Recovery College Summer term course guide
Recovery College runs until 16 July. Courses will be online using Microsoft Teams, with some courses also available as Youtube videos. Full details here.
The Camden Safeguarding Children Partnership
Virtual safeguarding training programme for Summer Term 2021 including Engaging Fathers in Safeguarding; Understanding Early Help in Camden; Contributing to Child Protection Case Conferences; Child Exploitation and many more. Full programme here.
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SHAK are looking for a new treasurer
SHAK are looking for a trustee who is resident to the area.
The Treasurer will have responsibilities to Oversee the financial affairs of the organisation and ensure they are legal, constitutional and
within accepted accounting practice, and to ensure proper records are kept and that effective financial procedures are in place.
Full details and how to apply on the SHAK website. The deadline for applications is: Monday 30th August by CV and covering letter. Further information from John Boyle jboyle@shakonline.co.uk
MIND in Camden are advertising Two Posts
Community Mental Health Recovery Support Worker – both full and part time roles are available
Senior Community Mental Health Recovery Support Worker – full time, 35 hours per week
Details of both jobs can be found on the website here: www.mindincamden.org.uk/work-for-us
The closing date for all applications is at 10.00am on 2nd August 2021
Introduction to Coffee Skills
Start learning about careers in hospitality and coffee, in this fun, practical, introductory course. 4 days of hands-on coffee training; Lunches & travel provided; CV development support. For residents of borough of Camden Aged 18 – 24, Unemployed and Not in training or education
Assessment Day: 4th August. Training: 9th, 10th, 11th & 13th August
You must be available for all dates
To Apply complete the application form before Monday, 2nd August
For more information, please contact info@wellgroundedjobs.co.uk
Casa Latina seeks Immigration Advisor
Latin American House is hiring for an In-House Immigration Advisor/Solicitor who will be part of our Legal and Social Advice Services Department.
The post holder will be qualified to provide the service and will hold at least Level 2 (advice and assistance) Registration with the Office of the Immigration services Commissioner. More information here.
Deadline for applications is Thursday 12th of August 2021.
Retail Manager (Age UK Camden Charity Boutiques)
£23,361 35 hours per week (full time) Closing date: Monday 26th July 5 pm
To manage our charity shop and associated retail activities including Pop-ups & E-Commerce with commercial acumen and entrepreneurial skills.
The organisation has a vision to grow our Retail function to increase income and community support.
To Apply and for more information please click on here.
Latin American House is looking for an EUSS Applications Officer
The post holder will be qualified to provide the service, and will at least have the Level 1 (Level 1 EUSS only is accepted for this post) of advice and assistance according to the OISC. The candidate will be able to speak Spanish and/or Portuguese at a conversational level. Deadline 1st August.
Follow the link to apply: https://casalatina.org.uk/get-involved/vacancies/
Mind in Camden are Recruiting
Senior Community Mental Health Recovery Support Worker
Suit supportive and proactive leader to join our community service as a Senior Mental Health Recovery Support Worker. The post involves direct work with service users, supervising a small team of staff and working in partnership with colleagues across different sectors in Camden.
Salary: £29,638 Hours: full time (35 hrs)
Community Mental Health Recovery Support Workers
Self-motivated, caring, and dynamic Recovery Support Workers to join our community service. You’ll be primarily responsible for supporting people to identify and meet their self-defined needs and aspirations, to understand the range of options available to them and to support and connect them with appropriate community resources and services.
Salary: £23,469 (pro rata for part time staff) Hours: full time (35 hrs) and part time (21 or 17.5 hrs) roles available
Closing Date for both jobs: 02/08/21 at 10.00am
Download an application pack at https://www.mindincamden.org.uk/work-for-us, or phone 020 7911 0822 (24hrs), or email recruitment@mindincamden.org.uk
Calthorpe Community Garden, Seeks Chair
Calthorpe Community Garden exists to improve the physical and emotional wellbeing of the local community. We are seeking a Chair who is a seasoned professional with outstanding communication skills and a strong steer on governance. This is an important role and an opportunity to make a positive difference by supporting and enhancing a local community by helping to deliver services as we embark on a period of development to transform our provision for years to come. For a full job description please email: calthorpetrustees@gmail.com. Closing date: 5pm on Friday 20 August 2021.
COVID-19 Health Champions
Join the COVID-19 Health Champion movement to get the latest advice and guidance about COVID-19 so that you can help and share the information with your community, and let us know what is and isn’t working. You can access trusted information through regular updates and weekly online drop-in sessions about the vaccine, testing and more.
If you work, live or volunteer in Camden, simply complete the form here to sign up! If you’ve got questions, email CHC@islington.gov.uk.
Hopscotch Homecare needs Care Workers.
Hopscotch Homecare are a very caring,well-established and expanding care agency that has been providing care workers to clients in and around Camden for 20 years. We are looking for care workers who would like to help our clients to continue living safely and independently in their own homes.
Day/Night hours available and must be able to work at least two late shifts a week and alternate weekends Contact:recruitment@hopscotchawc.org.uk
Paid work opportunities for people who have been laid off/ reduced income
Local Adult social care providers are still recruiting, and as they support the NHS to move vulnerable adults out of hospital to stay well at home, their need is growing. Contact Proud to Care.
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Covid-19 vaccination programme
Covid vaccinations now open to all adults over 18.
The vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and those around you.
You can book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment without needing an invitation letter.
There are walk-in COVID-19 vaccination clinics running across North Central London and some clinics have evening appointments. You can visit a walk-in clinic or book an appointment at www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination or by calling 119.
Further information is available here.
Supporting People with Long-Covid in Camden
The Camden team support people with signs & symptoms lasting for longer than 12 weeks (NICE) to be diagnosed as Long-Covid. They may occur in conjunction with other conditions. Referrals need to come from GP’s or the Post-Covid clinic at UCLH. They should be sent to, camdenreferrals.cnwl@nhs.net
The Long-Covid team consists of Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy with a Rehab Assistant to support and access to psychology if required.
Contact Rob Clarke on rob.clarke6@nhs.net for any information or enquiries.
Google Career Certificates
Camden, Google and Coursera are offering free professional training to 500 Camden residents.
There are four programmes to choose from: IT Support, Data Analysis, Project Management and UX Design. You don’t need any experience or a degree to take part in a course, just an interest in starting a new career.
Residents can register for the free courses here
Keeping The Community Directory Up-to-date
As we enter Autumn lots is changing. Buildings are starting to re-open, some activities are moving back into the real world, some food parcel deliveries have ended, while other food projects continue. Help us to keep the directory up-to-date by updating your details as they change.
If you would like to make a new entry in the directory use this link. If you would like to update an existing entry look out for an email from us early next week with a unique link for you to update.
View the Directory here. View the map 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
Keep in touch and up-to-date via the e-bulletin and @onecamden twitter. We have a comprehensive COVID-19 update page and a resources page.
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| Got an item for the e-bulletin? |
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| Send your item to knunan@vac.org.uk or info@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. |
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| Watch a short video about our work! |
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| Find out more about our work supporting the community and community groups with this short video. |
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