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

• VAC upcoming training
• Theatre production at the Bloomsbury Festival – free tickets courtesy of one of our members –  Further Than The Edge and Camden Giving
• Volunteering at London Zoo
• New peer-peer support group for people setting up new community groups and charities in Camden.
• We also have our usual information on events and opportunities from around the Camden area.

• Managing and Supporting Volunteers: Thursday 28th September  13:00 – 14:30
• Safeguarding Advanced: Veloping Knowledge and Understanding: Thursday 5th of October 10:00 – 15:00
• Thinking of setting up a CIC: Thursday 19th October 2023 10:30am to 12:00pm   

SEE DETAILS AND BOOK A PLACE  in our Events and Training section

#Getatheatreticket

Further Than The Edge are offering FREE theatre tickets to see The Morphea at the Bloomsbury Festival thanks to support from CamdenGiving.

Sat 14th and Sun 15th October at 5pm at  Studio Theatre, RADA, WC1E 7EX

If you’re a group or organisation, or a member of one, that works with Camden communities and would like to be part of this initiative, get in touch with us asap! contact@furtherthantheedge.com 

Visitor Welcome Volunteers – London Zoo
Are you passionate about wildlife conservation and animals? Would you like to help the Zoological Society London and join us at the London Zoo? You can apply online and become one of our dedicated volunteers:
https://volunteeringopportunities-zsl.icims.com/jobs/3283/visitor-welcome-volunteers—london-zoo/job
Deadline: 25th of September 2023

CONNECT  SHARE  LEARN with VAC
CAMDEN NEW VAC MEMBERS SUPPORT GROUP                                       
We know the importance of having someone to talk to when you are just starting out, so whether you have recently registered your organisation; are drafting your Articles of Association; or developing a fundraising strategy, this group is for you. This is a closed group to anyone who we have supported over the past year. Please email vguetova@vac.org.uk today to join the Camden New Group Network and participate in its inaugural meeting coming soon.

Rooms for hire at Holborn House, Holborn Community Association
Two spaces suitable for team away days, workshops or short-term office rental. The Green room for up to 10 people, £25 an hour, discount for smaller charities. The workspace for up to 4 people, £20 an hour. We are fully accessible with lift. Wi-Fi and refreshments available. Both rooms have flexible spaces with natural daylight. Enquires to Admin@holborncommunity.co.uk

Camden Safer Neighbourhood Board
The Camden Safer Neighbourhood Board (CSNB) is made up of community organisations who would like to help make Camden a safer place to live, work and visit.  The Board organises events and projects related to this and works with the Police and Council.  The pandemic interrupted many of these activities and we would like to renew our connection with you all.  Please register to join (its free) at https://tinyurl.com/CSNB101.  More information is in our newsletter which can be seen here.

Youth programmes on Hampstead Heath
Heath Hands’ term-time youth programmes have restarted on Hampstead Heath – these include youth volunteering on Saturday mornings (10am-12pm) and our youth wellbeing programme for young people struggling with school attendance (Friday mornings 10am-12pm). We also run free nature outings for youth groups. Find out more about all of these here. 

Hedgehog Friendly Heath
Heath Hands has a new project working with local residents, community groups and schools to improve wildlife connectivity around Hampstead Heath for hedgehogs (and other species). Have you seen a hedgehog in the area recently? Would you like advice on how to make your garden or local green space more wildlife-friendly?  Find out more about our project and get involved here.
You can also support Heath Hands’ hedgehog crowdfunder to help support this work protecting North London’s key population of hedgehogs and the area a more wildlife-friendly space – for every £1 donated, Aviva donates £2 as part of the Save our Wild Isles community fund. 

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 by no later than 12pm on Wednesday for inclusion in the Friday newsletter. 

The National Lottery Community Fund – £22m Million Hours Fund applications reopen next week

Does your project support young people and provide positive experiences to help them thrive? We’ve partnered with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to invest in vital youth projects that improve the lives of young people across England. This joint funding programme will create extra hours of youth work and additional activities to give young people more places to go and interesting things to do. Our funding page will go live on 26th September when we reopen for applications.

London Borough of Camden
Healthy Start – help to buy healthy food 
Parents and carers who are on low income and pregnant, or who have at least one child under the age of four, can get financial help to buy fruit, vegetables, pulses, milk, and infant formula. They could receive around £440 over a year while their child is under one, £220 a year for each child aged one to three (under four), and about £140 while more than 10 weeks pregnant.

To find out more and to apply, visit findfood.camden.gov.uk/healthy-start
For help in applying, you may call freephone 0800 731 0232 or 0800 389 5789 or visit your local Children’s Centre.

Camden Holiday Activity and Food Programme, Winter 2023 Grant application form
The deadline for applications is noon on 6^th October 2023
The Holiday Activity and Food Programme (HAF) is a nationwide initiative that supports children and Young people aged 5-16 who quality for Free School Meals during the Easter, Summer, and Winter school holidays.
The programme offers free access to physical and enriching activities, nutritional education, and a healthy hot meal. In Camden, the Young Camden Foundation manage and coordinate the HAF programme in partnership with Camden Council.

If you are interested in becoming a delivery partner for Camden HAF or would like more information, please email: wathsala@youngcamdenfoundation.org.uk

Further resources:

• HAF 2023 guidance from the Department for Education
• Camden HAF 2023 Guidance Form
• HAF information page

Cost of Living Fund launched
Applications close on 16th October
The £76M Community Organisations Cost of Living Fund launched on the 24th July.
The fund is designed to support organisations across England to maintain or expand critical cost of living services.
Funds of between £10,000 and £75,000 are available to frontline organisations delivering the following services:

•    food and emergency supplies – food and other ‘banks’
•    emergency shelter – homelessness services
•    safe spaces – domestic abuse services and youth services
•    warmth – warm spaces / hubs
•    financial and housing advice.

The fund is part of the £100M for charities announced in the Spring Budget. It will be administered by the National Lottery Community Fund.
For more information, please click here

‘Strengthening Communities’ grants from the Henry Smith Charity
The Henry Smith Charity’s ‘Strengthening Communities’ programme offers grants of £20,000 – £60,000 per year for up to three years to small not-for-profit organisations delivering activities that promote connection and wellbeing in, or immediately next to, neighbourhoods that are among the 10% most deprived in the UK.
For more information, please click here

Suicide Prevention Funding
The government is due to make available a £10 million grant fund for suicide prevention VCSE organisations in England across 2023-24 to 2024-25.

The broad purpose of the fund will be two-fold. Firstly, to support the VCSE sector to meet the increased demand, in part brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic and the Cost of Living crisis. Secondly, to support development of innovative preventative activities/services aimed at people at elevated risk of suicide.
The aim is to launch the fund in the coming months.
If you are interested, please sign up to the “Find a Grant” portal, so that you receive notifications once it is launched. You can do so here

Sport England Small Grants Programme
We want to support projects that bring communities together and provide sport and physical activities for people who may be less physically active.
Our Small Grants Programme seeks to develop opportunities for communities to get more people physically active and we’ll support new projects through providing National Lottery funding of between £300 and £15,000. Applications are now open until 31st March 2024

https://www.sportengland.org/funds-and-campaigns/our-funds/small-grants-programme

Camden Giving have launched:
Equality Fund:

• An unrestricted two year grant of £30,000 (£15k per year).
• Restricted to Camden based organisations with a maximum annual income of £300,000.
• Aimed at addressing inequalities experienced by Camden residents due to race and/or disability.
• Closing date: Friday 29th September

We Make Camden Kit:

• £2000 grants
• Available to Camden based schools, organisations, TRAs or residents applying for community projects
• Focused on the core missions of: Access to food for all, opportunities for children and young people, representative communities, eco-friendly neighbourhoods and stronger communities
• No closing date, applications are renewed fortnightly

Decisions will be made by panels of Camden residents using a participatory grant making model.

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

CHECK OUT OUR CURRENT FUNDING PAGE FOR A ROUND UP OF THE LATEST FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR CAMDEN GROUPS.

Other available funders include:

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

VAC UPCOMING TRAINING:
Open to VAC Members only
If you are a voluntary service or group delivering services in Camden and are not a member of VAC, please join here: https://vac.org.uk/get-involved/membership

Managing & Supporting Volunteers: Recruit, Engage and Retain
Thursday, 28 Sept 2023, 13:00 – 14:30 The management of volunteers is an important element for running any group or organisation, requiring careful planning. To book a place follow the link below:
https://vac.org.uk/event/managing-supporting-volunteers-recruit-retain-and-engage/

Safeguarding Advanced: Developing Knowledge and Understanding
Thursday 5th October: 10am – 3pm (Light lunch and refreshments provided);             Location: Conference Room, Crowndale Centre, Third Floor, 218 Eversholt St, London NW1 1BD
This face-to-face training session is free and designed to develop existing knowledge and understanding of safeguarding processes; Guest speaker in the afternoon: Camden Prevent – Understanding radicalisation, extremism and terrorism.
To book a place follow the link below:
https://vac.org.uk/event/safeguarding-advanced-protecting-children-in-the-community/

Thinking of setting up a CIC                                                         Thursday 19th October 2023 10:30am to 12:00pm
A CIC (Community Interest Company) is the often the first organisational structure community groups decide upon.
In this workshop, participants can expect to hear from a local CIC about the journey to registration, discuss the pros and cons, ask questions, and help one another decide if this is an option for your group.
To book a place follow the link:
https://vac.org.uk/event/thinking-of-setting-up-a-cic/

OTHER EVENTS AND TRAINING:            
Free adult community learning courses – enrolling now
Do you want to:

• Gain a qualification and improve your digital skills to find work?
• Improve your reading, writing and English speaking?
• Support your child with their schoolwork?
• Gain a childcare qualification?
• Learn more about your wellbeing and local area                                                        Check out free adult community learning courses in Camden – enrolling now

Young Camden Foundation events

Autism & SEND Training 

• Date: October 12th
• Time: 12:45 – 3:00 PM
• Location: N1C Centre, N1C 4BQ
• Sign up: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/level-up-youth-work-camden-autism-send-training-tickets-723304602537?aff=oddtdtcreator

Join Young Camden Foundation for a comprehensive training session led by the Autism Hub, focused on Autism and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This workshop is perfect for youth workers, educators, and anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of how to support young people with Autism. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your skills and make a positive impact on the lives of young people in our community.

Speed Networking Event

• Date: October 31st
• Time: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
• Location: Warren Centre, W1T 5JU
• Sign up: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/level-up-youth-work-speed-networking-event-tickets-717101478827?aff=oddtdtcreator

Our Speed-Networking event is the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, share experiences, and explore potential collaborations within the youth work field. There will be refreshments provided. Our last speed-networking event completely sold out, so make sure to come along! 

Participation People
Live, study, or work in Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey, or Islington? Aged 14-20? Exciting news! Join our Youth Champions program to shape healthcare for your community. Collaborate with leaders, develop skills, and make friends. Fun, creativity, and pizza await! First event: Sept 30, 11 AM – 3 PM, London W1T 6AQ. Contact Temi at 07734 387 365 or temi@participationpeople.com. Be part of change and enjoy the journey. Don’t miss out! Join us today!

Remix Dance – free street dance classes
Old Diorama Arts Centre, in Regent’s Place NW1, is seeking participants for their boys-only and older group classes (ages 11 and above).Their dance teacher, Boogie, is an original member of the renowned street dance group, Flawless. The Remix Dance classes will be working on a showcase that will be performed at The Place dance venue in King’s Cross in November.
For more information, please contact Participation Manager, Mariam Hassan – mariam@olddiorama.com, 020 3951 8983, or 07361 862 104.

Camden Local Studies and Archives Centre
Tuesday 3rd October 2023 at 6pm

The Mercenary River
London’s Water History and the Hampstead Waterworks – an illustrated historical talk by Nick Higham at the Camden Local Studies & Archives Centre, 2nd Floor, Holborn Library, 32-38 Theobalds Road, London WC1X 8PA

Admission Free

UCL SOCIAL HACKATHON     Applications are open
We’ve just opened our applications for our Social Hackathons taking place between the 6^th and the 10^th of November, from 10am-4pm.
These are one-day events in which the successful organisations get a group of UCL student volunteers to come up with practical solutions to a community/business need or problem. If you’re successful in your application, you’ll also get £500 from us to help turn the volunteers’ ideas from the hackathon day into a reality!
Please make sure to read our Info for Organisations page for more details.
If you want to apply to take part in our Social Hackathons, please do so here by Sunday the 8^th of October.  
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me any time before the deadline-
csenge.gabeli@ucl.ac.uk
STUDENTS’ UNION UCL
Volunteering Service

Charity Bank to host Free Events on Navigating Change and the Role of Sustainable Finance
Charity Bank is inviting trustees, directors, CEOs and managers of charities, social enterprises and community organisations to attend a series of free regional events in September and October. Held in collaboration with local and national sector partners, the events will explore the critical role of sustainable finance in driving positive change and fostering thriving communities. Speakers will include national and regional experts.
Secure your free place today!
London
Date: Tuesday 3^rd October
Time: 9:30am – 12:30pm
Location: Museum of Brands, London
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/navigating-change-london-sustainable-finance-for-making-an-impact-tickets-686241405517?aff=oddtdtcreator

World Mental Health Day
Is on the 10th October, and Camden Council is providing a free mental health trainings to staff and residents.

Camden Council have two trainings coming up across October and November, but places go quickly so click the links to book your spot!

• Managing Stress: Understand the impact of stress on our wellbeing and how to manage it.
• Mental Health for Managers: Learn about mental ill-health in the context of the workplace and how to support an employee.

Not Just A Conference- Embrace the unique brain injury way of life
#embracethechaos’ is a unique insight into the complexities of brain injury, led by experts with lived experience alongside specialists within the field.
Not Just a Conference is open to professionals who work with people living with brain injury, to feel empowered and curious.
Thursday, 19^th October
£30 / £10 – concession
Sign up by following: Not Just a Conference – Headway East London

FEAST With Us Vacancies: Camden Food Partnership (CFP) Coordinator & Volunteer Admin 
Closing date 30 Sept 23 

FEAST use surplus food to provide nutritious community meals to vulnerable people in North London. Vacancies: 

• CFP Coordinator – lead the existing network of c40 VCS and other food organisations in Camden Borough, in partnership with Camden Council. 
• Volunteer Administrator – help manage the c300 volunteers who support them with their meal services in Camden and north London. 

Fitzrovia Youth in Action is looking for a new Chairperson to lead the charity  
We are looking for people who reflect the community in which we work and who have a range of skills and experiences. We would love to hear from Camden residents or people who work in Camden, although this is not an essential requirement.  To find out more, please visit http://www.fya.org.uk/fya-chair-person-recruitment/. If you have any questions, or would like to talk about the role, please contact our current Chair Natalie Speranza on natalie.speranza@gmail.com.
Please submit a CV, including an email explaining why you are interested in the role to info@fya.org.uk. The closing date for applications is Sunday 8th October 202

The People’s Museum Somers Town is looking for volunteers
The People’s Museum Somers Town has made a space for the ‘Radical Reformer Uncommon People’s histories of an area at risk from development, recording change now, as well as saving working class heritage. We are looking for volunteers for the role of  Refill & Reuse Educator – Save the planet and get others to refill glasses and bottles so we don’t keep using plastics! Flexible hours at weekends/ Fridays. Expenses paid and commission on sales. Location: Outdoor King’s Cross market.                                              Email: diana@aspaceforus.club                            www.aspaceforus.club

Single Homeless Project
SHP is open to recruit new peer mentor volunteers.
If you have lived experience of substance use, mental health, homelessness and the criminal justice system and are now in a stable place in your recovery and would like to give back through volunteering, please contact peermentoring@shp.org.uk for an application pack.

Ascension Trust – Bridge Watch – Suicide Prevention Programme
A new programme is being delivered by the Ascension Trust in partnership with a range of stakeholders including the RNLI, Police, Port of London Authority, and the NHS, and working across several mental health charities.
The project aims to train and develop volunteers to act as a ‘physical presence’ around the bridges of the Thames, to identify and support those who are at risk of self-harm and suicide by listening, understanding, talking, and working with a team to provide support needed to help them.
If you are interested in finding out more, express your interest here

Institute for Voluntary Action Research (IVAR) vacancy: Senior Researcher x2         
IVAR are looking for two experienced researchers or project managers to join our dynamic team. The role encompasses leading evaluations, research and facilitation. Projects will include work with individual organisations, multi-stakeholder programmes and sector-wide projects that build dialogue between charities and funders. We are looking for people who will thrive on this mix and are comfortable with the wide-ranging responsibilities that come with working in a small organisation.
To learn more and apply, please click here

Clean Break seeks Female Health and Wellbeing Volunteer  This volunteer will support the group coordinator in running a health and wellbeing group for women participating in our programme. To learn more and download an application pack, please click here (and scroll to the bottom of the page)

Social Media volunteer for Further Than The Edge               
We are a theatre production and performance group Further Than The Edge. We’re looking for a Social Media volunteer for our production The Morphea in October at the Bloomsbury Festival. A good opportunity if you want to get involved in the arts sector. We’re a small, friendly team and can provide references. Interested? Contact Rowenna at: artists@furtherthantheedge.com

Touch Project vacancy: Administrator
Touch Project is looking for an administrator, initially for 3-4 hours per week with the potential for more as the organisation expands in social prescribing for BEH & C&I NHS Foundation Trust. We would prefer a volunteer, but we are willing to pay a London living wage to the right applicant.
The role would work with our founder Kathy and would involve data entry, a monthly news email and other administrative duties. To learn more about Touch Project, please click here
and apply for the role by contacting Kathy on 07923737813.
Kathy is dyslexic and would prefer text messages, voice notes or phone calls

Mind in Camden vacancy –
Community Mental Health Recovery Support Worker
Salary: £25,732 incl. ILWA ; Contract: fixed till end of March 2026; Hours: 35; Details:        Community Mental Health Recovery Support Worker – Mind In Camden
Closing date:  13.00 on Monday 25th September 2023
Interviews (a two-round process): Tuesday 3rd October and Tuesday 10th October 2023
 
Volunteers needed to support ESOL classes
Deadline for submission of interest in volunteering is 29th September 2023
Camden Adult Community Learning service (ACL) is looking for volunteers to support tutors who deliver ESOL classes in various Community Centre locations.
We are looking to offer volunteer placements by the end of October 2023.
If you are interested in volunteering with the ACL, please send your CV and a cover letter outlining the reason for your interest in volunteering to Joanna.Basinga@camden.gov.uk, as well as any questions you may have.

St Pancras Community Association Facilities & Admin Manager, part time
The role includes overseeing daily office operations, managing supplies and equipment, liaising with vendors and providing administrative support to the team. In addition, the role includes undertaking all of the Centre’s Health and Safety requirements, as well as taking responsibility for our Hall Hire business, nurturing relationships with clients to encourage repeat business.
See the full description and apply online.  (https://spca.org.uk/jobs/#jobs)                              Closing date: 4 October 2023.

SPCA Caretaker/Cleaner, part time
Work in a lively community centre, you will need to be good with people and physically fit.  You should be available on weekends and at least two evenings per week.  You’ll ensure that our Community Centre is a safe, secure and happy place.
See the full description and apply online.  (https://spca.org.uk/jobs/#jobs)
Closing date: 30 September 2023.
 
SPCA Marketing and Communications Executive, part time
Play a crucial role in raising SPCA’s brand in the community. You will be responsible for our marketing and communications strategy and content; manage key communications channels including our website, newsletters, and social media; and coordinate with colleagues to generate content across the organisation.
See the full description and apply online.  (https://spca.org.uk/jobs/#jobs)
Closing date: 4 October 2023

Mill Lane Garden Centre Vacancy: Seasonal Staff
Mill Lane Garden Centre is a West Hampstead based social enterprise garden centre, providing training and learning to people with a learning disability.
We’re looking for friendly and outgoing people to work at our garden centre from the end of November until just before Christmas. This position involves supporting with Christmas tree deliveries, moving, and packing Christmas trees all whilst providing excellent customer service to the local community.
For more information, please click here. 

Age UK Camden and VAC Social Prescribers Innovators Programme 
A new initiative is being delivered by the Camden Care Navigation and Social Prescribing Service, hosted by Age UK Camden (AUC) and Voluntary Action Camden.
The project aims to develop volunteering within the service as a way to help retain existing social prescribers and to support successful recruitment to new social prescriber roles.
Contact Mandira at mmanandhar@vac.org.uk if you are interested in volunteering on this new venture.

Local VCS Newsletters:

SHAK
Young Camden Foundation (Funding Newsletter)
Young Camden Foundation (Events and Training Newsletter)
AWN (sign up)
Fitzrovia Community Centre
Coram’s Field Community Newsletter (sign up)
CAWH Newsletter
St Pancras Community Association (sign up)
Castlehaven in Bloom (sign up)
UCL Volunteering Service Newsletter (sign up)
Latin American House
London Irish Centre
North London Cares: Upcoming Clubs
Castlehaven Community Association (sign up)
Heath Hands

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

Looking for a previous newsletter entry? Find it in our archive here

Find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here

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

We also have our usual information on events and opportunities from around the Camden area.

UPCOMING TRAINING FOR VAC MEMBERS (Scroll down to events section for more info)

• Understanding the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), Tuesday 19th September: 2pm – 3pm
• Safer Recruitment for small orgs and community groups, Thursday 21st September 2023 10:00am to 11:30am
• Thinking of setting up a CIC, Thursday 19th October 2023 10:30am to 12:00pm

Two spaces suitable for team away days, workshops or short-term office rental. The Green room for up to 10 people, £25 an hour, discount for smaller charities. The workspace for up to 4 people, £20 an hour. We are fully accessible with lift. Wi-Fi and refreshments available. Both rooms have flexible spaces with natural daylight. Enquires to Admin@holborncommunity.co.uk

Camden Safer Neighbourhood Board

The Camden Safer Neighbourhood Board (CSNB) is made up of community organisations who would like to help make Camden a safer place to live, work and visit.  The Board organises events and projects related to this and works with the Police and Council.  The pandemic interrupted many of these activities and we would like to renew our connection with you all.  Please register to join (its free) at https://tinyurl.com/CSNB101.  More information is in our newsletter which can be seen here.

Newsletter Submissions
Please send any information (approximately 50-75 words long) that you would like included in our weekly newsletter to social@vac.org.uk by no later than 12pm on Wednesday for inclusion in the Friday newsletter. 

Camden Community Partner Fund 2024 to 2031 – DEADLINE APPROACHING
The deadline to submit a completed Expression of Interest form is 12 noon on Wednesday 20th September
The Fund is for Camden organisations who are deeply rooted in their communities and will provide unrestricted funding for seven years from April 2024 to March 2031.
More details about the fund including guidance notes and the application form can be found here
The Community Partnership Team will be hosting an online information session on Tuesday 5th September so organisations can find out more about the fund.
To register, please click here
You can also watch a recording of one of the online sessions here
If you have any further questions, please email vcs@camden.gov.uk

London Borough of Camden
Healthy Start – help to buy healthy food 
Parents and carers who are on low income and pregnant, or who have at least one child under the age of four, can get financial help to buy fruit, vegetables, pulses, milk, and infant formula. They could receive around £440 over a year while their child is under one, £220 a year for each child aged one to three (under four), and about £140 while more than 10 weeks pregnant.

To find out more and to apply, visit findfood.camden.gov.uk/healthy-start
For help in applying, you may call freephone 0800 731 0232 or 0800 389 5789 or visit your local Children’s Centre.

Camden Holiday Activity and Food Programme, Winter 2023 Grant application form
The deadline for applications is noon on 6^th October 2023
The Holiday Activity and Food Programme (HAF) is a nationwide initiative that supports children and Young people aged 5-16 who quality for Free School Meals during the Easter, Summer, and Winter school holidays.
The programme offers free access to physical and enriching activities, nutritional education, and a healthy hot meal. In Camden, the Young Camden Foundation manage and coordinate the HAF programme in partnership with Camden Council.

If you are interested in becoming a delivery partner for Camden HAF or would like more information, please email: wathsala@youngcamdenfoundation.org.uk

Further resources:

• HAF 2023 guidance from the Department for Education
• Camden HAF 2023 Guidance Form
• HAF information page

Cost of Living Fund launched
Applications close on 16th October
The £76M Community Organisations Cost of Living Fund launched on the 24th July.
The fund is designed to support organisations across England to maintain or expand critical cost of living services.
Funds of between £10,000 and £75,000 are available to frontline organisations delivering the following services:

•    food and emergency supplies – food and other ‘banks’
•    emergency shelter – homelessness services
•    safe spaces – domestic abuse services and youth services
•    warmth – warm spaces / hubs
•    financial and housing advice.

The fund is part of the £100M for charities announced in the Spring Budget. It will be administered by the National Lottery Community Fund.
For more information, please click here

‘Strengthening Communities’ grants from the Henry Smith Charity
The Henry Smith Charity’s ‘Strengthening Communities’ programme offers grants of £20,000 – £60,000 per year for up to three years to small not-for-profit organisations delivering activities that promote connection and wellbeing in, or immediately next to, neighbourhoods that are among the 10% most deprived in the UK.
For more information, please click here

Suicide Prevention Funding
The government is due to make available a £10 million grant fund for suicide prevention VCSE organisations in England across 2023-24 to 2024-25.

The broad purpose of the fund will be two-fold. Firstly, to support the VCSE sector to meet the increased demand, in part brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic and the Cost of Living crisis. Secondly, to support development of innovative preventative activities/services aimed at people at elevated risk of suicide.
The aim is to launch the fund in the coming months.
If you are interested, please sign up to the “Find a Grant” portal, so that you receive notifications once it is launched. You can do so here

Sport England Small Grants Programme
We want to support projects that bring communities together and provide sport and physical activities for people who may be less physically active.
Our Small Grants Programme seeks to develop opportunities for communities to get more people physically active and we’ll support new projects through providing National Lottery funding of between £300 and £15,000. Applications are now open until 31st March 2024

https://www.sportengland.org/funds-and-campaigns/our-funds/small-grants-programme

Camden Giving have launched:
Equality Fund:

• An unrestricted two year grant of £30,000 (£15k per year).
• Restricted to Camden based organisations with a maximum annual income of £300,000.
• Aimed at addressing inequalities experienced by Camden residents due to race and/or disability.
• Closing date: Friday 29th September

We Make Camden Kit:

• £2000 grants
• Available to Camden based schools, organisations, TRAs or residents applying for community projects
• Focused on the core missions of: Access to food for all, opportunities for children and young people, representative communities, eco-friendly neighbourhoods and stronger communities
• No closing date, applications are renewed fortnightly

Decisions will be made by panels of Camden residents using a participatory grant making model.

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

CHECK OUT OUR CURRENT FUNDING PAGE FOR A ROUND UP OF THE LATEST FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR CAMDEN GROUPS.

Other available funders include:

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

VAC UPCOMING TRAINING:

Understanding the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
VAC Virtual Event – Tuesday 19th September: 2pm – 3pm
Kiran Rehal is the DBS Regional Outreach Adviser for Greater London and a point of contact for any enquiries about DBS.        To register a place please click here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/understanding-the-disclosure-and-barring-service-dbs-tickets-694817015397?aff=oddtdtcreator
Open to VAC Members only.
If you are a voluntary service or group delivering services in Camden and are not a member of VAC, please join here: https://vac.org.uk/get-involved/membership

Safer Recruitment for small orgs and community groups
Thursday 21st September 2023 10:00am to 11:30am
Safer recruitment procedures are an essential part of safeguarding in any voluntary organisation or community group. Such practices help to ensure your staff and volunteers are suitable to work with children and young people and are a vital part of creating a positive environment to keep children safe from harm.
To register a place please click here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/safer-recruitment-for-small-orgs-and-community-groups-tickets-699564776077?aff=oddtdtcreator
For more information please contact: Dianne Carlton-Ogunyemi, our Community Partnership Lead to find out more.
Open to VAC Members only.

Thinking of setting up a CIC              Thursday 19th October 2023 10:30am to 12:00pm
A CIC (Community Interest Company) is the often the first organisational structure community groups decide upon.
In this workshop, participants can expect to hear from a local CIC about the journey to registration, discuss the pros and cons, ask questions, and help one another decide if this is an option for your group.
To register a place please click here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/thinking-of-setting-up-a-cic-tickets-680753781887?aff=oddtdtcreator
Open to VAC Members only.

OTHER EVENTS AND TRAINING:

Free adult community learning courses – enrolling now
Do you want to:

• Gain a qualification and improve your digital skills to find work?
• Improve your reading, writing and English speaking?
• Support your child with their schoolwork?
• Gain a childcare qualification?
• Learn more about your wellbeing and local area

Check out free adult community learning courses in Camden – enrolling now

Regent’s Park Estate – Invitation to Re-Imagine Your Streets Workshop -Thursday 21st September

We’d be delighted if you are able to join us on Thursday 21st September  for the Safe & Healthy Streets Co-Design Workshop at Old Diorama Arts Centre. The workshop and drop in sessions are encouraging residents of Regent’s Park Estate to design and improve their local area.  It would be wonderful to get a broad range of people from across the estate. The brief details are:

• Re-Imagine Your Streets Co-Design Workshop, Drop-in sessions and display at Old Diorama Arts Centre, 201 Drummond Street, NW1 3FE
• Thursday 21st September – Workshop 5pm – 6pm – Drop-in sessions from 4pm-5pm & 6pm-7.30pm

With an opportunity for residents to add their ideas and feedback to the project.https://olddiorama.com/stories-rpThere will also be display in the Foyer of some of the sites for the Story Trail Art Project: 

Remix Dance – free street dance classes
Old Diorama Arts Centre, in Regent’s Place NW1, is seeking participants for their boys-only and older group classes (ages 11 and above).Their dance teacher, Boogie, is an original member of the renowned street dance group, Flawless. The Remix Dance classes will be working on a showcase that will be performed at The Place dance venue in King’s Cross in November.
For more information, please contact Participation Manager, Mariam Hassan – mariam@olddiorama.com, 020 3951 8983, or 07361 862 104.

Camden Local Studies and Archives Centre
Tuesday 3rd October 2023 at 6pm

The Mercenary River
London’s Water History and the Hampstead Waterworks – an illustrated historical talk by Nick Higham                                                                                                                       

Camden Local Studies & Archives Centre,

2nd Floor, Holborn Library,

32-38 Theobalds Road, London WC1X 8PA

Admission Free

The Zen Project and Mind in Camden Free Community Festival
Thursday, September 21st, 12pm-4pm, at the Surma Community Centre (1 Robert Street, NW1 3JU)
– “Zen in Mind” – The Zen Project and Mind in Camden bring to you another of their monthly festivals to celebrate mental health and support the local Camden community. Open to all and all activities are free. Free food, massage, mindfulness sessions and more. Climb on board 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.

Camley Street Festival 2023                       
Join us with your communities on Sunday 17^th September (11am-3pm) for a jam-packed day of fun at the Camley Street Festival! 

We’re back for the 3rd year running – bigger and better than before. From artists to local businesses, community organisations and teams from across the council, our stallholders are coming out to showcase and celebrate all the work that is happening in the local area. We are working hard to create opportunities at the Festival that will support local people and your networks, alongside the chance to chat with us about the future of Camley Street. 

Find out more here.

UCL SOCIAL HACKATHON     Applications are open
We’ve just opened our applications for our Social Hackathons taking place between the 6^th and the 10^th of November, from 10am-4pm.
These are one-day events in which the successful organisations get a group of UCL student volunteers to come up with practical solutions to a community/business need or problem. If you’re successful in your application, you’ll also get £500 from us to help turn the volunteers’ ideas from the hackathon day into a reality!
Please make sure to read our Info for Organisations page for more details.
If you want to apply to take part in our Social Hackathons, please do so here by Sunday the 8^th of October.  
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me any time before the deadline-
csenge.gabeli@ucl.ac.uk
STUDENTS’ UNION UCL
Volunteering Service

Charity Bank to host Free Events on Navigating Change and the Role of Sustainable Finance
Charity Bank is inviting trustees, directors, CEOs and managers of charities, social enterprises and community organisations to attend a series of free regional events in September and October. Held in collaboration with local and national sector partners, the events will explore the critical role of sustainable finance in driving positive change and fostering thriving communities. Speakers will include national and regional experts.
Secure your free place today!
London
Date: Tuesday 3^rd October
Time: 9:30am – 12:30pm
Location: Museum of Brands, London
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/navigating-change-london-sustainable-finance-for-making-an-impact-tickets-686241405517?aff=oddtdtcreator

Q3 Community Training
Just under two weeks to go till Google’s Community Training on 22 September 2023.
RSVP here to secure your seat! 
We look forward to welcoming you soon!
Fill in this form if you’d like to give a short Community Update.
If you have any questions or suggestions on future content, please reach out to communityengagementuk@google.com.
A reminder of the details:
When
Friday 22 September, 12 – 3 PM
Where
Google UK,  6 Pancras Sq., London N1C 4AG

‘Women in Social Housing & architecture’ Panel Event
Saturday 16th September @ 17:00h 
The incredible women of the innovative St Pancras Housing
People’s Museum Somers Town & the Society of Architectural Historians of Great Britain.
Book tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/panel-discussion-women-in-social-housing-architecture-st-pancras-tickets-689431487137?aff=erelexpmlt.
Some free tickets for Origin residents. 

World Mental Health Day
Is on the 10th October, and Camden Council is providing a free mental health trainings to staff and residents.

Camden Council have two trainings coming up across October and November, but places go quickly so click the links to book your spot!

• Managing Stress: Understand the impact of stress on our wellbeing and how to manage it.
• Mental Health for Managers: Learn about mental ill-health in the context of the workplace and how to support an employee.

Not Just A Conference- Embrace the unique brain injury way of life
#embracethechaos’ is a unique insight into the complexities of brain injury, led by experts with lived experience alongside specialists within the field.

Not Just a Conference is open to professionals who work with people living with brain injury, to feel empowered and curious.

When? 19^th October
Cost? £30 / £10 – concession

Sign up by following: Not Just a Conference – Headway East London

Local VCS Newsletters:

SHAK
Young Camden Foundation (Funding Newsletter)
Young Camden Foundation (Events and Training Newsletter)
AWN (sign up)
Fitzrovia Community Centre
Coram’s Field Community Newsletter (sign up)
CAWH Newsletter
St Pancras Community Association (sign up)
Castlehaven in Bloom (sign up)
UCL Volunteering Service Newsletter (sign up)
Latin American House
London Irish Centre
North London Cares: Upcoming Clubs
Castlehaven Community Association (sign up)
Heath Hands

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

Looking for a previous newsletter entry? Find it in our archive here

Find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here

To learn more and apply, please click here

Camden Community Partner Fund 2024 to 2031 – DEADLINE APPROACHING
The deadline to submit a completed Expression of Interest form is 12 noon on Wednesday 20th September
The Fund is for Camden organisations who are deeply rooted in their communities and will provide unrestricted funding for seven years from April 2024 to March 2031.
More details about the fund including guidance notes and the application form can be found here
The Community Partnership Team will be hosting an online information session on Tuesday 5th September so organisations can find out more about the fund.
To register, please click here
You can also watch a recording of one of the online sessions here
If you have any further questions, please email vcs@camden.gov.uk

London Borough of Camden
Healthy Start – help to buy healthy food 

Parents and carers who are on low income and pregnant, or who have at least one child under the age of four, can get financial help to buy fruit, vegetables, pulses, milk, and infant formula. They could receive around £440 over a year while their child is under one, £220 a year for each child aged one to three (under four), and about £140 while more than 10 weeks pregnant.

To find out more and to apply, visit findfood.camden.gov.uk/healthy-start
For help in applying, you may call freephone 0800 731 0232 or 0800 389 5789 or visit your local Children’s Centre.

Cost of Living Fund launched
Applications close on 16th October
The £76M Community Organisations Cost of Living Fund launched on the 24th July.
The fund is designed to support organisations across England to maintain or expand critical cost of living services.
Funds of between £10,000 and £75,000 are available to frontline organisations delivering the following services:

•    food and emergency supplies – food and other ‘banks’
•    emergency shelter – homelessness services
•    safe spaces – domestic abuse services and youth services
•    warmth – warm spaces / hubs
•    financial and housing advice.

The fund is part of the £100M for charities announced in the Spring Budget. It will be administered by the National Lottery Community Fund.
For more information, please click here

‘Strengthening Communities’ grants from the Henry Smith Charity
The Henry Smith Charity’s ‘Strengthening Communities’ programme offers grants of £20,000 – £60,000 per year for up to three years to small not-for-profit organisations delivering activities that promote connection and wellbeing in, or immediately next to, neighbourhoods that are among the 10% most deprived in the UK.
For more information, please click here

Suicide Prevention Funding
The government is due to make available a £10 million grant fund for suicide prevention VCSE organisations in England across 2023-24 to 2024-25.

The broad purpose of the fund will be two-fold. Firstly, to support the VCSE sector to meet the increased demand, in part brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic and the Cost of Living crisis. Secondly, to support development of innovative preventative activities/services aimed at people at elevated risk of suicide.
The aim is to launch the fund in the coming months.
If you are interested, please sign up to the “Find a Grant” portal, so that you receive notifications once it is launched. You can do so here

Community Justice Fund Launches New £30m Improving Lives Through Advice Grants Programme
The Expressions of Interest (EOI) close on 15th September at 4pm.

Improving Lives Through Advice (ILTA) is a new five-year funding programme delivered by the Access to Justice Foundation with support from the Community Justice Fund. It is designed to support the delivery of free legal advice to marginalised people and communities across England. The programme will open in 2023 with two funding rounds and grants launching in 2024.
To learn more, please click here

Camden Giving have launched
Equality Fund:

• An unrestricted two year grant of £30,000 (£15k per year).
• Restricted to Camden based organisations with a maximum annual income of £300,000.
• Aimed at addressing inequalities experienced by Camden residents due to race and/or disability.
• Closing date: Friday 29th September

We Make Camden Kit:

• £2000 grants
• Available to Camden based schools, organisations, TRAs or residents applying for community projects
• Focused on the core missions of: Access to food for all, opportunities for children and young people, representative communities, eco-friendly neighbourhoods and stronger communities
• No closing date, applications are renewed fortnightly

Decisions will be made by panels of Camden residents using a participatory grant making model.

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

CHECK OUT OUR CURRENT FUNDING PAGE FOR A ROUND UP OF THE LATEST FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR CAMDEN GROUPS.

Other available funders include:

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

VAC UPCOMING TRAINING:

Understanding the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
VAC Virtual Event – Tuesday 19th September: 2pm – 3pm
Kiran Rehal is the DBS Regional Outreach Adviser for Greater London and a point of contact for any enquiries about DBS.        To register a place please click here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/understanding-the-disclosure-and-barring-service-dbs-tickets-694817015397?aff=oddtdtcreator
Open to VAC Members only.
If you are a voluntary service or group delivering services in Camden and are not a member of VAC, please join here: https://vac.org.uk/get-involved/membership

Thinking of setting up a CIC              Thursday 19th October 2023 10:30am to 12:00pm
A CIC (Community Interest Company) is the often the first organisational structure community groups decide upon.
In this workshop, participants can expect to hear from a local CIC about the journey to registration, discuss the pros and cons, ask questions, and help one another decide if this is an option for your group.
To register a place please click here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/thinking-of-setting-up-a-cic-tickets-680753781887?aff=oddtdtcreator
Open to VAC Members only.

Safer Recruitment for small orgs and community groups
Thursday 21st September 2023 10:00am to 11:30am
Safer recruitment procedures are an essential part of safeguarding in any voluntary organisation or community group. Such practices help to ensure your staff and volunteers are suitable to work with children and young people and are a vital part of creating a positive environment to keep children safe from harm.
To register a place please click here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/safer-recruitment-for-small-orgs-and-community-groups-tickets-699564776077?aff=oddtdtcreator
For more information please contact: Dianne Carlton-Ogunyemi, our Community Partnership Lead to find out more.
Open to VAC Members only.

OTHER EVENTS AND TRAINING IN CAMDEN:

UCL Volunteering CRIS Community Research Initiative Dissertation Showcase                                                           15 September 2023 10:00-13:30!
Celebrate this year’s exciting collaboration projects between UCL master’s students and our local Voluntary & Community Sectors. Get inspired for ways to get your organisation involved for 2023-24!
Register at our Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/student-dissertation-showcase-tickets-678009583917
Contact CRIS@ucl.ac.uk for any questions.

“Zen in Mind” – The Zen Project and Mind in Camden
Thursday September 21st, 12pm-4pm, Free Community Festival at the Surma Community Centre (1 Robert Street, NW1 3JU) – “Zen in Mind” – The Zen Project and Mind in Camden bring to you another of their monthly festivals to celebrate mental health and support the local Camden community. Open to all and all activities are free. Free food, massage, mindfulness sessions and more. Climb on board 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.

Camley Street Festival 2023 

Join us with your communities on Sunday 17^th September (11am-3pm) for a jam-packed day of fun at the Camley Street Festival! 

We’re back for the 3rd year running – bigger and better than before. From artists to local businesses, community organisations and teams from across the council, our stallholders are coming out to showcase and celebrate all the work that is happening in the local area. We are working hard to create opportunities at the Festival that will support local people and your networks, alongside the chance to chat with us about the future of Camley Street.

Find out more here.

The Roundhouse opportunities for young freelancers and entrepreneurs this summer
Self Made: Creative Facilitation Course (Course)
Ages: 18-30 | Apply by: Sunday 10th September at 11pm | £15, free to apply
To learn more and apply, please click here

Institute for Voluntary Action Research (IVAR) vacancy: Senior Researcher x2                                                            IVAR are looking for two experienced researchers or project managers to join our dynamic team.
The role encompasses leading evaluations, research and facilitation. Projects will include work with individual organisations, multi-stakeholder programmes and sector-wide projects that build dialogue between charities and funders. We are looking for people who will thrive on this mix and are comfortable with the wide-ranging responsibilities that come with working in a small organisation.
To learn more and apply, please click here

Learning Disability Network London vacancies: Learning and Development Business Partner x2
Full Time, based in Westminster or Camden
Closing date: Today!
The  Learning Disability Network have a fantastic opportunity for 2 experienced Learning and Development Business Partners to join our friendly team. If you’re someone who is focused, innovative and drives staff learning and development, then LDN London would like to hear from you!
To learn more and apply, please click here

Clean Break seeks Female Health and Wellbeing Volunteer                            This volunteer will support the group coordinator in running a health and wellbeing group for women participating in our programme. To learn more and download an application pack, please click here (and scroll to the bottom of the page)

Social Media volunteer                                We are a theatre production and performance group Further Than The Edge. We’re looking for a Social Media volunteer for our production The Morphea in October at the Bloomsbury Festival. A good opportunity if you want to get involved in the arts sector. We’re a small, friendly team and can provide references. Interested? Contact Rowenna: artists@furtherthantheedge.com

Touch Project vacancy: Administrator Touch Project is looking for an administrator, initially for 3-4 hours per week with the potential for more as the organisation expands in social prescribing for BEH & C&I NHS Foundation Trust.
Ideally, we would prefer a volunteer, but we are willing to pay a London living wage to the right applicant.
The role would work with our founder Kathy and would involve data entry, a monthly news email and other administrative duties.
To learn more about Touch Project, please click here
To learn more and apply for the role, please contact Kathy on 07923737813.
Kathy is dyslexic and would prefer text messages, voice notes or phone calls

Castlehaven Community Association vacancy: Events and Facilities Manager
Closing date: 22nd September
CCA is seeking an organised and experienced Events and Facilities Manager to join their team.
The role involves working with internal and external stakeholders to develop high-quality events, generate revenue, and market Castlehaven’s facilities.
To find out more about the role and how to apply, please click here

Mind in Camden vacancy – Community Services Manager
28 hours per week
Closing Date: 11th September at 13.00
This is an excellent opportunity to oversee our two onsite services based in the heart of Camden Town.
You will be supported by three staff and a team of volunteers and sessional workers. You’ll be responsible for redesigning the services so they are more accessible and responsive to people’s needs.
We are looking for a manager who is keen to embrace change and who has a strong commitment to community empowerment, reducing stigma, promoting anti-discriminatory practice, and building services that are accessible to all.
To learn more and apply, please click here, or phone 020 7911 0822 (24hrs), or email recruitment@mindincamden.org.uk

Mind in Camden vacancy –
Community Mental Health Recovery Support Worker
Salary: £25,732 incl. ILWA ; Contract: fixed till end of March 2026; Hours: 35; Full details here:  Community Mental Health Recovery Support Worker – Mind In Camden
Closing date:  13.00 on Monday 25^th September 2023
Interviews (a two-round process): Tuesday 3^rd October and Tuesday 10^th October 2023

SHAK vacancy: Community Engagement Coordinator
Closing date: 10th September
SHAK (South Hampstead and Kilburn Community Partnership) are seeking an energetic and talented “Community Engagement Coordinator” to lead on 2 exciting local initiatives.
To learn more and apply, please click here

Volunteers needed to support ESOL classes
Deadline for submission of interest in volunteering is 29th September
Camden Adult Community Learning service (ACL) is looking for volunteers to support tutors who deliver ESOL classes in various Community Centre locations.
We are looking to offer volunteer placements by the end of October 2023.
If you are interested in volunteering with the ACL, please send your CV and a cover letter outlining the reason for your interest in volunteering to Joanna.Basinga@camden.gov.uk, as well as any questions you may have.

St Pancras Community Association is hiring:
Facilities & Admin Manager Part time
The role includes overseeing daily office operations, managing supplies and equipment, liaising with vendors and providing administrative support to the team. In addition, the role includes undertaking all of the Centre’s Health and Safety requirements, as well as taking responsibility for our Hall Hire business, nurturing relationships with clients to encourage repeat business.
See the full description and apply online.  (https://spca.org.uk/jobs/#jobs)
 
SPCA Caretaker/Cleaner part time
Work in a lively community centre, you will need to be good with people and physically fit.  You should be available on weekends and at least two evenings per week.  You’ll ensure that our Community Centre is a safe, secure and happy place.
See the full description and apply online.  (https://spca.org.uk/jobs/#jobs)

SPCA Marketing and Communications Executive part time
Play a crucial role in raising SPCA’s brand in the community. You will be responsible for our marketing and communications strategy and content; manage key communications channels including our website, newsletters, and social media; and coordinate with colleagues to generate content across the organisation.
See the full description and apply online.  (https://spca.org.uk/jobs/#jobs)

Mill Lane Garden Centre Vacancy: Seasonal Staff
Mill Lane Garden Centre is a West Hampstead based social enterprise garden centre, providing training and learning to people with a learning disability.
We’re looking for friendly and outgoing people to work at our garden centre from the end of November until just before Christmas. This position involves supporting with Christmas tree deliveries, moving, and packing Christmas trees all whilst providing excellent customer service to the local community.
For more information, please click here. 

Age UK Camden and VAC Social Prescribers Innovators Programme 
A new initiative is being delivered by the Camden Care Navigation and Social Prescribing Service, hosted by Age UK Camden (AUC) and Voluntary Action Camden.
The project aims to develop volunteering within the service as a way to help retain existing social prescribers and to support successful recruitment to new social prescriber roles.
Contact Mandira at mmanandhar@vac.org.uk if you are interested in volunteering on this new venture.

Local VCS Newsletters:

SHAK
Young Camden Foundation (Funding Newsletter)
Young Camden Foundation (Events and Training Newsletter)
AWN (sign up)
Fitzrovia Community Centre
Coram’s Field Community Newsletter (sign up)
CAWH Newsletter
St Pancras Community Association (sign up)
Castlehaven in Bloom (sign up)
UCL Volunteering Service Newsletter (sign up)
Latin American House
London Irish Centre
North London Cares: Upcoming Clubs
Castlehaven Community Association (sign up)
Heath Hands

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

Looking for a previous newsletter entry? Find it in our archive here

Find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here

Best wishes,
The VAC Team

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

We also have our usual information on events and opportunities from around the Camden area.

We have always worked hard to provide comprehensive training programmes for our members. In response to the latest feedback from our membership survey, we are pleased to launch our new training offer for members. This new offer gives VAC members exclusive access to our training programmes.

Upcoming training includes workshops on Writing successful proposals, Introduction to Safeguarding for volunteers and new starters, Understanding the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), Safer recruitment for small groups and organisations and Managing and supporting Volunteers.

To learn more and sign up, please click here

Ascension Trust – Bridge Watch – Suicide Prevention Programme
A new programme is being delivered by the Ascension Trust in partnership with a range of stakeholders including the RNLI, Police, Port of London Authority, and the NHS, and working across several mental health charities.
The project aims to train and develop volunteers to act as a ‘physical presence’ around the bridges of the Thames, to identify and support those who are at risk of self-harm and suicide by listening, understanding, talking, and working with a team to provide the necessary support needed to help them.
If you are interested in finding out more, express your interest here

Inverness Street Party
Saturday 26th August, Inverness Street, NW1.
Celebrate 50 years of Hip Hop culture in Camden with a jam-packed day of music, dancing and family activities.
The day promises to be a fun day out for all the family, with DJ sets, live performances, street art, beatboxing, and other activities. Guest artists include DJ Matt White, Sarah Love, and DJ 279.
To find out more, please click here
 

Pop-up Summer Proms
Head to Waterlow Park to enjoy a free open-air concert from Bahareque Latin American Rhythms Band on Sunday 27th August, 2.30 to 4pm.
To find out more, please click here

VAC vacancy: Communications Officer
Closing date: 5pm on 19th September
The primary purpose of this role is to develop and implement the marketing & communications strategy for VAC by leading our communications work. This includes curating our high-profile weekly newsletter, running our social media channels and creating web content. You will be working with all our staff as well as a range of external stakeholders and partners.
You will be responsible for building awareness of VAC’s work and impact, as well as the wider voluntary and community sector in Camden, to a range of different audiences.
To learn more and apply, please click here

Institute for Voluntary Action Research (IVAR) vacancy: Senior Researcher x2
Closing date: 11th September
IVAR are looking for two experienced researchers or project managers to join our dynamic team.
The role encompasses leading evaluations, research and facilitation. Projects will include work with individual organisations, multi-stakeholder programmes and sector-wide projects that build dialogue between charities and funders. We are looking for people who will thrive on this mix and are comfortable with the wide-ranging responsibilities that come with working in a small organisation.
To learn more and apply, please click here

Learning Disability Network London vacancies: Learning and Development Business Partner x2
Full Time, based in Westminster or Camden
Closing date: 8th September
The Learning Disability Network have a fantastic opportunity for 2 experienced Learning and Development Business Partners to join our friendly team. If you’re someone who is focused, innovative and drives staff learning and development, then LDN London would like to hear from you!
To learn more and apply, please click here

Clean Break seeks Female Health and Wellbeing Volunteer
This volunteer will support the group coordinator in running a health and wellbeing group for women participating in our programme.
To learn more and download an application pack, please click here (and scroll to the bottom of the page)
 

Single Homeless Project (SHP) vacancies: Senior Peer Mentor Coordinator x3
Closing date: 5th September at midnight
SHP is recruiting for three highly motivated and committed individuals to join our Peer Mentor Team. These full time posts will supervise the delivery of our contracts in Camden, which focus on substance use recovery and the criminal justice system (2 posts), and Islington, which focus on supporting people experiencing homelessness (1 post).
To learn more and apply, please click here

Touch Project vacancy: Administrator
Touch Project is looking for an administrator, initially for 3-4 hours per week with the potential for more as the organisation expands in social prescribing for BEH & C&I NHS Foundation Trust.
Ideally, we would prefer a volunteer, but we are willing to pay a London living wage to the right applicant.
The role would work with our founder Kathy and would involve data entry, a monthly news email and other administrative duties.
To learn more about Touch Project, please click here
To learn more and apply for the role, please contact Kathy on 07923737813.
Kathy is dyslexic and would prefer text messages, voice notes or phone calls

Castlehaven Community Association vacancy: Events and Facilities Manager
Closing date: 22nd September
CCA is seeking an organised and experienced Events and Facilities Manager to join their team.
The role involves working with internal and external stakeholders to develop high-quality events, generate revenue, and market Castlehaven’s facilities.
To find out more about the role and how to apply, please click here

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

Camden Community Partner Fund 2024 to 2031
The deadline to submit a completed Expression of Interest form is 12 noon on Wednesday 20th September
The Fund is for Camden organisations who are deeply rooted in their communities and will provide unrestricted funding for seven years from April 2024 to March 2031.
More details about the fund including guidance notes and the application form can be found here
The Community Partnership Team will be hosting an online information session on Tuesday 5th September so organisations can find out more about the fund.
To register, please click here
You can also watch a recording of one of the online sessions here
If you have any further questions, please email vcs@camden.gov.uk

Cost of Living Fund launched
Applications close on 16th October

The £76M Community Organisations Cost of Living Fund launched on the 24th July.
The fund is designed to support organisations across England to maintain or expand critical cost of living services.
Funds of between £10,000 and £75,000 are available to frontline organisations delivering the following services:

•    food and emergency supplies – food and other ‘banks’
•    emergency shelter – homelessness services
•    safe spaces – domestic abuse services and youth services
•    warmth – warm spaces / hubs
•    financial and housing advice.

The fund is part of the £100M for charities announced in the Spring Budget. It will be administered by the National Lottery Community Fund.
For more information, please click here

‘Strengthening Communities’ grants from the Henry Smith Charity
The Henry Smith Charity’s ‘Strengthening Communities’ programme offers grants of £20,000 – £60,000 per year for up to three years to small not-for-profit organisations delivering activities that promote connection and wellbeing in, or immediately next to, neighbourhoods that are among the 10% most deprived in the UK.
For more information, please click here

Suicide Prevention Funding
The government is due to make available a £10 million grant fund for suicide prevention VCSE organisations in England across 2023-24 to 2024-25.

The broad purpose of the fund will be two-fold. Firstly, to support the VCSE sector to meet the increased demand, in part brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic and the Cost of Living crisis. Secondly, to support development of innovative preventative activities/services aimed at people at elevated risk of suicide.
The aim is to launch the fund in the coming months.
If you are interested, please sign up to the “Find a Grant” portal, so that you receive notifications once it is launched. You can do so here

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

Other available funders include:

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

Volunteer Managers’ Forum from Volunteer Centre Camden
Book now For Peer Support and Networking at VCC’s Volunteer Managers’ Forum on Thursday 7th September, 2pm online.
This event is free to attend and you choose the topics to discuss.
It is open to volunteer managers everywhere
Learn more and sign up here

Startup School for Seniors – online course
Starting on September 7th
This fully funded, eight-week online course is specifically designed for aspiring entrepreneurs aged 50 and above in London.
You’ll learn from entrepreneur Suzanne Noble and business coach Mark Elliott as they guide you through the process of starting a successful business.
Not only will you gain valuable knowledge and skills, but you will also be able to meet your peers during a weekly group session and receive 1:2:1 mentoring sessions to address any challenges you may face.
Learn more and register here

Only One Everyman – An Independent Cinema in Hampstead, an illustrated historical talk
By Dr Margaret O’Brien, film historian
Tuesday 5th September at 6pm, at Camden Local Studies & Archives Centre, 2nd Floor, Holborn Library

Opened in 1933 in a former drill hall and theatre, this modest building is one of the oldest repertory cinemas in the world. An iconic presence in Hampstead to this day, the Everyman survived as an independent arthouse until the end of the twentieth century, offering cheap access to all kinds of films from across the world. This talk will tell the story of its development and discuss its important position in Hampstead’s local culture as well as its role as a beacon of world cinema in London.
Admission is free

‘New Met for London’ Community Engagement Event – Camden
The Metropolitan Police are launching their ‘New Met for London’ strategy and would like to host a community discussion about it following publication.
The event will take place at the Crowndale Centre, 218 Eversholt St, London, NW1 1BD on Tuesday 5th September between 5.30 – 9pm.
There will be a presentation about the plan, an opportunity to meet and discuss this with senior leaders serving you in Camden and an opportunity to meet new networks across the borough.
To learn more and register, please click here

The Roundhouse opportunities for young freelancers and entrepreneurs this summer
Self Made: Creative Facilitation Course (Course)
Ages: 18-30 | Apply by: Sunday 10th September at 11pm | £15, free to apply
To learn more and apply, please click here

How to make money teaching your creative practice (Workshop)
Ages 18-30 | Monday 4th September, 6.30pm | Free
To learn more and apply, please click here

Mind in Camden vacancy – Community Services Manager
28 hours per week
Closing Date: 11th September at 13.00p
This is an excellent opportunity to oversee our two onsite services based in the heart of Camden Town.
You will be supported by three staff and a team of volunteers and sessional workers. You’ll be responsible for redesigning the services so they are more accessible and responsive to people’s needs.
We are looking for a manager who is keen to embrace change and who has a strong commitment to community empowerment, reducing stigma, promoting anti-discriminatory practice, and building services that are accessible to all.
To learn more and apply, please click here, or phone 020 7911 0822 (24hrs), or email recruitment@mindincamden.org.uk

SHAK vacancy: Community Engagement Coordinator
Closing date: 10th Septembe
SHAK (South Hampstead and Kilburn Community Partnership) are seeking an energetic and talented “Community Engagement Coordinator” to lead on 2 exciting local initiatives.
To learn more and apply, please click here

Clean Break Theatre is looking for volunteers

Clean Break Theatre, based in Kentish Town, is currently recruiting for female Catering Chef Volunteers.
The role is for one day per week, either on a Monday or Wednesday 10-2.30pm.
For further information please contact volunteering@cleanbreak.org.uk
Or, to download an information pack, please click here (and scroll down to the bottom of the page)

Mind in Camden vacancy:
Mental Health Social Prescribing Link Worker
Closing date: 29th August
To learn more and apply, please click here

Volunteers needed to support ESOL classes
Deadline for submission of interest in volunteering is 29th September
Camden Adult Community Learning service (ACL) is looking for volunteers to support tutors who deliver ESOL classes in various Community Centre locations.
We are looking to offer volunteer placements by the end of October 2023.
If you are interested in volunteering with the ACL, please send your CV and a cover letter outlining the reason for your interest in volunteering to Joanna.Basinga@camden.gov.uk, as well as any questions you may have.
 

Social Prescribers Innovators Programme  
A new initiative is being delivered by the Camden Care Navigation and Social Prescribing Service, hosted by Age UK Camden (AUC) and Voluntary Action Camden.
The project aims to develop volunteering within the service as a way to help retain existing social prescribers and to support successful recruitment to new social prescriber roles.
Contact Mandira at mmanandhar@vac.org.uk if you are interested in volunteering on this new venture.

New physical activity resource for people living with dementia
The Alzheimer’s Society has just released a new resource, ‘the Feel Good Folder’ to support inactive people living with dementia to be more active.
You can find out more here

New resources for swimming with a health condition
Swim England have just released a set of resources to support those with a health condition to swim. These include a guide for professionals on Swim England’s Health Hub and a public/customer handout on the ‘Just Swim’ website.
Waterproof hard copies are also available to order from the Swim England shop.
For professionals, and for the public

Independent Police Advisor roles in Camden
The Metropolitan Police are looking for volunteers over 18 who live, work or study in Camden to join the Independent Advisory Group (IAG) to provide them with independent advice.
No specific training or background is required, just your life experiences, knowledge and willingness to express a constructively expressed opinion.
There are 4-6 meetings of the IAG per year.
If you are interested, please contact CNMailbox-.Community@met.police.uk

Local VCS Newsletters:

SHAK
Young Camden Foundation (Funding Newsletter)
Young Camden Foundation (Events and Training Newsletter)
AWN (sign up)
Fitzrovia Community Centre
Coram’s Field Community Newsletter (sign up)
CAWH Newsletter
St Pancras Community Association (sign up)
Castlehaven in Bloom (sign up)
UCL Volunteering Service Newsletter (sign up)
Latin American House
London Irish Centre
North London Cares: Upcoming Clubs
Castlehaven Community Association (sign up)
Heath Hands

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

Looking for a previous newsletter entry? Find it in our archive here

Find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here

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

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

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

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

We are delighted to introduce Vania Guetova, who joined VAC in July as the new part-time Membership Development Officer.

Vania will be working to help the Camden voluntary and community sector grow and develop as part of the VAC enhanced membership offer. She will be supporting VAC membership, joining the VAC team in the launch of our refreshed VAC training offer and bringing our Consultancy project additional expertise for the benefit of all who contact us.

She has worked across multiple London boroughs in the voluntary and statutory sectors and has a wealth of experience in the voluntary sector capacity building, project and networks management and membership engagement.

Vania is excited to meet Camden’s diverse VCSE and we are thrilled to have her with us.

Upcoming VAC Training: Writing Successful Proposals Workshops
30th August or 6th September, both session are 10am – 12pm

VAC members can join this immersive Bid Writing Seminar to unlock the secrets of securing funding from Trusts and Foundations. With our interactive sessions, you’ll better understand how to develop a successful bid and ensure your application stands out.
This training is in partnership with All Ways Network
Learn more here

Volunteer Managers’ Forum from Volunteer Centre Camden
Book now For Peer Support and Networking at VCC’s Volunteer Managers’ Forum on Thursday 7th September, 2pm online.
This event is free to attend and you choose the topics to discuss.
It is open to volunteer managers everywhere
Learn more and sign up here

‘Strengthening Communities’ grants from the Henry Smith Charity
The Henry Smith Charity’s ‘Strengthening Communities’ programme offers grants of £20,000 – £60,000 per year for up to three years to small not-for-profit organisations delivering activities that promote connection and wellbeing in, or immediately next to, neighbourhoods that are among the 10% most deprived in the UK.
For more information, please click here

New physical activity resource for people living with dementia
The Alzheimer’s Society has just released a new resource, ‘the Feel Good Folder’ to support inactive people living with dementia to be more active.
You can find out more here

New resources for swimming with a health condition
Swim England have just released a set of resources to support those with a health condition to swim. These include a guide for professionals on Swim England’s Health Hub and a public/customer handout on the ‘Just Swim’ website.
Waterproof hard copies are also available to order from the Swim England shop.
For professionals, and for the public

Startup School for Seniors – online course
Starting on September 7th

This fully funded, eight-week online course is specifically designed for aspiring entrepreneurs aged 50 and above in London.
You’ll learn from entrepreneur Suzanne Noble and business coach Mark Elliott as they guide you through the process of starting a successful business.
Not only will you gain valuable knowledge and skills, but you will also be able to meet your peers during a weekly group session and receive 1:2:1 mentoring sessions to address any challenges you may face.
Learn more and register here

Only One Everyman – An Independent Cinema in Hampstead, an illustrated historical talk
By Dr Margaret O’Brien, film historian
Tuesday 5th September at 6pm, at Camden Local Studies & Archives Centre, 2nd Floor, Holborn Library

Opened in 1933 in a former drill hall and theatre, this modest building is one of the oldest repertory cinemas in the world. An iconic presence in Hampstead to this day, the Everyman survived as an independent arthouse until the end of the twentieth century, offering cheap access to all kinds of films from across the world. This talk will tell the story of its development and discuss its important position in Hampstead’s local culture as well as its role as a beacon of world cinema in London.
Admission is free

Mind in Camden vacancy – Community Services Manager
28 hours per week
Closing Date: 11/09/23 at 13.00pm

This is an excellent opportunity to oversee our two onsite services based in the heart of Camden Town.
You will be supported by three staff and a team of volunteers and sessional workers. You’ll be responsible for redesigning the services so they are more accessible and responsive to people’s needs.
We are looking for a manager who is keen to embrace change and who has a strong commitment to community empowerment, reducing stigma, promoting anti-discriminatory practice, and building services that are accessible to all.
To learn more and apply, please click here, or phone 020 7911 0822 (24hrs), or email recruitment@mindincamden.org.uk

SHAK vacancy: Community Engagement Coordinator
Closing date: 10th September

SHAK (South Hampstead and Kilburn Community Partnership) are seeking an energetic and talented “Community Engagement Coordinator” to lead on 2 exciting local initiatives.
To learn more and apply, please click here

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

Camden Community Partner Fund 2024 to 2031
The deadline to submit a completed Expression of Interest form is 12 noon on Wednesday 20th September
The Fund is for Camden organisations who are deeply rooted in their communities and will provide unrestricted funding for seven years from April 2024 to March 2031.
More details about the fund including guidance notes and the application form can be found here
The Community Partnership Team will be hosting an online information session on Tuesday 5th September so organisations can find out more about the fund.
To register, please click here
You can also watch a recording of one of the online sessions here
If you have any further questions, please email vcs@camden.gov.uk

Cost of Living Fund launched
Applications close on 16th October

The £76M Community Organisations Cost of Living Fund launched on the 24th July.
The fund is designed to support organisations across England to maintain or expand critical cost of living services.
Funds of between £10,000 and £75,000 are available to frontline organisations delivering the following services:

•    food and emergency supplies – food and other ‘banks’
•    emergency shelter – homelessness services
•    safe spaces – domestic abuse services and youth services
•    warmth – warm spaces / hubs
•    financial and housing advice.

The fund is part of the £100M for charities announced in the Spring Budget. It will be administered by the National Lottery Community Fund.
For more information, please click here

Suicide Prevention Funding
The government is due to make available a £10 million grant fund for suicide prevention VCSE organisations in England across 2023-24 to 2024-25.

The broad purpose of the fund will be two-fold. Firstly, to support the VCSE sector to meet the increased demand, in part brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic and the Cost of Living crisis. Secondly, to support development of innovative preventative activities/services aimed at people at elevated risk of suicide.
The aim is to launch the fund in the coming months.
If you are interested, please sign up to the “Find a Grant” portal, so that you receive notifications once it is launched. You can do so here

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

Other available funders include:

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

Moving On to Secondary School event for parents
21st September, 4.15pm – 6.45pm
Is your child in primary school years 4, 5 and/or 6? And are you thinking about which secondary school to apply for?
If so, Camden’s free ‘Moving On to Secondary School’ event at the Francis Crick Institute, King’s Cross, is happening on Thursday 21st September.
You will be able to find advice on applying and what Camden’s secondary schools have to offer.
To book your free place, please click here

‘New Met for London’ Community Engagement Event – Camden
The Metropolitan Police are launching their ‘New Met for London’ strategy and would like to host a community discussion about it following publication.
The event will take place at the Crowndale Centre, 218 Eversholt St, London, NW1 1BD on Tuesday 5th September between 5.30 – 9pm.
There will be a presentation about the plan, an opportunity to meet and discuss this with senior leaders serving you in Camden and an opportunity to meet new networks across the borough.
To learn more and register, please click here

The Roundhouse opportunities for young freelancers and entrepreneurs this summer
Self Made: Creative Facilitation Course (Course)
Ages: 18-30 | Apply by: Sunday 10th September at 11pm | £15, free to apply
To learn more and apply, please click here

How to make money teaching your creative practice (Workshop)
Ages 18-30 | Monday 4th September, 6.30pm | Free
To learn more and apply, please click here

Active London conference – save the date & register
Active London 2023, the capital’s largest annual conference dedicated wholly to the future of physical activity and sport will return on 17th October.

The conference will bring together all corners of the sport and physical activity sector and beyond to educate, inform, share thought-leadership and learnings, and provide opportunities for networking and collaboration.
To register your interest and secure Early Bird tickets, please click here

UCL Community Research Initiative Dissertation Showcase
Early Bird Registration for the UCL Community Research Initiative Dissertation Showcase on 15th September, 10:00-13:30 is available now.

Celebrate this year’s exciting collaboration projects between UCL master’s students and our local Voluntary & Community Sector. Engage with talks, poster presentations, and a social mixer to explore the work our students have done to produce useful and useable knowledge that can benefit you.

You may well find yourselves getting inspired for ways your own organisation could be involved for 2023-24!
Register here or contact CRIS@ucl.ac.uk for any questions.

Clean Break Theatre is looking for volunteers

Clean Break Theatre, based in Kentish Town, is currently recruiting for female Catering Chef Volunteers.
The role is for one day per week, either on a Monday or Wednesday 10-2.30pm.
For further information please contact volunteering@cleanbreak.org.uk
Or, to download an information pack, please click here (and scroll down to the bottom of the page)

Mind in Camden vacancy:
Mental Health Social Prescribing Link Worker
Closing date: 29th August
To learn more and apply, please click here

Volunteers needed to support ESOL classes
Deadline for submission of interest in volunteering is 29th September

Camden Adult Community Learning service (ACL) is looking for volunteers to support tutors who deliver ESOL classes in various Community Centre locations.
We are looking to offer volunteer placements by the end of October 2023.
If you are interested in volunteering with the ACL, please send your CV and a cover letter outlining the reason for your interest in volunteering to Joanna.Basinga@camden.gov.uk, as well as any questions you may have.
 

Social Prescribers Innovators Programme  
A new initiative is being delivered by the Camden Care Navigation and Social Prescribing Service, hosted by Age UK Camden (AUC) and Voluntary Action Camden.
The project aims to develop volunteering within the service as a way to help retain existing social prescribers and to support successful recruitment to new social prescriber roles.
Contact Mandira at mmanandhar@vac.org.uk if you are interested in volunteering on this new venture.

Independent Police Advisor roles in Camden
The Metropolitan Police are looking for volunteers over 18 who live, work or study in Camden to join the Independent Advisory Group (IAG) to provide them with independent advice.
No specific training or background is required, just your life experiences, knowledge and willingness to express a constructively expressed opinion.
There are 4-6 meetings of the IAG per year.
If you are interested, please contact CNMailbox-.Community@met.police.uk

Local VCS Newsletters:

SHAK
Young Camden Foundation (Funding Newsletter)
Young Camden Foundation (Events and Training Newsletter)
AWN (sign up)
Fitzrovia Community Centre
Coram’s Field Community Newsletter (sign up)
CAWH Newsletter
St Pancras Community Association (sign up)
Castlehaven in Bloom (sign up)
UCL Volunteering Service Newsletter (sign up)
Latin American House
London Irish Centre
North London Cares: Upcoming Clubs
Castlehaven Community Association (sign up)
Heath Hands

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

Looking for a previous newsletter entry? Find it in our archive here

Find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here

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

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

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

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

When you contact our Consultancy Service you will be able to discuss your questions and/or concerns with one of our friendly and knowledgeable team.

Yet, we have more to offer in terms of guidance to the VCS in Camden…

On our website you will be able to find expert, jargon free guides and resources that you are able to access at any time and read through at your own pace.

We cover a wide variety of topics to help both new and established VCS organisations, so, if you are looking for quick, helpful resources, available right now, why not head over to the webpage

Choose the right NHS service for you and your family
Strike action by junior doctors from today until Tuesday 15th August is likely to see appointments disrupted. Please attend your booked appointments unless you are told otherwise.

If you need medical help, please use NHS services wisely to make sure care is
available to those who need it most, and please make sure you have enough of any medication you or your family need. Your local pharmacist can advise on common conditions and you can find your nearest one at
NHS.uk
GP practices will continue to be open.

If you have a health concern that is not life-threatening, support is available at NHS111 online or by phoning NHS 111.
If it is a life-threatening emergency such as serious illness or injury, you should still call 999

Ebikes and Scooters – Safety Advice from the London Fire Brigade
The Council has been working with the London Fire Brigade to make sure that residents know about the risks of charging and storing ebikes and scooters in their homes and the communal areas of their buildings.
To this end they have a video with LFB Commander David George talking about the subject on the Council website, which you can find here

Moving On to Secondary School event for parents
21st September, 4.15pm – 6.45pm
Is your child in primary school years 4, 5 and/or 6? And are you thinking about which secondary school to apply for?
If so, Camden’s free ‘Moving On to Secondary School’ event at the Francis Crick Institute, King’s Cross, is happening on Thursday 21st September.
You will be able to find advice on applying and what Camden’s secondary schools have to offer.
To book your free place, please click here

Camden Community Partner Fund 2024 to 2031
The deadline to submit a completed Expression of Interest form is 12 noon on Wednesday 20th September
The Fund is for Camden organisations who are deeply rooted in their communities and will provide unrestricted funding for seven years from April 2024 to March 2031.
More details about the fund including guidance notes and the application form can be found here
The Community Partnership Team will be hosting an online information session on Tuesday 5th September so organisations can find out more about the fund.
To register, please click here
You can also watch a recording of one of the online sessions here
If you have any further questions, please email vcs@camden.gov.uk

‘New Met for London’ Community Engagement Event – Camden
The Metropolitan Police are launching their ‘New Met for London’ strategy and would like to host a community discussion about it following publication.
The event will take place at the Crowndale Centre, 218 Eversholt St, London, NW1 1BD on Tuesday 5th September between 5.30 – 9pm.
There will be a presentation about the plan, an opportunity to meet and discuss this with senior leaders serving you in Camden and an opportunity to meet new networks across the borough.
To learn more and register, please click here

Independent Police Advisor roles in Camden
The Metropolitan Police are looking for volunteers over 18 who live, work or study in Camden to join the Independent Advisory Group (IAG) to provide them with independent advice.
No specific training or background is required, just your life experiences, knowledge and willingness to express a constructively expressed opinion.
There are 4-6 meetings of the IAG per year.
If you are interested, please contact CNMailbox-.Community@met.police.uk

Unwind with Zen in Mind
Mind in Camden and the Zen Project will be returning to the Castlehaven Community Association on Thursday 17th September from 12:00 – 4:00 pm with free well-being activities, guided meditation breathwork, sound healing and craft activities.
To learn more, please click here

The British Institute of Human Rights community programme launch event
15th August: 10.30am (online)
The British Institute of Human Rights are launching the next phase of our community programme where we are looking to support community and voluntary groups to use the Human Rights Act to create positive change in the lives of people they support.
In this phase of the project, we are looking for groups to work with us to co-design a human rights “solution” to problems or issues they face.
The programme is funded by the Baring Foundation so it is free for community groups to take part. We will be selecting up to 5 to work with over 6 months.
The launch event and is a chance to learn a bit about our Human Rights Act and find out how to apply.
You can register for the free launch event here

The Roundhouse opportunities for young freelancers and entrepreneurs this summer
Self Made: Freelancer Bootcamp (Course)
Ages 18-30 | Apply by Friday 18th August at Midday | £15
To learn more and apply, please click here

Self Made: Creative Facilitation Course (Course)
Ages: 18-30 | Apply by: Sunday 10th September at 11pm | £15, free to apply
To learn more and apply, please click here

How to make money teaching your creative practice (Workshop)
Ages 18-30 | Monday 4th September, 6.30pm | Free
To learn more and apply, please click here

Learning Disability Network London full time vacancies:
Community Engagement Coordinator
Closing date 18th August
This role will work as part of the Community Hub team to deliver events and activities in a variety of locations across the London boroughs we work in.
To learn more and apply, please click here

Administrator
Closing date 18th August
We have an exciting opportunity for an Administrator to join our vibrant team at Piper House.
To learn more and apply, please click here

Clean Break Theatre is looking for volunteers
Clean Break Theatre, based in Kentish Town, is currently recruiting for female Catering Chef Volunteers.
The role is for one day per week, either on a Monday or Wednesday 10-2.30pm.
For further information please contact volunteering@cleanbreak.org.uk
Or, to download an information pack, please click here (and scroll down to the bottom of the page)

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

Cost of Living Fund launched
Applications close on 16th October

The £76M Community Organisations Cost of Living Fund launched on the 24th July.
The fund is designed to support organisations across England to maintain or expand critical cost of living services.
Funds of between £10,000 and £75,000 are available to frontline organisations delivering the following services:

•    food and emergency supplies – food and other ‘banks’
•    emergency shelter – homelessness services
•    safe spaces – domestic abuse services and youth services
•    warmth – warm spaces / hubs
•    financial and housing advice.

The fund is part of the £100M for charities announced in the Spring Budget. It will be administered by the National Lottery Community Fund.
For more information, please click here

Community Grants available for Camden charities
The Landsec Futures Community Grants programme is a £20m fund that aims to deliver around £200m of social value by 2030, supporting at least 30,000 people from underrepresented socio-economic backgrounds towards long-term employment.
The grants are designed to help organisations continue their great day-to-day work tackling the challenges faced by our community, and charities and local not-for-profits in Camden can apply for grants of up to £3,000 each quarter.
The deadline for this round of applications is Monday 14th August at 5:30pm.
More information on the grant applications is available here

New GSK Health Inequalities Programme – Opens for Applications
Application deadline: Monday 14th August: 5pm

The GSK Health Inequalities programme is open to registered charities that are at least one year old, located and working in the UK, with a total annual income of between £20,000 and £150,000.
Up to 15 charities will receive up to £10,000 in unrestricted funding and access to training and development valued at £2,700.
For more details, please click here

Suicide Prevention Funding
The government is due to make available a £10 million grant fund for suicide prevention VCSE organisations in England across 2023-24 to 2024-25.

The broad purpose of the fund will be two-fold. Firstly, to support the VCSE sector to meet the increased demand, in part brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic and the Cost of Living crisis. Secondly, to support development of innovative preventative activities/services aimed at people at elevated risk of suicide.
The aim is to launch the fund in the coming months.
If you are interested, please sign up to the “Find a Grant” portal, so that you receive notifications once it is launched. You can do so here

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

Other available funders include:

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

Wellcome Collection: Events for Young Adults
This August the Wellcome Collection is inviting young people to join them for a series of free events, films, performances, talks and workshops, inspired by the latest exhibition ‘Genetic Automata’.
Free pizza, popcorn, pick’n’mix and soft drinks will be provided at all five events.
The events are for 14-19 year olds, extending to 25 years old for disabled young adults who may need to access additional support in their education or training.
To find out more about this series, please click here

Active London conference – save the date & register
Active London 2023, the capital’s largest annual conference dedicated wholly to the future of physical activity and sport will return on 17th October.

The conference will bring together all corners of the sport and physical activity sector and beyond to educate, inform, share thought-leadership and learnings, and provide opportunities for networking and collaboration.
To register your interest and secure Early Bird tickets, please click here

Make Every Contact Count Training
Camden Council’s free MECC Training is still running regularly, with 3000+ people trained since 2016!
MECC is about using conversations you’re already having with residents, to deliver brief but beneficial advice, support and signposting to someone who may be struggling.

The next courses are running on 17th August and 6th September
To book your place, please click here

UCL Community Research Initiative Dissertation Showcase
Early Bird Registration for the UCL Community Research Initiative Dissertation Showcase on 15th September, 10:00-13:30 is available now.

Celebrate this year’s exciting collaboration projects between UCL master’s students and our local Voluntary & Community Sector. Engage with talks, poster presentations, and a social mixer to explore the work our students have done to produce useful and useable knowledge that can benefit you.

You may well find yourselves getting inspired for ways your own organisation could be involved for 2023-24!
Register here or contact CRIS@ucl.ac.uk for any questions.

Are you new to writing grant applications? Do you struggle with writing successful funding bids?
In partnership with All Ways Network (AWN) VAC are pleased to offer all our members a place on one of our ‘Writing a Successful bid’ workshops.

These interactive workshops will take place online between July and September and are accompanied by 1-2-1 surgeries to ensure you leave with the confidence, and tools required to create a good funding application.
To learn more, please click here

Community Mental Health Recovery Support Worker
Closing date: 15th August
To learn more and apply, please click here

Community Practice Lead
Closing date: 15th August
To learn more and apply, please click here

Volunteers needed to support ESOL classes
Deadline for submission of interest in volunteering is 29th September

Camden Adult Community Learning service (ACL) is looking for volunteers to support tutors who deliver ESOL classes in various Community Centre locations.
We are looking to offer volunteer placements by the end of October 2023.
If you are interested in volunteering with the ACL, please send your CV and a cover letter outlining the reason for your interest in volunteering to Joanna.Basinga@camden.gov.uk, as well as any questions you may have.

Social Prescribers Innovators Programme  
A new initiative is being delivered by the Camden Care Navigation and Social Prescribing Service, hosted by Age UK Camden (AUC) and Voluntary Action Camden.
The project aims to develop volunteering within the service as a way to help retain existing social prescribers and to support successful recruitment to new social prescriber roles.
Contact Mandira at mmanandhar@vac.org.uk if you are interested in volunteering on this new venture.

Free School Meals for London’s Primary School Children
The Mayor recognises that families are in urgent need of support. The meals will help families with the spiralling cost of living by ensuring that children in state-funded London schools will receive free school meals in the next academic year.
To find out more, please click here

Operation Warrior: Support for Veterans
Hawley Amateur Boxing Club and Maverick Stars Trust are starting a new initiative to help Military Veterans get back into shape. These free boxing sessions are designed to work towards both physical and mental wellbeing.
For more details, please contact HawleyABC@CamdenBoxingClub.com

Local VCS Newsletters:

SHAK
Young Camden Foundation (Funding Newsletter)
Young Camden Foundation (Events and Training Newsletter)
AWN (sign up)
Fitzrovia Community Centre
Coram’s Field Community Newsletter (sign up)
CAWH Newsletter
St Pancras Community Association (sign up)
Castlehaven in Bloom (sign up)
UCL Volunteering Service Newsletter (sign up)
Latin American House
London Irish Centre
North London Cares: Upcoming Clubs
Castlehaven Community Association (sign up)
Heath Hands

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

Looking for a previous newsletter entry? Find it in our archive here

Find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here

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

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

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

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

On the 8th June we launched the CEO network and on the 18th July VAC and Volunteer Centre Camden brought you the first event for the new Trustee Network, both of which went very well, with a good attendance.

These endeavours are designed to allow members to learn from one another’s experiences, to share and discuss their concerns and help Camden’s VCSE leadership connect.

Such connections and support structures can only work to strengthen us all. They will help us to discuss sector responses to the difficult times we are experiencing and provide links and avenues of easy communication so that no network member will need to stand alone, or struggle on without somewhere to turn.

The experience and knowledge that exists within our sector is vast. Through sharing and collaborating we will all thrive.

To learn more please visit our CEO Network page and, or our Trustee Network page
For any enquiries, please email info@vac.org.uk

Crowdfunder Sports: an introduction to successful crowdfunding
Wednesday 9th August: 12 – 1pm, online
As part of the Active Together programme, Crowdfunder is running a series of free online workshops to show sports clubs and teams how crowdfunding can be an effective way to raise funds.
Join the event online and hear about the successful crowdfunding journey of London Thunder Basketball Club, including their experiences, hints and tricks which will apply to any grassroots sports club, thinking of using the platform.
To learn more and register, please click here

Community Grants available for Camden charities
The Landsec Futures Community Grants programme is a £20m fund that aims to deliver around £200m of social value by 2030, supporting at least 30,000 people from underrepresented socio-economic backgrounds towards long-term employment.
The grants are designed to help organisations continue their great day-to-day work tackling the challenges faced by our community, and charities and local not-for-profits in Camden can apply for grants of up to £3,000 each quarter.
The deadline for this round of applications is Monday 14th August at 5:30pm.
More information on the grant applications is available here

Wellcome Collection: Events for Young Adults
This August the Wellcome Collection is inviting young people to join them for a series of free events, films, performances, talks and workshops, inspired by the latest exhibition ‘Genetic Automata’.
Free pizza, popcorn, pick’n’mix and soft drinks will be provided at all five events.
The events are for 14-19 year olds, extending to 25 years old for disabled young adults who may need to access additional support in their education or training.
To find out more about this series, please click here

Active London conference – save the date & register
Active London 2023, the capital’s largest annual conference dedicated wholly to the future of physical activity and sport will return on 17th October.

The conference will bring together all corners of the sport and physical activity sector and beyond to educate, inform, share thought-leadership and learnings, and provide opportunities for networking and collaboration.
To register your interest and secure Early Bird tickets, please click here

Make Every Contact Count Training
Camden Council’s free MECC Training is still running regularly, with 3000+ people trained since 2016!
MECC is about using conversations you’re already having with residents, to deliver brief but beneficial advice, support and signposting to someone who may be struggling.

The next courses are running on 17th August and 6th September
To book your place, please click here

Women+Health vacancies: Temporary/Bank Receptionists
Closing date 10th August 2023

Women+Health is a Camden Charity delivering affordable complementary therapies, counselling services and classes to women and families from the local community.
We are recruiting Receptionists to join our busy team. Applicants must feel confident in working on their own, and will need strong communication skills, relevant experience on a front desk reception, good knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, the ability to work independently and manage own workload and experience with booking systems
To learn more and apply, please click here

Mind in Camden vacancies:
Mental Health Social Prescribing Link Worker
Closing date: 29th August
To learn more and apply, please click here

Community Mental Health Recovery Support Worker
Closing date: 15th August
To learn more and apply, please click here

Community Practice Lead
Closing date: 15th August
To learn more and apply, please click here

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

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

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

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

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

Cost of Living Fund launched
Applications close on 16th October

The £76M Community Organisations Cost of Living Fund launched on the 24th July.
The fund is designed to support organisations across England to maintain or expand critical cost of living services.
Funds of between £10,000 and £75,000 are available to frontline organisations delivering the following services:

•    food and emergency supplies – food and other ‘banks’
•    emergency shelter – homelessness services
•    safe spaces – domestic abuse services and youth services
•    warmth – warm spaces / hubs
•    financial and housing advice.

The fund is part of the £100M for charities announced in the Spring Budget. It will be administered by the National Lottery Community Fund.
For more information, please click here

New GSK Health Inequalities Programme – Opens for Applications
Application deadline: Monday 14th August: 5pm

The GSK Health Inequalities programme is open to registered charities that are at least one year old, located and working in the UK, with a total annual income of between £20,000 and £150,000.
Up to 15 charities will receive up to £10,000 in unrestricted funding and access to training and development valued at £2,700.
For more details, please click here

Camden Community Partner Fund 2024 to 2031
Camden Council’s Community Partner Fund is now open for applications. The deadline to submit a completed Expression of Interest form is 12 noon on Wednesday 20th September 2023.

The Fund is for Camden organisations who are deeply rooted in their communities and will provide unrestricted funding for seven years from April 2024 to March 2031.
More details about the fund, including guidance notes and the application form, can be found here
The Community Partnership Team will be hosting three online sessions so organisations can find out more about the fund. To register for a session, please visit our website
If you have any further questions, please email vcs@camden.gov.uk

Suicide Prevention Funding
The government is due to make available a £10 million grant fund for suicide prevention VCSE organisations in England across 2023-24 to 2024-25.

The broad purpose of the fund will be two-fold. Firstly, to support the VCSE sector to meet the increased demand, in part brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic and the Cost of Living crisis. Secondly, to support development of innovative preventative activities/services aimed at people at elevated risk of suicide.
The aim is to launch the fund in the coming months.
If you are interested, please sign up to the “Find a Grant” portal, so that you receive notifications once it is launched. You can do so here

Engaged Environmental Science funding
Closing date for outlines: Wednesday 20th September

NERC Engaged Environmental Science funding opportunity is open for exemplar projects that demonstrate excellence in engaged environmental science research.
We welcome: •    environmental science research responding to both scientific and public needs •    equitable partnerships with charities and other intermediaries •    leaders in public engagement with research
Applications successfully shortlisted at outline stage will be provided with a partnership bursary and invited to submit a full application.
For full information, please see the UKRI Funding Finder

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

Other available funders include:

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

Celebrate this year’s exciting collaboration projects between UCL master’s students and our local Voluntary & Community Sector. Engage with talks, poster presentations, and a social mixer to explore the work our students have done to produce useful and useable knowledge that can benefit you.

You may well find yourselves getting inspired for ways your own organisation could be involved for 2023-24!
Register here or contact CRIS@ucl.ac.uk for any questions.

Are you new to writing grant applications? Do you struggle with writing successful funding bids?
In partnership with All Ways Network (AWN) VAC are pleased to offer all our members a place on one of our ‘Writing a Successful bid’ workshops.

These interactive workshops will take place online between July and September and are accompanied by 1-2-1 surgeries to ensure you leave with the confidence, and tools required to create a good funding application.
To learn more, please click here

Camden Adult Community Learning service (ACL) is looking for volunteers to support tutors who deliver ESOL classes in various Community Centre locations.
We are looking to offer volunteer placements by the end of October 2023.
If you are interested in volunteering with the ACL, please send your CV and a cover letter outlining the reason for your interest in volunteering to Joanna.Basinga@camden.gov.uk, as well as any questions you may have.

SPCA Vacancies:
Applications for both positions close on 13th August
Programme Manager
Saint Pancras Community Association is looking for an experienced Programme Manager with exceptional programme and project management skills.
To learn more and apply, please click here

Facilities Manager
Saint Pancras Community Association are looking for an experienced Facilities Manager to ensure the Community Centre maintains it’s Health and Safety requirements, to organise bookings, and keep the centre clean and tidied to the highest possible standards.
To learn more and apply, please click here

STBL Vacancy: Community Business Development and Fundraiser
Closing date: 10th August
We are looking for someone with the drive to lead community fundraising initiatives and provide community business support, helping to create a more sustainable and scalable business models for both SBTL and the groups we serve.
For more information and to apply, please click here

Mind in Camden vacancy: Resources Director
Applications are invited for this key leadership role in Mind in Camden, an innovative and highly respected mental health charity.
We are looking for someone with substantial management, administration and human resources experience to manage a small team of staff engaged in providing Admin, IT, HR and Premises support to the organisation.
The post holder will be joining our Finance Director, Operations Director, CEO and Service Managers in the Senior Management team.
We welcome diversity, and applications from experienced Office/HR/Admin Managers taking a step up into a more responsible position are welcome.

To download an application pack, please click here, or phone 020 7911 0822 (24hrs), or email recruitment@mindincamden.org.uk
 

Social Prescribers Innovators Programme  
A new initiative is being delivered by the Camden Care Navigation and Social Prescribing Service, hosted by Age UK Camden (AUC) and Voluntary Action Camden.
The project aims to develop volunteering within the service as a way to help retain existing social prescribers and to support successful recruitment to new social prescriber roles.
Contact Mandira at mmanandhar@vac.org.uk if you are interested in volunteering on this new venture.

Free School Meals for London’s Primary School Children
The Mayor recognises that families are in urgent need of support. The meals will help families with the spiralling cost of living by ensuring that children in state-funded London schools will receive free school meals in the next academic year.
To find out more, please click here

Operation Warrior: Support for Veterans
Hawley Amateur Boxing Club and Maverick Stars Trust are starting a new initiative to help Military Veterans get back into shape. These free boxing sessions are designed to work towards both physical and mental wellbeing.
For more details, please contact HawleyABC@CamdenBoxingClub.com

Local VCS Newsletters:

SHAK
Young Camden Foundation (Funding Newsletter)
Young Camden Foundation (Events and Training Newsletter)
AWN (sign up)
Fitzrovia Community Centre
Coram’s Field Community Newsletter (sign up)
CAWH Newsletter
St Pancras Community Association (sign up)
Castlehaven in Bloom (sign up)
UCL Volunteering Service Newsletter (sign up)
Latin American House
London Irish Centre
North London Cares: Upcoming Clubs
Castlehaven Community Association (sign up)

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

Looking for a previous newsletter entry? Find it in our archive here

Find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here

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

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

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

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

We have always worked hard to provide comprehensive training programmes for our members.

In response to the latest feedback from our membership survey, we are pleased to announce the upcoming launch of our new training offer for members. This new offer will give VAC members exclusive access to the following training programmes:

•    Child safeguarding
•    Vulnerable adults safeguarding
•    Safer recruitment
•    Introduction to good governance
•    Effective communication
•    Volunteer management
•    Fire safety and building compliance, and much more!

The new training schedule for 2023/24 will be available soon and all the sessions will be added onto our website so you can book yourself on. If you’re not a VAC member, please sign-up here

Most of our training is free to VAC members, but there will be limited spaces so booking early will be advised to avoid disappointment… We will keep you updated as soon as the new programmes are available.

Cost of Living Fund launched
Applications close on 16th October

The £76M Community Organisations Cost of Living Fund launched on the 24th July.
The fund is designed to support organisations across England to maintain or expand critical cost of living services.
Funds of between £10,000 and £75,000 are available to frontline organisations delivering the following services:

•    food and emergency supplies – food and other ‘banks’
•    emergency shelter – homelessness services
•    safe spaces – domestic abuse services and youth services
•    warmth – warm spaces / hubs
•    financial and housing advice.

The fund is part of the £100M for charities announced in the Spring Budget. It will be administered by the National Lottery Community Fund.
For more information, please click here

UCL Community Research Initiative Dissertation Showcase
Early Bird Registration for the UCL Community Research Initiative Dissertation Showcase on 15th September, 10:00-13:30 is available now.

Celebrate this year’s exciting collaboration projects between UCL master’s students and our local Voluntary & Community Sector. Engage with talks, poster presentations, and a social mixer to explore the work our students have done to produce useful and useable knowledge that can benefit you.

You may well find yourselves getting inspired for ways your own organisation could be involved for 2023-24!
Register here or contact CRIS@ucl.ac.uk for any questions.

Free School Meals for London’s Primary School Children
The Mayor recognises that families are in urgent need of support. The meals will help families with the spiralling cost of living by ensuring that children in state-funded London schools will receive free school meals in the next academic year.
To find out more, please click here

Operation Warrior: Support for Veterans
Hawley Amateur Boxing Club and Maverick Stars Trust are starting a new initiative to help Military Veterans get back into shape. These free boxing sessions are designed to work towards both physical and mental wellbeing.
For more details, please contact HawleyABC@CamdenBoxingClub.com

Elm Village Open Space (Upper Level) Community Garden Open Day
3rd August
The Elm Village Open Space (Upper Level) Community Garden has had a makeover!
Explore the garden on Thursday, 3rd August, from 4-7 pm with Castlehaven Community Association and enjoy arts & crafts, gardening activities, and free refreshments.
For more information about the event, please email environmentalteam@castlehaven.org.uk

Volunteers needed to support ESOL classes
Deadline for submission of interest in volunteering is 29th September

Camden Adult Community Learning service (ACL) is looking for volunteers to support tutors who deliver ESOL classes in various Community Centre locations.
We are looking to offer volunteer placements by the end of October 2023.
If you are interested in volunteering with the ACL, please send your CV and a cover letter outlining the reason for your interest in volunteering to Joanna.Basinga@camden.gov.uk, as well as any questions you may have.

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

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

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

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

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

Civic Data Innovation Challenge
Closing date: 4th August
The second round of the Civic Data Innovation Challenge is now open. Groups and individuals can apply for up to £60,000 to make their civic data project a reality. The GLA are looking for strong ideas that can measure one facet of civic strength in London and will be more likely to fund ideas that can reach London-wide scale.
Applications that attempt to fill a data gap outlined in the Civic Strength Index are very welcome.
For more information and to apply, please click here

New GSK Health Inequalities Programme – Opens for Applications
Application deadline: Monday 14th August: 5pm

The GSK Health Inequalities programme is open to registered charities that are at least one year old, located and working in the UK, with a total annual income of between £20,000 and £150,000.
Up to 15 charities will receive up to £10,000 in unrestricted funding and access to training and development valued at £2,700.
For more details, please click here

Camden Community Partner Fund 2024 to 2031
Camden Council’s Community Partner Fund is now open for applications. The deadline to submit a completed Expression of Interest form is 12 noon on Wednesday 20th September 2023.

The Fund is for Camden organisations who are deeply rooted in their communities and will provide unrestricted funding for seven years from April 2024 to March 2031.
More details about the fund, including guidance notes and the application form, can be found here
The Community Partnership Team will be hosting three online sessions so organisations can find out more about the fund. To register for a session, please visit our website
If you have any further questions, please email vcs@camden.gov.uk

Suicide Prevention Funding
The government is due to make available a £10 million grant fund for suicide prevention VCSE organisations in England across 2023-24 to 2024-25.

The broad purpose of the fund will be two-fold. Firstly, to support the VCSE sector to meet the increased demand, in part brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic and the Cost of Living crisis. Secondly, to support development of innovative preventative activities/services aimed at people at elevated risk of suicide.
The aim is to launch the fund in the coming months.
If you are interested, please sign up to the “Find a Grant” portal, so that you receive notifications once it is launched. You can do so here

Engaged Environmental Science funding
Closing date for outlines: Wednesday 20th September

NERC Engaged Environmental Science funding opportunity is open for exemplar projects that demonstrate excellence in engaged environmental science research.
We welcome: •    environmental science research responding to both scientific and public needs •    equitable partnerships with charities and other intermediaries •    leaders in public engagement with research
Applications successfully shortlisted at outline stage will be provided with a partnership bursary and invited to submit a full application.
For full information, please see the UKRI Funding Finder

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

Other available funders include:

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

These interactive workshops will take place online between July and September and are accompanied by 1-2-1 surgeries to ensure you leave with the confidence, and tools required to create a good funding application.
To learn more, please click here

Is joining the new social media app ‘Threads’ worthwhile for VCSE organisations?
There has been a great deal of talk recently regarding the new social media app Threads and you may be asking yourself if it is worth joining.
Here are a couple of articles which consider the pros and cons of Threads for non-profits which may help you decide.
From Nonprofit Tech for Good: Threads for Nonprofits: 5 Tips for the Early Adoption Phase
And from the directory of social change: Is Threads the answer to Twitter’s problems?

SPCA Vacancies:
Programme Manager
Saint Pancras Community Association is looking for an experienced Programme Manager with exceptional programme and project management skills.
To learn more and apply, please click here

Facilities Manager
Saint Pancras Community Association are looking for an experienced Facilities Manager to ensure the Community Centre maintains it’s Health and Safety requirements, to organise bookings, and keep the centre clean and tidied to the highest possible standards.
To learn more and apply, please click here

Business Development Volunteer Support vacancy for Startup School for Seniors
As a Business Development Support Volunteer, you will be crucial in helping Advantages of Age Ltd create a new revenue stream for the organisation. Your primary focus will be identifying partnership opportunities and driving direct sales for their new online self-paced course, Startup School for Seniors, designed specifically for individuals aged 50 and above who aspire to launch their own businesses.
If you are interested, please contact suzanne@advantagesofage.com

Go Forward Youth vacancy: Youth Services Manager
Closing date: 31st July

Go Forward Youth is looking for a Youth Services Manager to join our care-experience led team to develop a new service to be open in our Camden base from Autumn 2023.
You’d be joining us at an exciting time as we work to provide support to care-experienced young people as they make their transition to independence.
If you are interested in finding out more please see the job description here
Applications via cv and covering letter should be directed to silvie.labatut@go-forwardyouth.org

STBL Vacancies
Applications for both positions close on 10th August
Community Business Development and Fundraiser
We are looking for someone with the drive to lead community fundraising initiatives and provide community business support, helping to create a more sustainable and scalable business models for both SBTL and the groups we serve.
For more information and to apply, please click here

Communications Officer
We are looking for a self-starter who thrives communicating purposeful, community-inspired content via print, video, email and social media.
For more information and to apply, please click here

Mind in Camden vacancy: Resources Director
Applications are invited for this key leadership role in Mind in Camden, an innovative and highly respected mental health charity.
We are looking for someone with substantial management, administration and human resources experience to manage a small team of staff engaged in providing Admin, IT, HR and Premises support to the organisation.
The post holder will be joining our Finance Director, Operations Director, CEO and Service Managers in the Senior Management team.
We welcome diversity, and applications from experienced Office/HR/Admin Managers taking a step up into a more responsible position are welcome.

To download an application pack, please click here, or phone 020 7911 0822 (24hrs), or email recruitment@mindincamden.org.uk
 

Social Prescribers Innovators Programme  
A new initiative is being delivered by the Camden Care Navigation and Social Prescribing Service, hosted by Age UK Camden (AUC) and Voluntary Action Camden.
The project aims to develop volunteering within the service as a way to help retain existing social prescribers and to support successful recruitment to new social prescriber roles.
Contact Mandira at mmanandhar@vac.org.uk if you are interested in volunteering on this new venture.

Research on improving free school meals application
A team at Camden Council are doing research on the free school meals application process and are looking to speak with parents/ carers. Taking part would involve either 1:1 discussions, workshops or informal chats in community settings during August.
Participants will receive vouchers for taking part.
If your organisation can help put the team in touch with parents/ carers or be happy to convene a group, please call Sarah Rockett on 020 7974 5076 or email schoolmealsresearch@camden.gov.uk for more information.

Special needs services and support – survey for parents and carers
Response deadline: 30th July

Camden Council wants to hear from parents and carers of children with special educational needs and / or disabilities (SEND) on what they think about local services and support.
The responses will help the council improve how Camden supports children and young people with SEND and their families. This survey is part of the SEND Strategy Implementation Plan (2022/27).

To be entered into the prize draw for a chance to win a £50 voucher, please don’t forget to provide contact details at the end of the survey.
To complete the survey please click here

Local VCS Newsletters:

SHAK
Young Camden Foundation (Funding Newsletter)
Young Camden Foundation (Events and Training Newsletter)
AWN (sign up)
Fitzrovia Community Centre
Coram’s Field Community Newsletter (sign up)
CAWH Newsletter
St Pancras Community Association (sign up)
Castlehaven in Bloom (sign up)
UCL Volunteering Service Newsletter (sign up)
Latin American House
London Irish Centre
North London Cares: Upcoming Clubs

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

Looking for a previous newsletter entry? Find it in our archive here

Find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here

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

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

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

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

Community Links is the access point for the Camden Care Navigation and Social Prescribing Service and it is hosted by Voluntary Action Camden. The Community Links Team are particularly interested in harnessing the data gathered from anonymised social prescribing referrals to help improve health and well-being outcomes for Camden residents.

Such data can be used to identify trends on residents’ needs, and share insights with partners in the council and NHS to help improve local services. This is explored further in this datawise London case study on VAC and social prescribing.

There have been hundreds of Green Social prescribing referrals since 2021 ranging from support for physical health conditions and recovery to issues of social isolation and mental health. This is where Green Social prescribing excels. It works by finding healthy activities and social opportunities in Camden’s green spaces and parks.

Walks and other activities in our local green spaces have helped many, with, for example, 100% of respondents to our latest survey on the subject telling us that they would use the service again, and recommend it to others.

Alongside referrals we have the VAC Green Social Prescribing Directory where you are able to find a local VCS organisations and the wide range of outdoor activities they offer.

If you would like your organisation included in this directory, please contact info@vac.org.uk

Consultant doctors and dentists strike action
Consultant doctors and dentists are taking strike action for 48 hours from 07:00 on Thursday 20th July until 07:00 on Saturday 22nd July that will affect NHS services. During the two days of action, consultants will provide Christmas Day style cover, meaning they will continue to provide an ’emergency care only’ level of service.

If you have a health concern that is not life-threatening, support is available at NHS 111 online or by phoning NHS 111. If it is a life-threatening emergency such as serious illness or injury, you should still call 999.

If you need advice from a pharmacist, use the NHS Find a Pharmacy site, which will be updated regularly to show the opening hours of local pharmacies.

Are you new to writing grant applications? Do you struggle with writing successful funding bids?
In partnership with All Ways Network (AWN) VAC are pleased to offer all our members a place on one of our ‘Writing a Successful bid’ workshops.

These interactive workshops will take place online between July and September and are accompanied by 1-2-1 surgeries to ensure you leave with the confidence, and tools required to create a good funding application.
To learn more, please click here

Civic Data Innovation Challenge
Closing date: 4th August
The second round of the Civic Data Innovation Challenge is now open. Groups and individuals can apply for up to £60,000 to make their civic data project a reality. The GLA are looking for strong ideas that can measure one facet of civic strength in London and will be more likely to fund ideas that can reach London-wide scale.
Applications that attempt to fill a data gap outlined in the Civic Strength Index are very welcome.
For more information and to apply, please click here

Research on improving free school meals application
A team at Camden Council are doing research on the free school meals application process and are looking to speak with parents/ carers. Taking part would involve either 1:1 discussions, workshops or informal chats in community settings during August.
Participants will receive vouchers for taking part.
If your organisation can help put the team in touch with parents/ carers or be happy to convene a group, please call Sarah Rockett on 020 7974 5076 or email schoolmealsresearch@camden.gov.uk for more information.

Future of the High Street Survey
The UK’s high streets are on the cusp of transformation and the Federation of Small Business (FSB) wants to ensure that the voice of SMEs plays a part in future policy decisions. FSB’s new survey, the ‘Future of the High Street’ will run from 13th to 27th July and is open to all small businesses.
You could also win a £250 in the cash prize draw.
The survey takes approximately 8 minutes to complete.
To take part, please click here

Is joining the new social media app ‘Threads’ worthwhile for VCSE organisations?
There has been a great deal of talk recently regarding the new social media app Threads and you may be asking yourself if it is worth joining.
Here are a couple of articles which consider the pros and cons of Threads for non-profits which may help you decide.
From Nonprofit Tech for Good: Threads for Nonprofits: 5 Tips for the Early Adoption Phase
And from the directory of social change: Is Threads the answer to Twitter’s problems?

Camden Council Vacancy – Citizen Scientist
Closing date: 30th July
As a Citizen Scientist, you will help to ensure that Camden is a place where everyone has a voice. We will provide training and support to help you do this.
Using your experience and understanding of Camden as a place to live, work and study, you will help us to put our residents’ voices and experiences at the centre of everything we do. You will work closely with the Participation Team, where you will be supported to encourage strong citizen involvement in key council projects.
You do not need to be a scientist to do this job, and you don’t need an academic background to be considered for this role.
To learn more, including a sign up for a zoom information session on 25th July, please click here

SPCA Vacancies:
Programme Manager
Saint Pancras Community Association is looking for an experienced Programme Manager with exceptional programme and project management skills.
To learn more and apply, please click here

Facilities Manager
Saint Pancras Community Association are looking for an experienced Facilities Manager to ensure the Community Centre maintains it’s Health and Safety requirements, to organise bookings, and keep the centre clean and tidied to the highest possible standards.
To learn more and apply, please click here

Business Development Volunteer Support vacancy for Startup School for Seniors
As a Business Development Support Volunteer, you will be crucial in helping Advantages of Age Ltd create a new revenue stream for the organisation. Your primary focus will be identifying partnership opportunities and driving direct sales for their new online self-paced course, Startup School for Seniors, designed specifically for individuals aged 50 and above who aspire to launch their own businesses.
If you are interested, please contact suzanne@advantagesofage.com

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