Happy New Year!
It is a new year for Voluntary Action Camden, and the team is back and hard at work after enjoying a restful winter break.
Practical Help for Groups
In January we announced the launch of the VAC Consultancy Service, which serves as the new home for our core work providing expert, practical support to Camden voluntary and community organisations. We were also excited to announce a second round of the Camden Community Vaccine Project, delivered in partnership with the C4 Consortium. The project offers funding to local community groups to deliver initiatives encouraging vaccine take-up in the borough.
In addition to our frontline work, VAC is focused on delivering our core mission of providing support and information to the local VCS sector. Our staff and volunteers are constantly finding new funding opportunities to add to our website, and checking regularly that our expansive organisation directory is fully up-to-date.
Health Inequalities
The Care Navigation and Social Prescribing team has been busy as always, and the cost-of-living crisis remains a standout theme throughout their referrals work. The Social Prescribers Innovators Programme is proving to be a success, and the team has already placed 3 volunteers to support Care Navigators and Social Prescribing Link Workers.
The work VAC has been doing to embed Camden VCSEs in the new North Central London Health system is beginning to show results. As part of a VCSE Alliance Steering Group, we have been contributing input from our Voluntary Action Forums and work with local groups. This input is helping to shape new strategies like the Population Health Strategy in a more balanced and community friendly way, ensuring the voluntary sector is a key collaborator in the system. We will hold a VAC Forum in the near future to update and discuss these developments.
Safeguarding
As part of our Safeguarding Project, VAC has organised an upcoming programme of free training sessions throughout spring, on essential topics such as safe recruitment and advanced safeguarding knowledge. Our team members working in collaboration with Mind in Camden also continue to deliver great community outreach work, including hosting regular peer groups such as the Hong-Kongese Craft Group at Calthorpe Community Garden.
Future Priorities
Looking towards the future, we have lots of exciting work in the pipeline. Following our successful Trustee Appreciation Event, hosted with Camden Council and Volunteer Centre Camden back in November, VAC hears the call for increased support for local trustees. Collaborating closely with our partners, VAC is working towards creating a Trustee Network for increased connection, and offering a fully-stocked programme of support for trustees.
Lastly, VAC is aiming to create a regular programme of support and networking for voluntary and community Chief Executive Officers in Camden. We recognise that fulfilling the role of CEO can be challenging and often isolating work, especially during this tumultuous time for the sector. Keep your eyes peeled for upcoming events and resources designed to support the essential work of CEOs.
