Newsletter Archives - Page 50 of 54 - Voluntary Action Camden

Voluntary Action Camden e-Bulletin 20th November 2015

by Kevin Nunan20 November 2015

Highlights

Refugee Update; Review of Coroners and Justice Act 2009; VAC AGM; Public meeting on Abusive Crime; Conversation About Hungary; FGM is Everybody’s Business; NICE is recruiting lay and community members; Digital Conference; Air Quality Seminar; Older People & the Arts; Youth and Play Service Survey; + jobs, volunteers, events, training, offers and resources.

Feature

Latest from VAC

Refugee Update
Camden council is offering to take 20 Syrian refugee families. You can find out more here. Camden Refugee Aid is a local grassroots group made up of volunteers in North London set up to respond to the humanitarian refugee crisis in Calais, Greece and Hungary – and more permanently, provide support for refugees settling in the UK. Values are to be transparent, ethical, efficient and above all helpful and responsive to refugees in need. Find out more at the website. You can find out more at the Camden Supports Refugees facebook page. The government have recently updated their guidance as well.

NEWS & POLICY

Local

Message from Cllr Hai, Cabinet Member for Customers, Communities and Culture
I am writing to inform you of a public consultation recently announced by the Ministry of Justice aimed at a reviewing the impact of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009.
As you know I have taken the lead in campaigning for a full review of the coroners’ services on national basis to ensure it is brought in line with a 21st century ethos around support and compassion for bereaved families. My work has included meetings with the Chief Coroner for England and Wales, a range of cross party MPs at the House of Commons, the Rt. Hon Michael Gove MP, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice and other at the House of Lords. More locally I have met with community groups, in particular with the Jewish and Muslim communities and Councillors.
The inability of coroners services to respond to out-of-hours and none invasive post mortem examinations, particularly impacts upon members of the Muslim and Jewish communities who strive to bury their deceased as soon as possible after death as required by their traditions.
I am extremely pleased the Government has listened and taken on-board our suggestions. However, I want to be clear that this is not just an issue for the Jewish and Muslim communities, but also about adopting a more sensitive approach towards all bereaved families.
To ensure our collective voice continues to be heard I would encourage you to please complete and circulate the online consultation to your relevant contacts in order to ensure that the coroner’s service is responsive to the needs of our diverse community.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/review-of-coroner-services-launched
https://consult.justice.gov.uk/digital-communications/post-implementation-review-of-coroner-reforms
https://consult.justice.gov.uk/digital-communications/post-implementation-review-of-coroner-reforms/consultation
The closing date is 10th December 2015.

‘Demonstrating Our Resilience’ Voluntary Action Camden’s AGM.
Tuesday 1st December 2015. 5.30pm – 8pm
Arlington Conference Centre, Camden.
Come and take part in a debate on what the role of the voluntary and community sector is, or could be, in building resilience and the support that people need to make things happen. Ciaran Price, Director of Policy (Directory of Social Change) will give a national perspective on resilience.
Ossie Stuart will then talk about the setting up of Camden Disability Action and future plans. Pastor Noel will speak about the role of small BME faith groups followed by Clover Crumbie from the Nubian Users Forum with some thoughts on the mental health challenges faced by black and minority ethnic groups. John Boyle will bring the case studies to an end by outlining the work of South Hampstead and Kilburn Community Partnership.
There will be an opportunity to ask questions and contribute to the discussion.
Refreshments will follow with an opportunity to meet up with old and make new friends. Also keep a look out for the information stalls that will be of interest.
To book, please follow this link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/voluntary-action-camdenannual-general-meeting-2015-tickets-19401410140
For more information, or if you have any specific requirements (e.g. diet or BSL interpreter), please email info@vac.org.uk or call 020 7284 6550.

Public meeting on Abusive Crime
Are you concerned about crimes against people simply because of how they look or what beliefs they hold? The CSNB, a community-led charity, is working with the Camden Community Safety Partnership and Camden Police to reduce abusive crime in the borough. If you have worries about victims targeted by abusive or aggressive behaviour and want to help reduce it, or if you just want to find out more, come along and join our conversation.
Thursday 26 November, 7pm Ort House Conference Centre 126 Albert Street, London NW1 7NE.
Speakers to include: Detective Superintendent Helen Williams from Camden Police and Cllr Jonathan Simpson, Camden Council’s portfolio holder for Community Safety.
Food and refreshments will be provided.
This is a public meeting and EVERYONE is invited. For more information contact Peter Ward, admin@camdensnb.org.uk or 020 7383 0000.

Conversation About Hungary
3pm Saturday 21 November, at Torriano Meeting House, hosted by The Hungarian Association of London. Free event.
If you do not know about Hungary or If you know about Hungary
If you agree with its leadership or if you do not agree with its leadership
Ask your questions. Tell your opinion. Listen to others
Is Hungary a Christian country? Is the population ethnically homogeneous? How does its history relate to the refugee crisis?

“FGM is Everybody’s Business”
This is a website designed and led by young people and aims to raise awareness of not only the practice of FGM but also all the fantastic work that young people, organizations, communities and individuals are doing to tackle and end the practice.
The website will be launch on: Wednesday the 25th of November. This is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and starts 16 Days of Activism.
We would be grateful it you could sign up to participate in our Thunderclap – the link is below:
https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/34418-fgm-everybody-s-business
You can sign up on various social media outlets – Facebook, twitter or tumbler

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.

Keeping it Human in a Digital Age? – A Free Conference in Camden Town on Digital Tech
10am – 4.30pm 25th November 2015
Ort House Conference Centre, London, NW1 7NE
This conference will consider what the challenges and opportunities are for VCSE organisations arising from the rapid growth of the use of digital technology.
~ How can the use of digital technology support VCSE organisations to be able to communicate more clearly and effectively to funders, statutory, private sector and broader society?
~ How can VCSE organisations use technology to design and deliver services which meet the needs of the vulnerable and marginalised people they work with?
To register for a place please book here

Air Quality Seminar
25 November, 8:30-11am. Refreshments provided at City University, Islington.
Join businesses in Camden and Islington to find out what you can do to improve local air quality whilst also enhancing employee wellbeing and cutting energy and transport costs. This seminar will bring businesses together to: share examples of what the Council and local businesses are doing to improve air quality; set out the steps you can take to improve air quality; highlight the benefits to your business, including cost savings and improved business efficiencies; provide details about local air quality projects your business can get involved in. Visit our Eventbrite page to book your place.

Older People & the Arts in London
Age UK London has brought together a wide range of arts groups, large and small, created and driven by and/or working with, older people in London. We are a holding a live conversation and debate to share ideas on how the benefits of the creative arts can be moved further up the Health and Well being agenda for older people.
Speakers and participants are coming from the arts, policy makers and funders in London.
Weds 2nd December, Clarence House, London South Bank University 6, St George’s Circus, London SE1 6FE 1pm to 4:30pm.
Nearest Tubes: Elephant and Castle / Waterloo
To register contact Rosemary Chapman at rchapman@ageuklondon.org.uk or phone 07786 375663

Youth and Play Service Survey
Please take a few minutes to fill out this survey and help Unite understand what has happened to your local Youth and Play services.

Vote for Camden Carers
Camden Carers Centre has been nominated by Nationwide customers to take part in Nationwide Building Society’s Community Match (local charity voting scheme). We stand to be awarded £500 for carers in Camden if we get the most votes at the end of the voting period – which is 8 January 2016.
So, if you visit one of the following Nationwide branches: Camden, Strand, Portman Square, Wigmore Street, Holborn, Chancery Lane or Shepherds Bush, before 8 January, please take a token and drop it into the voting box for Camden Carers Centre.
Share on Facebook or https://www.facebook.com/Camdencarersservice or Twitter https://twitter.com/CamdenCarers

Cockpit Arts Christmas Open Studios
26-29 November 2015
Cockpit Arts, Cockpit Yard, Northington Street, London WC1N 2NP
Opening times: Thursday 6pm-9pm, Friday- Sunday 11am-6pm
Tickets: £5 entry

Courses at Castlehaven
Castlehaven have two fantastic 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

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/

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

The Sherriff Centre, Kingsgate Community Centre, Hopscotch Asian Women’s Centre, Nafisyat, Ransackers, British Postal Museum, AWLPA, Homestart Camden, Age UK Camden 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

Sector Responds to Rumours Government will raid £320m a year from the Big Lottery Fund
Sector leaders have called for a statement and urgent meetings but there is no clarity yet. Articles in Civil Society magazine and the Huffington Post warn of fire consequences if the plan goes ahead.

Can councils and residents collaborate meaningfully?
‘Power should not rest with public services.’ In some circles this challenge to the decision–making power of police authorities, health services, town hall bureaucrats and their ilk would be prelude to a fight. Here, in the company of people committed to helping communities play their part in shaping public services, it is a mission. Newstart magazine looks at the issues.

You may not have heard of my charity but its work speaks volumes
‘We deserve as much recognition as big charity brands for serving our communities, but instead we are expected to be cheap service providers.’ Issues of commissioners attitudes to small local charities is addressed in this Guardian article.

FUNDING

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

Fundraising opportunities for small charities with the The Brandenburg Choral Festival
The Brandenburg Choral Festival of London is offering small charities the opportunity to raise funds by selling tickets to its choral concerts next Spring.
Charities raise funds by selling tickets to their supporters for a concert selected from the Festival programme and retaining a share (up to 50%) of the value of tickets sold. There are over 40 concerts to choose from covering a range of musical genres including classical, jazz, gospel, folk and contemporary a cappella. All are held at prestigious central London venues including
St Martin-in-the-Fields and St Paul’s Covent Garden. A maximum of two charities will be allocated to a concert. Each charity will be given its own allocation of tickets and there is no financial commitment to pay for any unsold tickets. Reception opportunities are available at most concerts.
Interested charities should get in touch with Brandenburg without delay as we will begin allocating concerts to charities on 24 November.
For further information, including a list of concerts, please contact: Claudia Jenkins, Development Officer – Brandenburg Choral Festival of London
Email: dev@brandenburg.org.uk Phone: 07973 564533 / 01372 209817 www.brandenburg.org.uk.

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

VAC EVENTS

Mental health workshops for Camden-based BMER groups – Free
Introduction to Mental Health Awareness (full day): Wednesday 9th December (10am to 4.30pm)
This one-day interactive session looks at how we define mental health and mental illness. It offers the opportunity to explore the impact of stigmatisation and stereotyping on individuals and society. Focusing on two of the most common disorders – depression and anxiety – we will explore vulnerability, risk factors and the importance of early intervention to support recovery. We will also discuss what we can all do to look after our mental health.
Please note that due to requirements of our funding, we can only offer places to Camden-based BMER community groups or Camden voluntary sector organisations whose main focus is working with BMER groups. We can accept a maximum of two people from any one organisation.
To book your place, please go to our website and follow the instructions to book via Eventbrite:
https://vac.org.uk/events/category/health-mental-health/
If you have any questions, please contact the Mental Health Team on mentalhealthteam@vac.org.uk or call 020 7284 6550.

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:
• Mental Health First Aid (two-day course: 22nd and 29th October)
• Stigma and Mental Health (half-day workshop: 2nd November)
• Youth Mental Health First Aid (two-day course: 12th and 19th November)
• 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

Afruca Events
Training Course: Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) as a Child Safeguarding Issue (London)
Thursday, 3rd December 2015 9:30am – 4:30pm Cost: £40.00
Venue:Church Hall, Ground Floor, Harecourt United Reform Church, 120 St Paul’s Road, Islington, London N1
Target Group: Child Protection Officers, Education Welfare Officers, Teachers, Heath practitioners, Crime Prevention Officers.
Course Aims: To explore the issue of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and the impacts 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 examine the Serious Crime Act 2015 in relation to FGM and mandatory reporting. It will also explore current debates around informed consent and male circumcision.
Accreditation; This course has been independently certified as conforming to Continuous Professional Development (CPD) standards
To register for this training please visit:
http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/training-course-female-genital-mutilation-fgm-as-a-child-safeguarding-issue-london-tickets-17688439599
Training Course: Black/African Men and Child Protect
Saturday, 5th December 2015 2:30pm-6:00pm Cost: FREE
Venue: City of Westminster College, Paddington Green Campus, Paddington Green, London W2
Target Group: Black/African Men Only.
Event Aim & Objectives: Statistics show that there is an over-representation of Black/African children in the child protection system. In order to combat this growing problem, we need more men to be present in discussions around child protection and safeguarding. Therefore, this event aims to examine key safeguarding issues faced by children of Black/African origin and explore the role of Black/African men in the child protection agenda.
Event Topics: Key UK Laws on Child Protection, What is Child Abuse, Cultural Practices affecting Black.African children and families, Internet Safety, Domestic Violence/Abuse, Leaving Children Home Alone, Positive Parenting Tips and the Role of Men in Child Protection.
To register for this training please visit:
http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/blackafrican-men-and-child-protection-tickets-19222556183?aff=es2

Winter Volunteering Fairs
We’re hosting three volunteering fairs this Winter.
Our fairs are a perfect way to meet people who want to volunteer in Camden. And they have a 46% recruitment rate. Brilliant!
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.

Information Day at Clean Break on Friday, 4th December 2015
Clean Break 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 your colleagues working with these women.
11-1.15pm: service providers only
1.15 – 3pm: prospective service users also welcome
Users also welcome. Places are limited. To book your place: please email general@cleanbreak.org.uk for a booking form. Further details available here.

SOUP is a micro-granting dinner which celebrates and supports Camden community projects
For a donation of £3.50 on the door, attendees will enjoy a meal using food from local businesses, connect with other members of their community, and hear pitches from local individuals/ organisations before voting on which idea the money raised from the evening should go to.
 Would you like to make more connections in the Camden community?
 Are you working on a project that would benefit from some extra funding?
 Would you enjoy an evening of local food and arts entertainment?
Then join us at Camden Hub (8 Fairhazel Gardens, NW6 3SG) on Wednesday 25th November from 6.30pm – 9pm for Camden SOUP.
For more information, or to request a proposal form to be in with the chance of raising money for your community project, please contact Abigail on 02072784437 or Abigail.darton@hcct.org.uk

Kentish Town Area Action Group meeting
Thursday 26th November at 6.30 to 8.30pm
Voluntary Action Camden, 293-299 Kentish Town Rd, London NW5 2TJ1DN
At this meeting we have decided to focus on the following:
Licensing Policy Review
A presentation by the Licensing Enforcement Team can be updated to better address these issues
Late Night Levy
A short update and an opportunity for residents to ask questions
Community Infrastructure Levy
How we should spend our neighbourhood’s share
There will be a chance to talk more informally with your neighbours and local councillors.
Area Action Group meetings provide an opportunity for local councillors and neighbours to work together to resolve and take action on local issues in the Ward.
Please contact Denise Pittaway on 020 7974 3515 or email Denise.Pittaway@camden.gov.uk in advance of the meeting if you have any particular requirements.

‘Talk Cancer’ workshop 2nd December 2nd 1.30-4.30pm Angel Islington
We are now offering volunteers and health workers the chance to attend this workshop – for free – through our new bursary scheme.
Anyone who works or volunteers to improve the health and wellbeing of their community, can apply to attend Talk Cancer through our bursary scheme. You just need to complete an application form which can be downloaded from our website and send it back to talkcancer@cancer.org.uk

A Neighbourhood Forum and Neighbourhood Plan for Holborn
We’re starting this off with two hands-on workshops, facilitated by Angela of ImaginePlaces, with the aim to developing our Neighbourhood Forum and Neighbourhood Area Applications for Camden Council. We have organised another two public meetings this month.
18th November, 6pm to 9pm, HCA – Millman Street Resource Centre, 50 Millman St, London WC1N
entrance is via the entry phone door between 34 and 36 Millman Street
25th November- 6pm to 9pm
Blemundsbury TRA Hall, Dombey Street, London WC1N 3PF
Please bring a friend or a neighbour with you and spread the word.
It’s time to get involved and help shape Holborn’s future in a proactive way. Refreshments provided.

Charity and social enterprise management comes to the capital
Anglia Ruskin University are bringing their specialist course in Charity and Social Enterprise Management to London. The course is designed to help third sector people to develop their management and leadership capability, while also gaining a higher education qualification.
~ Fully supported online learning.
~ Optional workshops at ARU’s campus in central London in February and March.
~ The opportunity to network, support and share experience with others
~ Study topics such as leadership & management, marketing, finance, social enterprise, HR etc.
~ All assignments are focused on addressing real issues in the workplace
To find out more please visit www.anglia.ac.uk/csem or call 01245 686 707

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.

Learn The Essentials of Inducting and Training Your Volunteers
This introductory-level training will give you all you need to know about inducting and training your volunteers well – giving them the best start with you for a great volunteering experience.
And helping you to avoid many problems down the line!
The Essentials of Inducting and Training Your Volunteers
Tuesday 24th November 2-5pm, @ West Euston Partnership in Euston, Free
To book your place and to find out more information have a look at Eventbrite.

Training For New Volunteer Centre Online Matching Tool (and Database) Volunteer Connect
Volunteer Connect will replace our use of the Do-it website (as well as our back-end database, reporting and matching tool).
We are planning a launch to the public in early December.
And that means that from December we will only promote your volunteering to people who want to volunteer in Camden if you are on Volunteer Connect.
With that in mind, we will be running a number of free masterclasses on how to use Volunteer Connect to add, amend and delete your volunteering opportunities.
We will offer two masterclasses on:
Monday 23rd November10am-1pm or 2pm-5pm at our office in Kentish Town
We have allowed three hours for each one, but it should only take an hour or two of your time to get you started.
You can book in for any of the masterclasses on eventbrite here.
If you have any questions about this, contact Rupal by email or phone 020 7424 9990.

Dementia Cafe
A friendly and supportive monthly café for people with dementia and their carers. The Café runs on the 1st Wednesday of each month 11.00am – 1pm. Next cafe is on 2nd December 2015
Refreshments are provided.
At Kentish Town Congregational Church, Kelly Street, London NW1 8PH
For further information call 0207 561 4820

Recovery College Courses Still Available October – December 2015
Being involved
Understanding Anxiety
Men and Masculinity and more.
Please email if you want to be sent the new prospectus for courses starting in January 2016
4 St Pancras Way, London NW1 0PE
Tel: 020 3317 6904 email: recovery.college@candi.nhs.uk
Opening hours10.00am – 4.00pm

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

Mind Yourself seeks Administration and Reception Worker
Islington, Term: Part time, temporary 20 hours per week, 9am-1pm [ exact working hours are negotiable] for 6 months
Salary: £12.50 per hour [25 days annual leave pro rata]
To provide an efficient and respectful reception service over the phone, by email and in
person to all service users, visitors, suppliers and partners of Mind Yourself
To provide administrative support to the Director, Trustees and staff team including office
management, general IT and secretarial support, written communications and organising
purchase of supplies
Closing date is 27th November. Interviews morning of 4th Dec. Expected start date is 4th January.
claire@mind-yourself.co.uk tel 020 7697 4753 web www.mind-yourself.co.uk

Holborn Community Association is recruiting an Administration and Marketing Apprentice
We have an exciting opportunity for you to train, earn and learn. Holborn Community Association (www.holborncommunity.co.uk) is offering an opportunity to an 18 or over Camden resident, Camden care leaver or former Camden Secondary School student (who is eligible to work in the UK and without a degree) to become an Administration and Marketing Apprentice.
Holborn Community Association is a voluntary organisation based in South of Camden.
• Contract length: 12 months
• Apprenticeship: Intermediate Apprenticeship in Business Administration (Level 2)
• Salary: £182 per week for months 1 to 6. £200 per week for months 7 to 12.
• Hours: 35 hours per week worked Monday-Friday including one evening per week until 7pm arranged with the successful applicant.
• Based: Holborn just off Lambs Conduit Street. Nearest tube station is Russell Square/Holborn.
• Start date: January 2016
To apply for this role you must:
– Be aged18 or over
– Be a Camden resident, Camden care leaver or former Camden secondary school student
– NOT have a university degree or other level 4 qualification
– NOT already have an NVQ 2 in Business administration or Customer Service
– Have a positive attitude towards teamwork and being able to work well with others.
For Further information please email: admin@holborncommunity.co.uk or call 02074052370 option 1
Closing Date 4th December

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.

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.

Stonegrove Community Centre seeks Centre Director
Job Title: Centre Director
Salary: £37,476 plus performance bonus
40hrs per week (worked flexibly) Job Share would be considered
Over £4m is being invested in a new state of the art joint Community and Church Centre at Stonegrove in Edgware which will be ready for use by March 2016. This 975m2 purpose designed Centre is the result of years of consultation and will include two large halls, café, kitchen, nursery, meeting rooms, treatment room, offices and a chapel. The Joint Centre will be run by Stonegrove Community Trust, a new locally owned charity supported by London Borough Barnet, Family Mosaic, Diocese of London, and Barratt London.
For further information and application details, please email: info@sct.london
Closing date: 5pm Thursday 3rd December 2015.

Nafsiyat seeks Treasurer
We are looking for a person committed to our objectives to be the Treasurer at Nafsiyat. They will give guidance to the Managing Director to monitor the financial administration of the charity, and report to the Board of Trustees at regular intervals.
Download the full position description here.
If you are interested in this voluntary role or would like to know more, please contact recruitment@nafsiyat.org.uk

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.

The Sherriff Centre seeks volunteers
Volunteers needed for a new over 60’s technology help project based in The Sherriff Centre, St James Church, NW6. We are looking for someone for a couple of hours a week who has some knowledge of mobile phones and laptops to answer simple queries over a cup of tea in the centre’s café.
Please contact Jane at hello@thesherriffcentre.co.uk

Kingsgate Community Centre – The Kilburn Grange Project seeks Deputy Team Leader
Closing date: Friday 27th November 5pm
Hours: Term time: 15 hours per week: 3 hours per day from 3pm to 6pm Monday to Friday and occasional Saturdays 11am -3pm (Rotational)
Holiday Project: 8.30am – 5.30pm Monday to Friday (extended hours)
Rate of Pay: £12.00 an hour (qualified level 3 or above)
The project is run for children and young people between the ages of 8 and 14 inclusive (and young people with special needs and disabilities up to the age of 19).
The postholder will take a lead role with the Community Play and Youth Development Manager in the planning of a programme of activities designed to meet the needs of the children and young people in the area.
Kingsgate Community Centre, 107 Kingsgate Road, London , NW6 2JH
Tel: 0207 328 9480 Web: www.kingsgatecommunitycentre.org.uk email: info@kingsgatecc.org.uk

Nafsiyat seeks a Clinical Services Manager
Nafisyat is seeking a Clinical Services Manager to provide clinical leadership at Nafsiyat and contribute to the overall strategic direction of the charity. They will be responsible for the management of Nafsiyat’s clinical practices and the quality and safety of services provided by therapists.
The salary is £35,000 pro rata over 3 days (22.5 hours) per week.
If you are interested, please send your CV and a covering letter explaining your suitability for this role to recruitment@nafsiyat.org.uk by 5pm on Tuesday December 15th, 2015.
Download the full JOB DESCRIPTION here: http://www.nafsiyat.org.uk/Documents/Uploads/36.pdf

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

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

Office with Consulting Rooms to Let – 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. Unusually, we are able to offer a up to 4 private consulting rooms as well. Conveniently located in Kentish Town will all usual mod cons. Contact Kevin at VAC knunan@vac.org.uk

Have your say on health and wellbeing in Camden
Camden’s Health and Wellbeing Board (HWB) want your views on how health and wellbeing can be improved across the borough.
The HWB exists to improve the health and wellbeing of Camden residents and reduce health inequalities across the borough. It brings together leaders across the health and care system to provide leadership on a range of complex challenges which impact on the health of local people.
The Board has developed a new draft Joint Health & Wellbeing Strategy – which sets out the actions they plan to take to improve health and wellbeing and reduce health inequalities in Camden.
The strategy sets out five priority areas which work will focus on:
1. Healthy weight, health lives – making Camden a place where everyone has the opportunity to achieve and maintain a healthy weight
2. Reducing alcohol-related harm – working together to reduce health inequalities, crime, disorder and offending
3. Resilient families – working with partners to reduce families’ dependency on services and focusing on what they need to support themselves
4. The first 1,001 days – ensuring the support we provide from pregnancy and through the first two years of life focuses on the most important outcomes for children
5. Ensuring good mental health for all – promoting positive mental health, improving outcomes for people with serious and long-term conditions and preventing suicide wherever possible.
We want to find out your thoughts, views and experiences on the draft strategy. You can make your views heard, either as an individual or an organisational basis, from now until Monday 30 November in the following ways:
Online – complete an online questionnaire at www.camden.gov.uk/hwb
Email – send your views to jhws@camden.gov.uk
Post – write to us at Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy Consultation, London Borough of Camden, Public Health, 8th Floor, 5 Pancras Square, N1C 4AG. Or by going to the consultation page and completing the online survey https://consultations.wearecamden.org/culture-environment/camdens-jhws-2016-2018

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

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

Voluntary Action Camden e-Bulletin 13th November 2015

by Kevin Nunan13 November 2015

Highlights

White Ribbon Day 2015: ‘Harmful Practices’; Voluntary Action Camden’s AGM; Fund Bidding Support Workshop; Information Day at Clean Break; Volunteering Placements For Women Offender; Young Carers Support; Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy; Camden’s proposed approach to resident participation; Winter Volunteering Fairs; SOUP the micro-granting dinner; Kentish Town Area Action Group; ‘Talk Cancer’ workshop; Neighbourhood Plan for Holborn; + jobs, volunteers, events, training, offers and resources.

Feature

Latest from VAC

White Ribbon Day 2015: ‘Harmful Practices’
2nd Annual event: International Day to Eliminate Violence against Women and Girls
10am to 4pm, 23rd November 2015 St Pancras Conference Centre
“Harmful practices are forms of violence that have been committed against women in communities and societies for so long that they are considered, or presented by perpetrators, as part of accepted cultural practice.”
Agenda: Welcome and introductions – Shirley McNicholas – Women’s Lead
Guest speakers: 1) Vanessa Lodge- Chief Nurse NHS England and lead for FGM
2) Aisha Gill – Professor in Criminology specialising in health and criminal justice responses to violence against black, minority ethnic refugee women. (Roehampton University)
3) Domestic and Sexual Abuse Overview – (AR-DSA)
4) ‘Harmful Practises’ panel presentation
5) Networking and stalls
Delicious Lunch will be available , kindly funded by Islington CCG who are supporting this event.
Booking via Caroline.walsh@candi.nhs.uk

NEWS & POLICY

Local

Fund Bidding Support Workshop
9.30am-1.15pm at Age UK London Offices, First Floor, 21 St Georges Road, London, SE1 6ES
This workshop aims to introduce small organisations to principles of fundraising and how to appeal to funders, help them identify sources of funding and give guidance on how to write successful bids. Lunch will be provided at the end of the workshop. Please note that the door to our offices is actually on Oswin Street. It is not necessary to print your ticket.
Please book at the following link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/fund-bidding-support-workshop-tickets-19419270561

Wanted: Volunteering Placements For Women Offenders
HMP Holloway is supporting offenders with rehabilitation through volunteering, and is looking for organisations in Camden that would be willing to involve (women) offenders who are on day release in their offender volunteering scheme. The scheme has proven successful so far.
To find out what it’s all about, including a testimonial from a current offender and volunteer, as well as feedback from organisations who have taken part check out this post on the website.

Young Carers Support
Camden Carers’ Service is looking at how they support Young Adult Carers, aged 18-25. A launch meeting will be held on Tuesday 17 November, 5.30 – 7pm, at The Hive, 18 Harben Parade, Finchley Road, NW3 6JP (The Old Post Office). Pizza and soft drinks provided! Contact Abbie on 020 7428 8950 or email abbie@camdencarers.org.uk for details.

Healthwatch Camden with Camden and Islington Public Health have organised a seminar on the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy on Monday 16th November 10am to1pm
Kentish Town Congregation Church, Kelly Street, London NW1
This is to get your feedback on the document so far; this will be a great way to influence your local health and social care service provision and policy,
At the seminar some of the discussion will be if you:
Agree that if they have identified the right focus for improvement under each priority?
Are there other areas of focus that should also be included, and if so, why?
Have the right measures to show improvement been selected?
Are there other ways to monitor and evaluate the outcomes that they should consider?
The responses will be used to finalise the strategy before it goes to the Health and Wellbeing Board in January. Lunch is included. RSVP to Shelly Telephone: 020 7284 6585 Email: shelly.khan@healthwatchcamden.co.uk

Invitation to Tenants and Leaseholders to respond to Camden’s proposed approach to resident participation
We would like to hear your views on the Draft Resident Participation Strategy by completing the online survey that is available from 4 November to 20 November 2015.
Please first have a look at the draft strategy and then complete the online survey at camden.gov.uk\Resident Participation Strategy

A Neighbourhood Forum and Neighbourhood Plan for Holborn
We’re starting this off with two hands-on workshops, facilitated by Angela of ImaginePlaces, with the aim to developing our Neighbourhood Forum and Neighbourhood Area Applications for Camden Council.
We have organised another two public meetings this month.
1st Meeting:
18th November, 6pm to 9pm, HCA – Millman Street Resource Centre, 50 Millman St, London WC1N 3EW
entrance is via the entry phone door between 34 and 36 Millman Street
2nd Meeting:
25th November- 6pm to 9pm
Blemundsbury TRA Hall, Dombey Street, London WC1N 3PF
Please bring a friend or a neighbour with you and spread the word.
It’s a great time to get involved and help shape Holborn’s future in a proactive way. Refreshment will be provided.

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

Knitters in shining armour
It has never been more important for our beneficiaries that we have what we need to motivate policymakers to take the right decisions – because at the moment they aren’t. Read more at the Directory of Social Change website.

Is the Government planning to strip £320m a year from the Big Lottery Fund to cover its back on cuts to culture and sport?
Reliable sources say that the Government is going to cut the share of National Lottery “good causes” money going to the Big Lottery Fund by over one third – this will devastate charities, community groups and voluntary organisations across the UK.

FUNDING

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

Stepping Stones Fund
The second round of the Fund is now open for applications. This programme provides grants and risk finance to enterprising organisations that wish to prepare themselves for social investment in order to improve their social outcomes. There are three strands you can consider:
1. obtain capacity building support that will help you better access social investment in the future
2. pilot new ways, ideas or business models aiming for better social outcomes
3. secure risk finance that can catalyse a social investment package.
The deadline for applications is 12 o’clock on 16th November, 2015.
For more information and to register for a place on:

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

VAC EVENTS

Health and Safety for Marginalized Communities 26th November, am, free
Too many people are working in dangerous and unhealthy conditions – and often working long hours for low pay. Job insecurity pushes people to keep their heads down and just get on with the job, even if it’s risking their health. Lots of people may not have the help and support of a trade union. If this sounds like you, then make that change. Attend the VAC/London Hazards Centre training and have some fun learning about your rights and how to enforce them.
Targeted in particular at migrant workers, unpaid carers, cleaners and people working in the hospitality industry. Some of the most marginalised people – probably working long hours, in dangerous conditions and on low pay. More information and booking at the VAC website.

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

Free Workshop – older people’s organisations – Scams and Frauds – with Metropolitan Police
Tuesday 17 November 2015 10.30 am – 1.45 pm Lunch at 1.00 pm
At Age UK London, 21 St Georges Road, London SE1 6ES
The Bank Initiative is a scheme to help vulnerable adults. This workshop will outline the programme and work with you to develop ways to bring more awareness of scams and fraud to the communities you support.
Speakers:
· DS Keith Batehup, Organised Crime Command, Metropolitan Police
· Bank Representative
Please book your free place early. Email Zara: zghods@ageuklondon.org.uk or call on 0207 820 6781

Castlehaven AGM – Housing in Camden, The Challenges Ahead
Housing In Camden – The Challenges Ahead
with Kier Starmer MP & Cllr Patricia Callaghan on Weds 18th Nov 2015, From 7.30pm-9pm
With networking and nibbles until 9.30pm. For more information contact: Shay Thripp on 020 7 485 3386. Castlehaven Community Association, 21 Castlehaven Rd, London, NW1 8RU
Email on: shay@castlehaven.org.uk web: www.castlehaven.org.uk

An introduction to intergenerational working
An intensive one-day training session ideal for people who would like to organise activities or projects which bring together older and younger people, improve their intergenerational practice or make their organisation or service more age-inclusive.
The day will be of particular interest to staff, managers and volunteers in sheltered housing, resource centres, residential care, community work, youth work, education and teaching, early years settings, community arts, council departments and anyone else who would like to organise intergenerational events or improve their organisation’s intergenerational practice.
Tuesday 24 November 2015 at 9.45am – 4.45pm
Book soon. Free. For further information or to book a place, contact:
vanda.carter@camden.gov.uk / 020 7974 2810

DSC Fundraising Fair 19 & 20 November
Two days of practical fundraising training and information for fundraisers at all levels.
Get inspired by 34 workshops covering a wide variety of key fundraising topics: from In-Memory Giving, Ethical Issues in Fundraising and Events Fundraising, through to Stress Management, Digital Fundraising, Telling Stories and Building Relationships. Whether you are just starting out or are an experienced fundraising director, there is a workshop just for you.
You’ll get the tools and techniques to help you raise more funds, to better serve those you help. You can find further information here. Resource Ctr, Holloway Road.
View fundraising tips videos and find out more here.

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

Hopscotch Asian Women’s Centre seeks Care Supervisor and a Care Coordinator.
1. Care Supervisor
Hours: 35 hrs per week
Salary: £25,034
Closing date: Tuesday 17th November
2. Care Coordinator (Bengali speaking)
Hours: 35 hrs per week
Salary: £23,122
Closing date: Tuesday 17th November
For a job description and an application form for any of these posts, please contact Ruksana Begum at Hopscotch:
Tel: 0207 388 8198
E-mail: info@hopscotchawc.org.uk
Please do not send CVs as they will not be considered.

Asian Women Lone Parents Association (AWLPA) are Recruiting
Asian Women Lone Parents Association (AWLPA) works to support Asian women
who are lone parents, and their children, by providing services that enables them
to improve their lives and wellbeing. Through active support we look to empower
women to participate in their social, economic, health and physical environment.
AWLPA are recruiting two posts:
Part-time administrator
The ideal candidate would be motivated, organised and empathetic to the
situations affecting single Asian mums in London today. They would have
experience of working in an office environment and helping with charity and
project administration and be able to complete tasks within deadlines.
They must be able to use Microsoft outlook, office and excel and have experience
of establishing and setting up electronic and filing systems. The role will require
updating and inputting service user information, monitoring and evaluation,
helping with project support and service delivery to organise events, activities,
workshops, crèche, childcare, writing update reports, answering the phone,
liaising with contractors and local partners and updating the charity website and
other communication.
Role: 7 hours a week at £10 per hour from December 2015 (possibly sooner
subject to interview and satisfactory references).
If you are interested please email: director@awlpa.org for application details. For
further information or an informal chat please contact the office on 0207 833
8085 or visit our website www.awlpa.org
Deadline for applications: Monday 16th November 2015
Project Coordinator
The ideal candidate would be motivated, organised and empathetic to the
situations affecting single Asian mums in London today. They would be bilingual
preferably Bengali/Urdu speaking.
They would have experience of working with vulnerable women and working with
volunteers including support, management, recruitment and training of
volunteers. They must be able to organize and develop activities in relation to the
women’s needs including weekly activities and be able to review, monitor and
evaluate project and its outcomes. They must be committed, innovative,
organised, pro-active and be able to work with a range of partners and hold a
professional manner.
Role: 18 hours a week at £13 per hour from December 2015(possibly sooner
subject to interview and satisfactory references).
If you are interested please email: director@awlpa.org for application details. For
further information or an informal chat please contact the office on 0207 833
8085 or visit our website www.awlpa.org
Deadline for applications: Friday 20th November 2015

Home Start Camden seeks Volunteers
Are you a parent or do you have parenting experience? Would you like to enhance your skills to offer friendship and support to families with young children? Can you give 3-4 hours weekly, to visit a family with young children who may be going through a difficult time?
Family Support Volunteer
Next Preparation Course Starting 17th November to 10th December
Every Tuesday & Thursday in Kentish Town
Certificates awarded & expenses paid
For information pack ring 020 7424 1603 email: info@homestartcamden.org
www.homestartcamden.org.uk

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

OFFERS, RESOURCES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

North Central London Strategic Cancer Partnership Group
An exciting new initiative for Cancer services across North Central London. We will be establishing a partnership to improve the way services work together to meet the needs of patients.
An opportunity to explore shared priorities and concerns but also to challenge each other to build local capacity to provide outstanding support for cancer patients. We want to develop a consistent patient offer across the area that focuses on patient outcomes and their experience of services.
The proposed group would be supported by the Transforming Cancer Services Team (TCST) for London and we are inviting their Director to be a part of the group. We need patient representatives who have experience of cancer services themselves or as families or carers. The group would aim to meet no more than 4 times a year.
The first meeting will be in early November. If you would like to participate please contact helen.saunders@camdenccg.nhs.uk for an informal discussion. We have a rewards and recognition procedure in place to compensate you for your time.

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

Voluntary Action Camden e-Bulletin 6th Novembe 2015

by Kevin Nunan6 November 2015

Highlights

Demonstrating Our Resilience’ Voluntary Action Camden’s AGM; Invitation to the Camden50 Volunteering Awards; Have your say on health and wellbeing in Camden; University College London’s GC Voluntary Sector Programme in 2015-16; Peer Sexual Exploitation; VAC’s Mental Health training course programme; Office with Consulting Rooms to Let; + jobs, volunteers, events, training, offers and resources.

Feature

Latest from VAC

NEWS & POLICY

Local

Ageing Better in Camden Launch 12th November 2015
This morning only event aims to answer all your questions about Ageing Better in Camden – what it is; what it offers; how you can get involved. It is open to all and is aimed particularly at older people and people and organisations working with older people. It will have workshops, information stalls and introductory speeches. Please register at ageingbetterincamden@ageukcamden.org.uk or telephone 02072390400.
Ageing Better in Camden has published the Invitation to Tender information for the St Pancras and Somerstown Community Action Project. Please fill in the form to register your interest in tendering (and you will receive emails of any questions and answers that other bidders post). Deadline back 19th November 2pm. http://www.ageuk.org.uk/camden/ageing-better-in-camden/

Invitation to the Camden50 Volunteering Awards
The Leader of the Council, Councillor Sarah Hayward and the Mayor of Camden, Councillor Larraine Revah, invite you
to the Camden50 volunteering awards, held as part of the borough’s fiftieth birthday celebrations. The Mayor of Camden
will present certificates to ten exceptional volunteers chosen by an independent panel of judges.
The Awards Ceremony is from 6 – 8pm on Thursday 19 November 2015 at Camden Town Hall, Judd Street WC1H 9JE
Please RSVP to Frances Connelly at frances.connelly@camden.gov.uk or 0207 974 6457 by 10 November 2015

It’s Caption Caption Awareness Week 9 – 15 November.
To mark the 15th anniversary, Stagetext is organising the first ever Captioning Awareness Week from 9 to 15 November 2015. The aim of this week is to bring together cultural venues and caption users from all over to celebrate and raise awareness of captioning and subtitling.
We want everyone to get involved including theatres, museums, galleries and other arts venues, deaf and disabled organisations and of course: caption users.
Go to http://www.stagetext.org/ for a list of captioned talks, shows, events and how to get involved.

Peer Sexual Exploitation
Camden parents have been working on a piece of work around peer on peer Sexual Exploitation. They have created a parent-led animation campaign to highlight the issue amongst young people’s relationships and how parents can be involved in reducing this through discussion with their children, spotting warning signs and knowing where to go if they think their child is at risk of (or experiencing or perpetrating) Sexual Exploitation and or Sexual Violence.
Here’s the link to the CSE campaign www.camden.gov.uk/sexualexploitation please do promote this campaign across your organisations where appropriate.
Craig Storrod, the CSE Training and Outreach Practitioner, Barnardo’s who presented at the recent launch event has confirmed he is happy to offer training to voluntary sector organisations. His project work is aimed at raising awareness of CSE amongst the night time economy (staff in hotels, bars, taxi companies etc), but he is very happy to speak to organisations outside this remit.
He has worked with many local authorities and says Camden is years ahead of other local areas in tackling this problem, and he believes the voluntary sector are key to spreading the message.
Organisations who may be interested in the training can contact Craig directly. craig.storrod@barnardos.org.uk

VAC’s Mental Health training course programme
VAC has a full programme of Mental Health courses. See the VAC Events section below.
Or view the Mental Health pages or contact: mentalhealthteam@vac.org.uk or call 020 7284 6550.

An Exhibition of People’s History Posters
11am to 4pm 9th – 13th November at Torriano Meeting House
More information 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

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

When breaking up is not an option – leasing from local authorities – Legal Briefing
Voluntary sector organisations provide valuable and often innovative services to their local community. A local or public authority will often be prepared to grant the long lease of a building or open space to such an organisation, potentially enabling a strategic approach to the property, and in particular, the possibility for capital investment. This Russell-Cooke legal briefing looks at some of the pit falls and says “The most dangerous type of provision that local authorities propose in this type of negotiation is the landlord’s break right. The nature of landlord’s break rights (as opposed to tenant’s break rights) are relatively unusual in the commercial world except in the case of some very short-term occupation arrangements in what are sometimes termed ‘serviced’ premises. Download the briefing here.

FUNDING

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

Stepping Stones Fund
All interested charities and social enterprises in the Greater London area are invited to an information session about the Stepping Stones Fund, a £1m social investment readiness grant programme of City Bridge Trust and UBS.
The second round of the Fund is now open for applications. This programme provides grants and risk finance to enterprising organisations that wish to prepare themselves for social investment in order to improve their social outcomes. There are three strands you can consider:
1. obtain capacity building support that will help you better access social investment in the future
2. pilot new ways, ideas or business models aiming for better social outcomes
3. secure risk finance that can catalyse a social investment package.
The deadline for applications is 12 o’clock on 16th November, 2015.
For more information and to register for a place on:
29th October

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

VAC EVENTS

Mental health workshops for Camden-based BMER groups – Free
There are places available on the following two VAC workshops:
Mental Health and Stigma (half-day): Monday 2nd November (2-5pm)
Mental health affects all of us in one way or another throughout our lives, yet for many it remains a taboo subject, shrouded in myths and stigma. This half-day session is designed to open up a discussion about how we can explore and break down stigma in relation to mental illness. Using various techniques including film, case studies and discussion, there will be a particular reference to stigma in South Asian communities.
Introduction to Mental Health Awareness (full day): Wednesday 9th December (10am to 4.30pm)
This one-day interactive session looks at how we define mental health and mental illness. It offers the opportunity to explore the impact of stigmatisation and stereotyping on individuals and society. Focusing on two of the most common disorders – depression and anxiety – we will explore vulnerability, risk factors and the importance of early intervention to support recovery. We will also discuss what we can all do to look after our mental health.
Please note that due to requirements of our funding, we can only offer places to Camden-based BMER community groups or Camden voluntary sector organisations whose main focus is working with BMER groups. We can accept a maximum of two people from any one organisation.
To book your place, please go to our website and follow the instructions to book via Eventbrite:
https://vac.org.uk/events/category/health-mental-health/
If you have any questions, please contact the Mental Health Team on mentalhealthteam@vac.org.uk or call 020 7284 6550.

Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) training course.
This will take place over two full days on Thursday 12th November and Thursday 19th November (9.30am to 5pm both days).
This internationally recognised course will be of interest to parents, youth workers, teachers, those who support young people, or anyone who wants to learn more about mental health.
The YMHFA course will teach you to:
• Spot the early signs of a mental health problem in a young person
• Feel confident helping a young person experiencing a problem
• Provide help on a first aid basis
• Help protect a young person who might be at risk of harm
• Help prevent a mental illness from getting worse
• Help a young person recover faster
• Guide a young person towards the right support
• Reduce the stigma of mental health problems
Participants will receive a copy of the YMHFA manual and certificate on completion of the course. Please see the attached flyer for more information.
This training is highly subsidised at only £25 per person. To book your place and pay by card via Eventbrite please go to: https://vac.org.uk/events/category/health-mental-health/.
Please note that VAC can only accept bookings from Camden-based BMER groups or organisations based in Camden working with BMER communities.
If you have any questions please contact the Mental Health Team on: mentalhealthteam@vac.org.uk or call 020 7284 6550.

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

Keeping it Human in a Digital Age?
10am – 4.30pm 25th November 2015
Ort House Conference Centre, London, NW1 7NE
This conference will consider what the challenges and opportunities are for VCSE organisations arising from the rapid growth of the use of digital technology.
The day will include:
~ Panel discussions with leaders from the funding, VCS and public sector worlds
~ Workshops and IT surgeries to support organisations make the best use of digital technology to improve their impact and reach
We will consider questions such as:
~ How can the use of digital technology support VCSE organisations to be able to communicate more clearly and effectively to funders, statutory, private sector and broader society?
~ How can VCSE organisations use technology to design and deliver services which meet the needs of the vulnerable and marginalised people they work with?
~ What are the capacity building needs of the sector and how can funders meet those needs?
~ The London picture on digital exclusion and how to address this issue?
~ How does digital change the way we connect and operate locally and across London?
The conference will be followed by the HEAR Network’s Accessibility Awards
The Access Awards will showcase examples of good practice in accessibility and inclusion by HEAR network members in service delivery, and how small changes can have a big impact!
To register for a place please book here

Healthwatch Camden with Camden and Islington Public Health have organised a seminar on the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy on Monday 16th November 10am to1pm
Kentish Town Congregation Church, Kelly Street, London NW1
This is to get your feedback on the document so far; this will be a great way to influence your local health and social care service provision and policy,
At the seminar some of the discussion will be if you:
Agree that if they have identified the right focus for improvement under each priority?
Are there other areas of focus that should also be included, and if so, why?
Have the right measures to show improvement been selected?
Are there other ways to monitor and evaluate the outcomes that they should consider?
Are there any other comments that you would like to make?
The responses will be used to finalise the strategy before it goes to the Health and Wellbeing Board in January. Lunch is included.
Please let me know as soon as possible if you are coming. Telephone: 020 7284 6585 Email: shelly.khan@healthwatchcamden.co.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

Nafisyat seeks a Clinical Services Manager
Nafisyat is seeking a Clinical Services Manager to provide clinical leadership at Nafsiyat and contribute to the overall strategic direction of the charity. They will be responsible for the management of Nafsiyat’s clinical practices and the quality and safety of services provided by therapists.
The salary is £35,000 pro rata over 3 days (22.5 hours) per week.
If you are interested, please send your CV and a covering letter explaining your suitability for this role to recruitment@nafsiyat.org.uk by 5pm on Tuesday December 15th, 2015.
Download the full JOB DESCRIPTION here: http://www.nafsiyat.org.uk/Documents/Uploads/36.pdf

The British Postal Museum and Archive seeks Volunteer & Training Coordinator
The Postal Museum, due to open in early 2017, is a major project being delivered by the BPMA to
open a new, national museum in Farringdon, central London.
Salary: BPMA Officer / Professional Grade: £25k – £28k p.a. plus project bonus
Full-time. 18 months fixed term in the first instance
The Volunteer and Training Coordinator is a new role supported by the Heritage Lottery
Fund. The post-holder will take a leading role within the HR Team in planning, development,
delivery and evaluation of opportunities and programmes for volunteers and trainees (e.g.
interns, apprentices, work experience placement students). The role will also involve
working with the wider HR Team in the coordination of a programme of training required to
up-skill staff as well as volunteers in advance of the opening of The Postal Museum.
To apply: Please complete the application form and monitoring form (both available online) and send (preferably via email) to: jobs@postalheritage.org.uk
Closing Date: Monday 16 November 2015, 9am
Interviews expected to take place between 23 November and 3rd December

Asian Women Lone Parents Association (AWLPA) are Recruiting
Asian Women Lone Parents Association (AWLPA) works to support Asian women
who are lone parents, and their children, by providing services that enables them
to improve their lives and wellbeing. Through active support we look to empower
women to participate in their social, economic, health and physical environment.
AWLPA are recruiting two posts:
Part-time administrator
The ideal candidate would be motivated, organised and empathetic to the
situations affecting single Asian mums in London today. They would have
experience of working in an office environment and helping with charity and
project administration and be able to complete tasks within deadlines.
They must be able to use Microsoft outlook, office and excel and have experience
of establishing and setting up electronic and filing systems. The role will require
updating and inputting service user information, monitoring and evaluation,
helping with project support and service delivery to organise events, activities,
workshops, crèche, childcare, writing update reports, answering the phone,
liaising with contractors and local partners and updating the charity website and
other communication.
Role: 7 hours a week at £10 per hour from December 2015(possibly sooner
subject to interview and satisfactory references).
If you are interested please email: director@awlpa.org for application details. For
further information or an informal chat please contact the office on 0207 833
8085 or visit our website www.awlpa.org
Deadline for applications: Monday 16th November 2015
Project Coordinator
The ideal candidate would be motivated, organised and empathetic to the
situations affecting single Asian mums in London today. They would be bilingual
preferably Bengali/Urdu speaking.
They would have experience of working with vulnerable women and working with
volunteers including support, management, recruitment and training of
volunteers. They must be able to organize and develop activities in relation to the
women’s needs including weekly activities and be able to review, monitor and
evaluate project and its outcomes. They must be committed, innovative,
organised, pro-active and be able to work with a range of partners and hold a
professional manner.
Role: 18 hours a week at £13 per hour from December 2015(possibly sooner
subject to interview and satisfactory references).
If you are interested please email: director@awlpa.org for application details. For
further information or an informal chat please contact the office on 0207 833
8085 or visit our website www.awlpa.org
Deadline for applications: Friday 20th November 2015

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

OFFERS, RESOURCES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Needed: Service User representative on IAPT evaluation panel
‘Improving Access to Psychological Therapies’ (IAPT) is a national programme to improve access to talking therapy treatment. The current contract for providing this in Camden comes to an end 31 March 2017. We are in the process of redesigning the service to ask people to bid to provide it. We need to make sure that when bids are being scored, service user views are at the centre. We are therefore seeking two people to sit on the evaluation panel that scores each bid.
The role will involve reading various documents, individually assessing and scoring bids and actively participating in group discussions with commissioners, clinicians and other professional colleagues. You will be reimbursed and supported in the role. We are looking for people who:
– Have lived experience of common mental health problems, and accessing IAPT services in Camden
– Are willing to commit to a minimum of 3 months engagement with a procurement process
– Are willing to represent the views of people with common mental health conditions
– Have good communication skills and are able and willing to read, sometimes complex, documents.
Sound like you? Please email mhinvolvement@camdenccg.nhs.uk or call 0203 688 2084 to express an interest by Monday 9th November 2015.

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

Voluntary Action Camden e-Bulletin 30th October 2015

by Kevin Nunan30 October 2015

Highlights

Cycling Workplaces; Camden Council and Camden’s Voluntary and Community Sector Consultation Update; Trustees’ Week Event: ‘Piggy in the Middle – Can Trustees Please Everyone?’; Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA); The Essentials of Inducting and Training Your Volunteers; CQC Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust; Office with Consulting Rooms to Let; Silk Moth; Castlehaven AGM – Housing in Camden, The Challenges Ahead; + jobs, volunteers, events, training, offers and resources.

Feature

Latest from VAC

Cycling Workplaces
As an employer in London, you are entitled to free support and services to help you promote cycling in your workplace.
If you have five or more employees, you could benefit from:
1. Free cycle stands*
A wide range of cycle parking to suit the space you have available, including toast rack stands, shelters and folding bike lockers.
2. Free cycle safety checks and bike marking
A mechanic provides bike checks at your workplace to ensure your employees’ bikes are roadworthy.
Plus, staff can have their bikes security marked, to aid recovery in the event of theft.
3. Free cycle safety seminar
A seminar at your workplace on commuter cycling, safety and how London is changing for cyclists.
4. Free commuter cycle skills sessions
121 on-bike cycling sessions for beginner, intermediate and experienced cyclists.
Available as a taster day at your workplace or as individual sessions.
* Stands are provided free of charge. The business is responsible for installation costs.
Register at tfl.gov.uk/cyclingworkplaces

NEWS & POLICY

Local

Camden Council and Camden’s Voluntary and Community Sector Consultation Update
The closing date for the consultation is 4th November so don’t delay as this will be your last chance. The LB Camden consultation can be found here. The proposals can be found in a downloadable document here. You can give your views directly to the council via an online questionnaire.

Trustees’ Week Event: ‘Piggy in the Middle – Can Trustees Please Everyone?’
Wednesday, 4th November 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
This round table discussion raises the issue of the multiple pressures that Trustees feel
The staff, users and funders all seem to have strong views on how trustees should be doing their job. Add to this a recent increase in interest from the press and the public and many trustees are left feeling like piggy-in-the-middle. Can you keep everyone happy? Should you by trying to keep everyone happy? VAC invite you to come along on Wednesday 4th November from 6.00 to 7.30pm to share your experiences of the competing pressures on charity trustees. The evening will start with a brief presentation from Kevin Nunan (VAC) looking at the recent interest in the sector from the public, criticisms from the regulator and how trustees have attempted to deal with it.
Cost: Free More information and to book at the VAC website.
Contact: Kevin knunan@vac.org.uk

Places are available on VAC’s next Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) training course.
This will take place over two full days on Thursday 12th November and Thursday 19th November (9.30am to 5pm both days).
This internationally recognised course will be of interest to parents, youth workers, teachers, those who support young people, or anyone who wants to learn more about mental health.
The YMHFA course will teach you to:
• Spot the early signs of a mental health problem in a young person
• Feel confident helping a young person experiencing a problem
• Provide help on a first aid basis
• Help protect a young person who might be at risk of harm
• Help prevent a mental illness from getting worse
• Help a young person recover faster
• Guide a young person towards the right support
• Reduce the stigma of mental health problems
Participants will receive a copy of the YMHFA manual and certificate on completion of the course. Please see the attached flyer for more information.
This training is highly subsidised at only £25 per person. To book your place and pay by card via Eventbrite please go to: https://vac.org.uk/events/category/health-mental-health/.
Please note that VAC can only accept bookings from Camden-based BMER groups or organisations based in Camden working with BMER communities.
If you have any questions please contact the Mental Health Team on: mentalhealthteam@vac.org.uk or call 020 7284 6550.

CQC Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust
CQC the independent regulator of health, mental health and adult social care in England will be inspecting Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust on the week of the 25th January 2016. We would like to hear your feedback on the mental health services before the inspection. There are a number of ways people can feedback their views (we are interested in experiences from the last 12 months only) you can e-mail enquiries@cqc.org.uk telephone 03000 616161 or visit our website and complete the ‘share your experience form’ at http://www.cqc.org.uk/share-your-experience-finder

Silk Moth
Join us on Sunday 1st November for a special preview of Silk Moth, a one woman opera about “honour” killing.
Silk Moth places onstage a mother. We are guests at her home. Through music, gastronomy and text, this performance raises powerful questions: what is her role in this horrific ‘tradition’? Is she a victim, submissive, or coldly complicit? Based on a series of workshops and interviews conducted in partnership with IKWRO, this new work tackles a controversial and sensitive issue, created by a team of internationally renowned artists and performers.
Thanks to the Arts Council and Nour Festival. Click here for tickets.

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

Ransackers, British Postal Museum, AWLPA, Homestart Camden, MOPAC, VAC, Age UK Camden 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

FUNDING

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

Opportunity for capital funding for VCS organisations in Camden Town with Primrose Hill Ward
The Council is in receipt of money arising from a property development in Camden Town with Primrose Hill Ward, as a result of Section 106 (S106) obligations on property developers, under Camden’s Planning Guidance.
This opportunity relates only to money provided to improve community facilities, it does not relate to S106 money received for other purposes, such as infrastructure and parks and open spaces.
The community building or facility must be one of the following:
• Owned by the organisation
• Occupied on a long-term lease
• Owned by the council
If your voluntary & community sector organisation would like to make a proposal for S106 capital money for community facilities, and your premises and service provision fits these criteria, please contact jeff.hopwood@camden.gov.uk or adam.demosthenous@camden.gov.uk.
A proposal form will be supplied, to easily enable response to the following:
• A brief description of the proposal, including how much money you are seeking – an estimate is fine at this stage
• Any relevant deadlines
The form will also ask for information about:
• How an allocation would ensure that the recipient’s facilities / services are available for the local community
• Whether the organisation or facility has received S106 Community Facilities funding before
• Whether the capital project has any match funding or pledges of match funding
• How the proposal will address Camden Plan priorities and the Council’s investment tests:
www.camden.gov.uk/camdenplan
www.camden.gov.uk/ccm/content/council-and-democracy/publications-and-finances/twocolumn/camden-financial-challenge-.en?page=3.
Proposal forms will need to be returned by the 6th November 2015, officers intend to consider the proposals during November, and discuss with ward members and relevant Cabinet Members. Decisions are expected to be made by the beginning of December. Further information please contact the named officers above.

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

Healthwatch Camden with Camden and Islington Public Health have organised a seminar on the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy on Monday 16th November 10am to1pm
Kentish Town Congregation Church, Kelly Street, London NW1
This is to get your feedback on the document so far; this will be a great way to influence your local health and social care service provision and policy,
At the seminar some of the discussion will be if you:
Agree that if they have identified the right focus for improvement under each priority?
Are there other areas of focus that should also be included, and if so, why?
Have the right measures to show improvement been selected?
Are there other ways to monitor and evaluate the outcomes that they should consider?
Are there any other comments that you would like to make?
The responses will be used to finalise the strategy before it goes to the Health and Wellbeing Board in January. Lunch is included.
Please let me know as soon as possible if you are coming. Telephone: 020 7284 6585 Email: shelly.khan@healthwatchcamden.co.uk

Dementia Cafe
A friendly and supportive monthly café for people with dementia and their carers. The Café runs on the 1st Wednesday of each month 11.00am – 1pm
Refreshments are provided. Upcoming dates:
4th November 2015
2nd December 2015
At Kentish Town Congregational Church, Kelly Street, London NW1 8PH
For further information call 0207 561 4820

Recovery College Courses Still Available October – December 2015
Being involved
Understanding Anxiety
Men and Masculinity and more.
Please email us if you want to be sent the new prospectus for courses starting in January 2016
4 St Pancras Way, London NW1 0PE
Tel: 020 3317 6904 email: recovery.college@candi.nhs.uk
Opening hours10.00am – 4.00pm

Free English classes to be run in partnership with Working Mens’ College at Conway House (based in Kilburn) and free ESOL classes run by Training Link
Improve your spelling, grammar and punctuation. Come along to the assessment session on:
Friday 6 November 2015, 12-3pm at
Conway House, 18-22 Quex Road, London, NW6 4PL
ESOL Entry 2
‘Funded by the Corporation of London’s charity City Bridge Trust’
Learn English
ESOL: English to Speakers of Other Languages
Level: Entry 2
At Conway House, 18-22 Quex Road, NW6 4PL (Kilburn)
FREE of charge, no registration fee. Every Wednesday 3pm-6pm
To book a place please email gosia.glinska@sih.org
For more information about Training Link and courses they offer please contact admin@traininglink.org.uk or 0207 383 5405

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

Asian Women Lone Parents Association (AWLPA) are Recruiting
Asian Women Lone Parents Association (AWLPA) works to support Asian women
who are lone parents, and their children, by providing services that enables them
to improve their lives and wellbeing. Through active support we look to empower
women to participate in their social, economic, health and physical environment.
AWLPA are recruiting two posts:
Part-time administrator
The ideal candidate would be motivated, organised and empathetic to the
situations affecting single Asian mums in London today. They would have
experience of working in an office environment and helping with charity and
project administration and be able to complete tasks within deadlines.
They must be able to use Microsoft outlook, office and excel and have experience
of establishing and setting up electronic and filing systems. The role will require
updating and inputting service user information, monitoring and evaluation,
helping with project support and service delivery to organise events, activities,
workshops, crèche, childcare, writing update reports, answering the phone,
liaising with contractors and local partners and updating the charity website and
other communication.
Role: 7 hours a week at £10 per hour from December 2015(possibly sooner
subject to interview and satisfactory references).
If you are interested please email: director@awlpa.org for application details. For
further information or an informal chat please contact the office on 0207 833
8085 or visit our website www.awlpa.org
Deadline for applications: Monday 16th November 2015
Project Coordinator
The ideal candidate would be motivated, organised and empathetic to the
situations affecting single Asian mums in London today. They would be bilingual
preferably Bengali/Urdu speaking.
They would have experience of working with vulnerable women and working with
volunteers including support, management, recruitment and training of
volunteers. They must be able to organize and develop activities in relation to the
women’s needs including weekly activities and be able to review, monitor and
evaluate project and its outcomes. They must be committed, innovative,
organised, pro-active and be able to work with a range of partners and hold a
professional manner.
Role: 18 hours a week at £13 per hour from December 2015(possibly sooner
subject to interview and satisfactory references).
If you are interested please email: director@awlpa.org for application details. For
further information or an informal chat please contact the office on 0207 833
8085 or visit our website www.awlpa.org
Deadline for applications: Friday 20th November 2015

The Mayor’s Office for Policing And Crime currently have some vacancies for Camden’s Independent Custody Visitors Scheme
Details about the role and how to apply are on the MOPAC website.
Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) are members of the local community who volunteer to visit police stations unannounced to check on the treatment and welfare of people held in police custody. Their recommendations can require the police to make improvements for the welfare of detainees. Working as part of a local panel, they play a valuable role in maintaining public confidence in this important area of policing.

Volunteer Vacancy at VAC
Do you live, work or volunteer in Camden? Would you like to support people in your community to improve their health and their access to services that will help them to maintain good health and wellbeing? Do you want to develop experience and skills in the field of public health? Can you commit at least 2 hours per week?
VAC is offering free Royal Society of Public Health (RSPH) Level 1 training to those who want to volunteer their time to become Community Health Advocates. The RSPH Level 1 training is a two days course, with a 20 question multiple choice test at the end of the second day of training. It could provide a useful skill set and experience for people who may be interested in following a health related career path in the future.
After completing the training, VAC will support local teams of volunteers to act as links between community based services and GPs. You may wish to take advantage of additional opportunities to increase your knowledge, for example smoking cessation, cancer awareness, diabetes etc.
In return for your commitment to the project for 2 hours a week we offer support, out of pocket expenses and other professional development opportunities. Details on the VAC website.
Mandira Manandhar (Mon, Tues and Thurs) 020 7284 6573 or email: mmanandhar@vac.org.uk
Peter Simonson (Mon and Thurs) 020 7284 6568 or email: projectsupport@vac.org.uk

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

OFFERS, RESOURCES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Camden Consultations
Other consultations out at the moment include a consultation on Camden Future Libraries and Camden VCS strategy and changes to early education and childcare and children’s centre services. You can find all Camden consultation on the Wearecamden consultation hub.

Voluntary Action Camden e-Bulletin 23rd October 2015

by Kevin Nunan23 October 2015

Highlights

Trustees’ Week Event: ‘Piggy in the Middle – Can Trustees Please Everyone?’; Camden Council and Camden’s Voluntary and Community Sector Consultation Update; Needed: Service User representative on IAPT evaluation panel; VAC’s Mental Health Training Programme; Ageing Better in Camden Launch 12th November; Office with Consulting Rooms to Let; Training For New Volunteer Centre Online Matching Tool; Bloomsbury Festival; Musculoskeletal (MSK) Patient Focus Group; Young Women and the Construction Industry; Dementia Cafe; Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy; Strategic Cancer Partnership Group; + jobs, volunteers, events, training, offers and resources.

Feature

Latest from VAC

NEWS & POLICY

Local

Camden Council and Camden’s Voluntary and Community Sector Consultation Update
LB Camden’s consultation can be found here. The proposals can be found in a downloadable document here. You can give your views directly to the council via an online questionnaire. The closing date is 4th November so don’t delay.

VAC’s Mental Health Training Programme
VAC has a full Mental Health Training Programme with a range of courses in the coming months. For example Stigma and Mental Health is a half-day workshop on 2nd November. To find out more, book spaces and view the full programme of courses please see the VAC Training section below.

Training For New Volunteer Centre Online Matching Tool (and Database) Volunteer Connect
Volunteer Connect will replace our use of the Do-it website (as well as our back-end database, reporting and matching tool).
We are planning a launch to the public in early December.
And that means that from December we will only promote your volunteering to people who want to volunteer in Camden if you are on Volunteer Connect.
With that in mind, we will be running a number of free masterclasses on how to use Volunteer Connect to add, amend and delete your volunteering opportunities.
We will offer two masterclasses on:
Thursday 29th October 10am-1pm or 2pm-5pm at our office in Kentish Town
We have allowed three hours for each one, but it should only take an hour or two of your time to get you started.
You can book in for any of the masterclasses on eventbrite here.
If you have any questions about this, contact Rupal by email or phone 020 7424 9990.

Bloomsbury Festival
The Festival is under way. One of today’s highlights is Goodensemble’s concert this evening at Goodenough College. There will be some tickets available on the door for a 7.30pm start. Other highlights include Olcay Bayir (FREE) 24th October. Catch the elegant voice of the Turkish singer as part of Bloomsbury Festival.

Musculoskeletal (MSK) Patient Focus Group Wednesday 11th November
Camden CCG are working in partnership with our health and social care providers to review and develop musculoskeletal services for Camden residents. We would like you join us if you have received treatment, following self or GP referral, for management of an orthopaedic, rheumatology or pain condition in a Camden community or hospital setting.
Doreen Murray, MSK Project Lead is planning to hold a focus group with patients on Wednesday 11th November (9:30am to 11:30am at Camden CCG, Stephenson House, 6th Floor (wheelchair accessible).
Would you be interested in attending?
If you are able to attend please confirm by contacting Maggie Adesanya to confirm your attendance via email to margaret.adesanya@camdenccg.nhs.uk or by phoning 020 3688 1746.
If you want to know further information about the focus group you can contact Doreen Murray by email doreen.murray@camdenccg.nhs.uk or by phoning 02036882087.

Young Women and the Construction Industry – Participants and Partners Needed + Event on 26th October
Budding Builders is a Construction Youth Trust programme which helps to remove barriers to employment by providing young people with an opportunity to learn new, demand-led skills in a variety of different trades; offer CSCS card training and support; and clear progression routes into work or further training.
There is a course in Camden starting the 26th of October, in partnership with Kings Cross Construction Skills Centre. The aim is to target young women who are considering the industry as a career. The course will be led by an experienced female carpenter and we will have female guest speakers.
The success of our projects depends on the partnerships we create. We are seeking organisations that would like to refer women onto our October course and organisations who would like to act as our community practical partner for our 2016 projects. Please get in contact with Nicola Mason on 0207 467 9540 or nicola.mason@constructionyouth.org.uk

Make sure you are registered to vote
Last year the government introduced Individual Electoral Registration (IER) which means that everyone eligible to vote needs to register themselves – rather than this being the head of household’s responsibility. Voters who were previously registered under the old system have remained on the register during the transition period to the new system, however anyone who hasn’t registered under IER by 1 December 2015 will now be removed from the electoral register.
It’s quick and simple to register to vote online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote – you’ll just need your national insurance number and date of birth. If you’re not sure whether you’re registered to vote, you can find out by contacting Camden’s elections team at electoral.services@camden.gov.uk or by phone on 0207 974 6000.

Healthwatch Camden with Camden and Islington Public Health have organised a seminar on the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy on Monday 16th November 10am to1pm
Kentish Town Congregation Church, Kelly Street, London NW1
This is to get your feedback on the document so far; this will be a great way to influence your local health and social care service provision and policy,
At the seminar some of the discussion will be if you:
Agree that if they have identified the right focus for improvement under each priority?
Are there other areas of focus that should also be included, and if so, why?
Have the right measures to show improvement been selected?
Are there other ways to monitor and evaluate the outcomes that they should consider?
Are there any other comments that you would like to make?
The responses will be used to finalise the strategy before it goes to the Health and Wellbeing Board in January. Lunch is included.
Please let me know as soon as possible if you are coming. Telephone: 020 7284 6585 Email: shelly.khan@healthwatchcamden.co.uk

Do you have a passion help to improve the outcomes for black and Muslim young male offenders?
We are seeking to appoint members to the Young Review Independent Advisory Group.
Following the launch of the report of the Young Review in December 2014, an interim independent advisory group, chaired by Baroness Lola Young of Hornsey, was set up. Working with government and other agencies, its aim is to improve outcomes for young black and Muslim male offenders.
These are voluntary positions for an initial three-year term.
The people appointed will reflect a wide range of skills and experience but critically will have a strong desire and the knowledge, skills and experience to make a real difference.
For more information and how to apply download the information pack click here.
Closing date for applications is 26 October

Free Vitamin D Supplements for New Mothers and Pregnant Women
Healthy Start vitamins, which contain vitamin D and other important vitamins, are available for free to all pregnant women, new mums and those with children under the age of four in Camden.
Healthy Start vitamins can be collected from 1a, Agar, Regent’s Park, Harmood and Kilburn Grange children’s centres and from Belsize Priory, Gospel Oak and Hunter Street health centres in Camden.
As well as free vitamins, if you receive income support and are pregnant, have children under the age of four, or are under 18 and pregnant, you may be eligible for free vouchers to spend on fruit and vegetables or fresh milk and formula.
Speak to your midwife or health visitor for more information or visit www.healthystart.nhs.uk

Westminster Community Network
Do you work across neighbouring Westminster as well? If so you may be interested in this network meeting at Mahatma Gandhi Room at the Indian YMCA, 41 Fitzroy Square, London W1T 6AQ on 11 November 2015 from 1.30 – 4.30pm
This is the first meeting of the Network since it came back into the hands of the Westminster voluntary sector.
RSVP please to j.webster@onewestminster.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

Evelyn Oldfield Unit, Mildmay Community, Solace Women’s Aid, Homestart Camden, North London Rape Crisis, VAC, Age UK Camden 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

Health bodies routinely ignore the Social Value Act
Public sector health bodies routinely ignore the Social Value Act when they commission services that charities could deliver. Full story at Civil Society magazine.

Anna Turley interview: ‘We are very open-minded about charities’
The new shadow minister for civil society Anna Turley says her party is ready to listen and be radical in a Civil Society interview.

Sticking the boot into charity
An academic view from University of Birmingham

Churches Could be the New Community Centres
Simon Jenkins in the Guardian proposes that churches are put to good use as community centres, community shops, farmers markets, foodbanks, e-shopping collection points and Wi-Fi cafes.

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

Kentish Town Community Centre Annual General Meeting and Bake-off!
Saturday 24th October 12.15pm – 4pm
We’re excited to announce our next Bake-Off happening alongside our Annual General Meeting. Hear what we’ve been up to, suggest things KTCC should focus on over 2016 and eat some tasty cake. A special children’s category means everyone can get baking this Autumn, so get practicing! Free, open to all. http://www.ktcc.org.uk/

Upbeat & Kings Cross Timebank & present: Kings Cross Open Mic – Halloween Spooktacular
Friday 30th October 2015 6-9 pm at
The Crypt Holy Cross Church Cromer Street WC1H 8JU. World Music, International Dance & Special Guests. Come along to perform, dress up or just to enjoy the evening.Everyone welcome.
Entry: £2.50 or 3 time-credits(Free for performers) Ticket includes free food.
Any proceeds made will go towards running the next Open Mic event
For more information contact Lucia – T: 07762151783 E: upbeat@upbeatmusic.org

Wild Bunch Halloween Party
Thursday 29th October 7 – 11pm at Electrowekz, 7 Torrens Street, EC1V 1NQ
Wheelchair access, over 18s only, £5 on the door.
More information at Siren 020 7359 7443 email siren@elfrida.com

National Grandparents Day
A wonderful intergenerational event now in its 8th year!
Tuesday 27th October 2015
11am—1pm: Make Do & Mend, Traditional Games, The Big 1940s Quiz
1.00pm—2.00 pm: free community lunch
2pm—4 pm: Family Bingo with prizes,Fashion Show, afternoon tea, 1940s Singalong with the Wraggle Taggle Band
West Euston Time Bank, H Pod, Cumberland Market, London NW1 3RH
Phone: 020 7383 4382

Inspiring Trusteeship – a governance conference for London, Greater London Volunteering
Monday, 16 November 2015 from 10:00 to 16:00
City Hall, The Queen’s Walk, SE1 2AA, London, United Kingdom
Inspiring Trusteeship is our free event for everyone interested in the governance of London’s voluntary and community sector.
Join us and over 200 other delegates for: plenary sessions with Dr Alice Maynard, the Association of Chairs and other speakers looking at new perspectives on governance, and looking at what makes an effective Chair/CEO relationship; workshops on legal issues affecting Trustees, and tips on recruiting Trustees; and a networking lunch to meet with people involved in charity governance from across London, in a marketplace of organisations able to provide you with information and support on charity governance.
To register click here

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

The Evelyn Oldfield Unit Is recruiting 2 part-time posts
Research for Action and Influence Tutor (Ref: RAI)
Women’s Development Worker [Supporting Women Project] (Ref: SWP)
The Evelyn Oldfield Unit is a high profile refugee and migrant-led second-tier organisation at the forefront of developing the capacity of the refugee and migrant sector. The Unit is passionate about the values of gender equality, cultural diversity, community leadership and creating a step change towards more inclusive services for refugee and migrant clients of the refugee, migrant and mainstream voluntary sector.
We are looking for 2 energetic and organised people who are highly passionate in working with people from different cultural backgrounds to join the small team of the charity. Both posts are part-time:
• Research for Action + Influence Tutor 2 ½ days – 17 ½ hours per week (Ref: RAI)
• Women’s Development Worker [Supporting Women Project] 3 days – 21 hours per week (Ref: SWP)
The Research for Action and Influence Tutor will lead on the accredited research programme comprising 3 modules (research, action and influence and presentation skills). He/ she will co-ordinate, deliver, monitor and evaluate the project.
The female* Women’s Development Worker [Supporting Women Project] will design, co-ordinate, deliver, monitor and evaluate the project Supporting Women Project.
Both posts are fixed term until the 31st of July 2016.
*NB the post-holder for the Supporting Women Project must be female as per the funder’s requirements. The post is exempt under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1.
Salary: Scale PO2 pt35 – £33,583 including ILW pro-rata
For an application pack, please email to mulat@evelynoldfield.co.uk or please send a 65p A4 SAE to the Director, Evelyn Oldfield Unit (EOU), 356 Holloway Road, London N7 6PA. Closing date 27th October.
or download the packs from here

Mildmay Community Partnership seeks Centre Assistant
Closing Date: Friday 30th October 2015
Hours: 15 per week – £10/hour Fixed Term Contract: 12 months Mildmay Community Partnership is a membership organisation and registered charity working with and for the community of Mildmay, a ward of Islington in north London. MCP manages the Mildmay Community Centre, an award-winning Passivhaus building available to hire for events, training and community projects. This is an exciting opportunity to join the organisation at a key point in its development. Working alongside the Centre Manager you would help to ensure that the Mildmay Community Centre is a vibrant, well-managed facility that operates for the benefit of local residents.
The Centre Assistant needs to be self-reliant, energetic able to work on their own initiative and to prioritise activities. The ongoing success of the Centre will depend heavily on the organisational skills of the Centre Assistant and their ability to communicate effectively with all members of the community.
To apply, send your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability, when you are available and your motivation for the role by email to mildmaycp@gmail.com (with the subject line ‘Re: Application for Centre Assistant’).

Solace seeks Volunteers
Complex Needs Refuge Support Volunteer
We are looking for a volunteer to work in our Complex Needs Refuge in Camden. This is an extremely varied role which includes helping with the day to day running of the refuge and supporting women with complex needs affected by Domestic/Sexual Violence. The right volunteer must have an understanding and experience working with women affected by Domestic/Sexual Violence, Mental Health and Substance Misuse.
Please contact Ammarah Ahmad for the information pack and application form. The deadline to submit applications is by 5pm on Wednesday 28th October 2015. Email: volunteering@solacewomensaid.org Tel: 020 7619 1350
Psychology Project Volunteer
This is an exciting new role to develop a Psychologically Informed Practice (Environments) at our Complex needs refuge. This role gives the successful candidate the opportunity to take ownership of a project that actively assists our refuge to support our service users with complex needs on the road to recovery and independence. It will help develop research skills and practical application of knowledge in a live environment. A Psychology qualification ideally degree or above and awareness of the impact of Domestic and Sexual Violence is essential for this role.
Please contact Ammarah Ahmad for the information pack and application form. The deadline to submit applications is by 5pm on Wednesday 28th October 2015. Email: volunteering@solacewomensaid.org Tel: 020 7619 1350

North London Rape Crisis seeks helpline volunteers
Volunteers needed to provide support to women and girls age 13+ who have experienced any form of sexual violence at any time in their lives. The volunteers will be required to commit to 12 months post training and to attend a 9 week training course on Fridays from 4th December 2015 to 12th February 2016 excluding the two bank holidays in December. You are required to attend 80% of the sessions to be able to proceed to working on the helpline. You will need to have an interest in working with survivors of sexual violence and will have the opportunity to work towards an OCN accredited qualification for ‘Professionals Working in the Sexual Violence Sector’ at level 2 or 3.
Please contact Ammarah Ahmad for the information pack and application form. The deadline to submit applications is by 5pm on Monday 26th October 2015.
Ammarah: Email: volunteering@solacewomensaid.org Tel: 020 7619 1350

Age UK Camden seeks Personal Health Budgets Direct Payments Support Worker
(17.5 hours per week) Fixed Term Contract up to 30th September 2016
Local Government Scale SO1 £28,845-£30,525pa pro rata for 17.5 hours £14,422.50-£15,262.50 plus 6% contributory pension.
Personalisation Support In Camden (PSIC) is a subsidiary of Age UK Camden. It is a new venture, which has been set up to provide Direct Payments support to under 65’s in Camden until a new disability user led organisation is established.
You will promote the direct payments service, with particular emphasis on Personal Health Budgets for Mental Health service users and also assist in providing support to disabled people, including those with learning difficulties, under 65 years of age, mental health service users, and parents of Disabled Children who wish to receive or are receiving direct payments from the London Borough of Camden.
If you are interested in the above vacancy please see the application pack including the full job description and person specification at the following link to our website www.ageukcamden.org.uk or email jobs@ageukcamden.org.uk.
The closing date for receipt of completed application forms is 9 am on Monday 19th October 2015 and interviews will be held on Friday 30th October 2015.

Somers Town Community Association seeks Operations Manager
Permanent position £35,000 (Pro Rata £30,000) per annum 30hrs a week.
You will have the skills to identify and implement a diverse range of enterprise models whilst also providing leadership. You will demonstrate the ability to support and develop the competence and expertise of our staff team, particularly our youth and community café teams. This represents an excellent opportunity for a highly motivated Operations Manager to make their mark, help shape, strengthen and expand our services.
The successful candidate will have excellent written and verbal communication with strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise, plan and manage workload effectively.
Email: admin@somerstown.org.uk or telephone 0207 388 6088 for a full application pack – Closing date 30 October 2015 at 5.00pm

Budding Builders from Construction Youth Trust
Budding Builders is a Construction Youth Trust programme which helps to remove barriers to employment by providing young people with an opportunity to learn new, demand-led skills in a variety of different trades; offer CSCS card training and support; and clear progression routes into work or further training.
There is a course in Camden starting the 26th of October, in partnership with Kings Cross Construction Skills Centre. The aim is to target young women who are considering the industry as a career. The course will provide an introduction to the trades, raise awareness about the industry, support and advise the women with future plans and opportunities. We pride ourselves on making the industry accessible to all and inspire people to go beyond our short courses. The course will be led by an experienced female carpenter and we will have female guest speakers to talk to our budding female operatives.
The success of our projects depends on the partnerships we create. We are seeking organisations that would like to refer women onto our October course and organisations who would like to act as our community practical partner for our 2016 projects. Please get in contact with Nicola Mason on 0207 467 9540 or nicola.mason@constructionyouth.org.uk

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

OFFERS, RESOURCES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Take Back the City
Take Back the City is generating a manifesto for London by meeting with local groups – full details on the website and this 2 minute film about what we’re doing.
We’re meeting 100 groups of people over the next few months to find out what they want to see included in our People’s Manifesto. So far the most popular demands are affordable housing and a living wage. Action on police racism, free transport, open and free green space, and lower tuition fees have also come up as popular demands. You can enter your demands here.

Voluntary Action Camden e-Bulletin 16th October 2015

by Kevin Nunan16 October 2015

Highlights

The London Fairness Commission; Wellbeing After Serving in the Armed Forces; Service User representative on IAPT evaluation panel; DSC Fundraising Fair; Office to Let at VAC; National Grandparents Day; Take Back the City; Recovery College Courses ; Wild Bunch Halloween Party; Women’s Circle Free Confidential Support for Women; Camden50 Volunteering Awards; Torriano Poetry; An introduction to intergenerational working; + jobs, volunteers, events, training, offers and resources.

Feature

Latest from VAC

The London Fairness Commission – Have Your Say
The London Fairness Commission has been established to convene the first citywide debate on fairness in 100 years. Launched in June this year, the Commission has so far asked Londoners to consider how they view fairness, whether London is a fair city, and what should be done to make London fairer. They have recently published an Interim Report, reflecting their findings and setting a series of fairness dilemmas for Londoners. The Commission’s recommendations will be published in March, and will be designed to influence the incoming Mayor.
The commissioners are very keen to hear from both the voluntary sector and those who volunteer within their local community, individuals who work in the community sector, or is a member of a local community group, and are holding two Open Space events on Monday 9th November, Museum of London, Terrace Gallery, 10am to 4pm or 6 pm to 8.30pm. Details of the event and booking can be found here.
For further information please contact – lisa@lvsc.org.uk

NEWS & POLICY

Local

Medicine for Members Expert Talks: Wellbeing After Serving in the Armed Forces
Come and find out what challenges veterans, reservists and their families face, how you can help, and why it’s always worth health professionals asking the question ‘Have you served..?’
Open to staff, service users and the general public.
Monday 26 October 2015 5.30 – 6.30 pm
Conference Hall, St Pancras Hospital, 4 St Pancras Way, London, NW1 0PE
Refreshments will be provided.
Please RSVP to communications@candi.nhs.uk or call 020 3317 7082.

Women’s Circle Free Confidential Support for Women
FRF (Faith Regen Foundation) is a Female led charity that has 14 years’ experience in helping women to move forward in their lives, gain new qualifications and achieve goals.
Receive professional support and gain information, advice and guidance. Get access to specialist services such as housing, welfare and legal advice.
Free Training 10 week ESOL course 5 day accredited Vocational Courses including: Customer Care, Health and Safety, and Food Hygiene.
Careers Advice: Our trained, bilingual female Advisors are here to help with your CV, interview techniques, job applications, work experience and IT skills.
Know your Rights: Our Female support worker offers help for women experiencing family issues.
Please call Julia on 0207 650 3043, alternatively email: julia@thefrf.org
Office address: 4th Floor, LMC, 46 Whitechapel Road, E1 1JX www.thefrf.org

Last Chance – Camden50 Volunteering Awards – closing date 21 October
Youth volunteer nominations needed. There is still time to apply for a prestigious award as a Camden50 volunteer. We have already received some fantastic nominations from a very wide range of charities, organisations and individuals – so now is the time for you too to let us know about a Camden volunteer who is making a real difference. The judging panel will include: The Mayor of Camden Councillor Larraine Revah, Tulip Siddiq MP, Keir Starmer MP and members of the Camden Youth Panel. Further information from the Camden50 website at Camden.gov.uk/camden50volunteeringawards or email volunteering@camden.gov.uk or call 0207 974 6457.

Torriano Poetry
At Torriano Meetinghouse Sunday October 18th, 7.30pm. Guest readers: Graham Burchell ,Selina Rodrigues, Chris Dodd and Cheryl Moskowitz. Poets from the floor welcome. £5/£4 according to pocket. More details at the website.

Federation for Community Development Learning Community Development National Occupational Standards
The new summary and tree poster for the Community Development National Occupational Standards 2015 are available to download from www.fcdl.org.uk

International women’s conference ‘Caring, Survival and Justice vs the Tyranny of the Market’
Saturday 14 – Sunday 15 November, which the Global Women’s Strike and Women of Colour (GWS) are organising with support from Single Mothers’ Self-Defence, WinVisible and other groups.
See the Conference webpage for speakers, sessions, tickets. Please get in touch if you would like to come and would need a place to stay.
Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1478279442476169/

Bank Paperwork
Has your bank recently asked you to complete unnecessary paperwork or jump through bureacratic hoops in relation to your group’s or organisation’s account? If you’ve had a recent experience drop us an email in confidence to Knunan@vac.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

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 are not getting enough say in local services
Power is being devolved to a local level and traditional “social contracts” are being broken up but the charity sector is not getting enough say in what replaces them according to delegates at a recent conference. Full report at Civil Society.

Tackle Root Causes Rather Than Papering Over the Cracks
A new study says more funders should support innovative or risky projects if they want to tackle the root causes of social problems and not just plug funding gaps.

Call for Integrated Health and Social Care System
Peter Beresford has set out the case for an integrated approach to Health and Social Care in a letter to the Guardian.

Kids Company Back in the News
Civil Society report that Camila Batmanghelidjh, chief executive of defunct charity Kids Company, and its chair Alan Yentob, faced widespread accusations of mismanagement during a three-hour hearing into the closure of their charity. The Guardian was also unimpressed with their performance and said that an opportunity was missed to ‘give clear, concise communications about how it worked and – crucially – what it achieved’. The best response so far is Karl Wilding’s NCVO blog where he points out just how atypical Kids Company were. Not just the extraordinarily amounts of money they received but her closeness to the political establishment (she is even an adviser to Ian Duncan Smith’s, Centre for Social Justice). The public and MPs might not want to believe it but most charities are ‘by and large financially salient, well governed and administratively sound.’

FUNDING

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

Free Sport
About FreeSport – FreeSport is part of the Mayor’s Sports Legacy Programme, enabling organisations and community groups to apply for grants between £400 and £1,500 to run free sports activities for Londoners. We fund activities of all kinds of activities from football or rugby to circus or ‘chairobics’!
Projects must:
· Provide a minimum of 8 hours activity, with 70% of participants taking part in at least six hours.
· Ensure that 10% of participants consider themselves to have an impairment, disability or need assistance to take part in activities.
· Aim for 20% of participants being inactive (not done any physical exercise for four weeks) prior to taking part in the sessions.
We offer guidance and support to applicants about how they can deliver these targets. FreeSport aims to inspire people of all ages and abilities to try a new sport, but also to inspire organisations to run sports sessions more regularly.
How to apply – It’s a straight forward process and we have lots of information for those who may never have applied for a grant before. Applications open until 26 October 2015 – Midday. FreeSport activities must take place between the 15 January 2016 and 15 April 2016.
To find out more about FreeSport, you can visit: www.london.gov.uk/freesport

The Edge Fund
The Edge Fund support work run by and for communities facing discrimination and injustice. We fund work carried out by individuals and grassroots groups in Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England that find it difficult to get funding elsewhere. Specifically, we fund work that challenges abuses of power and aims to change society by bringing an end to the systems that cause injustice. While applicants may be working on short term reforms, we are looking for applicants that ultimately aim to end or replace these systems with a just alternative, rather than trying to improve or reform them.
To apply for a grant of up to £3,000 you need to answer 5 questions in no more than 2 pages. The deadline for applications is 5pm Sunday 25 October. Read more.

Crowdfunding?
Don’t forget that there is a dedicated page on Spacehive just for Camden projects. And set up costs are free to Camden groups. Find out more at Spacehive Camden.

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

A Patient Group meeting at Camden CCG that has been organised for patients with a Long Term condition.
The Patient Group has been organised for the 19th October from 5.30pm – 7.30pm in ROOM 4LM1, 4th Floor Stephenson House, Camden CCG, 75 Hampstead Road. Food and Refreshments will be provided. Anyone who is available to come at this time will be very welcome. Notify reception that you have arrived for the Camden Care Planning Patient Group and you will be taken up to the room
If interested you can contact Ade by email ( Adetola.Adeniran@camdenccg.nhs.uk).

Young Women and the Construction Industry – Participants and Partners Needed + Event on 26th October
Budding Builders is a Construction Youth Trust programme which helps to remove barriers to employment by providing young people with an opportunity to learn new, demand-led skills in a variety of different trades; offer CSCS card training and support; and clear progression routes into work or further training.
There is a course in Camden starting the 26th of October, in partnership with Kings Cross Construction Skills Centre. The aim is to target young women who are considering the industry as a career. The course will provide an introduction to the trades, raise awareness about the industry, support and advise the women with future plans and opportunities. We pride ourselves on making the industry accessible to all and inspire people to go beyond our short courses. The course will be led by an experienced female carpenter and we will have female guest speakers to talk to our budding female operatives.
The success of our projects depends on the partnerships we create. We are seeking organisations that would like to refer women onto our October course and organisations who would like to act as our community practical partner for our 2016 projects. Please get in contact with Nicola Mason on 0207 467 9540 or nicola.mason@constructionyouth.org.uk

Volunteering Fairs
Autumn is one of the most popular times of the year for people wanting to start volunteering.
Wednesday 21st October 12-2pm at the Working Men’s College
To book your place and to find our more information have a look at Eventbrite

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

Mildmay Community Parntership seeks Centre Assistant
Closing Date: Friday 30th October 2015
Hours: 15 per week – £10/hour Fixed Term Contract: 12 months Mildmay Community Partnership is a membership organisation and registered charity working with and for the community of Mildmay, a ward of Islington in north London. MCP manages the Mildmay Community Centre, an award-winning Passivhaus building available to hire for events, training and community projects. This is an exciting opportunity to join the organisation at a key point in its development. Working alongside the Centre Manager you would help to ensure that the Mildmay Community Centre is a vibrant, well-managed facility that operates for the benefit of local residents.
The Centre Assistant needs to be self-reliant, energetic able to work on their own initiative and to prioritise activities. The ongoing success of the Centre will depend heavily on the organisational skills of the Centre Assistant and their ability to communicate effectively with all members of the community.
To apply, send your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability, when you are available and your motivation for the role by email to mildmaycp@gmail.com (with the subject line ‘Re: Application for Centre Assistant’).

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

OFFERS, RESOURCES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Camden Council and Camden’s Voluntary and Community Sector Consultation
LB Camden’s consultation can be found here. The proposals can be found in a downloadable document here. You can give your views directly to the council via an online questionnaire.

Voluntary Action Camden e-Bulletin 9th October 2015

by Kevin Nunan9 October 2015

Highlights

Camden Council’s Voluntary and Community Sector Consultation; Camden50 Volunteering Awards; Young Women and the Construction Industry – Participants and Partners Needed; Office with Consulting Rooms to Let; Engagement Event- Integrated Early Years Service;Kentish Town Community Centre Annual General Meeting and Bake-off; Patients with a Long Term condition; Rewards for Volunteers in Camden; The Reach Project; Give and Take Days; Well-Beeing Garden weekly workshop; Kings Cross Open Mic – Halloween Spooktacular; New Community Development National Occupational Standards; Leadership programme for healthcare staff; + jobs, volunteers, events, training, offers and resources.

Feature

Latest from VAC

Camden Council’s Voluntary and Community Sector Consultation
You can find out more information about the consultation, including how to submit your responses by clicking on this link here. The deadline for responses is Wednesday 4th November 2015 at 5pm.
We are also running three events as part of the consultation.
· Mon 12 Oct 2015 6.30pm-8pm at Voluntary Action Camden, 293 -299 Kentish Town Road, London, NW5 2TJ, Map
· Thu 15 Oct 2015 10.30am-12 noon at Fitzrovia Centre, 2 Foley Street, London, W1W 6DL, Map
· Fri 16 Oct 2015 2.30pm-4pm at Swiss Cottage Community Centre, 19 Winchester Road, London, NW3 3NR, Map
Spaces may be limited – to book your place, please email vcs@camden.gov.uk, and do include any access requirements that you may have.

NEWS & POLICY

Local

Camden50 Volunteering Awards – closing date 21 October
There is still time to apply for a prestigious award as a Camden50 volunteer. We have already received some fantastic nominations from a very wide range of charities, organisations and individuals – so now is the time for you too to let us know about a Camden volunteer who is making a real difference. The judging panel will include: The Mayor of Camden Councillor Larraine Revah, Tulip Siddiq MP, Keir Starmer MP and members of the Camden Youth Panel. Further information from the Camden50 website at Camden.gov.uk/camden50volunteeringawards or email volunteering@camden.gov.uk or call 0207 974 6457.

Young Women and the Construction Industry – Participants and Partners Needed
Budding Builders is a Construction Youth Trust programme which helps to remove barriers to employment by providing young people with an opportunity to learn new, demand-led skills in a variety of different trades; offer CSCS card training and support; and clear progression routes into work or further training.
There is a course in Camden starting the 26th of October, in partnership with Kings Cross Construction Skills Centre. The aim is to target young women who are considering the industry as a career. The course will provide an introduction to the trades, raise awareness about the industry, support and advise the women with future plans and opportunities. We pride ourselves on making the industry accessible to all and inspire people to go beyond our short courses. The course will be led by an experienced female carpenter and we will have female guest speakers to talk to our budding female operatives.
The success of our projects depends on the partnerships we create. We are seeking organisations that would like to refer women onto our October course and organisations who would like to act as our community practical partner for our 2016 projects. Please get in contact with Nicola Mason on 0207 467 9540 or nicola.mason@constructionyouth.org.uk

Invitation to Engagement Event – Commissioning 2016/17: Integrated Early Years Service. Children’s Centres Stay and Play Drop-in Services for Children under 5 years and their Families
Camden Council has made a commitment to ensuring that children’s centre stay and play drop-ins are needs-led and provide a flexible offer which will ensure the Council maximises the impact of services to improve life chances for those who would otherwise be at a disadvantage in future years.
As part of the Council savings programme, the budget for commissioning drop-in services has reduced. From April 2016, the budget for commissioning drop-ins is £100K.
In order to start the process you are invited to a meeting on Wednesday 14th October 2015 at 3.00pm at ORT House, 126 Albert Street, NW1 7NE to hear more about the commissioning approach, timescales, priority areas for location of services and the new model of delivery. This will also be an opportunity to comment on the new model and consider how this would work in practice.
If you are interested in hearing more about the commissioning process and would like to attend the meeting, please confirm your attendance with Sabrina Dooknah (Office Manager, Regent’s Park Children’s Centre) via email: sabrina.dooknah@camden.gov.uk or telephone: 0207 974 8948.
Further information about Camden’s children’s centres is available via www.camden.gov.uk/childrenscentres
If you would like to discuss any of the above in advance of the meeting you can contact:
• Liam Hall (Locality Manager) on telephone 07825 707 001 or email liam.hall@camden.gov.uk or
• Sylvia Gilbert (Locality Manager) on telephone 07932 410 562 or email Sylvia.gilbert@camden.gov.uk

Rewards for Volunteers in Camden
Volunteer Centre Camden is offering two ways to reward you for volunteering in Camden.
Volunteer Centre Camden is happy to be partnering Value You to offer volunteers who’ve completed 100 hours of volunteering a discount card for local businesses in Camden as well as a certificate to recognise the valuable contribution that volunteers make to Camden. You can read all about it here: http://volunteercentrecamden.org.uk/value-you-100-hour-volunteering-certificate/
And Volunteer Centre Camden will be taking 45 volunteers in Camden on a free tour of the Houses of Parliament on Monday 16th November as an extra special thank you for all of your hard work in making Camden a better place. Many thanks also to MPs Tulip Siddiq and Keir Starmer for making this possible. (If you are a volunteer, you will need to ask your supervisor to sign you up.) You can read all about it here: http://volunteercentrecamden.org.uk/reward-your-volunteers-with-houses-of-parliament-tour/

The Reach Project
A new activities club for older, isolated women of ALL cultural backgrounds
Join us on Mondays from 10am – 1pm
Starting with the following dates:
12th October 2015 at Camden Cypriot Women’s Organisation, 2c Falkland Rd, NW5 2PT
19th October 2015 at The Charlie Ratchford Centre, Belmont St, NW1 8HF
26th October 2015 at Camden Cypriot Women’s Organisation, 2c Falkland Rd, NW5 2PT
For Arts, Crafts, Games, Knitting & Basic IT workshop
Tea, Coffee and Biscuits will be provided
Please call Androulla on 020 7267 7194 for more information or email info@ccwo.org.uk

Give and Take Days
Your chance to pass on things you no longer need and pick up something you do for FREE.
Camden on Sunday 11 October 2015 at Highgate Library Civic and Cultural Centre, Children’s Corner, Croftdown Road, London, NW5 1HB.
The event will run from 12 until 3 pm – You can donate from 12 to 1.45 pm and take items for free from 2 to 3 pm.
You can donate books, DVDs/CDs, garden ware, IT, tools, clothes/shoes, small furniture, small electrical items and toys. We also accept: large furniture and white goods. We will NOT accept broken or unsafe items.
Items too large? You can have large furniture and white goods collected for free email manuela@lcrn.org.uk or text 07811237329.
Repair workshop – you will have the opportunity to repair your own electrical items and learn the most common DIY by participating to our repair workshop.

Well-Beeing Garden weekly workshop
4:00pm, Thursday 15th October
Kentish town health centre, 2 Bartholomew Road, London NW5 2BX (map)
Join us for our weekly workshop in the Well-Beeing Garden instructed by professional gardeners you will gain an insight in to the community garden that is based on ideas of healthy living.
Each week there will be different gardening activities to try.
Please get in touch if you would like more information: info@freespacegallery.org

On The Bride’s Side
King’s College London presents: On the Bride’s Side, subverting migration discourse in Europe.
A Palestinian poet and an Italian journalist met five Palestinians and Syrians in Milan, fleeing the Syrian war, and decided to organize a fake wedding to help them complete their journey to Sweden to ask for political asylum. From Milan to Stockholm, the wedding cortege crossed Europe over a four day journey of three thousand kilometers with a friend dressed up as the bride and a dozen wedding guests.
This journey brings out the stories, hopes and dreams of the five refugees and their rather special “traffickers”, and reveals a transnational, supportive and irreverent Europe that rejects and ridicules the laws and restrictions on immigration and defends people’s right to travel. A documentary and a political act, a real and fantastic story,
On the Bride’s Side challenges our perception of migration, asylum seekers, and borders, transforming masses into people and numbers into names.
15 October 2015
Edmond J Safra Lecture Theatre, King’s College London
For more information and booking, please follow this link

Leadership programme for all healthcare staff in Camden.
The Programme will run every Wednesday afternoon from 2pm to 6pm, for 8 weeks, beginning on Wed 7th October and ending on Wed 25th November.
The programme is suitable for all health and social care staff from across Camden, including medical, pharmacy, dental and optometry staff, health care assistants, practice nurses, voluntary sector and social care staff. All participants will receive a Certificate of Attendance after completing the 8 week programme.
bookings@greenlightpharmacy.com

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

Homestart Camden, North London Rape Crisis, MOPAC, Somers Town Community Association, VAC, Age UK Camden 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

Intolerance for Event on Tolerance
The Conservative Party reacted to unsubstantiated allegations against Muslim charities by removing their right to speak at conference. David Ainsworth of Civil Society, says this is unacceptable behaviour from the country’s ruling party.

Commissioning Under Attack
Kathy Evans of Children England recently said that commissioning was broken. Now Barnardo’s have also publicly criticized public sector contracts and have called for reform.

100 Neighbourhood Referendums
One hundred communities across the country have now taken control of development in their local area by voting for the adoption of their Neighbourhood Plans. London is lagging behind the rest of the country – with the exception of Camden. Read more about this story at Locality and the Huffington Post.

FUNDING

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

Last Chance! – Mishcon Green Fund now open to projects in London
Through the Mishcon Green Fund we will provide grants up to £2,000 per project to initiatives that have a positive environmental impact and which are situated within London. There is a total of £15,000 available in the pot for 2015.
All applications need to be submitted by midnight on Sunday, 11th October 2015. Before applying please read the application guidelines and criteria here, there are some tips for answering the questions in there too.
Please note this grant is available for non-formal community groups, charities and not-for-profit organisations in London. It’s not open for profit making entities.
Please use the online application form.
If you’re having any problems or questions, please email us on mishcongreenfund@projectdirt.com.

Crowdfunding?
Don’t forget that there is a dedicated page on Spacehive just for Camden projects. And set up costs are free to Camden groups. Find out more at Spacehive Camden.

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

Opening Doors London Annual Information Fair
Drop in between 2:00pm and 6:30pm on Thursday 15th October 2014
Tavis House, 1-6 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9NA
This is a chance for our older LGBT community to attend an information fair focused on Planning Ahead.
Book your free ticket here: https://odlfair.eventbrite.co.uk
• Key Note Talk at 2pm
• Information Stalls from 3.30pm
• Workshops
• Meditation Session
• Play Reading
• Panel Discussion
• Legal Advice
These activities will be delivered by a variety of community partners that support the LGBT Community.
Contact Kate Hancock kate.hancock@ageukcamden.org.uk or 020 7239 0400.

Outcome launch and day of celebration for women of the LGBT community
Outcome, the LGBT service of Islington Mind Open day 13th October, 11:45 – 15:45
Tasters from our activities (including head massage and ear acupuncture)
Focus group for ideas for a future women only group.
Poetry reading and other entertainments. Free lunch
Join us at 35 Ashley Road, N19 3AG
RSVP: sigal.avni@islingtonmind.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

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

OFFERS, RESOURCES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Survey
UCLH is currently leading a re-design of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) services in Camden, and as part of this programme we are working with The British Lung Foundation to engage with COPD patients. To achieve this we have created an online questionnaire.
COPD encompasses a number of conditions including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, and primarily affects older people who have had long term exposure to cigarette smoke, fumes or dust. There is no cure for COPD but there are treatments to improve symptoms and reduce the occurrence of dangerous exacerbations.
This is an opportunity for any readers suffering from COPD to influence how Camden Services improve going forward.
The questionnaire will be live until Friday 16th October. Click here to go to the survey.

Green Marks of Achievement Drop-in Sessions
The Camden Marks of Achievement certification scheme is a free and externally supported award scheme. These marks are a visible demonstration of your commitment to taking local action to tackle climate change, and can be used as evidence for applying for awards, bidding for contracts, applying for grants, and achieving further certification.
There are three levels of awards (Going Green, Cutting Carbon and Carbon Champion) and a ‘Team Green’ award for staff engagement and behaviour change. Applications are now open and the deadline for applications is 31 October 2015.
For those who are interested in applying but want to discuss their application with us before doing so, we are providing pre-booked half hour slots during our Marks of Achievement Drop-in week, starting 26 October. During this week you can come in to our office to discuss your application face-to-face, or discuss it over the phone.
Deadline for applications is 31 October 2015. Award winners will be recognised on our website and at our Annual Green Drinks.
Marks of Achievement Drop-in Sessions will be held from 26-30 October. To book your half hour slot please email ana.lopez@camden.gov.uk. Please state which days and times you are available. We will be confirming times the week commencing 12 October.

Voluntary Action Camden e-Bulletin 2nd October 2015

by Kevin Nunan2 October 2015

Highlights

Keyboard Shortcuts Tips; Ageing Better in Camden Launch; A Celebration for World Mental Health Day; Indices of Deprivation 2015; Sharing Learning About Domestic Abuse within Asian Communities in Camden; Green Marks of Achievement Drop-in Sessions; Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Survey; Give and Take Days; Camden CCG Patient Participation Group Newsletter; Health and Safety for Marginalized Communities; Using Freedom of Information requests as part of your campaign; Age UK Camden AGM; Inspiring Trusteeship; + jobs, volunteers, events, training, offers and resources.

Feature

Latest from VAC

Speed up your work by becoming a keyboard shortcut wizard
The better you understand how to use your computer to your advantage the more quickly you can get things done. Doing things the long way round, like switching back and forth between the keyboard and mouse, can be time-consuming. But did you know, many of the actions that we undertake on the computer can be performed much faster and easier by getting to grips with a few easy-to-remember keyboard shortcuts? Take a look at this blog for quick and easy to remember guide.

NEWS & POLICY

Local

Ageing Better in Camden Launch 12th November 2015 (postponed from 16th October)
This morning only event aims to answer all your questions about Ageing Better in Camden – what it is; what it offers; how you can get involved. It is open to all and is aimed particularly at older people and people and organisations working with older people. It will have workshops, information stalls and introductory speeches. Please register at ageingbetterincamden@ageukcamden.org.uk or telephone 02072390400.
Ageing Better in Camden has published the Invitation to Tender information for the St Pancras and Somerstown Community Action Project. Please fill in the form to register your interest in tendering (and you will receive emails of any questions and answers that other bidders post). Deadline back 19th November 2pm. http://www.ageuk.org.uk/camden/ageing-better-in-camden/

A Celebration for World Mental Health Day
October 9th at St Pancras Hospital
VoiceAbility and VAC are supporting the Camden Borough User Group (CBUG) to hold an event to celebrate World Mental Health Day. It will be at the conference Hall, St Pancras Hospital on the 9th October between 11am and 4pm.
If you or anyone you support would be interested in attending, then please print off the attached flyer and spread the word. The event will have a social focus with hot food, music, speakers, performance, stalls and more.
We are also holding a photography competition and all entries will be displayed on the day, there is a flyer attached about this too.
For any further details please contact us at by email or by phone on:
camdenuserinvolvement@voiceability.org Telephone: 020 3355 7113

Indices of Deprivation 2015
The English Indices of Deprivation 2015 have just been published. This provides information that you can use to understand and demonstrate local need. It can help you in funding bids and also can help you when supporting your users.

Sharing Learning About Domestic Abuse within Asian Communities in Camden
Hopscotch Asian Women’s Centre invites you to an event to share information and learning from an innovative project, which aims to tackle domestic abuse within Asian communities in Camden.
This event will share findings from our research, details of the approaches used to empower women at risk of abuse, and the valuable role of Community Leaders in challenging cultural norms. There will be presentations from Hopscotch, the Community Safety Unit and the Imam of Holborn Mosque.
Wednesday, 7th October 2015 10:00am – 12:30pm (Registration and light breakfast from 9.30am)
London Irish Centre, 50-52 Camden Square, London NW1 9XB
Please RSVP by 2nd October, email: info@hopscotchawc.org.uk

Camden CCG Patient Participation Group Newsletter
You can read the very first edition of the PPG newsletter here
Follow the link to find out more about what Camden CCG is doing around Patient Public Involvement and comment on Camden CCG’s commissioning intentions

Using Freedom of Information requests as part of your campaign
Tuesday 13th October 2015
1.30pm – 5.00pm (Please arrive no later than 1.15pm for registration)
Raindance Film Centre (very near Charing Cross/Embankment)
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 can be an extremely powerful campaigning tool. This workshop will take you through how to make a Freedom of Information request to a statutory body, how it should integrate into your wider campaign objectives, and tactical aspects of making requests and using the data that you have gathered. More information and to book go to the Train to Campaign website.

Age UK Camden Annual General Meeting (AGM) 10th November 2015 – Save the Date
Age UK Camden’s 2015 Annual General Meeting will be on Tuesday 10th November, 3.30-5.30pm at Tavis House, 1-6 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9NA. The guest speaker is Leisha Fullick, Chair of Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust. After the AGM, from 5.30-8pm, there will be a social event to mark the Charity’s first 50 years as a borough-wide organisation. Age UK Camden was formed as a borough-wide organisation in 1965 initially as Camden Old People’s Welfare Association (OPW) by the merger of smaller/local OPWs covering Hampstead, Holborn and St Pancras. More on the Age UK Camden website www.ageukcamden.org.uk RSVP info@ageukcamden.org.uk

Opening Doors London Commended in Prestigious European Award
Opening Doors London, the regional Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Trans older people’s service based at Age UK Camden, was highly commended at the 2015 European Diversity Awards on 30th September.
ODL took second place in Marketing Campaign of the Year to winners Barclay’s Bank, beating others on the shortlist including the BBC and VisitSweden.
More at www.openingdoorslondon.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

Somers Town Community Association, VAC, Construction Youth Trust, Abbey Community Centre, Helen Bamber Foundation, Age UK Camden, 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

Charities Under Fire but Camden Charity Leads the Fightback
The Daily Express seems to acknowledge that all of the negative campaining by the press is damaging the whole sector and quotes Esther Rantzen as saying: “The charitable sector depends entirely on trust. Without public belief in its good intentions and careful stewardship, it will collapse.” Alexis Keir of local Camden charity Elfrida Rathbone was given a chance to set the record straight.

‘Why most of what’s written about charities is total rubbish’
Charities – individually and collectively – seem to be under constant attack at the moment. The misdeeds of a minority have opened the floodgates for wide-ranging criticism of the whole sector, much of which seems to be driven by worryingly (and willingly) ill-informed arguments. Read the full article on the DSC website.

Outrage at “grubby backroom deal” over Right to Buy
A proposed agreement between the Government and the National Housing Federation to extend the Right to Buy to 2.3m housing association has been attacked as a “backroom deal” that will result in the loss of much-needed affordable housing. If the Housing Associations accept the ‘voluntary’ agreement they will not be compelled by legislation. Full details at Local Government Executive.

Big Society Dead (Again)
David Walker is the latest broadsheet journalist to pronounce the Big Society idea dead in this week’s Guardian and states that ‘David Cameron’s love affair with the voluntary sector over’.

FUNDING

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

Stepping Stones Fund
All interested charities and social enterprises in the Greater London area are invited to an information session about the Stepping Stones Fund, a £1m social investment readiness grant programme of City Bridge Trust and UBS.
The second round of the Fund is now open for applications. This programme provides grants and risk finance to enterprising organisations that wish to prepare themselves for social investment in order to improve their social outcomes. There are three strands you can consider:
1. obtain capacity building support that will help you better access social investment in the future
2. pilot new ways, ideas or business models aiming for better social outcomes
3. secure risk finance that can catalyse a social investment package.
The deadline for applications is 12 o’clock on November 16, 2015.
For more information and to register for a place on:
5th October 2015
15 October 2015
29th October

Mishcon Green Fund now open to projects in London
Through the Mishcon Green Fund we will provide grants up to £2,000 per project to initiatives that have a positive environmental impact and which are situated within London. There is a total of £15,000 available in the pot for 2015.
All applications need to be submitted by midnight on Sunday, 11th October 2015. Before applying please read the application guidelines and criteria here, there are some tips for answering the questions in there too.
Please note this grant is available for non-formal community groups, charities and not-for-profit organisations in London. It’s not open for profit making entities.
Please use the online application form.
If you’re having any problems or questions, please email us on mishcongreenfund@projectdirt.com.

Crowdfunding?
Don’t forget that there is a dedicated page on Spacehive just for Camden projects. And set up costs are free to Camden groups. Find out more at Spacehive Camden.

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

Streets of London music project for people with mental health issues Autumn ’15 -Spring ’16
Band workshops
Wednesdays 12-2pm at Fitzrovia Centre Foley street W1W 6DN
– guided walk on London’s rich music history and eclectic community for inspiration
– performance opportunities
– recording studio experience
The project is free and no personal budget is required.
No previous experience necessary. All welcome
E: lucia@upbeatmusic.org T: 07762151783 W: http://www.upbeatmusic.org

Silver Sunday
Celebrating older Londoners
4 October 2015 12 noon – 4pm at City Hall
Bring your family and friends for fun, food,singing, dancing, quizzes and more.
To get free tickets call 020 7983 4904 or email linda.kiff@london.gov.uk

Women making a difference: Social Action in Islington.
Children and Young People’s Voluntary Sector Forum – CYPVSF
Tuesday, 3 November 2015 from 09:30 to 14:00
Women have been at the helm of social change and tackling injustice. In Islington women have been at the forefront of the strong, vibrant and innovative voluntary sector in Islington, challenging our politicians, creating new opportunities and developing and defending crucial services.
As we experience further political change and immense challenges that impact on the lives of children and young people, this work becomes even more essential.
Islington Children and Young People’s Voluntary Sector Forum are hosting this Conference to illustrate and highlight the remarkable impact women have had on our borough and beyond, and the difference that their passion, dedication and commitment has made to the environment and lives of children and young people in Islington.
Keynote speaker will be Shami Chakrabarti, Director of Liberty and there will be
A full buffet lunch will be provided. Early registration is advised due to limited places.

Volunteering Fairs
Autumn is one of the most popular times of the year for people wanting to start volunteering.
Wednesday 7th October 6.30-8pm at the Wellcome Collection
Wednesday 21st October 12-2pm at the Working Men’s College
To book your place and to find our more information have a look at Eventbrite

Caring, Survival & Justice vs. the Tyranny of the Market
Saturday 14 November – Sun 15 November
international women’s conference which the Global Women’s Strike is organising with others, including WinVisible
Venue Wac Arts, Hampstead Old Town Hall, 213 Haverstock Hill, London NW3 4QP. Full wheelchair access
Tel 020 7482 2496 email: gws@globalwomenstrike.net web: www.globalwomenstrike.net

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

Abbey Community Centre in Kilburn is currently recruiting to two vacancies
Centre Operations Manager, full time (35 hours per week). Salary £27,877. Application deadline: Monday 28th September 9am.
Older Men’s Activities (CHAPS project) Coordinator, part time (21 hours per week). Actual salary £15,124. Deadline: Wednesday 7th October 9am.
Both post holders will enjoy 6 weeks annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays (pro rata for part time).
For more information please see www.abbeycc-kilburn.org.uk

Camden Psychotherapy Unit seeks Administration Assistant
The post is £10 per hour for 10 hours per week. Working hours can be flexible according the post holder’s circumstances.
Please send your CV & covering letter via the ‘Apply’ button on the Timewise Jobs website.

Helen Bamber Foundation seeks Welfare & Housing Casework Volunteer
Providing casework and administrative support to the Welfare & Housing Caseworker
Location: Camden, London Minimum 4 month commitment, 2 days per week
The Helen Bamber Foundation provides specialist medical consultation, therapeutic care, legal protection and practical support to survivors of human rights violations, helping men, women and children heal the emotional and physical damage they have suffered through torture, trafficking or other forms of cruelty.
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Welfare & Housing Casework Service, a service aimed at preventing social deprivation and increasing the socio-economic well-being of our client group.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
~ Assisting clients to access asylum support, community care, housing and mainstream benefits, within the remit of prevention of homelessness and destitution
~ Assisting clients to access education, leisure and other opportunities
~ Referring clients internally and externally as appropriate for specialist help with issues that fall outside the remit of the welfare & housing casework service, including health/therapeutic services, referrals to immigration/housing/community care solicitors.
~ Making individual grant applications for clients with welfare and education needs
~ Liaising with statutory bodies (Asylum Support, DWP, local authorities), NHS, solicitors and voluntary agencies to ensure client needs are met
~ Other administrative duties as required, including database management and filing
Please send your CV and short Cover Letter outlining your relevant skills and experience to helen.malpass@helenbamber.org by 7 October 2015. Full job description and person specification available.
Please note that successful candidates will be offered the volunteer position subject to a DBS check and suitable references.

Calthorpe Project seeks Sports Development Manager
The Calthorpe Project is a vibrant community center and garden working to improve the health and wellbeing of residents in and around Kings Cross.
We are looking for an exceptional person to develop and manage a day to day progamme of sporting activities based on our 5-a-side sports pitch. You will engage community groups, young people and the corporate sector and implement a sustainable income maximization strategy.
Salary £29,838 gross annually for flexible 35 hour week.
Download an application pack from our website: www.calthorpeproject.org.uk
Or request a pack by emailing info@calthorpeproject.org.uk
Completed applications can be returned by post or email:
Louise Gates, Calthorpe Project, 258-274 Grays Inn Rd, WC1X 8LH
Deadline for completed applications-12noon Friday September 25th 2015
Interviews – Friday October 9th

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

OFFERS, RESOURCES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Office with Consulting Rooms to Let
VAC has a medium size office to let that would suit a small organisation needing space for approximately 4 or 5 desks. Unusually, we are able to offer a number of consulting rooms as well. Conveniently located in Kentish Town will all usual mod cons. Contact Kevin at VAC knunan@vac.org.uk

New Evelyn Oldfield Women’s Project – Consultation
Please take 10 minutes to fill in this consultation. We are responding to requests to build a new women’s project. We would like to further explore the ideas you have given us so far and have designed this survey as such. We take all of your opinions on board.
Your responses will be confidential and you can choose whether to give your name and organisation.
Anyone can fill in the survey.
If you have any questions, contact Sarah or Alexandra – sarah@evelynoldfield.co.uk / alexandra@evelynoldfield.co.uk.

Voluntary Action Camden e-Bulletin 25th September 2015

by Kevin Nunan25 September 2015

Highlights

Camden Council consultation; Streets of London music project; Silver Sunday; Psychological Therapies: The Way Ahead for Camden’s BMER Communities; New Evelyn Oldfield Women’s Project – Consultation; Caring, Survival & Justice vs. the Tyranny of the Market; CPU Conference – ‘Love & Loss’ – Why Grief Matter; My Mind is Free; Cook Together, Eat Together; Budding Builders from Construction Youth Trust; + jobs, volunteers, events, training, offers and resources.

Feature

Latest News

Camden Council and Camden’s Voluntary and Community Sector Consultation – Next Steps

On Wednesday we publicized the launch of the council’s consultation with the sector. In case you missed it the consultation can be found here. The proposals can be found in a downloadable document here. VAC is working with the sector to look at ways to help the sector feedback views to the council – further details coming soon. You can also give your views directly to the council via an online questionnaire.The main points of the proposals are:

Rent support ended and all to pay market rent.
Rent support may be phased out over three years at the council’s discretion.
There will be two main programmes; Inequalities and Community Impact.
All resources will be focused on 8 areas of the borough.
Inequalities to be addressed are: age,disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation, or the needs of socially marginalised groups.
Strategic partners will have to address at least one inequality group in one of the 8 areas.
Strategic partners have to be prepared to work in partnership, share information and be able to bring in external funding.
Community Impact Initiatives could focus on one theme, one area or both. The council envision about 3 such initiatives happening at any one time.
To take part you will have to be a registered charity and company limited by guarantee with a track record in Camden.
Infrastructure support to be reviewed in the light of a forthcoming London Councils and London Funders report.

Proposed timetable is

December 2015 – Council Cabinet decision on these proposals and on VCS Investment budget reductions
End of January 2016 – Launch of the Strategic Partners Fund application process
April 2016 – Deadline for Strategic Partners Fund applications
May 2016 – Award decisions
January 2017 – New funding arrangements in place

Interim Arrangements

Organisations currently in receipt of Communities Centres funding, Open Spaces for Young People funding, and those currently benefiting from Rent Relief will have these funding arrangements extended for the nine months up to 31 December 2016 at current levels of funding. An equalities assessment is being undertaken in relation to the investment application process. This will identify key equalities groups who are currently funded by the Council to deliver projects and who may be at risk due to that funding ending in March 2016. These will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

The proposals have been very warmly received in today’s Guardian.

NEWS & POLICY

Local

Psychological Therapies: The Way Ahead for Camden’s BMER Communities
Wednesday 7th October 1:30pm to 4:30pm
Come and tell us your views on how psychological therapies services should best meet the needs of BMER communities in future
This event is hosted by London Borough of Camden’s Mental Health Commissioners and Voluntary Action Camden. It is aimed at Camden BMER community members and Camden voluntary and community sector organisations working with BMER groups
Tea and coffee will be provided. Venue St Pancras Hospital, Conference Hall.
To reserve your place please email: mentalhealthteam@vac.org.uk. Spaces are limited

CPU Conference – ‘Love & Loss’ – Why Grief Matters
Camden Psychotherapy Unit
Saturday, 3 October 2015 from 09:00 to 18:00
In celebration of Freud’s ground-breaking paper, Mourning and Melancholia, this event will focus on ways of exploring loss and the emotional price paid when loss goes unacknowledged or unresolved. We will address these ideas from the perspectives of psychoanalysis, the arts, philosophy and politics. Talks by:
Ronald Britton psychoanalyst, former president of the British Psychoanalytic Society.
Chaired by David Bell psychoanalyst, former president of the British Psychoanalytic Society.
Giles Fraser priest, philosopher and journalist, columnist in the Guardian and frequent contributor to BBC Radio 4.
Chaired by Margot Waddell psychoanalyst and consultant child psychotherapist.
Special screening of ‘Truly, Madly, Deeply’
followed by a conversation with
Juliet Stevenson, Olivier Award winning and BAFTA nominated stage and screen actor.
Hugh Brody, film director, anthropologist, writer and lecturer.
Full details and booking information at Eventbrite. There are a number of Low Price Tickets at £40 for students, trainees, candidates and those on low income

My Mind is Free at Resource for London 12th October 2015
To raise awareness of World Anti-Slavery Day the Rah Rah Theatre Company has produced a play to stimulate discussion about the injustice of human trafficking within the UK. There are approximately 30 million slaves globally, with about 13,000 in the UK. They include women forced into prostitution, ‘imprisoned’ domestic staff and some workers in fields, on building sites and fishing boats.
My Mind is Free tells the stories of some of the people who have fallen into modern day slavery based on research with anti-trafficking charities. The play is inspired by true life stories. Each performance will have a speaker from an anti-trafficking charity so the audience can find out more about what to do if they think somebody is being trafficked.
My Mind is Free will be performed at Resource for London on Monday 12th of October 2015 at 4pm. Ticket Price: £5 / £2.50 concessions. Tickets are available online here

Pay As You Go Police
The Camden New Journal reports that Hampstead residents are planning to use their own money to pay for extra police officers to patrol their streets. Proposals have been put forward to “crowdsource” £200,000 a year to pay for a team of officers dedicated to policing the leafy streets in the north of the borough.

Cook Together, Eat Together
Cook Together, Eat Together is an introduction to healthy eating for people with learning disabilities where you can learn the positive benefits of eating healthily and add good habits to your life style!
~ Learn how to select healthy foods and their groups.
~ Improve your diet.
~ Understand the benefits of drinking water and keeping hydrated.
~ Prepare and cook healthy nutritious foods.
~ Plan meals to fit your budget.
There will be three eight week courses run over the next year, the first starting on Monday 28th September in Kentish Town from 4pm – 7pm which will be focusing on over 35’s helping to manage pre-existing health conditions.
For more information, contact Laura Murphy on 020 7485 8177 or via email at laura.murphy@thecamdensociety.co.uk

Budding Builders from Construction Youth Trust
Budding Builders is a Construction Youth Trust programme which helps to remove barriers to employment by providing young people with an opportunity to learn new, demand-led skills in a variety of different trades; offer CSCS card training and support; and clear progression routes into work or further training.
We have an upcoming course in Camden starting the 26th of October, in partnership with Kings Cross Construction Skills Centre. The aim is to target young women who are considering the industry as a career. The course will provide an introduction to the trades, raise awareness about the industry, support and advise the women with future plans and opportunities. We pride ourselves on making the industry accessible to all and inspire people to go beyond our short courses. The course will be led by an experienced female carpenter and we will have female guest speakers to talk to our budding female operatives.
The success of our projects depends on the partnerships we create. We are seeking organisations that would like to refer women onto our Oct course and organisations who would like to act as our community practical partner for our 2016 projects. Please get in contact with Nicola Mason on 0207 467 9540 or nicola.mason@constructionyouth.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.

Headway North London
Read the latest news from Headway North London

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 Psychotherapy Unit, Abbey Community Centre, Helen Bamber Foundation, Age UK Camden, 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

Shadow Ministers for Disabled People and Civil Society Appointed
Debbie Abrahams has been appointed as the shadow minister for Disabled People. Anna Turley, MP for Redcar, gets the shadow Civil Society brief, within the Cabinet Office remit, covering the voluntary and community sector. Civil Society News gives some background on Anna and the appointment

How Many Charities Are There?
Pinning down the exact number of charities (in the country or in a borough) is a tricky task – let alone counting the number of unregistered voluntary and community groups. Civil Society Magazine have an interesting article that attempts to reach a credible estimate. For a summary of key third sector statistics NFP Synergy have produced a fact sheet, though it repeats the lower (wrong) number of charities.

Latest Attack on the Sector from the Right Come from the FT and Sun
Civil Society reports that the Financial Times has joined the list of newspapers to attack the sector, calling on the government to force charities to merge and to limit the funding an individual organisation can receive. With almost comic irony the FT points out that there are 581 charities seeking to cure cancer and proposes they merge. Next week we expect to read that they have noticed that there are 581 organisations (in just one square mile) all lending money and that they too will have to merge.
The Sun’s article on Thursday has been criticized as ‘plain wrong’.

Fundraising review
Public disquiet at fundraising practices by a handful of national charities has led to fresh proposals for the regulation of fundraising. NAVCA have responded by pointing out that: “This scandal has involved a small number of large charities behaving badly. The report makes a useful contribution to putting things right, but I think it should have made a sharper distinction between these misbehaving charities and the vast majority of small local charities that work hard and with integrity to retain the trust of their supporters.”

Large charities bidding ‘for someone else’s work’ is wiping out the women’s sector
Women’s Aid CEO is reported in Civil Society as saying that the sector needed to address the problem that local authority contracts were being awarded to larger charities offering cheaper but fewer services than existing grass roots organisations.
“It’s really easy for large charities to come in and take a contract because it is the acceptable face of the charity sector, compared with a woman who is an abuse survivor and who has built up services since the 1980s,” she said.
Neate said the growth ambitions of large charities was an “uncomfortable topic” for the sector in general.
“Why is it that we have allowed ourselves to get into a situation where bidding competitively for someone else’s existing work is completely unquestioned?” she said.

FUNDING

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

Crowdfunding?
Don’t forget that there is a dedicated page on Spacehive just for Camden projects. And set up costs are free to Camden groups. Find out more at Spacehive Camden.

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 Physical Disabilities Forum
Tuesday 29th September 2015, from 6 to 7:30 pm at Charlie Ratchford Resource Centre, Belmont St, London NW1 8HF.
Former and new forum participants are invited to help shape the agenda for the meeting. Do you have any suggestions of topics for discussion, information or decision for the coming meeting? If so, please let Valeria know no later than Friday 4th September. email Valeria.CarrizoCollie@camden.gov.uk

Camden Family Members Reference Group
Carers and mental health looking after yourself and the person you care for
Wednesday 30th September 2015 10:30am – 1pm
Centre 404, 404 Camden Road, N7 0SJ
The Family Members’ Reference Group is a group for all carers of an adult with a learning disability in.
For more information contact Beth on: beths@centre404.org.uk tel: 020 7697 1336

ArchWay With Words ‘Festival of Superstar Authors & Spellbinding Speakers’ 10th- 18th October with a spectacular line-up headed by Joan Bakewell.
Novelists include Esther Freud, Tracy Chevalier, Matt Baylis, Penny Hancock, Ben Okri and Jake Arnott. There’s also a feast of non-fiction with biographies, histories of London, a guide to cracking cryptic clues, an oral history project and the marvellous ‘London Sound Survey’.
Live poetry readings feature some of the greatest exponents and the comedian Phill Jupitus performs a comedy set as ‘Porky Poet’ and also presents his book about Breakfast Radio.
Science is well represented with a talk from the mathematician and pre-eminent cryptographer Dr Simon Singh, who is bringing his original Enigma Machine and demystifying the famously complex equipment. Other scientists include Dr Sophie Scott the ‘laughter neuroscientist’ and Professor Peck of the British Antarctic Survey, both with fabulously entertaining and informative talks.
Programmes and tickets are available online: http://www.archwaywithwords.com/
and the library at Archway: Hamlyn House, Highgate Hill, N19. Tel: 020 7527 7820

Half day Pension Credit Workshop
To discover how your organisation can make a difference to the lives of older people who are missing out on their entitlements.
Tuesday 27th October at Age UK, Tavis House, Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9NA
From: 10.30 am (registration from 10.00) – 1.00 pm (followed by lunch and networking)
The Workshop will provide:
· A brief history of Pension Credit
· Resources available to organisations
· Guest speakers describing different approaches that organisations use to encourage take-up
· Interactive discussion and learning
· An opportunity to pledge activity to improve the lives of older people.
A more detailed agenda and directions to the venue will be available nearer the time.
Don’t miss out – reserve your place today by emailing AGEACTION.ALLIANCE@DWP.GSI.GOV.UK
Workshop places are limited. Attendance is on the understanding that following the event organisations will actively promote Pension Credit take-up among older people you are in contact with.

Measuring The Impact Of Your Volunteering Programme For Beginners
Thursday 1st October 10am-1pm at The Wellcome Trust in Euston
You will receive a copy of the NCVO measuring impact toolkit (£35) to take away. With that in mind, free places will be £35+booking fee and the rest will be £94+booking fee.
To book your place and to find our more information have a look at Eventbrite.

Outcome’s, Islington Mind LGBT service, annual Open Day
29th of September 11:00 – 15:30.
This is an opportunity to visit the service that we offer every Tuesday to our LGBT community.
Our guests will be offered tasters from our activities and therapies (such as art and animation workshops, ear acupuncture and head massage and open doors to our counsellor and to ‘Mind Scape’, LGBT paranoia and beliefs support group, facilitators) and MSH Wellbeing – will also offer taster therapies on this event.
Information about Outcome and the services that we offer will be available all day.
We will serve the most popular best curry (known as Outcome Curry) in town (for £3) at 1:00 in our dining area and at 14:30 will close the day with raffles.
Please RSVP to sigal.avni@islington.mind.org.uk

Royal Albert Hall Friendship Matinee 9th October 3pm
The Music of Bond with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Tickets only £5 for members and users of voluntary and community groups and carers. Book online at www.royalalberthall.com or tel: 020 7589 8212.

A celebration for World Mental Health Day
October 9th at St Pancras Hospital
VoiceAbility and VAC are supporting the Camden Borough User Group (CBUG) to hold an event to celebrate World Mental Health Day. It will be at the conference Hall, St Pancras Hospital on the 9th October between 11am and 4pm.
If you or anyone you support would be interested in attending, then please print off the attached flyer and spread the word. The event will have a social focus with hot food, music, speakers, performance, stalls and more.
We are also holding a photography competition and all entries will be displayed on the day, there is a flyer attached about this too.
For any further details please contact us at by email or by phone on:
camdenuserinvolvement@voiceability.org Telephone: 020 3355 7113

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

Age UK Camden is Recruiting:
Advice Team Manager – Full-Time – Ref 1
Scale PO2 £33,579-£36,186, plus 6% contributory pension.
Human Resources Manager – Full-Time – Ref 2
Scale S02 £31,323-£32,964 plus 6% contributory pension
Good Neighbours Scheme Co-ordinator – Part-Time (28/35) – Ref 3
Scale S01 £28,845-£30,525 plus 6% contributory pension, pro rata for part-time
The Advice Team Manager post is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic, focussed, creative and multi-tasker to make a real difference to the lives of older people in Camden. You will manage a dedicated and experienced team of staff and volunteers delivering information and advice in person, by phone and on-line. Welfare rights and management experience essential.
Are you an experienced HR professional who enjoys a busy and rewarding environment? Age UK Camden’s Human Resources Manager (with support from a part-time assistant) provides a full HR service from routine recruitment through staff advice and policy review to supporting the occasional restructuring.
The Good Neighbours Scheme Co-ordinator runs a befriending service in the NW3 area with 60 clients and 50 volunteers – assessing isolated mostly home-bound older people, matching and supporting the pairings. You need experience of supervising volunteers and project co-ordination and excellent organisational and inter-personal skills.
Posts 1 and 2 are based in Tavistock Square and post 3 is based in Hampstead. AUC offers a season ticket or bicycle loan facility. Posts 1 and 2 are open to job-share.
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 (all posts): Monday 5th October, 9.30am
Interviews: Ref 1 –27th October; Ref 2 – 22nd October; Ref 3- 26th October.

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

OFFERS, RESOURCES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Share your views on Camden’s green spaces
Camden Council has launched a grounds maintenance survey asking people what they value most about Camden’s parks and open spaces. The contract which looks after these areas is due to end in 2017, presenting an opportunity to explore how green spaces across the borough could be maintained differently and achieve financial savings. Share your views by completing the online survey available at camden.gov.uk/greenspaces. The survey will be online until 30 October 2015.

Help Us Help You – Complete the VAC Survey
VAC provides a range of services and support to the voluntary and community sector and social enterprises in Camden. With further cuts and policy changes anticipated in Camden the knock on effect to local organisations is going to be challenging.
We would appreciate it if you could complete our short questionnaire to help VAC understand what support or services you are likely to need from VAC over the next couple of years and how we can help best advocate on your behalf for the sector.
The survey consists of 13 short questions and shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes to complete. You can also opt to keep your responses anonymous if you prefer to do so.
You can complete the survey via the following Survey Monkey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/5ZLH8M6
Or on our website, at: https://vac.org.uk/influence/surveys-and-polls/survey-what-support-do-you-need-from-vac/
All completed surveys will be entered into a prize draw for a £20.00 cash prize!

Camden Consultations
Various consultations are out at the moment including a consultation on Camden Future Libraries and Camden VCS strategy and changes to early education and childcare and children’s centre services. You can find all Camden consultation on the Wearecamden consultation hub.

Voluntary Action Camden e-Bulletin 18th September 2015

by Kevin Nunan17 September 2015

Highlights

ArchWay With Words; Psychological Therapies: The Way Ahead for Camden’s BMER Communities; Opening Doors London Annual Information Fair; Camden Family Members Reference Group; Outcome launch and day of celebration for women of the LGBT community; Free Yoga for People with Sensory Needs; The Tricycle Theatre offer; Share your views on Camden’s green spaces; How do we build a fairer London?; Camley Street Harvest Festival; Camden Arts Centre’s New Online Archive; + jobs, volunteers, events, training, offers and resources.

Feature

Latest News

Camden Council and Camden’s Voluntary and Community Sector Consultation – Next Steps
In December 2014, Camden Council started a process to develop a stronger and more sustainable strategic relationship between the Council and Camden’s Voluntary and Community Sector.This was followed by an engagement process from 18th May to 12th July this year. On Monday 21st September the council will begin the final stage of the process, consulting with the sector on their proposals. VAC will be emailing everyone on Monday with full details. Please look out for our email.

NEWS & POLICY

Local

How do we build a fairer London?
The London Fairness Commission is hosting a public debate in the Old Library of the Guildhall on Monday the 21st September, doors opening at 6.00pm for a 6.30pm start and finishing at 8pm.
Responding to the question ‘How do we build a fairer London’, the event will feature a panel of influential speakers, journalists and policy makers in conversation with an audience of Londoners.
Panellists include:
– Yasmin Alibhai-Brown – The Independent and London Evening Standard columnist.
– Liz Meek – Chair of Centre for London.
– Simon Walker – Director General of the Institute of Directors.
– Zoe Williams – Guardian columnist.
The event will be introduced by Lord Victor Adebowale, Chair of the London Fairness Commission, and Jeremy Mayhew, Chairman of the City Bridge Trust. Book here.

Free Yoga for People with Sensory Needs
Sense, the national charity that works with people who experience sight and hearing impairments, is running a friendly yoga and stretching group. Parents, carers and support workers are welcome to come along and join in as well.
Wednesdays 30 September – 2 December 2 – 3.30pm at Pancras Square Leisure, 5 Pancras Square, London, N1C 4AG
Places are limited – to book a place on the sessions, or for more information, please contact Ian Carpenter. ian.carpenter@sense.org.uk 020 7014 9318

The Tricycle Theatre are looking to engage with a group of local people and organisations from Camden to help spread the word about their new play
A Wolf In Snakeskin Shoes is a fresh take on Molière’s Tartuffe, set in a world of fast-food tycoons and megachurches is a wicked new comedy that rocks the foundations of trust, faith and redemption.
The event will take place at Tricycle Theatre on Thursday 24 September at 6.30pm.
For those who attend the meet and greet event, the Tricycle will offer one free ticket to a preview of the show and an exclusive, limited discounted tickets offers for the preview period to be shared with family, friends and community.
If you would like to attend this event please email bidmosaku@btinternet.com by Monday 21 September.

Camley Street Harvest Festival Friday, 25th September
We are also celebrating our 40th anniversary this year. You are invited to join a night of: dancing on live music around bonfire; delicious organic food grown on our site at Camley; Street and cooked by chefs from Alara Health Store and Bumble Bee;
share the joy of eating locally and support our local producers – the Daily Fish and the INS; welcome the coming of autumn and to warm up with a seasonal cider.
Like always, no tickets needed, but RSVP to ensure there’s a goody bag waiting with your name on. https://www.facebook.com/events/620047314768611/

Camden Arts Centre’s New Online Archive
This new archive is under development – but let’s you look back to shows and exhibitions as far back as 1993. View it 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.

Headway North London
Read the latest news from Headway North London

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

Helen Bamber Foundation, HomeStart Camden, Best Start 4 Families, The Calthorpe Project, BTEG, One Housing, AgeUK Camden, VAC 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

First Ever Shadow Minister for Mental Health Appointed
Singing and clothing have featured heavily in the media’s reporting of the new shadow cabinet overshadowing the appointment of the first ever Shadow Minister for Mental Health. The BMA’s General Practice Committee has welcomed Labour’s decision to create a dedicated shadow cabinet mental health role for the first time, after leader Jeremy Corbyn named Luciana Berger as shadow minister for mental health.

Charities asked to help map civil society response to refugee crisis
Two charities which support international philanthropy have asked civil society organisations to contribute to a survey which will map the sector’s response to the refugee crisis.
The survey is conducted by the European Foundation Centre, a body for trusts and foundations in Europe, and Alliance, a not-for-profit magazine for international philanthropy. Full story at Civil Society magazine.

FUNDING

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

Grant Programme for Inter Faith Week 2015
Small Grants Programme for events organised by and for young people focused around Inter Faith Week 15-21 November 2015
The Trust will be awarding small grants up to £500.00 for organisations running events or projects connected with Inter Faith Week 2015
Grants are awarded for proposals for inter-faith activities by children and young people from Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh and other faiths and those of no formal faith in understanding and co-operation. The age range for young people is 11-25 years.
Priority will be given to projects which:
~ Actively involve young people in planning, running, and evaluation of the project.
~ Promote positive action i.e. young people from different backgrounds coming together to address shared problems like improving green spaces.
~ Are run by non-statutory organisations, such as youth clubs, scout/guide groups, local voluntary and community organisations.
Grants can provide part-funding. Grants are not available for converting young people to a different faith.
Grants are given only to UK based organisations and are given for the agreed purposes set out in the completed grant application form. Grants are for use in accordance with the Trust’s charitable objectives. The Inter Faith Youth Trust as funder takes no responsibility for carrying out the work.
Download the Application form from this page
Closing date for applications is 15 September 2015.

Crowdfunding?
Don’t forget that there is a dedicated page on Spacehive just for Camden projects. And set up costs are free to Camden groups. Find out more at Spacehive Camden.

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

Influencing Change London
Influencing Change is a five day training programme for campaigners. It is designed to support individuals and groups to gain the capabilities and confidence they need to successfully influence decision makers and others.
The programme is delivered by the Sheila McKechnie Foundation and is spread over five months. It is for London-based individuals and groups that want to gain influence and campaign for change. Participants will learn how to develop a campaign strategy, work effectively with the media and use a range of campaign tactics to address their campaign issue and gain support from stakeholders.
Day 1: Tuesday 13th October 2015
Day 2: Thursday 26th November 2015
Day 3: Thursday 7th January 2016
Day 4: Thursday 25th February 2016
Day 5: Tuesday 15th March 2016
Further information www.smk.org.uk or contact megan.poyiadzis@smk.org.uk.
The closing date for applications is 12 noon, Monday 14th September.

Urban Food Fortnight and Edible Gardens Open Day
11 to 27 September 2015
The Capital’s celebration of the fabulous ultra-local produce being grown, produced and cooked on our doorstep. For more information and what’s on visit Urban Food Fortnight.
It’s also Edible Gardens Open Day on Saturday 19 September 2015 to celebrate the season’s hard work and bountiful harvests. Explore this map to find a garden in your local area or further afield.

New Courses at Maiden Lane Community Centre
Tuesday 22nd & Wednesday 23rd September 2015.
1. Improve your internet skills
Find out how to search the internet more effectively and manage your email account.
(You need to have some understanding of using the internet).
Tuesdays 10am-12pm
2. Computing for beginners
A complete introduction to using computers
Tuesdays 1-3pm
3. Create a website for business or pleasure using the free WordPress software
Wednesdays 10am-12pm
To book a place: Call 020 7267 9586
Maiden Lane Community Centre, 156 St Paul’s Crescent, NW1 9XZ
Visit camden.gov.uk/adultlearning
Email adultlearning@camden.gov.uk Call 020 7974 2148

Dementia: Research & Practice
A course for small older people’s organisations
Tuesday 29th September, 2015 10:00am – 12:00midday (followed by lunch)
At Age UK London, 1st Floor, 21 St Georges Road, London, SE1 6ES
This workshop will involve a presentation of recent research findings and will give you a chance to talk about good dementia-friendly practice and find out how this can benefit your organisation.
Anyone interested should email Ben Donovan bdonovan@ageuklondon.org.uk.

Urban Harvest
Saturday 26th September 11am – 4pm at Kentish town health centre NW5 2BX
A wonderful Urban Harvest Festival celebrating local food and local growers as well as giving you the chance to take part in a huge range of events: building a wormary, making tea from plants in the garden, creating plant based dyes, sing away about food and press apples to name but a few.
All of this will be taking place in our Well-Beeing Garden
Everyone is welcome and all activities are free
The event is run by Kentish Town Transition and Kentish Town Improvement Fund
See more at: www.projectdirt.com

Made of Money
Tues 22nd & Wed 23rd September 2015
Award-winning financial education project, offered as two day facilitator training
We’ll equip you to deliver flexible content around savings, credit, debt, communication,
coping with consumer culture, and children & money
Sliding costs from £100 to £350; in-house trainings also available
100% of trained facilitators would recommend Made of Money to other organisations
Made of Money is a project of Quaker Social Action (QSA) www.quakersocialaction.org.uk/madeofmoney

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

Are you a Parent or do you have Parenting experience?
Would you like to enhance your skills to offer friendship and support to families with young children?
Can you give 3-4 hours weekly, to visit a family with young children who may be going through a difficult time?
Next accredited training courses:
23rd Sept to 15th Oct 2015 Every Wednesday & Thursday in Kentish Town
16th Oct to 11th Dec 2015 Every Friday in Abbey Road Community Centre
Certificates awarded & expenses paid
For information pack ring 020 7424 1603 email: info@homestartcamden.org web: www.homestartcamden.org.uk

Best Start 4 Families – Family Learning in Prisons
Training for volunteers wanting to work alongside family learning tutors in prisons
Saturday 26th September 2015 10 am – 3pm
Learning Unlimited, 9-11 Endsleigh Gardens, London WC1H 0EH
A FREE training opportunity
Best Start for Families is a project based in two London prisons. The aim of the project is to
run family learning provision for prisoners and their families. We are recruiting volunteers
to work alongside and support family learning tutors during family and children’s visits in
prisons. You will need to have good people skills, communication skills and an interest in
working with families and reducing re-offending.
Please contact: Foufou Savitzky beststartforfamilies@gmail.com or Tel: 07949603968

Age UK Camden seeking Honorary Treasurer
Age UK Camden is recruiting to the volunteer role of Treasurer, to work closely with other trustees and the organisation’s Finance Manager and CEO. More details are on the NCVO website https://www.ncvo.org.uk/practical-support/governance/trustee-bank/vacancy-search/607?view=vacancy Age UK Camden’s CEO Gary Jones says “It’s an important role and we’re a complex organisation with a subsidiary charity and a £2mil+ turnover, and the lead role in the isolation-reduction programme Ageing Better in Camden. We also face cuts, tenders and a pension deficit, but have many strengths including strong financial management and staff, and a broad services offer and funding base”.

One Housing seeks:
Deputy Manager
£25,000 pa 37.5 hours a week 7 – day rota
Islington and Camden
One Housing are now looking for a Deputy Manager to manage a team of Care Assistants and lead high standards of person centered care and outcome based support services.
Closing date: 30th September 2015
Full details and how to apply available online.
Care Assistants
Full-time, part-time, flexible hours and night work
£15,370 pa pro rata
Islington and Camden
One Support is the housing, care and support arm of One Housing – one of the largest and fastest growing providers of housing, care and support services across London and the South East.
For more information, or to apply please visit the website.
Closing date: 30th September 2015
RECRUITMENT OPEN DAY
If you would like to talk to us directly, join us at our open morning on 24th September 2015 between 2pm and 5pm at our Roseberry Mansions Extra Care Service in Kings Cross. We will arrange to give you a tour of the building, meet our staff and customers and get a real feel for what we provide. We will also be able to offer initial interviews all afternoon. So please bring your CV with you. Please call 020 8821 4478 to book your visit.

Volunteer Role and VAC to Update Website and Database
This role is ideally suited to someone who wants to learn how to edit and update a website using WordPress. It is also suited to anyone looking to gain some experience of volunteering in an office environment with a view to finding or returning to employment. No prior experience is necessary or required as training will be given.
Role Title: Website and Data Entry Volunteer
Responsible to: ICT Training and Communications Support Worker
Salary Scale: Voluntary position
Hours: 1-2 days per week – max 14 hours/week (Tuesday & Wednesday)
Location: VAC, 293 – 299 Kentish Town Road, London NW5 2TJ.
Role Purpose
~ To keep the VAC website up-to-date with the latest funding opportunities as they relate to the local Camden Voluntary and Community Sector.
~ To update and maintain information on the organisation database, as and when required.
~ To provide other data-entry and administrative assistance to the ICT training and communication support worker and other staff, as and when required.
To apply please forward a CV and cover letter to alexcharles@vac.org.uk more details at www.vac.org.uk

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

OFFERS, RESOURCES & ANNOUNCEMENTS