Neighbourhood Projects

VAC provides support for neighbourhood projects, community planning and forums.

We have initiated an approach to neighbourhood planning in Camden that uses the process as a vehicle for neighbourhood transformation. Communities become more sustainable and resilient when individuals and organisations are able to take steps to effectively address local problems and enrich community life.

In this context we provide support to communities who want to develop new collaborations, neighbourhood assets and services, as well as strategies and plans.

How we can help:

Tailored advice

Training

Workshop facilitation

Brokering relationships through our extensive networks

Current Projects

Training

We also advertise general seminars, training and workshops delivered by us and our collaborators. Find out what’s coming up on our training page.

Recent topics have covered Introduction to new types of financing (VAC); the National Planning Framework (Planning Aid for London); Local health services and outcomes (VAC and Camden Clinical Commissioning Group).

An on-going series of seminars is aimed at communities under threat from development ‘STOP SQUEEZING US OUT!’: Open Book Policy in Development (VAC and Oxford Brookes University); Community Land Trusts (VAC and Stephen Hill); Housing Policy (VAC and Duncan Bowie).

Eligibility for support

We work with local groups and networks, local authorities, strategic partnerships, housing associations and NHS Trusts across London and further afield. Our Neighbourhood Project services are either free or low-cost to all Camden based Civil Society Organisations and to groups located outside of the borough as long as they mainly serve Camden residents. For all other enquirers you may still get support from us through one-to-one, intensive support charged at a very competitive rate. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

How you can help

Volunteers

We are currently recruiting local volunteers to train as health advocates and contribute to service development at neighbourhood level. For information about this please see our Volunteering page or contact Mandira Mandahar or Peter Simonson.

Neighbourhood projects also benefit from invaluable technical aid e.g. in planning, law, through expert volunteers and pro bono support from business and universities.

Find out more about Localism and neighbourhood planning.