Newsletter Archives - Page 43 of 54 - Voluntary Action Camden

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 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 Guildford 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

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

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

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*

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

OTHER EVENTS

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 – 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

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

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

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

Opening Doors London Vacancies
See the Opening Doors webiste 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.

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. Please contact 0207 974 5161 to apply for the positions.

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

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

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.

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

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 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

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

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

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

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.

Voluntary Action Camden e-bulletin 12th May 2017

by Kevin Nunan12 May 2017

Highlights

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

Feature

Voting and Disabilities

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

NEWS & POLICY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

National

UK Civil Society Almanac 2017
The Almanac is an online publication which combines data from charities’ accounts, administrative data and surveys to map the structure and economy of the UK voluntary sector.
There are lots of possible applications – you could use it…
~ to inform your strategy writing
~ to help with your financial planning
~ to benchmark your organisation
~ for staff training or board presentations
~ to adapt your campaigns or policy work
NCVO’s policy officer has highlighted some interesting data relating to local government and the sector. Read the thread on twitter here.
The graph for voluntary and volunteering infrastructure shows the steep fall in support.
You can view the Almanac online.

Charities Should Define Their Relationship With The State Before They’re Boxed In
John Tizard urges charities to engage with the election and help clarify when the voluntary sector should get involved in services and when they shouldn’t and also ensure that the debate is more than just about service delivery. Full story at Huffington Post.

FUNDING

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

VAC EVENTS

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

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

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

OTHER EVENTS

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

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

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

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

JOBS AND VOLUNTEERING

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

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

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

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

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 5th May 2017

by Kevin Nunan5 May 2017

Highlights

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

Feature

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.

NEWS & POLICY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

National

NCVO tells politicians to support volunteering and grant funding
NCVO has called on the government to widen access to volunteering and improve the availability of grant funding, in its election manifesto published today.
In Charities and volunteering make Britain great, the umbrella body has outlined five key points for political parties to consider when drawing up policies about charities.
NCVO said that small and local charities could “do much more” if there was more grant funding.
The manifesto suggests that the government “create a legacy for small and local charities for a generation to come” using money freed up from dormant accounts to create endowment funds that could be run by community foundations. It also suggests buying local community assets, such as pubs and green spaces, to “put them in the control of local people”.
It also called for reforms to public sector commissioning, suggesting that public bodies “should use grant funding instead of large contracts”, and arguing that when public bodies do use contracts, they should take more account of the “wider social value”. Full story at Civil Society

Social Action and People with Complex Needs
The Office for Civil Society and the All Party Parliamentary Group for Dual Diagnosis and Complex Needs are gathering evidence about how social action can drive better services for people with complex needs. The evidence will be presented at an event in June chaired by the Minister for Civil Society, and a report will be published later in the year, with best practice examples identified through the review. The deadline for evidence is Sat 20th May. For more information please click here.

Communities – 9 ways to break them
Julia Unwin, Chair of the Independent Inquiry into the Future of Civil Society has written an interesting (and brief) article – “Communities – 9 ways to break them”. It should be required reading for everyone interested in the future of civil society. Read the article online here.

Eight page spread on community assets in the Sunday Mirror
In case you missed it – last weekend’s Sunday Mirror ran an eight page supplement on People Power – the power of community assets to transform communities. View the article here.

FUNDING

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

VAC EVENTS

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

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

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

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

OTHER EVENTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

JOBS AND VOLUNTEERING

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

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

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

OFFERS, RESOURCES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

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

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

Voluntary Action Camden e-bulletin 28th April 2017

by Kevin Nunan28 April 2017

Highlights

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

Feature

The Camden Commission would like to hear from you

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

NEWS & POLICY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

National

Public Sector Outsourcing, Social Value and the Human Touch
There has been a call for political parties to commit to an inquiry into public service outsourcing. John Tizard writes: “Given the history of public service outsourcing over the last several decades under Labour and Conservative Government and local authorities, this general election provides an opportunity for political manifestos to commit either a pause in outsourcing pending an evidence based review of what has gone before. Over the last few decades governments have never adopted a consistent narrative as to the reason to promote why they have favoured outsourcing – the arguments have ranged from a means of adding capacity to addressing underperformance to cost cutting to offering service users choice. This lack of consistency has been confusing and obfuscates accountability including the public’s ability to decide whether or not the outsourcing has been successful.”
He also calls for all parties to “commit to strengthening the Social Value Act and requiring all public procuring bodies to ensure wider considerations than price and service standards…”
At the same time there have been calls for the public sector to rethink it’s reliance on digital solutions and technology and reconsider the importance of face-to-face interatcion. Story in the Guardian.

FUNDING

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

VAC EVENTS

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

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

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

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

OTHER EVENTS

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

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

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

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

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

JOBS AND VOLUNTEERING

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

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

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

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