VAC Weekly Newsletter
10th August 2018 |
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| Free Health and Safety Training; Training for Direct Payment Users; Young People’s Views on Health in Camden; October Volunteering Fair; City Lit Open Day; Henna Ageing Better Programme; Governmnet Launches Civil Society Strategy + training, events, funding opportunities, jobs, volunteering, trustees and more |
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Free Health and Safety Courses
VAC and London Hazards Centre are offering two free health and safety courses in September that are tailored to community groups:
Health and Safety Essentials
Wednesday, 19th September 10:00 am – 1:00
Basic Risk Assessment training
Wednesday, 26th September 10:00 am – 1:00
Full details at the VAC Training Calendar. |
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Employer training for Direct Payment users
Many service users choose to use their Direct Payment to employ their own staff. PSIC is pleased to announce that in conjunction with Camden Disability Action, we have been awarded funding by Skills for Care to provide training for Direct Payment users who are, or wish to become, employers.
We provided similar training last year and it was very warmly received with a good take up.
We hope to run sessions from late September through to early November, and will be providing fuller information to service users shortly. Or you can contact PSIC here. Read the full PSIC Newsletter here.
Young people’s views on healthcare provision in Camden
To find out the health and social care issues of young people aged fifteen to sixteen in Camden and also to find out how they like to be communicated with by health professionals and teachers Healthwatch Camden devised a Youth Social Media campaign week. It is a pilot campaign using videos developed by school children from William Ellis School and LaSWAP sixth form consortium.
October Volunteering Fair
Looking to recruit volunteers in Camden or Islington?
Bookings are now open for the Volunteer Centre Camden Supersized Volunteering Fair on Wednesday 31st October, 12-2pm.
This fair is co-hosted with Volunteer Centre Islington and takes place in King’s Cross at Voluntary Action Islington on Pentonville Road.
This is open to all voluntary organisations that have volunteering in Camden, Islington and their borders.
City Lit’s Open Day – Communities Programmes
Friday 7th September at 10:30am – 12:30pm
Room 502 (5th floor), City Lit, Keeley Street, WC2
A chance to hear about City Lit programmes that are specifically designed for local communities including ESOL, maths, English, digital skills, health and social care, British Sign Language, family learning, stammering therapy, lipreading, courses for Deaf learners and courses for people with learning disabilities.
Henna and Ageing Better in Camden – Art, Freedom and Creativity for over 60’s women
Ageing Better in Camden is a partnership of older people and agencies in Camden working closely together to tackle the social isolation and loneliness that many older people in the Borough experience. Working in partnership with Henna Asian Women’s Group the Art, Freedom and Creativity project will allow older women, at risk from or experiencing social isolation to become more involved in their communities, and provide stronger support to each other.
This two-year programme will provide 6 weekly workshops, the workshops will include activities such as Gardening, Singing, Creative Writing, Painting, Exercise, Cooking, I.T sessions, Crochet, Memory Lane storytelling etc
For information call Henna’s office on 0207 3729860 or email Henna staff on hennaasianwomengroup@gmail.com or Rafat_hennaorg@yahoo.co.uk
Camden Disability Action
Catch up with the latest news from Camden Disability Action.
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Government publishes Civil Society Strategy
Slipped out in August the government’s Civil Society Strategy promises that it will “build stronger communities by bringing together businesses, charities and the public sector”.
Key announcements include plans to unlock £20m from dormant charitable accounts and distribute it to community trusts and commitments to support corporate social responsibility, improve the take-up of the Social Value Act, and renewed commitments to grants and the principles of the Compact.
The government has pledged “a revival of grant-making” as part of its aim to “broaden the range of funding options for community initiatives.” The strategy says it will takes steps to tackle the unpopular market model for public service commissioning and aims to strengthen the Social Value Act and will look at expanding it to apply to grants and other areas of public decision making such as planning and community asset transfer.
NCVO said that the strategy was an “encouraging start” but said the government could do more to help community groups. NCVO have a summary here. More reporting at Civil Society.
LGA launches own green paper as adult social care reaches breaking point
The Local Government Association has launched a nationwide consultation to kick-start a desperately-needed debate on how to pay for adult social care and rescue the services caring for older and disabled people from collapse. Read the The Lives We Want To Lead: The Green Paper for Adult Social Care and Wellbeing |
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| The Council’s Funding Bulletin has been replaced by Camden 4 Community
See the Funding pages on VAC’s website for all the latest information.
Building stronger communities – Origin Crowdfunder
Crowdfunder and Origin Housing are bringing people together to build stronger communities in North London and Hertfordshire. Origin could pledge 50% of your funding target up to £1,000 – a boost that’s sure to help you get funded. We are experimenting with different ways to support projects; each project is unique and may benefit from a boost at different points in their campaign.
Skinners’ Company (Lady Neville Charity)
The Lady Neville Charity provides grants that will make a clear and significant contribution to grass-roots charitable organisations working in designated priority areas. Current priorities are: Local Heritage projects, Performing and Visual Arts Groups, Communities where the Skinners Company has existing work or historical links and London Boroughs of Camden, particularly Kings Cross. Deadline: 14/09/2018
People’s Postcode Trust
Round 2 is now open. Projects can be up to 12 months in length. Priority areas:
~ Employability development programmes
~ The promotion of human rights through combatting discrimination
~ Poverty prevention
Stage 1: August 1st – August 15th
Stage 2: September 5th – September 19th
Full details and how to apply on the People’s Postcode Trust website.
Mayor of London’s Greener City Fund Community Green Space Grants
Applications are now open for round two of the Mayor of London’s Greener City Fund Community Green Space Grants, for projects taking place between Jan 2019 and Jan 2020. Applications close at 5pm on Monday 1 October 2018.
Funding between £5,000 and £50,000 is available for projects that create or improve green spaces and improve Londoners’ access to nature.
For more information and to apply: www.london.gov.uk/greenercity
Men’s Activities in Camden – deadline Tuesday!
Ageing Better in Camden has identified a need for an increased number of supportive men’s only activities across Camden. We are therefore commissioning 3 men’s only ‘Gold Standard’ Community Activities to enable men to attend supportive and well run activities in their local community.
Funds of £20,000 over 2 years are available to 3 organisations which are able to provide a range of activities specifically for men over 60.
The aim is to help older men reduce their social isolation and loneliness, as well as make connections and build networks. Deadline is 9am, 14th August
Full details are available on the Ageing Better website.
Camden Climate Fund
The Camden Climate Fund provides funding of up to £5,000 towards the installation costs of renewable technologies and/or energy efficiency improvements. Such measures include solar panels, lighting and heating upgrades. Successful applicants are required to match-fund 50% of costs, plus any additional over the maximum allowance.
Full details on the Camden website.
The HS2 Camden Fund
The Camden Fund aims to strengthen the sense of place and alleviate the disruption of the development of HS2 Ltd. on local people by achieving one or more of the following aims:
1. A Happier and Healthier Camden
2. A Better Connected Camden
3. A Stronger Voluntary and Community Sector
We aim to inform applicants of the result of their application within 16 weeks. Applicants can submit applications at any point between midnight on the 15th May 2018 and midnight on the 14th May 2020. Full details at Camden Giving.
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Healthy Minds Programme with Mind in Camden
The latest Healthy Minds community programme is now available. A range of activities are available from VAC, Mary Ward, Mind in Camden, BWA, Good Gym, the Round House and more. Find out what’s on and how to book.
Free FunFitness Dance Workout
Healthy Minds Programme. Come have fun where you can feel happy, comfortable and relaxing. This class is fun, safe, suitable for everyone and encourage healthy living. Boost your confidence, meet new friends, stay fit, active and gain new skills for life.
Monday 6th, 13th, 20th August and 3rd September. 11am – 12pm
St Pancras and Somers Town Living Centre, 2 Ossulston Street, London, NW1
For more information, please contact Mandira Manandhar on 020 7284 6573/6550 or mmanandhar@vac.org.uk or just turn up on the day
Health and Safety Essentials
Wednesday, 19th September 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Do you have responsibilities for health and safety where you work? Do you want to know your rights when it comes to health and safety? And know how to enforce your rights? You get a certificate at the end of the course. You will learn about: The main UK health and safety laws Who is responsible for health and safety at work Who enforces health and safety Basic risk assessment Sources of information and support The training is ideal for ideal for people new to health and safety or those wanting to refresh their knowledge. The course also covers all the requirements for running a community group safely. In particular, migrant workers or recent arrivals in the UK will gain important knowledge about their rights. Book on the VAC training calendar.
Basic Risk Assessment training
Wednesday, 26th September 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Do you want to know how to carry out a risk assessment? Do you have responsibility for managing health & safety? This 3-hour basic risk assessment training could be what you are looking for. The course is ideal for: People with health and safety responsibilities in voluntary sector organisations Staff and volunteers of community groups Recent arrivals and migrant workers who want to know the basics of risk assessment including how should risk assessments be carried out. Book on the VAC training calendar.
More details on the VAC website: https://vac.org.uk/events/ |
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Summer Youth Activities in Camden
Holiday activities for children and young people aged 8 to 19 (up to 25 with learning difficulties or disabilities). Click here for full details.
Computer Skills for the over 55’s
ClickSilver is a mentoring programme that helps older people learn basic IT skills from a local student. The next series of six week free sessions start on week commencing 8th October 2018 at City and Islington College, and run each Tuesday between 10:30am and 12:30pm
City and Islington College, Jack Morris Building, 444 Camden Road, N7
Registration with Im Rahman on 07802878212 or email im.rahman@bitc.org.uk
Gymsick
Gymsick is a pop-up community project in Somers Town, Kings Cross running from 8 – 17 August. This space fusing boxing, art and music will offer an array of free workshops and screenings for young people in collaboration with Chalton Gallery, AYBI Boxing and artists Lucy Pawlak and Hazel Meyer. Sessions including boxing, poetry writing, sewing, cinema screenings etc
96 Chalton Street, Camden, London UK NW1 1HJ 10:30am – 5pm every day.
Check out our timetable online at: https://www.facebook.com/gymsick/
spaces are limited for workshops, sign-up & info lucy.pawlak@gmail.com
Bridging the Access Gap in Camden
Thursday 30th August 2018, at Camden Town Library (second floor), Crowndale Centre, 218 Eversholt Street, Kings Cross, London, NW1 1BD from 10am – 1pm. £10. To book contact info@sign4life.org
A new initiative to encourage more staff and volunteers, to take up sign language as an extra language and skill is now available in Camden.
For information contact Sara on 07964 019 764 or visit www.signs4life.org
West Euston Partnership wellbeing activities
Silver Cycling in beautiful Regent’s Park
Tuesdays 11am – 2pm. Bike pick up point: St Mary’s Yard, Inner Circle, Regent’s Park NW1 2NR. 50+ free one-hour session on Electric bikes
Ability Bikes
Saturdays 11am – 2pm. is a safe and fun way for people over the age of 11 who have physical or learning disabilities to cycle in Regent’s park.
Monthly Health Walks
Wed 22nd August and Wed 19th September 2018. Get active and join our free, friendly Health Walk in beautiful Regent’s Park. 80 minutes. No need to book.
Adult Community Choir – the Regent’s Park Singers
The choir is taking a short break for the summer and will re-start on Monday 10th September 2018 at the H-Pod, Cumberland Market NW1 3RH. No audition, previous experience or music-reading required.
Bookings and information telephone 020 7388 7932
Next meeting of the Camden Intergenerational Network
The next meeting of the Camden Intergenerational Network will be on Friday 14th September. The meeting starts at 1.30pm but you can bring your lunch along at 1.00pm and have a chat with other members. Finish at 4.00pm. The meeting will take place at Age UK Camden, Tavis House, 1-6 Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9NA. rsvp Lydia.Shellien-Walker@AgeUKCamden.org.uk.
Camden Community Festivals
For a full list of Community Festivals happening in Camden this year, visit the Camden Community Festivals page on the VAC website.
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Young Camden Foundation are recruiting;
The role of Administrator is an exciting opportunity, for a passionate, hardworking and motivated individual to help grow and shape Young Camden Foundation and join a small and enthusiastic team. We are looking for a flexible and highly organised individual to who is passionate about ensuring the organisation is running as well as it possibly can, who enjoys ensuring that everything behind the scenes works smoothly and supports the needs of all stakeholders.
Our ambition is to work together to promote a more inclusive environment, which attracts all candidates and signals our commitment to celebrate and promote diversity. We welcome applications from individuals local to Camden, and also those seeking flexible working hours.
Please contact info@youngcamdenfoundation.org.uk for more information
Volunteers needed for Age UK Camden, Community Connectors:
The project which aims to identify and support older Camden residents and help them to connect or reconnect with other people, interests and activities in their local area. The project focus is on encouraging them to meet new people, and get out and about. (lunch clubs/ dance class/yoga session etc.)
Are you a social, confident person who would enjoy supporting others to engage with interests and activities? Could you commit to a few hours, ideally weekdays? Are you willing and able to travel about in the borough and meet people in their homes? Full support and out of pocket expenses reimbursed.
Contact the Volunteering Manager at volunteer@ageukcamden.org.uk or call 020 7239 0400
Bengali Workers’ Association Older People’s Worker
Bengali Workers’ Association is part of a consortium of partners helping deliver the Bangladeshi Community Action Project as part of ABC.
We are seeking a seeking an Older People’s Worker who will lead on supporting older people to achieve greater independence, positive mental and physical wellbeing and social inclusion; promoting independence and quality of life targeting Bangladeshi people over 50 who are, or are at risk of being, socially isolated and lonely.
Closing date: 3rd September. Interview date: w/c 10th September.
Please apply by providing us with an up to date CV & personal statement.
Get the job description and person specification from info@bwa-surma.org
Nafsiyat Seeks Minute Taker
Minute Taker (Trustee Board Meetings)
£50 per minutes. 6-8:30pm bimonthly on rotating weeknights and flexible home-working to complete minutes.
Nafsiyat Intercultural Therapy Ctr, Unit 4 Lysander Mews, Lysander Grove, N19
The Trustee Board govern and lead the charity to ensure it fulfils its aims and complies with charity and other law. They meet six times a year to discuss and agree key decisions and actions. The Board are looking for an experienced minute taker to attend all Board meetings and produce accurate minutes.
Please send a current CV and covering letter explaining how you match the requirements for this position to recruitment@nafsiyat.org.uk by 5pm on Tuesday August 21st 2018. If you have any questions or queries, feel free to call Adam Weatherhead, Managing Director on 02072636947.
The Community Association for West Hampstead (CAWH) is looking for a Manager
We are looking for a motivated and proactive Manager with a wide range of experience and the skills required to lead our Association, with the support of an enthusiastic Board of Trustees.
The successful candidate will be responsible for liaison with our stakeholders and partners both internal and external, for managing a variety of resources and a small team of staff providing a wide range of services to the community, and for securing the funding of those services and their potential expansion.
Currently three days a week (possibly four days subject to funding).
deadline 12pm Wednesday 29th of August. Interviews Wed 5th September
For more information please visit our website: www.cawh.org.uk
To request an application pack, please e-mail manager@cawh.org.uk
Latin American Womens’ Rights Service are looking for a Fundraising and Development Support Officer
Fundraising and Development Support Officer
Part time (14 hours a week) Salary: £29,075 per year (pro rata)
Please note that this vacancy is open to women only in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.
Find all recruitment documents attached bellow, on our website or on CharityJob website
Opening Doors seeks 2 posts
Opening Doors London is the largest provider of information and support services with and for older Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans and Queer+ people in the United Kingdom. We aim to ensure that older LGBTQ+ people live happier, healthier and independent lives free from prejudice and discrimination. Everything we do is informed by older LGBTQ+ people.
1 Trans Engagement Sessional Worker currently 4 hours a month £15.49/hour
2 LGBT+ Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Community Engagement Worker currently 5 hours a month £15.49/hour
If you are interested in being one of our LGBTQ+ sessional team, please see the application pack including the full job description and person specification at the following link in our website www.ageukcamden.org.uk / www.openingdoorslondon.org.uk or email HR@openingdoorslondon.org.uk
The closing date for both will be 31st August with interviews on 11th September for the BAME worker and the 18th for the Trans worker.
Rosslyn Hill Chapel Part Time Vacancies
Children’s Chapel Coordinator and Creche Leader
We are an open-minded spiritual community and our Children’s Chapel programme encourages children to think for themselves.
Children’s Chapel Coordinator
Three Sundays per month plus planning
£35-40 per week, based on experience
(Sept to June; 3 Sundays onsite 10.45-12.15 plus 1 week planning per month)
Creche Leader
Weekly on Sundays. £25 per week (September to June)
Sundays 1.5 hours (10.45 – 12.15)
More info: www.rosslynhillchapel.org.uk/about-us/job-vacancies/
To apply, contact: Rev Kate revkatedean@gmail.com / 020 7433 3267
Closing date: 18th August
Volunteers are needed in GP practices
Voluntary Action Camden (VAC) are training volunteers to become Community Health Advocates in local GP practices.
• Would you like to support people in your community to improve their health and their access to services that will help them to maintain good health and wellbeing?
• Do you want to develop experience and skills in the field of public health?
• Can you commit at least 2 hours per week?
VAC is offering free Royal Society of Public Health (RSPH) Level 1 training to those who want to volunteer to become Community Health Advocates.
After completing the training, VAC will support local teams of volunteers to act as links between community based services and GPs. In return for your commitment to the project for 2 hours a week we offer support, out of pocket expenses and other professional development opportunities.
For more information, please contact Mandira Manandhar, Health Advocate Volunteer Co-ordinator (Mon, Tues and Thurs) 020 7284 6550/07930669417 or email: mmanandhar@vac.org.uk
Bloomsbury Festival 2018 – Volunteer Sign Up
Come and join the Bloomsbury Festival team as a volunteer and be part of a global festival here on your doorstep. Bloomsbury Festival is a festival of arts, culture, science, literature and fun that explodes onto the streets of Bloomsbury over 6 days in October from Tuesday 17th to Sunday 21st. You will have the opportunity to work with leading artists and world class institutions of London to produce one of the most distinctive cultural festivals in London. Sign up here.
For more information on the festival go to the website
Castlehaven Community Assocation are seeking a Castle Youth Intern
The intern will help support our Children and Young People Project Manager in the running and development of youth work at Castlehaven!
This 1 year position is paid & a wonderful opportunity for a young person. More information and how to apply on the Castelhaven website.
Closing Date Monday 13th August 5pm. Interviews Friday 17th August.
Kentish Town City Farm seeks Older People’s Project Coordinator
3 days/22.5hrs per week. 0.6FTE. 2 year contract £24,500 pro-rata (£14,700)
The 3 organisations involved in this consortium are Kentish Town City Farm (KTCF), Queen’s Crescent Community Association (QCCA) and Castlehaven Community Association (CCA)
Gospel Oak and Haverstock area has a very high risk of loneliness in those aged 65 and over, so this role offers an exciting opportunity for the right individual to create real impact for older people.
Closing date: 13 August. Interviews Tuesday 21st August. Full details
Youth Workers Needed by Thanet Youth & Community Ctr
Kids’ Stuff summer project
Dates: August 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 28th, 29th, 30th
Hours: 9.30 am – 4.30 am £15 ph
To apply contact: Info@thethanet.com, Tel 0208 127 1313, Contact: Emily |
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Room Hire
VAC now has 3 new rooms for hiring out for Events/Training, etc. at our new base in the Charlie Ratchford Centre in Chalk Farm.
The Dining Room can hold up to 60 people, this can be useful for any large social events, AGMs, conferences, etc.
The Buffet Room can hold up to 20 people comfortably for training/workshops
The Lounge is a open area for anything that is not confidential and can hold up to 20 people
Rates and full details on the VAC website.
Patient and public involvement opportunities
Patient Experience & User Involvement Steering Group – co-chair (paid)
Our Steering Group is made up of people affected by cancer who are passionate about engaging communities and making an impact on the future of cancer care. It ensures that the views of people affected by cancer are represented at the highest level.
We are looking for a person affected by cancer to be our new co-chair. The co-chair receives payments for involvement, in recognition of the contribution of the role.
We’re particularly keen to hear from people from black and minority ethnic communities
Using routine health data to diagnose lung cancer earlier project – patient/carer reps
Outcomes for lung cancer in north east London are very poor. The project will be looking for ‘actionable moments’ in the year before a person is diagnosed with lung cancer. We hope this will identify opportunities to diagnose and treat people earlier.
We are looking for two people to join the project group as patient/carer representatives. You don’t need to have experience of lung cancer specifically – we’d welcome people with experience of any kind of cancer for this project. What’s important is that you are interested in the potential of using data to improve health services, and are willing to learn.
If you are interested, please read the Role Description, and then send a completed Expression of Interest form to uclh.getinvolvedwithcancer1@nhs.net by of Friday 17 August 2018.
Quality of Life Pilot Steering Group – patient/carer rep
We are piloting a ground-breaking new tool for measuring quality of life for people affected by cancer. Currently, there is no measure in place to assess how well patients are supported after their cancer treatment. This tool will establish people’s quality of life and their needs, such as help at home or financial advice. We are looking for people affected by any cancer who would like to join the Steering Group overseeing and shaping this project.
If you are interested, please read the Role Description, and then send a completed Expression of Interest form to uclh.getinvolvedwithcancer1@nhs.net by of Friday 17 August |
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| Find out more about our work supporting the community and community groups with this short video. |
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