Newsletter Archives - Page 42 of 54 - Voluntary Action Camden

Voluntary Action Camden e-bulletin 21st July 2017

by Kevin Nunan21 July 2017

Highlights

Camden Community Impacts Fund Consultation; Camden strategy for older and disabled people; Jazz at the Kingsgate; Shelter Delivering a Housing and Homelessness Service in Camden; VAC Communications Survey; King’s Cross Construction Skills Centre Courses; GoodGym Camden + funding, jobs, volunteers, events, training, offers and resources.

Feature

Camden Community Impacts

The Community Impacts Fund is the final part of the new council funding strategy for the voluntary and community sector (2017 – 2024) following on from the Strategic Partners Funds for Neighbourhoods and Equalities.
The idea for the Community Impacts Fund is that all sectors could focus on a handful of issues and work together to address them. The following priorities have been decided by the Community Impacts Advisory Board on 16th June:
~ Rough sleeping
~ Mental health
~ Youth offending
~ Supporting people in the community
The council has now started a consultation process to get feedback on the four priority areas and how you feel that they can best be addressed. There is extensive information on the the Camden council website about
~ The latest News
~ How to get involved
~ The priority areas
~ The process
The deadline for responses is Sunday 20th August 2017.

NEWS & POLICY

An invitation to help Camden develop a strategy for older and disabled people
We’d like to invite you to join Cath Millen the lead social worker at Camden Council together with senior officers to a focus group to plan this important strategy. Spaces are still available –
Wednesday 26th July from 3.00pm to 5.30pm
Thursday 27th July from 3.00pm to 5.30pm
The venue is the Charlie Ratchford Resource Centre Belmont Street NW1 8HF. We will give
you a £20 gift voucher for attending. To confirm your place please contact:
Frank Dove on 0207 974 4435 frank.dove@camden.gov.uk
Michael Bond on 0207 974 1459 michael.bond@camden.gov.uk

Community Connectors News
C4 has provided the Community Connectors project for Ageing Better in Camden (ABC) for the last 2 years. The project has made a real difference improving the isolation and loneliness of the people it connected. The contract, in its current iteration, comes to an end an on 30th September 2017. After a contract evaluation, ABC will be looking to advertise a revised specification based on the lessons learned from the last 2 years – this will be available by end of September 2017 – with new contract delivery starting in early 2018. During the interim period, between contracts, Age UK Camden will be covering the phone and email accounts, so all potential clients are provided with a holding service.
As part of the contract evaluation, Ageing Better in Camden is consulting with local older people on 14th August at 10am and Camden’s voluntary and community sector on 9th August, 11am. If you are interested in contributing to either of these learning and listening events, please contact ageingbetterincamden@ageukcamden.org.uk. Both events will be held at Tavis House, 1-6 Tavistock Square, WC1H 9NA.

Jazz at the Kingsgate
Jazz at the Kingsgate’ on the last Thursday in the month:
Thursday 27 July;
Thursday 31 August;
Thursday 28 September
£8 in advance, £9.50 on the door
Tel: 0207 328 9480

Shelter Working in Camden to Deliver a Housing and Homelessness Service
Shelter are being funded by the London Councils grants programme to deliver a Pan-London housing and homelessness service from 1st April 2017. Shelter are working in partnership with Thames Reach, Stonewall Housing and St Mungo’s. The focus is on early intervention and prevention, tenancy sustainment and re-settlement. We have face to face, telephone and street outreach services in operation and are committed to providing advice, support and guidance to those who need it.
We are keen to explore how we can work closely together going forward and get your thoughts on whether there is anything in particular you would like to see Shelter doing/delivering in Camden. Contact Amy Nyemecz at Amy_Nyemecz@shelter.org.uk

VAC Communications Survey 2017
Please spare us 10 minutes of your time to let us know what you think. Do you prefer email, twitter or facebook? Do you find everything you need on our website? How would you like the e-bulletin to develop – should it organisations to communicate with each other, or communicate across sectors? Are you getting enough information or too much? Let us know by completing this brief survey https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/VXLYDKK. You time is appreciated and will help us improve what we do for you.

King’s Cross Construction Skills Centre Courses
KCCSC, in partnership with The College of North West London, have a new training Programme.
The courses offered are aimed at Camden and Islington residents aged 16 to no upper age limit. The courses will be both full and part time.
Level 1 Award in employability skills (Passport to Construction)
L1 Certificate in General Construction – Multi Trades
L2 Diploma in Carpentry
L2 Diploma in Electrics
L2 Diploma in plumbing
L2 Diploma in General Construction Operative (Ground Working)
Painting & Decorating Apprenticeship
All courses will take place at King’s Cross Construction Skills Centre, 180 York Way, London N1
To apply contact an advisor at KCC to make an appointment on 0207 974 5161 or email kxcinfo@camden.gov.uk

Camden Patient Participation Groups
Read the latest news about the Camden PPG here.

Ageing Better in Camden
Ageing Better in Camden is a partnership of older people and Camden organisations, working together to tackle social isolation and loneliness among older people. Read the latest update 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.

Volunteer Centre Camden
For all things volunteering contact VCC. You can read the latest VCC news here.

Latin American House, LAWRS, Kentish Town City Farm, Lauderdale House, Elfrida Rathbone, Kings Cross Construction Centre, Peter Bedford HA, 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

National

FUNDING

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

Camden Giving’s KX Fund
A grant that brings together people who live, work and play in and around Kings Cross, St Pancras and Somers Town to create a fair and inclusive society.
Applications open for grants £100-£1000 until the 18th August 2017.
FInd out more about the Camden Giving’s KX Fund Small Grants Fund here.
There will be an information session at KXrecruit at 11 Stable St, Kings Cross, on 24th July 3-5pm to answers any questions you have about the fund. .

Regent’s Place Community Fund – closing date 1 September
Applications for the second year of The Regent’s Place Community Fund open on 26 June 2017. Grants are for £1,000 to £10,000. This fund is for organisations in the Regents Place (Euston Road) area. Applying for the Fund is simple. Whether you have already received a grant from the Fund last year or you are a brand new applicant, all you need to do is head to the London Community Foundation website and fill out their online application form for the Regent’s Place Community Fund.

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.

BBC Children in Need Main Grants Programme 2017 Deadlines Announced
Large grants of over £10,000 are available to support projects for up to three years. Not-for-profit organisations in the UK can apply if they are supporting children and young people of 18 years and under who are experiencing disadvantage through:
~ Illness, distress, abuse or neglect.
~ Any kind of disability.
~ Behavioural or psychological difficulties.
~ Living in poverty or situations of deprivation.
2017 Deadlines for applications: 1 September, and 1 December 2017.
Please visit http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3XW7FvN20PD3xr2c1T62Xly/main-grants for more information.

VAC EVENTS

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/

OTHER EVENTS

London Permaculture Festival
11.00am – 6.00pm, Sunday 30th July at Cecil Sharp House, Camden, London NW1
Come along for workshops (intro and advanced), ‘how-to’ sessions, films, a stalls market and a ‘families at the festival’ zone. Enjoy discussions, networking and learning about creative solutions for a sustainable, healthy future.
Tickets cost £6/£4 concessions • Under 18s free • Only available on the door

Camden Intergenerational Week 2017
Camden Intergenerational Week is an opportunity to raise awareness of the great multi-generational events and activities going on in Camden. For more information, to get involved and run an activity or get your activity listed in our programme, email Corinna Gray at ageingbetterincamden@ageukcamden.org.uk or call 020 7239 0400.

Parent & Carer drop-in at the Winch
Tuesdays 11am-12.30pm at the Winch free
A fun & informative group for parents & carers with children in primary & secondary school (4-16) to connect, share & learn. Activities, workshops & more…
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 The Winchester Project

Recovery College: Summer courses open for enrolment
Places are still available on some of our Summer courses. We will be taking enrolments for our Autumn courses (September to December) from 21 August.
Find out about our courses by viewing the Recovery College Summer/Autumn 2017 course guide.
Please come in to the College to enrol or register online.
Once you have registered your interest in courses online, please visit the College to sign the student charter and you will then be enrolled on those courses.

Wall Climbing for people with disabilities
Fridays
7pm – 8pm – Climbing for people who are blind or partially sighted
8pm – 9pm – Climbing for wheelchair users and people with physical disabilities
Ages 16+ £5 per session per person
Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre, Adelaide Rd, Camden Town, London NW3 3NF
For more information and to register your interest, please email or call Swiss Cottage Climbing Centre:
swisscottageclimbing@gll.org 020 7974 1351. Try your first session free of charge

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 course is on 4th & 11th October click here to find out more and download a booking form. Contact: mtcn@qsa.org.uk tel: 020 8983 5047

Get Moving Into Work
16 – 24 and looking for work? Find work and keep fit.
~ Gain life and work skills
~ free football, dance and fitness session
~ one-to-one support and guidance
~ work placement opportunities
Mon – Thurs 10am – 2pm, Corams Fields Youth Centre, 93 Guilford Street, WC1 streetleague.co.uk

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

JOBS AND VOLUNTEERING

Latin American House is Recruiting Three Posts
Deputy manager
40 hours per week/ Generous package inc. annual salary £21,840, pension entitlement, 25 days paid holidays + bank holidays
Menchú nursery is looking for a bilingual (Spanish-English) practitioner to join our small nursery based in Kilburn, Northwest London. The ideal candidate will have Level 3 childcare qualifications or above, will be passionate about educating young children and committed to the ongoing success of the nursery. They will have experience working with children with special needs.
Must be able to work shifts between 8 am and 6 pm, Monday to Friday.
This is a permanent contract, to start 29 August 2017.
Closing date for applications: Deadline extended to 1st August 2017. Interviews w/c 7th August 2017.
Nursery Nurse
40 hours per week. Generous package inc. annual salary £19,552, pension entitlement, 25 days paid holidays + bank holidays
Menchú nursery is looking for a bilingual (Spanish-English) practitioner.
Qualified to a Level 3 in childcare or equivalent, and with experience working in a nursery environment.
Must be reliable, hard working with a passion for childcare and outdoor play.
Knowledge of EYFS essential.
Must be able to work shifts between 8 am and 6 pm, Monday to Friday.
This is a permanent contract, to start 29 August 2017.
Closing date for applications: Deadline extended to 1st August 2017.Interviews w/c 7th August 2017.
Menchú nursery is part of Latin American House’s Children’s Education Project.
Coordinator – Lead Teacher at Spanish Saturday School for Children (4 to 11 year olds)
5 hours a week (basic hours – 3 hours teaching, 2 hours preparation /admin)
£17 per hour (gross)
Generous paid annual leave entitlement (to be taken outside term-time)
We are looking for an enthusiastic person who wants to lead and develop our successful Spanish Saturday School. You will be passionate about teaching children and have a deep understanding of Latin American culture.
Essential requirements: Relevant teaching qualification. Native Spanish speaker or equivalent.
This is a permanent contract, to start 9 September 2017.
Closing date for applications: 1st August 2017. Interviews w/c 7th August 2017.
Applications forms and more information available at:
www.casalatina.org.uk
Latin American House is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Subject to suitable references and an enhanced DBS check.

Employability Adviser – Leighton College
Elfrida Rathbone Camden are seeking to appoint an Employability Adviser to work with learners attending our OFSTED registered Leighton College for young people with a learning disability aged 16–25 years old. The aim of this role is to enhance student employability and to work in close collaboration with ERC staff and employers to facilitate learner progression. The post holder will also lead on specific Careers and Employability projects which support student progression.
The key aim of the role is to equip people with a learning disability with the skills and confidence to move towards employment. This will include running group and individual sessions on personal finance and money skills, introduction to work, different types of employment and working with employers/work placement providers to develop appropriate job roles and placements for students.
The ERC Leighton College is a specialist, further education facility providing person-centred programmes to young people with learning disabilities. Our aim as an organisation is to provide ground breaking education programmes which help young disabled people develop skills in order to build confidence, develop employment skills, encourage independence within the local community and to release their potential.
28 hours (Monday – Thursday) NJC scp 26 -28 (£26,605 – £28,156 pro rata) located in Kentish Town
Closing date: 5pm on Monday 31st July Interviews: to be held w/c 31st July 2017
See our website to apply: http://www.elfridacamden.org.uk/work-with-us/

LAWRS seeks Administrator and Finance Officer
Full time Salary: £25,500 per year
The Latin American Women’s Rights Service (LAWRS) is looking for an Administrator and Finance Officer. This is a key position for our organisation ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of our operations and the administration of one of our European Commission funded programmes.
The successful candidate will have: Minimum three years’ experience in an administrative role, knowledge of accounts and bookkeeping or a financial background, outstanding organisational skills, excellent interpersonal skills, knowledge of the issues facing Latin American women in the UK, excellent command of English and Spanish or English and Portuguese both orally and in writing, initiative and a “can do” attitude and a strong commitment to women’s rights and equal opportunities. Fluency in Spanish and English or Portuguese and English is essential.
This post is open to women only in accordance with the Equality Act 2010
If you are interested in this position, please send a completed application and Equal Opportunities monitoring form to Rosa Ruiz either by post (Tindlemanor, 52-54 Featherstone Street, London EC1Y 8RT) or via email (rosaruiz@lawrs.org.uk) quoting reference: ‘Admin post’. Closing Date 25th July.

Peter Bedford Housing Association seeks Marketing Officer for New Business Team.
Are you a skilled marketer who is keen to create positive changes in people’s lives? At PHBA, you can use your talents to help people find new homes, gain new skills and discover their creative talents. For further details or to apply, please visit https://www.charityjob.co.uk/jobs/marketing-officer/516023?tsId=8 Closing Date 6th August.

KTCF seeks Project Coordinator – Ageing Better in Camden Gospel Oak & Haverstock
£24,500 pro-rata
This new project brings together 3 community organisations in Camden, and using an Asset Based Community Development model, aims to support local older people to develop activities & programmes to reduce isolation amongst the older population.
Ageing Better in Camden is a £4.5m programme running across the borough of Camden, over 6 years from 2015 to 2021. Camden are one of 14 chosen areas across the UK to receive funding from the Big Lottery fund as part of this programme.
Full details at Charity Job website. Closing Date 31st July

Lauderdale House is looking for Volunteers
to work with us in the newly refurbished House and help with our exciting and busy Education, Heritage and Arts programme.
Our existing volunteers include people of all ages looking to acquire new skills and experience as well as those who simply enjoy the opportunity to give something back to the community in a friendly
and creative atmosphere. There many opportunities to contribute to Lauderdale House and we like to work with people to agree programmes of work for every individual to ensure that everyone finds what they are looking for. Opportunities includes stewarding in the gallery and on reception both weekdays and weekends, answering the phone, supporting the marketing, helping with the education programme, helping with fundraising and /or general administration. Telephone us on 020 8348 8716 or email kives@lauderdale.org.uk with your CV and/or a note explaining what interests you

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.

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

OFFERS, RESOURCES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Consultation on £5.6 million rates relief scheme for Camden
A £5.6 million rates relief scheme is being proposed by the Council.
It follows lobbying of the Government by the Council and local business leaders following the recent national revaluation.
Camden has secured extra Government money to support some of the small businesses which saw the steepest increases in their rates. The proposed rate relief scheme aims to reduce the local impact of recent business rate increases caused by the revaluation. One proposal is to offer relief to those whose bills have risen by more than £300. Have your say on the consultation here.

Deaf Hope UK is a specialist domestic abuse service for D/deaf, deafened, hard of hearing and Deaf/Blind people.
We are a pan London service offering support from trained Deaf IDVA, Outreach and Young Deaf Peoples Prevention Officers. We have been established since 2010
We operate a multi agency approach and work closely with mainstream dv services. Referrals can be accepted from any agency, we also accept self referrals. Referral forms for professionals can be sent on request or downloaded from our website.
In addition to the IDVA/Outreach services, we also run specialist survivor workshops, 7 week closed workshops for Deaf women survivors.
Our current funding also enables us to provide Domestic Abuse and the Deaf community training to hearing professionals. These are bespoke half day sessions for a maximum 20 delegates.
If you would like more information on our services or to book a training session, please contact us on deafhope@signhealth.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.

Voluntary Action Camden e-bulletin 14th July 2017

by Kevin Nunan14 July 2017

Highlights

Camden Community Impacts Initiative Announced; Invitation to help Camden develop a strategy for older and disabled people; Feeding Camden; Consultation on £5.6 million rates relief scheme for Camden; Camden Giving’s KX Fund; specialist domestic abuse service for D/deaf; VAC Communications Survey; London Permaculture Festival; Camden Intergenerational Week 2017; GoodGym Camden; Free Eid Show and Tell Event; Camden Patient Participation Groups + funding, jobs, volunteers, events, training, offers and resources.

Feature

Feeding Camden

A new community project to help Camden’s foodbanks cope with the growing demand
Camden School for Girls is pleased to announce the launch of Feeding Camden, a new community project designed to boost donations from local Camden residents to the struggling foodbanks in our Borough.
The website www.feedingcamden.org.uk explains the impetus for the project and how it will work. The Camden New Journal has a full story.
There are also links to a number of foodbanks in Camden, such as the Trussell Trust Camden Foodbanks and other useful resources.
There are other similar initiatives in Camden as well, such as Food Share which brings together growers and those in need. Other initiatives like Streets Kitchen feed homeless people and refugees as well as operating a point of contact for soup kitchens. Other projects include Food Cycle serving community meals.

NEWS & POLICY

Camden Community Impacts
“Community Impacts is a key part of the Council’s relationship with the voluntary and community sector.
The main idea of Community Impacts is that by working closely with the community we will be stronger at tackling some of the toughest problems we have in the borough, both now and in the future.
The voluntary and community sector already does a great job at helping everyone in the community so Community Impacts is designed to create a way for lots of organisations and people to work together to solve some big issues.
We want Camden to be a place for everyone. We believe that by working together we can help each other, making sure Camden continues to be a place where everyone feels they belong.”
Find out more at the Camden council website.

An invitation to help Camden develop a strategy for older and disabled people
We’d like to invite you to join Cath Millen the lead social worker at Camden Council together with senior officers to a focus group to plan this important strategy. There is a choice of dates:
Monday 24th July from 3.00pm to 5.00pm
Wednesday 26thJuly from 3.00pm to 5.00pm
Thursday 27th July from 3.00pm to 5.00pm
Monday 31st July from 3.00pm to 5.00pm
The venue is the Charlie Ratchford Resource Centre Belmont Street NW1 8HF. We will give
you a £20 gift voucher for attending. To confirm your place please contact:
Frank Dove on 0207 974 4435 frank.dove@camden.gov.uk
Michael Bond on 0207 974 1459 michael.bond@camden.gov.uk

GoodGym Camden
GoodGym Camden is a force of good in our community, helping charities and non-profit organisations with physical work every Wednesday evening as part of our group run. We’d love to help more projects in Camden, whether it’s with gardening, painting, shovelling, cleaning or leafleting. It’s always amazing what 30+ people can do in 30 minutes. We run, work for you and run back.
We’ve been going for over 4 years and GoodGym as a whole has been going for 7.5 years!
Examples of our work:
Antrim Allotments – https://www.goodgym.org/reports/allot-of-fun-at-antrim
Cecil Sharp House & Abbey Community Centre – https://www.goodgym.org/reports/an-olympic-evening
Skip Garden and St Lukes Community Centre – https://www.goodgym.org/reports/wat-er-lot-of-shovelling
GoodGym also does missions for older isolated people, this can be gardening, moving a sofa or cleaning up. 2-4 GoodGymers with DBS checks come and help out for 1-2 hours. Contact Nina nina@goodgym.org

Free Eid Show and Tell Event
This is an exclusive insight into the Library’s Arabic Qur’an manuscripts and South Asian Collections led by leading curator of Arabic Collections Daniel Lowe.
• Friday 21st July 10.00-12.00
You are more than welcome to share this amongst your family and friends or if you know anyone who is interested in this event.
Please note that places are limited and on a first come first serve basis and you must RSVP to secure your place and let us know if you require any special adjustments. Amber.Perrier@bl.uk

Camden Patient Participation Groups
Read the latest news about the Camden PPG 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.

Latin American House, Maiden Lane Community Centre, Camden Apprenticeships, Clean Break, Camden Disability Action, Apprenticeships; Lauderdale House, Healthy Hands, Holy Cross Centre Trust, Latin American House, Project Embrace, Elfrida Rathbone, SHAK, 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

National

FUNDING

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

Rosa’s Woman to Woman fund is now open
Apply for grants of up to £25,000. Grants are available for groups with an income of under £100,000 per year, to support a wide range of charitable work that benefits women: from building confidence and leadership skills, tackling harassment and violence, to training in financial literacy and increasing engagement in decision-making. Grants can pay for core costs such as staff salaries, office rent and staff training; as well as project costs such as drop-in support services, mobilising volunteers and outreach. The deadline for stage 1 applications is Thursday 6th July at 5pm.
Click the link to find out more information about the Woman to Woman fund.

VAC EVENTS

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

OTHER EVENTS

Camden Mela 2017
Arts & crafts, food stalls, live music & dance and a funfair come together at this community festival celebrating the richness of British cultural diversity. A marquee will provide health information and advice and there will be plenty of free family activities to keep kids busy.
16 July 2017 12 Noon to 6.00pm at Coram’s Fields, 93 Guilford Street, London WC1
FREE Entry for all
For latest updates keep an eye on Mela Facebook Page
For further information or stall bookings please contact:
Nasim Ali OBE on 07852 223403 or Email: nasim.ali@kcbna.org.uk

Free Employability Workshops
Castlehaven Community Association invites you to attend a series of FOUR workshops covering everything you need to know about getting your first job. The workshops will be delivered by one of our boroughs young and inspiring entrepreneurs.
You’ll learn:
How to choose the career that is right for you
How to create a captivating CV
How to make social media work for you
How to conduct a winning interview
The workshops will be held at our centre on: Tuesday, July 4th/11th/18th/25th from 7-8pm.
To REGISTER your place, please send an email to lisa@castlehaven.org.uk or call us on 020 7458 3386. *This programme is only open to young people aged 16-21*

Follow the Silk Road
Free Summer School for those aged 21 or over.
Evenings from 31 July to 5 August 2017 5.30 – 7:30 PM
at Russell Square: College Buildings
Full details at the SOAS website.

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

JOBS AND VOLUNTEERING

Cocoon Family Support seeks Peer Support Drop-In Facilitator
Cocoon Family Support is a London based charity which provides information, support and activities to families affected by perinatal mental health conditions.
We are seeking a candidate with previous history of antenatal/postnatal mental health conditions (e.g. depression, OCD, anxiety etc.) to facilitate our Saturday morning drop-in service. As peer support group facilitator, you will be expected to have excellent communication skills, be comfortable coaching others, have good negotiation skills and be a confident public speaker able to enthuse volunteers and support service users appropriately. Full training will be provided. We are offering a 12-month contract working 2.5 hours, £25 p/h.
For further information and for a full job description please contact jessica@cocoonfamilysupport.org or telephone 07946165515. Closing date 21/07/2017

Coram’s Fields is recruiting 2 posts:
Office Assistant
£20,000 per annum full time
To start Tuesday 29th August 2017
We are seeking to appoint a talented and committed individual in the role of Office Assistant to work within our busy, public facing front office. The varied role forms an integral part of Coram’s Fields central team, including duties such as dealing with numerous enquiries, making bookings for pitches and rooms and processing supplier orders along with some basic finance duties.
Administrator (Finance/PA)
£23,000 per annum Full time
We are seeking to appoint a talented and committed individual to the new role of Administrator.
The successful candidate will be taking on an exciting and diverse role and one with two distinct functions. Working across two departments, the role will be split between providing finance administrative support to our Finance Officer and providing personal administrative support to our CEO.
Visit the website to view the full JD and complete an application form for the post you are interested in:
https://www.coramsfields.org/office-assistant-vacancy/
https://www.coramsfields.org/administrator-financepa/
Application forms should be returned to Sophie Silman by 9am on Monday 17th July by e-mail, titled Office Assistant in the subject line. By e-mail to: recruitment@coramsfields.org.uk
If you have any questions contact Fiona for an informal discussion on 020 7837 6138.

Treasurer Required for Charity Board
SPCA (St Pancras Community Association) is a community based charity with a turnover of around £250,000, based a few minutes north of St Pancras Station. It works primarily for the benefit of local people and its priorities include reducing isolation among older people, giving young families a good start in life, building community pride and getting local people more physically active.
We need a treasurer to join our voluntary trustees. The treasurer oversees the organisation’s finances but does not need to manage the money directly. She or he will work closely with paid staff to ensure that they set annual budgets appropriately and that spending is properly monitored and audited and that appropriate systems are in place. They will also support other trustees and ensure that they are aware of their financial risks and policies.
The trustee role involves a monthly board meeting and the treasurer typically has one additional and more detailed meeting per year when budgets are agreed and usually a quarterly discussion with the Director or finance officer to check on progress. The treasurer is not expected to keep the books or do all the calculations for budget setting, which are done by paid employees.
Enquiries: Phone Graham Cobb on 020 7380 1501

The Pirate Castle, Camden Town seeks Part-Time Experienced Bookkeeper
Two mornings per week in office and/or home. Hourly competitive pay.
The Pirate Castle is a boating and outdoor activities charily based in Camden Town on the Regent’s Canal. We are looking for a part time experienced bookkeeper to join our small team.
You will support our Trustees and small operational team to ensure the smooth running of the Charity.
Core duties include:
Bookkeeping – invoices, receipts, reconciliation, Management Accounts – preparing for Trustee review; Invoicing – each month; Credit Control; Managing the bank account; Payroll – monthly PAYE and hours admin
Assisting the Accountant in the preparation of annual accounts
We are looking for:
Good knowledge of Quickbooks Online including Payroll
Knowledge of Workplace Pension
Good understanding of Charity’s obligations for Annual Report & Accounts would be an advantage
We need someone experienced and highly competent with modern financial systems, rules, and processes. You should have several years’ experience as a book-keeper, ideally within a charity or similar organisation.
Please apply by sending us your CV and a short covering letter to fionalawrence25@gmail.com

Opening Doors London Vacancies
See the Opening Doors website for details of current vacancies across London.

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/

OFFERS, RESOURCES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

SPOC, helping local charities live long and prosper
NAVCA has published a report to highlight how a Single Point of Contact (SPOC) commissioning model provides better services for people and communities, improves their wellbeing and can save money. The SPOC model overcomes barriers that commissioners claim make it difficult for them to work with smaller charities. The SPOC model involves a trusted single non-provider charity building a coalition of small local charities and taking on the grant or contract management, monitoring and administration, enabling commissioners to focus on strategic planning. Small local charities are generally set up to serve the very specific needs of a particular community and are able to focus on people’s needs rather than large generic services that too often miss their target.
Read the full report here, a good article in the Guardian and further coverage in Civil Society

First birthday party fundraiser for Opening Doors London
Opening Doors London (ODL), the charity that supports older members of the LGBT community which was set up by Age UK Camden, is celebrating its first year with a party at NBC Universal Studios Skyline Bar in central London, on Friday July 21. The special event is to also commemorate 50 years since the legalisation of homosexuality – one night, 12 months, 50 years. There will be guest performances, music and comedy, as well as an auction of money can’t buy prizes. Tickets cost £50 at Eventbrite. More on ODL at www.openingdoorslondon.org.uk

Camden Health Kick
A new intergenerational healthy living project has arrived in Camden and it’s called Camden Health Kick. This project is a consortium between Queens Crescent Community Centre, Kentish Town City Farm, and Castlehaven Community Centre funded by the council for 3 years. The aim is to address health inequalities in the borough as well as improve health and wellbeing of isolated and deprived families by offering various free healthy living activities. Healthy living activities include; gardening, healthy cooking, fitness/sporting sessions, free 6-month gym membership, farm crafting, horse care sessions, health awareness workshops, health checks, and money management workshops. People of all ages will have the opportunity to engage with other members of the community as well as build tangible intergenerational bonds.
www.camdenhealthkick.org.uk Email: Charmaine@qcca.org.uk Call: 020 7267 6635 ext. 227

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

Voluntary Action Camden e-bulletin 7th July 2017

by Kevin Nunan7 July 2017

Highlights

Chalcots Update; Refugee Week Follow Up; What is Our Way Ahead?; VAC Communications Survey 2017; Discounted tickets to the IPC World Para Athletics Championships; The Working Men’s College Events ; Supporting RCOs Project + funding, jobs, volunteers, events, training, offers and resources.

Feature

Chalcots Update

The leader of the council has issued an update on the situation. There are also updates on the Council website, including a page of thanks to Camden voluntary organisations who have been helping in a variety of ways. There is now a page on the Camden website for voluntary and community groups to offer support.
The Camden New Journal have extensive coverage of the situation including a call for a independent investigation. The council is calling on hotels not to profiteer from the situation.
Community Foundations struggled to deal with the situation after the Grenfell fire and the Guardian carries a thoughtful article on how Community Foundations can respond in the longer term to such disasters in a local community.

NEWS & POLICY

Refugee Week Follow Up
Following World Refugee Day and Refugee Week, Oxfam have issued a series of briefings and updates around refugee issues including a series of blogs and reports on refugees around the globe.

What is Our Way Ahead?
This is an open event, which aims to provide a platform through which networks can connect and contribute to a wider movement that is democratic, sustainable and genuinely supportive of each other. At a time of crisis and division, it is even more imperative that we come together to build voice and grassroots infrastructure. Through a a series of presentations, storytelling, testimonies and group discussions, we hope to reflect on the recent events – Brexit, Austerity, Grenfell and many more – and a agree a common purpose and plan for collective action.
Let’s build stronger communities/Look beyond existing policy frameworks/Respond with greater community voice and agency.
The Great Hall TR1-04, Holloway Campus, London Metropolitan Uni, 166-220 Holloway Rd, London N7
Wednesday 12 July 2017 13.00 p.m. – 20.30 p.m.
To book a place: Eventbrite

Discounted tickets to the IPC World Para Athletics Championships, 14 and 23 July 2017 at the London Stadium in Stratford
The Mayor of London has secured a discount on Para Athletics Championships tickets for Londoners.
All tickets are discounted to £9 per adult (over 16) and £3 per child (16 and under).
The ticketing website is available at https://tickets.london2017athletics.com/TicketingInformation
Use the discount code is – LON2017.
This offer is available for all sessions with the exception of Sessions 6 and 8 – the two mid week morning sessions that are scheduled for school parties. Finally, remember to print your tickets.

The Working Men’s College Events
Choices and Opportunities day on 11 July: http://www.wmcollege.ac.uk/event/choices-opportunities-day-2/
Level 2 Arts advice and guidance evening on 12 July: http://www.wmcollege.ac.uk/event/iag-event-level-2-certificate-arts-courses/
Level 3 Health and Social Care Open evening on 13 July: http://www.wmcollege.ac.uk/event/open-day-health-social-care-level-3-course/
Summer school courses on at the moment: http://www.wmcollege.ac.uk/course/summer-school/
Our new course guide for 2017-18 is out now . Enrolment is happening now with a 10% discount on courses until 25 August: www.wmcollege.ac.uk/courses

Supporting RCOs Project
Strengthening the capacity of London’s Migrant and Refugee Community Organisations. Read the lastest news from the project here.

London Thyroid Patients Support Group
8th July 2017, 11am – 2pm, Patients Voices event at Crown Court Church, Russell Street, Covent Garden, London WC2B 5EZ http://thyroidfriends.weebly.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.

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

National

Social Prescribing Update: Why do vulnerable people need statutory services to help them access their own community?
An interesting article on community and social care from Mark Gamsu who concludes his article with this point:
“It is very important that statutory organisations such as big NHS providers, Clinical Commissioning Groups and those professionals funded by the state like GPs understand that it is not good enough to just design pathways that reconnect people with communities.
Communities are not just waiting with lots of spare capacity for people to be referred to them. They need investment too – the Rotherham Social Prescribing scheme, one of the biggest in the country invests two thirds of its resources in local community and voluntary organisations.
We should support social prescribing and personalisation pathways but commissioners need to give at least as much weight to investing in grass roots community organisations and building their capacity.” Read the full article here.

Are Social Housing Tenants Being Sidelined?
The fall out from the Grenfell tower fire has sparked a wide ranging debate from social housing to deregulation. The Guardian has a coruscating article on the disempowerment of ordinary residents as housing estates have been modernised and redeveloped.

FUNDING

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

Greggs Foundation – Local Community Projects Fund
The Local Community Projects Fund helps organisations based in local communities to deliver projects or provide equipment to people in need at the heart of our local communities. The programme is administered by seven charity committees throughout England, Wales and Scotland. Please visit https://www.greggsfoundation.org.uk/grants/local-community-projects-fund for more details.
The Deadline for applications is 24 June.

VAC EVENTS

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.

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

OTHER EVENTS

Camden Adult Community Learning Service and partners Choices and Opportunities Day
Tuesday 11 July 9:30am-1:00pm at Working Men’s College, Maurice Hall, 44 Crowndale Road, NW1
We will be providing adults 19+ with information and advice about learning, training, employment and volunteering opportunities in Camden and the support services that can help them access those opportunities. We are targeting adults with low skills who may have been out of education or employment for a while and would benefit from our support to move forward.
Please forward this information onto your clients, networks, learners and contacts as appropriate.
If you know anyone, or if you would like more information about this event, please call us on 020 7974 2148, email us at adultlearning@camden.gov.uk or visit the Camden website

Free Employability Workshops
Castlehaven Community Association invites you to attend a series of FOUR workshops covering everything you need to know about getting your first job. The workshops will be delivered by one of our boroughs young and inspiring entrepreneurs.
You’ll learn:
How to choose the career that is right for you
How to create a captivating CV
How to make social media work for you
How to conduct a winning interview
The workshops will be held at our centre on: Tuesday, July 4th/11th/18th/25th from 7-8pm.
To REGISTER your place, please send an email to lisa@castlehaven.org.uk or call us on 020 7458 3386. *This programme is only open to young people aged 16-21*

Follow the Silk Road
Free Summer School for those aged 21 or over.
Evenings from 31 July to 5 August 2017 5.30 – 7:30 PM
at Russell Square: College Buildings
Full details at the SOAS 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

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

JOBS AND VOLUNTEERING

Latin American House is recruiting two posts:
Deputy manager
40 hours per week and Generous package inc. annual salary £21,840, pension entitlement, 25 days paid holidays + bank holidays
We are looking for a bilingual (Spanish-English) practitioner to join our small nursery based in Kilburn, Northwest London. The ideal candidate will have Level 3 childcare qualifications or above, will be passionate about educating young children and committed to the ongoing success of the nursery. They will have experience working with children with special needs.
Must be able to work shifts between 8 am and 6 pm, Monday to Friday.
This is a permanent contract, to start 29 August 2017.
Closing date for applications: 14 July 2017, 5pm.
Interview date: 21 July 2017.
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Lunch time assistant
15 hours per week, Monday to Friday 11 am to 2 pm
Salary: £8.00 an hour
We are looking for someone who can help the nursery staff with a range of tasks, including cleaning, shopping and washing up before and after the lunch time period.
The candidate will also support children at lunch time to help them to develop independence skills, and to encourage healthy eating.
This is a permanent contract, to start in September 2017.
Closing date for applications: 14 July 2017.
Interview date: 21 July 2017.
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Applications forms and more information available at:
www.casalatina.org.uk

Opening Doors London Vacancies
See the Opening Doors website for details of current vacancies across London.

KTCF Farm Operations Manager
Full time – 37.5hrs per week, including regular weekend & evening work.
6 month contract, to start ASAP. £29,000 pro-rata.
Kentish Town City Farm is 45 years old, and was the first City Farm in the UK, as well as being the birthplace of the Federation of City Farms & Community Gardens. We have a strong history and amazing connection to our local communities.
After a challenging few years, we are now looking ambitiously to the future, and to exciting plans to further develop our services and facilities for the benefit of our local community. We want to attract an experienced manager who shares our values and mission, and has the right mix of skills to help to take our organisation to the next level.
The successful candidate will be required to undertake a DBS check.
You can apply for this role online through the Charity Job website, or simply email your CV & covering letter to info@ktcityfarm.org.uk
Charity Job link: https://www.charityjob.co.uk/jobs/farm-operations-manager/513958?tsId=8
If you would like to discuss any part of this role, our CEO Gus Alston will be happy to speak with you
07387 562 296 email Gus@ktcityfarm.org.uk

Maiden Lane Community Centre seeks Director of Operations
Closing date Wednesday 12 July 2017
Full details and how to apply on the Maiden Lane Community Centre website.

Apprenticeships with Camden Council
· Carpentry
· Welding
· Plastering
· Bricklaying
Apprentices will be working on occupied and void properties both internally and externally
Salary will range from £13,046 to £14,642 dependent on age and experience
Open to CAMDEN residents and those that have attended CAMDEN School aged 16 to no upper age limit with GCSE’s A-D or equivalent qualifications
Please apply by Friday 14th July. Candidates must be available for an information session on Thursday 20th July and Assessments on 24th July. Interviews will be the week beginning 31st July.
The hours are Monday to Friday, which includes one day at college. There will be an opportunity to go onto higher levels. Please contact 0207 974 5161 to apply for the positions.

Camden Futures Seeking Parent Volunteers in the Community
Camden Futures is recruiting parent volunteers to become Community Connectors and support Camden parents to access community resources. Apply via info@elfridacamden.org.uk or call Francesca on 020 7424 1622. Compulsory training will run on 7th, 14th and 21st July 2017.

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.

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

OFFERS, RESOURCES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

Voluntary Action Camden e-bulletin 30th June 2017

by Kevin Nunan30 June 2017

Highlights

Chalcots Estate Evacuation; Camden Mela 2017; Camden Health Kick Gypsy Roma Traveller History Month; Mini Mela at Regent’s Place; Camden Adult Community Learning Service Choices and Opportunities Day; Queens Square Fair; Gangsta Granny Fundraiser; Free Employability Workshops; Follow the Silk Road; + funding, jobs, volunteers, events, training, offers and resources.

Feature

Response to Chalcots Estate Evacuation

Following a review of tower block safety in Camden after the Grenfell tragedy Camden council evacuated residents from four blocks on the Chalcots Estate last Saturday. Inevitably such a major emergency operation will be public sector led, with Camden council taking the lead. However, the voluntary and community sector got involved where it could. The council’s strategic partners provided volunteers to complement the army of council staff that were mobilized and local organisations such as the Winch have put on activities for the residents and their families. Camden CAB and Camden Law Centre are offering advice and many other local organisations are doing what they can. You can read Camden’s statement here and an article in this week’s Camden New Journal on the trials and tribulations of the Chalcots Estate residents. The latest twist in this tale comes in today’s Guardian which suggest that Rydon, the company that clad Grenfell tower and the Chalcots Estate are threatening to sue the council over comments made by the leader.
Clearly this is a national story which has only just started. Meanwhile, our directory of Camden voluntary and community organisations can be found here.

NEWS & POLICY

Camden Health Kick
A new intergenerational healthy living project has arrived in Camden and it’s called Camden Health Kick. This project is a consortium between Queens Crescent Community Centre, Kentish Town City Farm, and Castlehaven Community Centre funded by the council for 3 years. The aim is to address health inequalities in the borough as well as improve health and wellbeing of isolated and deprived families by offering various amounts of free healthy living activities. Healthy living activities include; gardening, healthy cooking, fitness/sporting sessions, free 6-month gym membership, farm crafting, horse care sessions, health awareness workshops, health checks, and money management workshops. People of all ages will have the opportunity to engage with other members of the community as well as build tangible intergenerational bonds.
www.camdenhealthkick.org.uk Email: Charmaine@qcca.org.uk Call: 020 7267 6635 ext. 227

Gypsy Roma Traveller History Month London
To celebrate GRTHM the Traveller Movement is hosting an art exhibition displaying culture, photography, poetry and much more. Work has come in from members of the GRT community as well as people who work within these communities.
The exhibition is an enlightening showcase of culture and heritage as well a walk around the work that the Traveller Movement has done throughout the years.
The exhibition will run until the end of July, at Resource for London from 9am – 5pm. The address for this exhibition is RFL, 356 Holloway Road, London, N7 6PA.

Embrace South Asian culture – Mini Mela at Regent’s Place
• Bollywood dance performance • Henna painting
• Arts and crafts • Traditional South Asian games
• Samples of food from local restaurants
• Rickshaw rides • Free massages
Friday 7th July 3:30pm – 7:00pm
Visit Regent’s Place Plaza to celebrate diversity and embrace the vibrant South Asian culture with a feast of local food, art, music and dance.
Regent’s Place Plaza, Triton Square, Regent’s Place, London, NW1 3HF. For more information please contact info@regentsplace.com

Queens Square Fair
Saturday 1st July, noon – 5pm, Food, arts and crafts, live music, bouncy castle.

Gangsta Granny Fundraiser for Age UK Camden
There’s a special gala fundraising night of the stage show Gangsta Granny on Friday July 28 at the Garrick Theatre in London’s West End, with all proceeds going to Age UK Camden. Neal Foster, the show’s producer, is a befriender for the charity’s NW3 Good Neighbours Service and is donating the night’s takings to the service. There will be an auction of money can’t buy prizes after the performance plus an after-show party where audience members can meet the cast.
Tickets from £21: https://www.nimaxtheatres.com/garrick-theatre/david_walliams_gangsta_granny

Free Employability Workshops
Castlehaven Community Association invites you to attend a series of FOUR workshops covering everything you need to know about getting your first job. The workshops will be delivered by one of our boroughs young and inspiring entrepreneurs.
You’ll learn:
How to choose the career that is right for you
How to create a captivating CV
How to make social media work for you
How to conduct a winning interview
The workshops will be held at our centre on: Tuesday, July 4th/11th/18th/25th from 7-8pm.
To REGISTER your place, please send an email to lisa@castlehaven.org.uk or call us on 020 7458 3386. *This programme is only open to young people aged 16-21*

Follow the Silk Road
Free Summer School for those aged 21 or over.
Evenings from 31 July to 5 August 2017 5.30 – 7:30 PM
at Russell Square: College Buildings
Full details at the SOAS website.

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

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

Maiden Lane Community Centre, Camden Apprenticeships, Clean Break, Camden Disability Action, Apprenticeships; Lauderdale House, Healthy Hands, Holy Cross Centre Trust, Latin American House, Project Embrace, Elfrida Rathbone, SHAK, 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

National

FUNDING

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

VAC EVENTS

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

OTHER EVENTS

Wall Climbing for people with disabilities – Launching 30th June 2017
Fridays
7pm – 8pm – Climbing for people who are blind or partially sighted
8pm – 9pm – Climbing for wheelchair users and people with physical disabilities
Ages 16+ £5 per session per person
Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre, Adelaide Rd, Camden Town, London NW3 3NF
For more information and to register your interest, please email or call Swiss Cottage Climbing Centre:
swisscottageclimbing@gll.org 020 7974 1351. Try your first session free of charge

Best Practice Plus Workshop, Forum and Lunch
Join Volunteer Centre Camden for the first ever Best Practice Plus volunteer management workshop ‘Handling Difficult Conversation With Volunteers’.
In one morning, this workshop will cover:
~ Identifying situations that would result in a difficult conversation
~ How to make sure the conversation goes as smoothly as possible (including preparation, timing and effective communication)
~ Next steps (including dealing with the potential fall out) after the conversation
~ Practical things you can do to avoid difficult conversations in the first place
The workshop will be followed by a networking lunch and an open forum where we can talk about anything to do with volunteer-management. 4th July, 10am – 1.30pm
Information and booking at the VCC 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 PPG Forum – Thursday 6 July 5pm – 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
~ Transforming mental health services in Camden
At The Arlington Conference Centre, 220 Arlington Road, NW1 7HE.
The venue is wheelchair accessible, and refreshments will be provided. Full details here.
If you would like to attend, please email engagement@camdenccg.nhs.uk.

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

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

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

JOBS AND VOLUNTEERING

Opening Doors London Vacancies
See the Opening Doors webiste for details of current vacancies across London.

Maiden Lane Community Centre seeks Director of Operations
Closing date Wednesday 12 July 2017
Full details and how to apply on the Maiden Lane Community Centre website.

Clean Break seeks Cleaner
Full details and apply online at the Clean Break website.

Camden Disability Action seeks Community Development Worker
3 days per week. £28,485 plus London Weighting Pro rata Flexible with some evenings and weekends. (Initially for a three month period)
CDA works with deaf and disabled people from all communities living or working in the London Borough of Camden. CDA seeks to identify and reduce health inequalities, address current gaps in services and support and enable deaf and disabled people to actively engage both in their personal lives and in the activities of the wider community.
CDA now wants to recruit an experienced Community Development Worker to work with the management committee and members to support this user led organisation through a period of opportunity and change.
Job application pack is on the VAC website. For further details about the organisation please go to the CDA website www.camdendisabilityaction.org.uk. For further details about the post contact Kevin Nunan. knunan@vac.org.uk. 020 7284 6550. Closing date Monday 3rd July. Interviews will be held on Friday 7th July.

Age UK Camden seeks Communications and Marketing Officer
28 hours per week Salary: Scale SO1 SP29-31 £29,424 to £31,141 pa pro rata
Permanent Contract Based at Tavis House WC1H
As Communications & Marketing Officer, you will lead on delivering Age UK Camden’s marketing and communications activities, and have previous experience of working within the voluntary sector or similar with exceptional writing, communication, networking and creative skills.
For further details and an application form visit our website www.ageukcamden.org.uk. email recruitment@ageukcamden.org.uk or telephone 020 7239 0400. No CVs, no agencies please.
Closing date is Monday 26th June 2017 9 am. Interviews will be held on Monday 10th July 2017

Lauderdale House seeks part-time part-time Marketing & Events Assistant
part-time Marketing & Events Assistant
This is a hands-on role for an excellent communicator with initiative who will enjoy the variety of challenges each day, is a good problem solver and is target driven. It is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the operation of a small arts centre and make a difference by helping build our visitor numbers, ticket sales and events and obtain experience across a range of customer facing arenas.. Closing date 8am Monday 3 July.
Further information at http://www.lauderdalehouse.org.uk/page.asp?ID=51&PID=8

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.

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

OFFERS, RESOURCES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

Voluntary Action Camden e-bulletin 23rd June 2017

by Kevin Nunan23 June 2017

Highlights

Social Prescribing Seminar; Refugee Week; Submission to the Camden Commission; VAC Communications Survey; Parent & Carer drop-in at the Winch; Recovery College: Summer courses; Kingsgate Workshops Open Studio Weekend; Wall Climbing for people with disabilities; Camden Town Station Consultation + funding, jobs, volunteers, events, training, offers and resources.

Feature

Social Prescribing Seminar. 27th June

2pm – 5pm at St Pancras and Somers Town Living Centre, 2 Ossulston Street, NW1 1DF
Voluntary Action Camden and the St Pancras and Somers Town Living Centre are holding a seminar on Social Prescribing. The aim of the event is to hear about initiatives happening nationally, with a particular focus on London. We also want to collate the examples of social prescribing that already exist in the Borough. This will enable us to create one point of access to this information, help us to appreciate the spectrum of activity that is taking place and share knowledge and skills. It will also provide us with the basis for a discussion on how to effectively build on the work to date to further develop a social prescribing model that suits the Camden context and enhances the wellbeing of local residents.
You can read a briefing on Social Prescribing here, previous blogs here and view more about our work in this area with Health Advocates on the VAC website.
Places on the seminar are limited and must be booked via Eventbrite
There is also a questionnaire that we would be very grateful if you would complete and return to us as soon as possible. We will then collate this information and circulate to all participants.
If you would like any further information please contact Donna Turnbull dturnbull@vac.org.uk or Simone Hensby shensby@vac.org.uk. 0207 284 6550.

NEWS & POLICY

Refugee Week
This week is Refugee Week and is an opportunity to share stories about the people and communities building #OurSharedFuture. Read more in the Refugee Week News. The British Museum are hosting a day of free Refugee Week events taking place on Sunday 25th June.

Submission to the Camden Commission – Get Involved
The Camden Community Cohesion Monitoring Group (3CMG)
VAC and 3 Faiths Forum (3FF) have been working with a range of organisations including faith and non-faith, public sector, voluntary and community sector organisations to consider a community cohesion monitoring group for Camden.
The 3CMG was initiated as a complementary initiative to the current Faith Leaders’ Forum administered by Camden Council. The 3CMG is committed to complementing the work of Camden Council in bridging and bonding communities. We aim to establish a mutually agreeable relationship with the Council as we progress.
The 3CMG is open to people and organisations that may describe themselves as faith based or non-faith based. This is because we believe community cohesion requires a broad based and holistic approach.
We encourage people of religious faith and non-religious belief living and working in Camden to come together to address issues of common concern that threaten to weaken cohesion efforts. We want to celebrate what people of difference can achieve together in our super-diverse borough of Camden.
We would appreciate your time and support by filling out this questionnaire and returning it to giulia@3ff.org.uk by Friday 30 June. This information will be included in the 3CMG Submission to the Camden Commission.

Kingsgate Workshops Open Studio Weekend
Saturday and Sunday, 24th and 25th June, noon – 6pm.
Full details at the Kingsgate Workshop website.

Camden Town Station Consultation
TfL invite your views on proposals to improve capacity and provide step-free access from street to train at Camden Town station.
The proposals would ease congestion in the station, create more space to change between trains and improve accessibility.
For full details and to share your views, please visit tfl.gov.uk/camden-town-upgrade
We will be holding a public exhibition at the Trinity United Reformed Church, Buck Street, NW1 8NJ at the following times:
Thursday 13 and Friday 14 July: 12.00 until 20:00
Saturday 15 July: 11:00 until 16:00.

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

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

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

National

FUNDING

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

Greggs Foundation – Environmental Grants – Deadline 24 June
The environmental grants programme aims to improve peoples lives by improving the environment. The programme is administered by seven charity committees throughout England, Scotland and Wales. Organisations may only apply once per calendar year for this grant.
Please visit https://www.greggsfoundation.org.uk/environmental-grant for more details.

Arts Award Access Fund
The Access Fund provides grants of between £100-£1500 to Arts Award centres working on Arts Award projects with young people for whom access and inclusion is an issue.
Please visit http://www.artsaward.org.uk/site/?id=1975 for more information.
Deadlines for applications: Round 2: 18 September 2017 to 5 pm 20th October 2017. 2018 – Round 1: TBC

VAC EVENTS

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

OTHER EVENTS

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

Get Moving Into Work
16 – 24 and looking for work?
Find work and keep fit.
~ Gain life and work skills
~ free football, dance and fitness session
~ one-to-one support and guidance
~ work placement opportunities
Mondays – Thursdays 10am – 2pm at Corams Fields Youth Centre, 93 Guilford Street, London WC1N
streetleague.co.uk

Centre 404’s AGM and Summer Garden Party Thursday 13th July 2017
We would love you to come to Centre 404’s AGM and Summer Garden Party. From 5pm, at Centre 404, on Thursday 13th July 2017. rsvp 020 7607 8762 or general@centre404.org.uk

Camden PPG Forum – Thursday 6 July 5pm – 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.
At The Arlington Conference Centre, 220 Arlington Road, NW1 7HE.
The venue is wheelchair accessible, and refreshments will be provided. Full details here.
If you would like to attend, please email engagement@camdenccg.nhs.uk.

Free ‘After School Cook’n’Eat on a Budget’ course
From: June 14, 2017 at 4:00pm to: Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at 5:30pm
Castlehaven Community Association, The Haven Cafe, The Haven, 23 Castlehaven Road, NW1 8RU
Always wanted to know how to cook healthy meals on a budget? With the added joy of learning this with your child/ren whilst gaining skills in cookery, using kitchen equipment and then eating what you have created together?
Well, why not join our Camden Health Kick – After School Cook’n’Eat On A Budget course. Parents, carers and children are welcome to attend this completely free course. All ingredients, equipment and tutor are provided. All you need to do is come along with your child/ren.
Course starts on Wednesday, 14th June till – 26th July 2017, from 4pm till 5.30pm for six weeks. If you cannot get on to this course our next one is in Sept.
Please email Tricia Richards to register yourself and your child/ren on this course or if you would like more information : tricia@castlehaven.org.uk

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.

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
Healthwatch Camden aims 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
Please RSVP to info@healthwatchcamden.co.uk letting us know of any dietary/access requirements.

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

JOBS AND VOLUNTEERING

Maiden Lane Community Centre seeks Director of Operations
Closing date Wednesday 12 July 2017
Full details and how to apply on the Maiden Lane Community Centre website.

Clean Break seeks Cleaner
Full details and apply online at the Clean Break website.

Apprenticeships with Camden Council
· Carpentry
· Welding
· Plastering
· Bricklaying
Apprentices will be working on occupied and void properties both internally and externally
Salary will range from £13,046 to £14,642 dependent on age and experience
Open to CAMDEN residents and those that have attended CAMDEN School aged 16 to no upper age limit with GCSE’s A-D or equivalent qualifications
Please apply by Friday 14th July. Candidates must be available for an information session on Thursday 20th July and Assessments on 24th July. Interviews will be the week beginning 31st July.
The hours are Monday to Friday, which includes one day at college. There will be an opportunity to go onto higher levels
We look forward to receiving your referrals. Please contact the centre on 0207 974 5161 to apply for the positions and speak to an employment and training officer.

Age UK Camden seeks Communications and Marketing Officer
28 hours per week Salary: Scale SO1 SP29-31 £29,424 to £31,141 pa pro rata
Permanent Contract Based at Tavis House WC1H
As Communications & Marketing Officer, you will lead on delivering Age UK Camden’s marketing and communications activities, and have previous experience of working within the voluntary sector or similar with exceptional writing, communication, networking and creative skills.
For further details and an application form visit our website www.ageukcamden.org.uk. email recruitment@ageukcamden.org.uk or telephone 020 7239 0400. No CVs, no agencies please.
Closing date for the above post is Monday 26th June 2017 9 am
Interviews will be held on Monday 10th July 2017

Lauderdale House seeks part-time Book-Keeper and part-time Marketing & Events Assistant
part-time Book-Keeper
Following a major refurbishment we are significantly expanding our activity and income and are looking for a Book-Keeper / Administrator to join our friendly team. The appointment is part-time and initially offered at 15 hours per week but as the programme expands we anticipate there will be scope to increase the number of hours. We’re looking for someone with an understanding and experience of the accounting principles specifically relating to charities and an interest in the arts and/or heritage. Closing date 8am Monday 26 June.
Further information at http://www.lauderdalehouse.org.uk/page.asp?ID=51&PID=8
part-time Marketing & Events Assistant
This is a hands-on role for an excellent communicator with initiative who will enjoy the variety of challenges each day, is a good problem solver and is target driven. It is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the operation of a small arts centre and make a difference by helping build our visitor numbers, ticket sales and events and obtain experience across a range of customer facing arenas.. Closing date 8am Monday 3 July.
Further information at http://www.lauderdalehouse.org.uk/page.asp?ID=51&PID=8

HameStart Camden Family Support Volunteer
Are you a parent, grandparent or have parenting experience?
Can you give 3 – 4 hours weekly to visit a family with young children who may be going through a difficult time? Enhance your skills with our training, supervision and fulfilling volunteer role
Next Preparation Course Starting 4th to 27th July Every Tuesday & Thursday 6pm to 9pm
Certificates awarded & expenses paid
For information pack ring 020 7424 1603 or email: info@homestartcamden.org or www.homestartcamden.org.uk

Vacancy at the Refugee Therapy Centre: Chief Executive Officer
The Refugee Therapy Centre is looking for an experienced Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to supervise and manage all strategic and business aspects of the charity. The post has been made available by the retirement of the previous CEO and founder of the Charity.
£30,000 up to £35,000 (pro-rata) according to skills and experience
Deadline: 6pm on 30th June 2017
This is a 12 month contract with six months probationary period. Subject to review
To apply, please send a copy of your recent CV with contact details of two referees and a covering letter detailing your suitability for the role to:
Refugee Therapy Centre, 1A Leeds Place, Tollington Park, London N4 3RF.
Suitable candidates will be interviewed on Wednesday, 12 July 2017. For further information, please write to: info@refugeetherapy.org.uk

Heath Hands seeks Project Assistant
We’re launching an exciting new Community Outreach [http://heath-hands.org.uk/cms/community-outreach] project and are looking for a part-time Project Assistant to help deliver it. Heath Hands is the volunteer organisation for Hampstead Heath.
More information: http://heath-hands.org.uk/cms/jobs

Holy Cross Centre Trust is seeking volunteers
The Holy Cross Centre Trust works to promote the inclusion of socially isolated and marginalized individuals. We accomplish our work through innovative projects that support people’s desire to be active in their community, apart of social networks, and valued for what they can give back, as opposed to what they need. Based at 8 Fairhazel Gardens London NW6, HCCT is seeking volunteers for a variety of roles which you can view here.

Latin American House seeks Spanish Saturday School Teachers
We are looking for teachers who are passionate about teaching children to join our Children’s Spanish Saturday School (for primary school ages 5-11 years) starting in September 2017
You will be a native Spanish speaker, with experience of teaching children and with a teaching qualification, preferably in modern foreign languages (we accept non-UK teaching qualifications)
Hours of Work: 5 hours per week every Saturday during term time.
Hourly rate: £10 per hour plus generous paid annual leave entitlement (to be taken outside term-time)
Location: Kilburn, London. This is a permanent contract.
Full details of this position are available from:
www.casalatina.org.uk (Get Involved/Job Vacancies)
The Spanish Saturday School is part of Latin American House’s Children’s Education Project.
Closing date for applications: 20 June 2017. Interview dates: 6 and 8 July 2017
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
An enhanced DBS check is required for this post.

Project Embrace are recruiting volunteers
Are you ready to become part of the mental health evolution? We are looking for a Director of Sales and a Director of Infrastructure to work closely with our core team to co-found a dynamic culture and ethos that will shape and drive the initial growth and build of a sustainable social enterprise.
Download job advertisement for Director of Infrastructure.
Download job advertisement for Director of Sales.
Apply by the 1st of July.
Email cover letter, 2 references and CV to: applications@project-embrace.com

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.

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

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

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.

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

OFFERS, RESOURCES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

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

Voluntary Action Camden e-bulletin 16th June 2017

by Kevin Nunan16 June 2017

Highlights

VAC Communications Survey; Camden Carers’ Week 2017; Get Moving Into Work; Centre 404’s AGM; Camden PPG Forum; Learning event: Safeguarding and equalities; African EnSlaves Memorial; Free ‘After School Cook’n’Eat on a Budget’ course; Camden Climate Change Alliance: Sustainable transport; + funding, jobs, volunteers, events, training, offers and resources.

Feature

VAC Communications Survey 2017

VAC Communications Survey 2017: Please spare us 10 minutes of
your time to let us know what you think. Do you prefer email, twitter or facebook? Do you find everything you need on our website? How would you like the e-bulletin to develop – should it organisations to communicate with each other, or communicate across sectors? Are you getting enough information or too much? Let us know by completing this brief survey https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/VXLYDKK. You time is appreciated and will help us improve what we do for you.

NEWS & POLICY

Camden Carers’ Week 2017
Camden Carers’ Centre is running a full programme of events at Charlie Ratchford Resource Centre to mark Carers’ Week 2017. Get involved at the Camden Carers’ website.

Get Moving Into Work
16 – 24 and looking for work?
Find work and keep fit.
~ Gain life and work skills
~ free football, dance and fitness session
~ one-to-one support and guidance
~ work placement opportunities
Mondays – Thursdays 10am – 2pm at Corams Fields Youth Centre, 93 Guilford Street, London WC1N
streetleague.co.uk

Camden PPG Forum – Thursday 6 July 5pm – 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.
At The Arlington Conference Centre, 220 Arlington Road, NW1 7HE.
The venue is wheelchair accessible, and refreshments will be provided. Full details here.
If you would like to attend, please email engagement@camdenccg.nhs.uk.

Learning event: Safeguarding and equalities – Race Equality Foundation
Have you ever wanted to train others?
Whether you have some experience or are new to training, our ‘train the trainer’ learning event will help you develop the skills to run a successful training session with confidence.
This is a free learning event for those working with children, young people and families wishing to become and effective trainer and deliver the Safeguarding children, young people and equalities training programme.
The learning event will provide participants with the skills and knowledge to deliver a half or full day session within their organisation and to other colleagues locally. Each participant will be provided with a training pack with all the materials and resources to deliver the training.
The learning objectives are:
~ To provide participants with the opportunity to develop their own knowledge and increase awareness of effective safeguarding practices that meet the needs of ‘protected equality groups’
~ Provide an overview of the safeguarding children, young people and equalities session
~ To enable participants to demonstrate delivery of the training session
Participants will also be supported to run one training programme in their local area.
Lunch will be provided. Full details and booking at Eventbrite.

African EnSlaves Memorial
1st August 2017, 12.30 pm, at the Churchill School, Brent Old Town Hall, 54 Forty Lane, HA9 9HX. The wreath will be laid at the tree by various celebrities and young children. African drumming, poetry and songs by young people and Hebrew scriptures will be read.
23 August, is the actual international slave trade remembrance day commemorative day of freedom each day to mark the anniversary. There will be social educational inter-activities, visiting slaves museums, seaside, walks where the Ancestors walked around London Identifying places and buildings, all are welcome to join us fun time.
Contact Gwen McLeish: culturalhealth@hotmail.com Tel: 07859208764.

Camden Climate Change Alliance: Sustainable transport
Thu 22 June 2017, 14:00 – 16:30 at 5 Pancras Square, Kings Cross.
Introducing sustainable transport initiatives are a great way of reducing your organisation’s environmental impact, particularly around air quality and climate change. Initiatives include:
~ enabling/encouraging active, healthy travel, such as walking and cycling for employees
~ enabling/encouraging travel choice, quality and affordable access to services for all users
Measures such as installing secured cycle parking and changing facilities with showers, introducing flexible and home working policies, amongst others, will enable and support staff and clients to use more sustainable modes of transport. Information and bookings at Eventbrite

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

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

Lauderdale House, Healthy Hands, Holy Cross Centre Trust, Latin American House, Project Embrace, Elfrida Rathbone, SHAK, 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

National

No Minister for Civil Society – But Tracey Crouch MP given the Charities brief
Following the election, the government has announced a replacement for Rob Wilson, the former Civil Society Minister who lost his Reading East seat. Rather than a straight replacement the charities brief has been given to Tracey Crouch MP who is now the Sport and Charities Minister.
There was some confusion as DCMS initially confirmed John Glen MP would take on the Charities Minister role.
Neil Cleeveley, Chief Executive of NAVCA, said;
“Sport and charity are such major parts of our society they each deserve to have a dedicated minister. The confusion over this announcement and the fact that for the first time since 2006 there will not be a minister focused solely on our sector sends out the wrong signals.”
“We should not forget how hard we fought to get our own minister or the reasons why we felt it was so important to have our own voice in government.”
“Tracey Crouch has a good reputation as sports minister but will she have enough time to give our sector the support it deserves?”

Over 20 new MPs with connections to the charity sector
Last week’s election saw the appointment of a number of new MPs with ties to the charity sector, ranging from chief executives of infrastructure bodies to volunteers and trustees.
By looking at information provided on constituency party websites and local news reports Civil Society News has identified 23 new MPs who have experience of the charity sector.
And it’s not just national charities, some even have experience of the local sector – Stephen Morgan, the Chief Executive of Basingstoke Voluntary Action, has been elected MP for Portsmouth South.

FUNDING

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

VAC EVENTS

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

OTHER EVENTS

Camden Carers’ Voice
A forum, for all carers and former carers living in Camden or caring for someone in Camden, to speak up on issues affecting carers
Meeting on Thursday 22 June 2017
NB – this replaces the 8 June meeting
10.30am – 12.30pm At Argenta House, 1 Aspern Grove, Haverstock Hill London NW3
Refreshments from 10am. Light lunch from 12.30pm
~ Information on key benefits that relate to carers and the person for whom they care
~ 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: Phone: Philippa on 020 7697 1336 Email: philippar@centre404.org.uk

“Building Capitalism” in Somers Town
You’re invited to a very special event, on the 20th June at 7pm, professor Linda Clarke, author of “Building Capitalism”, will speak on ‘how did Somers Town come to be?’
Meet locals at 6.45pm at the Basil Jellicoe Community Hall to walk over to the British Library for 7pm, where the talk will be held at the foyle room.
Free to locals; otherwise donations of £10 or £5 concessions. For more details see, www.aspaceforus.club

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

Sleep Hygiene: Getting a good night’s sleep
This event is repeated at different venues
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

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.

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

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

JOBS AND VOLUNTEERING

Age UK Camden seeks Communications and Marketing Officer
28 hours per week Salary: Scale SO1 SP29-31 £29,424 to £31,141 pa pro rata
Permanent Contract Based at Tavis House WC1H
As Communications & Marketing Officer, you will lead on delivering Age UK Camden’s marketing and communications activities, and have previous experience of working within the voluntary sector or similar with exceptional writing, communication, networking and creative skills.
For further details and an application form visit our website www.ageukcamden.org.uk. email recruitment@ageukcamden.org.uk or telephone 020 7239 0400. No CVs, no agencies please.
Closing date for the above post is Monday 26th June 2017 9 am
Interviews will be held on Monday 10th July 2017

Elfrida Rathbone Camden seek part-time Senior Fundraising Manager to work part-time
21 hours a week. Salary: £45,000 – £ £48,000 pro rata. We are at an exciting time in our history of helping people in Camden and North London to realise their potential and contribute to their community. We want to continue to expand, develop and sustain our effective service delivery models for work with families, social action for young disabled people and advocacy support for people who face immense barriers in getting their needs and choices heard. We have created the new post of Senior Fundraising Manager to help us increase the people we can reach through our services and to make sure we work in ways which are most relevant to today’s needs. Through this post we are investing in our future. We will review the success of this post over the first 12 months and subject to funding, our aim is to continue and develop the role.
Closing: 12pm on Monday 19th June. For details and to apply see our website: http://www.elfridacamden.org.uk/work-with-us/

Opening Doors London seeks Member Services Co-ordinator
28 hours per week Scale SO1 £29,424 – £31,141 pro rata
Deadline: 20th June 2017 – 12 noon Interviews: Thursday 29th June 2017
This role will be to provide support to members including:
➢ Supporting sessional workers and volunteers to deliver a wide range of social opportunities
➢ Producing the ODL Listings [our newsletter] and promoting activities via social media
➢ Respond to member enquiries and sign post as appropriate
➢ Ensuring appropriate monitoring and evaluation
We are also keen to increase our diversity, so would particularly welcome applicants from the BME and/or trans* and/or bi communities.
If you are interested in applying for the above post please see the application pack including the full job description and person specification by clicking on the link.

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

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.

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

OFFERS, RESOURCES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

icandance requires additional space and volunteers
Due to our classes expanding, we require an additional hall or dance studio. This is for use on Saturdays during term time 9:00-14:00. Currently based in Fitzjohns Primary School in Hampstead, we are looking for a local venue able to cater for our needs. The space must have parking and be fully accessible. icandance offers children and young people the opportunity to access fun, interactive and therapeutic dance sessions.
icandance is looking for volunteers to support children and young people with disabilities on a weekly basis at our dance classes in Camden and Barnet. Dance session volunteers will get the opportunity to volunteer with a range of children and young people, supporting them in the session and enabling them to have lots of fun. All volunteers will access a volunteer training and development programme with opportunities for specific training and learning.
icandance are also looking for volunteers interested in supporting the charity in admin, caretaking, or support work.
Contact Lewis at Lewis@icandance.org.uk web: http://www.icandance.org.uk/

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

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

Voluntary Action Camden e-bulletin 9th June 2017

by Kevin Nunan9 June 2017

Highlights

Risk Assessment Training; Creativity and Wellbeing Week; Camden Intergenerational Network; Volunteering Best Practice Plus Workshop, Forum and Lunch; Camden Carers’ Voice; icandance; Centre 404; Camden Special Parents Forum: Preparing for Adulthood Workshop; MEWSo Newsletter; Voluntary Arts enews; ; + funding, jobs, volunteers, events, training, offers and resources.

Feature

Creativity and Wellbeing Week 2017

Creativity and Wellbeing week is back and, as always, Camden is host to a great variety of associatedevents. This is a major celebration of arts and health examining different was that creativity supports the health and wellbeing of everyone in society. This is a grass roots festival celebrating hundreds of small organisations and artists helping people to be creative and feel well. You can find the full programme here but some highlights happening in Camden during the week (12 – 18 June 2017) can be found here.

NEWS & POLICY

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

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 Special Parents Forum: Preparing for Adulthood Workshop
When Wednesday 14th June 2017, 10am-2pm (Inc. lunch)
Where Pirate Castle, Oval Road, Camden. (Nearest tube Camden Town or Chalk Farm)
What will adulthood look like for your child? Have you got questions about homes, jobs, friends and relationships for your child as they grow?
It is an essential session for anyone with a child aged 14 or above with SEND.
The aim of the session is to help you think about what aspirations you have for your child’s future, the processes involved in planning for the future, what they have a right to and how you it make it happen.
This workshop will be led by Alicia Wood, Chief Executive of Learning Disability.
To book onto this workshop please email Maria.schultz@kids.org.uk call or text 07711 767258, or call the KIDS office on 0207 359 3635 and ask for Rachel or Maria.

MEWSo Newsletter
aims to defend and protect women from violence both at home and in the wider community
You can read issue 20 of the newsletter online here.

Voluntary Arts enews
Read updates on what Voluntary Arts are doing to promote creative cultural activity across the UK and Republic of Ireland, as well as news on funding, jobs and training opportunities. Read the enews 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.

Healthy Hands, Holy Cross Centre Trust, Latin American House, Project Embrace, 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

National

Minister for Civil Society Rob Wilson has lost his seat in Parliament
Former Minister for Civil Society Rob Wilson has lost his Reading East seat in the 2017 General Election.
Meanwhile Labour’s Shadow Minister for Civil Society Steve Reed has held his Croydon North seat with an improved majority and over 74 per cent of the vote. Full story in Charity Times.

FUNDING

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

BBC Children in Need Main Grants Programme 2017 Deadlines Announced
Large grants of over £10,000 are available to support projects for up to three years. Not-for-profit organisations in the UK can apply if they are supporting children and young people of 18 years and under who are experiencing disadvantage through:
~ Illness, distress, abuse or neglect.
~ Any kind of disability.
~ Behavioural or psychological difficulties.
~ Living in poverty or situations of deprivation.
2017 Deadlines for applications: 1 June, 1 September, and 1 December 2017.
Please visit http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3XW7FvN20PD3xr2c1T62Xly/main-grants for more information.

VAC EVENTS

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

OTHER EVENTS

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

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

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

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.

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: 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

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

JOBS AND VOLUNTEERING

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

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

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.

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

OFFERS, RESOURCES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

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

Voluntary Action Camden e-bulletin 2nd June 2017

by Kevin Nunan2 June 2017

Highlights

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.

Feature

It’s Volunteers Week 2017

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.

NEWS & POLICY

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

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

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

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

National

Maps of Poverty in Camden
The Ham and High has published five maps that show how Camden’s richest and poorest live right next to each other. You can view the maps on the Ham and High webiste http://bit.ly/2rX8Bqe

Guardian Warns that New Volunteers Are Needed to Fill Gaps in Public Services
In a controversial (and rather muddled) article the Guardian claims that Volunteers now make a £23billion contribution to running public services and that more volunteers are needed. Yet in a recent survey of charities, recuiting volunteers was a long way down the priority list and overall volunteer numbers have remained unchanged for 20 years. The numbers may suggest that many potential volunteers are wary of being used simply to substitute for workers rather than as a unique role, valued in it’s own right.

FUNDING

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.

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.

VAC EVENTS

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

OTHER 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.

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

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.

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

JOBS AND VOLUNTEERING

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/

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.

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

OFFERS, RESOURCES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

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.

Voluntary Action Camden e-bulletin 26th May 2017

by Kevin Nunan26 May 2017

Highlights

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.

Feature

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.

NEWS & POLICY

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

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.

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

National

Gagging Act Becomes ‘Permanent’
In an unprecedented series of events the ‘gagging act’ has become ‘permanent’. It was controversial when it was only supposed to apply to the year running up to a general election. The act fixing parliamentary terms had been passed so what could go wrong? Two things: a snap election and then the Electoral Commission’s decision to back date the gagging act so that large charities and Trades Union affected were in the controlled period of the act from last summer – though they could not have known that then. Full story in Third Force News.
Fortunately local charities are rarely affected by the Act. Just be sure to follow out advice on the VAC website. vac.org.uk/election-time-campaigning-with-confidence-dos-and-donts/

Politiciants Told: Engage with the voluntary Sector
Ten national umbrella charities wrote a letter to all of the main political parties asking them to work with the voluntary sector. There is a frustration that since Brexit, many issues that the voluntary sector cares deeply about have slipped down the political agenda. There has also been a longer term trend of politicians failing to properly consult – as identified in last month’s report from the Lords Select Committee on Charities report. Full story in Third Sector.

FUNDING

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

VAC EVENTS

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.

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

OTHER EVENTS

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

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

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

JOBS AND VOLUNTEERING

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/

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

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.

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

OFFERS, RESOURCES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

Voluntary Action Camden e-bulletin 19th May 2017

by Kevin Nunan19 May 2017

Highlights

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.

Feature

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

NEWS & POLICY

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

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 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

National

A Manifesto for building and supporting communities
NCVO has published a manifesto for local communities, recognising that they are likely to continue to face significant financial challenges over the next Parliament. Under current spending plans, local authorities are having to reduce their expenditure, with implications for many of the services they provide. At the same time, demographic pressures are increasing demand for the services they and other local commissioners, such as NHS trusts, currently provide. NCVO’s main proposal is to use dormant assets money to kickstart local community foundations, such as Camden Giving.
NCVO has also published a general manifesto for the wider Charity sector.

A Manifesto for Public Service Ethos-Based Public Procurement And Contracting
John Tizard, writing in the Huffington Post advocates for a policy debate about the efficacy of public service outsourcing and the need to focus public sector contracts on organisations that can demonstrate a commitment to and the practice of a public service ethos, and proposes that all organisations bidding for public service contracts should require bidders to demonstrate:
~ clear transparency on ownership and the location of the controlling companies where there is complex business ownership
~ transparency of financial performance and internal company payments where these could be material to a public sector contract
~ a commitment to pay fair and appropriate taxation in line with national fiscal policy; and clear transparency of tax policy and payments
~ high quality employment practices including fair pay (no zero based contracts) and the payment of at least the Living Wage; good continuous professional development (CPD) policy and practice, and effective talent management
~ trade union recognition and rights
~ staff involvement in decision making beyond the requirements of the current regulatory requirements
~ reasonable ratios between the highest and lowest pay of all staff including senior directors and chief executives (a government may wish to set this ratio)
~ sustainable environmental policies and practices
~ sound corporate social responsibility policies and practices
~ exemplary governance inside the provider and any controlling companies
~ commitment to ‘profit share’, ‘profit capping’, cap the rate of return to investors, etc
~ commitment to ‘joint venture’ and exemplary ‘partnership’ based contracting and contractual relations with independent ‘non-executives’ and stakeholder involvement
~ adoption of business models that match the requirements and expectations of the public sector and the public include social value goals
~ ethical procurement, and supply chain policies and practices that reflect the above; and similar practices across the provider including any non-public sector business
Full story in the Huffington Post.

FUNDING

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

VAC EVENTS

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.

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

OTHER 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

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.

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

JOBS AND VOLUNTEERING

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

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.

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

OFFERS, RESOURCES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

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.