Newsletter Archives - Page 47 of 52 - Voluntary Action Camden

Voluntary Action Camden e-bulletin 4th March 2016

by Kevin Nunan7 March 2016

Highlights

Governance Course for Trustees; International Women’s Day Events; SOAS Students Help Integrate Refugees Through Sport; Voluntary organisations and the refugee crisis; How to use the Local Offer website; Fairtrade Fortnight in Camden; New Mental Health Service; SHAK Room and IT Suite for Hire; + jobs, volunteers, events, training, offers and resources.

Feature

Governance Course for Trustees

5th May – 9th June. Thursdays 17.30-20.30
Short course for members of governing bodies (boards of trustees/ management committees) or anybody who is interested in developing the knowledge and skills required to be a member of a governing body in the voluntary and community sector. With the knowledge gained from this course you can become an effective participant in the governance of new and existing organisations. For further details contact Roz.nyugi @marywardcentre.ac.uk 020 7269 6033. Further details and to enrol on line www.marywardcentre.ac.uk

NEWS & POLICY

Camden

International Working Women’s Day Reclaim International Women’s Day
Saturday 12th March at the NUT Headquarters in Hamilton House Central London WC1
What can you do to make this a great celebration of those fantastic women who fought for suffrage and equality and honour working women across the world?
Register a place by emailing s.aitouaziz@hotmail.co.uk more details here.

International Women’s Day Event Live. Love. Laugh.
Saturday 12 March, 11am – 1pm at Westminster City Hall, 17 Floor, 64 Victoria Street, SW1E 6QP
Inner Space Celebrates International Women’s Day – A free event for women by women
Are you living the life you want? What’s holding you back? Life takes guts and heart. Live boldly and you’ll have more fun living, even if it’s a bit scary!
Are your relationships happy? Can you love without any strings attached? Love yourself and others unconditionally and you’ll want to thrive and be incredible together.
How happy are you? Do you take the time to laugh? Smile and laugh wholeheartedly. It’ll make you feel good, look good, and do good. It really is you best accessory.
Free Event. Registration Essential: event@innerspace.org.uk www.innerspace.org.uk 020 7836 6688

Join MEWSO to celebrate International Women’s Day
Friday 4th March 4.00 – 10.00
An evening dedicated to the plight of women and children in the Middle East fleeing war, rape, death and fundamentalism in the second decade of 21st century.
Come along with your family members and friends and enjoy a memorable evening with likeminded people.
Live music performance, Mediterranean food, dance with dj music.
Ticket per person: £15 (include food and all entertainment), free for children under 12
Trinity Church Centre, 15 Nether Street, North Finchley, N12 7NN
Web: www.mewso.org email: office@mewso.org Tel: 0795 8145666

SOAS Students Help Integrate Refugees Through Sport
‘Camden Cares’, a project created through the 3 Faith Forum’s ParliaMentors programme, was launched recently by five SOAS students. ParliaMentors is a UN award-winning leadership programme which gives university students the unique opportunity to work with MPs to form projects for social action. With the support of both Westminster and leading NGOs, ParliaMentors has been enabling students to effect real change in their communities since 2007. See more at Soasspirit.co.uk

Voluntary organisations and the refugee crisis
Wednesday, 9 March 2016 – 1:10pm to 1:55pm
Tommy Cloherty (Mentoring and Befriending Coordinator, Housing Justice)
Malet Place Eng 1.03, University College London
The “European migrant crisis” saw a rising number of people from Syria and elsewhere seeking refuge in European Union member states, including the United Kingdom. Pivotal 2015 moments in the humanitarian crisis included the death of three-year old Alan Kurdi. The increase in severity and media coverage of the ‘refugee crisis’ was matched by an astounding increase in people donating time, skills and money to the affected people and the organisations supporting them. Housing Justice is one of those organisations; they originally set up the London Hosting project in 2010 as a response to the “extreme need to create viable accommodation provision for destitute migrants”. See the UCL site.

How to use the Local Offer website
The Local Offer website is designed to be simple and easy to use. There are also a number of features to ensure the website is as accessible as possible. But, to help make it even easier, there are some short videos with instructions and tips on how to best use and navigate around the Local Offer website.

Fairtrade Fortnight in Camden
It’s coming up to Fairtrade Fortnight 2016 (29 Feb – 13 March 2016), with this year’s theme Sit Down for Breakfast, Stand Up for Farmers! As Martin Luther King once said, ‘before you finish eating breakfast in the morning, you’ve depended on more than half the world’. We shall be joining people across the UK supporting farmers and producers through harnessing the power of a Fairtrade breakfast. Find out about Camden events here. To find out more about the campaign and how to get involved see the Fairtrade website.

New Mental Health Service
Camden Council is investing in a new service to intervene early with people with mental health needs to improve outcomes. The service aims to build individual and community resilience to make a sustained improvement in people’s level of wellbeing. This ambitious new service is described in the attached market position statement. Providers are invited to comment by Friday 26th Feb and there will be an event to discuss the model on The event will be held at Clarence Way Tenants Hall on 2nd March from 1- 4.30pm. Please see the address below
Clarence Way Tenants Hall, Bradfield Court, Hawley Road, NW1 8RN

SHAK has Room and IT Suite for Hire
Room hire for meeting , training and it suite
Price starts from £20 per hour
Conference room for up to 30 people
Board room for up to 16 people
IT suitE for up to 12 people with laptops
Flexible room layout set-up, recently renovated, projector and laptop, flip chart & white board, coffee & tea facilities, full disability access, microwave
In NW8 Boundary Road
Please call SHAK on 0207 372 2949 or 079 8689 7629 for availability and prices

Free training, outings and events for unpaid carers in Camden
For a full list of events of carers in Camden please visit the Camden Carers website.

Healthwatch Camden
Latest Information DIgest is on the Healthwatch Camden website.
Catch up with the latest Camden news and what’s happening on Our Blog

The Camden Capacity Building Bulletin is produced monthly, targeting the community and voluntary sector in Camden. It provides up to date/recently live information and news on funding and training. To access the latest information please follow the Link www.camden.gov.uk/cbbulletin

KOVE, Ageing Better in Camden, Ransackers, and Camden PA are recruiting. See Jobs and Volunteers section below.

Camden Shares. The website for exchanges in Camden. www.camdenshares.org.uk

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

‘Charities and terrorism: ‘deadly threat’ or a distraction from real issues facing sector?
The Charity Commission chair, William Shawcross, states that the risk posed by terrorism is, “one of the most deadly threats faced by some charities today”. But little hard eveidence is provided to support the claim. The number of formal investigations relating to terrorist abuse rose fourfold (from 5 to 20) out of 160,000 charities in England and Wales. The Muslim Charites Forum claims that this scaremongering is counter produtinve with many Muslim charities losing funding and having their bank accounts closed without explanation. Sir Stephen Bubb, head of the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations, says the commission’s support and advice role “has almost dropped off the agenda while they concentrate on tackling extremism and terrorism”.
The Muslim charity sector is still relatively new, he points out. “Muslims may be the most generous in terms of giving but in terms of the charity world they are still learning. What we should be doing is working with groups like MCF to give them advice and support.” Full story in the Guardian.

FUNDING

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

£700K Crowdfunding Challenge
Join Spacehive at City Hall on the 10th of March as we launch the Mayor of London’s £700K co-funding initiative.
If you’re a local group with an idea to make your area more attractive and boost the local economy, then come along to find out how you could receive a pledge from the Mayor of up to £20,000 to support your crowdfunding campaign on Spacehive.
For businesses, it’s an opportunity to discover how you can use this initiative to back projects that matter to you whilst making the city better for everyone.
You’ll be joining a growing number of organisations – including BT, Barclays, GLL, Hyde and Keatons – embracing civic crowdfunding by co-funding projects, or offering their skills or in-kind contributions. Come to the City Hall on the 10th of March and see how you can play your part. Book your ticket at Eventbrite.

Action Grants
Ageing Better in Camden and Age UK Camden have £2500 to give away to older people’s groups in the borough. The Action Grants scheme gives groups of older people the opportunity to do things for themselves or the wider community.
To qualify for Action Grants, groups must have:
~ An income of less than £30,000 per year,
~ And ¾ of members must be Camden residents.
~ The activity must be run by older people themselves
Grants are for £100, and can be spent on running costs, one-off costs or equipment. If there is excessive demand, priority will be given to activities supporting older people who are socially isolated or at risk of social isolation. The application form is very easy and only two sides.
The deadline for applications is 9am Friday 11th March
For more information please contact: ageingbetterincamden@ageukcamden.org.uk or call 02072390400

The Council’s new Strategic Partners Fund for the local voluntary sector
The web-page www.camden.gov.uk/strategicpartnersfund explains the process which led to the creation of this fund, and includes everything you need to apply to the fund. The technical problems with the application forms have now been resolved and the revised forms are now on the website.
The web page contains details of the fund, application forms and Handy Guides and should answer most questions about the Strategic Partners Fund. You can find a summary of the questions and answers about the fund.

Greggs Foundation new Environmental Fund
Greggs Foundation new Environmental Fund which is awarding grants of up to £2,500 and £10,000. The preference is always small, community-based organisations helping people in need.
Improving People’s lives by improving their environment aims to make a difference to people in need at the heart of their local communities.
Full details at http://www.greggsfoundation.org.uk/environmental-grants

Postcode Local Trust
Small Projects Funding Guide. In 2016, the Trust will invite applications that encourage lasting benefits by bringing people together to improve local ecology and habitats, encourage bio-diversity and benefit the wider environment.
Registered charities can apply from £500 – £20,000 (£10,000 in Wales) for projects meeting the above remit, whilst other organisations may apply for up to £2,000. Full details at the Postcode Local Trust website.

Lloyds Bank Foundation
Invest provides longer term core or delivery funding for charities which meet the programme aim and are delivering clear outcomes as a result of their work.
We fund ‘core’ organisational costs (including running costs and salaries). By ‘core’ costs we mean those related to the day to day running of your charity. We also fund costs associated with the direct delivery of your work. Full details here.

Lloyds Bank Social Entrepreneurs Programme
Lloyds Bank and Bank of Scotland Social Entrepreneurs Programme gives social entrepreneurs the best possible chance of success by providing access to support and funding. To date the Lloyds Bank Social Entrepreneurs Programme has supported 750 social entrepreneurs.
The programme will be open for applications again from 1st February until 21st March 2016. There are two courses on offer, Start Up and Scale Up.
~ Start Up will help you get a new organisation up and running
~ Scale Up will help you grow a sustainable social enterprise

Don’t forget to sign up to Funding Central for free email funding alerts. Go to www.fundingcentral.org.uk/

VAC EVENTS

VAC’s Mental Health Training Programme for BMER groups
Are you a BMER group or do you work with BMER communities?
For more information about our any of our courses, please go to https://vac.org.uk/events/category/health-mental-health/. Click on the course you are interested in and follow the instructions to book your place and pay by card (if applicable). The charge for our Mental Health First Aid and Youth Mental Health First Aid training courses is heavily subsidised at only £25 per person. All other mental health workshops are free.
Please note that VAC can only accept bookings from organisations working with BMER communities based in Camden, or which serve Camden BMER residents. Places are limited on each course to a maximum of two people per organisation. If you have any queries, please contact us on our team email address: mentalhealthteam@vac.org.uk

VAC has a full programme of courses coming up: Click here to find out more. All courses are £25 for members (unless otherwise stated).

OTHER EVENTS

Holloway Neighbourhood Group’s Old Fire Station & Stress Project AGM and Open Evening
Monday 14th March 6pm – 8pm @ The Old Fire Station, 84 Mayton Street, N7 6QT
Free complementary therapies & vegetarian food. Everybody welcome!
Please RSVP by 8th March to Lucy lucy@hng.org.uk 0207 607 9794
www.hng.org.uk / www.stressproject.org.uk

Moneytalk Camden North – subsidised Financial Education Facilitator Training, 27/28 April or 18 & 25 May
Moneytalk Camden North is a new 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.
Moneytalk Camden North takes a different and innovative approach to financial literacy: it works holistically- with the whole person and the whole household. The resources aim to build confidence, resilience and help people identify their own values, attitudes and emotions around money, as well as covering basics like budgeting, borrowing and debt. We recognise that unless people’s own situations are explored and confidence is increased, behaviour will not change long–term. The resources are all provided, fully reusable, fun and informative- so it hardly feels like you are doing money training. We will train you to use the resources and approach to support your own client groups.
This is a two year project and we are running our first 2-day comprehensive trainings for you on 27/28 April and 18 & 25 May click here to find out more and download a booking form.
Contact: mtcn@qsa.org.uk tel: 020 8983 5047

Take part in Cleaner Air Action Days
Camden Council is getting involved in an exciting new London-wide Cross River Partnership project to drive down air pollution in the borough. We’re currently looking for Change Makers – a team of volunteers to help deliver this.
The Clean Air Action Fortnight will take place at the beginning of March and will focus on #noidling across London – asking drivers in local pollution hotspots to turn their engines off when stationary to reduce dirty air from their exhausts.
A free training session and materials will be provided in each area of Inner London. As a Change Maker, you’ll be helping to tackle a major public health issue as well as making your local environment a cleaner, healthier place to breathe, live and work.
If you’re interested in getting involved, email adam.webber@camden.gov.uk

Digital Democracy: Gateway or Barrier to inclusive services for older and Disabled people?
Tuesday 8th March, 10am – 2pm 336 Brixton Road, SW9 7AA
(Venue is accessible and there is opportunity to book accessible parking)
This FREE workshop will cover a range of topics including:
• What makes an inclusive service?
• How can new technology support older and Disabled people to make their voices heard?
• What barriers are there to online communication and consultation, and how can we minimise them?
Book at Eventbrite
If you require British Sign Language interpreters or have other access or communication requirements, please let us know asap
Booking deadline for access: 28th February 2016. Note: We will try to meet all access requests, but cannot guarantee provision if made after this deadline.
If you have any queries please contact Alice on awestlake@ageuklondon.org.uk

Young Women’s Information Day at Clean Break on Friday, 18th March 2016
We are a safe women-only theatre, education and new writing company based in Kentish Town, in the north-west of London. However on this occasion we welcome men who are working with women and are likely to make referrals to our service.
We offer FREE education and training in the arts specifically for women who have experience of the criminal justice system and or are at risk of offending due to alcohol/substance misuse or mental heath needs. This is an invitation, for interested women, and you or colleagues working with these women.
There will be taster sessions for service users, alongside an information workshop for service providers. This will be followed by an afternoon of student performances, personal testimonies and not to mention the networking lunch.
General information about Clean Break is available www.cleanbreak.org.uk
10:30am-1pm: taster workshops
1pm – 3pm: lunch followed by performances
Places are limited. To book your place: please email education@cleanbreak.org.uk for a booking form. Clean Break, 2 Patshull Road, London, NW5 2LB

Co-designing the Greenwood CIL Specification
Camden Disability Action and Camden Council invite you to join a series of workshops at Charlie Ratchford Centre, Belmont Street, London, NW1 8HF
Wednesday 16th March, 5-7pm
Thursday 31st March, 5-7pm
Greenwood Place in Kentish Town will be the site of a new community resource centre and home to Camden’s first ever Centre for Independent Living (CIL). We are now working together to design the specification for the service that the CIL will provide. We are designing the CIL’s:
• Service offer
• Outcomes and objectives
• Values and principles
• Ways of working
• …amongst other elements
We have held one workshop already and we hope that you will join us to continue this work.
To book a place, please contact: Phone: 0207 284 6550, Email: info@vac.org.uk
Or online at Eventbrite : https://greenwood-cil-workshops.eventbrite.co.uk
When you book, please let us know if you have any specific communication or access requirements.

Volunteer Coordinators’ Forum and AGM
Wednesday 16th March at West Euston Partnership 1-3.30pm
This is your chance to hear what we’ve been up to this year, and our plans for the future.
VCC will also be formally launching Team Up (a corporate volunteering service), which will swiftly be followed by our Volunteer Coodinators’ Forum ‘How To Deliver A Successful Corporate Volunteering Day’. And we’ll finish the day with networking and refreshments.
Book your place for all of this through Eventbrite.

Winter Volunteering Fair
Our fairs are a perfect way to meet people who want to volunteer in Camden.
Wednesday 20th April, 12-2pm – The Foundling Museum
And you can easily book your places via Eventbrite here.
If you have any questions about this, contact Rupal by email, phone 020 7424 9990

The adult community learning team is running Free Everyday Computer Skills workshops in more venues including:
• Kentish Town Library (NW5 2AA) – Thursdays 10 – 12
• Kilburn Library (NW6 5UH) – Tuesdays 10 – 11.45
• Latin American House (NW6 4TA) – Wednesdays 10 – 12
• Adult Learning Centre, Netley Campus (NW1 3EX) Tuesdays 1-3
The workshops provide support to residents who may have limited or no computer skills to access Council services and information online – including setting up a Camden account, accessing information and advice on care and support via the Camden Care Choices website, registering with Universal Jobmatch, booking doctor’s appointments, completing benefit applications – and much more.
No need to book. They can come along for just one session – or as many as you like.
We can adapt the workshops to include content appropriate to your clients – just get in touch Email: adultlearning@camden.gov.uk Phone: 020 7974 2148

Jewish Mental Health Forum
Next Meeting, Thursday 10th March 2016, 2.30 – 4.30pm The Brenner Community Centre, 91-93 Stamford Hill, London N16 5TP.
Jami runs The Jewish Mental Health Forum to promote awareness and understanding of mental health related issues among professionals working in health and social care. In addition to the Forum, Jami has recently launched Head Room an adult learning programme aimed across the Jewish community.
We will hear from Jami’s Head of Service, Tanya Harris speak on the subject of “Mental Health and Physical Activity: Supporting Our Wellbeing” which will explore how our health and wellbeing is intrinsically linked to our mental health.
To reserve your place for the Forum please email my colleague Clive Helman: clive.helman@jamiuk.org or telephone Jami on 020 8458 2223.

KOVE Bench to Bench Walks
Programme of five gentle healthy-living walks for over 60’s with community seating in Kilburn and West Hampstead . All Tuesday’s at 1.30pm.
Tuesday 15th March The Park you never knew was there! Meet at Abbey Community Centre, Belsize Road, NW6
Tuesday 5 April Famous Faces. Meet outside Kilburn High Road Station NW6 5UA
Enquiries to Mel Wright, KOVE Tel: 07539390786 Email: melwillwright@gmail.com c/o Kingsgate Resource Centre, 208 Webheath, Palmerston Road, NW6 2JU
All walks are free and we finish with refreshments at a nearby café.

New Courses @ Maiden Lane Community Centre
156 St Paul’s Crescent, NW1 9XZ To book a place call 020 7267 9586
Tuesdays 10am-12pm – MS Word skills for work and life
Tuesday 1 – 3pm – Improve your internet and email skills
Wednesdays 10am-3pm – Create a website with WordPress
Wednesdays 10am-12pm Starts 24th February Introduction to Photoshop

Camden and Islington Recovery College
The Spring 2016 prospectus is now ready and is available online at http://www.candi.nhs.uk/our-services/education-and-employment/recovery-college.

London for All
London for All / LVSC have a full programme of courses available for the voluntary sector. Go to the London for All website for full details.

Camden Carers’ Service
Has a full range of events and activities for unpaid carers in Camden. Find out more on the Camden Carers’ Service website www.camdencs.org.uk/activities

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

Invitation to tender: Administrator for KOVE Community Action 10th May ’16 to 30th June ’17
Contract value: Max £3,324 (fixed price – costed at an average of 15 hours a month).
Purpose of the commission: To provide regular sessional support to the Coordinator of KOVE’s Community Action project; to supervise the collection and management of activity data on a continuous basis; to deliver parts of KOVE’s outreach programmes when necessary and appropriate. KOVE Community Action is funded through Ageing Better in Camden and funded by the National Lottery.
KOVE (Kilburn Older Voices Exchange) is a dynamic community action group run by older people. We aim to give a collective voice for older people over issues and concerns that they raise. As partners of Ageing Better in Camden we are committed to an asset based community development approach in our projects to help reduce isolation and loneliness including an age friendly environment and developing community forums.
• Proposals must be submitted by no later than 5pm on April 5th 2016
• Interviews will be held on Wednesday, April 19th 2016
• The successful applicant will be notified by midday on April 20thth 2016.
• The start date is Monday, May 10rd 2016.
All enquiries and for a copy of the tender application document to Mel Wright, Coordinator, KOVE: melwillwright@gmail.com

Camden Community Connectors
Tackling social isolation among older people
Camden Community Connectors is a new six year project working across Camden to tackle social isolation and loneliness among older people. Our team of five local Area Coordinators is working with volunteers to identify and support people aged 60+ and help them reconnect to local activities and meet new people. We’re also building up an accessible ‘asset map’ of all services that support older people in Camden. We’d love to hear from you if you want to work with us, refer an older person, volunteer or if you just want to know more.
We’re part of the Ageing Better in Camden programme funded by Big Lottery. To find out more, check out our website or call us free on 0800 161 5716 .

Ageing Better in Camden Programme Manager, (Job-Share)
Local Government Scale PO3 (c. £19.5-21k pa for 19 hour week)
We require a dynamic job-share Programme Manager to: monitor recently appointed delivery partners; manage future tendering processes, support and develop the strategic partnership; work effectively with a job-share postholder; manage a part-time worker; lead on ABC’s budget and evaluation arrangements.
You will be: a programme manager with strong finance and performance management skills; a skilled stakeholder manager with experience of change management who can work with funders, contractors, evaluators, and a board; a strategic thinker who is also solutions-focussed and prepared to get their “hands dirty”; experienced in working with older people and committed to co-production.
AUC offers a contributory pension, and a season ticket or bicycle loan facility. The post is based at Tavis House, Tavistock Square with easy access via Euston and Kings Cross main lines or Russell Square tube.
For more details, all documents can be downloaded from our website www.ageukcamden.org.uk or email jobs@ageukcamden.org.uk.
Closing date – Friday 11th March 9.30 am Interviews – Thursday 24th March 2016.

Volunteer Treasurer role at Ransackers
We need a treasurer for an exciting 1 year project (and beyond): We are a small not – for –profit run by volunteers : we promote serious education for older people
The role includes: Keeping all accounts and proof of income & spend during and after project end, plus participation in budget creation for funding bids
Contact: hfarnworth@gmail.com or annateresalefort7@gmail.com

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

Socially Responsible Recruiting
A new, award-winning skills matching service that connects employers with skilled and experienced people to do one-off or part-time jobs has launched in Camden, with a strong social benefit ethic.
“There is a very large number of people in Camden who are fantastically skilled and work-ready but are off the radar to employers because they’re not looking for full-time work and aren’t constantly scouring the job ads,” says Jonathan Collie, founder of Trading Times.
These people are highly skilled over 50s, and family carers. Trading Times brings them to you. It’s free to candidates. It costs you only £35, and only when you are connected to the perfect candidates.
Paul Fordham of Abbey Community Centre in Camden said: “”We posted our occasional job opportunity on Trading Times because we at the Abbey Community Centre recognise the value of the flexibility that can come with age. Trading Times offers a tailored means to directly target opportunities at an older group that the vast majority of other job sites simply do not seem to tap.”
Register at https://tradingtimes.org.uk/ and let Trading Times match you with the right local people for your needs.

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

OFFERS, RESOURCES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

New Weekly Drop-in Legal advice sessions at BWA
on Tuesdays from 11am – 1pm At Surma Community Centre, Bengali Workers’ Association 1 Robert Street, London NW1 3JU
Legal advisers can help you with:
Immigration Law Advice on:
~ Human Rights in the United Kingdom
~ Asylum Seekers (Refugee)
~ Students and Employment
~ Business
~ Family (Visitors, Spouse and EU)
Family Law advice: Divorce; Separation; Children; Finance; Domestic Violence
Public Law including challenging Public authorities on unlawful decisions.
General Advice in other areas including Housing, Welfare Benefits and Debt.
For more information, please contact Rahima Rahman on: 020 73887313 rahima@bwa-surma.org

Henna has started a new Befriending Service to reach out to the most vulnerable women and men in London.
Our aim for running this project is to build confidence, reduce isolation and improve health of older Asian women and men. The service includes weekly home visits by volunteers, and regular programmes of healthy living activities within the centre.
Older Asian women and men (over 75), who live alone or are housebound will benefit from the support offered by our Befriending service. We currently support Urdu, Gujarati, Bengali, Punjabi, English, Arabic, Farsi and Hindi language speakers. Henna’s “befrienders” worker and volunteers pay regular visits to the most vulnerable older Asian women and men in the community. On site, we run a regular schedule of exercise classes, health promotion, advice and listening services. Our goal is to act as a bridge between isolated ladies and the services offered by Henna and of statutory and voluntary sector agencies.
Contact: Manisha Dewan, Volunteer Coordinator, Henna Asians Women’s Group
Abbey Community Centre, 222C Belsize Road, London, NW6 4DJ
Email: manisha_hennaorg@yahoo.co.uk Tel: 020 7372 9860 Website: www.hennaorg.co.uk

Camden Local Plan – Submission Draft 2016 Consultation
Camden Council has been reviewing its main planning policies and has previously asked for input on key issues and consulted on a Draft Plan.
When finalised, the Plan will replace our current Core Strategy and Camden Development Policies documents as the basis for planning decisions and future development in the borough.
How to get involved
We are seeking your views on the Plan, which we intend to submit to the government for public examination, and associated documents.
The documents can be viewed on the Council’s website at www.camden.gov.uk/localplan.
Please send any comments you have on or before 4 April 2016 by:
Email : planningpolicy@camden.gov.uk
Online : You can also complete the representation form online at https://consultations.wearecamden.org/
Post : Strategic Planning & Implementation Team, LB Camden, Town Hall, Judd Street, WC1H 8ND

Deaf Achieve
This is a Big Lottery funded project that will continue to deliver free workshops, health groups, job clubs, travel groups, financial capability training and one to one support until 2018. These are for the deaf community, aged 18-65, living in any of the London boroughs. If want to know more information about Deaf Achieve please contact: deafachieve2@royaldeaf.org.uk.

Desk to rent at Camden Federation of Private Tenants (CFPT)
Rent a desk by the hour in our new Kentish Town office. For more details, call Robert Taylor on 020 7383 0151, email rtaylor@cfpt.org.uk or go to our website at: http://cfpt.org.uk/rent-a-desk-by-the-hour/

Office Space for Hire
Camden Cypriot Women’s Organisation in Kentish Town, have office space for hire within a community building which is centrally located, The building is a few minutes walk from Kentish Town tube and mainline services as well as various bus stops.
The office, which is spacious is roughly 6 metres square, fits 4 desks freely and has a corridor which is also good for use, would be suitable for meetings or one to one sessions. Both spaces are light and airy and a viewing is highly recommended.
The building has step free access.
For further information or to view, please call Koula Ioannou on Tel: 0207 267 7194 or email koula@ccwo.org.uk

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

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

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Voluntary Action Camden e-bulletin 26th February 2016

by Kevin Nunan26 February 2016

Highlights

Camden Community Festivals Fund; Join MEWSO to celebrate International Women’s Day; Young Women’s Information Day at Clean Break; New Weekly Drop-in Legal advice sessions at BWA; £700K Crowdfunding Challenge; Digital Democracy: Gateway or Barrier to inclusive services for older and Disabled people? Fairtrade Fortnight is coming to Camden; Moneytalk Camden North; Take part in Cleaner Air Action Days; ‘Instruments and Secrets’; New Mental Health Service; From Italy – Seed to Plate; Holloway Neighbourhood Group AGM and Open Evening; Henna Befriending Service; KCBNA Job Fair; Sexual Health Consultation; Fitzrovia Chapel Open Day; SHAK Room and IT Suite for Hire; + jobs, volunteers, events, training, offers and resources.

Feature

Social Prescribing at the Tipping Point

Social prescribing is not a new idea – it is a means of enabling primary care services to refer patients with social, emotional or practical needs to a range of local, non-clinical services, often provided by the voluntary and community sector. It is most commonly used with patients with a mental health or long term condition. You may have come across it in a variety of other guises such as books on prescription or the University College London’s Museums on Prescriptions project. The conference was the first UK meeting of practitioners, GP’s, academics and others with an interest in social prescribing. The day focused on a variety of issues some around definition others on integrating non-clinical services with primary care, regulations and standards, creating quality provision and current research in the field.
The day also looked at what social prescribing would mean for the voluntary sector. Voluntary and community groups run most of the projects which patients are referred to. This places VCS at the core of any sustainable social prescribing project. What this meant in the current austere climate where VCS organisations were struggling to stay afloat was a point that remained moot. View full article on the VAC website.

NEWS & POLICY

Camden

Camden Community Festivals Fund 2016
Hurry, the deadline is the end of February. See Funding section below for full details and how to apply.

Fairtrade Fortnight is coming to Camden
It’s coming up to Fairtrade Fortnight 2016 (29 Feb – 13 March 2016), with this year’s theme Sit Down for Breakfast, Stand Up for Farmers! As Martin Luther King once said, ‘before you finish eating breakfast in the morning, you’ve depended on more than half the world’. We shall be joining people across the UK supporting farmers and producers through harnessing the power of a Fairtrade breakfast. Find out about Camden events here. To find out more about the campaign and how to get involved see the Fairtrade website.

‘Instruments and Secrets’
A photography project by Hassan Nezamian of Iranian traditional music instruments. Since Iran’s revolution in 1978, playing any kind of musical instrument on television has been banned.
‘My Journey’ is a photography project by the Migrants Resource Centre. Migrants make up 40% of the population of London, and everyone seems to be talking about them. But what do the capital’s migrants say about themselves? ‘My Journey’ explores both migrants’ journeys into their new lives in London and back into memories of their homeland.
The exhibition runs until 22nd April and is part of Resource for London’s ‘Enhance’ project, supported by the City Bridge Trust.
For more information about Resource for London call 020 7697 4001 or email bookings@resourceforlondon.org

From Italy – Seed to Plate
7pm to 9pm Thursday 3rd March at Camden Garden Centre, 2 Barker Drive, Camden, NW1
A fun evening at Pritchard+Ure, Camden Garden Centre’s new cafe brand. Come and hear all about the specialty seeds that Paolo selects and how to get the best out of them including the eating part from the Italian seed expert. – See more at Project Dirt

Henna has started a new Befriending Service to reach out to the most vulnerable women and men in London.
Our aim for running this project is to build confidence, reduce isolation and improve health of older Asian women and men. The service includes weekly home visits by volunteers, and regular programmes of healthy living activities within the centre.
Older Asian women and men (over 75), who live alone or are housebound will benefit from the support offered by our Befriending service. We currently support Urdu, Gujarati, Bengali, Punjabi, English, Arabic, Farsi and Hindi language speakers. Henna’s “befrienders” worker and volunteers pay regular visits to the most vulnerable older Asian women and men in the community. On site, we run a regular schedule of exercise classes, health promotion, advice and listening services. Our goal is to act as a bridge between isolated ladies and the services offered by Henna and of statutory and voluntary sector agencies.
We are writing to you to inform you of this new service and to establish a referral pathway for you to refer women to us and vice versa. Please find attached information for you to better understand the services and leaflets for you to copy and give to clients.
We have have a project for Asian carers (over 65). We offer monthly meditation,social club, talks and exercise classes.
Contact: Manisha Dewan, Volunteer Coordinator, Henna Asians Women’s Group
Abbey Community Centre, 222C Belsize Road, London, NW6 4DJ
Email: manisha_hennaorg@yahoo.co.uk Tel: 020 7372 9860 Website: www.hennaorg.co.uk

Looking for Work? Or an Apprenticeship? Want to get back in to Education?
The Youth Centre at KCBNA is holding Job Fair/ Information Event where there will be representatives from 6 organisations who support young people into Education, Employment and Training. There will be some brilliant opportunities on offer for young people aged 16-25 who live or study in Camden/Islington.
Friday 26th February, 6 – 8PM at King’s Cross Neighbourhood Centre, 51 Argyle Street, London, WC1H 8EF

Sexual Health Consultation – events for the public
To support the public consultation, CNWL has planned two ‘listening events’. These will provide an opportunity for patients and local stakeholders to: learn more about the proposals and the consultation; discuss the case for change and options with CNWL Trust clinicians and service managers; and give their views to the public consultation.
At London Metropolitan University, The Great Hall, 166-220 Holloway Road, N7
Thursday 10 March 6.00-9.00pm: Public and stakeholder workshop meeting.
Friday 11 March 1.00-7.00pm Market-place event
For more information visit www.cnwl.nhs.uk/have-your-say/consultations/

The Fitzrovia Chapel Open Day
Come along and see the newly restored chapel, meet the trustees and learn about plans for the future.
Wednesday 2nd 11.00 – 19.00 all welcome. 2 Pearson Square, London W1T
Tel: 020 3409 9895 Web: fitzroviachapel.org email: info@fitzroviachapel.org

Concert In aid of TACT
Featuring: Helen Bailey, Soprano Tim Short, Piano The Bellaphonics Purveyors of Sound Old Trunk Theatre Company
7.00pm, Saturday 5th March 2016 (doors at 6.30pm)
At OC Central, 32 Cubitt Street, WC1X 0LR (nearest tube, Kings Cross)
Tickets – £10 available from www.wegottickets.com Cash bar only.

Free training, outings and events for unpaid carers in Camden
For a full list of events of carers in Camden please visit the Camden Carers website.

Healthwatch Camden
Latest Information DIgest is on the Healthwatch Camden website.
Catch up with the latest Camden news and what’s happening on Our Blog

Ageing Better in Camden, Camden Carers’ Centre, Holborn Community Association, Age UK Camden, Opening Doors, Midaye Somali Development Network, AVI, Elfrida Rathbone Camden, Ransackers, and Camden PA are recruiting. See Jobs and Volunteers section below.

Camden Shares. The website for exchanges in Camden. www.camdenshares.org.uk

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

‘At the heart of health: Realising the value of people and communities’.
The report brings together evidence on what good person- and community-centred approaches for health and wellbeing look like and their potentially wide-reaching benefits. In particular, the programme focuses on five areas: self-management education, health coaching, group activities to support health and wellbeing, peer support and community asset based approaches. The report draws together a wide range of evidence and practical examples to support the work of commissioners and other decision-makers seeking to find ways to empower individuals and communities in their health and care.
The report also makes a strong statement on the value of VCS contribution to the system and provides a good deal of materials for the VCS to use, particularly the local VCS contribution to person-centred care. Download the report here.

Voluntary sector bodies call for strategic investment from government
Ten leading voluntary sector bodies have written to the Chancellor ahead of the Budget on 16 March to set out six proposals to tackle key challenges facing the voluntary sector.
The proposals, aimed at small and medium sized organisations, are:
~ Maintain mandatory charitable business rates relief at 80%-
~ Use windfalls to fund initiatives to increase the sector’s capacity including governance and commissioning
~ Direct unspent Apprenticeships Levy funds from charities towards investment in voluntary sector skills
~ Introduce further increases in the National Insurance Contributions Allowance for charities, tapered in line with National Living Wage increases
~ Allocate 3% of the proceeds from government asset sales to support a Community Capital Fund
~ Engage the sector on the Dormant Assets Commission
Full details here.

Austerity has hit disabled people hardest – now they’re fighting back
With Norfolk county council accused of breaching the Care Act, alarm bells will be ringing at cash-strapped councils across the country. Full story in the Guardian

How to Start a Charity
The Guardian have written an article on how to start a Charity featuring a familiar local organisation – The Iranian and Kurdish Womens’ Rights Organisation (IKWRO). An interesting article but fails to mention any support bodies (such as VAC) whatsoever.

Giving Circles
An interesting article from a US perspective on a form of fundraising that could work well for certain types of community organisation. Full story on opendemocracy.net

Only 7.3 per cent of government grants went to non-profits last year
Hard to believe but true – over 90% of government grants go to for-profits. In fact the figure may be even lower. Full story at Civil Society.

The UK is not alone – Civil society is under threat as governments in many countries move to suppress dissent.
In its annual human rights report, Amnesty International warned of a creeping trend towards governments attacking or underfunding groups that protect human rights.

FUNDING

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

Camden Community Festivals Fund 2016
Don’t miss out – the deadline is the end of the month. The process is straightforward and your chance of success is good. The fund is to sustain and develop Camden’s rich culture, its strong communities and dynamic partnerships by supporting quality, creative events, projects and activities. This year the fund is managed by Voluntary Action Camden (VAC).
Applications are welcome for grants of £200 to £5000 for:
~ Small-scale events with a capacity of under 500 people, the maximum amount that can be applied for is £500. A copy of the application form can be downloaded here
~ Larger-scale events with a capacity of 500 people or more the maximum that can be applied for is £5,000. Please note the average is £1,000. A copy of the application form can be downloaded here.
A copy of the detailed guideline can be downloaded here
The application process is open from Wednesday 9th December 2015
The deadline for completed applications is: 6pm on Monday 29th February 2016
Contact
If you would like more information and/or to be sent hard copies of the application forms and the guidelines please contact acharles@vac.org.uk Tel. 020 7284 6553. Fax. 020 7284 6551. VAC, 293-299 Kentish Town Road, London NW5 2TJ.
Please note your grant is only administered by VAC. For all other aspects of your event please contact Camden Council’s events team. events@camden.gov.uk Tel: 020 7974 5633.

Bid For Better
Receive up to £400 to support activities or equipment which will improve patient experience, promote mental wellbeing or make our services more accessible!
As well as Trust service users, we would like to encourage bids from external organisations.
Applications can be found: The Tavistock Website: http://tavistockandportman.uk/about-us/join-us/patient-and-public-involvement-ppi/projects/bid-better
For more information contact us: Email: PPI@tavi-port.nhs.uk Telephone: 020 8938 2059
Applications close Thursday 3rd March 2016

Don’t forget to sign up to Funding Central for free email funding alerts. Go to www.fundingcentral.org.uk/

VAC EVENTS

VAC has a full programme of courses coming up: Click here to find out more. All courses are £25 for members (unless otherwise stated).

OTHER EVENTS

Governance Course for Trustees
5th May – 9th June. Thursdays 17.30-20.30
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 and community sector. With the knowledge gained from this course you can become an effective participant in the governance of new and existing organisations. For further details contact Roz.nyugi @marywardcentre.ac.uk 020 7269 6033. Further details and to enrol on line www.marywardcentre.ac.uk

Co-designing the Greenwood CIL Specification
Camden Disability Action and Camden Council invite you to join a series of workshops at Charlie Ratchford Centre, Belmont Street, London, NW1 8HF
Wednesday 2nd March, 5-7pm
Wednesday 16th March, 5-7pm
Thursday 31st March, 5-7pm
Greenwood Place in Kentish Town will be the site of a new community resource centre and home to Camden’s first ever Centre for Independent Living (CIL). We are now working together to design the specification for the service that the CIL will provide. We are designing the CIL’s:
• Service offer
• Outcomes and objectives
• Values and principles
• Ways of working
• …amongst other elements
We have held one workshop already and we hope that you will join us to continue this work.
To book a place, please contact: Phone: 0207 284 6550, Email: info@vac.org.uk
Or online at Eventbrite : https://greenwood-cil-workshops.eventbrite.co.uk
When you book, please let us know if you have any specific communication or access requirements.

KOVE Bench to Bench Walks
Programme of five gentle healthy-living walks for over 60’s with community seating in Kilburn and West Hampstead . All Tuesday’s at 1.30pm.
Tuesday 1 March Kilburn’s battleship – Meet Kilburn High Road Station, NW6 5UA
Tuesday 15th March The Park you never knew was there! Meet at Abbey Community Centre, Belsize Road, NW6
Tuesday 5 April Famous Faces. Meet outside Kilburn High Road Station NW6 5UA
Enquiries to Mel Wright, KOVE Tel: 07539390786 Email: melwillwright@gmail.com c/o Kingsgate Resource Centre, 208 Webheath, Palmerston Road, NW6 2JU
All walks are free and we finish with refreshments at a nearby café.

Camden and Islington Recovery College
The Spring 2016 prospectus is now ready and is available online at http://www.candi.nhs.uk/our-services/education-and-employment/recovery-college.

London for All
London for All / LVSC have a full programme of courses available for the voluntary sector. Go to the London for All website for full details.

Camden Carers’ Service
Has a full range of events and activities for unpaid carers in Camden. Find out more on the Camden Carers’ Service website www.camdencs.org.uk/activities

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

JOBS AND VOLUNTEERING

Camden Carers’ Centre wishes to recruit a Volunteer Co-ordinator
£28,280 p.a., pro-rata, for 21 hours per week
Camden Carers Centre is currently looking to appoint a Volunteer Co-ordinator. You will be part of the team working at Kentish Town Road, supporting carers on behalf of Camden Carers Service. CCS is a partnership of carer organisations in Camden, funded by London Borough of Camden and NHS Camden.
This is a part-time post of 21 hours over 3 days a week. Annual leave is 30 days pro rata.
Applicants must have excellent IT and communication skills and knowledge of the issues impacting carers. It is essential that you are able to work with people from diverse communities. Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 29th February 2016
Please go to http://www.camdencs.org.uk/get-involved to obtain a job pack.

Volunteer Community Organisers
Holborn Community Association is looking for Volunteers to help and support the Neighbourhood Planning project with their Community Organiser. HCA is developing a Neighbourhood Forum in the Holborn area to give local people a greater voice. They need volunteers to help with outreach, data input, organising public meetings and more. If you are interested in joining them as a volunteer and would like to get more information please contact them at: nahida.chowdhury@corganisers.org.uk / 07710092495

Primary Care Navigators Administration Officer
Local Government Scale Sc4 £21,120 – £23,145pa pro rata 16 hour per week £9,654.85 – £10,580.60pa, contributory pension, fixed term till 31 March 2017.
Following a tender, Age UK Camden with its partner Camden Carers Service is delivering the exciting new Primary Care Navigation Service for Camden Clinical Commissioning Group until March 2017. The six Navigators led by the Manager will support those aged 60 + with long term conditions and their carers to access timely care and community support services.
AUC offers a contributory pension, and season ticket or bicycle loan facility. For further details and an application form visit our website www.ageukcamden.org.uk or email jobs@ageukcamden.org.uk or telephone 020 7239 0400. No CVs, no agencies please.
Closing date: Monday 29th February 2016 – 9.30 am. Interviews: Monday 7th March 2016

Project Manager, Opening Doors London
35 Hours per week Scale point 33 to 36 £32,157 to £34,380 pa (incl. LW)
This key position will be responsible for managing Opening Doors London, line managing a small team, ensuring ODL delivers quality services for the older LGBT* community in London while constantly agitating for change. A key responsibility is ensuring the project’s sustainability by fundraising.
Essentials include: excellent project management skills, ability to manage and motivate a team, experience of campaigning for social justice, ability and experience in bid writing and attracting private donors, ability to market services, IT literacy and excellent communication skills.
This post is based in Tavis House, Tavistock Square near Euston Station which has excellent transport links. AUC offers a contributory pension, season ticket or bicycle loan facility.
For further details and an application form visit our website www.ageukcamden.org.uk or email jobs@ageukcamden.org.uk or telephone 0207 239 0400. No CVs, no agencies please.
Closing date for the above post is Wednesday 2nd March 2016 5.30 pm
Interviews on Tuesday 15th March 2016

Midaye Somali Development Network seeks Office Manager
Salary: £15,312 pa for 22.5 hours work per week (£25,520 full time equivalent)
22.5 hours/week over 3- 4 days/week, usually during our office hours of 10-4. Some flexibility possible.
Location of work: Midaye’s offices (Unit 6, 7 Thorpe Close, London W10 5XL)
Midaye is looking for an Office Manager. You will be responsible for management of our busy office, our finances, and the software we use to help us manage and monitor our projects. You will be a central part of our team – supporting our work in the community with e.g. single mothers, people with disabilities, long term health problems or mental health issues, and those who are far from the job market. We work with members of all BME communities for whom English is an additional language – Ethiopian, Somali, Sudanese, Eritrean, Yemeni and others.
To apply, please fill in the attached application form and email to us at: jo@midaye.org.uk
We will not accept CVs – you must complete the application form and return it to us no later than 5pm on 3 March. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 16 March 2016

Action Village India seeks Director
We are a small charity set up in 1990 to raise funds for particular projects in India. We aim to mobilise support for our six key long term partners working for genuine for long lasting development in their communities. We prioritise gender, peace, economic development and rights based work.
Our new Director will lead AVI through its agreed strategic plan, next stage of development and raise the necessary funds to do so. The successful candidate will be supported by a team of committed and active trustees and a small team in its London office.
The successful candidate will have a passion for genuine long lasting development, a minimum of five years proven fundraising experience plus the project management and networking skills and the skills to provide effective leadership in the UK. If you have a background in managing organisations and a commitment to international development and empowerment, with a particular interest in India, we would love to hear from you.
The post is for 4 days a week, office in North London and some travel to India. Salary is £35 – up to £37k depending on experience (pro rata).
Please note the closing date for applications is 5pm on 3rd March 2016
Interviews will be held on 14th March 2016 in London
See website for application information www.actionvillageindia.org.uk/home

Elfrida Rathbone Camden seeks Leighton Education Project Support Volunteers
The Leighton Education Project is a three year further education facility for adults aged 16 – 25 with mild to moderate learning disabilities. It is based at our offices in Kentish Town. We are currently recruiting for Learning Support Volunteers to assist in the classroom on our Education Project, which runs Monday – Thursday 10am – 3.30pm. If you are available for a morning, afternoon or even a whole day and interested in giving your time, take a look at the website for further details.

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

OFFERS, RESOURCES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Camden Carers Seeks Outreach Partners
Would you like to work with Camden Carers Service; up to £10K available
We are looking for organisations to partner CCS in identification of carers from April 2016 until March 2017
Please contact Allegra Lynch on allegra@camdencarers.org.uk if you would like to find out more

Takeover is Back and this time we’re in Paradise…
Sunday 13 – Wednesday 23 MARCH
Welcome to the 3rd annual Tricycle TAKEOVER! It’s back – bigger, louder and feistier than ever. This March, join us for a party in paradise with a mighty programme of theatre, film, masterclasses and events.
This 11 day extravaganza has something for everyone, including pre & post show sets from up-and-coming DJs, stage combat masterclasses for those who like to live life dangerously and an invitation to Kilburn’s coolest party of the year.
Tricycle Young Company are presenting 3 heavenly new theatre performances that will make you question what it means to be in paradise…
Don’t miss a single Takeover event with a Ticket to Paradise. New for 2016, a Ticket to Paradise gets you unlimited access to our nirvana of drama for just £20. Click here to get yours today!

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

Voluntary Action Camden e-bulletin 19th February 2016

by Kevin Nunan19 February 2016

Highlights

Governance Course at Mary Ward Centre; Ageing Better Action Grants; Bid for Better Grants; Camden Community Festival Fund; Co-designing the Greenwood CIL Specification; The Council’s new Strategic Partners Fund; Employment and skills survey + jobs, volunteers, events, training, offers and resources.

Feature

Governance Course for Trustees

5th May – 9th June. Thursdays 17.30-20.30
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 and community sector. With the knowledge gained from this course you can become an effective participant in the governance of new and existing organisations. For further details contact Roz.nyugi @marywardcentre.ac.uk 020 7269 6033. Further details and to enrol on line www.marywardcentre.ac.uk

NEWS & POLICY

Camden

Camden Community Festivals Fund 2016
Hurry, the deadline is the end of February. See Funding section below for full details and how to apply.

Join 150 Charity Leaders and Sign the petition to enable communities to speak out.
New rules outlined by the government mean charities will be banned from using government grants for campaigns to pressure ministers to change policies. 150 charity leaders have written to the Prime Minister and you are urged to sign a petition in support.
Neil Cleeveley, Chief Executive of NAVCA, said: “This is a deeply worrying move by the government. Campaigning is a completely legitimate activity for charities and an essential part of our democracy…Most charities campaign not for themselves but for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged, those who are frequently let down by public services. I worry that this attempt to gag charities will create a climate of fear that will prevent small charities and community groups from speaking out on behalf of their beneficiaries.” Full coverage of the story in Civil Society here and here.

Men and Masculinity Free spaces available
Mondays 22 February 2016 1:30 – 4pm Mind in Camden (4 weeks)
The aim of this course is to explore challenges around unrealistic stereotypes. How should men look?
www.candi.nhs.uk/recoverycollege Please call Tel: (020) 3317 6904 or email recoverycollege@candi.nhs.uk

Hearing the Views of Young BAME Young People
The Race Equality Foundation is part of the Coalition of Race Equality Organisations (CORE) which brings together many of UK’s leading black and minority ethnic voluntary and community organisations to promote race equality. We want to make sure the views of young people from London’s minority ethnic communities are heard during the 2016 London Mayoral elections on May 5th http://www.raceequalityfoundation.org.uk/All-London-Voices

In The Mind Season on BBC
Raising awareness and understanding of mental health issues. Available on BBC iplayer.

Free training, outings and events for unpaid carers in Camden
For a full list of events of carers in Camden please visit the Camden Carers website.

Healthwatch Camden
Latest Information DIgest is on the Healthwatch Camden website.
Catch up with the latest Camden news and what’s happening on Our Blog

Camden Shares. The website for exchanges in Camden. www.camdenshares.org.uk

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

Government agrees four more years of ILF transition cash for councils
The government has agreed to fund former users of the Independent Living Fund (ILF) in England for the next four years, following months of campaigning pressure from disabled activists.
The minister for disabled people, Justin Tomlinson,announced the news on 10th February.
The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) yesterday published a six-week consultation on the plans – although it has so far failed to publicise the consultation – which describes the funding it proposes passing on to local authorities over the four years from April 2016.

Money changes hands in charity gagging bid: Right-wing think-tank secured change in Government policy after £15,000 gift from mystery donor
Institute of Economic Affairs used sum to ‘develop’ proposals to prevent charities using public grants to lobby according to the Independent. And according to a story in Civil Society ‘Anti-advocacy’ minister took donation from think tank which lobbied for the clause
A minister who announced a ban on charities advocating with government grant money took a £4,000 gift weeks earlier from the chair of the think tank which lobbied for the policy.

Camden New Journal Wades in on Somers Town Debate
Save Somers Town from the sights of big developers. Read more at the CNJ website.

Government Seeks to Curb Ethical Investment Decisions
The last chance to consult on proposed government reforms to local authority pensions, which critics say will hinder their ability to ensure money is ethically invested, will close this Friday (19 February).
The consultation states that “using pensions and procurement policies to pursue boycotts, divestments and sanctions against foreign nations and the UK defence industry are inappropriate” and that guidance published ahead of the new regulations coming into force “will make clear to authorities that in formulating these policies their predominant concern should be the pursuit of a financial return on their investments”. More details at Public Sector Executive and Christian Today

FUNDING

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

Comic Relief Local Communities Programme Launches Second Round
Applications are now being accepted for the Comic Relief Local Communities Programme in London with a deadline of 1 March 2016 (5pm).
Grants are available to charitable organisations and groups for projects that improve people’s life skills, education, employability and enterprise.
Grants of between £1,000 and £10,000 are available and must be for at least 30% of the total costs of the project.
Projects should be run by people directly affected by the issues being dealt with, and priority will be given to small, locally-based groups or organisations in areas of disadvantage that have a clear understanding of the needs of their community.
Examples of activities that can be funded through this programme include, but are not limited to, the following:
~ Furniture projects.
~ Benefit advice services.
~ Community sport initiatives.
~ Food co-ops.
~ Initiative designed to combat fuel poverty.
~ Employment and employability projects.
~ Community consultation exercises.
~ Training schemes for committee members, volunteers and staff.
Funding can be used to cover core costs, salaries and project costs.
The deadline for applications is 1 March 2016 (5pm). Full details here.

Don’t forget to sign up to Funding Central for free email funding alerts. Go to www.fundingcentral.org.uk/

VAC EVENTS

VAC has a full programme of courses coming up: Click here to find out more. All courses are £25 for members (unless otherwise stated).

OTHER EVENTS

Torriano Meeting House Benefit
Workshop suitable for new & experienced poets and prose-writers
Poetry workshop benefit based on the paintings of American artist Howard Fritz currently exhibited at Torriano until March. Friday, 26 February, 2 – 5pm £10 per person. Torriano Meeting House.

Championing Advice Services Seminar
Thurs 25th February, 9-11am Community Links Hall, 105 Barking Road, Canning Town, E16 4HQ
The advice sector plays a vital role in helping people address issues before they escalate into costly crises. However, advice services in the UK face an uncertain future with welfare reforms, low wage growth and job insecurity driving demand at the same time as funding for the sector is being cut. This seminar will look at how we can best address these challenges and develop stronger and more sustainable advice services that act earlier.
Community Links, Law for Life and the Legal Education Foundation will discus their experiences.
Lord Low (Chair of the Low Commission on the future of Advice and Legal Support) will be addressing the seminar which will be attended by practitioners and policy workers in the advice sector.
To book your place, please RSVP via Eventbrite at Championing Advice Services

Anti-Racism and the New Politics
Speakers followed by discussion
Wednesday 24th February, 6.30pm – 9.00pm
Somers Town Community Centre, 150 Ossulton Street, NW1.
Wheelchair Accessible. Tel 07795 462826

Co-designing the Greenwood CIL Specification
Camden Disability Action and Camden Council invite you to join a series of workshops at Charlie Ratchford Centre, Belmont Street, London, NW1 8HF
Wednesday 2nd March, 5-7pm
Wednesday 16th March, 5-7pm
Thursday 31st March, 5-7pm
Greenwood Place in Kentish Town will be the site of a new community resource centre and home to Camden’s first ever Centre for Independent Living (CIL). We are now working together to design the specification for the service that the CIL will provide. We are designing the CIL’s:
• Service offer
• Outcomes and objectives
• Values and principles
• Ways of working
• …amongst other elements
We have held one workshop already and we hope that you will join us to continue this work.
To book a place, please contact: Phone: 0207 284 6550, Email: info@vac.org.uk
Or online at Eventbrite : https://greenwood-cil-workshops.eventbrite.co.uk
When you book, please let us know if you have any specific communication or access requirements.

Changes to public toilets meeting for older people, Wednesday 24 February
Cllr Larraine Revah, champion for older people is hosting a meeting for older residents in Camden to come and hear about the about changes to public toilet provision in Camden and to provide ideas and suggestions on developing a new approach.
The Council has decided to reduce the money it spends on public toilets by £260,000, Full details at https://consultations.wearecamden.org/culture-environment/changes-to-public-toilet-provision-in-camden
To make this saving the council are proposing to:
* close three toilets, in Pond Square, South End Green and West End Lane
* develop community toilet schemes in these three areas
* introduce pay to use toilets, at Camden Town and Lincoln’s Inn Fields
Camden are inviting ideas which the Council can explore if it would avoid toilet closures and invite you to attend a meeting for older residents in Camden about the changes:
2-4pm on Wednesday 24th February 2016 at The Council Chamber, Camden Town Hall, Judd Street WC1

London Mayoral Election 2016 Hustings for Older Londoners
Age UK London has invited four leading London Mayoral Election 2016 candidates to answer questions and say how they will make London ‘A Great Place to Grow Older.’
Sian Berry, Green Party councillor for Highgate, Camden Council
Zac Goldsmith, Conservative MP for Richmond Park and North Kingston
Caroline Pidgeon, The Leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group
25 February 11am to 1pm at Clifford Chance, 10 Upper Bank St, London E14 5JJ
This event is free. You must pre-book. A light lunch will be provided.
For more information, to submit a question and to book your place visit the event website or contact Danny Elliott on delliott@ageuklondon.org.uk or 020 7820 6778.

Winter Volunteering Fair
Our fairs are a perfect way to meet people who want to volunteer in Camden.
Wednesday 24th February 12-2pm – Working Men’s College
Wednesday 20th April, 12-2pm – The Foundling Museum
And you can easily book your places via Eventbrite here.
If you have any questions about this, contact Rupal by email, phone 020 7424 9990

KOVE Bench to Bench Walks
Programme of five gentle healthy-living walks for over 60’s with community seating in Kilburn and West Hampstead . All Tuesday’s at 1.30pm.
Tuesday 1 March Kilburn’s battleship – Meet Kilburn High Road Station, NW6 5UA
Tuesday 15th March The Park you never knew was there! Meet at Abbey Community Centre, Belsize Road, NW6
Tuesday 5 April Famous Faces. Meet outside Kilburn High Road Station NW6 5UA
Enquiries to Mel Wright, KOVE Tel: 07539390786 Email: melwillwright@gmail.com c/o Kingsgate Resource Centre, 208 Webheath, Palmerston Road, NW6 2JU
All walks are free and we finish with refreshments at a nearby café.

Camden and Islington Recovery College
The Spring 2016 prospectus is now ready and is available online at http://www.candi.nhs.uk/our-services/education-and-employment/recovery-college.

London for All
London for All / LVSC have a full programme of courses available for the voluntary sector. Go to the London for All website for full details.

Camden Carers’ Service
Has a full range of events and activities for unpaid carers in Camden. Find out more on the Camden Carers’ Service website www.camdencs.org.uk/activities

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

JOBS AND VOLUNTEERING

Free Lance Trainer required
We are a community group based in Camden and work with disadvantaged adults. Our work involves delivering life skills training courses to adults with physical, sensory and learning disabilities in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and London.We are currently looking for trainers who are experienced and qualified in anger management or communication skills and hold adult education qualifications. This is a rewarding and fun position.
Please get in touch by emailing; info@rtfoundation.org.uk
website www.rtfoundation.org.uk

Elfrida Rathbone Camden seeks Education Project Co-ordinator
Salary NJC scale points 32-34 £31,329 – £32,963, inc. inner London weighting, pro rata
35 hours per week, term-time only (39 weeks – working hours: 9am – 5pm)
The Leighton Education Project offers two Ascentis accredited full time courses in Personal Development and Skills for Employment, supporting young people to develop their skills for work and independent living. Working with up to 20 young people each year, you will be responsible for the co-ordination of the project, providing leadership and management to the education team.
We are looking for someone who has substantial experience of working with young people with SEN and is flexible, responsive and person-centred in their approach. If you would like to make an impact and are highly motivated to achieve excellent standards in education for young people with SEN, then we look forward to hearing from you.
Elfrida Rathbone Camden is committed to the Safeguarding of children and young people and vulnerable adults.
Closing date: 12pm on Monday 22nd February 2016 Interview: Week commencing 29th February 2016 Start Date: Wednesday 11th April 2016
For more information or to apply go to http://www2.elfridacamden.org.uk/work-with-us/

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

OFFERS, RESOURCES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Green actions for change in Camden
Working together, residents and businesses have helped make Camden a more sustainable and ‘green’ borough. Contact the council to have your say about green issues in the borough, including any ideas you have for how we can all do more..

Disability Hate and Mate crime DVD
Camden People First engage professionals, people with learning difficulties and students through presentation and workshops about hate and mate crime. The team identify the differences between the two, they share their experiences and give advice on the various ways these crimes can be handled.
We share our agenda to STOP the bullying and prejudice towards people with learning difficulties.
Recently we made a DVD on Disability Hate and Mate crime as a part of our project. The purpose of this is to raise awareness about disability hate and mate crime, and how to respond to these crimes.
The cost of the DVD is £1.50. Contact Florelle@CamdenPeopleFirst.co.ukto purchase copies.

Need some online Help?
Don’t forget VAC’s toolkits and resources pages at www.vac.org.uk/our-work/toolkits-and-resources
There are resources to help you in many areas of work. For instance our HR resources can be found here: https://vac.org.uk/our-work/toolkits-and-resources/employment-hr-resources/

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

Voluntary Action Camden e-bulletin 12th February 2016

by Kevin Nunan12 February 2016

Highlights

Camden Carers’ Voice; Co-designing the Greenwood CIL Specification; Camden Disability Action Annual General Meeting; The Council’s new Strategic Partners Fund; Employment and skills survey; Need Impact Evidence?; Camden Local Plan; LGBT History Month; Championing Advice Services Seminar; Green actions for change in Camden; Anti-Racism and the New Politics; Hearing the Views of Young BAME Young People; Camden Carers Seeks Outreach Partners; Torriano Meeting House Benefit; + jobs, volunteers, events, training, offers and resources.

Feature

Camden Community Festivals Fund 2016

Don’t miss out – the deadline is the end of the month (only 17 days to go). The process is straightforward and your chance of success is good. The fund is to sustain and develop Camden’s rich culture, its strong communities and dynamic partnerships by supporting quality, creative events, projects and activities. This year the fund is managed by Voluntary Action Camden (VAC).
Applications are welcome for grants of £200 to £5000 for:
~ Small-scale events with a capacity of under 500 people, the maximum amount that can be applied for is £500. A copy of the application form can be downloaded here
~ Larger-scale events with a capacity of 500 people or more the maximum that can be applied for is £5,000. Please note the average is £1,000. A copy of the application form can be downloaded here.
A copy of the detailed guideline can be downloaded here
The application process is open from Wednesday 9th December 2015
The deadline for completed applications is: 6pm on Monday 29th February 2016
Contact
If you would like more information and/or to be sent hard copies of the application forms and the guidelines please contact acharles@vac.org.uk Tel. 020 7284 6553. Fax. 020 7284 6551. VAC, 293-299 Kentish Town Road, London NW5 2TJ.
Please note your grant is only administered by VAC. For all other aspects of your event please contact Camden Council’s events team. events@camden.gov.uk Tel: 020 7974 5633.

NEWS & POLICY

Camden

Come along to Camden Carers’ Voice to meet and talk with other carers
Feel free to drop in on Thursday 18th February 10.30am – 1pm
Find out more about what is going on in Camden – what changes have been happening and what will affect carers.
Ask your questions and find out more.
Speakers: Councillor Pat Callaghan and Tulip Siddiq, MP for Hampstead and Kilburn
Refreshments from 10am. At Argenta House, 1 Aspern Grove, Haverstock Hill, NW3 2AB
How to get there: by tube – Belsize Park tube station (Northern line) by bus – 24, 46, C11, 168, 268, or by train – Hampstead Heath (Overground)
For more information phone Bob on 020 7697 1336

Co-designing the Greenwood CIL Specification
Camden Disability Action and Camden Council invite you to join a series of workshops at Charlie Ratchford Centre, Belmont Street, London, NW1 8HF
Thursday 18th February, 5-7pm
Wednesday 2nd March, 5-7pm
Wednesday 16th March, 5-7pm
Thursday 31st March, 5-7pm
Greenwood Place in Kentish Town will be the site of a new community resource centre and home to Camden’s first ever Centre for Independent Living (CIL). We are now working together to design the specification for the service that the CIL will provide. We are designing the CIL’s:
• Service offer
• Outcomes and objectives
• Values and principles
• Ways of working
• …amongst other elements
We have held one workshop already and we hope that you will join us to continue this work.
To book a place, please contact: Phone: 0207 284 6550, Email: info@vac.org.uk
Or online at Eventbrite : https://greenwood-cil-workshops.eventbrite.co.uk
When you book, please let us know if you have any specific communication or access requirements.

Camden Disability Action Annual General Meeting
Monday 15 February 6 – 8 pm at Arlington Conference Centre, 220 Arlington Road, NW1
Guest speakers Cllr. Sally Gimson, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care & Health.
To register, contact Anju Bhatt via email on abhatt@vac.org.uk or 0207 284 6550.

The Council’s new Strategic Partners Fund for the local voluntary sector
The web-page www.camden.gov.uk/strategicpartnersfund explains the process which led to the creation of this fund, and includes everything you need to apply to the fund.
The first fund to launch under this new programme is the Strategic Partners Fund, which contains funds for both Neighbourhood Strategic Partners and Equalities Strategic Partners.
The web page contains details of the fund, application forms and Handy Guides and should answer most questions about the Strategic Partners Fund. Note that there are still technical problems with the application form which the council hope to resolve soon. You can find a summary of the questions and answers about the fund.

Employment and skills survey – please spare 5 minutes – deadline today
LVSC is carrying out research into voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations providing employment and skills support to Londoners. We want to know about the services such VCSE organisations provide, the challenges they and their beneficiaries face, and what can be done to meet those challenges. If you are a VCSE employment and skills provider, please help us gather as much information as possible by completing this survey.

Need Impact Evidence?
A database of evidence about the impact of the cuts from the Centre for Human Rights in Practice at Warwick University.

February is LGBT History Month
Documenting Gender 4.2.16– Join us for a documentary night with discussion.
“Chem’d In” Chemsex workshop 11.2.16 – Everyone’s talking about it! An evening of talks/debate about chemsex, the drugs, the parties and the morning after…
LGBTQ Film night 18.2.16– Join us for an evening of light hearted entertainment, with a hilarious film that touches on gender identity. (Popcorn included!)
Understanding Gender 25.2.16– Join us for an evening of talks & presentations from people in the know
Venue: CRI 184 Royal College Street, Every Thursday February, 6pm-9pm

Valentines Day
It’s not all doom and gloom. One Camden organisation has demonstrated excellent outcomes for their events programme and all key performance indicators were fully met. More in the Islington Tribune.

Free training, outings and events for unpaid carers in Camden
For a full list of events of carers in Camden please visit the Camden Carers website.

Healthwatch Camden
Latest Information DIgest is on the Healthwatch Camden website.
Catch up with the latest Camden news and what’s happening on Our Blog

Opening Doors, Midaye Somali Development Network, AVI, Elfrida Rathbone Camden, Camden Safeguarding Children Board, Nordoff Robbins, New Horizon Youth Centre, British Somali Community, Alexandra Road Park, and Camden PA are recruiting. See Jobs and Volunteers section below.

Camden Shares. The website for exchanges in Camden. www.camdenshares.org.uk

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

Sign the petition to enable communities to speak out.
New rules outlined by the government mean charities will be banned from using government grants for campaigns to pressure ministers to change policies.
Neil Cleeveley, Chief Executive of NAVCA, said: “This is a deeply worrying move by the government. Campaigning is a completely legitimate activity for charities and an essential part of our democracy…Most charities campaign not for themselves but for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged, those who are frequently let down by public services. I worry that this attempt to gag charities will create a climate of fear that will prevent small charities and community groups from speaking out on behalf of their beneficiaries.” Even Conservative MPs are concerned about the draconian nature of the move. Many commentators have spoken out as well (here and here). Now 150 charity leaders have written to the Prime Minister and you are urged to sign a petition in support. Full coverage of the story in Civil Society here and here.

The Observer view on charities and their role in society
A balanced report on the perils of becoming too ‘businesslike’ from the Observer.

How public bodies can help small charities during commissioning
Sometimes, as the song goes, you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone – and unless public leaders change the way they commission services, we’re at real risk of finding out what society will look like without a vast swathe of vital smaller charities. Full story here.

Vital Local Services Lost Most in Government Funding Cuts & Tough Commissioning Climate
New research reveals that small and medium-sized charities (with an income between £25,000 and £1m) have been hardest hit by cuts to public funding of the voluntary sector since 2008 and that the damage will be most felt by vulnerable people in the local communities they serve. This evidence is compiled from two new independent reports by NCVO and IPPR North, funded by Lloyds Bank Foundation, and shows for the first time the deep and long lasting effects of reductions in government funding on local charities and the people they support.

Charity on the Radio
BBC Radio 4 managed to have at least three programmes all about charity (not to mention the many items on Today, Any Questions etc). You can listen again to The Moral Maze, Moneybox and You and Yours.

Grants for Good Campaign
Join the campaign to promote government grants for charities and voluntary groups. Grant funding from government is essential for communities to thrive, putting people at the heart of everything. It empowers charities and voluntary groups to identify and solve problems, and address needs in a way which is centred around people. Over the last decade, however, this vital resource has been rapidly disappearing, replaced by more restrictive and inflexible contracts. Grants from the public sector now make up only 5.5% of charity sector income, a decline of over 60% since 2004 (NCVO, Civil Society Almanac 2015). At the current rate of decline, grants could all but disappear by 2020.

FUNDING

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

Direct Action Project – Islington mental health promotion service
The Direct Action Project for mental health promotion is now live on the London Tenders Portal.
Information for potential bidders:
· You will find the contract listed under ‘1516-835 Direct Action Project’.
· Any questions regarding this procurement must be submitted through the Portal

Don’t forget to sign up to Funding Central for free email funding alerts. Go to www.fundingcentral.org.uk/

VAC EVENTS

VAC’s Mental Health Training Programme for BMER groups
Are you a BMER group or do you work with BMER communities? If so, then our Mental Health Training Programme is for you! Our next courses are as follows:
• Introduction to Mental Health Awareness (one day workshop: 9th December)
• Mental Health First Aid (two-day course: 9th and 16th February 2016)
For more information about our any of our courses, please go to https://vac.org.uk/events/category/health-mental-health/. Click on the course you are interested in and follow the instructions to book your place and pay by card (if applicable). The charge for our Mental Health First Aid and Youth Mental Health First Aid training courses is heavily subsidised at only £25 per person. All other mental health workshops are free.
Please note that VAC can only accept bookings from organisations working with BMER communities based in Camden, or which serve Camden BMER residents. Places are limited on each course to a maximum of two people per organisation. If you have any queries, please contact us on our team email address: mentalhealthteam@vac.org.uk

VAC has a full programme of courses coming up: Click here to find out more. All courses are £25 for members (unless otherwise stated).

OTHER EVENTS

Meeting for Camden & Islington Service Users to about future plans
Thursday 11th February in the Conference Centre, St Pancras Hospital.
The meeting is a chance for service users of Camden and Islington to meet some members of the CQC team who will be inspecting Camden and Islington Foundation Trust on the 22 Feb 2016 to 26 Feb 2016.
Members of the Camden and Islington Board have been invited to discuss their future plans and to answer questions from the floor.
Commissioners from both Camden and Islington will also be present to introduce their plans for the future and answer questions.
Jane Ray (CQC Head of Inspection London Region) will also be attending this meeting.
The meeting will start with tea and coffee and a small buffet at 5 pm.
The meeting will start formally at 5.30pm.
Each invited group will present for 5 mins each.
Answer and question session will start at 6 pm.
This session should last untill 6.45pm
There will be a break for 10 mins to allow more tea and coffee.
Resume at 6.55pm for final session to finish at 7.30pm.
Service users may request one to one session with the CQC at the meeting but be reminded that individual confidential information should not be shared in public at this venue.
The point of the meeting is to meet some members of the CQC team.
This meeting is a joint Ibug and Camden Voluntary Action Service user event.
This meeting will be hosted by Peter Jones; IBUG Director and Alex Boyt; Service User Involvement Coordinator at Voiceability.

KOVE Bench to Bench Walks
Programme of five gentle healthy-living walks for over 60’s with community seating in Kilburn and West Hampstead . All Tuesday’s at 1.30pm.
Tuesday 1 March Kilburn’s battleship – Meet Kilburn High Road Station, NW6 5UA
Tuesday 15th March The Park you never knew was there! Meet at Abbey Community Centre, Belsize Road, NW6
Tuesday 5 April Famous Faces. Meet outside Kilburn High Road Station NW6 5UA
Enquiries to Mel Wright, KOVE Tel: 07539390786 Email: melwillwright@gmail.com c/o Kingsgate Resource Centre, 208 Webheath, Palmerston Road, NW6 2JU
All walks are free and we finish with refreshments at a nearby café.

Camden and Islington Recovery College
The Spring 2016 prospectus is now ready and is available online at http://www.candi.nhs.uk/our-services/education-and-employment/recovery-college.

London for All
London for All / LVSC have a full programme of courses available for the voluntary sector. Go to the London for All website for full details.

Camden Carers’ Service
Has a full range of events and activities for unpaid carers in Camden. Find out more on the Camden Carers’ Service website www.camdencs.org.uk/activities

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

JOBS AND VOLUNTEERING

Volunteering Opportunity at CSCB
The Camden Safeguarding Children Board (CSCB) is recruiting a Camden resident to become a Lay Member of the Board. We are looking for one person (or two) with knowledge of local child safety and issues within the local community, who could speak on behalf of the community – representing their views and needs. You will act as an independent, yet informed observer who is able to ask questions that professionals closely involved in the work might not think to ask. This is an opportunity to help make sure that agencies and organisations in Camden are safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people across the borough effectively. As a full member of Camden Safeguarding Children Board you will be expected to attend six two-hour meetings per year and a small number of working groups.
This is a voluntary post, but induction training and travel expenses will be provided if needed.
Further information please go to www.cscb.org.uk. To apply contact: Dameshk Wijesinha, CSCB Development Officer E: dameshk.wijesinha@camden.gov.uk T: 020 7974 8716.

Nordoff Robbins Seeks Volunteers
Nordoff Robbins is a music therapy charity with a Centre in Kentish Town.
We are looking for a pool of volunteers to work on reception, carrying out front of house and administrative duties and welcoming all our beneficiaries.
For more information go to http://www.nordoff-robbins.org.uk/content/jobs

Management Committee Volunteers Wanted
A group of volunteers have helped turn a church in West Hampstead into a thriving concert venue. Following an inaugural concert involving both local and international musicians, the church has been host to musical fund-raising events for Save the Children and Camden Music Trust and last summer the church launched its “Fordwych Master Series”.
Our aim is to bring high quality performers to Camden residents as well as providing a venue for budding local talent.
We are seeking a volunteer to join our management committee to assist in our finances, administration and publicity.
Contact David Gee david.gee123@ntlworld.com
fordwychmasterconcerts.wordpress.com/

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

OFFERS, RESOURCES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Community Safety Partnership Board – Strategic Assessment 2015/’16
Please take part in the on-line survey as part of the Strategic Assessment this year, which will inform the priorities the partnership sets in 2016/’17.
The on-line survey runs until the middle of March. A link to the survey can be found here;
https://consultations.wearecamden.org/culture-environment/crimeandantisocialbehaviour

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

Voluntary Action Camden e-bulletin 5th February 2016

by Kevin Nunan5 February 2016

Highlights

launch the Pocket Advocate; Strategic Partners Fund Q and A; Camden Disability Action AGM; Faith identity and life : A tale of two ages; Adult Hearing Assessment Service; Another Social Care Web Database/Portal ; February is LGBT History Month; Community Safety Partnership Board – Strategic Assessment ; + jobs, volunteers, events, training, offers and resources.

Feature

Project Embrace launch the Pocket Advocate

Project Embrace have just released a free download of their Pocket Advocate guide. The pocket advocate is a simple visual guide to help people navigate the challenging times. The free download is available at the following link:
http://www.the-pocket-advocate.com/
You can find out more about the Pocket Advocate and the work of Project Embrace from this interview at the RethinkMentalIllness website
https://www.rethink.org/news-views/2016/1/pocket-advocate

NEWS & POLICY

Camden

Co-designing the Greenwood CIL Specification
Camden Disability Action and Camden Council invite you to join a series of workshops at Charlie Ratchford Centre, Belmont Street, London, NW1 8HF
Thursday 18th February, 5-7pm
Wednesday 2nd March, 5-7pm
Wednesday 16th March, 5-7pm
Thursday 31st March, 5-7pm
Greenwood Place in Kentish Town will be the site of a new community resource centre and home to Camden’s first ever Centre for Independent Living (CIL). We are now working together to design the specification for the service that the CIL will provide. We are designing the CIL’s:
• Service offer
• Outcomes and objectives
• Values and principles
• Ways of working
• …amongst other elements
We have held one workshop already and we hope that you will join us to continue this work.
To book a place, please contact: Phone: 0207 284 6550, Email: info@vac.org.uk
Or online at Eventbrite : https://greenwood-cil-workshops.eventbrite.co.uk
When you book, please let us know if you have any specific communication or access requirements.

The Council’s new Strategic Partners Fund for the local voluntary sector
The web-page www.camden.gov.uk/strategicpartnersfund explains the process which led to the creation of this fund, and includes everything you need to apply to the fund.
The first fund to launch under this new programme will be the Strategic Partners Fund, which contains funds for both Neighbourhood Strategic Partners and Equalities Strategic Partners.
The web page contains details of the fund, application forms and Handy Guides and should answer most questions about the Strategic Partners Fund.Two recent events were an opportunity to ask questions and those questions and answers will also be made available on the website.

Faith identity and life : A tale of two ages
Three members of Opening Doors London (ODL) and three UCL students who identify as LGBTQ+ will share their experiences of faith, identity and life from a generational perspective in this panel discussion at UCL. Some short films of the panellists created by Rob Eagle will also be shown. The discussion will be chaired by Revd. Bertrand Olivier, openly gay Vicar of All Hallows By The Tower.
Wednesday 10th February, 2016 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm, followed by a drinks reception
The Panel Discussion will be held in the Pearson Lecture Theatre at UCL, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT. Drinks reception will be held from 7:30pm in the Wilkins Garden Room.
The event is free but you need to register online in advance at: Eventbrite

Adult Hearing Assessment Service
If you have used this service – your feedback will be most welcome. I would also appreciate if you could forward the link to friends and family who may have used this service.
The ink to survey is: https://feedback.camdenccg.nhs.uk/camden-ccg/adult-hearing-assessment-service

Another Social Care Web Database/Portal
With support from The Access to Justice Foundation and The Law Society Charity, LASA have produced a new social care web tool. Socialcareinfo.net covers the whole of the UK providing members of the public with access to quality assured information and support in relation to their social care needs. Don’t forget Start Here VAC’s directory of Camden Organisations, Camden Care Choices Marketplace Directory, or AgeUK Camden’s Information Directory.

If you notice blood in your pee, tell your doctor
Did you know that blood in your pee could be a sign of bladder or kidney cancer? These cancers can affect people of all ages but are most common in those over 50 years old. Go to see your doctor if you notice blood in your pee, even if it’s just the once. The chances are it’s nothing serious, but if it is cancer, finding it early makes it more treatable. Other bladder cancer symptoms include infection that is difficult to treat and pain when peeing. Other kidney cancer symptoms include pain in the side that doesn’t’t go away and weight loss. You’re not wasting anyone’s time by getting your symptoms checked out. If you’ve been to the doctor but your symptoms haven’t gone away, go back – they’ll want to know.
To find out more, visit nhs.uk/bloodinpee

Free training, outings and events for unpaid carers in Camden
For a full list of events of carers in Camden please visit the Camden Carers website.

Healthwatch Camden
Latest Information DIgest is on the Healthwatch Camden website.
Catch up with the latest Camden news and what’s happening on Our Blog

Camden Shares. The website for exchanges in Camden. www.camdenshares.org.uk

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

Attacks on Charities ‘the new normal’
With more coverage of Kids Company, a Parliamentary committee wading in on fundraising to blame trustees and allegations that AgeUk mishandled energy deals for customers, the Association of Chairs warns that “this really does seem the new normal”.
Acevo’s Stephen Bubb said he was “very worried” about the “dangerous drip, drip of charity’-bashing stories” in the media.
“It’s very damaging to the sector as a whole,” he said. “We can’t have this continual drip of charity-bashing unless we undermine the work that charities as a whole do for older and younger people.
“We rely at a time of austerity increasingly on the work that charities do in the communities. I am very concerned that the government and newspapers seem to be too happy to have a go at charities and not print the good stuff about what we do.”

Competition Regulator Warns that Energy is Overpriced and nothing is done, but the Sun claims AgeUk miss-sold energy deal and Government +Three Regulators Spring into Action
In July 2015 after a long investigation the Competition and Markets Authority confirmed what most suspected, that the we were all being overcharged for energy to the tune of £1.2billion a year. The government and energy providers declined to act. However. this week the Sun claimed that the deal AgeUK sells to older people is not the best available. Despite AgeUK giving a detailed rebuttal to the allegations, the Energy Minister Amber Rudd immediately referred AgeUK to Ofgem, the Charity Commission took it upon themselves to launch an investigation as did the Fundraising Standards Board. AgeUK “strongly reject the allegations and interpretation of the figures.” Move in Civil Society.

Tory council complains to David Cameron over ‘unrealistic’ budget cuts
Conservative-run East Sussex council says budget cuts will significantly reduce quality of life for people in the area
“There appears to be misunderstanding in relation to the nature of council reserves, the ability to make significant further efficiencies, the likely returns from further sharing of services and the ability to raise income.” Full story in the Guardian

FUNDING

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

RBS Skills and Opportunities Fund Opens for Applications on 1 February
The £2.5 million RBS Skills and Opportunities Fund was set up last year by the Royal Bank of Scotland in support of organisations that help people in disadvantaged communities develop, create or access the skills and opportunities they need to help themselves, skills that will enable them to get into work or start a business, now or in the future.
The funding is aimed at projects that will promote education, develop skills for employment and help people to start a business. No more than 25% of the project spend can be capital costs. Large capital costs are not eligible, eg buildings, land purchase, refurbishments, large items of equipment. Small items of capital equipment are allowed if they are used within the delivery of the project.
The maximum grant is £35,000 or 20% of the applicant’s previous year’s turnover. The upper limit of turnover is £5 million. There is no turnover restriction for schools or colleges.
Not-for-profit organisations or an eligible state funded education body, such as a charity, social enterprise, community group, school, college can apply.
To be eligible, applicants must:
~ Be based in either the UK or Republic of Ireland.
~ Be able to demonstrate experience of working in and or with disadvantaged communities.
~ Be able to demonstrate experience in measuring impact of the projects.
~ Have a turnover of less than £5 million and have been trading for at least two years.
~ Be able to complete the project within 18 months of the award.
The deadline for applications is 19 February 2016 (noon). Full details at the RBS website

Don’t forget to sign up to Funding Central for free email funding alerts. Go to www.fundingcentral.org.uk/

VAC EVENTS

VAC has a full programme of courses coming up: Click here to find out more. All courses are £25 for members (unless otherwise stated).

OTHER EVENTS

CPPEG Open Meeting Thursday 11th February at 2pm
The meeting will be held at St Pancras Hospital in the conference room. NB this meeting was originally scheduled for Monday 8th February but had to be moved to Thursday 11th February
The presentations for the open meeting are as follows:
~ Camden Integrated Digital Record (CIDR) update Presenter: Nigel Slator, Implementation Lead, Camden CCG. Find you all you need to know about how this will affect you and issues around obtaining consent, accessing digital records and opting out
~ Camden Community Connectors Presenter: Corinna Gray, Ageing Better in Camden. Find out more about how Ageing Better in Camden are supporting older people who are lonely or socially isolated and we are reconnecting people with local communities.
If you are able to attend Please RSVP Bethany Golding, Communications & Engagement Manager
Tel: 020 3688 2456. Email: Bethany.Golding@camdenccg.nhs.uk

UCL launches free online dementia course
UCL has announced a free four-week online course “The Many Faces of Dementia” aiming to provide valuable insights into dementia through the stories, symptoms and science behind four less common diagnoses. The interactive MOOC (massive open online course) features interviews with world-leading experts, people with dementia and their families as well as articles and discussion.
This free online four-week course will give you a unique insight into dementia through the stories, symptoms and science behind four of the less commonly diagnosed forms of dementia. More information and sign up for free at http://www.ucl.ac.uk/lifelearning/courses/dementia-many-faces

Working with Black/African Children & Families (London)
Thursday, 11th February 2016 9:30am – 4:30pm £40.00
At City of Westminster College, Paddington Green Campus, London W2 1NB
All practitioners working with Black African children and families, including: Pupil Inclusion Managers, Teachers, Mental Health Workers, Social Workers, Youth Offending Teams, Family Support Workers, Education Welfare Officers and others.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/safeguarding-children-working-with-blackafrican-children-families-london-tickets-18568312322
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) as a Child Safeguarding Issue (London).
Wednesday, 2nd March 2016 9:30am-4:30pm £40.00
At TPP Recruitment, Sherborne House, 119-121 Cannon Street, London EC4N 5AT
To explore the issue of Female Genital Mutilation(FGM) and the impact on victims. Practitioners will also gain further knowledge around the socio-cultural and religious factors underpinning the practice and skills in identifying at risk individuals. The training will also explore debates around informed consent and male circumcision
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/female-genital-mutilation-fgm-as-a-child-safeguarding-issue-london-tickets-19117032559
Training Course: Child Abuse linked to a Belief in Witchcraft & Juju (London)
Thursday, 10th March 2016 9:30am-4:30pm £40.00
At City of Westminster College, Paddington Green Campus, London W2 1NB
Target Group: Senior Managers and Front-line staff
Participants will work on a range of case studies in order to strengthen their skills intervening in families where there have been accusations of witchcraft and spirit possession, gaining new strategies on how to work with community and faith organisations in order to support families and change practices.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/training-course-child-abuse-linked-to-a-belief-in-witchcraft-juju-london-tickets-19116981406
Please note that cancellations made two weeks before a training course cannot be refunded.
If you prefer to pay by cheque, invoice or BACS please contact training@afruca.org and request for a booking form. There is an administrative fee of £8 for invoices.
Please contact: training@afruca.org or call: 02077042261 or visit: www.afruca.org

Wild Bunch Valentines Party
Valentines Party on Thursday 11th February at Electrowerkz so do come along and celebrate love, relationships & friendship.
Thursday 11th February 7-11pm, £5 on the door, Electrowerkz, 7 Torrens Street, EC1. Wheelchair Access over 18s. Siren 020 7359 7443.

Charities Regulation Under Scrutiny Free Event at Birkbeck
Tuesday, 16 February 2016 from 18:30 at Keynes Library – 43 Gordon Square, WC1
What are charities for, why are they special and what is the purpose of regulating them? How should they be regulated? How do and should they organise their funding? Why do charities fail? What are the ideas behind our current system and how are these changing? What is the appropriate role of the regulator? Book at eventbrite.

Winter Volunteering Fair
Our fairs are a perfect way to meet people who want to volunteer in Camden.
Wednesday 24th February 12-2pm – Working Men’s College
And you can easily book your places via Eventbrite here.
If you have any questions about this, contact Rupal by email, phone 020 7424 9990

Mind Matters Winter Events 2016
Mind in Camden is hosting a series of winter talks and discussions and an all day workshop for people working or volunteering in mental health services across London. These are FREE events to help stimulate and support you in your work. Please book on as many different events as you like using http://tinyurl.com/mind-matters2016. As places are limited please book.
Viv Fongenie – A Culture of Voices – Does our culture help or hinder the lives of voice hearers?
Thursday 11th Feb, Mind in Camden, Barnes House, 9-15 Camden Road, NW1 9LQ 6.30pm-8.15pm
Rai Waddingham: Re-thinking Violent Voices
Thursday 25th Feb, Mind in Camden, Barnes House, 9-15 Camden Road, NW1 9LQ 6.30pm-8.15pm
Nicky Forsyth – Talk for Health: therapy without therapists’
Thursday 24 March: Mind in Camden, Barnes House, 9-15 Camden Road, NW1 9LQ 6.30pm-8.15pm
Rosalie Dores – mindfulness: present to self, present to others.
Saturday 26th March: 10.30am-4pm

KOVE Bench to Bench Walks
Programme of five gentle healthy-living walks for over 60’s with community seating in Kilburn and West Hampstead . All Tuesday’s at 1.30pm.
1) Tuesday 16 Feb Art up the Hill – Meet Tesco Express, 176 West End Lane NW6
2) Tuesday 1 March Kilburn’s battleship – Meet Kilburn High Road Station, NW6 5UA
3) Tuesday 15th March The Park you never knew was there! Meet at Abbey Community Centre, Belsize Road, NW6
4) Tuesday 5 April Famous Faces. Meet outside Kilburn High Road Station NW6 5UA
Enquiries to Mel Wright, KOVE Tel: 07539390786 Email: melwillwright@gmail.com c/o Kingsgate Resource Centre, 208 Webheath, Palmerston Road, NW6 2JU
All walks are free and we finish with refreshments at a nearby café.

Camden and Islington Recovery College
The Spring 2016 prospectus is now ready and is available online at http://www.candi.nhs.uk/our-services/education-and-employment/recovery-college.

London for All
London for All / LVSC have a full programme of courses available for the voluntary sector. Go to the London for All website for full details.

Camden Carers’ Service
Has a full range of events and activities for unpaid carers in Camden. Find out more on the Camden Carers’ Service website www.camdencs.org.uk/activities

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

JOBS AND VOLUNTEERING

Opening Doors London Recruiting Full Time Project Manager
Opening Doors London (ODL) is a pioneering service based at Age UK Camden and working with Age UKs across London to provide support to older LGBT* people. It runs groups, events, befriending and other supportive activities, campaigns for social justice and offers advice and training to health and social care professionals. The service is at an exciting point of consolidation and expansion with most funding in place until 2019, and we are recruiting a Project Manager to manage the service.
For further details and an application form visit our website www.ageukcamden.org.uk , email jobs@ageukcamden.org.uk or telephone 0207 239 0400. No CVs, no agencies please.
Closing date: Wednesday 2nd March 2016 5.30pm. Interviews: Tuesday 15th March 2016

New Horizon Youth Centre seeks Volunteers
Looking for a challenge, reward or a change in direction? Come and volunteer to support young homeless/vulnerable people achieve positive futures in Kings Cross. New Horizon Youth Centre’s twice award winning training programme will facilitate your volunteering in our youth work or advice teams. We provide regular support, lunch, travel expenses and the chance to work alongside dynamic and creative teams of professionals and young people. Please visit http://nhyouthcentre.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer to download a pack or to find out more.

Marketing and Communications Volunteer
British Somali Community is a women led charity based in Camden, London which has operated for 20 years. We are focused on improving Somali children’s educational achievements, improving access to health and social services and improving the overall well-being of the Somali community.
We are looking for a creative and tech-savvy volunteer to join the team and help drive our marketing and communication. The volunteer will help develop a marketing and communication strategy for the BSC and support the team in creating marketing materials for our services, assist in organizing events and some office administrative duties when required. Although this is a voluntary role, with lunch and travel expenses covered, there is a possibility of it becoming a funded role.
Please send your CV and a short covering letter explaining your interest in the position as soon as possible to: info@britishsomali.org

Alexandra Road Park Seeks Volunteers
This new park seeks volunteers who can help with conservation and promotion of Alexandra Road Park. Contact Jenny Kurktchieva, Jenny.Kurktchieva@camden.gov.uk or call 020 7974 2367.

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

OFFERS, RESOURCES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

District Nursing Services Survey
Camden CCG is conducting a survey looking at the local district nursing service run by Central and North West London Foundation Trust (CNWL).
In 2014/15 the CCG undertook a review of the community health services provided by CNWL and the findings recommended that we spend more on district nursing services.
The improvements to the district nursing service will include looking at ways of investing in community nursing with CNWL. In addition, it has been highlighted that some GP practices have problems recruiting practice nurses, so we are exploring the different ways that we may be able to offer support with this. Take the survey here.

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

Voluntary Action Camden e-bulletin 29th January 2016

by Kevin Nunan29 January 2016

Highlights

New Strategic Partners Fund; Changes to public toilets meeting for older people; CPPEG Open Meeting Thursday 11th February at 2pm; UCL launches free online dementia course; A Tale of Two Cities; Deaf Achieve; Disability Hate and Mate crime DVD; district Nursing Services Survey; Upbeat Presents: Streets of London EP Launch Event; + jobs, volunteers, events, training, offers and resources.

Feature

New Strategic Partners Fund

Details of the Council’s new Strategic Partners Fund for the local voluntary sector have been published
This is part of the Council’s new Voluntary and Community Sector Investment Programme 2017-2024.
The web-page www.camden.gov.uk/strategicpartnersfund explains the process which led to the creation of this fund, and includes everything you need to apply to the fund.
The first fund to launch under this new programme will be the Strategic Partners Fund, which contains funds for both Neighbourhood Strategic Partners and Equalities Strategic Partners.
The web page contains details of the fund, application forms and Handy Guides and should answer most questions about the Strategic Partners Fund. There are also two identical events where you can ask questions. Places are on a first-come, first-served basis, and interested organisations should send a maximum of two staff or trustees.
The events are both at the Old Town Hall on Euston Road, 9 to 11am on 2 February and 6 to 8pm on 4 February. They will include time for attendees to network with other interested organisations.
To register, email vcs@camden.gov.uk saying which event you want to attend.

NEWS & POLICY

Camden

Changes to public toilets meeting for older people, Wednesday 24 February
Cllr Larraine Revah, champion for older people is hosting a meeting for older residents in Camden to come and hear about the about changes to public toilet provision in Camden and to provide ideas and suggestions on developing a new approach.
The Council has decided to reduce the money it spends on public toilets by £260,000, Full details at https://consultations.wearecamden.org/culture-environment/changes-to-public-toilet-provision-in-camden
To make this saving the council are proposing to:
* close three toilets, in Pond Square, South End Green and West End Lane
* work with local businesses and community organisations to develop community toilet schemes in these three areas
* work with a new provider to have pay to use toilets, at Camden Town and Lincoln’s Inn Fields
Camden are inviting ideas which the Council can explore if it would avoid toilet closures and are therefore inviting you to attend a meeting for older residents in Camden about the changes:
2-4pm on Wednesday 24th February 2016 at The Council Chamber, Camden Town Hall, Judd Street WC1

A Tale of Two Cities
Hosted by Take Back The City X Decolonising Our Minds Society. From poets to Hip-Hop artists and filmmakers, A Tale of Two Cities brings together young artists from across London to share their stories of the city. This evening is an opportunity to release the tensions that come with the daily struggle of (just about) surviving in the city. We celebrate art as the expression of a resistance to cuts, racist policing and other acts of state violence, but also art as the opportunity for respite and healing. Join the facebook event here. 30th January 2016 19:30 Rich Mix London E1 6LA

Upbeat Presents: Streets of London EP Launch Event
Friday 29th January 2016 6-9 pm
Fitzrovia Centre. 2 Foley Street, London W1W 6DL
Free fun for all. Live Music, Dance, Poetry & Special Guests Refreshments
https://www.facebook.com/events/1654616981422136/
E: upbeat@upbeatmusic.org T: 07762151783 www.upbeatmusic.org

Free training, outings and events for unpaid carers in Camden
For a full list of events of carers in Camden please visit the Camden Carers website.

Healthwatch Camden
Latest Information DIgest is on the Healthwatch Camden website.
Catch up with the latest Camden news and what’s happening on Our Blog

Camden Safeguarding Children Board, Nordoff Robbins, New Horizon Youth Centre, British Somali Community, Alexandra Road Park, and Camden PA are recruiting. See Jobs and Volunteers section below.

Camden Shares. The website for exchanges in Camden. www.camdenshares.org.uk

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

Labour takes to the road to reconnect with disabled people
Shadow disability minister Debbie Abrahams is angry at the effects of welfare reform and says Labour’s new roadshows will consult people on how to create a more humane system. VAC will publisize the dates as soon as we have them.

Innovation in the NHS in Rotherham
The evaluation findings for the Voluntary Action Rotherham social prescribing service, which focuses on people with long term health conditions, have been launched.
The conclusions drawn in the report include:
~ Positive impact on reducing emergency admission and A&E attendances
~ Cost reductions for commissioners
~ Improved patient experience and satisfaction with care
~ Improved health and wellbeing of local people, through more engaged communities and a more sustainable and vibrant VCS
~ Contribution to the growing national reputation and interest in social prescribing
A full and summary report have been published describing the evaluation in more detail.

Troubled Families
“It is clear that a family-centred approach is very valuable, but one of the key things it does is help families to access other forms of assistance. Where can they go when those areas are cut?” The Economist reviews this major programme. NB in Camden the term ‘complex families’ is used in place of ‘troubled families’.

NGOs Syria Hub
In advance of the Syria civil society conference on 3 February, Bond are curating examples of the work of NGOs with Syrian people in and around the country.
The aim of this Syria Hub is to provide the context of what Bond members and other NGOs are doing in Syria and the region, to amplify that work and to create a useful resource of material to share on social media.
If you have useful material you think we should include here, please contact Bond.

FUNDING

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

Don’t forget to sign up to Funding Central for free email funding alerts. Go to www.fundingcentral.org.uk/

VAC EVENTS

VAC has a full programme of courses coming up: Click here to find out more. All courses are £25 for members (unless otherwise stated).

OTHER EVENTS

Working with Black/African Children & Families (London)
Thursday, 11th February 2016 9:30am – 4:30pm £40.00
At City of Westminster College, Paddington Green Campus, London W2 1NB
Target Group: All practitioners working with black African children and families, including: Pupil Inclusion Managers, Teachers, Mental Health Workers, Social Workers, Youth Offending Teams, Family Support Workers, Education Welfare Officers and others.
All practitioners working with Black African children and families, including: Pupil Inclusion Managers, Teachers, Mental Health Workers, Social Workers, Youth Offending Teams, Family Support Workers, Education Welfare Officers and others.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/safeguarding-children-working-with-blackafrican-children-families-london-tickets-18568312322
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) as a Child Safeguarding Issue (London).
Wednesday, 2nd March 2016 9:30am-4:30pm £40.00
At TPP Recruitment, Sherborne House, 119-121 Cannon Street, London EC4N 5AT
Target Group: Child Protection Officers, Education Welfare Officers, Teachers, Health practitioners, Crime Prevention Officers.
To explore the issue of Female Genital Mutilation(FGM) and the impact on victims. Practitioners will also gain further knowledge around the socio-cultural and religious factors underpinning the practice and skills in identifying at risk individuals. The training will also explore debates around informed consent and male circumcision
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/female-genital-mutilation-fgm-as-a-child-safeguarding-issue-london-tickets-19117032559
Training Course: Child Abuse linked to a Belief in Witchcraft & Juju (London)
Thursday, 10th March 2016 9:30am-4:30pm £40.00
At City of Westminster College, Paddington Green Campus, London W2 1NB
Target Group: Senior Managers and Front-line staff
This unique training course will enable front line staff and their managers develop new skills and competencies around culture and beliefs and how these are linked to witchcraft abuse. Participants will work on a range of case studies in order to strengthen their skills intervening in families where there have been accusations of witchcraft and spirit possession, gaining new strategies on how to work with community and faith organisations in order to support families and change practices.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/training-course-child-abuse-linked-to-a-belief-in-witchcraft-juju-london-tickets-19116981406
Please note that cancellations made two weeks before a
training course cannot be refunded.
If you prefer to pay by cheque, invoice or BACS please contact training@afruca.org and request for a booking form. Please note that we charge an administrative fee of £8 for invoices.
For further information please contact: training@afruca.org or call: 02077042261
or visit: www.afruca.org

Mange Your Health at KTCC
Starting Monday 1st February Mondays 1pm-5pm for six weeks.
Do you have a long term health condition? If so you may benefit from attending a free self-management course.
To reserve a place please telephone 0800 988 5560 or 03333 445 840 or email hello@selfmanagementuk.org
Kentish Town Community Centre, 17 Busby Place
www.ktcc.org.uk/events/selfmanagementuk

Promoting Change Training
Promoting Change is a free, 1-day experiential training course funded by Camden and Islington Public Health, incorporating health promotion, motivational interviewing and goal setting.
The ‘Promoting Change’ training course has been designed for professionals to equip you with the transferable skills needed to have effective conversations with your service users to encourage them to make healthy lifestyles changes.
Next training dates: Wednesday 3rd February 2016, Friday 19th February 2016, Friday 4th March 2016 & Wednesday 23rd March 2016. 9.30am 17.00pm
Places are allocated on a first come, first served basis http://promotingchangetraining.eventbrite.com
Can’t make any of these dates? Contact Paula Prince at Whittington Health NHS for alternative dates or for more information: paula.prince@nhs.net Tel: 0207 527 1189

LVSC Mayoral Hustings 2016
With the 2016 London Mayoral election campaign hotting up, LVSC is hosting a hustings to find out more about the candidates’ policies on the issues that matter to the capital’s voluntary sector. Chaired by Professor Danny Dorling, the hustings will be an opportunity for the voluntary and community sector to find out how the candidates propose to improve the lives of the people that the sector supports.
For more information on LVSC’s position, check out our 2016 Mayoral Manifesto, The Big Ask, containing our six asks for the next Mayor of London.
Please take the time to send us your question for the candidates before the event.
3rd February 2016 2:45 PM to 6:00 PM at ORT House, 126 Albert Street, London, NW1 7NE
See more at: http://civi.lvsc.org.uk/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=867

West Euston Partnership Courses
Free Level 1 Child Safeguarding training offered on Wednesday 3rd February at West Euston Partnership, 29-31 Hampstead Road, NW1 3JA.
9.30 – 12.30 An Induction for anyone who has never done this training before;
1.30 – 4.30 A Refresher for those who have done this training before
You must be working with children and families in Camden either paid or volunteer.
Contact diana@westeuston.org to book your place.

Camden Chinese Community Centre New Year Celebration held on Saturday 6th February from 11am to 3pm.
The event will be held at The Camden Centre, Bidborough Street, London, WC1H 9BT. The nearest tube station will be at Kings Cross St Pancras.
Tickets are £5 for adults and £2 for children.
At the event there will be lion dancing, acrobats, magic show, Chinese opera & New Year songs, Chinese traditional & folk dance, Peking noodles making demonstration and raffle draw.
There will be a raffle draw at the event, raffle tickets are sold for £1 each.
· First prize one return air ticket to Hong Kong (sponsor: See Woo Group)
· £388 banquet at The Phoenix Palace Restaurant (Phoenix Palace Restaurant)
· £238 banquet at The Good Earth Restaurant (The Good Earth Restaurant)
· £188 banquet at New Joy King Lau (New Joy King Lau)
If you are interested in purchasing the raffle tickets please speak to Silvia Chui.
If you would like to book on to the event please contact Silvia her email is silvia.chui@camdenccc.co.uk or call her on 020 7388 8883.

KOVE Bench to Bench Walks
Programme of five gentle healthy-living walks for over 60’s with community seating in Kilburn and West Hampstead . All Tuesday’s at 1.30pm
1) Tuesday 2nd February House of stars – Meet outside Kilburn Station NW6 7QL.
2) Tuesday 16 Feb Art up the Hill – Meet Tesco Express, 176 West End Lane NW6
3) Tuesday 1 March Kilburn’s battleship – Meet Kilburn High Road Station, NW6 5UA
4) Tuesday 15th March The Park you never knew was there! Meet at Abbey Community Centre, Belsize Road, NW6
5) Tuesday 5 April Famous Faces. Meet outside Kilburn High Road Station NW6 5UA
Enquiries to Mel Wright, KOVE Tel: 07539390786 Email: melwillwright@gmail.com c/o Kingsgate Resource Centre, 208 Webheath, Palmerston Road, NW6 2JU
All walks are free and we finish with refreshments at a nearby café.

Camden Disability Action Annual General Meeting
Monday 15 Feb 6 – 8 pm at Arlington Conference Centre, 220 Arlington Road, NW1
Guest speakers Cllr. Sally Gimson, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care & Health.
To register, contact Anju Bhatt via email on abhatt@vac.org.uk or 0207 284 6550.

Understanding & Supporting People with Paranoia & Beliefs (2 days)
Mind in Camden. Wednesday, 3rd and Friday 5th February 2016 at 10:00 – 4:30
Do you want to find out a bit more about the experience of voices and beliefs?
Are you supporting someone and want to improve your knowledge and confidence?
Or perhaps you already run a Hearing Voices group and/or a Paranoia & Beliefs Group and want to brush up in your awareness and skills?
The course will cover the following main areas:
Understanding the experience of Voices and Beliefs
Different ways of making sense and coping with voices and beliefs
Testimony from people with lived experience
At New Horizon Youth Centre, 68 Chalton St NW1. Book at Eventbrite

Free Speakeasy – ready to run course
It involves three days of training after which you will be able to deliver either a full FPA Speakeasy course or elements of the FPA Speakeasy course without accreditation.
Training aims
By the end of the two days you will:
• understand key aspects of sexual health and sexuality – especially as they relate to work with parents in talking with their children
• know how to deliver the FPA Speakeasy course for parents and carers without accreditation.
Training requirements and time commitments
• Participants need to attend all three days of the training on (March 1st, 2nd and 3rd 9:30am – 1pm at 5 Pancras Square, Room 1.4 Coram, London, N1C 4AG)
• Run at least one parents group at their local school or community group in Camden.
FPA Speakeasy course for parents and carers (without accreditation)
The Speakeasy course for parents and carers offers a non-threatening, group-based opportunity for parents and carers to acquire the confidence and skills they need to talk to their children about growing up, relationships, sex and sexuality. It is designed to be a fun and relaxed course, providing an atmosphere where parents can learn together from one another’s experiences.
To book a place please contact Sandra Soteriou on sandra.soteriou@camden.gov.uk

CSE In Plain Sight -Free training
We are offering free training and guidance to parents to help inform you how best to protect your children and young people from sexual exploitation after dark.
The training will cover all aspects of CSE, advising you how you can safeguard your children both on and offline.
Please come along on February 10th from 11am – 12.30pm Crowndale Centre, Ground Floor , Mezzanine The Eversholt, 218 Eversholt St, NW1 1BD.
Nightwatch is a one year Training and Outreach pilot funded by the Department for Education.
To book a place please contact Sandra Soteriou on sandra.soteriou@camden.gov.uk

Camden and Islington Recovery College
The Spring 2016 prospectus is now ready and is available online at http://www.candi.nhs.uk/our-services/education-and-employment/recovery-college.

London for All
London for All / LVSC have a full programme of courses available for the voluntary sector. Go to the London for All website for full details.

Camden Carers’ Service
Has a full range of events and activities for unpaid carers in Camden. Find out more on the Camden Carers’ Service website www.camdencs.org.uk/activities

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

JOBS AND VOLUNTEERING

Volunteering Opportunity at CSCB
The Camden Safeguarding Children Board (CSCB) is recruiting a Camden resident to become a Lay Member of the Board. We are looking for one person (or two) with knowledge of local child safety and issues within the local community, who could speak on behalf of the community – representing their views and needs. You will act as an independent, yet informed observer who is able to ask questions that professionals closely involved in the work might not think to ask. This is an opportunity to help make sure that agencies and organisations in Camden are safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people across the borough effectively. As a full member of Camden Safeguarding Children Board you will be expected to attend six two-hour meetings per year and a small number of working groups.
This is a voluntary post, but induction training and travel expenses will be provided if needed.
For further information please go to www.cscb.org.uk. To apply contact: Dameshk Wijesinha, CSCB Development Officer Email: dameshk.wijesinha@camden.gov.uk Tel: 020 7974 8716.

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

OFFERS, RESOURCES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Help co-produce an Information and Advice Strategy for adult social care
We all need good quality information and advice to make sound decisions.
Information and advice for Camden residents is available from voluntary sector partners in the community. This is why Camden council want to want to co-produce an Information and Advice Strategy for adult social care and an action plan with partners.
If your organisation is interested in working together with staff and residents to produce an Information and Advice Strategy for adult social care please email: shana.nessa@camden.gov.uk to confirm your attendance.
We are meeting on Thursday 21st January 2015 at 10.30am at our offices in Pancras Square.

Decision made at Camden’s Cabinet
The report ‘A New Strategic Relationship with the Voluntary Sector’ was approved at cabinet in December. The press release is on the Camden council website. The full report that went to cabinet is available here. You can also watch a video of the meeting here.

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

Voluntary Action Camden e-bulletin 22nd January 2016

by Kevin Nunan22 January 2016

Highlights

What is Happening at Greenwood Place? Strategic Partners Fund News; Wild Bunch Valentines Party; London Mayoral Election 2016 Hustings events; Charities Regulation Under Scrutiny; Winter Volunteering Fairs; Mange Your Health at KTCC; Office to Let in Kentish Town; Promoting Change Training; Mind Matters Winter Events; + jobs, volunteers, events, training, offers and resources.

Feature

What is Happening at Greenwood Place?

Last chance to sign up for Tuesday’s meeting all about the future of Greenwood Place. Camden Disability Action Meeting about Greenwood Place and the Centre for Independent Living
Tuesday 26th January 5pm – 7pm
Charlie Ratchford Centre
Belmont Street London NW1 8HF
Greenwood Place will be a multi-use space for disabled people and the headquarters for Camden’s first ever Centre for Independent Living (CIL). Come and catch up on what is happening with the building works and to discuss the suggested proposal for how it should be run. Camden Council’s Commissioning Team will be attending to explain the process for selecting an organisation and to support our discussion about the design of this new service.
To book, please contact 207 284 6550 or follow this link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/
For more information, or if you have any specific requirements (e.g., diet, BSL interpreter), please email info@vac.org.uk or call 020 7284 6550.

NEWS & POLICY

Camden

The New Camden Council Voluntary and Community Sector Investment Programme 2017-2024: Strategic Partners Fund
“The new Camden Council Voluntary and Community Sector Investment Programme 2017-2024: Strategic Partners Fund
I hope the year has started well for you and your voluntary sector organisation.
Thank you for taking the time in the autumn to respond to the Council’s formal consultation on the proposed new Voluntary and Community Sector Investment Programme 2017-2024.
You may know that in December the Council’s Cabinet approved a £5.1m annual investment programme beginning in 2017. Details of the approved proposals are available here (item 10).
The first fund to launch under this new programme will be the Strategic Partners Fund, which contains funds for both Neighbourhood Strategic Partners and Equalities Strategic Partners.
From 27 January, this webpage will have details of the fund, application forms and Handy Guides.
That page should answer most questions about the Strategic Partners Fund. We are also holding two identical events where you can ask additional questions. Places are on a first-come, first-served basis, and interested organisations should send a maximum of two staff or trustees.
The events are both at the Old Town Hall on Euston Road, 9 to 11am on 2 February and 6 to 8pm on 4 February. They will include time for attendees to network with other interested organisations.
To register, email vcs@camden.gov.uk saying which event you want to attend. Please specify any access requirements. If these events generate questions not answered by the application forms and the Handy Guides, we will post answers on the webpage above.”

London Mayoral Election 2016 Hustings for Older Londoners
Age UK London has invited four leading London Mayoral Election 2016 candidates to answer your questions and tell you how they aim to make London ‘A Great Place to Grow Older.’
Sian Berry, Green Party councillor for Highgate, Camden Council
Zac Goldsmith, Conservative MP for Richmond Park and North Kingston
Caroline Pidgeon, The Leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group
25 February 11am to 1pm at Clifford Chance, 10 Upper Bank St, London E14 5JJ
This event is free. You must pre-book. A light lunch will be provided.
For more information, to submit a question and to book your place visit the event website or contact Danny Elliott on delliott@ageuklondon.org.uk or 020 7820 6778.

Charities Regulation Under Scrutiny Free Event at Birkbeck
Tuesday, 16 February 2016 from 18:30 at Keynes Library – 43 Gordon Square, Bloomsbury WC1H 0PD
What are charities for, why are they special and what is the purpose of regulating them? How should they be regulated? How do and should they organise their funding? Why do charities fail? What are the ideas behind our current system and how are these changing? What is the appropriate role of the regulator? Book at eventbrite.

Winter Volunteering Fairs
Our fairs are a perfect way to meet people who want to volunteer in Camden. And they have a 46% recruitment rate.
Thursday 21st January 6-7.30pm
Swiss Cottage Library
Please make sure you have weekend and evening volunteering opportunities, as many people who attend evening fairs work during the day.
Thursday 28th January 12-2pm
Camden Garden Centre
Wednesday 24th February 12-2pm
Working Men’s College
And you can easily book your places via Eventbrite here.
If you have any questions about this, contact Rupal by email, phone 020 7424 9990

Office to Let in Kentish Town- Good Price, Great Location
VAC has a medium size office to let that would suit a small organisation needing space for approximately 4 or 5 desks. Conveniently located in Kentish Town with all usual mod cons. Contact Kevin at VAC knunan@vac.org.uk

Mind Matters Winter Events 2016
Mind in Camden is hosting a series of winter talks and discussions and an all day workshop for people working or volunteering in mental health services across London. These are FREE events to help stimulate and support you in your work. Please book on as many different events as you like using http://tinyurl.com/mind-matters2016. As places are limited please book.
Jacqui Dillon – Bad things happen & they can drive you crazy
Thursday 28th Jan, Mind in Camden, Barnes House, 9-15 Camden Road, NW1 9LQ 6.30pm-8.15pm
Viv Fongenie – A Culture of Voices – Does our culture help or hinder the lives of voice hearers?
Thursday 11th Feb, Mind in Camden, Barnes House, 9-15 Camden Road, NW1 9LQ 6.30pm-8.15pm
Rai Waddingham: Re-thinking Violent Voices
Thursday 25th Feb, Mind in Camden, Barnes House, 9-15 Camden Road, NW1 9LQ 6.30pm-8.15pm
Nicky Forsyth – Talk for Health: therapy without therapists’
Thursday 24 March: Mind in Camden, Barnes House, 9-15 Camden Road, NW1 9LQ 6.30pm-8.15pm
Rosalie Dores – mindfulness: present to self, present to others.
Saturday 26th March: 10.30am-4pm

Free training, outings and events for unpaid carers in Camden
For a full list of events of carers in Camden please visit the Camden Carers website.

Healthwatch Camden
Latest Information DIgest is on the Healthwatch Camden website.
Catch up with the latest Camden news and what’s happening on Our Blog

Hillside Clubhouse, New Horizon Youth Centre, British Somali Community, Age UK Camden, Alexandra Road Park, and Camden PA are recruiting. See Jobs and Volunteers section below.

Camden Shares. The website for exchanges in Camden. www.camdenshares.org.uk

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

Volunteering So Good for You Doctors Might Soon Prescribe it
Research shows giving up time for altruism can make you healthier, feel less stressed and aid weight loss. Full story in the Guardian.

The Physiological Power of Altruism
The Atlantic article that inspired the Guardian article above. People who volunteer lead longer, healthier lives. Some public-health experts believe the time has come for doctors to recommend it alongside diet and exercise.

Are Charities Distributed Geographically According to Need?
An interesting study that, like many others, tries to map the distribution of charities across the country to see if they are located in areas of need. The main flaw in these studies is that they only look at registered charities, not unregistered community groups that are much harder to count, yet may be even more numerous than registered charities. Full article at nfpsynergy.

FUNDING

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

Don’t forget to sign up to Funding Central for free email funding alerts. Go to www.fundingcentral.org.uk/

VAC EVENTS

VAC has a full programme of courses coming up: Click here to find out more. All courses are £25 for members (unless otherwise stated).

OTHER EVENTS

West Euston Partnership Courses
Free Level 1 Child Safeguarding training offered on Wednesday 3rd February at West Euston Partnership, 29-31 Hampstead Road, NW1 3JA.
9.30 – 12.30 An Induction for anyone who has never done this training before;
1.30 – 4.30 A Refresher for those who have done this training before and need an update;
You must be working with children and families in Camden as either a paid worker or volunteer.
Contact diana@westeuston.org to book your place.

The Recovery College have spaces available on the following courses:
Introduction to Recovery
Wednesday 27th January – 10-3.30pm, Elizabeth House
Monday 8th February, 10-3.30pm, Islington Library
Getting a Good Night’s Sleep
Monday 1st February 10-1pm, Camden Mind
Money Matters
Tuesday 2nd February, 11-4pm, Elizabeth House
Coping with Stigma and Discrimination
Wednesday 3rd February 11-4pm, Elizabeth House
Introduction to Diet and Exercise
Tuesday 9th February, 10.30-1pm, Conference Hall- St Pancras Hospital
Students can enrol online at http://www.candi.nhs.uk/recoverycollege or by coming in to the Recovery College at 4 St Pancras Way (on the corner of Granary Street, next to St Pancras Hospital) NW1.

Free and Discounted Financial and Legal Advice for Older Camden Residents
Age UK Camden runs free ‘Plan Ahead’ information events where people can find out more about writing wills, inheritance tax, trusts, pensions, investments, long-term care costs, and much more.
The next Plan Ahead information session will be held on Wednesday 20th January 2016 at Tavis House, 1-6 Tavistock Square, London , WC1H 9NA, from 2-4pm. To book your free place at this information session, or to find out more contact the Advice Team on 020 7837 3777 or at duty@ageukcamden.org.uk

Building your community’s campaign capacity
Fostering successful community alliances and making multi-culturalism work
Opposing race hatred, scapegoating, racism and fascism, where you live or work
The training will be held on:
Saturday 30 January 11am – 3.30pm, Central London, at the TUC
Congress House, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3LS
There is no charge for attending. Lunch will be provided. Places are limited. You can register to attend at http://goo.gl/forms/TX3K9LYXE1
The training will be provided by HOPE not Hate. The aim is to inspire and enable our communities to organise for equality and opportunity for all.
Megan Dobney: sertuc@tuc.org.uk and 020 7467 1220 or John Page: John@HOPEnothate.org.uk and 07539 902 975

KOVE Bench to Bench Walks
Programme of five gentle healthy-living walks for over 60’s with community seating in Kilburn and West Hampstead
February to April 2016 – Tuesday’s at 1.30pm
1) Tuesday 2nd February House of stars – Meet outside Kilburn Station NW6 7QL.
2) Tuesday 16th February Art up the Hill – Meet outside Tescos Express, 176 West End Lane NW61SG
3) Tuesday 1 March Kilburn’s battleship – Meet Kilburn High Road Station, NW6 5UA
4) Tuesday 15th March The Park you never knew was there! Meet at Abbey Community Centre, Belsize Road, NW6
5) Tuesday 5 April Famous Faces. Meet outside Kilburn High Road Station NW6 5UA
All enquiries to Mel Wright, KOVE
Tel: 07539390786 Email: melwillwright@gmail.com c/o Kingsgate Resource Centre, 208 Webheath, Palmerston Road, NW6 2JU All walks are free and we finish with refreshments at a nearby café.

New Courses @ Maiden Lane Community Centre
156 St Paul’s Crescent, NW1 9XZ
To book a place call 020 7267 9586
Tuesdays 10am-12pm
MS Word skills for work and life
Tuesday 1 – 3pm
Improve your internet and email skills
Wednesdays 10am-3pm
Create a website with WordPress – Create a website for business or pleasure using the free WordPress software.
[New format with lunch break 12-1pm
Wednesdays 10am-12pm Starts 24th February
Introduction to Photoshop – introduction to this software for editing your photos.

Camden Disability Action Annual General Meeting
Monday 15th February 2016 from 6 – 8 pm at Arlington Conference Centre, 220 Arlington Road, London NW1 7HE.
Guest speakers will include Cllr. Sally Gimson, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health.
To register, please contact Anju Bhatt via email on abhatt@vac.org.uk or telephone 0207 284 6550.

Camden and Islington Recovery College
The Spring 2016 prospectus is now ready and is available online at http://www.candi.nhs.uk/our-services/education-and-employment/recovery-college.
Don’t forget the Open Day on Monday 21st December at 4 St Pancras Way. The Recovery College will then be closed until the start of term on 4 January.

‘End of Life Care’ Conference: Thursday 11 February 2016, 10.30am – 3pm
The Eighth Annual Joint Conference from Age UK London and the Social Care Workforce Research Unit & Making Research Count at King’s College London (CPD certified)
Venue: Henriette Raphael Function Room, Henriette Raphael House, King’s College London Guy’s Campus, SE1 9RT, near London Bridge Station
Please book your conference place via: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/end-of-life-care-tickets-20054605866

London for All
London for All / LVSC have a full programme of courses available for the voluntary sector. Go to the London for All website for full details.

Camden Carers’ Service
Has a full range of events and activities for unpaid carers in Camden. Find out more on the Camden Carers’ Service website www.camdencs.org.uk/activities

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

JOBS AND VOLUNTEERING

Two new job vacancies here at Hillside Clubhouse
Individual Placement and Support (IPS)
Employment Service (CAMDEN)
Mental Health Employment Support Worker – 35 hours £26342
Mental Health Employment Support Team Manager 14 hours £12532
Hillside Clubhouse is a dynamic mental health charity in North London. This exciting new pilot project will deliver employment and wellbeing support to people with common mental health problems to the IPS Model of employment support and the team will be embedded in existing clinical and JCP teams. You will have a sound track record in working with people with mental health problems or disabilities and supporting them to gain and retain work as well as employer engagement skills. The Manager will also have experience of project, systems and people management. Prior IPS experience is preferred but not essential.
For an application pack please email gsell@hillsideclubhouse.org.uk or telephone 020 7700 6408.
Closing date: Monday 25 January at 5 pm
www.hillsideclubhouse.org.uk

AgeUK Camden seeks Temporary Information/Data Input Officer
4 month contract (part time 21 hours per week)
Local Government Scale 5-6 SP22 – 28 £23,658 to £27,879 pa pro rata 6% contributory pension
Ideally to be available to start no later than Mid February 2016
Are you experienced in using and updating databases and on line information directories? Do you enjoy a busy and rewarding environment? Age UK Camden’s Information/Data Input Officer will be crucial in delivering an effective up to date database for organisations across Camden who want to access information on resources for older people.
The post is based at our head office in Tavistock Square, Camden. AUC offers a contributory pension, and season ticket or bicycle loan facility.
For further details and an application form visit our website www.ageukcamden.org.uk or email jobs@ageukcamden.org.uk or telephone 020 7239 0400.
Closing date: 9:30am Wednesday 20th January 2016
Interviews: Tuesday 26th January 2016

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 15th January 2016

by Kevin Nunan14 January 2016

Highlights

News on the New Strategic Partners Fund; Cold Weather Alert; What is Happening at Greenwood Place? New Activities from Kilburn Older Voices Exchange; Building your community’s campaign capacity; Advice Strategy for adult social care; Free Everyday Computer Skills workshops; Jewish Mental Health Forum; Lloyds Bank Social Entrepreneurs Programme; Office to Let in Kentish Town; Free and Discounted Financial and Legal Advice for Older Camden Residents+ jobs, volunteers, events, training, offers and resources.

Feature

The New Camden Council Voluntary and Community Sector Investment Programme 2017-2024: Strategic Partners Fund

“The new Camden Council Voluntary and Community Sector Investment Programme 2017-2024: Strategic Partners Fund
I hope the year has started well for you and your voluntary sector organisation.
Thank you for taking the time in the autumn to respond to the Council’s formal consultation on the proposed new Voluntary and Community Sector Investment Programme 2017-2024.
You may know that in December the Council’s Cabinet approved a £5.1m annual investment programme beginning in 2017. Details of the approved proposals are available here (item 10).
The first fund to launch under this new programme will be the Strategic Partners Fund, which contains funds for both Neighbourhood Strategic Partners and Equalities Strategic Partners.
From 27 January, this webpage will have details of the fund, application forms and Handy Guides.
That page should answer most questions about the Strategic Partners Fund. We are also holding two identical events where you can ask additional questions. Places are on a first-come, first-served basis, and interested organisations should send a maximum of two staff or trustees.
The events are both at the Old Town Hall on Euston Road, 9 to 11am on 2 February and 6 to 8pm on 4 February. They will include time for attendees to network with other interested organisations.
To register, email vcs@camden.gov.uk saying which event you want to attend. Please specify any access requirements. If these events generate questions not answered by the application forms and the Handy Guides, we will post answers on the webpage above.”

NEWS & POLICY

Camden

Cold Weather Alert
The Met Office have issued this warning: “There is a 90% chance of London Turning colder with a few sleet and snow showers at times but generally a good deal of dry weather. The lowest temperatures are expected to occur over the weekend and into early next week. Cold weather currently looks set to last into early next week. At this stage, it appears that the weather may then turn less cold during the middle of next week.” NHS England has issued a cold weather alert for the next seven days, warning the public that services could be disrupted and asking vulnerable patients to take extra care.

What is Happening at Greenwood Place?
Camden Disability Action Meeting about Greenwood Place and the Centre for Independent Living
Tuesday 26th January 5pm – 7pm
Charlie Ratchford Centre
Belmont Street London NW1 8HF
Greenwood Place will be a multi-use space for disabled people and the headquarters for Camden’s first ever Centre for Independent Living (CIL). Come and catch up on what is happening with the building works and to discuss the suggested proposal for how it should be run. Camden Council’s Commissioning Team will be attending to explain the process for selecting an organisation and to support our discussion about the design of this new service.
To book, please contact 207 284 6550 or follow this link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/
For more information, or if you have any specific requirements (e.g., diet, BSL interpreter), please email info@vac.org.uk or call 020 7284 6550.

Bench to Bench Walk & Keeping Active Together (KAT) Launch
A friendly healthy-living walk for over sixties with community seating along the way
1.30pm Friday 22nd January
Guided local walk followed by free refreshments and KAT launch at West Hampstead Community Centre
Meet for 1.30pm start at bench outside the Little Waitrose 319 West End Lane, NW6 1RN
Enquiries to Mel Wright, Coordinator KOVE Tel: 07539390786 Email: melwillwright@gmail.com Ageing Better in Camden is a partnership of agencies and older people led by Age UK and funded by the Big Lottery
See the Kove website (and item below) for many other activities in Kilburn.

KOVE Bench to Bench Walks
Programme of five gentle healthy-living walks for over 60’s with community seating in Kilburn and West Hampstead
February to April 2016 – Tuesday’s at 1.30pm
1) Tuesday 2nd February House of stars – Meet outside Kilburn Station NW6 7QL.
2) Tuesday 16th February Art up the Hill – Meet outside Tescos Express, 176 West End Lane NW61SG
3) Tuesday 1st March Kilburn’s battleship – Meet at Kilburn High Road Station, NW6 5UA
4) Tuesday 15th March The Park you never knew was there! Meet at Abbey Community Centre, Belsize Road, NW6
5) Tuesday 5th April Famous Faces. Meet outside Kilburn High Road Station NW6 5UA
All enquiries to Mel Wright, KOVE
Tel: 07539390786 Email: melwillwright@gmail.com c/o Kingsgate Resource Centre, 208 Webheath, Palmerston Road, NW6 2JU All walks are free and we finish with refreshments at a nearby café.

Building your community’s campaign capacity
Fostering successful community alliances and making multi-culturalism work
Opposing race hatred, scapegoating, racism and fascism, where you live or work
The training will be held on:
Saturday 30 January 11am – 3.30pm, Central London, at the TUC
Congress House, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3LS
There is no charge for attending. Lunch will be provided. Places are limited. You can register to attend at http://goo.gl/forms/TX3K9LYXE1
The training will be provided by HOPE not Hate. The aim is to inspire and enable our communities to stand up against prejudice, and organise for equality and opportunity for all.
Megan Dobney: sertuc@tuc.org.uk and 020 7467 1220 or John Page: John@HOPEnothate.org.uk and 07539 902 975

Camden Chinese Community Centre New Year Celebration held on Saturday 6th February from 11am to 3pm.
The event will be held at The Camden Centre, Bidborough Street, London, WC1H 9BT. The nearest tube station will be at Kings Cross St Pancras.
Tickets are £5 for adults and £2 for children.
The programme for the day:
At the event there will be lion dancing, acrobats, magic show, Chinese opera & New Year songs, Chinese traditional & folk dance, Peking noodles making demonstration and raffle draw.
There will be a raffle draw at the event, raffle tickets are sold for £1 each.
· First prize one return air ticket to Hong Kong (sponsor: See Woo Group)
· £388 banquet at The Phoenix Palace Restaurant (Phoenix Palace Restaurant)
· £238 banquet at The Good Earth Restaurant (The Good Earth Restaurant)
· £188 banquet at New Joy King Lau (New Joy King Lau)
· Plus many other prizes.
If you are interested in purchasing the raffle tickets please speak to Silvia Chui.
If you would like to book on to the event please contact Silvia her email is silvia.chui@camdenccc.co.uk or call her on 020 7388 8883.

The adult community learning team is running Free Everyday Computer Skills workshops in more venues including:
• Kentish Town Library (NW5 2AA) – Thursdays 10 – 12
• Kilburn Library (NW6 5UH) – Tuesdays 10 – 11.45
• Latin American House (NW6 4TA) – Wednesdays 10 – 12
• Adult Learning Centre, Netley Campus (NW1 3EX) Tuesdays 1-3
The workshops are run by qualified tutors with extensive experience of working in community settings. They provide support to residents who may have limited or no computer skills to access Council services and information online – including setting up a Camden account, accessing information and advice on care and support via the Camden Care Choices website, registering with Universal Jobmatch, booking doctor’s appointments, completing benefit applications – and much more!
If you work with people who would benefit from this support, please encourage them to drop in to one of the sessions – no need to book. They can come along for just one session – or as many as they like.
We can adapt the workshops to include content appropriate to your clients – just get in touch Email: adultlearning@camden.gov.uk Phone: 020 7974 2148

Jewish Mental Health Forum
Next Meeting, Thursday 10th March 2016, 2.30 – 4.30pm The Brenner Community Centre, 91-93 Stamford Hill, London N16 5TP.
Jami runs The Jewish Mental Health Forum to promote awareness and understanding of mental health related issues among professionals working in health and social care. In addition to the Forum, Jami has recently launched Head Room an adult learning programme aimed across the Jewish community. As the Recovery Education Manager for Jami I run the Head Room programme. Please click HERE to view our brochure. Do have a look at the Information Seminars which I think you will find interesting.
At the next meeting of the Forum I would like to enable our various agencies to get to know each other’s work better and share information. We will also hear from Jami’s Head of Service, Tanya Harris speak on the subject of “Mental Health and Physical Activity: Supporting Our Wellbeing” which will explore how our health and wellbeing is intrinsically linked to our mental health.
To reserve your place for the Forum please email my colleague Clive Helman: clive.helman@jamiuk.org or telephone Jami on 020 8458 2223.

Free and Discounted Financial and Legal Advice for Older Camden Residents
Age UK Camden is encouraging older people in the borough to get independent advice to ensure that all their financial and legal matters are in order, and runs free ‘Plan Ahead’ information events where people can find out more about writing wills, inheritance tax, trusts, pensions, investments, long-term care costs, and much more.
The next Plan Ahead information session will be held on Wednesday 20th January 2016 at Tavis House, 1-6 Tavistock Square, London , WC1H 9NA, from 2-4pm. To book your free place at this information session, or to find out more about the Plan Ahead project, contact the Advice Team on 020 7837 3777 or at duty@ageukcamden.org.uk

Free training, outings and events for unpaid carers in Camden
For a full list of events of carers in Camden please visit the Camden Carers website.

Healthwatch Camden
Latest Information DIgest is on the Healthwatch Camden website.
Catch up with the latest Camden news and what’s happening on Our Blog

Voluntary Action Islington, British Somali Community, NICE, the Calthorpe Project, and Camden PA are recruiting. See Jobs and Volunteers section below.

Camden Shares. The website for exchanges in Camden. www.camdenshares.org.uk

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

Growing the Gift Aid small donations scheme: have your say
In an environment where diversification of income has become ever more important for charities, the gift aid small donations scheme is a brilliant idea, sadly shackled by some unnecessarily complex and stringent rules.
That could be set to change – with your help. The government is holding a call for evidence (PDF, 170KB) to see how the scheme rules could be simplified to improve uptake. This is a real opportunity to reform the scheme so that it benefits the real breadth of charities it was originally intended to. Have your say here.

How to talk about paying staff in charities
NCVO produced a useful guide to dealing with questions of charity pay and other issues that were raised in certain sections of the press just before Christmas. Read the article here.

FUNDING

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

Comic Relief Local Communities Programme Launches Second Round
Applications are now being accepted for the Comic Relief Local Communities Programme in London with a deadline of 1 March 2016 (5pm).
Grants are available to charitable organisations and groups for projects that improve people’s life skills, education, employability and enterprise.
Grants of between £1,000 and £10,000 are available and must be for at least 30% of the total costs of the project.
Projects should be run by people directly affected by the issues being dealt with, and priority will be given to small, locally-based groups or organisations in areas of disadvantage that have a clear understanding of the needs of their community.
The following organisations are eligible to apply:
~ Residents associations.
~ Community groups.
~ Social Enterprises.
~ Community Interest Companies.
~ Community Interest Organisations.
~ Credit Unions.
~ Community centres.
Examples of activities that can be funded through this programme include, but are not limited to, the following:
~ Furniture projects.
~ Benefit advice services.
~ Community sport initiatives.
~ Food co-ops.
~ Initiative designed to combat fuel poverty.
~ Employment and employability projects.
~ Community consultation exercises.
~ Training schemes for committee members, volunteers and staff.
Funding can be used to cover core costs, salaries and project costs.
The deadline for applications is 1 March 2016 (5pm). Full details here.

Don’t forget to sign up to Funding Central for free email funding alerts. Go to www.fundingcentral.org.uk/

VAC EVENTS

VAC has a full programme of courses coming up: Click here to find out more. All courses are £25 for members (unless otherwise stated).

OTHER EVENTS

New Courses @ Maiden Lane Community Centre
156 St Paul’s Crescent, NW1 9XZ
To book a place call 020 7267 9586
Tuesdays 10am-12pm
MS Word skills for work and life
Introduction to using MS Word to write letters and keep records – useful skills for work in the 21st century.
Tuesday 1 – 3pm
Improve your internet and email skills
Learn how to search more effectively, apply for things online e.g. Doctor’s appointment or parking permit, shop online, save money and manage your email account.
Wednesdays 10am-3pm
Create a website with WordPress – Create a website for business or pleasure using the free WordPress software.
[ New format with lunch break 12-1pm ]
Wednesdays 10am-12pm Starts 24th February
Introduction to Photoshop – Complete introduction to this software for editing your photos.

Camden Intergenerational Network meeting – Tuesday 19 January 2016
Things are changing. Please come and discuss the future of the Camden Intergenerational Network and ideas for future collaboration to promote and develop intergenerational work. Come and meet Corinna Gray, the new Partnership Development Manager of the ‘Ageing Better in Camden’ programme who will be taking on co-ordination and development of the Network including the CIN e-newsletter and coordination of Network meetings. All members welcome.
Vanda Carter, Strategy Officer, London Borough of Camden. email: vanda.carter@camden.gov.uk tel: 020 7974 2810 www.camden.gov.uk

Ageing the Evidence
• What are the facts about ageing with HIV?
• What do we fear? What are our concerns?
• Are to expect more complications?
• Are we afraid of disclosing our status and experiencing stigma & discrimination?
• Can we expect to age prematurely?
• What are the long term effects of medication?
• How can we monitor our own health?
NAM are leading a major research study and need your feedback.
Speakers:
Dr Ian Williams – consultant physician – will present the latest medical evidence.
Zoe Smith and Roger Pebody from NAM will present their research on the psycho-social implications and the concerns of PLWH.
To book or for more information call: 020 3317 5177
Duncan Catterall Seminar Room, Mortimer Market Centre, London WC1E 6JB
Thursday 28th January 6.00 – 8.00 www.bloomsburynetwork.co.uk

Homestart Camden Annual General Meeting
Thursday, 21st January 2016 11am – 2pm.
We would like to welcome families, volunteers, funders and colleagues to our 20th AGM at:
Kentish Town Community Centre, 17 Busby Place, London, NW5 2SP.
RSVP Via email: info@homestartcamden.org or ring 020 7424 1603.

Voluntary Action Camden in Partnership with the Mary Ward Centre
ILM Certificate in Team Leading
Need a course that is the ideal launch pad for your management career? Start with this nationally recognized qualification that is designed for new and aspiring team leaders – get an in-depth introduction to the role and its responsibilities. This is a classroom-based afternoon\evening course delivered by tutors who are current practitioners in the sector. One session per week over 23 weeks plus online materials starting in January 2016. If you are in receipt of JSA/ESA or are unemployed and receive another income related benefit this course is FREE. Full fee £597. Call Roz on 020 7269 6033 or email roz@marywardcentre.ac.uk for details.

Drop-In Mindfulness Meditation
Thursdays 2.30pm – 3.30pm at The Stress Project
Mindfulness is the practise of focusing your attention on being in the present, without judgement. It is clinically proven and ideal to help improve sleep, de-stress and reduce anxiety.
£2 – No need to book, just turn up
www.stressproject.org.uk 2 Shelburne Road N7 6DL tel: 020 7700 3938

Volunteer Coordinators’ Forum and AGM
Save the date: Wednesday 27th January
Time and Venue TBC
Contact Sheila at Volunteer Centre Camden [sheila@volunteercentrecamden.org.uk]

Winter Volunteering Fairs
VCC are hosting three volunteering fairs this Winter.
The fairs are a perfect way to meet people who want to volunteer in Camden. And they have a 46% recruitment rate.
Thursday 21st January 6-7.30pm at Swiss Cottage Library
Please make sure you have weekend and evening volunteering opportunities, as many people who attend evening fairs work during the day.
Thursday 28th January 12-2pm at St Pancras Community Association
Wednesday 24th February 12-2pm at Working Men’s College
And you can easily book your places via Eventbrite here.

Developing Partnerships in the Arts and Cultural Sectors
24th February 2016, 10 am- 4.15 pm, Cockpit Arts, London
Looking at the benefits of where, when and how to find the right partner, this course will offer a simple structure for developing and working in partnerships.
Full of practical techniques for working together with other organisations and individuals, the day will leave you equipped to successfully deliver youth arts projects and events through partnerships.
Ideal if you are looking to work in partnership with other organisations to deliver youth arts projects. You will gain:
~ Tips for identifying and approaching suitable partners
~ Information on how to develop partnerships and partnership agreements
~ Techniques for evaluating the effectiveness of your partnerships
Cost: The fee for this course is £130, limited bursary places are available.
Book your place at www.artswork.org.uk/event or contact Rachel Hall via rachelhall@artswork.org.uk / 02380 332491 for further advice and information.

London for All
London for All / LVSC have a full programme of courses available for the voluntary sector. Go to the London for All website for full details.

Camden Carers’ Service
Has a full range of events and activities for unpaid carers in Camden. Find out more on the Camden Carers’ Service website www.camdencs.org.uk/activities

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

JOBS AND VOLUNTEERING

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

OFFERS, RESOURCES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

London Fire Brigade Consultation
The London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority are holding a public consultation on how to make £6.4 million of savings for 2016/17. The consultation is being held between 7 December 2015 and 1 February 2016.
Four public meetings will be held across London from 11 – 20 January. More information about the consultation meetings is available on the London Fire Brigade website.

Improving health through digital technology: Call for evidence
The London Borough of Camden and Camden CCG have started a project looking at digital health technology and how this can be used to improve access to health information and support among children, young people and their families in Camden.
We will be working with local residents to understand what technology they currently use and how this could be improved. We are especially interested in how technology such as apps, websites, social media and text messaging could be used to increase awareness of services, improve self-management around minor ailments and long term conditions and provide basic advice and improve care coordination.
We are keen to hear from local organisations with any information you may already have gathered on this topic as this will help inform our approach and avoid duplication, as well as any upcoming engagement events where we may be able to deliver a session on health technology.
Please contact chloe.gay@islington.gov.uk or on 0207 527 8343.
By coincidence the Kings Fund have just released an interesting report: The digital revolution: eight technologies that will change health and care.

Offiice Space for Hire
Camden Cypriot Women’s Organisation in Kentish Town, have office space for hire within a community building which is centrally located, The building is a few minutes walk from Kentish Town tube and mainline services as well as various bus stops.
The office, which is spacious is roughly 6 metres square, fits 4 desks freely and has a corridor which is also good for use, would be suitable for meetings or one to one sessions. Both spaces are light and airy and a viewing is highly recommended.
The building has step free access.
For further information or to view, please call Koula Ioannou on Tel: 0207 267 7194 or email koula@ccwo.org.uk

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

Voluntary Action Camden e-Bulletin 8th January 2016

by Kevin Nunan8 January 2016

Highlights

What is Happening at Greenwood Place?; Camden Disability Action AGM; Help co-produce an Information and Advice Strategy for adult social care; Improving health through digital technology: Call for evidence; Property Advice Clinic; Holloway Art Lending Library; iBUG and Key Changes Unique Talent Show; Hopscotch Invitation to tender; VAC Payroll Service; Stay Well This Winter; Offices to Let in Kentish Town; London Fire Brigade Consultation; Comic Relief Local Communities Programme + jobs, volunteers, events, training, offers and resources.

Feature

What is Happening at Greenwood Place?

Camden Disability Action Meeting about Greenwood Place and the Centre for Independent Living
Tuesday 26th January 5pm – 7pm
Charlie Ratchford Centre
Belmont Street London NW1 8HF
Greenwood Place will be a multi-use space for disabled people and the headquarters for Camden’s first ever Centre for Independent Living (CIL). Come and catch up on what is happening with the building works and to discuss the suggested proposal for how it should be run. Camden Council’s Commissioning Team will be attending to explain the process for selecting an organisation and to support our discussion about the design of this new service.
To book, please contact 207 284 6550 or follow this link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/
For more information, or if you have any specific requirements (e.g., diet, BSL interpreter), please email info@vac.org.uk or call 020 7284 6550.

NEWS & POLICY

Camden

Help co-produce an Information and Advice Strategy for adult social care
We all need good quality information and advice to make sound decisions.
Information and advice for Camden residents is available from voluntary sector partners in the community. This is why Camden council want to want to co-produce an Information and Advice Strategy for adult social care and an action plan with partners.
If your organisation is interested in working together with staff and residents to produce an Information and Advice Strategy for adult social care please email: shana.nessa@camden.gov.uk to confirm your attendance.
We are meeting on 22 January 2015 at 10.30am at our offices in Pancras Square.

Property Advice Clinic
The Ethical Property Foundation will be providing a free property advice clinic for charities and not for profits in Camden on 14th January. Two of the Foundation’s advisers will be on hand to provide 20 minute one to one discussions on property issues including renting, leasing or buying property, maintenance or property disposal.
Please contact Donna Turnbull at VAC to book your free 20 minute slot between 10am-1pm. dturnbull@vac.org.uk tel 020 7284 6567

Holloway Art Lending LIbrary
Holloway Art Lending Library exhibits participating artists’ work and lends it to members. The aim of the project is to promote the work of professional artists, encourage the work of amateur artists and give the public the opportunity to enjoy original art in their home or place of business.
Lending exhibits take place quarterly and allow members to borrow one artwork for two months, free of charge. For more information click here

iBUG and Key Changes Unique Talent Show Tuesday 19th January
This popular event showcases some of the best talent in the Islington community including music, DJing and stand up comedy.
The event will be held at St Luke’s Centre, 90 Central Street, EC1V 8AJ. Doors open at 5:30pm. Show time approx 6pm-8pm. Free entry and refreshments.

Invitation to tender
Hopscotch invites tenders from organisations and individuals to write the Stage 2 proposal of an employment project funded by the Big Lottery Building Better Opportunities (BBO). This will also involve carrying out a consultation into the barriers to employment and economic activity for BAME women in the following nine boroughs: Camden, City of London, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Lambeth, Lewisham, Southwark, Wandsworth and Westminster. In addition, materials and a toolkit will need to be developed. For further information please contact Isabelle Terrisson, Senior Operations Manager on 020 7388 8198 or isabelle.terrisson@hopscotchawc.org.uk. The closing date for expressions of interest is Tuesday 12th January.

VAC Payroll Service
Did you know that we offer a payroll service? Find out what we offer on the VAC website and call the Finance Team to find out more Tel: 020 7284 6561/6582 Email: financeteam@vac.org.uk

Support a young person who’s looking for work or training
Over the next year, the council will work with Fitzrovia Youth in Action (FYA) to help 100 young people improve their prospects of getting into employment or training.
FYA needs dedicated and passionate professionals to mentor young people, especially those who are unemployed or not in education or training.
FYA also need business partners that will offer young people work experience and find out what it’s like to be at work.
Further information
If you would be interested in mentoring a young person, or if your business could offer a work experience placement, please contact insight@fya.org.uk

Stay Well This Winter / Local Awareness Services Awareness
Camden CCG has kicked off a six month period of marketing and engagement activity in support of the NHS England / Public Health England Stay Well This Winter (SWTW) national campaign, as well as to help highlight to local residents appropriate use of services within Camden. Campaign pack downloadable here.

Free training, outings and events for unpaid carers in Camden
For a full list of events of carers in Camden please visit the Camden Carers website.

Healthwatch Camden
Latest Information DIgest is on the Healthwatch Camden website.
Catch up with the latest Camden news and what’s happening on Our Blog

Voluntary Action Islington, British Somali Community, NICE, the Calthorpe Project, and Camden PA are recruiting. See Jobs and Volunteers section below.

Camden Shares. The website for exchanges in Camden. www.camdenshares.org.uk

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

Spending more on prevention will improve public services
Commission calls on the government to allocate 5% of spending to prevention, rather than allow for problems that will become costly failures. See the Guardian for details.

New Year resolution to help the charity sector fight back
2016 needs to be a year of celebration, determination and clarity on the impact we have. See story in the Guardian.

Unlocking Dormant Assets
Charities could be in line to receive hundreds of millions of pounds from a scheme being launched by the Cabinet Office to unlock dormant assets such as stocks and shares and direct the money towards good causes. See Third Sector magazine.

Hey, you want nonprofits to act more like businesses? Then treat us like businesses
A timely rant about being more ‘businesslike’ from the NonProfit with Balls blog.

FUNDING

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

Comic Relief Local Communities Programme Launches Second Round
Applications are now being accepted for the Comic Relief Local Communities Programme in London with a deadline of 1 March 2016 (5pm).
Grants are available to charitable organisations and groups for projects that improve people’s life skills, education, employability and enterprise.
Grants of between £1,000 and £10,000 are available and must be for at least 30% of the total costs of the project.
Projects should be run by people directly affected by the issues being dealt with, and priority will be given to small, locally-based groups or organisations in areas of disadvantage that have a clear understanding of the needs of their community.
The following organisations are eligible to apply:
~ Residents associations.
~ Community groups.
~ Social Enterprises.
~ Community Interest Companies.
~ Community Interest Organisations.
~ Credit Unions.
~ Community centres.
Examples of activities that can be funded through this programme include, but are not limited to, the following:
~ Furniture projects.
~ Benefit advice services.
~ Community sport initiatives.
~ Food co-ops.
~ Initiative designed to combat fuel poverty.
~ Employment and employability projects.
~ Community consultation exercises.
~ Training schemes for committee members, volunteers and staff.
Funding can be used to cover core costs, salaries and project costs.
The deadline for applications is 1 March 2016 (5pm). Full details here.

Reaching Communities Fund and Awards for All One to One Advice Sessions
28th January 2016. 10.30 – 4.30.
With Jane Sterland Regional Officer for the Big Lottery
Voluntary Action Camden, 293-299 Kentish Town Road, London NW5 2TJ
Reaching Communities and Awards for All are still amongst the best grants to go for. Jane will be offering you one to one advice on your application to the Reaching Communities Fund and Awards for All. You can book a one hour slot to discuss your draft application with someone who is very knowledgeable and experienced. People who attended the last advice day were very pleased with the support they received.
‘Yes invaluable. Would always come. Support was brilliant’.
‘Yes I would certainly recommend it. We were given a generous amount of time with someone who was extremely knowledgeable and a very clear communicator’.
To get the best out of the session you need to get a copy of your draft application to VAC by Friday 15th January. Your draft application will then be sent to Jane who can then read it and prepare comments ready for when you meet with her.
To book a place please contact acharles@vac.org.uk. Tel: 0207 284 6553.

Don’t forget to sign up to Funding Central for free email funding alerts. Go to www.fundingcentral.org.uk/

VAC EVENTS

VAC has a full programme of courses coming up: Click here to find out more. All courses are £25 for members (unless otherwise stated).

OTHER EVENTS

Ageing the Evidence
• What are the facts about ageing with HIV?
• What do we fear? What are our concerns?
• Are to expect more complications?
• Are we afraid of disclosing our status and experiencing stigma & discrimination?
• Can we expect to age prematurely?
• What are the long term effects of medication?
• How can we monitor our own health?
NAM are leading a major research study and need your feedback.
Speakers:
Dr Ian Williams – consultant psysician – will present the latest medical evidence.
Zoe Smith and Roger Pebody from NAM will present their research on the psycho-social implications and the concerns of PLWH.
To book or for more information call: 020 3317 5177
Duncan Catterall Seminar Room, Mortimer Market Centre, London WC1E 6JB
Thursday 28th January 6.00 – 8.00 www.bloomsburynetwork.co.uk

Volunteer Coordinators’ Forum and AGM
Save the date: Wednesday 27th January
Time and Venue TBC
Contact Sheila at Volunteer Centre Camden [sheila@volunteercentrecamden.org.uk]

London for All
London for All / LVSC have a full programme of courses available for the voluntary sector. Go to the London for All website for full details.

Camden Carers’ Service
Has a full range of events and activities for unpaid carers in Camden. Find out more on the Camden Carers’ Service website www.camdencs.org.uk/activities

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

JOBS AND VOLUNTEERING

Opportunities at JW3
Family & Schools Programmer Part Time (28 Hours PW)
CRM Systems & Web Manager
Ticketing Services Administrator (part-time)
Volunteer Youth Leader
Application details on the website. Please email completed application form and CV to charlotte@jw3.org.uk. Deadline for applications: Sunday10 January 2016

Digital Inclusion Worker (interim contract – 4 months) – Apply by 11th January
The Cardinal Hume Centre has a vacancy for a Digital Inclusion Worker (interim contract – 4 months). All details can be found at
https://www.cardinalhumecentre.org.uk/about-us/vacancies/
Please note that the closing date for applications is Monday 11 January 2016 at 5.00pm and first-round interviews are planned for Thursday 14 January 2016.

Chief Executive- Voluntary Action Islington
Salary: up to £56,000
Our new Chief Executive must have the skills and qualities to be a leader of the diverse voluntary and community sector in Islington. We are looking for a commercially astute manager, with a strong track record in leadership and successful partnership working, ideally across sectors.
Full details including job description and application form on our web site
Closing date 9am on 18th January 2016
Interviews will be held on 25th January 2016

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

OFFERS, RESOURCES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

IKWRO seeks Partners
IKWRO are currently looking into collaborating with relevant organisations in Camden to extend our work and support victims as well as professionals. IKWRO is a registered charity which provides advice and support to Middle Eastern and Afghan women and girls living in the UK who are facing Forced Marriage, Child Marriage, “Honour” Based Violence, Female Genital Mutilation and Domestic Violence. We offer advice in Farsi, Dari, Kurdish, Arabic, Turkish, Pashto and English and run a free counselling service in Farsi, Kurdish, Arabic and English. IKWRO also provide training for women and girls to help them understand their rights in the UK. In partnership with other organisations we assist survivors of violence with accessing English language classes and education, training and employment opportunities, so that they can become financially independent. We also campaign to raise awareness about issues including “Honour” Based Violence, Forced Marriage, Child Marriage, Female Genital Mutilation and discrimination by Sharia courts and to push for better laws and policies to protect women’s and girl’s rights.
Contact Elaha Walizadeh on 0207 920 6460 for more information.
Email: Elaha.Walizadeh@ikwro.org.uk web: http://ikwro.org.uk/

Greenwood Place Update
Demolition will begin on the Greenwood Place site soon. Read the lastest update here.

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

Voluntary Action Camden e-Bulletin 18th December 2015

by Kevin Nunan18 December 2015

Highlights

Camden Community Festivals Fund; Decision made at Camden’s Cabinet; CIL Spending Ideas; COP21 Paris: what happened?; IKWRO seeks Partners; Trust for London News; Camden and Islington Recovery College; Homestart Camden AGM; Selfiecop; + jobs, volunteers, events, training, offers and resources.

Feature

Camden Community Festivals Fund 2016

Camden Council is supporting this grants programme in recognition of the contribution made by community festivals and events to strengthening Camden communities and in developing a rich culture and economy within the borough.
The fund is to sustain and develop Camden’s rich culture, its strong communities and dynamic partnerships by supporting quality, creative events, projects and activities. This year the fund is managed by Voluntary Action Camden (VAC).
Applications are welcome for grants of £200 to £5000 for:
~ Small-scale events with a capacity of under 500 people, the maximum amount that can be applied for is £500. A copy of the application form can be downloaded here
~ Larger-scale events with a capacity of 500 people or more the maximum that can be applied for is £5,000. Please note the average is £1,000. A copy of the application form can be downloaded here.
A copy of the detailed guideline can be downloaded here
The application process is open from Wednesday 9th December 2015
The deadline for completed applications is: 6pm on Monday 29th February 2016
Contact
If you would like more information and/or to be sent hard copies of the application forms and the guidelines please contact acharles@vac.org.uk Tel. 020 7284 6553. Fax. 020 7284 6551. VAC, 293-299 Kentish Town Road, London NW5 2TJ.
Please note your grant is only administered by VAC. For all other aspects of your event please contact Camden Council’s events team. events@camden.gov.uk Tel: 020 7974 5633.

NEWS & POLICY

Local

Decision made at Camden’s Cabinet
The report ‘A New Strategic Relationship with the Voluntary Sector’ was approved at cabinet on Wednesday. The press release is on the Camden council website. The full report that went to cabinet is available here.

CIL Spending Ideas
The new system of Community Infrastructure Levy could raise £8-9 million a year in future. Suggestions for spending next year’s CIL are required by 8th January 2016. You can view details and the estimated CIL spending by ward here. You can submit ideas to your local councillor or directly to CIL@camden.gov.uk

COP21 Paris: what happened?
More than 190 nations gathered at the 21stConference of Parties (COP21) in Paris earlier this month to agree global measures to reduce emissions and mitigate dangerous and irreversible climate change which scientists warn would be associated with an increase in temperatures of over 2°C on pre-industrial levels. Continued use of fossil fuels means that we are already halfway there with warming already at 1°C above pre-industrial levels. Read the Camden Climate Change Alliance assessment.

IKWRO seeks Partners
We are currently looking into collaborating with relevant organisations in Camden to extend our work and support victims as well as professionals. IKWRO is a registered charity which provides advice and support to Middle Eastern and Afghan women and girls living in the UK who are facing Forced Marriage, Child Marriage, “Honour” Based Violence, Female Genital Mutilation and Domestic Violence. We offer advice in Farsi, Dari, Kurdish, Arabic, Turkish, Pashto and English and run a free counselling service in Farsi, Kurdish, Arabic and English. IKWRO also provide training for women and girls to help them understand their rights in the UK. In partnership with other organisations we assist survivors of violence with accessing English language classes and education, training and employment opportunities, so that they can become financially independent. We also campaign to raise awareness about issues including “Honour” Based Violence, Forced Marriage, Child Marriage, Female Genital Mutilation and discrimination by Sharia courts and to push for better laws and policies to protect women’s and girl’s rights.
Contact Elaha Walizadeh on 0207 920 6460 for more information.
Email: Elaha.Walizadeh@ikwro.org.uk web: http://ikwro.org.uk/

Trust for London Newsletter
The latest newsletter is out and includes lots of research on poverty, low pay, pollution and many other factors affecting Londoners and the voluntary sector.

Selfiecop
The Community Safety Partnership heard from the Police about a new app to protect children and young people re sexting, nude selfies and cyber-bullying.
https://www.selfiecop.com/ Currently android only but other version in development.

Free training, outings and events for unpaid carers in Camden
For a full list of events of carers in Camden please visit the Camden Carers website.

Healthwatch Camden
Latest Information DIgest is on the Healthwatch Camden website.
Catch up with the latest Camden news and what’s happening on Our Blog

Voluntary Action Islington, British Somali Community, NICE, the Calthorpe Project, and Camden PA are recruiting. See Jobs and Volunteers section below.

Camden Shares. The website for exchanges in Camden. www.camdenshares.org.uk

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

Volunteer Nation
Bank of England Chief Economist Andy Haldane explores a hidden engine of the British economy – its volunteers. The UK has an unpaid army of workers which hides in plain sight. “This is a fantastic success story, which is largely missed. And it could be even more of a success story if people knew about it,” says Haldane, the country’s most senior economist. But their efforts are often unmeasured, unrecognized and sometimes used, it is argued, as a substitute for services and employment once provided by the state. Haldane explores the impact this volunteer army has on our economy and our communities and asks what more we could do to harness their efforts for the greater good of us all. Listen again on BBC iplayer.

Season on Goodwill?
The right wing press have launched an unprecedented series of attacks on the sector in the run up to Christmas (probably not much else going on the world…). The Telegraph kicked off with a major article from the True and Fair (sic) Foundation run by Ms Miller claiming that many charities spent less than half of the money they raised on ‘good work’. Of course the story is nonsense and both the Charity Commission and the Cabinet Office warned the Telegraph against publishing such a damning story based on faulty reasoning but they went ahead anyway. NCVO explained concisely why the report was flawed and described it a ‘complete rubbish’ and ‘the worst report I’ve seen in 20 years’ and described Ms Miller as ‘more interested in self-publicity…’ . Ms Miller is no stranger to publicity, being the second wife of multi-millionaire hedgefund boss Alan Miller. The final irony is that The True and Fair Foundation fail to mention in their report that their own 2013 ratio of charitable expenditure to total income was less than 50% and therefore by their own measurement they too are ‘bad’. Though at least they managed to submit their accounts on time that year, unlike previously. Surprisingly the Metro did a very good piece explaining why the Telegraph article was so wrong.
Later in the week the Times then had a major story about high pay in the charity sector. Never mind that this story was about a handful of charities, and many had good explanations for these payments. Such stories damage the whole sector even when they are totally irrelevant to the 99.995% of charities that underpay their staff.
Today the Times has a front page story ‘Charities cashing in on relatives of dead’
They claim charities are trawling through public records of wills so that they can chase bereaved relatives for gifts. According the NCVO the whole story is based on one letter sent by one charity.
Civil Society has a good analysis of why the right wing press are attacking charities and what the sector needs to do about it. Not doubt there will be more to come and it all leaves very little room to report on fracking, the migrant crisis, the middle east, EU and so on.

FUNDING

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

Don’t forget to sign up to Funding Central for free email funding alerts. Go to www.fundingcentral.org.uk/

VAC EVENTS

VAC has a full programme of courses coming up: Click here to find out more. All courses are £25 for members (unless otherwise stated).

OTHER EVENTS

Camden Mental Health Forum
Tuesday 26 January from 6-8pm at The Hub, 8 Fairhazel Gardens, London, NW6 3SG
The forum is an opportunity for people living with mental ill health, their carers, families and friends as well as mental health professionals to come together and discuss mental health issues in the borough including considering the future shape of services.
The meeting will be chaired by Councillor Maeve McCormack, the Council’s Mental Health champion.
If there is something that you would like to talk about at the forum please contact me (see below).
Other dates for 2016:
· Tuesday 12 April 6-8pm (venue to be confirmed)
· Wednesday 13 July 6-8pm (venue to be confirmed)
· Wednesday 12 October 6-8pm (venue to be confirmed)
We look forward to seeing you at the forums.
Paul Kent, London Borough of Camden Tel: 0207 974 6921 Web: camden.gov.uk

Volunteer Coordinators’ Forum and AGM
Save the date: Wednesday 27th January
Time and Venue TBC
Do you have a low-cost (or free!) venue VCC could use?
If so, contact Sheila at Volunteer Centre Camden [sheila@volunteercentrecamden.org.uk]

Courses at Castlehaven
Castlehaven have two new courses starting in the new year for anyone aged 19yrs +, the courses are the outcome of a partnership between the Castlehaven Community Association and the WMC – The Camden College.
An accredited Level 1 Course in Working with Children. Every Tuesday 10am-3pm from Tues 12th Jan 2016 (A great course for parents/carers of school children, who are looking to getting back into work).
A Free Taster Course in Floristry on Fri 29th Jan 2016 (With the potential to start an 8wk course in starting a business in Floristry).
Contact Castlehaven Community Association, The Community Centre, 21 Castlehaven Road, NW1
t: 020 7485 3386 e: info@castlehaven.org.uk web www.castlehaven.org.uk

Developing Partnerships in the Arts and Cultural Sectors
24th February 2016, 10 am- 4.15 pm, Cockpit Arts, London
Looking at the benefits of where, when and how to find the right partner, this course will offer a simple structure for developing and working in partnerships.
Full of practical techniques for working together with other organisations and individuals, the day will leave you equipped to successfully deliver youth arts projects and events through partnerships. The training will use an interactive approach to explore issues such as defining roles and setting realistic targets, along with troubleshooting for problem areas – including when and how to bow out gracefully if partnerships aren’t working!
Ideal if you are looking to work in partnership with other organisations to deliver youth arts projects
You will gain:
~ Tips for identifying and approaching suitable partners
~ Information on how to develop partnerships and partnership agreements
~ Techniques for evaluating the effectiveness of your partnerships
Cost: The fee for this course is £130, limited bursary places are available. 25% early bird discount for bookings made before the 24th December 2015.
Book your place at www.artswork.org.uk/event or contact Rachel Hall via rachelhall@artswork.org.uk / 02380 332491 for further advice and information.

London for All
London for All / LVSC have a full programme of courses available for the voluntary sector. Go to the London for All website for full details.

Camden Carers’ Service
Has a full range of events and activities for unpaid carers in Camden. Find out more on the Camden Carers’ Service website www.camdencs.org.uk/activities

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

JOBS AND VOLUNTEERING

NICE is recruiting lay and community members
NICE committees and working groups are made up of health, social care and other professionals and practitioners, patients, service users, carers and members of the public, and technical experts.
NICE is looking for lay and community members in different areas to help us develop our guidance, and all of our lay and community members are paid a fee to attend meetings and we cover travel and other expenses. See the full range of opportunities at the NICE website.

The Calthorpe Project seeks new Chair of Trustees
The Calthorpe Project, a charity and social enterprise in the rapidly changing area of King’s Cross in London, is looking for a new Chair of Trustees. Please see weblink below for more details:
https://reachskills.org.uk/opp/chair-trustees-needed-unique-multi-purpose-inner-city-green-oasis
This is a voluntary role, but would be ideal for someone who wants to ‘make their mark’ on an organisation for the benefit of local people and the environment. Applicants will need a track record of managing change, leadership and governance, and negotiating multiple stakeholder interests.
The Calthorpe Project has a 30 year history and a future full of potential. With your help the Calthorpe Project will continue to play a vital role in the London Borough of Camden for many years to come.

University College London’s GC Voluntary Sector Programme in 2015-16
Host a full-time team volunteer placement in June 2016
The UCL Volunteering Services Unit is looking for up to 25 community partners to participate in the Global Citizenship Voluntary Sector Programme 2016.
Each participating organisation will host a team of 4-8 UCL students who are passionate about the voluntary sector. That team will learn about working life in your organisation and complete a project of your choosing whose output will add value to your organisation.
The next programme takes place 31 May – 10 June 2016 and we are recruiting voluntary organisations to host placements now, at www.uclu.org/gcvoluntarysectororgs.

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

OFFERS, RESOURCES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

DocHouse Community Discount
5 B 4 5 – great documentaries, any daytime screening, Mon– Thurs, £5 before 5pm
DocHouse is the UK’s first cinema dedicated solely to screening documentaries, be they past classics or great new releases. We show thought provoking and entertaining films and have an extensive online learning annex exploring all things documentary so we are passionate about keeping all of the local community fully updated on the DocHouse programme and its affordability.
You can see the full programme and sign up for our newsletter at http://www.dochouse.org/ or find our brochure at Curzon Bloomsbury.

Camden and Islington Public Health will re-procure Direct Action Project
This is a community based mental health promotion service for young people (aged 12-24) and for parents/carers of young children in Islington.
Ahead of inviting bids, we are conducting a market engagement exercise which will run until 16th December (12 noon). This is not an invitation to tender, but will help inform the procurement and shape the service specification. The questionnaire is now live and available through the Council website.
There is no requirement for potential providers to be physically located in Islington, although they will require familiarity with Islington services and facilities.
If your organisation may be interested in bidding for this contract, we would be grateful if you could complete the questionnaire through the London Tenders Portal (details in the link above).

Further Consultation on Crossrail 2
A proposed new railway serving London and the wider South East, Crossrail 2 would run underground through London between Wimbledon and New Southgate/Tottenham Hale and link into the existing national rail network above ground for destinations in Surrey and Hertfordshire.
Crossrail 2 would link in with London Underground, London Overground, Crossrail 1, national and international rail services.
Further details about the proposals are available at www.crossrail2.co.uk, where you can access a range of factsheets and view an interactive map of the proposals.
To respond formally to this consultation, please visit www.crossrail2.co.uk to leave a comment or provide a response to the consultation questions contained in the feedback form. The consultation will run until 8 January 2016

Greenwood Place Update
Demolition will begin on the Greenwood Place site soon. Read the lastest update here.

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