Category: Newsletter

It’s Volunteers Week 2017; Moneytalk Camden North; Camden Patient and Public Engagement Group; Sleep Hygiene; UCLH Elections; Kentish Fleet Festival and Alma Street Fair; KentishTown “Trail of Wellbeing”; Elfrida Rathbone Exhibition; Fitzrovia Centre Summer Open Day; Employability Workshop with House of Fraser; + funding, jobs, volunteers, events, training, offers and resources.

Volunteers’ Week is an annual event which takes place at the start of June. It celebrates the contribution made by millions of volunteers across the UK. From showcasing the different volunteering roles on offer, taster sessions and team challenges with new partners, to volunteer recruitment events, awards ceremonies and launching new volunteering campaigns, events take place throughout the country.
Everyone is invited to join this national celebration of volunteers and volunteering. Add your event to the national map here. You can read some Camden volunteering stories on the VAC website. Visit the Volunteer Centre Camden website for more details of what’s happening in Camden during Volunteers Week 2017. Don’t forget to Keep Volunteering Voluntary – sign up to the pledge on the website.

Moneytalk Camden North – final subsidised Financial Education Facilitator Training Courses
Final dates in Camden.
Moneytalk Camden North is a project based on the award winning financial literacy resource Made of Money, developed by anti-poverty charity Quaker Social Action. It aims to help groups talk about money and its impact on their lives, as well as learn vital money management skills.
Our last 2-day comprehensive training courses are on 11th & 12th July and 4th & 11th October click here to find out more and download a booking form. Contact: mtcn@qsa.org.uk tel: 020 8983 5047

Camden Patient and Public Engagement Group (CPPEG)
Everyone is invited to our open meeting on Monday 12 June 2pm – 4pm
At the Conference Room, St Pancras Hospital, 4 St Pancras Way NW1 0PE
Come and hear about:
~ The Camden Plan for improving services for people with autism, from 2016 to 2021
~ How Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust are listening to patient experiences, and involving patients in improving mental health and substance misuse services
This invite extends to everyone in Camden – members of the public, patients, and healthcare professionals.
The venue is wheelchair accessible, and refreshments will be provided.
Contact Becky Driscoll or Martin Emery Email: engagement@camdenccg.nhs.uk Phone: 020 3688 2456 or 020 3688 1755
You can read the latest CPPEG Newsletter online here.

Sleep Hygiene: Getting a good night’s sleep
This event is repeated at different venues
12 June: St Pancras and Somers Town Living Centre
13 June: West Euston Partnership
19 June: South Hampstead and Kilburn Partnerships
Time: 10am – 12 noon
This interactive session looks at how we feel physically, mentally and emotionally when we are struggling to get a good night’s sleep and the factors that might impact on our ability to sleep well. We will discuss some simple changes we can make to help establish a good sleep routine, along with what to do if problems persist.
For more info or booking please call Mandira Manandhar on 020 7284 6573 or email: mmanandhar@vac.org.uk

Are you a UCLH patient, carer or a London resident? Do you want to help deliver UCLH’s vision and make a difference for patients?
If so, being a Governor could be just the role for you! This year we are seeking six enthusiastic people to join our Council of Governors who are keen to represent the interests of our public and patients.
You must be registered as a member* of UCLH to stand as a Governor. Membership is free and you can sign up online: www.uclh.nhs.uk/members
For more information, please contact Liz Rose, Membership Manager foundation.trust@uclh.nhs.uk / 020 3447 9923 or visit www.ersvotes.com/uclh2017

Kentish Fleet Festival 3rd + 4th June and Alma Street Fair 4th June
Kentish Fleet Festival is a Kentish Town festival organised by four churches on the path of the Fleet river. Find out more at kentishfleetfestival.co.uk
The Alma Street Summer Fair is a fun day for all the family from noon – 7pm with music, performances, arts, kids activities etc. Email almastreet2017@gmail.com for stalls info.

KentishTown “Trail of Wellbeing”
Follow the KentishTown “Trail of Wellbeing”, Saturday 17 June 11am-5pm. Music, yoga, food, drink & more. Contact info@transitionkentishtown.org.uk

Elfrida Rathbone Camden host ‘My Special Place: A Postcard Sale and Exhibition’
Wednesday 21st June, 6 – 8.30pm at pop-up gallery space 44 Ashdown Crescent, NW5 4QE
Where is your special place? We are celebrating the potential of our staff, students, service users and the wider community this summer with a postcard exhibition and sale. Calling all artists and non-artists alike to create a postcard to donate that describes, shows or represents your special place. All postcards will be for sale on the evening – all proceeds will go directly towards supporting ERC projects. Please get in touch with Rosanna@elfridacamden.org.uk/ 020 7424 1615 to request a postcard pack for submission or to register attendance for the event.

Fitzrovia Centre Summer Open Day
10 June 11am-5pm
Come along to the Fitzrovia Centre for a fun-filled day with a whole range of activities for all ages. Join us for Social Dancing,
Epoch Fitness, Beatboxing. and Arts & Crafts led by our Slovak School.
We are delighted to be joined by FitzFest with the Mervyn Fletcher Jazz Band and Scale Down Collective.
2 Foley Street W1 www.fitzroviacentre.org 020 7580 8680 This event is part of Fitzfest 2017

Employability Workshop with House of Fraser
House of Fraser, the department store, is running a free workshop for anyone interested in a career in retail on Tuesday 4 July 2017, 10am to 2pm (includes lunch) Free
Ideal if you are considering a career in retail or you have some retail experience and are ready for the next step or you want to build your confidence, and understand how a premium brand works…
There will also be 15 minute mock interviews with the House of Fraser team, if you would like to attend a mock interview, please email a copy of your CV
Places are limited, (and priority will be given to Camden residents) – to book your place, or for more information get in touch with Catherine: catherine@volunteercentrecamden.org.uk

Euston Station Area Planning Brief principles
The Council has developed principles for a plan to guide development around and above Euston station, and are seeking your views. Find out more at the Camden council website.

Camden Intergenerational Network
Read the latest Camden Intergenerational Network Newsletter here.

Centre 404
Dates for Your Diary | Groups & Workshops at Centre 404. Online here.

Camden Carers Service
Camden Carers Service (CCS) offers advice, support and activities for family and other unpaid carers across the borough.
Help is just a phone call away on 020 7428 8950 or email info@camdencarers.org.uk – read more about our services at www.camdencs.org.uk or www.facebook.com

Healthwatch Camden
View the latest news and views from Healthwatch Camden here.

Camden Capacity Building Bulletin
The February Capacity Building Bulletin is available here.

Elfrida Rathbone, Camden Town Unlimited, SHAK, Training Link, Latin American Women’s Rights Service , Community Association for West Hampstead, Solace Women’s Aid, VAC, Kings Cross Construction Centre and Camden PA are recruiting. See Jobs and Volunteers section below.

You can join in on Facebook. Like us if you like us.

Follow all the Camden Voluntary Sector news on OneCamden on Twitter.

You can read more about all of these stories on our news page at www.vac.org.uk/new

See the Funding pages on VAC’s website for all the latest information.

Neighbourhood Planning Grants and Support Programme – Final Year
The Department for Communities and Local Development’s £22.5 million Neighbourhood Planning Grants and Support Programme (2015-2018) aims to support local communities that are drawing up a neighbourhood plan for their area.
This is the last year of the funding programme, and Locality, which is delivering the programme, has announced that applications can be made from now until 31 January 2018. It has also announced that expenditure through a grant must be completed within six months or before 31 March 2018,
Locality has announced the following two updates:
~ Modifying the plan after it has come into force: Groups can now apply for funding to modify their plan, irrespective of whether they have already claimed their full grant allocation of £9,000 (or £15,000 for a priority group).
~ Groups undertaking site assessments and housing site allocations: Groups who are undertaking a site assessment for a site allocation, OR groups who are allocating sites for housing or mixed development can now be considered complex – allowing them to apply for additional support for complex groups (technical support and grants of up to £15,000).
Full details at the My Community website.

Trust for London and City Bridge Trust launch £100,000 Crowdfunding initiative to tackle poverty and inequality in London
In collaboration with Crowdfunder and The Social Innovation Partnership, Trust for London and City Bridge Trust have launched a new £100,000 fund available to organisations using crowdfunding to raise funds and deliver projects which will address inequality and lift people out of poverty in the capital.
The Improving life for Londoners fund will provide up to 50% of the target (to a maximum of £10,000), with projects expected to raise at least the first 25% from the crowd.
The fund is keen to support charitable work that:
~ Provides practical solutions to support people on low incomes
~ Addresses local problems in creative ways
~ Is led by communities that will benefit from the work
If you think your organisation fits, check out our Crowdfunder page.
Do you want to know more about crowdfunding, and how to run a crowdfunding project? You can sign up to crowdfunding workshops online here.

UCL Grand Challenges Small Grants Scheme
Closing date: 9am, Monday, 22 May 2017
Up to £4,000 available for a wide range of research-informed, societally relevant, cross-disciplinary activities undertaken from 1 August 2017 to 31 July 2018
Up to £6,000 is available for proposals that address the GCSC Priority Theme of Urban Mobility, with additional funding from the UCL Transport Institute. Further details
Proposals must address a Priority Theme relating to one of the six UCL Grand Challenges – Global Health; Justice and Equality; Tranformative Tech; Human Wellbeing; Cultural Understanding; Sustainable Cities
Applications must be led by UCL academic staff members (honorary researchers included) at postdoctoral level (or equivalent) or above. Full details here.

Free Basic Risk Assessment Training
Friday, 30th June 30 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Do you want to know how to carry out a risk assessment? Do you have responsibility for managing health & safety? This 3-hour basic risk assessment training could be what you are looking for. The course is for:
~ People with health and safety responsibilities in voluntary sector organisations
~ Staff and volunteers of community groups
~ Recent arrivals and migrant workers who want to know the basics of risk assessment
The training covers:
~ How should risk assessments be carried out
~ The hierarchy of control
~ Principles of prevention
~ Manual handling problems and risk assessments
~ Risk management and how to rank risks
~ Doing a basic risk assessment
If you run a community group or local charity the course covers all you need to know about carrying risk assessments. To book, please go to the VAC website

How Do You Write a Successful Grant Application?
Wednesday 12th July 2 – 8pm
Mary Ward Centre (Camden), 42 Queen Square. WC1N
Find out the secrets by coming along to a practical workshop and learn about all of the dos and don’ts! The sessions are for Camden based groups only and will focus on providing support for voluntary and community organisations with income of less than £100,000 a year. You can bring along a grant application that you are working on, or would like to work on. Following the workshop, you will also be offered one to one support to complete the application. Booking and details at VAC website.

HR Support in Camden
VAC provides free HR advice and support to Camden voluntary organisations employing staff. Get in touch to discuss your HR consultancy needs, from recruitment to redundancy and everything in-between. VAC’s HR support aims to help trustees and managers understand employment law and to have robust HR procedures that reflect good practice so fewer workplace issues arise, and HR crises are averted or managed effectively. Call Kevin on 020 7284 6557 or email knunan@vac.org.uk

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

Intergenerational Gardening at the Calthope Project
Friday, 16th June 11:00am to 3:00pm
The Calthorpe Project at 258-274 Grays Inn Rd London WC1X 8LH
Join us for an intergenerational gardening experience at The Calthorpe Project, a green oasis in King’s Cross.
The Calthorpe Project provide gardening and healthy eating sessions every Friday for retired people, anyone and everyone is welcome. Gardening provides not only exercise but enjoyment and fresh food. The sessions initially began as referrals from the GP to exercise and get involved in social activity. The sessions start with one and a half hours gardening, followed by a shared lunch that always includes some of the harvested vegetables and special dishes prepared at home.
The majority of the people in the group live alone and they find it difficult to find the motivation to cook. Since attending the sessions the members of the group try at home some of the recipes or prepare those old recipes that they didn’t cook for ages to bring along to our weekly feast.
Information and bookings at Eventbrite

What does it mean to belong?
from Social Innovation Exchange. Friday 16 June 2017 3:00 – 5:00pm at the Calthorpe Project
This event is part of the Unusual Suspects Festival, a unique festival of ideas, solutions and discussion which runs across different London venues from 14-16 June 2017.
Designed by SIX and hosted by the Calthorpe Project, this open discussion will bring together lots of people to examine what it means to be a Londoner.
We will explore themes of identity, belonging and language, with a variety of Londoners, who will share their perspective and experience of their life in London. Information and bookings at Eventbrite

An introduction to intergenerational working
An intensive one-day training session ideal for people who would like to organise activities or projects which bring together older and younger people, improve their intergenerational practice or make their organisation or service more age-inclusive.
The day will be of particular interest to staff, managers and volunteers in sheltered housing, resource centres, residential care, community work, youth work, education and teaching, early years settings, community arts, council departments and anyone else who would like to organise intergenerational events or improve their organisation’s intergenerational practice.
Free to anyone working, studying or volunteering in the London Borough of Camden.
Tuesday 11 July 2017 9.45am – 4.30pm. Crowndale Centre, 218-220 Eversholt Street, London NW1
For queries and to make bookings without an account, please email tdsonline@camden.gov.uk or contact Vanda Carter – vanda.carter@camden.gov.uk / 020 7974 2810.

London Assembly consultation on Environment Strategy and London Plan
Tuesday, 27th June 2017 16:00 – 20:30
Map Room, City Hall, Queen’s Walk, London, SE1 2AA
In addition to being faced with a set of fresh challenges, the Mayor of London will be responsible for steering the city into the future. This event aims to develop and inform that vision from an environmental perspective, focusing on issues such: freight; fuel poverty; energy; flooding; food and biodiversity. Workshops contributions will be sent into the Assembly’s Environment committee for consideration. Book here.

Healthwatch Camden Community Forum & AGM 2017 ‘Community Conversation & AGM’
Monday 26 June, 4.15pm – 7.30pm at St Pancras & Somers Town Living Centre, 2 Ossulston St
Our aims are to:
· Raise awareness of recent changes in health and social care policies
· Hear talks by local leaders
· Give voice to local people
· Get feedback from local people
Discussions will include:
· Access to services – universal services
· What matters to people
· What makes it accessible to you
Please RSVP to info@healthwatchcamden.co.uk letting us know of any dietary and access requirements.

Rainbow Memory Cafe Consultation Event
Friday 23 June 2017, 11:00 – 13:00 at Tavis House, 1-6 Tavis Square, London WC1
Come along to this Opening Doors London event and find out more about plans for the first ever London wide LGBT* focused dementia initiative which will be a vital new resource for you to offer clients/patients and carers from this often hard to reach community.
All interested health and social care professionals including from Memory Services, Social Services, Age UK, Alzheimers’ Society, Carers’ Organisations, Housing Services and LGBT* organisations, as well as LGBT* older people are welcome to this free event. Book at Eventbrite

What the Health film screening Antiuniversity 2017
Host: Living Naturally + Lifeafterhummus. Antiuniversity 2017
Sunday 11 June 2017, 2-5pm at Allensbury Residents Room, Ground floor, Allensbury Place, at the bottom of Elm Friars Walk, off Maiden Lane, Maiden Lane Estate, NW1
After the screening we will have an opportunity to chat about the film with like-minded – or not – people and discuss our collective and individual experiences and enjoy a Food for Life cooking demonstration and talk. Part of the 2017 Antiuniversity
Book at Eventbrite

Camden Adult Community Learning Choices & Opportunities Day
Working Men’s College, Maurice Hall, 44 Crowndale Road, NW1 1TR
11 July 2017 09:30 – 1:00
Camden Adult Community Learning Service and partners are holding a Choices and Opportunities Day .providing adults aged 19+ with information and advice about learning, training, employment and volunteering opportunities in Camden and the support to help them access those opportunities.
If you have any questions, contact the Camden Adult Community Learning team:
Call: 020 7974 2148 Email: adultlearning@camden.gov.uk Web: www.camden.gov.uk/adultlearning

Free South Asian dance and movement workshops
Join us for our FREE workshops! Together with Odissi dancer Maryam Shakiba, you will explore South Asian dance and creative movement in a fun, friendly environment. No previous experience needed. All abilities and mobilities are welcome! Where: Kentish Town Community Centre, 17 Busby Place NW5 2SP When: 9 June, 16 June, 23 June, 30 June, 7 July (Fridays) Time: 11am-12pm Nearest Tube: Kentish Town Overground: Kentish Town West Buses: C2, 134, 214, 393, 390, 253, 29
For more info contact Akademi: Claire or Giulia – 020 76913210

Improving Records Management in Charities
15th June 2017, 15:30-18:30, The British Academy, 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, St. James’s, London SW1Y 5AH
What records do charities need to keep? How long should they be retained? What legislation and regulations on record keeping do charities need to comply with?
We invite you to learn more about these topics at the launch of a new toolkit to help charities and voluntary organisations improve records management.
Record keeping is an important but often overlooked part of running or working in a voluntary organisation. It is vital for good governance and necessary for complying with the wide range of regulations that apply to voluntary organisations in England and Wales. Good record keeping can help you tell people who you are, what you do and why donors and the public should trust you. However, many organisations find it hard to know quite what the state of their records is and what do to with them. There is a lack of advice, training and knowledge about record keeping and a bewildering array of different regulatory requirements. Free. Book online here.

Supersized Volunteering Fair
VCC fairs are a perfect way to meet people who want to volunteer in Camden. And they have a 46% recruitment rate.
VCC are co-hosting our Summer 2017 SUPERsized volunteering fair with our good friends at Volunteer Centre Islington. It will take place in King’s Cross on the penultimate day of Volunteers’ Week 2017.
Tuesday 6th June 12-3pm at Voluntary Action Islington. Book through Eventbrite.

Don’t forget that Camden TDS run a full programme of course which are subsidised or free for voluntary sector partner organisations. There is a link to a list of partner organisations on the home page.

Find more Training Opportunities at www.vac.org.uk

Elfrida Rathbone seeks Volunteers
Inclusion Works supports young people (16-25) with mild to moderate learning disabilities to find work, volunteering and work experience opportunities. We are looking for volunteers who like working with young people to offer a minimum of a half-day a week to supporting a young person during their volunteering, work placement or journey into employment. This may be in settings such as shops, cafes, a garden centre, office or community centre. The project co-ordinator Helen will co-ordinate placements.
Experience of learning disabilities and/or education would be an advantage but is not essential. You will gain experience working in a small and friendly team in a rewarding role which encourages young people with learning disabilities to gain confidence and learn new skills. To apply e-mail info@elfridacamden.org.uk or call Helen on 020 7424 1639.

Camden Town Unlimited seeks Apprenticeship in Business and Administration
Weekly Wage: £200. Monday to Friday for 12 months starting 7th June 2017.
Full details at https://westminster-kingsway-college.enrola.co.uk/opportunity/5919c105a58e5

SHAK seeks Employability & Learning Co-ordinator
£28,000 p.a. | 35 hours /wk | Location: South Hampstead London
Shak (South Hampstead and Kilburn Community Partnership) is a resident led charity based on the iconic Alexandra and Ainsworth estate in the Kilburn ward of Camden NW London.
We are currently seeking a full-time Employability & Learning Co-ordinator to deliver and develop learning programmes and pathways which empower and upskill disadvantaged residents, progressing towards suitable employment and better life opportunities.
Closing date for the receipt of application is 25 June 2017, with interviews to take place the week beginning 3rd July 2017. Apply through Charity Jobs by visiting our vacancy page

SHAK seeks Health & Wellbeing Development Worker
£27,000 p.a. | 21 hours /wk | Location: South Hampstead London
Shak (South Hampstead and Kilburn Community Partnership) is a resident led charity based on the iconic Alexandra and Ainsworth estate in the Kilburn ward of Camden NW London.
We are currently seeking a part-time Health & Wellbeing development worker to launch and lead an innovative project recruiting, training and supporting residents as volunteer “Health Champions” to deliver their own healthy cooking groups, deliver positive health messages and lead community discussions about ways to improve physical and mental health.
Closing date for the receipt of application is 25 June 2017, with interviews to take place the week beginning 3rd July 2017. Apply through Charity Jobs by visiting our vacancy page

Vacancies at Latin American Women’s Rights Service
We are looking for motivated individuals to join our growing team. Please take a look at our current job vacancies:
Operations and Development Manager – Deadline: 15/06/2017
No Limits Project Coordinator – Deadline: 15/06/2017
Outreach Project Coordinator- Southwark – Deadline: 11/06/2017
Please find all recruitment documents on our vacancies page: http://www.lawrs.org.uk/en/get-involved/vacancies/

Camden Community Centres’ Consortium (C4) is looking to recruit a new Project Manager for its Ageing Better in Camden Community Connectors project.
Are you inspired by the challenge of leading, delivering, and continually improving an ambitious borough-wide Lottery funded project to encourage and assist residents aged 60+ to get involved in local activities, groups, opportunities, and services through which they can improve all aspects of their health and well-being? If so, this may be the job for you!
Full time, 35 hours per week. Salary £36,000. Based in Kilburn, NW6.
Closing Date: Monday 5th June 2017 at 9am. Interviews: Wednesday 14th June 2017. Successful applicant will be required to undergo full DBS (CRB) check.
For more information please click here or email soyful@hamletconsultants.com

Bookkeeper Required
A small charity in Camden is looking to recruit a bookkeeper for 6 to 12 hours per month. Rates negotiable. For further detail contact shensby@vac.org.uk

Minute Taker Required
Small Camden based organisation is seeking a minute taker for its monthly meetings. Rates negotiable. For further details contact shensby@vac.org.uk

Solace Women’s Aid is recruiting a variety of volunteers
Children & Family Worker Assistant Volunteer
Availability Minimum 1 day per week
Our generic Camden Refuge Services are recruiting new volunteers to support their team. The C & F volunteer assistant will be supporting the day to day running of the children’s service. This may include: Supporting women to attend appointments, Draw up activity timetables, Running groups, Keep records of all activities and Making contact with women via telephone. Experience of working with children is required. Experience of running groups for women/children is essential. The candidate must be proactive, flexible, good IT skills, have a Friendly & cheerful approach.
Play Worker Volunteer
Availability Flexible
A new opportunity within our generic Camden Refuges to volunteer as a Play Worker. The Play Worker volunteer will provide support in running group sessions for families/children in the refuge, including arts and crafts, dance and movement, outings and discussion groups. The role will involve assisting in planning, delivering and evaluating sessions and supporting parents in playing and interacting with their children. Level 2/3 in childcare is required. You must have experience working in a play room.
Advice Line volunteers
Our Advice service is currently recruiting for 10 Advice Line volunteers. Working as part of the Advice team you will be taking calls and providing immediate advice and support to women on all issues relating to domestic and sexual violence, ensuring their safety and providing them with options. You will receive training that will you help develop the skills needed to deliver an excellent level of service to clients. This role requires strong communication skills and an excellent telephone manner.
Please note the recruitment and selection process will be over 2-3 days through different activities including role-plays, case studies, group work and questionnaires.
Availability Minimum 2 day per week, At least 6 months. Must be 18 or over.
Deadline: 8th June 2017 (Please note some individual roles may state a different closing date)
Please apply by completing the application and monitoring form on our website and email this to us along with your CV. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
http://solacewomensaid.org/get-involved/volunteer-your-time/current-volunteer-opportunities/
Please note that our volunteer opportunities are open to women only (exempt under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1), and that these volunteer roles are exempt from the rehabilitation of offenders act 1974 and subject to enhanced DBS checks.
Read more about our Advice service in our current volunteers newsletter.
http://solacewomensaid.org/volunteer-newsletter-may/

Community Association for West Hampstead – seeks Trustees
CAWH is a diverse, lively and expanding Community Association. We run the West Hampstead Community Centre. We are looking for individuals with a strong interest in improving services in the local community to join our Board of Management.
This is a great opportunity to contribute to a local organisation that is making a difference to people in the local area, particularly children and older people. You have the opportunity to gain new skills and experience and to meet new people.
We are particularly seeking a new Treasurer to lead the financial management of the organisation as well as individuals who have skills in finance, human resources and marketing to develop the breadth of our Board. You may have many years’ experience in running organisations or want to broaden your skillset by supporting a charity – we want to hear from you. You will be able to commit to ten meetings a year and would ideally live in or near West Hampstead or be familiar with the area.
If you are interested, please contact the Manager, Carlos Tapia, on 020 7794 3729 (Mon, Wed and Thurs) or e-mail manager@cawh.org.uk

Kings Cross Jobs
You can view a constantly changing range of job vacancies on the Kings Cross website. For the latest news on jobs sign up to job alerts.

Volunteers are needed in GP practices!
Voluntary Action Camden (VAC) would like to hear from you! We are training volunteers to become Community Health Advocates in local GP practices.
• Do you live, work or volunteer in Camden?
• Would you like to support people in your community to improve their health and their access to services that will help them to maintain good health and wellbeing?
• Do you want to develop experience and skills in the field of public health?
• Can you commit at least 2 hours per week?
VAC is offering free Royal Society of Public Health (RSPH) Level 1 training to those who want to volunteer their time to become Community Health Advocates. The RSPH Level 1 training is a two days course, with a 20 question multiple choice test at the end of the second day of training. It could provide a useful skill set and experience for people who may be interested in following a health related career path in the future.
After completing the training, VAC will support local teams of volunteers to act as links between community based services and GPs. You may wish to take advantage of additional opportunities to increase your knowledge, for example smoking cessation, cancer awareness, diabetes etc. In return for your commitment to the project for 2 hours a week we offer support, out of pocket expenses and other professional development opportunities.
For more information, please contact Mandira Manandhar, Health Advocate Volunteer Co-ordinator (Mon, Tues and Thurs) 020 7284 6550/07930669417 or email: mmanandhar@vac.org.uk
Peter Simonson on 020 7284 6550 or email: projectsupport@vac.org.uk
The RSPH training is provided FREE by on the understanding that participants are available to volunteer for the project and able to attend the regular training and support sessions.

Find Jobs and Volunteering opportunities at https://www.vac.org.uk/

Free Technology Information and Advice Helpline for London’s Voluntary Sector
Lasa can help you find donated and discounted tech, and find you suppliers to help with cloud services, databases and websites. Our free webinars give charities access to expert advice on topical issues like using social media to raise your organisation’s profile, data protection and cyber security. We also round up the latest tech news for the sector – follow us on Twitter @LasaICT to stay up to date.
If you need independent and impartial advice for that tech project you’re planning, contact Lasa for more information. Call 020 7426 4473 or email ist@lasa.org.uk web: www.lasa.org.uk/#tech-support

Have Your Say on Hampstead Heath
Take part in the survey about Hampstead Heath, only 20 questions. Closes 19th June.

Why this General Election matters to Disabled people – election resources
We are calling on Deaf and Disabled Londoners to make sure you get your voices heard in the 2017 General Election. Election Pledges, Template Leaflet for DDPOs and Disabled people, and a snap guide to the Snap Election. Download from the Inclusion London website.

Office Space Wanted
Grandparents Plus is looking for office space for 10-12 people with access to meeting rooms preferable. We would love the opportunity to sublet some space near to transport links. If you have any office space available please contact Louise Baker at louise.baker@grandparentsplus.org.uk.

Camden Consultations
You can find all Camden consultation on the Wearecamden consultation hub.

FREE VAC Membership for Unfunded Groups: Voluntary Action Camden Small organisations with no paid staff and a turnover of less than £1,500 can now join for FREE. To take advantage of this offer just fill in the membership on the online form here.

Write a Successful Grant Application; UCLH recruiting patient governor; Intergenerational Gardening at the Calthope Project;Technology Information and Advice Helpline for London’s Voluntary Sector; Online welfare benefits casework support; Refugees and the Voluntary Sector; Have Your Say on Hampstead Heath; An introduction to intergenerational working; Euston Station Area Planning; What does it mean to belong? Centre 404 + funding, jobs, volunteers, events, training, offers and resources.

Wednesday 31st May 2 – 8pm or Wednesday 12th July 2 – 8pm
Mary Ward Centre (Camden), 42 Queen Square. WC1N
Find out the secrets by coming along to a practical workshop and learn about all of the dos and don’ts! The sessions are for Camden based groups only and will focus on providing support for voluntary and community organisations with income of less than £100,000 a year. You can bring along a grant application that you are working on, or would like to work on. Following the workshop, you will also be offered one to one support to complete the application. Booking and details at VAC website.

Are you a UCLH patient, carer or a London resident? Do you want to help deliver UCLH’s vision and make a difference for patients?
If so, being a Governor could be just the role for you! This year we are seeking six enthusiastic people to join our Council of Governors who are keen to represent the interests of our public and patient communities.
Governors play an important role ranging from being involved in improving the patient experience to appointing members of the Board of Directors. Nominations are now open and close at 5pm on Monday 5 June – it’s a simple self-nomination process. You do not need any particular skills or experience, the most important requirement is an interest in UCLH and the time and commitment to help us deliver our vision. You should also have enthusiasm and a willingness to represent not just your own views but the views of the people who have elected you.
You must be registered as a member* of UCLH to stand as a Governor. Membership is free and you can sign up online: www.uclh.nhs.uk/members
For more information, please contact Liz Rose, Membership Manager foundation.trust@uclh.nhs.uk / 020 3447 9923 or visit www.ersvotes.com/uclh2017
To be eligible to join as a member, you must be in one of the following groups:
• Public – A resident of a London Borough
• Patient – A patient at a UCLH hospital in the last 3 years
• Patient Carer – An unpaid carer of a patient who has been to UCLH in the past 3 years.

Intergenerational Gardening at the Calthope Project
Friday, 16th June 11:00am to 3:00pm
The Calthorpe Project at 258-274 Grays Inn Rd London WC1X 8LH
Join us for an intergenerational gardening experience at The Calthorpe Project, a green oasis in King’s Cross.
The Calthorpe Project provide gardening and healthy eating sessions every Friday for retired people, anyone and everyone is welcome. Gardening provides not only exercise but enjoyment and fresh food. The sessions initially began as referrals from the GP to exercise and get involved in social activity. The sessions start with one and a half hours gardening, followed by a shared lunch that always includes some of the harvested vegetables and special dishes prepared at home.
The group not only benefits from the physical exercise, as well as the healthy produce. Each week, the group talks about the principles of healthy eating and it’s benefits. They also share cooking tips and recipes. The majority of the people in the group live alone and they find it difficult to find the motivation to cook. Since attending the sessions the members of the group try at home some of the recipes or prepare those old recipes that they didn’t cook for ages to bring along to our weekly feast.
Information and bookings at Eventbrite

Free Technology Information and Advice Helpline for London’s Voluntary Sector
Lasa can help you find donated and discounted tech, and find you suppliers to help with cloud services, databases and websites. Our free webinars give charities access to expert advice on topical issues like using social media to raise your organisation’s profile, data protection and cyber security. We also round up the latest tech news for the sector – follow us on Twitter @LasaICT to stay up to date.
If you need independent and impartial advice for that tech project you’re planning, contact Lasa for more information. Call 020 7426 4473 or email ist@lasa.org.uk web: www.lasa.org.uk/#tech-support

Online welfare benefits casework support
If you provide advice on welfare benefits check out the online casework support available via Lasa’s rightsnet website (www.rightsnet.org.uk). Rightsnet is one of a range of services delivered by Lasa, an advice and technology charity which has been delivering support to the sector for more than 30 years. The online adviser forums are a great way for advisers to keep up to date and share their experience and expertise for the benefit of their clients. And the best part is – they’re free!
You can view the forums at http://www.rightsnet.org.uk/forums and, if you want to post a message, you just need to register which only takes a minute or two. The registration form is available at http://www.rightsnet.org.uk/my/account.
If you’d like to know more about Lasa, visit http://lasa.org.uk for details of their range of services.

Refugees and the Voluntary Sector
Part of UCL Festival of Culture 2017
Mon 5 June 2017 10:00 – 11:00 G06, Roberts Building, Torrington Place, WC1
People become refugees when war, persecution or natural disasters force them to leave their home countries in search of safety. United Nations outlines the obligations that all states have to protect refugees. The enactment of these protections is performed differently and to varied extents across the world. What can and should states be doing? And what are volunteers and the voluntary sector better placed to do to support refugees?
Delivered by guest speaker Vicky Knight, formerly of the United States Refugee Program, this session will inform and facilitate discussion about the involvement of volunteers and voluntary organisations in refugee crises. Book at Eventbrite.
This event is part of UCL’s Global Citizenship Programme (Voluntary Sector). The GCP is a free two week programme which brings students together from across UCL to explore our biggest global challenges, and to develop hands-on skills. Find out more: ucl.ac.uk/global-citizenship-programme.

Have Your Say on Hampstead Heath
Take part in the survey about Hampstead Heath, only 20 questions. Closes 19th June.

An introduction to intergenerational working
An intensive one-day training session ideal for people who would like to organise activities or projects which bring together older and younger people, improve their intergenerational practice or make their organisation or service more age-inclusive.
The day will be of particular interest to staff, managers and volunteers in sheltered housing, resource centres, residential care, community work, youth work, education and teaching, early years settings, community arts, council departments and anyone else who would like to organise intergenerational events or improve their organisation’s intergenerational practice.
The session is free of charge and open to anyone working, studying or volunteering in the London Borough of Camden.
Tuesday 11 July 2017 9.45am – 4.30pm. Training and Development Centre, Crowndale Centre, 218-220 Eversholt Street, London NW1 1BD
For queries and to make bookings without an account, please email tdsonline@camden.gov.uk or contact Vanda Carter – vanda.carter@camden.gov.uk / 020 7974 2810.

Euston Station Area Planning Brief principles
The Council has developed principles for a plan to guide development around and above Euston station, and are seeking your views..
“A fully redeveloped station would maximise opportunities for new homes, jobs, open space and routes through and around the station.”
Find out more at the Camden council website.

What does it mean to belong?
from Social Innovation Exchange. Friday 16 June 2017 3:00 – 5:00pm at the Calthorpe Project
This event is part of the Unusual Suspects Festival, a unique festival of ideas, solutions and discussion which runs across different London venues from 14-16 June 2017.
Designed by SIX and hosted by the Calthorpe Project, this open discussion will bring together lots of people to examine what it means to be a Londoner.
We will explore themes of identity, belonging and language, with a variety of Londoners, who will share their perspective and experience of their life in London. Information and bookings at Eventbrite

Centre 404
Dates for Your Diary | Groups & Workshops at Centre 404. Online here.

Camden Carers Service
Camden Carers Service (CCS) offers advice, support and activities for family and other unpaid carers across the borough.
Help is just a phone call away on 020 7428 8950 or email info@camdencarers.org.uk – read more about our services at www.camdencs.org.uk or www.facebook.com

Healthwatch Camden
View the latest news and views from Healthwatch Camden here.

Camden Capacity Building Bulletin
The February Capacity Building Bulletin is available here.

SHAK, Training Link, Latin American Women’s Rights Service , Community Association for West Hampstead, Solace Women’s Aid, VAC, Kings Cross Construction Centre and Camden PA are recruiting. See Jobs and Volunteers section below.

You can join in on Facebook. Like us if you like us.

Follow all the Camden Voluntary Sector news on OneCamden on Twitter.

You can read more about all of these stories on our news page at www.vac.org.uk/new

See the Funding pages on VAC’s website for all the latest information.

Neighbourhood Planning Grants and Support Programme – Final Year
The Department for Communities and Local Development’s £22.5 million Neighbourhood Planning Grants and Support Programme (2015-2018) aims to support local communities that are drawing up a neighbourhood plan for their area.
This is the last year of the funding programme, and Locality, which is delivering the programme, has announced that applications can be made from now until 31 January 2018. It has also announced that expenditure through a grant must be completed within six months or before 31 March 2018,
Locality has announced the following two updates:
~ Modifying the plan after it has come into force: Groups can now apply for funding to modify their plan, irrespective of whether they have already claimed their full grant allocation of £9,000 (or £15,000 for a priority group).
~ Groups undertaking site assessments and housing site allocations: Groups who are undertaking a site assessment for a site allocation, OR groups who are allocating sites for housing or mixed development can now be considered complex – allowing them to apply for additional support for complex groups (technical support and grants of up to £15,000).
Full details at the My Community website.

Trust for London and City Bridge Trust launch £100,000 Crowdfunding initiative to tackle poverty and inequality in London
In collaboration with Crowdfunder and The Social Innovation Partnership, Trust for London and City Bridge Trust have launched a new £100,000 fund available to organisations using crowdfunding to raise funds and deliver projects which will address inequality and lift people out of poverty in the capital.
The Improving life for Londoners fund will provide up to 50% of the target (to a maximum of £10,000), with projects expected to raise at least the first 25% from the crowd.
The fund is keen to support charitable work that:
~ Provides practical solutions to support people on low incomes
~ Addresses local problems in creative ways
~ Is led by communities that will benefit from the work
If you think your organisation fits, check out our Crowdfunder page.
Do you want to know more about crowdfunding, and how to run a crowdfunding project? You can sign up to crowdfunding workshops online here.

UCL Grand Challenges Small Grants Scheme
Closing date: 9am, Monday, 22 May 2017
Up to £4,000 available for a wide range of research-informed, societally relevant, cross-disciplinary activities undertaken from 1 August 2017 to 31 July 2018
Up to £6,000 is available for proposals that address the GCSC Priority Theme of Urban Mobility, with additional funding from the UCL Transport Institute. Further details
Proposals must address a Priority Theme relating to one of the six UCL Grand Challenges – Global Health; Justice and Equality; Tranformative Tech; Human Wellbeing; Cultural Understanding; Sustainable Cities
Applications must be led by UCL academic staff members (honorary researchers included) at postdoctoral level (or equivalent) or above. Full details here.

Free Basic Risk Assessment Training
Friday, 30 June 30 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Do you want to know how to carry out a risk assessment? Do you have responsibility for managing health & safety? This 3-hour basic risk assessment training could be what you are looking for. The course is for:
~ People with health and safety responsibilities in voluntary sector organisations
~ Staff and volunteers of community groups
~ Recent arrivals and migrant workers who want to know the basics of risk assessment
The training covers:
~ How should risk assessments be carried out
~ The hierarchy of control
~ Principles of prevention
~ Manual handling problems and risk assessments
~ Risk management and how to rank risks
~ Doing a basic risk assessment
If you run a community group or local charity the course covers all you need to know about carrying risk assessments.
To book, please go to the VAC website

How Do You Write a Successful Grant Application?
Wednesday 31st May 2 – 8pm or Wednesday 12th July 2 – 8pm
Mary Ward Centre (Camden), 42 Queen Square. WC1N
Find out the secrets by coming along to a practical workshop and learn about all of the dos and don’ts! The sessions are for Camden based groups only and will focus on providing support for voluntary and community organisations with income of less than £100,000 a year. You can bring along a grant application that you are working on, or would like to work on. Following the workshop, you will also be offered one to one support to complete the application. Booking and details at VAC website.

VAC Survey: Training Needs Analysis Survey
VAC and the Mary Ward Centre are putting together a comprehensive training programme for the next 18 months. This is specifically focused on the employment and skill needs of voluntary and community organisations.
The questions in this survey are designed to help identify how the voluntary and community sector can help address some of the big challenges facing Camden, and to determine what knowledge and skills their team will need to achieve this.
All completed surveys will be entered into a prize draw for a chance to win five hours of free organisational development support from VAC, for example 121 assistance on writing a funding application.
Thank you for participating in our survey. Your feedback is important.

HR Support in Camden
VAC provides free HR advice and support to Camden voluntary organisations employing staff. Get in touch to discuss your HR consultancy needs, from recruitment to redundancy and everything in-between. VAC’s HR support aims to help trustees and managers understand employment law and to have robust HR procedures that reflect good practice so fewer workplace issues arise, and HR crises are averted or managed effectively. Call Kevin on 020 7284 6557 or email knunan@vac.org.uk

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

London Assembly consultation on Environment Strategy and London Plan
Tuesday, 27th June 2017 16:00 – 20:30
Map Room, City Hall, Queen’s Walk, London, SE1 2AA
In addition to being faced with a set of fresh challenges, the Mayor of London will be responsible for steering the city into the future. This event aims to develop and inform that vision from an environmental perspective, focusing on issues such: freight; fuel poverty; energy; flooding; food and biodiversity. Workshops contributions will be sent into the Assembly’s Environment committee for consideration. Book here.

Healthwatch Camden Community Forum & AGM 2017 ‘Community Conversation & AGM’
Monday 26 June, 4.15pm – 7.30pm at St Pancras & Somers Town Living Centre, 2 Ossulston St
Our aims are to:
· Raise awareness of recent changes in health and social care policies
· Hear talks by local leaders
· Give voice to local people
· Get feedback from local people
Discussions will include:
· Access to services – universal services
· What matters to people
· What makes it accessible to you
Please RSVP to info@healthwatchcamden.co.uk letting us know of any dietary and access requirements.

Rainbow Memory Cafe Consultation Event
Friday 23 June 2017, 11:00 – 13:00 at Tavis House, 1-6 Tavis Square, London WC1
Come along to this Opening Doors London event and find out more about plans for the first ever London wide LGBT* focused dementia initiative which will be a vital new resource for you to offer clients/patients and carers from this often hard to reach community.
All interested health and social care professionals including from Memory Services, Social Services, Age UK, Alzheimers’ Society, Carers’ Organisations, Housing Services and LGBT* organisations, as well as LGBT* older people are welcome to this free event. Book at Eventbrite

What the Health film screening Antiuniversity 2017
Host: Living Naturally + Lifeafterhummus. Antiuniversity 2017
Sunday 11 June 2017, 2-5pm at Allensbury Residents Room, Ground floor, Allensbury Place, at the bottom of Elm Friars Walk, off Maiden Lane, Maiden Lane Estate, NW1
After the screening we will have an opportunity to chat about the film with like-minded – or not – people and discuss our collective and individual experiences and enjoy a Food for Life cooking demonstration and talk. Part of the 2017 Antiuniversity
Book at Eventbrite

Camden Adult Community Learning Choices & Opportunities Day
Working Men’s College, Maurice Hall, 44 Crowndale Road, NW1 1TR
11 July 2017 09:30 – 1:00
Camden Adult Community Learning Service and partners are holding a Choices and Opportunities Day .providing adults aged 19+ with information and advice about learning, training, employment and volunteering opportunities in Camden and the support to help them access those opportunities.
If you have any questions, contact the Camden Adult Community Learning team:
Call: 020 7974 2148 Email: adultlearning@camden.gov.uk Web: www.camden.gov.uk/adultlearning

An Introduction to User/Survivor Research in Mental Health
Thursday 1st June @ 10:00 am – 4:30 pm at Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, London, WC1
One Day Course with Jayasree Kalathil, a researcher, writer and activist in mental health with over 15 years of experience. She runs the virtual collective, Survivor Research www.survivor-research.com

Free South Asian dance and movement workshops
Join us for our FREE workshops! Together with Odissi dancer Maryam Shakiba, you will explore South Asian dance and creative movement in a fun, friendly environment. No previous experience needed. All abilities and mobilities are welcome! Where: Kentish Town Community Centre, 17 Busby Place NW5 2SP When: 2 June, 9 June, 16 June, 23 June, 30 June, 7 July (Fridays) Time: 11am-12pm Nearest Tube: Kentish Town Overground: Kentish Town West Buses: C2, 134, 214, 393, 390, 253, 29
For more info contact Akademi: Claire or Giulia – 020 76913210

Moneytalk Camden North – final subsidised Financial Education Facilitator Training Courses
Moneytalk Camden North is a project based on the award winning financial literacy resource Made of Money, developed by anti-poverty charity Quaker Social Action. It aims to help groups talk about money and its impact on their lives, as well as learn vital money management skills.
Our last 2-day comprehensive training courses are on 11th & 12th July and 4th & 11th October click here to find out more and download a booking form. Contact: mtcn@qsa.org.uk tel: 020 8983 5047

Improving Records Management in Charities
15th June 2017, 15:30-18:30, The British Academy, 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, St. James’s, London SW1Y 5AH
What records do charities need to keep? How long should they be retained? What legislation and regulations on record keeping do charities need to comply with?
We invite you to learn more about these topics at the launch of a new toolkit to help charities and voluntary organisations improve records management.
Record keeping is an important but often overlooked part of running or working in a voluntary organisation. It is vital for good governance and necessary for complying with the wide range of regulations that apply to voluntary organisations in England and Wales. Good record keeping can help you tell people who you are, what you do and why donors and the public should trust you. However, many organisations find it hard to know quite what the state of their records is and what do to with them. There is a lack of advice, training and knowledge about record keeping and a bewildering array of different regulatory requirements. Free. Book online here.

Camden Town Shed – new sessions
The Shed invites older people especially men to use our well-equipped workshop for all skills in wood Tuesdays and Wednesdays 10-4pm on a donations basis. Maiden Lane Community Centre St Paul’s Crescent (off Agar Grove) NW19XZ. www.camdentownshed.org
Mondays 1.30 – 4.00 Make or mend with wood. No experience required. These sessions welcome people needing supervision. Agencies should contact the supervisor Alan Alison on 07429 651676
Wednesdays 2.00 – 4.00 Hand-building with clay (not using the potters wheel) . Drop in and make whatever you like (boxes, plates, models, artworks, tiles etc) with an experienced maker present to advise. No experience required. Kiln firing on site. Enquiries to Mike Jenn 07757 024749

Why Every Professional Needs to be Equipped to Safeguard Against Harmful Practices
Thursday 1st June 2017
Amnesty International Human Rights Action Centre, 17-25 New Inn Yard, London, EC2A 3EA
Hear real case studies from specialist organisations working with women and girls at risk of “Honour” Based Violence, Forced Marriage and Female Genital Mutilation across Europe. Learn about good and bad practice and hear from public sector leaders about the importance of continuing professional training and have opportunities to network.
https://ikwroeuroconference.eventbrite.com

Supersized Volunteering Fair
VCC fairs are a perfect way to meet people who want to volunteer in Camden. And they have a 46% recruitment rate.
VCC are co-hosting our Summer 2017 SUPERsized volunteering fair with our good friends at Volunteer Centre Islington. It will take place in King’s Cross on the penultimate day of Volunteers’ Week 2017.
Tuesday 6th June 12-3pm at Voluntary Action Islington. Book through Eventbrite.

Don’t forget that Camden TDS run a full programme of course which are subsidised or free for voluntary sector partner organisations. There is a link to a list of partner organisations on the home page.

Find more Training Opportunities at www.vac.org.uk

SHAK seeks Employability & Learning Co-ordinator
£28,000 p.a. | 35 hours /wk | Location: South Hampstead London
Shak (South Hampstead and Kilburn Community Partnership) is a resident led charity based on the iconic Alexandra and Ainsworth estate in the Kilburn ward of Camden NW London.
We are currently seeking a full-time Employability & Learning Co-ordinator to deliver and develop learning programmes and pathways which empower and upskill disadvantaged residents, progressing towards suitable employment and better life opportunities.
Closing date for the receipt of application is 25 June 2017, with interviews to take place the week beginning 3rd July 2017. Apply through Charity Jobs by visiting our vacancy page

SHAK seeks Health & Wellbeing Development Worker
£27,000 p.a. | 21 hours /wk | Location: South Hampstead London
Shak (South Hampstead and Kilburn Community Partnership) is a resident led charity based on the iconic Alexandra and Ainsworth estate in the Kilburn ward of Camden NW London.
We are currently seeking a part-time Health & Wellbeing development worker to launch and lead an innovative project recruiting, training and supporting residents as volunteer “Health Champions” to deliver their own healthy cooking groups, deliver positive health messages and lead community discussions about ways to improve physical and mental health.
Closing date for the receipt of application is 25 June 2017, with interviews to take place the week beginning 3rd July 2017. Apply through Charity Jobs by visiting our vacancy page

Interested in becoming an Employment Adviser?
Training Link is looking for three people who are not working full-time to undertake an accredited Level
3 training course in Information, Advice and Guidance. The course is partly in classes and partly online distance learning.
When our trainees have finished the course, they will be expected to volunteer at Training Link once a
week to give our learners advice and support in finding work. We may also have some paid work
available, dependent on funding.
This is an excellent opportunity for people who want to develop a career in advice work. We will provide
support and study facilities for the training course.
We positively welcome applications from people who have not done a Level 3 course before.
Interested? Please send a copy of your CV, and a covering letter of up to 500 words saying why you are interested in this opportunity. Please email to: admin@traininglink.org.uk
For more information, or an informal discussion, please phone Peter Lush (Training Link director) on
020-7383-5405 or email: director@traininglink.org.uk
Closing date for applications: Friday 2 June at 5pm

Vacancies at Latin American Women’s Rights Service
We are looking for motivated individuals to join our growing team. Please take a look at our current job vacancies:
Operations and Development Manager – Deadline: 15/06/2017
No Limits Project Coordinator – Deadline: 15/06/2017
Outreach Project Coordinator- Southwark – Deadline: 11/06/2017
Creche Assistant (Portuguese-speaking) – Deadline: 25/05/2017
Please find all recruitment documents on our vacancies page: http://www.lawrs.org.uk/en/get-involved/vacancies/

Camden Community Centres’ Consortium (C4) is looking to recruit a new Project Manager for its Ageing Better in Camden Community Connectors project.
Are you inspired by the challenge of leading, delivering, and continually improving an ambitious borough-wide Lottery funded project to encourage and assist residents aged 60+ to get involved in local activities, groups, opportunities, and services through which they can improve all aspects of their health and well-being? If so, this may be the job for you!
Full time, 35 hours per week. Salary £36,000. Based in Kilburn, NW6.
Closing Date: Monday 5th June 2017 at 9am. Interviews: Wednesday 14th June 2017. Successful applicant will be required to undergo full DBS (CRB) check.
For more information please click here or email soyful@hamletconsultants.com

Bookkeeper Required
A small charity in Camden is looking to recruit a bookkeeper for 6 to 12 hours per month. Rates negotiable. For further detail contact shensby@vac.org.uk

Minute Taker Required
Small Camden based organisation is seeking a minute taker for its monthly meetings. Rates negotiable. For further details contact shensby@vac.org.uk

Solace Women’s Aid is recruiting a variety of volunteers
Children & Family Worker Assistant Volunteer
Availability Minimum 1 day per week
Our generic Camden Refuge Services are recruiting new volunteers to support their team. The C & F volunteer assistant will be supporting the day to day running of the children’s service. This may include: Supporting women to attend appointments, Draw up activity timetables, Running groups, Keep records of all activities and Making contact with women via telephone. Experience of working with children is required. Experience of running groups for women/children is essential. The candidate must be proactive, flexible, good IT skills, have a Friendly & cheerful approach.
Play Worker Volunteer
Availability Flexible
A new opportunity within our generic Camden Refuges to volunteer as a Play Worker. The Play Worker volunteer will provide support in running group sessions for families/children in the refuge, including arts and crafts, dance and movement, outings and discussion groups. The role will involve assisting in planning, delivering and evaluating sessions and supporting parents in playing and interacting with their children. Level 2/3 in childcare is required. You must have experience working in a play room.
Advice Line volunteers
Our Advice service is currently recruiting for 10 Advice Line volunteers. Working as part of the Advice team you will be taking calls and providing immediate advice and support to women on all issues relating to domestic and sexual violence, ensuring their safety and providing them with options. You will receive training that will you help develop the skills needed to deliver an excellent level of service to clients. This role requires strong communication skills and an excellent telephone manner.
Please note the recruitment and selection process will be over 2-3 days through different activities including role-plays, case studies, group work and questionnaires.
Availability Minimum 2 day per week, At least 6 months. Must be 18 or over.
Deadline: 8th June 2017 (Please note some individual roles may state a different closing date)
Please apply by completing the application and monitoring form on our website and email this to us along with your CV. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
http://solacewomensaid.org/get-involved/volunteer-your-time/current-volunteer-opportunities/
Please note that our volunteer opportunities are open to women only (exempt under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1), and that these volunteer roles are exempt from the rehabilitation of offenders act 1974 and subject to enhanced DBS checks.
Read more about our Advice service in our current volunteers newsletter.
http://solacewomensaid.org/volunteer-newsletter-may/

Community Association for West Hampstead – seeks Trustees
CAWH is a diverse, lively and expanding Community Association. We run the West Hampstead Community Centre. We are looking for individuals with a strong interest in improving services in the local community to join our Board of Management.
This is a great opportunity to contribute to a local organisation that is making a difference to people in the local area, particularly children and older people. You have the opportunity to gain new skills and experience and to meet new people.
We are particularly seeking a new Treasurer to lead the financial management of the organisation as well as individuals who have skills in finance, human resources and marketing to develop the breadth of our Board. You may have many years’ experience in running organisations or want to broaden your skillset by supporting a charity – we want to hear from you. You will be able to commit to ten meetings a year and would ideally live in or near West Hampstead or be familiar with the area.
If you are interested, please contact the Manager, Carlos Tapia, on 020 7794 3729 (Mon, Wed and Thurs) or e-mail manager@cawh.org.uk

Kings Cross Jobs
You can view a constantly changing range of job vacancies on the Kings Cross website. For the latest news on jobs sign up to job alerts.

Volunteers are needed in GP practices!
Voluntary Action Camden (VAC) would like to hear from you! We are training volunteers to become Community Health Advocates in local GP practices.
• Do you live, work or volunteer in Camden?
• Would you like to support people in your community to improve their health and their access to services that will help them to maintain good health and wellbeing?
• Do you want to develop experience and skills in the field of public health?
• Can you commit at least 2 hours per week?
VAC is offering free Royal Society of Public Health (RSPH) Level 1 training to those who want to volunteer their time to become Community Health Advocates. The RSPH Level 1 training is a two days course, with a 20 question multiple choice test at the end of the second day of training. It could provide a useful skill set and experience for people who may be interested in following a health related career path in the future.
After completing the training, VAC will support local teams of volunteers to act as links between community based services and GPs. You may wish to take advantage of additional opportunities to increase your knowledge, for example smoking cessation, cancer awareness, diabetes etc. In return for your commitment to the project for 2 hours a week we offer support, out of pocket expenses and other professional development opportunities.
For more information, please contact Mandira Manandhar, Health Advocate Volunteer Co-ordinator (Mon, Tues and Thurs) 020 7284 6550/07930669417 or email: mmanandhar@vac.org.uk
Peter Simonson on 020 7284 6550 or email: projectsupport@vac.org.uk
The RSPH training is provided FREE by on the understanding that participants are available to volunteer for the project and able to attend the regular training and support sessions.

Find Jobs and Volunteering opportunities at https://www.vac.org.uk/

Why this General Election matters to Disabled people – election resources
We are calling on Deaf and Disabled Londoners to make sure you get your voices heard in the 2017 General Election. Election Pledges, Template Leaflet for DDPOs and Disabled people, and a snap guide to the Snap Election. Download from the Inclusion London website.

Office Space Wanted
Grandparents Plus is looking for office space for 10-12 people with access to meeting rooms preferable. We would love the opportunity to sublet some space near to transport links. If you have any office space available please contact Louise Baker at louise.baker@grandparentsplus.org.uk.

Camden Consultations
You can find all Camden consultation on the Wearecamden consultation hub.

FREE VAC Membership for Unfunded Groups: Voluntary Action Camden Small organisations with no paid staff and a turnover of less than £1,500 can now join for FREE. To take advantage of this offer just fill in the membership on the online form here.

Free Basic Risk Assessment Training; Ransomware threat – Be Vigilant; food poverty in Camden & Islington; London Assembly consultation on Environment Strategy; Healthwatch Camden AGM; General Election and Disabled people; Rainbow Memory Cafe Consultation Event; Antiuniversity 2017; Camden Adult Community Learning Choices & Opportunities Day; An Introduction to User/Survivor Research in Mental Health + funding, jobs, volunteers, events, training, offers and resources.

Friday, 30 June 30 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Do you want to know how to carry out a risk assessment? Do you have responsibility for managing health & safety? This 3-hour basic risk assessment training could be what you are looking for. The course is for:
~ People with health and safety responsibilities in voluntary sector organisations
~ Staff and volunteers of community groups
~ Recent arrivals and migrant workers who want to know the basics of risk assessment
The training covers:
~ How should risk assessments be carried out
~ The hierarchy of control
~ Principles of prevention
~ Manual handling problems and risk assessments
~ Risk management and how to rank risks
~ Doing a basic risk assessment
If you run a community group or local charity the course covers all you need to know about carrying risk assessments.
To book, please go to the VAC website

Ransomware threat – Be Vigilant
Over 200,000 organisations, including the National Health Service (NHS), in 150 countries have been affected by a recent ransomware attack. The vulnerabilities exploited by the hackers are the same for charities as they are for individuals, public or private sector organisations. The Charity Commission has issued some guidance on how to stay safe.

Call for evidence: food poverty in Camden & Islington
Have you come across signs of food poverty in your work? Are you concerned that your clients don’t have the money to buy healthy food, or that they are cutting down on food purchases to pay for fuel or rent?
If so, please get in touch! We are undertaking a needs assessment of food poverty across Camden & Islington, and we need to hear your views to help us understand the full picture.
We know that the experience of food poverty is widespread in Camden & Islington residents. This issue is seen across clients accessing a range of services, and is difficult for us to measure. We would like to hear from everyone with an interest in food poverty, or providing local services to those who may not be able to afford or access healthy food. We would also like to hear from community networks and organisations, even where food poverty is not the main focus of their work.
We would like to hear about:
• Your experiences and knowledge of the problem of food poverty;
• Any actions you have taken as a result; and
• Services that you know about or work with which address food poverty.
We’d be grateful to hear from you by Friday 26th May. Please let us know if you would be happy for us to get in touch with you to explore this further.
Alexandra Smith, Public Health registrar, Camden & Islington. Alexandra.Smith1@islington.gov.uk

London Assembly consultation on Environment Strategy and London Plan
Tuesday, 27th June 2017 16:00 – 20:30
Map Room, City Hall, Queen’s Walk, London, SE1 2AA
In addition to being faced with a set of fresh challenges, the Mayor of London will be responsible for steering the city into the future. This event aims to develop and inform that vision from an environmental perspective, focusing on issues such: freight; fuel poverty; energy; flooding; food and biodiversity. Workshops contributions will be sent into the Assembly’s Environment committee for consideration. Book here.

Healthwatch Camden Community Forum & AGM 2017 ‘Community Conversation & AGM’
Monday 26 June, 4.15pm – 7.30pm at St Pancras & Somers Town Living Centre, 2 Ossulston St
Our aims are to:
· Raise awareness of recent changes in health and social care policies
· Hear talks by local leaders
· Give voice to local people
· Get feedback from local people
Discussions will include:
· Access to services – universal services
· What matters to people
· What makes it accessible to you
Please RSVP to info@healthwatchcamden.co.uk letting us know of any dietary and access requirements.

Why this General Election matters to Disabled people – election resources
We are calling on Deaf and Disabled Londoners to make sure you get your voices heard in the 2017 General Election. Election Pledges, Template Leaflet for DDPOs and Disabled people, and a snap guide to the Snap Election. Download from the Inclusion London website.

Rainbow Memory Cafe Consultation Event
Friday 23 June 2017, 11:00 – 13:00 at Tavis House, 1-6 Tavis Square, London WC1
Come along to this Opening Doors London event and find out more about plans for the first ever London wide LGBT* focused dementia initiative which will be a vital new resource for you to offer clients/patients and carers from this often hard to reach community.
All interested health and social care professionals including from Memory Services, Social Services, Age UK, Alzheimers’ Society, Carers’ Organisations, Housing Services and LGBT* organisations, as well as LGBT* older people are welcome to this free event. Book at Eventbrite

What the Health film screening Antiuniversity 2017
by Host: Living Naturally + Lifeafterhummus. Antiuniversity 2017
Sunday 11 June 2017, 2-5pm at Allensbury Residents Room, Ground floor, Allensbury Place, at the bottom of Elm Friars Walk, off Maiden Lane, Maiden Lane Estate, NW1
After the screening we will have an opportunity to chat about the film with like-minded – or not – people and discuss our collective and individual experiences and enjoy a Food for Life cooking demonstration and talk. Part of the 2017 Antiuniversity
Book at Eventbrite

Camden Adult Community Learning Choices & Opportunities Day
Working Men’s College, Maurice Hall, 44 Crowndale Road, NW1 1TR
11 July 2017 09:30 – 1:00
Camden Adult Community Learning Service and partners are holding a Choices and Opportunities Day .providing adults aged 19+ with information and advice about learning, training, employment and volunteering opportunities in Camden and the support to help them access those opportunities.
If you have any questions, contact the Camden Adult Community Learning team:
Call: 020 7974 2148 Email: adultlearning@camden.gov.uk Web: www.camden.gov.uk/adultlearning

An Introduction to User/Survivor Research in Mental Health
Thursday 1st June @ 10:00 am – 4:30 pm at Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, London, WC1
One Day Course with Jayasree Kalathil, a researcher, writer and activist in mental health with over 15 years of experience. She runs the virtual collective, Survivor Research www.survivor-research.com

Camden Carers Service
Camden Carers Service (CCS) offers advice, support and activities for family and other unpaid carers across the borough.
Help is just a phone call away on 020 7428 8950 or email info@camdencarers.org.uk – read more about our services at www.camdencs.org.uk or www.facebook.com

Healthwatch Camden
View the latest news and views from Healthwatch Camden here.

Camden Capacity Building Bulletin
The February Capacity Building Bulletin is available here.

Hibiscus, Community Association for West Hampstead, Solace Women’s Aid, VAC, Kings Cross Construction Centre and Camden PA are recruiting. See Jobs and Volunteers section below.

You can join in on Facebook. Like us if you like us.

Follow all the Camden Voluntary Sector news on OneCamden on Twitter.

You can read more about all of these stories on our news page at www.vac.org.uk/new

See the Funding pages on VAC’s website for all the latest information.

Neighbourhood Planning Grants and Support Programme – Final Year
The Department for Communities and Local Development’s £22.5 million Neighbourhood Planning Grants and Support Programme (2015-2018) aims to support local communities that are drawing up a neighbourhood plan for their area.
This is the last year of the funding programme, and Locality, which is delivering the programme, has announced that applications can be made from now until 31 January 2018. It has also announced that expenditure through a grant must be completed within six months or before 31 March 2018,
Locality has announced the following two updates:
~ Modifying the plan after it has come into force: Groups can now apply for funding to modify their plan, irrespective of whether they have already claimed their full grant allocation of £9,000 (or £15,000 for a priority group).
~ Groups undertaking site assessments and housing site allocations: Groups who are undertaking a site assessment for a site allocation, OR groups who are allocating sites for housing or mixed development can now be considered complex – allowing them to apply for additional support for complex groups (technical support and grants of up to £15,000).
Full details at the My Community website.

Trust for London and City Bridge Trust launch £100,000 Crowdfunding initiative to tackle poverty and inequality in London
In collaboration with Crowdfunder and The Social Innovation Partnership, Trust for London and City Bridge Trust have launched a new £100,000 fund available to organisations using crowdfunding to raise funds and deliver projects which will address inequality and lift people out of poverty in the capital.
The Improving life for Londoners fund will provide up to 50% of the target (to a maximum of £10,000), with projects expected to raise at least the first 25% from the crowd.
The fund is keen to support charitable work that:
~ Provides practical solutions to support people on low incomes
~ Addresses local problems in creative ways
~ Is led by communities that will benefit from the work
If you think your organisation fits, check out our Crowdfunder page.
Do you want to know more about crowdfunding, and how to run a crowdfunding project? You can sign up to crowdfunding workshops online here.

UCL Grand Challenges Small Grants Scheme
Closing date: 9am, Monday, 22 May 2017
Up to £4,000 available for a wide range of research-informed, societally relevant, cross-disciplinary activities undertaken from 1 August 2017 to 31 July 2018
Up to £6,000 is available for proposals that address the GCSC Priority Theme of Urban Mobility, with additional funding from the UCL Transport Institute. Further details
Proposals must address a Priority Theme relating to one of the six UCL Grand Challenges – Global Health; Justice and Equality; Tranformative Tech; Human Wellbeing; Cultural Understanding; Sustainable Cities
Applications must be led by UCL academic staff members (honorary researchers included) at postdoctoral level (or equivalent) or above. Full details here.

How Do You Write a Successful Grant Application?
Wednesday 31st May 2 – 8pm or Wednesday 12th July 2 – 8pm
Mary Ward Centre (Camden), 42 Queen Square. WC1N
Find out the secrets by coming along to a practical workshop and learn about all of the dos and don’ts! The sessions are for Camden based groups only and will focus on providing support for voluntary and community organisations with income of less than £100,000 a year. You can bring along a grant application that you are working on, or would like to work on. Following the workshop, you will also be offered one to one support to complete the application. Booking and details at VAC website.

VAC Survey: Training Needs Analysis Survey
VAC and the Mary Ward Centre are putting together a comprehensive training programme for the next 18 months. This is specifically focused on the employment and skill needs of voluntary and community organisations.
The questions in this survey are designed to help identify how the voluntary and community sector can help address some of the big challenges facing Camden, and to determine what knowledge and skills their team will need to achieve this.
All completed surveys will be entered into a prize draw for a chance to win five hours of free organisational development support from VAC, for example 121 assistance on writing a funding application.
Thank you for participating in our survey. Your feedback is important.

Healthy Minds Programme – “Let’s Talk About Mental Health”
Monday 22 May @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
St Pancras and Somers Town Living Centre, 2 Ossulston St, London, NW1. Details here.

HR Support in Camden
VAC provides free HR advice and support to Camden voluntary organisations employing staff. Get in touch to discuss your HR consultancy needs, from recruitment to redundancy and everything in-between. VAC’s HR support aims to help trustees and managers understand employment law and to have robust HR procedures that reflect good practice so fewer workplace issues arise, and HR crises are averted or managed effectively. Call Kevin on 020 7284 6557 or email knunan@vac.org.uk

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

Free South Asian dance and movement workshops
Join us for our FREE workshops! Together with Odissi dancer Maryam Shakiba, you will explore South Asian dance and creative movement in a fun, friendly environment. No previous experience needed. All abilities and mobilities are welcome! Where: Kentish Town Community Centre, 17 Busby Place NW5 2SP When: 26 May, 2 June, 9 June, 16 June, 23 June, 30 June, 7 July (Fridays) Time: 11am-12pm Nearest Tube: Kentish Town Overground: Kentish Town West Buses: C2, 134, 214, 393, 390, 253, 29
For more info contact Akademi: Claire or Giulia – 020 76913210

How to get the best Education Health and Care Plan for your child
Wednesday 24th May, 10.30am – 12.30pm at Pirate Castle, Oval Road, NW1
Is your child’s educational statement about to transfer into an ECHP?
Have you started writing section A?
Do you wonder if there is anyone out there who can help or support you?
Have you got a date for the EHCP transfer meeting?
Do you know what an Independent Supporter is?
This is a great information session for anyone applying for or transferring to an Education, Health and Care Plan. It will guide you through the process, showing how you can be involved at each stage and how and when to get support.
To book onto this workshop please email Rachel.Dixon@kids.org.uk, call or text 07711 767258, or call the KIDS office on 0207 359 3635 and ask for Rachel or Maria.
https://www.facebook.com/CamdenSpecialParentsForum

Moneytalk Camden North – final subsidised Financial Education Facilitator Training Courses
Moneytalk Camden North is a project based on the award winning financial literacy resource Made of Money, developed by anti-poverty charity Quaker Social Action. It aims to help groups talk about money and its impact on their lives, as well as learn vital money management skills.
Our last 2-day comprehensive training courses are on 11th & 12th July and 4th & 11th October click here to find out more and download a booking form. Contact: mtcn@qsa.org.uk tel: 020 8983 5047

Improving Records Management in Charities
15th June 2017, 15:30-18:30, The British Academy, 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, St. James’s, London SW1Y 5AH
What records do charities need to keep? How long should they be retained? What legislation and regulations on record keeping do charities need to comply with?
We invite you to learn more about these topics at the launch of a new toolkit to help charities and voluntary organisations improve records management.
Record keeping is an important but often overlooked part of running or working in a voluntary organisation. It is vital for good governance and necessary for complying with the wide range of regulations that apply to voluntary organisations in England and Wales. Good record keeping can help you tell people who you are, what you do and why donors and the public should trust you. However, many organisations find it hard to know quite what the state of their records is and what do to with them. There is a lack of advice, training and knowledge about record keeping and a bewildering array of different regulatory requirements. Free. Book online here.

Camden Town Shed – new sessions
The Shed invites older people especially men to use our well-equipped workshop for all skills in wood Tuesdays and Wednesdays 10-4pm on a donations basis. Maiden Lane Community Centre St Paul’s Crescent (off Agar Grove) NW19XZ. www.camdentownshed.org
Mondays 1.30 – 4.00 Make or mend with wood. No experience required. These sessions welcome people needing supervision. Agencies should contact the supervisor Alan Alison on 07429 651676
Wednesdays 2.00 – 4.00 Hand-building with clay (not using the potters wheel) . Drop in and make whatever you like (boxes, plates, models, artworks, tiles etc) with an experienced maker present to advise. No experience required. Kiln firing on site. Enquiries to Mike Jenn 07757 024749

Why Every Professional Needs to be Equipped to Safeguard Against Harmful Practices
Thursday 1st June 2017
Amnesty International Human Rights Action Centre, 17-25 New Inn Yard, London, EC2A 3EA
Hear real case studies from specialist organisations working with women and girls at risk of “Honour” Based Violence, Forced Marriage and Female Genital Mutilation across Europe. Learn about good and bad practice and hear from public sector leaders about the importance of continuing professional training and have opportunities to network.
https://ikwroeuroconference.eventbrite.com

Supersized Volunteering Fair
VCC fairs are a perfect way to meet people who want to volunteer in Camden. And they have a 46% recruitment rate. Brilliant!
VCC are co-hosting our Summer 2017 SUPERsized volunteering fair with our good friends at Volunteer Centre Islington. It will take place in King’s Cross on the penultimate day of Volunteers’ Week 2017.
Tuesday 6th June 12-3pm at Voluntary Action Islington. Book through Eventbrite.

Don’t forget that Camden TDS run a full programme of course which are subsidised or free for voluntary sector partner organisations. There is a link to a list of partner organisations on the home page.

Find more Training Opportunities at www.vac.org.uk

Camden Community Centres’ Consortium (C4) is looking to recruit a new Project Manager for its Ageing Better in Camden Community Connectors project.
Are you inspired by the challenge of leading, delivering, and continually improving an ambitious borough-wide Lottery funded project to encourage and assist residents aged 60+ to get involved in local activities, groups, opportunities, and services through which they can improve all aspects of their health and well-being? If so, this may be the job for you!
Full time, 35 hours per week. Salary £36,000. Based in Kilburn, NW6.
Closing Date: Monday 5th June 2017 at 9am. Interviews: Wednesday 14th June 2017. Successful applicant will be required to undergo full DBS (CRB) check.
For more information please click here or email soyful@hamletconsultants.com

Bookkeeper Required
A small charity in Camden is looking to recruit a bookkeeper for 6 to 12 hours per month. Rates negotiable. For further detail contact shensby@vac.org.uk

Minute Taker Required
Small Camden based organisation is seeking a minute taker for its monthly meetings. Rates negotiable. For further details contact shensby@vac.org.uk

Solace Women’s Aid is recruiting a variety of volunteers
Children & Family Worker Assistant Volunteer
Availability Minimum 1 day per week
Our generic Camden Refuge Services are recruiting new volunteers to support their team. The C & F volunteer assistant will be supporting the day to day running of the children’s service. This may include: Supporting women to attend appointments, Draw up activity timetables, Running groups, Keep records of all activities and Making contact with women via telephone. Experience of working with children is required. Experience of running groups for women/children is essential. The candidate must be proactive, flexible, good IT skills, have a Friendly & cheerful approach.
Play Worker Volunteer
Availability Flexible
A new opportunity within our generic Camden Refuges to volunteer as a Play Worker. The Play Worker volunteer will provide support in running group sessions for families/children in the refuge, including arts and crafts, dance and movement, outings and discussion groups. The role will involve assisting in planning, delivering and evaluating sessions and supporting parents in playing and interacting with their children. Level 2/3 in childcare is required. You must have experience working in a play room.
Advice Line volunteers
Our Advice service is currently recruiting for 10 Advice Line volunteers. Working as part of the Advice team you will be taking calls and providing immediate advice and support to women on all issues relating to domestic and sexual violence, ensuring their safety and providing them with options. You will receive training that will you help develop the skills needed to deliver an excellent level of service to clients. This role requires strong communication skills and an excellent telephone manner.
Please note the recruitment and selection process will be over 2-3 days through different activities including role-plays, case studies, group work and questionnaires.
Availability Minimum 2 day per week, At least 6 months. Must be 18 or over.
Deadline: 8th June 2017 (Please note some individual roles may state a different closing date)
Please apply by completing the application and monitoring form on our website and email this to us along with your CV. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
http://solacewomensaid.org/get-involved/volunteer-your-time/current-volunteer-opportunities/
Please note that our volunteer opportunities are open to women only (exempt under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1), and that these volunteer roles are exempt from the rehabilitation of offenders act 1974 and subject to enhanced DBS checks.
Read more about our Advice service in our current volunteers newsletter.
http://solacewomensaid.org/volunteer-newsletter-may/

Community Association for West Hampstead – seeks Trustees
CAWH is a diverse, lively and expanding Community Association. We run the West Hampstead Community Centre. We are looking for individuals with a strong interest in improving services in the local community to join our Board of Management.
This is a great opportunity to contribute to a local organisation that is making a difference to people in the local area, particularly children and older people. You have the opportunity to gain new skills and experience and to meet new people.
We are particularly seeking a new Treasurer to lead the financial management of the organisation as well as individuals who have skills in finance, human resources and marketing to develop the breadth of our Board. You may have many years’ experience in running organisations or want to broaden your skillset by supporting a charity – we want to hear from you. You will be able to commit to ten meetings a year and would ideally live in or near West Hampstead or be familiar with the area.
If you are interested, please contact the Manager, Carlos Tapia, on 020 7794 3729 (Mon, Wed and Thurs) or e-mail manager@cawh.org.uk

Volunteer Detainee Support Worker wanted by Hibiscus
Location: Islington and Heathrow Removal Centre
Commitment: 2 days per week for 3 months
The organisation: Hibiscus Initiatives, established in 1986, a voluntary sector organisation with a track record of delivering high quality services over nearly 30 years. We have developed a widely acknowledged specialist expertise in working with marginalised Black and Minority Ethnic, Foreign National and migrant offenders and detainees in custody, and the community. Our person-centred approach is a model that engages and works with clients to support and empower them in dealing with what are often multiple and complex needs and, importantly, addresses the additional disadvantage that language and cultural barriers present.
The role: To provide vital support to people who are resident within the immigration removal centre. Work collaboratively with Hibiscus colleagues and centre staff providing information, emotional support and making referrals.
To apply: Please send your CV and a short covering letter stating how you fit the skills, knowledge and experience to our Volunteer Coordinator: caitlin@hibiscus.org.uk

Kings Cross Jobs
You can view a constantly changing range of job vacancies on the Kings Cross website. For the latest news on jobs sign up to job alerts.

Volunteers are needed in GP practices!
Voluntary Action Camden (VAC) would like to hear from you! We are training volunteers to become Community Health Advocates in local GP practices.
• Do you live, work or volunteer in Camden?
• Would you like to support people in your community to improve their health and their access to services that will help them to maintain good health and wellbeing?
• Do you want to develop experience and skills in the field of public health?
• Can you commit at least 2 hours per week?
VAC is offering free Royal Society of Public Health (RSPH) Level 1 training to those who want to volunteer their time to become Community Health Advocates. The RSPH Level 1 training is a two days course, with a 20 question multiple choice test at the end of the second day of training. It could provide a useful skill set and experience for people who may be interested in following a health related career path in the future.
After completing the training, VAC will support local teams of volunteers to act as links between community based services and GPs. You may wish to take advantage of additional opportunities to increase your knowledge, for example smoking cessation, cancer awareness, diabetes etc. In return for your commitment to the project for 2 hours a week we offer support, out of pocket expenses and other professional development opportunities.
For more information, please contact Mandira Manandhar, Health Advocate Volunteer Co-ordinator (Mon, Tues and Thurs) 020 7284 6550/07930669417 or email: mmanandhar@vac.org.uk
Peter Simonson on 020 7284 6550 or email: projectsupport@vac.org.uk
The RSPH training is provided FREE by on the understanding that participants are available to volunteer for the project and able to attend the regular training and support sessions.

Find Jobs and Volunteering opportunities at https://www.vac.org.uk/

Office Space Wanted
Grandparents Plus is looking for office space for 10-12 people with access to meeting rooms preferable. We would love the opportunity to sublet some space near to transport links. If you have any office space available please contact Louise Baker at louise.baker@grandparentsplus.org.uk.

Menu of Preventative Interventions Published by Government
Public Health England has released their menu of preventative interventions that help to improve people’s health and reduce demand on health and care services. The interventions listed can all demonstrate a reduction in costs to health and care services, and can be used to inform local planning and commissioning. Costs of interventions, savings and ROI are all listed making this a very useful information when planning and costing preventive work. For more information please click here.

Healthwatch Camden survey
The survey looks at what people in Camden do when they need to see a doctor quickly. It is aimed at improving how people use urgent care services such as A&E, walk in centres, NHS 111 etc.
www.tinyurl.com/healthwatchurgentcare

Camden Consultations
You can find all Camden consultation on the Wearecamden consultation hub.

FREE VAC Membership for Unfunded Groups: Voluntary Action Camden Small organisations with no paid staff and a turnover of less than £1,500 can now join for FREE. To take advantage of this offer just fill in the membership on the online form here.

Voting and Disabilities; How Do You Write a Successful Grant Application? VAC Survey: Training Needs Analysis Survey; Camden Family Members Reference Group – Financial Assessments; Religious Symbols at Work and EU Law; Register to Vote; Office Space Wanted;How to get the best Education Health and Care Plan for your child; Visually Impaired in Camden (VIC) Members’ events; Free South Asian dance and movement workshops; The Phoenix Garden + funding, jobs, volunteers, events, training, offers and resources.

The Electoral Commission produced some useful guidance on voting rights for people with disabilities. Councils must ensure that polling stations do not disadvantage disabled people. The key points are:
Any voter with a disability has the right to:
• Request assistance to mark the ballot paper. This could be asking the Presiding Officer at the polling station to mark the ballot for you, or bringing a close family member (father, mother, brother, sister, husband, wife, civil partner, son or daughter – if they are aged 18 or over), or a person who would be entitled to vote at the election. This can be a support worker, as long as they’re entitled to vote themselves.
• A tactile voting device. This is fixed onto the ballot paper so visually impaired people can mark their ballot paper in secret.
• See a large print version of the ballot paper for reference. This should be clearly displayed in the polling station and you can take a copy into the polling booth with you.
• Assistance to gain access to the polling station. Polling stations should be chosen with accessibility in mind, but if you find that it’s not accessible the Presiding Officer can bring the ballot paper out to you.
For full details on the guidance see the Electoral Commission Fact Sheet
Mencap have produced more detailed guidelines for people with learning disabilities. Read more here.

How Do You Write a Successful Grant Application?
Wednesday 31st May 2 – 8pm or Wednesday 12th July 2 – 8pm
Mary Ward Centre (Camden), 42 Queen Square. WC1N
Find out the secrets by coming along to a practical workshop and learn about all of the dos and don’ts! The sessions are for Camden based groups only and will focus on providing support for voluntary and community organisations with income of less than £100,000 a year. You can bring along a grant application that you are working on, or would like to work on. Following the workshop, you will also be offered one to one support to complete the application. Booking and details at VAC website.

VAC Survey: Training Needs Analysis Survey
VAC and the Mary Ward Centre are putting together a comprehensive training programme for the next 18 months. This is specifically focused on the employment and skill needs of voluntary and community organisations.
The questions in this survey are designed to help identify how the voluntary and community sector can help address some of the big challenges facing Camden, and to determine what knowledge and skills their team will need to achieve this.
All completed surveys will be entered into a prize draw for a chance to win five hours of free organisational development support from VAC, for example 121 assistance on writing a funding application.
Thank you for participating in our survey. Your feedback is important.

Camden Family Members Reference Group – Financial Assessments
A group for all carers of an adult with a learning disability in Camden
Wednesday 17 May 2017 10:30am – 12:30pm followed by a light lunch
Have you got an adult family member with learning disabilities?
~ How can financial assessments be better and clearer for the person with learning disabilities and their carer?
~ Come and raise your questions, share your experiences and get information
With: David Kinloch – Senior Advice & Assessment Officer, Camden Council
At: Camden Carers Service, Charlie Ratchford Resource Centre, Belmont Street, NW1 8HF
For more information Contact / RSVP: Philippa – philippar@centre404.org.uk 020 7697 1336

Religious Symbols at Work and EU Law: The Recent Ruling on Hijabs in the Workplace
Wednesday 17 May 2017, 14:30-18:30
UCL Cruciform Lecture Theatre 2 (Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT)
The Court of Justice of the European Union has made its first major ruling on the compatibility with EU law of rulings banning the wearing of religious symbols at work.
This ruling has been highly controversial and is of significant importance for the law in a wide range of areas.
The UCL Faculty of Laws, together with the Inner Temple and the UCL European Institute will bring together a range of experts in the areas of EU constitutional law, law and religion, discrimination law and labour law to discuss this judgment from a wide range of perspectives.
Ticket: £15 – Free. Book on line.

Register to Vote
The 99% Campaign as a youth-led movement that aims to make society more inclusive, fair and responsive to young people’s views and realities urges young people to register to vote in the forthcoming elections.
You can register to vote at Gov.uk/register-to-vote and click ‘Start Now’.
There are only 11 questions, and registering should only take about five minutes.
The deadline to apply for postal voting is 5pm on Tuesday 23 May.

Office Space Wanted
Grandparents Plus is looking for office space for 10-12 people with access to meeting rooms preferable. We would love the opportunity to sublet some space near to transport links. If you have any office space available please contact Louise Baker at louise.baker@grandparentsplus.org.uk.

How to get the best Education Health and Care Plan for your child
Wednesday 24th May, 10.30am – 12.30pm at Pirate Castle, Oval Road, NW1
Is your child’s educational statement about to transfer into an ECHP?
Have you started writing section A?
Do you wonder if there is anyone out there who can help or support you?
Have you got a date for the EHCP transfer meeting?
Do you know what an Independent Supporter is?
This is a great information session for anyone applying for or transferring to an Education, Health and Care Plan. It will guide you through the process, showing how you can be involved at each stage and how and when to get support.
To book onto this workshop please email Rachel.Dixon@kids.org.uk, call or text 07711 767258, or call the KIDS office on 0207 359 3635 and ask for Rachel or Maria.
https://www.facebook.com/CamdenSpecialParentsForum

Visually Impaired in Camden (VIC) Members’ events
16 May – Anju Bhatt, Development Worker, Camden Disability Action (CDA), will be speaking about CDA and seeking input into CDA’s Business Plan for the next 3-5 years.
And as usual, time for tea and a chat.
This event will be held at Swiss Cottage Community Centre, 19 Winchester Road, NW3 3NR, 2pm-4pm.
Tel: 07980 328 959 Email: Rosemary@somerstown.org.uk

Free South Asian dance and movement workshops
Join us for our FREE workshops! Together with Odissi dancer Maryam Shakiba, you will explore South Asian dance and creative movement in a fun, friendly environment. No previous experience needed. All abilities and mobilities are welcome! Where: Kentish Town Community Centre, 17 Busby Place NW5 2SP When: 19 May, 26 May, 2 June, 9 June, 16 June, 23 June, 30 June, 7 July (Fridays) Time: 11am-12pm Nearest Tube: Kentish Town Overground: Kentish Town West Buses: C2, 134, 214, 393, 390, 253, 29
For more info contact Akademi: Claire or Giulia – 020 76913210

The Phoenix Garden
The Phoenix Garden in Stacey Street is celebrating the opening of a new building on Tuesday 23 May 6-9pm at 21 Stacey Street, WC2. reception@thephoenixgarden.org

Camden Carers Service
Camden Carers Service (CCS) offers advice, support and activities for family and other unpaid carers across the borough.
Help is just a phone call away on 020 7428 8950 or email info@camdencarers.org.uk – read more about our services at www.camdencs.org.uk or www.facebook.com

Healthwatch Camden
View the latest news and views from Healthwatch Camden here.

Camden Capacity Building Bulletin
The February Capacity Building Bulletin is available here.

Solace Women’s Aid, Age UK Camden, Kingsgate Community Centre, Camden Futures, Camden CCG, VAC, Kings Cross Construction Centre and Camden PA are recruiting. See Jobs and Volunteers section below.

You can join in on Facebook. Like us if you like us.

Follow all the Camden Voluntary Sector news on OneCamden on Twitter.

You can read more about all of these stories on our news page at www.vac.org.uk/new

See the Funding pages on VAC’s website for all the latest information.

Neighbourhood Planning Grants and Support Programme – Final Year
The Department for Communities and Local Development’s £22.5 million Neighbourhood Planning Grants and Support Programme (2015-2018) aims to support local communities that are drawing up a neighbourhood plan for their area.
This is the last year of the funding programme, and Locality, which is delivering the programme, has announced that applications can be made from now until 31 January 2018. It has also announced that expenditure through a grant must be completed within six months or before 31 March 2018,
Locality has announced the following two updates:
~ Modifying the plan after it has come into force: Groups can now apply for funding to modify their plan, irrespective of whether they have already claimed their full grant allocation of £9,000 (or £15,000 for a priority group).
~ Groups undertaking site assessments and housing site allocations: Groups who are undertaking a site assessment for a site allocation, OR groups who are allocating sites for housing or mixed development can now be considered complex – allowing them to apply for additional support for complex groups (technical support and grants of up to £15,000).
Full details at the My Community website.

Trust for London and City Bridge Trust launch £100,000 Crowdfunding initiative to tackle poverty and inequality in London
In collaboration with Crowdfunder and The Social Innovation Partnership, Trust for London and City Bridge Trust have launched a new £100,000 fund available to organisations using crowdfunding to raise funds and deliver projects which will address inequality and lift people out of poverty in the capital.
The Improving life for Londoners fund will provide up to 50% of the target (to a maximum of £10,000), with projects expected to raise at least the first 25% from the crowd.
The fund is keen to support charitable work that:
~ Provides practical solutions to support people on low incomes
~ Addresses local problems in creative ways
~ Is led by communities that will benefit from the work
If you think your organisation fits, check out our Crowdfunder page.
Do you want to know more about crowdfunding, and how to run a crowdfunding project? You can sign up to crowdfunding workshops online here.

UCL Grand Challenges Small Grants Scheme
Closing date: 9am, Monday, 22 May 2017
Up to £4,000 available for a wide range of research-informed, societally relevant, cross-disciplinary activities undertaken from 1 August 2017 to 31 July 2018
Up to £6,000 is available for proposals that address the GCSC Priority Theme of Urban Mobility, with additional funding from the UCL Transport Institute. Further details
Proposals must address a Priority Theme relating to one of the six UCL Grand Challenges – Global Health; Justice and Equality; Tranformative Tech; Human Wellbeing; Cultural Understanding; Sustainable Cities
Applications must be led by UCL academic staff members (honorary researchers included) at postdoctoral level (or equivalent) or above. Full details here.

How Do You Write a Successful Grant Application?
Wednesday 31st May 2 – 8pm or Wednesday 12th July 2 – 8pm
see News section above for full details.

Healthy Minds Programme – “Let’s Talk About Mental Health”
Monday, 15 May @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm or Monday May 22 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
St Pancras and Somers Town Living Centre, 2 Ossulston St, London, NW1. Details here.

HR Support in Camden
VAC provides free HR advice and support to Camden voluntary organisations employing staff. Get in touch to discuss your HR consultancy needs, from recruitment to redundancy and everything in-between. VAC’s HR support aims to help trustees and managers understand employment law and to have robust HR procedures that reflect good practice so fewer workplace issues arise, and HR crises are averted or managed effectively. Call Kevin on 020 7284 6557 or email knunan@vac.org.uk

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

Moneytalk Camden North – final subsidised Financial Education Facilitator Training Courses
Moneytalk Camden North is a project based on the award winning financial literacy resource Made of Money, developed by anti-poverty charity Quaker Social Action. It aims to help groups talk about money and its impact on their lives, as well as learn vital money management skills.
Our last 2-day comprehensive training courses are on 11th & 12th July and 4th & 11th October click here to find out more and download a booking form. Contact: mtcn@qsa.org.uk tel: 020 8983 5047

Improving Records Management in Charities
15th June 2017, 15:30-18:30, The British Academy, 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, St. James’s, London SW1Y 5AH
What records do charities need to keep? How long should they be retained? What legislation and regulations on record keeping do charities need to comply with?
We invite you to learn more about these topics at the launch of a new toolkit to help charities and voluntary organisations improve records management.
Record keeping is an important but often overlooked part of running or working in a voluntary organisation. It is vital for good governance and necessary for complying with the wide range of regulations that apply to voluntary organisations in England and Wales. Good record keeping can help you tell people who you are, what you do and why donors and the public should trust you. However, many organisations find it hard to know quite what the state of their records is and what do to with them. There is a lack of advice, training and knowledge about record keeping and a bewildering array of different regulatory requirements. Free. Book online here.

Camden Town Shed – new sessions
The Shed invites older people especially men to use our well-equipped workshop for all skills in wood Tuesdays and Wednesdays 10-4pm on a donations basis. Maiden Lane Community Centre St Paul’s Crescent (off Agar Grove) NW19XZ. www.camdentownshed.org
Mondays 1.30 – 4.00 Make or mend with wood. No experience required. These sessions welcome people needing supervision. Agencies should contact the supervisor Alan Alison on 07429 651676
Wednesdays 2.00 – 4.00 Hand-building with clay (not using the potters wheel) . Drop in and make whatever you like (boxes, plates, models, artworks, tiles etc) with an experienced maker present to advise. No experience required. Kiln firing on site. Enquiries to Mike Jenn 07757 024749

Why Every Professional Needs to be Equipped to Safeguard Against Harmful Practices
Thursday 1st June 2017
Amnesty International Human Rights Action Centre, 17-25 New Inn Yard, London, EC2A 3EA
Hear real case studies from specialist organisations working with women and girls at risk of “Honour” Based Violence, Forced Marriage and Female Genital Mutilation across Europe. Learn about good and bad practice and hear from public sector leaders about the importance of continuing professional training and have opportunities to network.
https://ikwroeuroconference.eventbrite.com

Money Management, Financial Literacy and Gambling Related Harm
Betknowmore UK are currently delivering a free workshop that aims to raise awareness around money management, financial literacy and “Gambling Related Harm”. The workshops can last from 60 to 120 minutes for group sizes between 4 to 24.
Through this workshop we will be cultivating skills and knowledge on how to best manage your money (debts, budget, savings, bank accounts, loans, credit cards, legal risks related to debts… etc), together with ways to protect yourself and others from the devastating growing social issue that is gambling addiction.
Find out more at www.betknowmoreuk.org email: brigitte@betknowmoreuk.org or call 0800 066 4827

Supersized Volunteering Fair
VCC fairs are a perfect way to meet people who want to volunteer in Camden. And they have a 46% recruitment rate. Brilliant!
VCC are co-hosting our Summer 2017 SUPERsized volunteering fair with our good friends at Volunteer Centre Islington. It will take place in King’s Cross on the penultimate day of Volunteers’ Week 2017.
Tuesday 6th June 12-3pm at Voluntary Action Islington. Book through Eventbrite.

Camden Dementia Action Alliance Conference and “Dementia Bazaar”
Monday 15 May at the Canal Museum, 12-13 New Wharf Road, London N1 9RT.
The morning session (1030-1300, with registration and refreshments from 1000) will focus on the work of the Alliance and will feature a range of guest speakers.
The afternoon “Bazaar” (1400-1600) will be an opportunity for people with dementia, carers and members of the wider community to participate in a range of entertaining activities, as well as obtaining valuable information and advice from Alliance member organisations.
The event will be free to attend. Full details to follow. Contact mark.goodwin@alzheimers.org.uk.

Recovery College
Recovery College Spring term has started. If you would like to find out more about the courses take a look at the Recovery College Spring 2017 course guide.

Don’t forget that Camden TDS run a full programme of course which are subsidised or free for voluntary sector partner organisations. There is a link to a list of partner organisations on the home page.

Find more Training Opportunities at www.vac.org.uk

Solace Women’s Aid is recruiting Advice Line volunteers
Our Advice service is currently recruiting for 10 Advice Line volunteers. Working as part of the Advice team you will be taking calls and providing immediate advice and support to women on all issues relating to domestic and sexual violence, ensuring their safety and providing them with options. You will receive training that will you help develop the skills needed to deliver an excellent level of service to clients. This role requires strong communication skills and an excellent telephone manner.
Please note the recruitment and selection process will be over 2-3 days through different activities including role-plays, case studies, group work and questionnaires.
Availability Minimum 2 day per week, At least 6 months. Must be 18 or over.
Deadline: 8th June 2017 (Please note some individual roles may state a different closing date)
Please apply by completing the application and monitoring form on our website and email this to us along with your CV. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
http://solacewomensaid.org/get-involved/volunteer-your-time/current-volunteer-opportunities/
Please note that our volunteer opportunities are open to women only (exempt under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1), and that these volunteer roles are exempt from the rehabilitation of offenders act 1974 and subject to enhanced DBS checks.
Read more about our Advice service in our current volunteers newsletter.
http://solacewomensaid.org/volunteer-newsletter-may/

Community Association for West Hampstead – seeks Trustees
CAWH is a diverse, lively and expanding Community Association. We run the West Hampstead Community Centre. We are looking for individuals with a strong interest in improving services in the local community to join our Board of Management.
This is a great opportunity to contribute to a local organisation that is making a difference to people in the local area, particularly children and older people. You have the opportunity to gain new skills and experience and to meet new people.
We are particularly seeking a new Treasurer to lead the financial management of the organisation as well as individuals who have skills in finance, human resources and marketing to develop the breadth of our Board. You may have many years’ experience in running organisations or want to broaden your skillset by supporting a charity – we want to hear from you. You will be able to commit to ten meetings a year and would ideally live in or near West Hampstead or be familiar with the area.
If you are interested, please contact the Manager, Carlos Tapia, on 020 7794 3729 (Mon, Wed and Thurs) or e-mail manager@cawh.org.uk

Citizens Advice Camden is seeking Chair of the Board of Trustees
Do you feel passionately about advice delivery? Could you shape future strategy and help us to achieve our mission?
We are recruiting a Chair for our trustee board. We are seeking someone with governance skills who can provide leadership and enthusiasm to lead Citizens Advice Camden into the future. You will ultimately be responsible for the overall direction, vision and strategy of Citizens Advice Camden. We are looking for candidates who can bring innovative ideas, enthusiasm for our values, and excellent judgment to help determine our objectives. You will be prepared to assist our organisation in taking on any future challenges and play a key role in our success.
If you would like any further information please email lisa.yates@camdencabservice.org.uk or look at our website www.camdencabservice.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer-us/trustees/
Closing date for applications is 12 noon 15th May.

British Library seeks Community Engagement Manager and Creative Producer
See full details of the posts and how to apply at the British Library website
https://britishlibrary.recruitment.northgatearinso.com/birl/pages/vacancy.jsf?latest=01001089
https://britishlibrary.recruitment.northgatearinso.com/birl/pages/vacancy.jsf?latest=01001088

Treasurer wanted by Age UK Camden
Age UK Camden is recruiting to its trustee/volunteer position of Honorary Treasurer, more details of which are here: http://www.ageuk.org.uk/camden/get-involvednew/get-involvedvolunteer/vacancies/honorary-treasurer/

Volunteer Detainee Support Worker wanted by Hibiscus
Location: Islington and Heathrow Removal Centre
Commitment: 2 days per week for 3 months
The organisation: Hibiscus Initiatives, established in 1986, a voluntary sector organisation with a track record of delivering high quality services over nearly 30 years. We have developed a widely acknowledged specialist expertise in working with marginalised Black and Minority Ethnic, Foreign National and migrant offenders and detainees in custody, and the community. Our person-centred approach is a model that engages and works with clients to support and empower them in dealing with what are often multiple and complex needs and, importantly, addresses the additional disadvantage that language and cultural barriers present.
The role: To provide vital support to people who are resident within the immigration removal centre. Work collaboratively with Hibiscus colleagues and centre staff providing information, emotional support and making referrals.
To apply: Please send your CV and a short covering letter stating how you fit the skills, knowledge and experience to our Volunteer Coordinator: caitlin@hibiscus.org.uk

Kings Cross Jobs
You can view a constantly changing range of job vacancies on the Kings Cross website. For the latest news on jobs sign up to job alerts.

Volunteers are needed in GP practices!
Voluntary Action Camden (VAC) would like to hear from you! We are training volunteers to become Community Health Advocates in local GP practices.
• Do you live, work or volunteer in Camden?
• Would you like to support people in your community to improve their health and their access to services that will help them to maintain good health and wellbeing?
• Do you want to develop experience and skills in the field of public health?
• Can you commit at least 2 hours per week?
VAC is offering free Royal Society of Public Health (RSPH) Level 1 training to those who want to volunteer their time to become Community Health Advocates. The RSPH Level 1 training is a two days course, with a 20 question multiple choice test at the end of the second day of training. It could provide a useful skill set and experience for people who may be interested in following a health related career path in the future.
After completing the training, VAC will support local teams of volunteers to act as links between community based services and GPs. You may wish to take advantage of additional opportunities to increase your knowledge, for example smoking cessation, cancer awareness, diabetes etc. In return for your commitment to the project for 2 hours a week we offer support, out of pocket expenses and other professional development opportunities.
For more information, please contact Mandira Manandhar, Health Advocate Volunteer Co-ordinator (Mon, Tues and Thurs) 020 7284 6550/07930669417 or email: mmanandhar@vac.org.uk
Peter Simonson on 020 7284 6550 or email: projectsupport@vac.org.uk
The RSPH training is provided FREE by on the understanding that participants are available to volunteer for the project and able to attend the regular training and support sessions.

Find Jobs and Volunteering opportunities at https://www.vac.org.uk/

Menu of Preventative Interventions Published by Government
Public Health England has released their menu of preventative interventions that help to improve people’s health and reduce demand on health and care services. The interventions listed can all demonstrate a reduction in costs to health and care services, and can be used to inform local planning and commissioning. Costs of interventions, savings and ROI are all listed making this a very useful information when planning and costing preventive work. For more information please click here.

Healthwatch Camden survey
The survey looks at what people in Camden do when they need to see a doctor quickly. It is aimed at improving how people use urgent care services such as A&E, walk in centres, NHS 111 etc.
www.tinyurl.com/healthwatchurgentcare

Camden Consultations
You can find all Camden consultation on the Wearecamden consultation hub.

FREE VAC Membership for Unfunded Groups: Voluntary Action Camden Small organisations with no paid staff and a turnover of less than £1,500 can now join for FREE. To take advantage of this offer just fill in the membership on the online form here.

VAC Survey: Training Needs Analysis Survey; Mental Health services in Camden portal; Camden Town Shed; Menu of Preventative Interventions; Healthwatch Camden survey; Action for Prisoners’ and Offender’ Families Resources; Connections – An art exhibition by Creative Carers Collective; HR Support in Camden; Moneytalk Camden; Camerados Camden + funding, jobs, volunteers, events, training, offers and resources.

.VAC and the Mary Ward Centre are putting together a comprehensive training programme for the next 18 months. This is specifically focused on the employment and skill needs of voluntary and community organisations.
The questions in this survey are designed to help identify how the voluntary and community sector can help address some of the big challenges facing Camden, and to determine what knowledge and skills their team will need to achieve this.
All completed surveys will be entered into a prize draw for a chance to win five hours of free organisational development support from VAC, for example 121 assistance on writing a funding application.
Thank you for participating in our survey. Your feedback is important.

New Website to help find Mental Health services in Camden
If you suffer from mental health problems, think you might, or care for someone who does, this site is for you. This website has information about local mental health and wellbeing support services in Camden and has been developed by Camden CCG. www.mentalhealthcamden.co.uk

Camden Town Shed – new sessions
The Shed invites older people especially men to use our well-equipped workshop for all skills in wood Tuesdays and Wednesdays 10-4pm on a donations basis. Maiden Lane Community Centre St Paul’s Crescent (off Agar Grove) NW19XZ. www.camdentownshed.org
New sessions being added are
Mondays 1.30 – 4.00 Make or mend with wood. No experience required. These sessions welcome people needing supervision. Agencies should contact the supervisor Alan Alison on 07429 651676
Wednesdays 2.00 – 4.00 Hand-building with clay (not using the potters wheel) . Drop in and make whatever you like (boxes, plates, models, artworks, tiles etc) with an experienced maker present to advise. No experience required. Kiln firing on site.
Enquiries to Mike Jenn 07757 024749

Menu of Preventative Interventions Published by Government
Public Health England has released their menu of preventative interventions that help to improve people’s health and reduce demand on health and care services. The interventions listed can all demonstrate a reduction in costs to health and care services, and can be used to inform local planning and commissioning. Costs of interventions, savings and ROI are all listed making this a very useful information when planning and costing preventive work. For more information please click here.

Healthwatch Camden survey
The survey looks at what people in Camden do when they need to see a doctor quickly. It is aimed at improving how people use urgent care services such as A&E, walk in centres, NHS 111 etc.
www.tinyurl.com/healthwatchurgentcare

New Resources: Action for Prisoners’ and Offender’ Families Resources
Action for Prisoners’ and Offender’ Families have published a series of leaflets aimed at providing information and support for offenders and their families. The leaflets available are:
~ Booklet for Young People – Relative in Prison.
~ Guide to Adoption for Women Prisoners.
~ The Impact of Parental Imprisonment on the Mental Health of Children and Young People.
~ The Outsiders – Living with Separation.
~ The Outsiders – Preparing for Release.
~ The Outsiders – Sent to Prison.
~ The Outsiders – Telling the Children.
~ When Social Services are Involved – Guide for Women Prisoners.
For more information please click here.

Connections – An art exhibition by Creative Carers Collective
Creative Carers Collective is an art group run by Camden Carers Service. We offer carers the opportunity to use art and creativity to help them find a unique voice which helps them reflect upon and express their experiences of caring, life, love and everything in between.
Events/Trade Schools
Saturday 6 May 10.00-12.30 – Accessing Creativity in Everyday Life
Sunday 7 May 15.00-17.00 – Illustration and Cartoon Skills
Saturday 13 May 14.00-17.00 – My Life in Five Objects
Sunday 14 May 14.00-16.00 – Learn how to make Harmony Flax Bow
Sunday 7 & 14 May at 11.00 – Creative Walks
Join us for the Opening Evening on 05/05/17 from 5.00pm onwards
For more information on exhibition and events please contact Sitara: sitara@camdencarers.org.uk, or visit www.camdencs.org.uk
Please book for Trade Schools as spaces are limited. To book go to:
http://precinct.rfsk.org/events/connections-art-exhibition/

HR Support in Camden
VAC provides free HR advice and support to Camden voluntary organisations employing staff. Get in touch to discuss your HR consultancy needs, from recruitment to redundancy and everything in-between. VAC’s HR support aims to help trustees and managers understand employment law and to have robust HR procedures that reflect good practice so fewer workplace issues arise, and HR crises are averted or managed effectively. Call Kevin on 020 7284 6557 or email knunan@vac.org.uk

Moneytalk Camden North – final subsidised Financial Education Facilitator Training Courses
Moneytalk Camden North is a project based on the award winning financial literacy resource Made of Money, developed by anti-poverty charity Quaker Social Action. It aims to help groups talk about money and its impact on their lives, as well as learn vital money management skills.
Our last 2-day comprehensive training courses are on 11th & 12th July and 4th & 11th October click here to find out more and download a booking form. Contact: mtcn@qsa.org.uk tel: 020 8983 5047

Camerados Camden
Camerados have opened a public living room in Camden. A place for everyone, and where we can all look out for each other and encourage more people to be camerados to each other. It opens on Monday 8th May 2017 – Fri 26th May 2017 (Mon-Fri, 11am-4pm) in the garden of St Michael’s church, a 1 min walk from Camden Town tube station. All welcome especially if they’re having a tough time or feeling a bit lonely.

Camden Carers Service
Camden Carers Service (CCS) offers advice, support and activities for family and other unpaid carers across the borough.
Help is just a phone call away on 020 7428 8950 or email info@camdencarers.org.uk – read more about our services at www.camdencs.org.uk or www.facebook.com

Ageing Better in Camden
Read the latest newsletter from Ageing Better in Camden online here.

MEWSo Newsletter
MEWSo aims to defend and protect women from violence both at home and in the wider community. MEWSo is offering free counselling services. We do not have a waiting list and we offer 10 free of charge counselling sessions in Arabic. Get in touch if you have suitable referrals: office@mewso.org. You can read the latest newsletter online here.

Healthwatch Camden
View the latest news and views from Healthwatch Camden here.

Camden Capacity Building Bulletin
The February Capacity Building Bulletin is available here.

Ageing Better in Camden
Read the Ageing Better in Camden Newsletter Spring Edition 2017 here

Age UK Camden, Kingsgate Community Centre, Camden Futures, Camden CCG, VAC, Kings Cross Construction Centre and Camden PA are recruiting. See Jobs and Volunteers section below.

You can join in on Facebook. Like us if you like us.

Follow all the Camden Voluntary Sector news on OneCamden on Twitter.

You can read more about all of these stories on our news page at www.vac.org.uk/new

See the Funding pages on VAC’s website for all the latest information.

Neighbourhood Planning Grants and Support Programme – Final Year
The Department for Communities and Local Development’s £22.5 million Neighbourhood Planning Grants and Support Programme (2015-2018) aims to support local communities that are drawing up a neighbourhood plan for their area.
This is the last year of the funding programme, and Locality, which is delivering the programme, has announced that applications can be made from now until 31 January 2018. It has also announced that expenditure through a grant must be completed within six months or before 31 March 2018,
Locality has announced the following two updates:
~ Modifying the plan after it has come into force: Groups can now apply for funding to modify their plan, irrespective of whether they have already claimed their full grant allocation of £9,000 (or £15,000 for a priority group).
~ Groups undertaking site assessments and housing site allocations: Groups who are undertaking a site assessment for a site allocation, OR groups who are allocating sites for housing or mixed development can now be considered complex – allowing them to apply for additional support for complex groups (technical support and grants of up to £15,000).
Full details at the My Community website.

Trust for London and City Bridge Trust launch £100,000 Crowdfunding initiative to tackle poverty and inequality in London
In collaboration with Crowdfunder and The Social Innovation Partnership, Trust for London and City Bridge Trust have launched a new £100,000 fund available to organisations using crowdfunding to raise funds and deliver projects which will address inequality and lift people out of poverty in the capital.
The Improving life for Londoners fund will provide up to 50% of the target (to a maximum of £10,000), with projects expected to raise at least the first 25% from the crowd.
The fund is keen to support charitable work that:
~ Provides practical solutions to support people on low incomes
~ Addresses local problems in creative ways
~ Is led by communities that will benefit from the work
If you think your organisation fits, check out our Crowdfunder page.
Do you want to know more about crowdfunding, and how to run a crowdfunding project? You can sign up to crowdfunding workshops online here.

UCL Grand Challenges Small Grants Scheme
Closing date: 9am, Monday, 22 May 2017
Up to £4,000 available for a wide range of research-informed, societally relevant, cross-disciplinary activities undertaken from 1 August 2017 to 31 July 2018
Up to £6,000 is available for proposals that address the GCSC Priority Theme of Urban Mobility, with additional funding from the UCL Transport Institute. Further details
Proposals must address a Priority Theme relating to one of the six UCL Grand Challenges – Global Health; Justice and Equality; Tranformative Tech; Human Wellbeing; Cultural Understanding; Sustainable Cities
Applications must be led by UCL academic staff members (honorary researchers included) at postdoctoral level (or equivalent) or above. Full details here.

Project Management Starter
Thursday 11 May 6.00 – 8.30pm
Mary Ward Centre, 42 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3AQ
The aim of this short course is to enable students with limited practical experience of managing a project to become familiar with the theories and practice of project management. Details here

Healthy Minds Programme – “Let’s Talk About Mental Health”
Monday, May 15 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm or Monday May 22 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
St Pancras and Somers Town Living Centre, 2 Ossulston St, London, NW1. Details here.

Low Cost Trustee/ Management Committee Training from VAC and Mary Ward
Governance in the Voluntary and Community Sector
18 May 2017 – 22 June 2017 6 Thursday evenings 17:30-20:30 in Camden
A short evening course for trustees/management committee members or anybody who is interested in developing the knowledge and skills required to be a member of a governing body in the voluntary or community sector. Ideal for new trustees as an induction, for experienced trustees who want a refresher and for those just starting out as trustees. The course is a partnership between VAC and Mary Ward. Full details at the Mary Ward website.

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

Improving Records Management in Charities
15th June 2017, 15:30-18:30, The British Academy, 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, St. James’s, London SW1Y 5AH
What records do charities need to keep? How long should they be retained? What legislation and regulations on record keeping do charities need to comply with?
We invite you to learn more about these topics at the launch of a new toolkit to help charities and voluntary organisations improve records management.
Record keeping is an important but often overlooked part of running or working in a voluntary organisation. It is vital for good governance and necessary for complying with the wide range of regulations that apply to voluntary organisations in England and Wales. Good record keeping can help you tell people who you are, what you do and why donors and the public should trust you. However, many organisations find it hard to know quite what the state of their records is and what do to with them. There is a lack of advice, training and knowledge about record keeping and a bewildering array of different regulatory requirements. Free. Book online here.

Wild Bunch Club Tuesday May 9th
‘A club night run by people with learning difficulties for everyone’
At Electrowerkz, Angel. For further info contact siren@elfrida.com or ring the Elfrida Society on 020 7359 7443.

CEB Pro Bono Impact Day
Tuesday 9th May 2017. Victoria House, 37-63 Southampton Row, Bloomsbury Square, London, WC1
CEB is a strategic consultancy which uses data to make companies efficient by focusing on employees, customers and operations. They have specific expertise in the following areas:
~ Communication & differentiation – effectively tailoring messaging to specific audiences
~ Strategic planning – defining and achieving key objectives, improving performance measurement systems, planning for the future.
~ People management – recruiting the right people, putting together an effective team, and managing people.
A team of experienced strategy consultants, HR, sales and marketing professionals from CEB* will:
~ help you work through a key strategic challenge you are facing as an organisation and develop a plan of action to address the challenge, or
~ deliver a workshop to meet an immediate development need, e.g. improving the pitching and presentation skills of corporate fundraising staff.
*The team you are assigned will depend on the nature of the challenge you have.
This is a free advisory session, provided through the pro bono commitments of CEB employees.
You will need to commit a minimum of 8 hours (up to 2 hours before the day to attend scoping calls and provide information, 5 hours on the day, and 1 hour on follow up calls). Apply online here.

Why Every Professional Needs to be Equipped to Safeguard Against Harmful Practices
Thursday 1st June 2017
Amnesty International Human Rights Action Centre, 17-25 New Inn Yard, London, EC2A 3EA
Hear real case studies from specialist organisations working with women and girls at risk of “Honour” Based Violence, Forced Marriage and Female Genital Mutilation across Europe. Learn about good and bad practice and hear from public sector leaders about the importance of continuing professional training and have opportunities to network.
https://ikwroeuroconference.eventbrite.com

Camden PPG Forum – Wednesday 17 May 5.00 – 8.30pm
Come to the Forum and listen, learn and participate in three great sessions:
~ PPG success stories – be inspired by the bright ideas of other PPGs in Camden
~ GP Neighbourhoods – hear the latest on how developing GP Neighbourhoods could work, and share your views on how PPGs and patients can be involved
~ Transforming mental health services in Camden – participate in this interactive session about the future of local services.
The Arlington Conference Centre, 220 Arlington Road, NW1 7HE.
The venue is wheelchair accessible and refreshments will be provided.
If you would like to attend, please email engagement@camdenccg.nhs.uk or phone 020 3688 2456 (Becky) or 020 3688 1755 (Martin). Please let us know which PPG you belong to, and if you have any dietary requirements or accessibility needs. If contact us if you have any questions.

Thyroid Friends in London, Patients Voices event
13th May 2017, Crown Court Church, Russell Street, Covent Garden, London WC2B 5EZ
The group has been established since 2010 as the British Thyroid Foundation (BTF) London Group. Recent changes at BTF have meant that we are no longer affiliated to the charity but we remain commited to providing reliable evidence based information and peer support for thyroid patients. If you or someone close to you has a thyroid condition, or you have a professional interest, you are welcome to attend this meeting.
The group is also currently seeking a suitably qualified volunteer treasurer.
website: http://thyroidfriends.weebly.com
email: londonthyroid@gmail.com

Parent & Carer Meet-up
A fun & informative group for parents & carers with children in primary school to connect, share & learn
Term times, starting April 25th 2017. Children not in school are welcome to attend.
For more information please contact Zenobia Talati: 07594373203 or 02075868371
The Winch, 21 Winchester Road, Swiss Cottage, NW3 3NR www.thewinch.org

Money Management, Financial Literacy and Gambling Related Harm
Betknowmore UK are currently delivering a free workshop that aims to raise awareness around money management, financial literacy and “Gambling Related Harm”. The workshops can last from 60 to 120 minutes for group sizes between 4 to 24.
Through this workshop we will be cultivating skills and knowledge on how to best manage your money (debts, budget, savings, bank accounts, loans, credit cards, legal risks related to debts… etc), together with ways to protect yourself and others from the devastating growing social issue that is gambling addiction.
Find out more at www.betknowmoreuk.org email: brigitte@betknowmoreuk.org or call 0800 066 4827

Books Beyond Words Book Club FREE Training
Elfrida Rathbone Camden, St Luke’s Church and Books Beyond Words are collaborating to offer a free half-day introduction to facilitating a Beyond Words book club. Across the country, people with learning disabilities are meeting in small groups to discuss their experiences using the stories they discover in Beyond Words books to help make sense of their lives.
Thursday 27th April, 1.00 – 4.00pm @ St Luke’s Church Meeting Room, 7 Dowdney Close, NW5 2BP
To book your place e-mail: training@booksbeyondwords.co.uk

Governance in the Voluntary and Community Sector
18 May 2017 – 22 June 2017 6 Thursday evenings 17:30-20:30 in Camden
A short evening course for trustees/management committee members or anybody who is interested in developing the knowledge and skills required to be a member of a governing body in the voluntary or community sector. Ideal for new trustees as an induction, for experienced trustees who want a refresher and for those just starting out as trustees. The course is a partnership between VAC and Mary Ward. Full details at the Mary Ward website.

Supersized Volunteering Fair
VCC fairs are a perfect way to meet people who want to volunteer in Camden. And they have a 46% recruitment rate. Brilliant!
VCC are co-hosting our Summer 2017 SUPERsized volunteering fair with our good friends at Volunteer Centre Islington. It will take place in King’s Cross on the penultimate day of Volunteers’ Week 2017.
Tuesday 6th June 12-3pm at Voluntary Action Islington. Book through Eventbrite.

Camden Dementia Action Alliance Conference and “Dementia Bazaar”
Monday 15 May at the Canal Museum, 12-13 New Wharf Road, London N1 9RT.
The morning session (1030-1300, with registration and refreshments from 1000) will focus on the work of the Alliance and will feature a range of guest speakers.
The afternoon “Bazaar” (1400-1600) will be an opportunity for people with dementia, carers and members of the wider community to participate in a range of entertaining activities, as well as obtaining valuable information and advice from Alliance member organisations.
The event will be free to attend. Full details to follow. Contact mark.goodwin@alzheimers.org.uk.

Resilient Families and Early Help training opportunities with the Camden Training and Development Service (TDS)
~ Introduction to attachment theory, 08/05/17
~ IT training in eCAF, 11/05/17
For course information and to book please click on the course title. If you require TDSOnline support, please email TDSOnline@camden.gov.uk.

Improve English Reading Writing and Listening Skills
English ESOL Entry level class
Every Tuesday 10am-12pm
KCB Chadswell Healthy Living Centre, Harrison Street, London, WC1H 8JE
Tel no: 020 7713 5545

Recovery College
Recovery College Spring term has started. If you would like to find out more about the courses take a look at the Recovery College Spring 2017 course guide.

Free HR training workshops for Camden voluntary and community groups
Free and will take place between 9.45 and 1pm at the Town Hall Judd Street.
The workshops are for managers and trustees of voluntary and community groups based in Camden.
Managing Difficult Conversations at Work Wednesday 12th April 2017
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/managing-difficult-conversations-at-work-registration-27067711253
The workshops will be run by Shirley Briggs.

Don’t forget that Camden TDS run a full programme of course which are subsidised or free for voluntary sector partner organisations. There is a link to a list of partner organisations on the home page.

Find more Training Opportunities at www.vac.org.uk

Community Association for West Hampstead – seeks Trustees
CAWH is a diverse, lively and expanding Community Association. We run the West Hampstead Community Centre. We are looking for individuals with a strong interest in improving services in the local community to join our Board of Management.
This is a great opportunity to contribute to a local organisation that is making a difference to people in the local area, particularly children and older people. You have the opportunity to gain new skills and experience and to meet new people.
We are particularly seeking a new Treasurer to lead the financial management of the organisation as well as individuals who have skills in finance, human resources and marketing to develop the breadth of our Board. You may have many years’ experience in running organisations or want to broaden your skillset by supporting a charity – we want to hear from you. You will be able to commit to ten meetings a year and would ideally live in or near West Hampstead or be familiar with the area.
If you are interested, please contact the Manager, Carlos Tapia, on 020 7794 3729 (Mon, Wed and Thurs) or e-mail manager@cawh.org.uk

Citizens Advice Camden is seeking Chair of the Board of Trustees
Do you feel passionately about advice delivery? Could you shape future strategy and help us to achieve our mission?
We are recruiting a Chair for our trustee board. We are seeking someone with governance skills who can provide leadership and enthusiasm to lead Citizens Advice Camden into the future. You will ultimately be responsible for the overall direction, vision and strategy of Citizens Advice Camden. We are looking for candidates who can bring innovative ideas, enthusiasm for our values, and excellent judgment to help determine our objectives. You will be prepared to assist our organisation in taking on any future challenges and play a key role in our success.
If you would like any further information please email lisa.yates@camdencabservice.org.uk or look at our website www.camdencabservice.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer-us/trustees/
Closing date for applications is 12 noon 15th May.

British Library seeks Community Engagement Manager and Creative Producer
See full details of the posts and how to apply at the British Library website
https://britishlibrary.recruitment.northgatearinso.com/birl/pages/vacancy.jsf?latest=01001089
https://britishlibrary.recruitment.northgatearinso.com/birl/pages/vacancy.jsf?latest=01001088

Treasurer wanted by Age UK Camden
Age UK Camden is recruiting to its trustee/volunteer position of Honorary Treasurer, more details of which are here: http://www.ageuk.org.uk/camden/get-involvednew/get-involvedvolunteer/vacancies/honorary-treasurer/

Volunteer Detainee Support Worker wanted by Hibiscus
Location: Islington and Heathrow Removal Centre
Commitment: 2 days per week for 3 months
The organisation: Hibiscus Initiatives, established in 1986, a voluntary sector organisation with a track record of delivering high quality services over nearly 30 years. We have developed a widely acknowledged specialist expertise in working with marginalised Black and Minority Ethnic, Foreign National and migrant offenders and detainees in custody, and the community. Our person-centred approach is a model that engages and works with clients to support and empower them in dealing with what are often multiple and complex needs and, importantly, addresses the additional disadvantage that language and cultural barriers present.
The role: To provide vital support to people who are resident within the immigration removal centre. Work collaboratively with Hibiscus colleagues and centre staff providing information, emotional support and making referrals.
To apply: Please send your CV and a short covering letter stating how you fit the skills, knowledge and experience to our Volunteer Coordinator: caitlin@hibiscus.org.uk

Camden Futures Seeking Parent Volunteers in the Community
Camden Futures is recruiting parent volunteers to become Community Connectors and support Camden parents accessing community resources. Apply via info@camdenfutures.org.uk or call Francesca on 020 7424 1622 by 25/04/17. Compulsory training will run on 28/04/17, 05/05/17 and 12/05/17.

Kings Cross Jobs
You can view a constantly changing range of job vacancies on the Kings Cross website. For the latest news on jobs sign up to job alerts.

Volunteers are needed in GP practices!
Voluntary Action Camden (VAC) would like to hear from you! We are training volunteers to become Community Health Advocates in local GP practices.
• Do you live, work or volunteer in Camden?
• Would you like to support people in your community to improve their health and their access to services that will help them to maintain good health and wellbeing?
• Do you want to develop experience and skills in the field of public health?
• Can you commit at least 2 hours per week?
VAC is offering free Royal Society of Public Health (RSPH) Level 1 training to those who want to volunteer their time to become Community Health Advocates. The RSPH Level 1 training is a two days course, with a 20 question multiple choice test at the end of the second day of training. It could provide a useful skill set and experience for people who may be interested in following a health related career path in the future.
After completing the training, VAC will support local teams of volunteers to act as links between community based services and GPs. You may wish to take advantage of additional opportunities to increase your knowledge, for example smoking cessation, cancer awareness, diabetes etc. In return for your commitment to the project for 2 hours a week we offer support, out of pocket expenses and other professional development opportunities.
For more information, please contact Mandira Manandhar, Health Advocate Volunteer Co-ordinator (Mon, Tues and Thurs) 020 7284 6550/07930669417 or email: mmanandhar@vac.org.uk
Peter Simonson on 020 7284 6550 or email: projectsupport@vac.org.uk
The RSPH training is provided FREE by on the understanding that participants are available to volunteer for the project and able to attend the regular training and support sessions.

Find Jobs and Volunteering opportunities at https://www.vac.org.uk/

Voluntary Sector Should Campaign with Confidence – Dos and Don’ts
NCVO has urged the sector to campaign with confidence. There has been much scare mongering over the Lobbying Act but most of the provisions only apply to organisations “where the expenditure can reasonably be regarded as intended to influence the electoral prospects of parties or candidates.” Few voluntary organisations in Camden will meet this criteria or be spending over £20,000 – the threshold for registering. Although charities have been under attack for campaigning, the tide may have turned. The recent Lords report, ‘Stronger Charities for a Stronger Society‘ praised the sector and declared that it was the “eyes, ears and conscience of society”.
NCVO has issued some clarification:
Five things that charities can do::
~ Continue campaigning on issues
~ Reach out to the candidates and ask their views on issues
~ Publish candidates’ views on issues
~ Host a debate between candidates or invite them to issue-focussed events
~ Publish a manifesto or briefing materials on issues
Four things charities can’t do:
~ Advocate for any individual party or candidate
~ Explicitly compare the organisation’s views to those of individual parties or candidates
~ Donate funds to any individual party or candidate
~ Allow their organisation to be cited in a candidate’s manifesto
Organisations with staff who are involved in high profile political activities in an individual capacity or as candidates may want to consider noting this at the next board meeting and minute how conflicts of interest will be dealt with to avoid any appearance of a conflict of interest. Details at Civil Society

Healthy Minds Community Programme
Do you live in Camden? Would you like to take part in a community-based course, workshop or activity? Or perhaps you would like to be more active or meet new likeminded people?
Healthy Minds is a new Mind in Camden project offering local people a wide range of free and low-cost activities to support you in rediscovering your interests and uncovering different community resources. And, if you need a helping hand to find what’s right for you, a navigator or sports buddy will be there to help. You can view a brochure of activities online here.
tel: 020 7241 8996 email: healthymindscp@mindincamden.org.uk

Camden Consultations
You can find all Camden consultation on the Wearecamden consultation hub.

FREE VAC Membership for Unfunded Groups: Voluntary Action Camden Small organisations with no paid staff and a turnover of less than £1,500 can now join for FREE. To take advantage of this offer just fill in the membership on the online form here.

The Camden Commission; Improving Records Management in Charities; Low Cost Trustee/ Management Committee Training; The Soup is back; Mental Health Awareness Week Event; Healthy Minds Community Programme; Wild Bunch Club; Camden Town Shed; Maiden Lane Family Fun Day; Lloyds Bank and Google Digital Garage; .+ funding, jobs, volunteers, events, training, offers and resources.

Join the conversation to help make Camden even better
We’re looking ahead to the future and want local people to be involved in the discussion.
The Camden Commission was set up to explore some of the big challenges facing the borough and how they can be overcome. Their recommendations will help us to create a new plan for Camden for 2018 to 2023.
The Commission is keen that the recommendations they make are based on local experiences and insight, so are inviting anyone who lives, works or studies in the borough to submit their ideas, experiences and comments.
Along with speaking with local people, organisations and businesses, the Commission is speaking with national experts about four themes: Communities, Camden’s economy, Public services, and Place and culture. These themes will address such questions as: What’s great about Camden and how can we protect it? What could public services of the future look like? How can we make Camden’s economy work for all?
Help us to shape the future of Camden by sharing your thoughts, ideas and experiences around these four themes. The deadline for submitting comments is Friday 26 May.
~ Submit an idea or suggestion, and see what others have said using our online forum
~ Submit written evidence by emailing us at camdencommission@camden.gov.uk
~ Sign up for email alerts

Improving Records Management in Charities
15th June 2017, 15:30-18:30, The British Academy, 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, St. James’s, London SW1Y 5AH
What records do charities need to keep? How long should they be retained? What legislation and regulations on record keeping do charities need to comply with?
We invite you to learn more about these topics at the launch of a new toolkit to help charities and voluntary organisations improve records management.
Record keeping is an important but often overlooked part of running or working in a voluntary organisation. It is vital for good governance and necessary for complying with the wide range of regulations that apply to voluntary organisations in England and Wales. Good record keeping can help you tell people who you are, what you do and why donors and the public should trust you. However, many organisations find it hard to know quite what the state of their records is and what do to with them. There is a lack of advice, training and knowledge about record keeping and a bewildering array of different regulatory requirements. Free. Book online here.

Low Cost Trustee/ Management Committee Training from VAC and Mary Ward
Governance in the Voluntary and Community Sector
18 May 2017 – 22 June 2017 6 Thursday evenings 17:30-20:30 in Camden
A short evening course for trustees/management committee members or anybody who is interested in developing the knowledge and skills required to be a member of a governing body in the voluntary or community sector. Ideal for new trustees as an induction, for experienced trustees who want a refresher and for those just starting out as trustees. The course is a partnership between VAC and Mary Ward. Full details at the Mary Ward website.

The Soup is back next Wednesday 3rd May
Hotter than ever before. After raising £640 for community projects last time out, Project Soup returns to the Hugh Cubitt Centre in King’s Cross. The format is simple; enjoy some delicious soup, hear from local community projects and vote for your favourite. Register online here.

Mental Health Awareness Week Event at Regent’s Place- 9th May
For Mental Health Awareness Week we will have a giant colouring wall on the plaza at Regent’s Place on 9th May: http://www.contrabandevents.com/entertainment/childrens/art-craft/scott-cartoon-artist-uk/
It will tie in with related content on our website around mindfulness, adult colouring in and how it relieves stress, can help with anxiety etc.
The times are between 11:00-12.30 and 14:00-16:00. Interested parties should email Afe.Komolafe@broadgateestates.co.uk

Healthy Minds Community Programme
Do you live in Camden? Would you like to take part in a community-based course, workshop or activity? Or perhaps you would like to be more active or meet new likeminded people?
Healthy Minds is a new Mind in Camden project offering local people a wide range of free and low-cost activities to support you in rediscovering your interests and uncovering different community resources. And, if you need a helping hand to find what’s right for you, a navigator or sports buddy will be there to help. You can view a brochure of activities online here.
tel: 020 7241 8996 email: healthymindscp@mindincamden.org.uk

Wild Bunch Club Tuesday May 9th
‘A club night run by people with learning difficulties for everyone’
At Electrowerkz, Angel. For further info contact siren@elfrida.com or ring the Elfrida Society on 020 7359 7443.

Camden Town Shed – new sessions
The Shed invites older people especially men to use our well-equipped workshop for all skills in wood Tuesdays and Wednesdays 10-4pm on a donations basis. Maiden Lane Community Centre St Paul’s Crescent (off Agar Grove) NW19XZ. www.camdentownshed.org
New sessions being added are
Mondays 1.30 – 4.00 Make or mend with wood. No experience required. These sessions welcome people needing supervision. Agencies should contact the supervisor Alan Alison on 07429 651676
Wednesdays 2.00 – 4.00 Hand-building with clay (not using the potters wheel) . Drop in and make whatever you like (boxes, plates, models, artworks, tiles etc) with an experienced maker present to advise. No experience required. Kiln firing on site.
Enquiries to Mike Jenn 07757 024749

Family Fun Day
Maiden Lane Community Centre Saturday 29 April, 1pm – 4pm
Arts, massage, face-painting, nails, pizza, soft play, bouncy castle, refreshments.
Contact Mark 020 7267 9586 or 07539 646490 or email info@maidenlanecommunitycentre.org
Nest Fun Day is on Saturday 20th May.

Lloyds Bank and Google Digital Garage
A free half-day workshop delivered by Lloyds Bank in collaboration with a number of partners, including Google, to understand how you can grow your business / charity online.
As well as giving you an opportunity to network with other local organisations, the aim of the day is to help you to learn how you can leverage the following key digital skills in particular:
• Make your website shine across all devices
• Improve your digital presence through social media, online video and Google My Business.
• Stay safe online
• How digital can help your organisation better manage its money
The workshop will take place from 9:30 – 13.45 on Wednesday 3rd May at Allen and Overy LLP, One Bishops Square, London, E1 6AD. Refreshments will be included.
Click here to register with Lloyds Bank for the event. Please note that the workshop can hold a maximum of 100 and we recommend that you register as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
If you have any queries, please contact Carole.ingrey2@lloydsbanking.com.

Camden Carers Service
Camden Carers Service (CCS) offers advice, support and activities for family and other unpaid carers across the borough.
Help is just a phone call away on 020 7428 8950 or email info@camdencarers.org.uk – read more about our services at www.camdencs.org.uk or www.facebook.com

Healthwatch Camden
View the latest news and views from Healthwatch Camden here.

Camden Capacity Building Bulletin
The February Capacity Building Bulletin is available here.

Ageing Better in Camden
Read the Ageing Better in Camden Newsletter Spring Edition 2017 here

Age UK Camden, Kingsgate Community Centre, Camden Futures, Camden CCG, VAC, Kings Cross Construction Centre and Camden PA are recruiting. See Jobs and Volunteers section below.

You can join in on Facebook. Like us if you like us.

Follow all the Camden Voluntary Sector news on OneCamden on Twitter.

You can read more about all of these stories on our news page at www.vac.org.uk/new

See the Funding pages on VAC’s website for all the latest information.

Neighbourhood Planning Grants and Support Programme – Final Year
The Department for Communities and Local Development’s £22.5 million Neighbourhood Planning Grants and Support Programme (2015-2018) aims to support local communities that are drawing up a neighbourhood plan for their area.
This is the last year of the funding programme, and Locality, which is delivering the programme, has announced that applications can be made from now until 31 January 2018. It has also announced that expenditure through a grant must be completed within six months or before 31 March 2018,
Locality has announced the following two updates:
~ Modifying the plan after it has come into force: Groups can now apply for funding to modify their plan, irrespective of whether they have already claimed their full grant allocation of £9,000 (or £15,000 for a priority group).
~ Groups undertaking site assessments and housing site allocations: Groups who are undertaking a site assessment for a site allocation, OR groups who are allocating sites for housing or mixed development can now be considered complex – allowing them to apply for additional support for complex groups (technical support and grants of up to £15,000).
Full details at the My Community website.

Trust for London and City Bridge Trust launch £100,000 Crowdfunding initiative to tackle poverty and inequality in London
In collaboration with Crowdfunder and The Social Innovation Partnership, Trust for London and City Bridge Trust have launched a new £100,000 fund available to organisations using crowdfunding to raise funds and deliver projects which will address inequality and lift people out of poverty in the capital.
The Improving life for Londoners fund will provide up to 50% of the target (to a maximum of £10,000), with projects expected to raise at least the first 25% from the crowd.
The fund is keen to support charitable work that:
~ Provides practical solutions to support people on low incomes
~ Addresses local problems in creative ways
~ Is led by communities that will benefit from the work
If you think your organisation fits, check out our Crowdfunder page.
Do you want to know more about crowdfunding, and how to run a crowdfunding project? You can sign up to crowdfunding workshops online here.

UCL Grand Challenges Small Grants Scheme
Closing date: 9am, Monday, 22 May 2017
Up to £4,000 available for a wide range of research-informed, societally relevant, cross-disciplinary activities undertaken from 1 August 2017 to 31 July 2018
Up to £6,000 is available for proposals that address the GCSC Priority Theme of Urban Mobility, with additional funding from the UCL Transport Institute. Further details
Proposals must address a Priority Theme relating to one of the six UCL Grand Challenges – Global Health; Justice and Equality; Tranformative Tech; Human Wellbeing; Cultural Understanding; Sustainable Cities
Applications must be led by UCL academic staff members (honorary researchers included) at postdoctoral level (or equivalent) or above. Full details here.

Project Management Starter
Wednesday, May 3 @ 10:30 am – 1:00 pm or Thursday 11 May 6.00 – 8.30pm
Mary Ward Centre, 42 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3AQ
The aim of this short course is to enable students with limited practical experience of managing a project to become familiar with the theories and practice of project management. Details here

Healthy Minds Programme – “Let’s Talk About Mental Health”
Monday, May 15 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm or Monday May 22 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
St Pancras and Somers Town Living Centre, 2 Ossulston St, London, NW1. Details here.

Governance in the Voluntary and Community Sector
Thursdays, May 18 to June 22 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Mary Ward Centre, 42 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3AQ United Kingdom + Google Map
A short course for members of governing bodies or anybody who is interested in developing the knowledge and skills required to be a member of a governing body in the voluntary or community sector. With the knowledge gained from this course you can become an effective participant in the governance of new and existing organisations. Details here

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

CEB Pro Bono Impact Day
Tuesday 9th May 2017. Victoria House, 37-63 Southampton Row, Bloomsbury Square, London, WC1
CEB is a strategic consultancy which uses data to make companies efficient by focusing on employees, customers and operations. They have specific expertise in the following areas:
~ Communication & differentiation – effectively tailoring messaging to specific audiences
~ Strategic planning – defining and achieving key objectives, improving performance measurement systems, planning for the future.
~ People management – recruiting the right people, putting together an effective team, and managing people.
A team of experienced strategy consultants, HR, sales and marketing professionals from CEB* will:
~ help you work through a key strategic challenge you are facing as an organisation and develop a plan of action to address the challenge, or
~ deliver a workshop to meet an immediate development need, e.g. improving the pitching and presentation skills of corporate fundraising staff.
*The team you are assigned will depend on the nature of the challenge you have.
This is a free advisory session, provided through the pro bono commitments of CEB employees.
You will need to commit a minimum of 8 hours (up to 2 hours before the day to attend scoping calls and provide information, 5 hours on the day, and 1 hour on follow up calls). Apply online here.

Why Every Professional Needs to be Equipped to Safeguard Against Harmful Practices
Thursday 1st June 2017
Amnesty International Human Rights Action Centre, 17-25 New Inn Yard, London, EC2A 3EA
Hear real case studies from specialist organisations working with women and girls at risk of “Honour” Based Violence, Forced Marriage and Female Genital Mutilation across Europe. Learn about good and bad practice and hear from public sector leaders about the importance of continuing professional training and have opportunities to network.
https://ikwroeuroconference.eventbrite.com

Camden PPG Forum – Wednesday 17 May 5.00 – 8.30pm
Come to the Forum and listen, learn and participate in three great sessions:
~ PPG success stories – be inspired by the bright ideas of other PPGs in Camden
~ GP Neighbourhoods – hear the latest on how developing GP Neighbourhoods could work, and share your views on how PPGs and patients can be involved
~ Transforming mental health services in Camden – participate in this interactive session about the future of local services.
The Arlington Conference Centre, 220 Arlington Road, NW1 7HE.
The venue is wheelchair accessible and refreshments will be provided.
If you would like to attend, please email engagement@camdenccg.nhs.uk or phone 020 3688 2456 (Becky) or 020 3688 1755 (Martin). Please let us know which PPG you belong to, and if you have any dietary requirements or accessibility needs. If contact us if you have any questions.

Thyroid Friends in London, Patients Voices event
13th May 2017, Crown Court Church, Russell Street, Covent Garden, London WC2B 5EZ
The group has been established since 2010 as the British Thyroid Foundation (BTF) London Group. Recent changes at BTF have meant that we are no longer affiliated to the charity but we remain commited to providing reliable evidence based information and peer support for thyroid patients. If you or someone close to you has a thyroid condition, or you have a professional interest, you are welcome to attend this meeting.
The group is also currently seeking a suitably qualified volunteer treasurer.
website: http://thyroidfriends.weebly.com
email: londonthyroid@gmail.com

Parent & Carer Meet-up
A fun & informative group for parents & carers with children in primary school to connect, share & learn
Term times, starting April 25th 2017. Children not in school are welcome to attend.
For more information please contact Zenobia Talati: 07594373203 or 02075868371
The Winch, 21 Winchester Road, Swiss Cottage, NW3 3NR www.thewinch.org

Money Management, Financial Literacy and Gambling Related Harm
Betknowmore UK are currently delivering a free workshop that aims to raise awareness around money management, financial literacy and “Gambling Related Harm”. The workshops can last from 60 to 120 minutes for group sizes between 4 to 24.
Through this workshop we will be cultivating skills and knowledge on how to best manage your money (debts, budget, savings, bank accounts, loans, credit cards, legal risks related to debts… etc), together with ways to protect yourself and others from the devastating growing social issue that is gambling addiction.
Find out more at www.betknowmoreuk.org email: brigitte@betknowmoreuk.org or call 0800 066 4827

Books Beyond Words Book Club FREE Training
Elfrida Rathbone Camden, St Luke’s Church and Books Beyond Words are collaborating to offer a free half-day introduction to facilitating a Beyond Words book club. Across the country, people with learning disabilities are meeting in small groups to discuss their experiences using the stories they discover in Beyond Words books to help make sense of their lives.
Thursday 27th April, 1.00 – 4.00pm @ St Luke’s Church Meeting Room, 7 Dowdney Close, NW5 2BP
To book your place e-mail: training@booksbeyondwords.co.uk

Governance in the Voluntary and Community Sector
18 May 2017 – 22 June 2017 6 Thursday evenings 17:30-20:30 in Camden
A short evening course for trustees/management committee members or anybody who is interested in developing the knowledge and skills required to be a member of a governing body in the voluntary or community sector. Ideal for new trustees as an induction, for experienced trustees who want a refresher and for those just starting out as trustees. The course is a partnership between VAC and Mary Ward. Full details at the Mary Ward website.

RADA Elders Taster Workshop Tuesday 25 April 1.00pm – 3.00pm
A fun workshop led by tutors at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art for people over the age of 60 with an interest in drama and acting.
This is an insightful and exploratory practical workshop that will offer insight into RADA’s weekly Elders Company, for people aged 60+.
Participants will explore drama exercises and games, voice work and movement. Joined by graduates of the RADA Elders Company, attendees will find out more about the Company, the work that is created throughout the course of the year and the tutors and ethos of RADA. The session will be exciting, informal and enjoyable.
The workshop is not for professional actors and no previous drama experience is required.
Free. Holborn Community Association, 50 Millman St, London, WC1N 3EW
To apply, please contact Andrew Rogers at andrew.rogers@holborncommunity.co.uk

Supersized Volunteering Fair
VCC fairs are a perfect way to meet people who want to volunteer in Camden. And they have a 46% recruitment rate. Brilliant!
VCC are co-hosting our Summer 2017 SUPERsized volunteering fair with our good friends at Volunteer Centre Islington. It will take place in King’s Cross on the penultimate day of Volunteers’ Week 2017.
Tuesday 6th June 12-3pm at Voluntary Action Islington. Book through Eventbrite.

Camden Dementia Action Alliance Conference and “Dementia Bazaar”
Monday 15 May at the Canal Museum, 12-13 New Wharf Road, London N1 9RT.
The morning session (1030-1300, with registration and refreshments from 1000) will focus on the work of the Alliance and will feature a range of guest speakers.
The afternoon “Bazaar” (1400-1600) will be an opportunity for people with dementia, carers and members of the wider community to participate in a range of entertaining activities, as well as obtaining valuable information and advice from Alliance member organisations.
The event will be free to attend. Full details to follow. Contact mark.goodwin@alzheimers.org.uk.

Bengali New Year
The British Library, in partnership with Age UK Camden
Saturday 29 April 12.00 – 15.00 at the British Library Knowledge Centre 96 Euston Rd NW1 2DB
As well as celebrating the New Year, the event will provide local people with a greater insight into what Bengali items there are at the British Library and BL will launch a ‘pop up’ Bengali exhibition that will tour the Somers Town Community throughout this summer.
There will also be live entertainment, celebratory food and a speech from Local Councillor Samata Khatoon.
Please note this event is free to all local residents and community groups but RSVP is essential and children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
To book your free place contact: Emma Morgan emma.morgan@bl.uk T+44 (0)7595 464 363
or Abul Choudhury abul.choudhury@ageukcamden.org.uk T+44 (0)20 7278 5090

Resilient Families and Early Help training opportunities with the Camden Training and Development Service (TDS)
~ Domestic violence and abuse, 05/05/17
~ Introduction to attachment theory, 08/05/17
~ IT training in eCAF, 11/05/17
For course information and to book please click on the course title. If you require TDSOnline support, please email TDSOnline@camden.gov.uk.

Improve English Reading Writing and Listening Skills
English ESOL Entry level class
Every Tuesday 10am-12pm
KCB Chadswell Healthy Living Centre, Harrison Street, London, WC1H 8JE
Tel no: 020 7713 5545

Recovery College
Recovery College Spring term has started. If you would like to find out more about the courses take a look at the Recovery College Spring 2017 course guide.

Free HR training workshops for Camden voluntary and community groups
Free and will take place between 9.45 and 1pm at the Town Hall Judd Street.
The workshops are for managers and trustees of voluntary and community groups based in Camden.
Managing Difficult Conversations at Work Wednesday 12th April 2017
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/managing-difficult-conversations-at-work-registration-27067711253
The workshops will be run by Shirley Briggs.

Don’t forget that Camden TDS run a full programme of course which are subsidised or free for voluntary sector partner organisations. There is a link to a list of partner organisations on the home page.

Find more Training Opportunities at www.vac.org.uk

British Library seeks Community Engagement Manager and Creative Producer
See full details of the posts and how to apply at the British Library website
https://britishlibrary.recruitment.northgatearinso.com/birl/pages/vacancy.jsf?latest=01001089
https://britishlibrary.recruitment.northgatearinso.com/birl/pages/vacancy.jsf?latest=01001088

Treasurer wanted by Age UK Camden
Age UK Camden is recruiting to its trustee/volunteer position of Honorary Treasurer, more details of which are here: http://www.ageuk.org.uk/camden/get-involvednew/get-involvedvolunteer/vacancies/honorary-treasurer/

Volunteer Detainee Support Worker wanted by Hibiscus
Location: Islington and Heathrow Removal Centre
Commitment: 2 days per week for 3 months
The organisation: Hibiscus Initiatives, established in 1986, a voluntary sector organisation with a track record of delivering high quality services over nearly 30 years. We have developed a widely acknowledged specialist expertise in working with marginalised Black and Minority Ethnic, Foreign National and migrant offenders and detainees in custody, and the community. Our person-centred approach is a model that engages and works with clients to support and empower them in dealing with what are often multiple and complex needs and, importantly, addresses the additional disadvantage that language and cultural barriers present.
The role: To provide vital support to people who are resident within the immigration removal centre. Work collaboratively with Hibiscus colleagues and centre staff providing information, emotional support and making referrals.
To apply: Please send your CV and a short covering letter stating how you fit the skills, knowledge and experience to our Volunteer Coordinator: caitlin@hibiscus.org.uk

Kingsgate Community Centre seeks Customer Duty Officers, Cleaner, Crèche Pool Workers
Based in Kilburn we provide a wide range of services to those in need.
We are currently expanding our team we need enthusiastic individuals to join us would be great to hear from you!
Looking for: Customer Duty Officers, Cleaner, Crèche Pool Workers.
To find out more please visit www.kingsgatecommunitycentre.org.uk/job-vacancies/ or email info@kingsgatecc.org.uk

Camden Futures Seeking Parent Volunteers in the Community
Camden Futures is recruiting parent volunteers to become Community Connectors and support Camden parents accessing community resources. Apply via info@camdenfutures.org.uk or call Francesca on 020 7424 1622 by 25/04/17. Compulsory training will run on 28/04/17, 05/05/17 and 12/05/17.

Kings Cross Jobs
You can view a constantly changing range of job vacancies on the Kings Cross website. For the latest news on jobs sign up to job alerts.

Volunteers are needed in GP practices!
Voluntary Action Camden (VAC) would like to hear from you! We are training volunteers to become Community Health Advocates in local GP practices.
• Do you live, work or volunteer in Camden?
• Would you like to support people in your community to improve their health and their access to services that will help them to maintain good health and wellbeing?
• Do you want to develop experience and skills in the field of public health?
• Can you commit at least 2 hours per week?
VAC is offering free Royal Society of Public Health (RSPH) Level 1 training to those who want to volunteer their time to become Community Health Advocates. The RSPH Level 1 training is a two days course, with a 20 question multiple choice test at the end of the second day of training. It could provide a useful skill set and experience for people who may be interested in following a health related career path in the future.
After completing the training, VAC will support local teams of volunteers to act as links between community based services and GPs. You may wish to take advantage of additional opportunities to increase your knowledge, for example smoking cessation, cancer awareness, diabetes etc. In return for your commitment to the project for 2 hours a week we offer support, out of pocket expenses and other professional development opportunities.
For more information, please contact Mandira Manandhar, Health Advocate Volunteer Co-ordinator (Mon, Tues and Thurs) 020 7284 6550/07930669417 or email: mmanandhar@vac.org.uk
Peter Simonson on 020 7284 6550 or email: projectsupport@vac.org.uk
The RSPH training is provided FREE by on the understanding that participants are available to volunteer for the project and able to attend the regular training and support sessions.

Find Jobs and Volunteering opportunities at https://www.vac.org.uk/

News from The Community Partnership Unit
The new head of the unit, Rachel Kelly, issued this statement about the new unit, the Community Impact fund and the Advisory Group.
“After what feels like a long wait, the team launched last week. We will be developing our ways of working both as a new team, and also how we want to work with you. We would love to hear your ideas and thoughts, and will be informed by what you tell us.
The team will be focusing on improving partnership working and creating greater opportunities for the voluntary sector for the benefit of our residents. I am looking forward to exploring with you all how we can best achieve that.
I know some of you would like named contacts, which we will be able to tell you soon. In the meantime feel free to get in contact with me or any other member of the team.
Initially we will be a smaller team than you are used to: some of you will already know Jayne, Lisa, and Frances from the former CTS team. Jessica (Farrand) will be returning from maternity leave in June, Jessica (Ainsley) joined us this week, and some new faces will be joining us soon. I will soon be starting the next round of recruitment to fill our remaining vacancies, so keep an eye out.
Update on Community Impact
We have been busy developing the key themes and processes, and I am pleased to tell you we are moving to the next phase. Community Impact is a key part of the Council’s VCS strategy, approved by Cabinet in December 2015. The fund is established to:
· support partnership working with the voluntary sector to help address ingrained social issues
· support engagement with the community about how best to deliver local priorities
· invest in preventative activity
In order to ensure the activity adds value and is in line with local priorities, we have identified four broad areas that would benefit from a collective approach over the next two years, with further areas to be identified at a later date. The current priority areas are:
· Rough Sleeping
· Mental Health
· Youth Offending
· Supporting people in the community
We want to work with you and wider community to better understand the specific issues, and co-design the activity that can seek to tackle them.
In order to ensure shared ownership, we will be establishing an Advisory Group, made up of Council, partner and community representatives. The role of this advisory group will be to oversee all stages of the community impact programme: from understanding the issues, co-designing activity, through to implementation. Final decisions will be made by the Council, based on the recommendations made by this advisory group.
Subject to input and agreement with the Advisory Group, the broad approach is likely to be:
1. Co-design and engagement (e.g. workshops, 121 and online discussions etc), aiming to: develop a shared understanding of the issue and what we want to address.
2. Develop the funding framework (with the final sign off by the Council), and expressions of interest from community groups and partners.
3. Further co-design of the collective approach with identified partners and final funding decisions
4. Implementation, with ongoing evaluation and sharing best practice.
We will be in contact with details next month, including how you can get involved.”

Voluntary Sector Should Campaign with Confidence – Dos and Don’ts
NCVO has urged the sector to campaign with confidence. There has been much scare mongering over the Lobbying Act but most of the provisions only apply to organisations “where the expenditure can reasonably be regarded as intended to influence the electoral prospects of parties or candidates.” Few voluntary organisations in Camden will meet this criteria or be spending over £20,000 – the threshold for registering. Although charities have been under attack for campaigning, the tide may have turned. The recent Lords report, ‘Stronger Charities for a Stronger Society‘ praised the sector and declared that it was the “eyes, ears and conscience of society”.
NCVO has issued some clarification:
Five things that charities can do::
~ Continue campaigning on issues
~ Reach out to the candidates and ask their views on issues
~ Publish candidates’ views on issues
~ Host a debate between candidates or invite them to issue-focussed events
~ Publish a manifesto or briefing materials on issues
Four things charities can’t do:
~ Advocate for any individual party or candidate
~ Explicitly compare the organisation’s views to those of individual parties or candidates
~ Donate funds to any individual party or candidate
~ Allow their organisation to be cited in a candidate’s manifesto
Organisations with staff who are involved in high profile political activities in an individual capacity or as candidates may want to consider noting this at the next board meeting and minute how conflicts of interest will be dealt with to avoid any appearance of a conflict of interest. Details at Civil Society

Camden Consultations
You can find all Camden consultation on the Wearecamden consultation hub.

FREE VAC Membership for Unfunded Groups: Voluntary Action Camden Small organisations with no paid staff and a turnover of less than £1,500 can now join for FREE. To take advantage of this offer just fill in the membership on the online form here.

VAC MH Project End Report; News from The Community Partnership Unit; Camden Giving Grants; Healthy Minds Community Programme; Events in Somers Town this Weekend; Camden Carers’ Voice; CEB Pro Bono Impact Day; Camden Intergenerational Network meeting; IKWRO Conference; Camden PPG Forum; Thyroid Friends in London, Patients Voices; Parent & Carer Meet-up; Here comes the sun!…+ funding, jobs, volunteers, events, training, offers and resources.

VAC’s Mental Health Community Development Project was first established in 2007. Over the years it has evolved in line with the requirements of our funders, the London Borough of Camden. Our aims are to work with Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and Refugee (BAMER) communities to:
• Support staff and volunteers from Camden BAMER voluntary and community groups to improve mental health awareness and promote mental wellbeing in their communities
• Challenge stigma and misunderstanding about mental illness
• Improve knowledge of local mental health and wellbeing services, both statutory and community-based
• Identify the needs of BAMER communities in relation to mental health services
• Increase involvement of BAMER community members and service users in the planning, commissioning and delivery of mental health services
• Raise participation levels of BAMER communities in relevant partnerships
From 2014 onwards our volunteer Mental Health Champions from BAMER communities have played a crucial role in helping us to spread the word about mental health. Our work has been informed by our Mental Health Advisory Groups, comprised of members of BAMER communities and voluntary and community organisations working with Camden’s Bangladeshi, Irish and Black communities. VAC would like to thank the project staff and all the volunteers who contributed so much to the project. We anticipate that the project’s legacy will be a lasting improvement in Mental Health and wellbeing among Camden’s diverse communities.

News from The Community Partnership Unit
The new head of the unit, Rachel Kelly, issued this statement about the new unit, the Community Impact fund and the Advisory Group.
“After what feels like a long wait, the team launched last week. We will be developing our ways of working both as a new team, and also how we want to work with you. We would love to hear your ideas and thoughts, and will be informed by what you tell us.
The team will be focusing on improving partnership working and creating greater opportunities for the voluntary sector for the benefit of our residents. I am looking forward to exploring with you all how we can best achieve that.
I know some of you would like named contacts, which we will be able to tell you soon. In the meantime feel free to get in contact with me or any other member of the team.
Initially we will be a smaller team than you are used to: some of you will already know Jayne, Lisa, and Frances from the former CTS team. Jessica (Farrand) will be returning from maternity leave in June, Jessica (Ainsley) joined us this week, and some new faces will be joining us soon. I will soon be starting the next round of recruitment to fill our remaining vacancies, so keep an eye out.
Update on Community Impact
We have been busy developing the key themes and processes, and I am pleased to tell you we are moving to the next phase. Community Impact is a key part of the Council’s VCS strategy, approved by Cabinet in December 2015. The fund is established to:
· support partnership working with the voluntary sector to help address ingrained social issues
· support engagement with the community about how best to deliver local priorities
· invest in preventative activity
In order to ensure the activity adds value and is in line with local priorities, we have identified four broad areas that would benefit from a collective approach over the next two years, with further areas to be identified at a later date. The current priority areas are:
· Rough Sleeping
· Mental Health
· Youth Offending
· Supporting people in the community
We want to work with you and wider community to better understand the specific issues, and co-design the activity that can seek to tackle them.
In order to ensure shared ownership, we will be establishing an Advisory Group, made up of Council, partner and community representatives. The role of this advisory group will be to oversee all stages of the community impact programme: from understanding the issues, co-designing activity, through to implementation. Final decisions will be made by the Council, based on the recommendations made by this advisory group.
Subject to input and agreement with the Advisory Group, the broad approach is likely to be:
1. Co-design and engagement (e.g. workshops, 121 and online discussions etc), aiming to: develop a shared understanding of the issue and what we want to address.
2. Develop the funding framework (with the final sign off by the Council), and expressions of interest from community groups and partners.
3. Further co-design of the collective approach with identified partners and final funding decisions
4. Implementation, with ongoing evaluation and sharing best practice.
We will be in contact with details next month, including how you can get involved.”

Camden Giving Grants – Deadline 28th April
Camden Giving is a new and exciting way for everyone in Camden to play a part in making Camden a fair and equal place for us to live, work and play. We are bringing together businesses, residents, community organisations and the public sector to support projects that make Camden a great place for everyone. One way we are doing this is by making grants to local organisations to help them do what they do best. Camden Giving’s KX Fund is open now until the 28th April for applications from organisations who do work in and around Kings Cross and Somers Town, the fund will help organisations to enhance to benefits of the Kings Cross Development and mitigate some of the negative effects.
“Camden Giving is working with partners from businesses, charities and the public sector, the collective impact of these groups will be really significant.” – Natasha Friend, Director Camden Giving
Full details about the fund and how to apply are on the Camden Giving website.

Healthy Minds Community Programme
Do you live in Camden? Would you like to take part in a community-based course, workshop or activity? Or perhaps you would like to be more active or meet new likeminded people?
Healthy Minds is a new Mind in Camden project offering local people a wide range of free and low-cost activities to support you in rediscovering your interests and uncovering different community resources. And, if you need a helping hand to find what’s right for you, a navigator or sports buddy will be there to help. You can view a brochure of activities online here.
tel: 020 7241 8996 email: healthymindscp@mindincamden.org.uk

Events in Somers Town this Weekend
Somers Town Festival at the Somers Town Community Sports Centre, Chalton St, Saturday noon – 3pm. Free entry and free refreshments.
Walker House TRA Easter Bunny Party, Saturday 1-5pm in Walker House Courtyard. Bouncy Castle Food and refreshments. Tel 020 3609 9991 email: johnwood134@yahoo.com

Camden Carers’ Voice
Camden Carers’ Voice is the forum, for all carers and former carers living in Camden or caring for someone in Camden, to speak up on issues affecting carers
Thursday 27 April 2017 10.30am – 12.30pm
at Argenta House, 1 Aspern Grove, Haverstock Hill, London NW3 2AB
Refreshments from 10am. Light lunch from 12.30pm
The meeting will look at the links between hospitals, GPs and pharmacists and the changing role of pharmacies. How can carers get the right help? Please come along to meet and talk with other carers
For more information or if you cannot attend the meeting and would like to give your questions please contact Philippa on 020 7697 1336 or Email: philippar@centre404.org.uk

CEB Pro Bono Impact Day
Tuesday 9th May 2017. Victoria House, 37-63 Southampton Row, Bloomsbury Square, London, WC1
CEB is a strategic consultancy which uses data to make companies efficient by focusing on employees, customers and operations. They have specific expertise in the following areas:
~ Communication & differentiation – effectively tailoring messaging to specific audiences
~ Strategic planning – defining and achieving key objectives, improving performance measurement systems, planning for the future.
~ People management – recruiting the right people, putting together an effective team, and managing people.
A team of experienced strategy consultants, HR, sales and marketing professionals from CEB* will:
~ help you work through a key strategic challenge you are facing as an organisation and develop a plan of action to address the challenge, or
~ deliver a workshop to meet an immediate development need, e.g. improving the pitching and presentation skills of corporate fundraising staff.
*The team you are assigned will depend on the nature of the challenge you have.
This is a free advisory session, provided through the pro bono commitments of CEB employees.
You will need to commit a minimum of 8 hours (up to 2 hours before the day to attend scoping calls and provide information, 5 hours on the day, and 1 hour on follow up calls). Apply online here.

Camden Intergenerational Network meeting
Wednesday 26th April 2017 2.30pm-4.30pm
Age UK Camden, Tavis House, 1-6 Tavistock Square, WC1H 9NA
We will be discussing Camden Intergenerational Week 2017, confirmed for 16th-21st October 2017 as well as sharing news, events and opportunities. Please bring along anything you would like to share with the group.
Tea and coffee will be provided. For questions or queries about this meeting, please email Corinna Gray or call 020 7239 0400.

Why Every Professional Needs to be Equipped to Safeguard Against Harmful Practices
Thursday 1st June 2017
Amnesty International Human Rights Action Centre, 17-25 New Inn Yard, London, EC2A 3EA
Hear real case studies from specialist organisations working with women and girls at risk of “Honour” Based Violence, Forced Marriage and Female Genital Mutilation across Europe. Learn about good and bad practice and hear from public sector leaders about the importance of continuing professional training and have opportunities to network.
https://ikwroeuroconference.eventbrite.com

Camden PPG Forum – Wednesday 17 May
Come to the Forum and listen, learn and participate in three great sessions:
~ PPG success stories – be inspired by the bright ideas of other PPGs in Camden
~ GP Neighbourhoods – hear the latest on how developing GP Neighbourhoods could work, and share your views on how PPGs and patients can be involved
~ Transforming mental health services in Camden – participate in this interactive session about the future of local services.
This agenda is based on your feedback from our successful PPG Forum in November.
Time and date: 5pm – 8.30pm, Wednesday 17 May 2017
Location: The Arlington Conference Centre, 220 Arlington Road, NW1 7HE. A map of the venue is available here.
Closest tube station: Camden Town
The venue is wheelchair accessible and refreshments will be provided.
If you would like to attend, please email engagement@camdenccg.nhs.uk or phone 020 3688 2456 (Becky) or 020 3688 1755 (Martin). Please let us know which PPG you belong to, and if you have any dietary requirements or accessibility needs. If you have any questions about the event, please don’t hesitate to ask us.

Thyroid Friends in London, Patients Voices event
13th May 2017, Crown Court Church, Russell Street, Covent Garden, London WC2B 5EZ
The group has been established since 2010 as the British Thyroid Foundation (BTF) London Group. Recent changes at BTF have meant that we are no longer affiliated to the charity but we remain commited to providing reliable evidence based information and peer support for thyroid patients. If you or someone close to you has a thyroid condition, or you have a professional interest, you are welcome to attend this meeting.
The group is also currently seeking a suitably qualified volunteer treasurer.
website: http://thyroidfriends.weebly.com
email: londonthyroid@gmail.com

Parent & Carer Meet-up
A fun & informative group for parents & carers with children in primary school to connect, share & learn
Term times, starting April 25th 2017. Children not in school are welcome to attend.
For more information please contact Zenobia Talati: 07594373203 or 02075868371
The Winch, 21 Winchester Road, Swiss Cottage, NW3 3NR www.thewinch.org

Here comes the sun!…
Come and join our free Community Music Workshop Saturday 22nd April 3.15-5.45pm
No need to be able to play an instrument, read music or be a singer
Free refreshments! All welcome, children must be accompanied.
Cumberland Market, NW1 3RH
For more information contact Diana: diana@westeuston.org tel: 020 7388 7932

Camden Carers Service
Camden Carers Service (CCS) offers advice, support and activities for family and other unpaid carers across the borough.
Help is just a phone call away on 020 7428 8950 or email info@camdencarers.org.uk – read more about our services at www.camdencs.org.uk or www.facebook.com

Healthwatch Camden
View the latest news and views from Healthwatch Camden here.

Camden Capacity Building Bulletin
The February Capacity Building Bulletin is available here.

Ageing Better in Camden
Read the Ageing Better in Camden Newsletter Spring Edition 2017 here

West Hampstead Women’s Centre, Kingsgate Community Centre, Camden Futures, Camden CCG, VAC, Kings Cross Construction Centre and Camden PA are recruiting. See Jobs and Volunteers section below.

You can join in on Facebook. Like us if you like us.

Follow all the Camden Voluntary Sector news on OneCamden on Twitter.

You can read more about all of these stories on our news page at www.vac.org.uk/new

See the Funding pages on VAC’s website for all the latest information.

Camden Giving
See full details in the ‘News’ section above.

Neighbourhood Planning Grants and Support Programme – Final Year
The Department for Communities and Local Development’s £22.5 million Neighbourhood Planning Grants and Support Programme (2015-2018) aims to support local communities that are drawing up a neighbourhood plan for their area.
This is the last year of the funding programme, and Locality, which is delivering the programme, has announced that applications can be made from now until 31 January 2018. It has also announced that expenditure through a grant must be completed within six months or before 31 March 2018,
Locality has announced the following two updates:
~ Modifying the plan after it has come into force: Groups can now apply for funding to modify their plan, irrespective of whether they have already claimed their full grant allocation of £9,000 (or £15,000 for a priority group).
~ Groups undertaking site assessments and housing site allocations: Groups who are undertaking a site assessment for a site allocation, OR groups who are allocating sites for housing or mixed development can now be considered complex – allowing them to apply for additional support for complex groups (technical support and grants of up to £15,000).
Full details at the My Community website.

Edge Fund – Social Justice Funding for Grassroots Groups
Now open for the first funding round of the year! We will be giving £40,000 to about 30 grass-roots groups, campaigning against the systems that cause injustice. We are accepting applications from the 7th of March until the 17th April.
We support work run by and for communities facing discrimination and injustice. We fund work carried out by individuals and grass-roots groups in Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England that find it difficult to get funding elsewhere. We do not fund traditional charity work, instead we we support activity that challenges abuses of power and aims to change society by bringing an end to the systems that cause injustice. While applicants may be working on short term reforms, we are looking for applicants that ultimately aim to end or replace unjust systems with a just alternative.
We have not yet funded a group with an annual income over £25,000. The average income of groups we fund is around £2,500. Full details on the Edge Fund website.

Trust for London and City Bridge Trust launch £100,000 Crowdfunding initiative to tackle poverty and inequality in London
In collaboration with Crowdfunder and The Social Innovation Partnership, Trust for London and City Bridge Trust have launched a new £100,000 fund available to organisations using crowdfunding to raise funds and deliver projects which will address inequality and lift people out of poverty in the capital.
The Improving life for Londoners fund will provide up to 50% of the target (to a maximum of £10,000), with projects expected to raise at least the first 25% from the crowd.
The fund is keen to support charitable work that:
~ Provides practical solutions to support people on low incomes
~ Addresses local problems in creative ways
~ Is led by communities that will benefit from the work
If you think your organisation fits, check out our Crowdfunder page.
Do you want to know more about crowdfunding, and how to run a crowdfunding project? You can sign up to crowdfunding workshops online here.

UCL Grand Challenges Small Grants Scheme
Closing date: 9am, Monday, 22 May 2017
Up to £4,000 available for a wide range of research-informed, societally relevant, cross-disciplinary activities undertaken from 1 August 2017 to 31 July 2018
Up to £6,000 is available for proposals that address the GCSC Priority Theme of Urban Mobility, with additional funding from the UCL Transport Institute. Further details
Proposals must address a Priority Theme relating to one of the six UCL Grand Challenges – Global Health; Justice and Equality; Tranformative Tech; Human Wellbeing; Cultural Understanding; Sustainable Cities
Applications must be led by UCL academic staff members (honorary researchers included) at postdoctoral level (or equivalent) or above. Full details here.

Crowdfunding Workshops with Hubbub
VAC and Hubbub are running a series of crowdfunding workshops for Camden organisations.
Session 3 – Writing your pitch and one-to-one support – will take place 27th April and is for those who have attended the previous two events and are ready to start their campaign.
More details on the VAC website: https://vac.org.uk/events/

Money Management, Financial Literacy and Gambling Related Harm
Betknowmore UK are currently delivering a free workshop that aims to raise awareness around money management, financial literacy and “Gambling Related Harm”. The workshops can last from 60 to 120 minutes for group sizes between 4 to 24.
Through this workshop we will be cultivating skills and knowledge on how to best manage your money (debts, budget, savings, bank accounts, loans, credit cards, legal risks related to debts… etc), together with ways to protect yourself and others from the devastating growing social issue that is gambling addiction.
Find out more at www.betknowmoreuk.org email: brigitte@betknowmoreuk.org or call 0800 066 4827

Books Beyond Words Book Club FREE Training
Elfrida Rathbone Camden, St Luke’s Church and Books Beyond Words are collaborating to offer a free half-day introduction to facilitating a Beyond Words book club. Across the country, people with learning disabilities are meeting in small groups to discuss their experiences using the stories they discover in Beyond Words books to help make sense of their lives.
Thursday 27th April, 1.00 – 4.00pm @ St Luke’s Church Meeting Room, 7 Dowdney Close, NW5 2BP
To book your place e-mail: training@booksbeyondwords.co.uk

Governance in the Voluntary and Community Sector
18 May 2017 – 22 June 2017 6 Thursday evenings 17:30-20:30 in Camden
A short evening course for trustees/management committee members or anybody who is interested in developing the knowledge and skills required to be a member of a governing body in the voluntary or community sector. Ideal for new trustees as an induction, for experienced trustees who want a refresher and for those just starting out as trustees. The course is a partnership between VAC and Mary Ward. Full details at the Mary Ward website.

RADA Elders Taster Workshop Tuesday 25 April 1.00pm – 3.00pm
A fun workshop led by tutors at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art for people over the age of 60 with an interest in drama and acting.
This is an insightful and exploratory practical workshop that will offer insight into RADA’s weekly Elders Company, for people aged 60+.
Participants will explore drama exercises and games, voice work and movement. Joined by graduates of the RADA Elders Company, attendees will find out more about the Company, the work that is created throughout the course of the year and the tutors and ethos of RADA. The session will be exciting, informal and enjoyable.
The workshop is not for professional actors and no previous drama experience is required.
Free. Holborn Community Association, 50 Millman St, London, WC1N 3EW
To apply, please contact Andrew Rogers at andrew.rogers@holborncommunity.co.uk

Supersized Volunteering Fair
VCC fairs are a perfect way to meet people who want to volunteer in Camden. And they have a 46% recruitment rate. Brilliant!
VCC are co-hosting our Summer 2017 SUPERsized volunteering fair with our good friends at Volunteer Centre Islington. It will take place in King’s Cross on the penultimate day of Volunteers’ Week 2017.
Tuesday 6th June 12-3pm at Voluntary Action Islington. Book through Eventbrite.

Camden Dementia Action Alliance Conference and “Dementia Bazaar”
Monday 15 May at the Canal Museum, 12-13 New Wharf Road, London N1 9RT.
The morning session (1030-1300, with registration and refreshments from 1000) will focus on the work of the Alliance and will feature a range of guest speakers.
The afternoon “Bazaar” (1400-1600) will be an opportunity for people with dementia, carers and members of the wider community to participate in a range of entertaining activities, as well as obtaining valuable information and advice from Alliance member organisations.
The event will be free to attend. Full details to follow. Contact mark.goodwin@alzheimers.org.uk.

Bengali New Year
The British Library, in partnership with Age UK Camden
Saturday 29 April 12.00 – 15.00 at the British Library Knowledge Centre 96 Euston Rd NW1 2DB
As well as celebrating the New Year, the event will provide local people with a greater insight into what Bengali items there are at the British Library and BL will launch a ‘pop up’ Bengali exhibition that will tour the Somers Town Community throughout this summer.
There will also be live entertainment, celebratory food and a speech from Local Councillor Samata Khatoon.
Please note this event is free to all local residents and community groups but RSVP is essential and children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
To book your free place contact: Emma Morgan emma.morgan@bl.uk T+44 (0)7595 464 363
or Abul Choudhury abul.choudhury@ageukcamden.org.uk T+44 (0)20 7278 5090

Resilient Families and Early Help training opportunities with the Camden Training and Development Service (TDS)
~ Domestic violence and abuse, 05/05/17
~ Introduction to attachment theory, 08/05/17
~ IT training in eCAF, 11/05/17
For course information and to book please click on the course title. If you require TDSOnline support, please email TDSOnline@camden.gov.uk.

Improve English Reading Writing and Listening Skills
English ESOL Entry level class
Every Tuesday 10am-12pm
KCB Chadswell Healthy Living Centre, Harrison Street, London, WC1H 8JE
Tel no: 020 7713 5545

Recovery College
Recovery College Spring term has started. If you would like to find out more about the courses take a look at the Recovery College Spring 2017 course guide.

Free HR training workshops for Camden voluntary and community groups
Free and will take place between 9.45 and 1pm at the Town Hall Judd Street.
The workshops are for managers and trustees of voluntary and community groups based in Camden.
Managing Difficult Conversations at Work Wednesday 12th April 2017
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/managing-difficult-conversations-at-work-registration-27067711253
The workshops will be run by Shirley Briggs.

Don’t forget that Camden TDS run a full programme of course which are subsidised or free for voluntary sector partner organisations. There is a link to a list of partner organisations on the home page.

Find more Training Opportunities at www.vac.org.uk

West Hampstead Women’s Centre seeks Female Volunteer Development Worker
21 hours per week £24,880 pro rata (Includes LW) One year fix term contract.
Subject to DBS checks
To coordinate our Volunteer Project and to support and train the volunteers.
For an application pack contact West Hampstead Women’s Centre email begona@whwc.org.uk or call 020 7328 7389.
Section 7 of the Sex Discrimination Act applies on
Closing date: 28th April 2017 at 5.00 pm

Kingsgate Community Centre seeks Customer Duty Officers, Cleaner, Crèche Pool Workers
Based in Kilburn we provide a wide range of services to those in need.
We are currently expanding our team we need enthusiastic individuals to join us would be great to hear from you!
Looking for: Customer Duty Officers, Cleaner, Crèche Pool Workers.
To find out more please visit www.kingsgatecommunitycentre.org.uk/job-vacancies/ or email info@kingsgatecc.org.uk

Camden Futures Seeking Parent Volunteers in the Community
Camden Futures is recruiting parent volunteers to become Community Connectors and support Camden parents accessing community resources. Apply via info@camdenfutures.org.uk or call Francesca on 020 7424 1622 by 25/04/17. Compulsory training will run on 28/04/17, 05/05/17 and 12/05/17.

Community Navigator
These innovative posts involve supporting people to become less lonely and to develop more social contact. The successful applicant will join a team of community navigators employed by Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust and will support people with enduring depression or anxiety who use mental health services in Camden, Islington or Barnet. These posts are part of a nationally-funded research study. The post holder will feedback to the research team and contribute to developing and evaluating this programme.
The role will require flexibility to meet people at mutually convenient times and to support them in going to community activities. The total amount of work for each post will average out at one day per week: post holders will be paid at this rate on an annualized hours basis. The post is until the end of February 2018, to start in April 2017 or as soon as possible thereafter. Any experience of working in services which support people with mental health problems, or voluntary sector community experience, are both assets for this work.
You can find more information about this post on the NHS jobs website: https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/xi/vacancy/9f27c8ce53a7d619995f3edb43ad7bb5/?vac_ref=914513220

Kings Cross Jobs
You can view a constantly changing range of job vacancies on the Kings Cross website. For the latest news on jobs sign up to job alerts.

Volunteers are needed in GP practices!
Voluntary Action Camden (VAC) would like to hear from you! We are training volunteers to become Community Health Advocates in local GP practices.
• Do you live, work or volunteer in Camden?
• Would you like to support people in your community to improve their health and their access to services that will help them to maintain good health and wellbeing?
• Do you want to develop experience and skills in the field of public health?
• Can you commit at least 2 hours per week?
VAC is offering free Royal Society of Public Health (RSPH) Level 1 training to those who want to volunteer their time to become Community Health Advocates. The RSPH Level 1 training is a two days course, with a 20 question multiple choice test at the end of the second day of training. It could provide a useful skill set and experience for people who may be interested in following a health related career path in the future.
After completing the training, VAC will support local teams of volunteers to act as links between community based services and GPs. You may wish to take advantage of additional opportunities to increase your knowledge, for example smoking cessation, cancer awareness, diabetes etc. In return for your commitment to the project for 2 hours a week we offer support, out of pocket expenses and other professional development opportunities.
For more information, please contact Mandira Manandhar, Health Advocate Volunteer Co-ordinator (Mon, Tues and Thurs) 020 7284 6550/07930669417 or email: mmanandhar@vac.org.uk
Peter Simonson on 020 7284 6550 or email: projectsupport@vac.org.uk
The RSPH training is provided FREE by on the understanding that participants are available to volunteer for the project and able to attend the regular training and support sessions.

Find Jobs and Volunteering opportunities at https://www.vac.org.uk/

The Camden Commission would like to hear from you
Camden council want you to have your say about Camden’s priorities and challenges for the next five years. As the current Camden Plan comes to the end of its five-year lifespan, the Camden Commission has been set up to help shape Camden’s vision for 2018-2023.
The Camden Commission is a group of councillors and expert advisors who will hear from local residents, organisations, and businesses over the next six months to better understand the challenges faced across the borough. The Commission wants to hear from local people, communities and our partners to ensure that our new vision will focus on what people really need and want from their local government.
Organisations or groups wishing to get involved or submit evidence to the Camden Commission can do so in these ways:
~ Submit an idea or suggestion, and see what others have said using our online forum
~ Submit written evidence by emailing us at camdencommission@camden.gov.uk
~ Sign up for email alerts

Camden Consultations
You can find all Camden consultation on the Wearecamden consultation hub.

FREE VAC Membership for Unfunded Groups: Voluntary Action Camden Small organisations with no paid staff and a turnover of less than £1,500 can now join for FREE. To take advantage of this offer just fill in the membership on the online form here.

Camden Giving’s KX Fund; Camden Patient and Public Engagement Group Meeting; Camden Council Adult Social Care Consultations – last chance to have a say ; Money Management, Financial Literacy and Gambling Related Harm; Books Beyond Words Book Club FREE Training; Trustee Training; RADA Elders Taster Workshop; IKWRO spring newsletter; Camden Federation of Private Tenants (CFPT) News + funding, jobs, volunteers, events, training, offers and resources.

Camden Giving is a new and exciting way for everyone in Camden to play a part in making Camden a fair and equal place for us to live, work and play. We are bringing together businesses, residents, community organisations and the public sector to support projects that make Camden a great place for everyone. One way we are doing this is by making grants to local organisations to help them do what they do best. Camden Giving’s KX Fund is open now until the 28th April for applications from organisations who do work in and around Kings Cross and Somers Town, the fund will help organisations to enhance to benefits of the Kings Cross Development and mitigate some of the negative effects.
“Camden Giving is working with partners from businesses, charities and the public sector, the collective impact of these groups will be really significant.” – Natasha Friend, Director Camden Giving
Full details about the fund and how to apply are on the Camden Giving website.

Camden Patient and Public Engagement Group (CPPEG) meeting
The next CPPEG open meeting is on Monday 10 April 2 – 4pm. Everyone in Camden is invited to attend – whether you are a PPG member, a Camden resident, or a healthcare professional, please do join us.
At Conference room, St Pancras Hospital, 4 St Pancras Way NW1 2PE
We will be discussing:
~ How we will support people with autism in Camden over the next five years
~ Patient experience at the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust
~ The results of the CPPEG elections
If you have any questions, please email engagement@camdenccg.nhs.uk, or phone 020 3688 2456 (Becky) or 020 3688 1755 (Martin).

Camden Council Adult Social Care Consultations – last chance to have a say
Camden are consulting on two specific proposals – day centres and financial contributions (paying for care) – until 9th April 2017 and need you to tell them what you think.
Both consultations end on 9th April. Easy read questionnaires can be found on the dedicated webpages along with an online survey. If you require hard copies or copies in additional formats, please email ascchanges@camden.gov.uk

Money Management, Financial Literacy and Gambling Related Harm
Betknowmore UK are currently delivering a free workshop that aims to raise awareness around money management, financial literacy and “Gambling Related Harm”. The workshops can last from 60 to 120 minutes for group sizes between 4 to 24.
Through this workshop we will be cultivating skills and knowledge on how to best manage your money (debts, budget, savings, bank accounts, loans, credit cards, legal risks related to debts… etc), together with ways to protect yourself and others from the devastating growing social issue that is gambling addiction.
Find out more at www.betknowmoreuk.org email: brigitte@betknowmoreuk.org or call 0800 066 4827

Books Beyond Words Book Club FREE Training
Elfrida Rathbone Camden, St Luke’s Church and Books Beyond Words are collaborating to offer a free half-day introduction to facilitating a Beyond Words book club. Across the country, people with learning disabilities are meeting in small groups to discuss their experiences using the stories they discover in Beyond Words books to help make sense of their lives.
Thursday 27th April, 1.00 – 4.00pm @ St Luke’s Church Meeting Room, 7 Dowdney Close, NW5 2BP
To book your place e-mail: training@booksbeyondwords.co.uk

Governance in the Voluntary and Community Sector
18 May 2017 – 22 June 2017 6 Thursday evenings 17:30-20:30 in Camden
A short evening course for trustees/management committee members or anybody who is interested in developing the knowledge and skills required to be a member of a governing body in the voluntary or community sector. Ideal for new trustees as an induction, for experienced trustees who want a refresher and for those just starting out as trustees. The course is a partnership between VAC and Mary Ward. Full details at the Mary Ward website.

RADA Elders Taster Workshop
A fun workshop led by tutors at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art for people over the age of 60 with an interest in drama and acting.
This is an insightful and exploratory practical workshop that will offer insight into RADA’s weekly Elders Company, for people aged 60+.
Participants will explore drama exercises and games, voice work and movement. Joined by graduates of the RADA Elders Company, attendees will find out more about the Company, the work that is created throughout the course of the year and the tutors and ethos of RADA. The session will be exciting, informal and enjoyable.
The workshop is not for professional actors and no previous drama experience is required.
Tuesday 25 April 1.00pm – 3.00pm Free for participants to attend
Holborn Community Association, 50 Millman St, London, WC1N 3EW
To apply, please contact Andrew Rogers at andrew.rogers@holborncommunity.co.uk

Iranian and Kurdish Women’s Rights Organisation
You can read the IKWRO spring newsletter online.

Camden Federation of Private Tenants (CFPT)
Read the latest CFPT newsletter online here.

Camden Carers Service
Camden Carers Service (CCS) offers advice, support and activities for family and other unpaid carers across the borough.
Help is just a phone call away on 020 7428 8950 or email info@camdencarers.org.uk – read more about our services at www.camdencs.org.uk or www.facebook.com

Healthwatch Camden
View the latest news and views from Healthwatch Camden here.

Camden Capacity Building Bulletin
The February Capacity Building Bulletin is available here.

Ageing Better in Camden
Read the Ageing Better in Camden Newsletter Spring Edition 2017 here

Kingsgate Community Centre, Camden Futures, Camden CCG, VAC, Kings Cross Construction Centre and Camden PA are recruiting. See Jobs and Volunteers section below.

You can join in on Facebook. Like us if you like us.

Follow all the Camden Voluntary Sector news on OneCamden on Twitter.

You can read more about all of these stories on our news page at www.vac.org.uk/new

See the Funding pages on VAC’s website for all the latest information.

Neighbourhood Planning Grants and Support Programme – Final Year
The Department for Communities and Local Development’s £22.5 million Neighbourhood Planning Grants and Support Programme (2015-2018) aims to support local communities that are drawing up a neighbourhood plan for their area.
This is the last year of the funding programme, and Locality, which is delivering the programme, has announced that applications can be made from now until 31 January 2018. It has also announced that expenditure through a grant must be completed within six months or before 31 March 2018,
Locality has announced the following two updates:
~ Modifying the plan after it has come into force: Groups can now apply for funding to modify their plan, irrespective of whether they have already claimed their full grant allocation of £9,000 (or £15,000 for a priority group).
~ Groups undertaking site assessments and housing site allocations: Groups who are undertaking a site assessment for a site allocation, OR groups who are allocating sites for housing or mixed development can now be considered complex – allowing them to apply for additional support for complex groups (technical support and grants of up to £15,000).
Full details at the My Community website.

Young Camden Foundation Small Grants Scheme 2017
The first grants through the Young Camden Foundation are now available to anyone working around the theme of ‘One Camden’. Our aim is to bring together Camden’s diverse communities, especially those who might not otherwise meet and interact.
We are asking for submissions for projects that fit in with this theme through one of the following ideas:
~ Intergenerational Work: Projects that bring together people from all ages, for instance young people with pensioners
~ Volunteering: Projects that offer time and resources to groups or people you normally would not interact with
~ Working with cultures other than your own: This could be with different ethnic groups, cultural groups, or groups with a particular focus such as sports groups working with arts groups.
There will be a total pool of £60,000 available which will be split up into:
~ 1x grants of up to £10,000 in which consortium bids will be strongly encouraged. This project would also need to benefit communities across the borough of Camden (rather than specific areas).
~ 8x grants of up to £5,000
~ 5x grants of up to £2,000
If you have an exciting project that fits into the theme and connects Camden communities, please submit either via the form , or submit a video explaining how your project meets the requirements.
Applications must show involvement by the beneficiaries (those that will benefit from the project, i.e: Camden Young People). Any applications received that cannot show how young people were involved in the process will be rejected.
*Applicants also must be a registered member of the Young Camden Foundation to be eligible for any Grants. Join here: https://www.youngcamdenfoundation.org.uk/form
Full details of the grants and how to apply here: https://www.youngcamdenfoundation.org.uk/grants/

Edge Fund – Social Justice Funding for Grassroots Groups
Now open for the first funding round of the year! We will be giving £40,000 to about 30 grass-roots groups, campaigning against the systems that cause injustice. We are accepting applications from the 7th of March until the 17th April.
We support work run by and for communities facing discrimination and injustice. We fund work carried out by individuals and grass-roots groups in Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England that find it difficult to get funding elsewhere. We do not fund traditional charity work, instead we we support activity that challenges abuses of power and aims to change society by bringing an end to the systems that cause injustice. While applicants may be working on short term reforms, we are looking for applicants that ultimately aim to end or replace unjust systems with a just alternative.
We have not yet funded a group with an annual income over £25,000. The average income of groups we fund is around £2,500. Full details on the Edge Fund website.

Trust for London and City Bridge Trust launch £100,000 Crowdfunding initiative to tackle poverty and inequality in London
In collaboration with Crowdfunder and The Social Innovation Partnership, Trust for London and City Bridge Trust have launched a new £100,000 fund available to organisations using crowdfunding to raise funds and deliver projects which will address inequality and lift people out of poverty in the capital.
The Improving life for Londoners fund will provide up to 50% of the target (to a maximum of £10,000), with projects expected to raise at least the first 25% from the crowd.
The fund is keen to support charitable work that:
~ Provides practical solutions to support people on low incomes
~ Addresses local problems in creative ways
~ Is led by communities that will benefit from the work
If you think your organisation fits, check out our Crowdfunder page.
Do you want to know more about crowdfunding, and how to run a crowdfunding project? You can sign up to crowdfunding workshops online here.

UCL Grand Challenges Small Grants Scheme
Closing date: 9am, Monday, 22 May 2017
Up to £4,000 available for a wide range of research-informed, societally relevant, cross-disciplinary activities undertaken from 1 August 2017 to 31 July 2018
Up to £6,000 is available for proposals that address the GCSC Priority Theme of Urban Mobility, with additional funding from the UCL Transport Institute. Further details
Proposals must address a Priority Theme relating to one of the six UCL Grand Challenges – Global Health; Justice and Equality; Tranformative Tech; Human Wellbeing; Cultural Understanding; Sustainable Cities
Applications must be led by UCL academic staff members (honorary researchers included) at postdoctoral level (or equivalent) or above. Full details here.

Crowdfunding Workshops with Hubbub
VAC and Hubbub are running a series of crowdfunding workshops for Camden organisations.
We will be setting a date for session 3 – Writing your pitch and one-to-one support (Date TBC)
aimed at those ready to start their campaign.
More details on the VAC website: https://vac.org.uk/events/

Leighton Education Project Open for Referrals and Coffee Morning
The Leighton Education Project is a person-centred specialist education provider for young people aged 16 – 25 with SEND. We are currently open for referrals for the 2017/18 academic year! The Project is running a drop-in coffee morning for voluntary and statutory sector colleagues on Friday 14th April 2017, 11am-1pm at Elfrida Rathbone Camden. The morning will be an opportunity to look round the classrooms, meet the team and find out more about what we have on offer.
To RSVP, book a school visit, or discuss a referral contact: rosanna@elfridacamden.org.uk / 020 7424 1615 or sousan@elfridacamden.org.uk / 020 7424 1617

Supersized Volunteering Fair
Our fairs are a perfect way to meet people who want to volunteer in Camden. And they have a 46% recruitment rate. Brilliant!
We are co-hosting our Summer 2017 SUPERsized volunteering fair with our good friends at Volunteer Centre Islington. It will take place in King’s Cross on the penultimate day of Volunteers’ Week 2017.
Tuesday 6th June 12-3pm at Voluntary Action Islington. Book through Eventbrite.

Camden Dementia Action Alliance Conference and “Dementia Bazaar”
Monday 15 May at the Canal Museum, 12-13 New Wharf Road, London N1 9RT.
The morning session (1030-1300, with registration and refreshments from 1000) will focus on the work of the Alliance and will feature a range of guest speakers.
The afternoon “Bazaar” (1400-1600) will be an opportunity for people with dementia, carers and members of the wider community to participate in a range of entertaining activities, as well as obtaining valuable information and advice from Alliance member organisations.
The event will be free to attend. Full details to follow. Contact mark.goodwin@alzheimers.org.uk.

Bengali New Year
The British Library, in partnership with Age UK Camden
Saturday 29 April 12.00 – 15.00 at the British Library Knowledge Centre 96 Euston Rd NW1 2DB
As well as celebrating the New Year, the event will provide local people with a greater insight into what Bengali items there are at the British Library and BL will launch a ‘pop up’ Bengali exhibition that will tour the Somers Town Community throughout this summer.
There will also be live entertainment, celebratory food and a speech from Local Councillor Samata Khatoon.
Please note this event is free to all local residents and community groups but RSVP is essential and children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
To book your free place contact: Emma Morgan emma.morgan@bl.uk T+44 (0)7595 464 363
or Abul Choudhury abul.choudhury@ageukcamden.org.uk T+44 (0)20 7278 5090

Resilient Families and Early Help training opportunities with the Camden Training and Development Service (TDS)
~ Domestic violence and abuse, 05/05/17
~ Introduction to attachment theory, 08/05/17
~ IT training in eCAF, 11/05/17
For course information and to book please click on the course title. If you require TDSOnline support, please email TDSOnline@camden.gov.uk.

Improve English Reading Writing and Listening Skills
English ESOL Entry level class
Every Tuesday 10am-12pm
KCB Chadswell Healthy Living Centre, Harrison Street, London, WC1H 8JE
Tel no: 020 7713 5545

Recovery College
Recovery College Spring term has started. If you would like to find out more about the courses take a look at the Recovery College Spring 2017 course guide.

Free HR training workshops for Camden voluntary and community groups
Free and will take place between 9.45 and 1pm at the Town Hall Judd Street.
The workshops are for managers and trustees of voluntary and community groups based in Camden.
Managing Difficult Conversations at Work Wednesday 12th April 2017
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/managing-difficult-conversations-at-work-registration-27067711253
The workshops will be run by Shirley Briggs.

Don’t forget that Camden TDS run a full programme of course which are subsidised or free for voluntary sector partner organisations. There is a link to a list of partner organisations on the home page.

Find more Training Opportunities at www.vac.org.uk

Kingsgate Community Centre seeks Customer Duty Officers, Cleaner, Crèche Pool Workers
Based in Kilburn we provide a wide range of services to those in need.
We are currently expanding our team we need enthusiastic individuals to join us would be great to hear from you!
Looking for: Customer Duty Officers, Cleaner, Crèche Pool Workers.
To find out more please visit www.kingsgatecommunitycentre.org.uk/job-vacancies/ or email info@kingsgatecc.org.uk

Camden Futures Seeking Parent Volunteers in the Community
Camden Futures is recruiting parent volunteers to become Community Connectors and support Camden parents accessing community resources. Apply via info@camdenfutures.org.uk or call Francesca on 020 7424 1622 by 25/04/17. Compulsory training will run on 28/04/17, 05/05/17 and 12/05/17.

Healthwatch Camden seeks Chair
Healthwatch Camden is here to make sure that everyone – adults and children – who uses health and social care services in Camden can have their say on services and that what they say makes a difference. To help us do our job, we are looking for more people who live, work or study in Camden to join our board of trustees.
We are looking for one person to become Chair of the board, to replace our founding Chair, who is stepping down after four successful years.
To find out more please visit our website www.healthwatchcamden.co.uk or email info@healthwatchcamden.co.uk

Voluntary Acton camden – Trustee Vacancies
Voluntary Action Camden (VAC) is seeking two new trustees to join its existing board. VAC supports individuals and groups to get involved in civil society and develops ways of sharing good practice and resources. We are looking for individuals who have an enthusiastic appreciation and understanding of Camden’s community sector and who want to see the sector thrive in the coming years. We are particularly interested in individuals with fundraising and marketing experience. If you would like more information, then please go to our website where you’ll find details of the job role and how to apply, together with more information about VAC’s strategic objectives and the work we do. If you would like an informal discussion before applying, please contac Simone Hensby shensby@vac.org.uk

Community Navigator
These innovative posts involve supporting people to become less lonely and to develop more social contact. The successful applicant will join a team of community navigators employed by Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust and will support people with enduring depression or anxiety who use mental health services in Camden, Islington or Barnet. These posts are part of a nationally-funded research study. The post holder will feedback to the research team and contribute to developing and evaluating this programme.
The role will require flexibility to meet people at mutually convenient times and to support them in going to community activities. The total amount of work for each post will average out at one day per week: post holders will be paid at this rate on an annualized hours basis. The post is until the end of February 2018, to start in April 2017 or as soon as possible thereafter. Any experience of working in services which support people with mental health problems, or voluntary sector community experience, are both assets for this work.
You can find more information about this post on the NHS jobs website: https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/xi/vacancy/9f27c8ce53a7d619995f3edb43ad7bb5/?vac_ref=914513220

Kings Cross Jobs
You can view a constantly changing range of job vacancies on the Kings Cross website. For the latest news on jobs sign up to job alerts.

Volunteers are needed in GP practices!
Voluntary Action Camden (VAC) would like to hear from you! We are training volunteers to become Community Health Advocates in local GP practices.
• Do you live, work or volunteer in Camden?
• Would you like to support people in your community to improve their health and their access to services that will help them to maintain good health and wellbeing?
• Do you want to develop experience and skills in the field of public health?
• Can you commit at least 2 hours per week?
VAC is offering free Royal Society of Public Health (RSPH) Level 1 training to those who want to volunteer their time to become Community Health Advocates. The RSPH Level 1 training is a two days course, with a 20 question multiple choice test at the end of the second day of training. It could provide a useful skill set and experience for people who may be interested in following a health related career path in the future.
After completing the training, VAC will support local teams of volunteers to act as links between community based services and GPs. You may wish to take advantage of additional opportunities to increase your knowledge, for example smoking cessation, cancer awareness, diabetes etc. In return for your commitment to the project for 2 hours a week we offer support, out of pocket expenses and other professional development opportunities.
For more information, please contact Mandira Manandhar, Health Advocate Volunteer Co-ordinator (Mon, Tues and Thurs) 020 7284 6550/07930669417 or email: mmanandhar@vac.org.uk
Peter Simonson on 020 7284 6550 or email: projectsupport@vac.org.uk
The RSPH training is provided FREE by on the understanding that participants are available to volunteer for the project and able to attend the regular training and support sessions.

Find Jobs and Volunteering opportunities at https://www.vac.org.uk/

The Camden Commission would like to hear from you
Camden council want you to have your say about Camden’s priorities and challenges for the next five years. As the current Camden Plan comes to the end of its five-year lifespan, the Camden Commission has been set up to help shape Camden’s vision for 2018-2023.
The Camden Commission is a group of councillors and expert advisors who will hear from local residents, organisations, and businesses over the next six months to better understand the challenges faced across the borough. The Commission wants to hear from local people, communities and our partners to ensure that our new vision will focus on what people really need and want from their local government.
Organisations or groups wishing to get involved or submit evidence to the Camden Commission can do so in these ways:
~ Submit an idea or suggestion, and see what others have said using our online forum
~ Submit written evidence by emailing us at camdencommission@camden.gov.uk
~ Sign up for email alerts

Camden Consultations
You can find all Camden consultation on the Wearecamden consultation hub.

FREE VAC Membership for Unfunded Groups: Voluntary Action Camden Small organisations with no paid staff and a turnover of less than £1,500 can now join for FREE. To take advantage of this offer just fill in the membership on the online form here.

Prevention, Social Prescribing and Health Advocates; Camden Dementia Action Alliance Conference and “Dementia Bazaar”; Trustee Induction and Training; Camden Patient and Public Engagement Group Elections; Iranian and Kurdish Women’s Rights Organization; Supersized Volunteering Fair; Camden Carers Service + funding, jobs, volunteers, events, training, offers and resources.

There is a great deal of interest currently in the role of the vcs and civil society in Health and Social Care, particularly as the population ages and the costs of health and social care increases.
The voluntary sector has a role in prevention and early intervention, which seeks to spend a small sum on prevention rather than a large sum on crisis intervention – “a stitch in time saves nine”. Social Prescribing is a way of putting healthy activities on a similar footing to pills and medications, promoting adoption of a healthier lifestyle and quite possibly saving money not just on that current visit but on into the future. Read the our blog here.

Camden Dementia Action Alliance
The Alliance held a meeting last week to plan for Dementia Awareness Week. You can read a blog about the Alliance published by the Knowledge Quarter here. Mark Goodwin is Coordinator of the Camden Dementia Action Alliance. For more information about membership and activities contact mark.goodwin@alzheimers.org.uk.

Camden Dementia Action Alliance Conference and “Dementia Bazaar”
Monday 15 May at the Canal Museum, 12-13 New Wharf Road, London N1 9RT.
The morning session (1030-1300, with registration and refreshments from 1000) will focus on the work of the Alliance and will feature a range of guest speakers.
The afternoon “Bazaar” (1400-1600) will be an opportunity for people with dementia, carers and members of the wider community to participate in a range of entertaining activities, as well as obtaining valuable information and advice from Alliance member organisations.
The event will be free to attend. Full details to follow. Contact mark.goodwin@alzheimers.org.uk.

Governance in the Voluntary and Community Sector
18 May 2017 – 22 June 2017 6 Thursday evenings 17:30-20:30 in Camden
A short evening course for trustees/management committee members or anybody who is interested in developing the knowledge and skills required to be a member of a governing body in the voluntary or community sector. Ideal for new trustees as an induction, for experienced trustees who want a refresher and for those just starting out as trustees. The course is a partnership between VAC and Mary Ward. Full details at the Mary Ward website.

Camden Patient and Public Engagement Group Elections
Don’t miss your chance to take part in the elections – cast your vote by Monday 6pm. You can read the full newsletter online.

Iranian and Kurdish Women’s Rights Organsiation
You can read the IKWRO spring newsletter online.

Supersized Volunteering Fair
Our fairs are a perfect way to meet people who want to volunteer in Camden. And they have a 46% recruitment rate. Brilliant!
We are co-hosting our Summer 2017 SUPERsized volunteering fair with our good friends at Volunteer Centre Islington. It will take place in King’s Cross on the penultimate day of Volunteers’ Week 2017.
Tuesday 6th June 12-3pm at Voluntary Action Islington. Book through Eventbrite.

Calling all Urban Twitchers
Camden Civic Society are appealing to anyone who sees nests in any of the green spaces around Euston, specially St James gardens and other areas affected by HS2, to record where and when and send to camdencivicsociety@gmail.com. Tree felling and other destruction can’t be done whilst birds are nesting.

Camden Carers Service
Camden Carers Service (CCS) offers advice, support and activities for family and other unpaid carers across the borough.
Help is just a phone call away on 020 7428 8950 or email info@camdencarers.org.uk – read more about our services at www.camdencs.org.uk or www.facebook.com

Healthwatch Camden
View the latest news and views from Healthwatch Camden here.

Camden Capacity Building Bulletin
The February Capacity Building Bulletin is available here.

Ageing Better in Camden
Read the Ageing Better in Camden Newsletter Spring Edition 2017 here

Camden Futures, LAWRS, Refugee Therapy Centre, Camden CCG, Opening Doors London, VAC, Kings Cross Construction Centre and Camden PA are recruiting. See Jobs and Volunteers section below.

You can join in on Facebook. Like us if you like us.

Follow all the Camden Voluntary Sector news on OneCamden on Twitter.

You can read more about all of these stories on our news page at www.vac.org.uk/new

See the Funding pages on VAC’s website for all the latest information.

Young Camden Foundation Small Grants Scheme 2017
The first grants through the Young Camden Foundation are now available to anyone working around the theme of ‘One Camden’. Our aim is to bring together Camden’s diverse communities, especially those who might not otherwise meet and interact.
We are asking for submissions for projects that fit in with this theme through one of the following ideas:
~ Intergenerational Work: Projects that bring together people from all ages, for instance young people with pensioners
~ Volunteering: Projects that offer time and resources to groups or people you normally would not interact with
~ Working with cultures other than your own: This could be with different ethnic groups, cultural groups, or groups with a particular focus such as sports groups working with arts groups.
There will be a total pool of £60,000 available which will be split up into:
~ 1x grants of up to £10,000 in which consortium bids will be strongly encouraged. This project would also need to benefit communities across the borough of Camden (rather than specific areas).
~ 8x grants of up to £5,000
~ 5x grants of up to £2,000
If you have an exciting project that fits into the theme and connects Camden communities, please submit either via the form , or submit a video explaining how your project meets the requirements.
Applications must show involvement by the beneficiaries (those that will benefit from the project, i.e: Camden Young People). Any applications received that cannot show how young people were involved in the process will be rejected.
*Applicants also must be a registered member of the Young Camden Foundation to be eligible for any Grants. Join here: https://www.youngcamdenfoundation.org.uk/form
Full details of the grants and how to apply here: https://www.youngcamdenfoundation.org.uk/grants/

Edge Fund – Social Justice Funding for Grassroots Groups
Now open for the first funding round of the year! We will be giving £40,000 to about 30 grass-roots groups, campaigning against the systems that cause injustice. We are accepting applications from the 7th of March until the 17th April.
We support work run by and for communities facing discrimination and injustice. We fund work carried out by individuals and grass-roots groups in Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England that find it difficult to get funding elsewhere. We do not fund traditional charity work, instead we we support activity that challenges abuses of power and aims to change society by bringing an end to the systems that cause injustice. While applicants may be working on short term reforms, we are looking for applicants that ultimately aim to end or replace unjust systems with a just alternative.
We have not yet funded a group with an annual income over £25,000. The average income of groups we fund is around £2,500. Full details on the Edge Fund website.

Three Crowdfunding Opportunities
VAC are running a series of workshops to celebrate our new working relationship with Crowdfunder Hubbub. Our old partners Space Hive have teamed up with the mayor and you can get involved here. And now Trust for London are launching a major crowdfunding initiative (see below for full details).

Crowdfunding initiative launched to tackle poverty and inequality in London
In collaboration with Crowdfunder and The Social Innovation Partnership, Trust for London and City Bridge Trust have launched a new £100,000 fund available to organisations using crowdfunding to raise funds and deliver projects which will address inequality and lift people out of poverty in the capital.
The Improving life for Londoners fund will provide up to 50% of the target (to a maximum of £10,000), with projects expected to raise at least the first 25% from the crowd.
The fund is keen to support charitable work that:
~ Provides practical solutions to support people on low incomes
~ Addresses local problems in creative ways
~ Is led by communities that will benefit from the work
If you think your organisation fits, check out our Crowdfunder page.
Do you want to know more about crowdfunding, and how to run a crowdfunding project? You can sign up to crowdfunding workshops online here.

Three Ageing Better in Camden Contracts
Ageing Better in Camden is advertising invitations to tender for 3 contracts:
~ Gospel Oak and Haverstock Community Action Project
~ Euston and Regents Park Community Action Project
~ Bangladeshi Community Action Project.
All of the projects will involve older people to improve their local communities and run activities in their neighbourhoods.
Please go to www.ageingbetterincamden.org.uk for more information

UCL Grand Challenges Small Grants Scheme
Closing date: 9am, Monday, 22 May 2017
Up to £4,000 available for a wide range of research-informed, societally relevant, cross-disciplinary activities undertaken from 1 August 2017 to 31 July 2018
Up to £6,000 is available for proposals that address the GCSC Priority Theme of Urban Mobility, with additional funding from the UCL Transport Institute. Further details
Proposals must address a Priority Theme relating to one of the six UCL Grand Challenges – Global Health; Justice and Equality; Tranformative Tech; Human Wellbeing; Cultural Understanding; Sustainable Cities
Applications must be led by UCL academic staff members (honorary researchers included) at postdoctoral level (or equivalent) or above. Full details here.

Crowdfunding Workshops with Hubbub
VAC and Hubbub are running a series of crowdfunding workshops for Camden organisations.
We will be setting a date for session 3 – Writing your pitch and one-to-one support (Date TBC)
aimed at those ready to start their campaign.
More details on the VAC website: https://vac.org.uk/events/

Leighton Education Project Open for Referrals and Coffee Morning
The Leighton Education Project is a person-centred specialist education provider for young people aged 16 – 25 with SEND. We are currently open for referrals for the 2017/18 academic year! The Project is running a drop-in coffee morning for voluntary and statutory sector colleagues on Friday 7th April 2017, 11am-1pm at Elfrida Rathbone Camden. The morning will be an opportunity to look round the classrooms, meet the team and find out more about what we have on offer.
To RSVP, book a school visit, or discuss a referral contact: rosanna@elfridacamden.org.uk / 020 7424 1615 or sousan@elfridacamden.org.uk / 020 7424 1617

Bengali New Year
The British Library, in partnership with Age UK Camden
Saturday 29 April 12.00 – 15.00 at the British Library Knowledge Centre 96 Euston Rd NW1 2DB
As well as celebrating the New Year, the event will provide local people with a greater insight into what Bengali items there are at the British Library and BL will launch a ‘pop up’ Bengali exhibition that will tour the Somers Town Community throughout this summer.
There will also be live entertainment, celebratory food and a speech from Local Councillor Samata Khatoon.
Please note this event is free to all local residents and community groups but RSVP is essential and children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
To book your free place contact: Emma Morgan emma.morgan@bl.uk T+44 (0)7595 464 363
or Abul Choudhury abul.choudhury@ageukcamden.org.uk T+44 (0)20 7278 5090

Resilient Families and Early Help training opportunities with the Camden Training and Development Service (TDS)
~ Domestic violence and abuse, 05/05/17
~ Introduction to attachment theory, 08/05/17
~ IT training in eCAF, 11/05/17
For course information and to book please click on the course title. If you require TDSOnline support, please email TDSOnline@camden.gov.uk.

Improve English Reading Writing and Listening Skills
English ESOL Entry level class
Every Tuesday 10am-12pm
KCB Chadswell Healthy Living Centre, Harrison Street, London, WC1H 8JE
Tel no: 020 7713 5545

Recovery College
Recovery College Spring term has started. If you would like to find out more about the courses take a look at the Recovery College Spring 2017 course guide.

Free HR training workshops for Camden voluntary and community groups
Free and will take place between 9.45 and 1pm at the Town Hall Judd Street.
The workshops are for managers and trustees of voluntary and community groups based in Camden.
Managing Difficult Conversations at Work Wednesday 12th April 2017
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/managing-difficult-conversations-at-work-registration-27067711253
The workshops will be run by Shirley Briggs.

Don’t forget that Camden TDS run a full programme of course which are subsidised or free for voluntary sector partner organisations. There is a link to a list of partner organisations on the home page.

Find more Training Opportunities at www.vac.org.uk

Elfrida Rathbone Camden seeks Community Connectors’ Project Worker
For the Camden Futures Family Service
7 hours per week, fixed term contract until 31st January 2018
£26,605 pro rata (including inner London weighting)
Closing date: 2pm on 6th April 2017
We are seeking an experienced project worker to co-ordinate and support our Community Connectors team who are parent volunteers supporting vulnerable families in Camden alongside the Camden Futures staff team. The role will involve supporting our current group of Connectors to develop a calendar of activities as well as supporting the Service Co-ordinator to recruit new Connector volunteers.
For more information or to apply for this post, please go to http://www.elfridacamden.org.uk/work-with-us/
You will need to e-mail a completed application form and equal opportunities monitoring form to francesca@elfridacamden.org.uk by 2pm on Thursday 6th April.

Camden Futures Seeking Parent Volunteers in the Community
Camden Futures is recruiting parent volunteers to become Community Connectors and support Camden parents accessing community resources. Apply via info@camdenfutures.org.uk or call Francesca on 020 7424 1622 by 25/04/17. Compulsory training will run on 28/04/17, 05/05/17 and 12/05/17.

LAWRS is recruiting Two Posts
Latin American Women’s Rights Service is recruiting two posts;
~ Director
~ Housing, Money and Debt Coordinator
For more details and to apply please go to the LAWRS webiste:
http://www.lawrs.org.uk/en/get-involved/vacancies

Healthwatch Camden seeks Chair
Healthwatch Camden is here to make sure that everyone – adults and children – who uses health and social care services in Camden can have their say on services and that what they say makes a difference. To help us do our job, we are looking for more people who live, work or study in Camden to join our board of trustees.
We are looking for one person to become Chair of the board, to replace our founding Chair, who is stepping down after four successful years.
To find out more please visit our website www.healthwatchcamden.co.uk or email info@healthwatchcamden.co.uk

Refugee Therapy Centre seeks Volunteer Mentoring Coordinator
Do you have the passion, experience, skills and enthusiasm needed to support and develop a Mentoring Project helping refugees and asylum seekers?
Deadline 5pm 7th April 2017.
The Refugee Therapy Centre recruits and engages medical students to establish meaningful relationship and provide practical support for disadvantaged refugees and asylum seekers encountering difficulties adjusting to their new life in the UK.
The Mentoring Coordinator will work in an innovative and creative way to coordinate and develop the Mentoring Project and support refugees and asylum seekers to achieve positive outcomes.
To apply, send two copies of your CV and a covering letter detailing what you can bring to the role to
Refugee Therapy Centre, 1A Leeds Place, Tollington Park, London, N4 3RF
You will find the Job Description and Person Spec at our website: http://www.refugeetherapy.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer-mentoring-coordniator.aspx
For further information about this role or other volunteering opportunities, please send an email to info@refugeetherapy.org.uk

The Refugee Therapy Centre seeks Administrative Assistant.
3 days a week £17,276 pro rata
Deadline for application: 5pm 3rd April 2017 Interviews: 11th April 2017
With a keen eye for detail, strong organisational, IT and communication skills, the Administrative Assistant will provide excellent customer service and perform a range of administrative tasks to support the effective functioning of the Centre.
The candidate has to be intuitive, flexible, with excellent secretarial skills, and be able to use MS software package to a high standard. With ability to deal sensitively and professionally with disadvantaged and vulnerable people, you should also be committed to confidentiality and the ethos of the Refugee Therapy Centre.
To apply, please send 2 hard copies of completed application form, Equal Opportunities Questionnaire and a copy of your recent CV to the:
Refugee Therapy Centre, 1A Leeds Place, Tollington Park, London, N4 3RF,
A job description and application pack with further information can be found on our website: http://www.refugeetherapy.org.uk/get-involved/vacancies/administrative-assistant.aspx

Opening Doors London seeks Social Opportunities Facilitator
£15.49/hour This is a rolling vacancy and applications will be considered as they are received.
Opening Doors London is the largest provider of information and support services with and for older Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans*people in the United Kingdom. We aim to ensure that older LGBT* people live happier, healthier and independent lives free from prejudice and discrimination. Everything we do is informed by the lived experience of LGBT* older people.
ODL currently provides over 40 social opportunities each month. This role will involve working alongside the team to provide support to existing groups and activities as well as developing new initiatives to meet the needs of our members.
You will be responsible for setting up and managing activities [such as arranging venues and speakers], recruiting and supporting volunteers and providing local marketing.
If you are interested in being one of our LGBT* sessional team, please see the application pack including the full job description and person specification at the following link in our website www.ageukcamden.org.uk / www.openingdoorslondon.org.uk or email HR@openingdoorslondon.org.uk

Voluntary Acton camden – Trustee Vacancies
Voluntary Action Camden (VAC) is seeking two new trustees to join its existing board. VAC supports individuals and groups to get involved in civil society and develops ways of sharing good practice and resources. We are looking for individuals who have an enthusiastic appreciation and understanding of Camden’s community sector and who want to see the sector thrive in the coming years. We are particularly interested in individuals with fundraising and marketing experience. If you would like more information, then please go to our website where you’ll find details of the job role and how to apply, together with more information about VAC’s strategic objectives and the work we do. If you would like an informal discussion before applying, please contac Simone Hensby shensby@vac.org.uk

Community Navigator
These innovative posts involve supporting people to become less lonely and to develop more social contact. The successful applicant will join a team of community navigators employed by Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust and will support people with enduring depression or anxiety who use mental health services in Camden, Islington or Barnet. These posts are part of a nationally-funded research study. The post holder will feedback to the research team and contribute to developing and evaluating this programme.
The role will require flexibility to meet people at mutually convenient times and to support them in going to community activities. The total amount of work for each post will average out at one day per week: post holders will be paid at this rate on an annualized hours basis. The post is until the end of February 2018, to start in April 2017 or as soon as possible thereafter. Any experience of working in services which support people with mental health problems, or voluntary sector community experience, are both assets for this work.
You can find more information about this post on the NHS jobs website: https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/xi/vacancy/9f27c8ce53a7d619995f3edb43ad7bb5/?vac_ref=914513220

Kings Cross Jobs
You can view a constantly changing range of job vacancies on the Kings Cross website. For the latest news on jobs sign up to job alerts.

Volunteers are needed in GP practices!
Voluntary Action Camden (VAC) would like to hear from you! We are training volunteers to become Community Health Advocates in local GP practices.
• Do you live, work or volunteer in Camden?
• Would you like to support people in your community to improve their health and their access to services that will help them to maintain good health and wellbeing?
• Do you want to develop experience and skills in the field of public health?
• Can you commit at least 2 hours per week?
VAC is offering free Royal Society of Public Health (RSPH) Level 1 training to those who want to volunteer their time to become Community Health Advocates. The RSPH Level 1 training is a two days course, with a 20 question multiple choice test at the end of the second day of training. It could provide a useful skill set and experience for people who may be interested in following a health related career path in the future.
After completing the training, VAC will support local teams of volunteers to act as links between community based services and GPs. You may wish to take advantage of additional opportunities to increase your knowledge, for example smoking cessation, cancer awareness, diabetes etc. In return for your commitment to the project for 2 hours a week we offer support, out of pocket expenses and other professional development opportunities.
For more information, please contact Mandira Manandhar, Health Advocate Volunteer Co-ordinator (Mon, Tues and Thurs) 020 7284 6550/07930669417 or email: mmanandhar@vac.org.uk
Peter Simonson on 020 7284 6550 or email: projectsupport@vac.org.uk
The RSPH training is provided FREE by on the understanding that participants are available to volunteer for the project and able to attend the regular training and support sessions.

Are you looking to employ an assistant to help with your care needs? CamdenPAs can help
CamdenPAs.org.uk is a new service that makes it easy to find a personal assistant (PA) and puts you in control of your care and support.
If you have care needs, you can employ a PA to help you to live as independently as possible.
CamdenPAs features an online ‘marketplace’ for you to browse through a list of profiles of PAs in the borough. Profiles give details about the services they provide, their skills, experience and personal interests.
You can look through the list to find suitable matches and choose someone you like to help support you.
When you find a match you can contact the PA to arrange an interview and see how you get on. If you like them you can then work out contract details such as hours, duties and wages, and hire them.
If you do not find anyone suitable, you can set up your own a profile describing your requirements and interests, for PAs to look through and contact you.
You can employ a PA whether you receive a direct payment or fund your own care. If you receive direct payments you can get support with the employment from Personalised Support In Camden or AgeUK Camden.
Become a PA
If you’re a PA looking for work or are just starting out, CamdenPAs can help you. As well as helping you finding a job, the site features advice on looking for work, becoming a PA and where to get training.
Why not set up your profile today? Find out more, visit: camdenpas.org.uk or phone: 020 7278 4437

Find Jobs and Volunteering opportunities at https://www.vac.org.uk/

Camden Council Adult Social Care Consultations
Camden are consulting on two specific proposals – day centres and financial contributions (paying for care) – until 9th April 2017 and need you to tell them what you think.
Both consultations end on 9th April. Easy read questionnaires can be found on the dedicated webpages along with an online survey. If you require hard copies or copies in additional formats, please email ascchanges@camden.gov.uk
Centre 404 are holding a consultation event for Carers and families on 29th March in the morning at their centre on Camden Road and there will be speakers from the council to say more about the implications of the changes. (see below)

The Camden Commission would like to hear from you
Camden council want you to have your say about Camden’s priorities and challenges for the next five years. As the current Camden Plan comes to the end of its five-year lifespan, the Camden Commission has been set up to help shape Camden’s vision for 2018-2023.
The Camden Commission is a group of councillors and expert advisors who will hear from local residents, organisations, and businesses over the next six months to better understand the challenges faced across the borough. The Commission wants to hear from local people, communities and our partners to ensure that our new vision will focus on what people really need and want from their local government.
Organisations or groups wishing to get involved or submit evidence to the Camden Commission can do so in these ways:
~ Submit an idea or suggestion, and see what others have said using our online forum
~ Submit written evidence by emailing us at camdencommission@camden.gov.uk
~ Sign up for email alerts

Camden Consultations
You can find all Camden consultation on the Wearecamden consultation hub.

FREE VAC Membership for Unfunded Groups: Voluntary Action Camden Small organisations with no paid staff and a turnover of less than £1,500 can now join for FREE. To take advantage of this offer just fill in the membership on the online form here.

Adult Social Care Consultation; Governance in the Voluntary and Community Sector; Training opportunities with the Camden Training and Development Service; Camden Intergenerational Network meeting; Camden Scholarship Opportunity; Leighton Education Project; Bengali New Year; Holi Festival X Mothers Day + funding, jobs, volunteers, events, training, offers and resources.

Camden are consulting on two specific proposals – day centres and financial contributions (paying for care) – until 9th April 2017 and need you to tell them what you think.
Both consultations end on 9th April. Easy read questionnaires can be found on the dedicated webpages along with an online survey. If you require hard copies or copies in additional formats, please email ascchanges@camden.gov.uk
Centre 404 are holding a consultation event for Carers and families on 29th March in the morning at their centre on Camden Road and there will be speakers from the council to say more about the implications of the changes. (see below)

Adult Social Care Consultation on Changes to Day Centre and Financial Contributions
Adult Family Members Reference Group
A group for all carers of an adult with a learning disability in Camden
Wednesday 29th March 2017 10:30am – 12:30pm followed by a light lunch
At: Centre 404, 404 Camden Road, N7 0SJ
We want to encourage as many carers as possible to respond to proposed changes in Adult Social Care around:
~ Proposed closures of Day Centres
~ Increases in Financial contributions
~ Increases in transport costs to Day Centres
Speakers:
Amanda Jackson – Head of Day Service Provision,
Andrew Reece – Head of Community Integrated Learning Disabilities Service
Philip Darby – Strategic Commissioner Supporting People in the community
Information about the Centre for Independent Living
For more information Contact Philippa – philippar@centre404.org.uk tel: 020 7697 1336

Governance in the Voluntary and Community Sector
18 May 2017 – 22 June 2017 6 Thursday evenings 17:30-20:30 in Camden
A short evening course for trustees/management committee members or anybody who is interested in developing the knowledge and skills required to be a member of a governing body in the voluntary or community sector. Ideal for new trustees as an induction, for experienced trustees who want a refresher and for those just starting out as trustees. The course is a partnership between VAC and Mary Ward. Full details at the Mary Ward website.

Resilient Families and Early Help training opportunities with the Camden Training and Development Service (TDS)
~ Eliciting the child’s voice, 28/03/17
~ Domestic violence and abuse, 05/05/17
~ Introduction to attachment theory, 08/05/17
~ IT training in eCAF, 11/05/17
For course information and to book please click on the course title. If you require TDSOnline support, please email TDSOnline@camden.gov.uk.

Camden Intergenerational Network meeting
Wednesday 26th April 2017 2.30pm-4.30pm
Age UK Camden, Tavis House, 1-6 Tavistock Square, WC1H 9NA
We will be discussing Camden Intergenerational Week 2017, confirmed for 16th-21st October 2017 as well as sharing news, events and opportunities. Please bring along anything you would like to share with the group.
Tea and coffee will be provided. For questions or queries about this meeting, please email Corinna Gray or call 020 7239 0400.

Camden Scholarship Opportunity
Only 1 week to go! Camden Council is offering life-changing scholarships with Hult International Business School and Anglia Ruskin University, starting in September 2017. A wide range of undergraduate and post-graduate courses are offered, with opportunities available for either fully funded or part-funded tuition fees.
The scholarships are open to Camden residents and there is no upper age limit. The deadline for applications is March 31st, so get your applications in whilst you can. For further information and details of the application criteria, please visit camden.gov.uk/camdenscholarships.

Leighton Education Project Open for Referrals and Coffee Morning
The Leighton Education Project is a person-centred specialist education provider for young people aged 16 – 25 with SEND. We are currently open for referrals for the 2017/18 academic year! The Project is running a drop-in coffee morning for voluntary and statutory sector colleagues on Friday 7th April 2017, 11am-1pm at Elfrida Rathbone Camden. The morning will be an opportunity to look round the classrooms, meet the team and find out more about what we have on offer.
To RSVP, book a school visit, or discuss a referral contact: rosanna@elfridacamden.org.uk / 020 7424 1615 or sousan@elfridacamden.org.uk / 020 7424 1617

Bengali New Year
The British Library, in partnership with Age UK Camden
Saturday 29 April 12.00 – 15.00 at the British Library Knowledge Centre 96 Euston Rd NW1 2DB
As well as celebrating the New Year, the event will provide local people with a greater insight into what Bengali items there are at the British Library and BL will launch a ‘pop up’ Bengali exhibition that will tour the Somers Town Community throughout this summer.
There will also be live entertainment, celebratory food and a speech from Local Councillor Samata Khatoon.
Please note this event is free to all local residents and community groups but RSVP is essential and children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
To book your free place contact: Emma Morgan emma.morgan@bl.uk T+44 (0)7595 464 363
or Abul Choudhury abul.choudhury@ageukcamden.org.uk T+44 (0)20 7278 5090

Leighton Education Project Celebrate World Autism Awareness Week
Come and join the Leighton Project students on 28th March from 10am for a Coffee Morning with creative activities, a drama performance and networking opportunities. In the afternoon you can sponsor their Walk in Cantelowes Garden’s! All proceeds will go to the National Autistic Society.
For info or to RSVP call 020 7424 1601 or e-mail info@elfridacamden.org.uk

Holi Festival X Mothers Day
Cookery Fundraiser, this Sunday 26th 1-5pm, at the Hackney Cypriot Society
Action Village India cookery fundraiser event this Sunday 26th March 1-5pm, organised by volunteers Mickey Malani and Adi Dilipkumar.
Mickey and Adi found their love for cooking not long after leaving India. In this action-packed fundraiser, learn the secrets of making the perfect thali, from daal to sambar,subjis to everything in between.
Infused with the spirit of Holi, the menu will be as colourful as it is flavoursome. Book here.

Camden Carers Service
Camden Carers Service (CCS) offers advice, support and activities for family and other unpaid carers across the borough.
Help is just a phone call away on 020 7428 8950 or email info@camdencarers.org.uk – read more about our services at www.camdencs.org.uk or www.facebook.com

Centre 404 Events Diary
Find out what’s on at Centre 404 – Diary, Groups and Workshops – online here.

Camden Patient Participation Group – Elections and News
Don’t forget to nominate yourself to the CPPEG elections. Full details here. Find out more and read the latest Camden Patient Participation Group Newsletter here.

Healthwatch Camden
View the latest news and views from Healthwatch Camden here.

Camden Capacity Building Bulletin
The February Capacity Building Bulletin is available here.

Ageing Better in Camden
Read the Ageing Better in Camden Newsletter Spring Edition 2017 here

Camden Futures, LAWRS, Refugee Therapy Centre, Camden CCG, Opening Doors London, VAC, Kings Cross Construction Centre and Camden PA are recruiting. See Jobs and Volunteers section below.

You can join in on Facebook. Like us if you like us.

Follow all the Camden Voluntary Sector news on OneCamden on Twitter.

You can read more about all of these stories on our news page at www.vac.org.uk/new

See the Funding pages on VAC’s website for all the latest information.

Young Camden Foundation Small Grants Scheme 2017
The first grants through the Young Camden Foundation are now available to anyone working around the theme of ‘One Camden’. Our aim is to bring together Camden’s diverse communities, especially those who might not otherwise meet and interact.
We are asking for submissions for projects that fit in with this theme through one of the following ideas:
~ Intergenerational Work: Projects that bring together people from all ages, for instance young people with pensioners
~ Volunteering: Projects that offer time and resources to groups or people you normally would not interact with
~ Working with cultures other than your own: This could be with different ethnic groups, cultural groups, or groups with a particular focus such as sports groups working with arts groups.
There will be a total pool of £60,000 available which will be split up into:
~ 1x grants of up to £10,000 in which consortium bids will be strongly encouraged. This project would also need to benefit communities across the borough of Camden (rather than specific areas).
~ 8x grants of up to £5,000
~ 5x grants of up to £2,000
If you have an exciting project that fits into the theme and connects Camden communities, please submit either via the form , or submit a video explaining how your project meets the requirements.
Applications must show involvement by the beneficiaries (those that will benefit from the project, i.e: Camden Young People). Any applications received that cannot show how young people were involved in the process will be rejected.
*Applicants also must be a registered member of the Young Camden Foundation to be eligible for any Grants. Join here: https://www.youngcamdenfoundation.org.uk/form
Full details of the grants and how to apply here: https://www.youngcamdenfoundation.org.uk/grants/

Edge Fund – Social Justice Funding for Grassroots Groups
Now open for the first funding round of the year! We will be giving £40,000 to about 30 grass-roots groups, campaigning against the systems that cause injustice. We are accepting applications from the 7th of March until the 17th April.
We support work run by and for communities facing discrimination and injustice. We fund work carried out by individuals and grass-roots groups in Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England that find it difficult to get funding elsewhere. We do not fund traditional charity work, instead we we support activity that challenges abuses of power and aims to change society by bringing an end to the systems that cause injustice. While applicants may be working on short term reforms, we are looking for applicants that ultimately aim to end or replace unjust systems with a just alternative.
We have not yet funded a group with an annual income over £25,000. The average income of groups we fund is around £2,500. Full details on the Edge Fund website.

Three Crowdfunding Opportunities
VAC are running a series of workshops to celebrate our new working relationship with Crowdfunder Hubbub. Our old partners Space Hive have teamed up with the mayor and you can get involved here. And now Trust for London are launching a major crowdfunding initiative (see below for full details).

Crowdfunding initiative launched to tackle poverty and inequality in London
In collaboration with Crowdfunder and The Social Innovation Partnership, Trust for London and City Bridge Trust have launched a new £100,000 fund available to organisations using crowdfunding to raise funds and deliver projects which will address inequality and lift people out of poverty in the capital.
The Improving life for Londoners fund will provide up to 50% of the target (to a maximum of £10,000), with projects expected to raise at least the first 25% from the crowd.
The fund is keen to support charitable work that:
~ Provides practical solutions to support people on low incomes
~ Addresses local problems in creative ways
~ Is led by communities that will benefit from the work
If you think your organisation fits, check out our Crowdfunder page.
Do you want to know more about crowdfunding, and how to run a crowdfunding project? You can sign up to crowdfunding workshops online here.

Three Ageing Better in Camden Contracts
Ageing Better in Camden is advertising invitations to tender for 3 contracts:
~ Gospel Oak and Haverstock Community Action Project
~ Euston and Regents Park Community Action Project
~ Bangladeshi Community Action Project.
All of the projects will involve older people to improve their local communities and run activities in their neighbourhoods.
Please go to www.ageingbetterincamden.org.uk for more information

UCL Grand Challenges Small Grants Scheme
Closing date: 9am, Monday, 22 May 2017
Up to £4,000 available for a wide range of research-informed, societally relevant, cross-disciplinary activities undertaken from 1 August 2017 to 31 July 2018
Up to £6,000 is available for proposals that address the GCSC Priority Theme of Urban Mobility, with additional funding from the UCL Transport Institute. Further details
Proposals must address a Priority Theme relating to one of the six UCL Grand Challenges – Global Health; Justice and Equality; Tranformative Tech; Human Wellbeing; Cultural Understanding; Sustainable Cities
Applications must be led by UCL academic staff members (honorary researchers included) at postdoctoral level (or equivalent) or above. Full details here.

Crowdfunding Workshops with Hubbub
VAC and Hubbub are running a series of crowdfuning workshops for Camden organisations.
We will be setting a date for session 3 – Writing your pitch and one-to-one support (Date TBC)
aimed at those ready to start their campaign.
More details on the VAC website: https://vac.org.uk/events/

Improve English Reading Writing and Listening Skills
English ESOL Entry level class
Every Tuesday 10am-12pm
KCB Chadswell Healthy Living Centre, Harrison Street, London, WC1H 8JE
Tel no: 020 7713 5545

A workshop for anyone who would like to apply for the Aging Better in Camden Bangladeshi Social Action project
Learn about the process and specifics of applying, as well as good practice in writing tender applications.
This workshop will be facilitated by Rachel Hughes and Jaber Khan from Social Action for Health and it will include:
~ Explanation of the key objectives and the tender specifications
~ The application process
~ General hints and tips on writing an application
~ Applying with other organisations
There will be an opportunity to meet other people who may be interested in applying, as well as a general question and answer session.
We recommend that organisations wishing to access the funding attend for information and learning purposes, (attendance by itself this will not affect the outcome of applications).
27th March, 2017 9:30 AM through to 12:30 PM
at St Pancras and Somers Town Living Centre, 2 Ossulston street, NW1 1DF
Contact Zahir or Jaber zahirc@safh.org.uk or jaberk@safh.org.uk T: 0208 510 1970

Age Allies
From buses to banking, housing to health care, or leisure activities to local authorities, older people are increasingly shown to experience ageist attitudes and behaviors when accessing various services.
Age Allies is a brand new 3 years programme being developed by Age UK London that will help tackle age discrimination and issues around access to services in London.
Registering your interest today for one of our Focus Groups on either:
Tuesday 28 March (10:30 – 12:00)
Wednesday 29 March (10:30 – 12:00)
Help us challenge ageism in London. Register at Eventbrite

Camden Adult Community Learning Service Health & well-being event – Get Involved
At St Pancras and Somers Town Living Centre Ossulston Street side, NW1 1DF
Tuesday 28 March from 10:00 – 1:00
The event is for our current adult community learners, many of whom experience disadvantage and a range of barriers to getting involved in activities to improve their and their family’s health and well-being.
We hope that the event will provide information and an opportunity to get involved in interactive activities to give a taste of what’s available in Camden for adults (our learners are typically in the 30 – 60+ age range) and families.
We want learners to leave with ideas and plans to get involved in activities over the Easter break and into the summer that are free or low cost.
If you would like your organisation to be involved, contact Bola at
adultlearning@camden.gov.uk by Monday 6 March at the latest.

Free Family Activities at the British Library January – March 2017
Play on Words Saturday 25 March 10.30 – 12.00 and 13.00 – 14.30
Play with words and performance in this creative workshop. Families will have the chance to print, collage, write and make. Details: www.bl.uk/events/family-events
learning@bl.uk T +44 (0)20 7412 7797. The British Library 96 Euston Road London NW1 2DB

Recovery College
Recovery College Spring term has started. If you would like to find out more about the courses take a look at the Recovery College Spring 2017 course guide.

Free HR training workshops for Camden voluntary and community groups
Free and will take place between 9.45 and 1pm at the Town Hall Judd Street.
The workshops are for managers and trustees of voluntary and community groups based in Camden.
Managing Difficult Conversations at Work Wednesday 12th April 2017
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/managing-difficult-conversations-at-work-registration-27067711253
The workshops will be run by Shirley Briggs.

Don’t forget that Camden TDS run a full programme of course which are subsidised or free for voluntary sector partner organisations. There is a link to a list of partner organisations on the home page.

Find more Training Opportunities at www.vac.org.uk

Camden Futures Seeking Parent Volunteers in the Community
Camden Futures is recruiting parent volunteers to become Community Connectors and support Camden parents accessing community resources. Apply via info@camdenfutures.org.uk or call Francesca on 020 7424 1622 by 25/04/17. Compulsory training will run on 28/04/17, 05/05/17 and 12/05/17.

LAWRS is recruiting Two Posts
Latin American Women’s Rights Service is recruiting two posts;
~ Director
~ Housing, Money and Debt Coordinator
For more details and to apply please go to the LAWRS webiste:
http://www.lawrs.org.uk/en/get-involved/vacancies

Healthwatch Camden seeks Chair .
Healthwatch Camden is here to make sure that everyone – adults and children – who uses health and social care services in Camden can have their say on services and that what they say makes a difference. To help us do our job, we are looking for more people who live, work or study in Camden to join our board of trustees.
We are looking for one person to become Chair of the board, to replace our founding Chair, who is stepping down after four successful years.
To find out more please visit our website www.healthwatchcamden.co.uk or email info@healthwatchcamden.co.uk

Refugee Therapy Centre seeks Volunteer Mentoring Coordinator
Do you have the passion, experience, skills and enthusiasm needed to support and develop a Mentoring Project helping refugees and asylum seekers?
Deadline 5pm 7th April 2017.
The Refugee Therapy Centre recruits and engages medical students to establish meaningful relationship and provide practical support for disadvantaged refugees and asylum seekers encountering difficulties adjusting to their new life in the UK.
The Mentoring Coordinator will work in an innovative and creative way to coordinate and develop the Mentoring Project and support refugees and asylum seekers to achieve positive outcomes.
To apply, send two copies of your CV and a covering letter detailing what you can bring to the role to
Refugee Therapy Centre, 1A Leeds Place, Tollington Park, London, N4 3RF
You will find the Job Description and Person Spec at our website: http://www.refugeetherapy.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer-mentoring-coordniator.aspx
For further information about this role or other volunteering opportunities, please send an email to info@refugeetherapy.org.uk

The Refugee Therapy Centre seeks Administrative Assistant.
3 days a week £17,276 pro rata
Deadline for application: 5pm 3rd April 2017 Interviews: 11th April 2017
With a keen eye for detail, strong organisational, IT and communication skills, the Administrative Assistant will provide excellent customer service and perform a range of administrative tasks to support the effective functioning of the Centre.
The candidate has to be intuitive, flexible, with excellent secretarial skills, and be able to use MS software package to a high standard. With ability to deal sensitively and professionally with disadvantaged and vulnerable people, you should also be committed to confidentiality and the ethos of the Refugee Therapy Centre.
To apply, please send 2 hard copies of completed application form, Equal Opportunities Questionnaire and a copy of your recent CV to the:
Refugee Therapy Centre, 1A Leeds Place, Tollington Park, London, N4 3RF,
A job description and application pack with further information can be found on our website: http://www.refugeetherapy.org.uk/get-involved/vacancies/administrative-assistant.aspx

Opening Doors London seeks Social Opportunities Facilitator
£15.49/hour This is a rolling vacancy and applications will be considered as they are received.
Opening Doors London is the largest provider of information and support services with and for older Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans*people in the United Kingdom. We aim to ensure that older LGBT* people live happier, healthier and independent lives free from prejudice and discrimination. Everything we do is informed by the lived experience of LGBT* older people.
ODL currently provides over 40 social opportunities each month. This role will involve working alongside the team to provide support to existing groups and activities as well as developing new initiatives to meet the needs of our members.
You will be responsible for setting up and managing activities [such as arranging venues and speakers], recruiting and supporting volunteers and providing local marketing.
If you are interested in being one of our LGBT* sessional team, please see the application pack including the full job description and person specification at the following link in our website www.ageukcamden.org.uk / www.openingdoorslondon.org.uk or email HR@openingdoorslondon.org.uk

Voluntary Acton camden – Trustee Vacancies
Voluntary Action Camden (VAC) is seeking two new trustees to join its existing board. VAC supports individuals and groups to get involved in civil society and develops ways of sharing good practice and resources. We are looking for individuals who have an enthusiastic appreciation and understanding of Camden’s community sector and who want to see the sector thrive in the coming years. We are particularly interested in individuals with fundraising and marketing experience. If you would like more information, then please go to our website where you’ll find details of the job role and how to apply, together with more information about VAC’s strategic objectives and the work we do. If you would like an informal discussion before applying, please contac Simone Hensby shensby@vac.org.uk

Community Navigator
These innovative posts involve supporting people to become less lonely and to develop more social contact. The successful applicant will join a team of community navigators employed by Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust and will support people with enduring depression or anxiety who use mental health services in Camden, Islington or Barnet. These posts are part of a nationally-funded research study. The post holder will feedback to the research team and contribute to developing and evaluating this programme.
The role will require flexibility to meet people at mutually convenient times and to support them in going to community activities. The total amount of work for each post will average out at one day per week: post holders will be paid at this rate on an annualized hours basis. The post is until the end of February 2018, to start in April 2017 or as soon as possible thereafter. Any experience of working in services which support people with mental health problems, or voluntary sector community experience, are both assets for this work.
You can find more information about this post on the NHS jobs website: https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/xi/vacancy/9f27c8ce53a7d619995f3edb43ad7bb5/?vac_ref=914513220

Kings Cross Jobs
You can view a constantly changing range of job vacancies on the Kings Cross website. For the latest news on jobs sign up to job alerts.

Volunteers are needed in GP practices!
Voluntary Action Camden (VAC) would like to hear from you! We are training volunteers to become Community Health Advocates in local GP practices.
• Do you live, work or volunteer in Camden?
• Would you like to support people in your community to improve their health and their access to services that will help them to maintain good health and wellbeing?
• Do you want to develop experience and skills in the field of public health?
• Can you commit at least 2 hours per week?
VAC is offering free Royal Society of Public Health (RSPH) Level 1 training to those who want to volunteer their time to become Community Health Advocates. The RSPH Level 1 training is a two days course, with a 20 question multiple choice test at the end of the second day of training. It could provide a useful skill set and experience for people who may be interested in following a health related career path in the future.
After completing the training, VAC will support local teams of volunteers to act as links between community based services and GPs. You may wish to take advantage of additional opportunities to increase your knowledge, for example smoking cessation, cancer awareness, diabetes etc. In return for your commitment to the project for 2 hours a week we offer support, out of pocket expenses and other professional development opportunities.
For more information, please contact Mandira Manandhar, Health Advocate Volunteer Co-ordinator (Mon, Tues and Thurs) 020 7284 6550/07930669417 or email: mmanandhar@vac.org.uk
Peter Simonson on 020 7284 6550 or email: projectsupport@vac.org.uk
The RSPH training is provided FREE by on the understanding that participants are available to volunteer for the project and able to attend the regular training and support sessions.

Are you looking to employ an assistant to help with your care needs? CamdenPAs can help
CamdenPAs.org.uk is a new service that makes it easy to find a personal assistant (PA) and puts you in control of your care and support.
If you have care needs, you can employ a PA to help you to live as independently as possible.
CamdenPAs features an online ‘marketplace’ for you to browse through a list of profiles of PAs in the borough. Profiles give details about the services they provide, their skills, experience and personal interests.
You can look through the list to find suitable matches and choose someone you like to help support you.
When you find a match you can contact the PA to arrange an interview and see how you get on. If you like them you can then work out contract details such as hours, duties and wages, and hire them.
If you do not find anyone suitable, you can set up your own a profile describing your requirements and interests, for PAs to look through and contact you.
You can employ a PA whether you receive a direct payment or fund your own care. If you receive direct payments you can get support with the employment from Personalised Support In Camden or AgeUK Camden.
Become a PA
If you’re a PA looking for work or are just starting out, CamdenPAs can help you. As well as helping you finding a job, the site features advice on looking for work, becoming a PA and where to get training.
Why not set up your profile today? Find out more, visit: camdenpas.org.uk or phone: 020 7278 4437

Find Jobs and Volunteering opportunities at https://www.vac.org.uk/

The Camden Commission would like to hear from you
Camden council want you to have your say about Camden’s priorities and challenges for the next five years. As the current Camden Plan comes to the end of its five-year lifespan, the Camden Commission has been set up to help shape Camden’s vision for 2018-2023.
The Camden Commission is a group of councillors and expert advisors who will hear from local residents, organisations, and businesses over the next six months to better understand the challenges faced across the borough. The Commission wants to hear from local people, communities and our partners to ensure that our new vision will focus on what people really need and want from their local government.
Organisations or groups wishing to get involved or submit evidence to the Camden Commission can do so in these ways:
~ Submit an idea or suggestion, and see what others have said using our online forum
~ Submit written evidence by emailing us at camdencommission@camden.gov.uk
~ Sign up for email alerts

CIP on One Map
Camden have helpfully published an interactive map with every Community Investment Programme (CIP) project marked with link to a summary and further links to the planning documents.

Camden Business Sustainability Awards
The awards aim to recognise, inspire and encourage businesses and organisations in the borough to achieve environmental sustainability.
The awards will be presented at a special event: ‘Celebrating Sustainable Business in Camden – leading the way‘ on Tuesday 25 April at the Francis Crick Institute in Kings Cross. The event will be an opportunity to network with other businesses and organisations going out of their way to protect the environment and, listening to keynote speakers from the London Assembly’s Environment Committee and the Committee on Climate Change
There are 8 categories for entrants including one for “Community project of the year”.
Further information here:
http://www.camdencca.org/camden-business-sustainability-awards-2017/
Please submit an expression of interest as soon as possible.

Camden Consultations
You can find all Camden consultation on the Wearecamden consultation hub.

FREE VAC Membership for Unfunded Groups: Voluntary Action Camden Small organisations with no paid staff and a turnover of less than £1,500 can now join for FREE. To take advantage of this offer just fill in the membership on the online form here.