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Black History Month

October marks the beginning of Black History Month, and this year’s theme marks a significant shift towards recognising and correcting the narratives of Black history and culture.

Join VAC in this national celebration that aims to promote and celebrate the contributions of those from African and Caribbean heritage, encouraging an understanding of Black history and celebrating Black culture.

We’re really excited to announce a series of cultural events and workshops sessions with local partners. Along with the new events we’re featuring in the section just below, we’ll also be telling you about other upcoming local events and resources related to Black History month celebrations. 

Black History Month 2024

Upcoming Training & Events

• Face-to-face: Women and Girls’ Personal Safety and Awareness (In partnership with The Safeguarding Foundation) Crowndale Centre, NW1 1BD, 9^th October, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
• Virtual Workshop: Bid writing and fundraising support 10th October, 10:00 am – 11.30am
• Face-to-face: Dementia Awareness Crowndale Centre, NW1 1BD, 16th October, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
• Black History Month Virtual Event: The Umoja Health Forum (UHF) 17th October, 10:00 am – 11:00 am
• Face-to-face: Good mental health and wellbeing Crowndale Centre, NW1 1BD, 23rd October 23 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
• Black History Month: Djembe Drumming Workshop Voluntary Action Camden, 8-12 Camden High St, NW1 0JH, 25th October, 10:00 am – 11.30 am
• Black History Month Virtual Event: 5 Black Fathers – A documentary 30th October, 1:00 pm – 2.30 pm
• Camden Carers Service face to face session: Who Cares for the Carer? Voluntary Action Camden, 8-12 Camden High St, NW1 0JH, 13th November, 10:00 am – 11:30 am

A session at the recent Labour party conference discussed philanthropy and heard from various sector leaders about opportunities to support communities in Britain’s most deprived areas. Attendees heard that “no British government has ever really cracked the potential of philanthropy”, and speakers agreed that the government should include charities and philanthropy in decision-making processes.

Charity Commission publishes whistleblowing report

New figures from the Charity Commission reveal that 561 whistleblowing disclosures were issued to the regulator between April 2023 and May 2024, up 72% from the previous year. Finance-based disclosures more than doubled, while governance failures and safeguarding & protecting people were also in the top 3 for reported concerns. 

Gift Aid relief could be further maximised by charities, survey reveals

A survey by the Charity Finance Group suggests that income potential from Gift Aid is still under-utilised, and that there is huge scope for charities to boost their donations by properly understanding Gift Aid. CFG also published a new hub with tools, resources and advice for charities to maximise Gift Aid claims and better support their communities. 

Every week VAC checks various sources for the latest funding opportunities relevant for Camden groups.

You can visit our website for a round up of the latest opportunities added this week: Search for Funding – Voluntary Action Camden (vac.org.uk).

We’ve included a selection of the latest funds below but check out our new funding portal for many more opportunities.

If you need help sourcing or applying for funds, get in touch with our consultancy service, free for all Camden groups!

• Zurich Innovation in Diversity & Inclusion Awards are designed to honour initiatives that promote inclusivity and celebrate diversity within our communities. 4 presitigous awards are available for charitable organisations trailblazing innovation or dedicated to advocacy. 
• Shaftesbury Young People Trust provides grants for project based work in Greater London. Applications are welcomed from not-for-profit organisations providing opportunities and employment for young people or engaging young people to lead healthy lives and feel empowered in their choices.
• The Community Shares Booster programme supports new and existing community businesses in England that are at all stages of launching a community share issue, including the very early stages of exploration, planning, or in exceptional cases, recently launched.
• CharityJob opens its annual charitable giving fund for applications for UK-based charities (not CICs) with 50 or fewer employees and an annual income of less than £1 million.
• Grants are available from Home Instead Charities for small grassroots community groups and small local registered charities providing activities and projects to prevent social isolation and loneliness for older people (the over 55s) in the UK.
• LGBT+ Futures: Equity Fund focuses on supporting user-led LGBT+ organisations working with targeted under-represented and under-resourced communities.
• CharityJob opens its annual charitable giving fund for applications for UK-based charities (not CICs) with 50 or fewer employees and an annual income of less than £1 million.

Black History Month at VAC: The Umoja Health Forum 

Originally from Zambia, Chikwaba Oduka has been working in Camden supporting Black and African communities for over 25 years. A VAC Trustee and one of the founders of the Umoja Health Forum; the organisation aims to provide accurate and appropriate health advice, raise awareness of health issues, and signpost to appropriate health and wellbeing services. Join us for this special event and hear how the work of the UHF continues to improve the quality of life for Caribbean and African communities in Camden.

Thursday October 17th

Black History Month at VAC: Djembe Drumming Workshop

As part of Black History Month, join us for this interactive musical workshop led by Victor Opeyokun, a freelance artist working in animation, drawing, photography and music. Passionate about African drumming, you’ll learn the basics of rhythm through fun and experimentation; making music of the region accessible to all. Participants will experience customary call-and-response vocal exercises, inspired by the rich traditions of West Africa’s Yoruba culture. The session also includes an introduction to the history of the Djembe drum; its origins, and how it has been used in different cultures. All skill levels are welcome, from complete beginners to seasoned drummers and all drums will be provided. So don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to learn, play, and connect through rhythm!

Friday October 25th

Black History Month at VAC: 5 Black Fathers – A documentary

Whilst many of the issues that Fathers face is universal, Black Fathers undoubtedly face an extra set of challenges that are rarely explored or understand in mainstream media. Black men have been disproportionally represented in the Criminal Justice System and Mental Health provisions, as a result of the structural, systemic racism and microaggressions that they experience daily. As part of Black History month, 5 Black Fathers is a documentary that highlights and shares some of the experiences of Black Fathers, with a view to redefine the narrative of who they are. This 67-minute documentary made by David Mullings, Fathers Inclusion Manager for Camden; captures a variety of stories, experiences, and journeys of fatherhood. Join us for this viewing at our hub, and have a look at the trailer here.

Wednesday October 30th

Black History Month at Love Camden 

We will be featuring a number of events marking Black History Month over the coming weeks. Love Camden have released their own programme of events, including art exhibitions, performances, cultural heritage projects and Supper Club nights at local restaurants. This weekend, Bolo Fest immerses attendees in soulful music, delicious cuisine, and a showcase of black-owned businesses. Find the full programme here. 

Anti-Racism and Allyship Training

This training course from Wipers Foundation is delivered in partnership with Action for Race Equality and will investigate exactly what it means to be anti-racist, explore concepts of power and anti-oppressive practices whilst deepening understanding of anti-racist language and terminology. Attendees will discover what is meant by ‘allyship’ and what true allyship looks like. The course provides a solid foundation upon which individuals and organisations can develop an anti-racist strategy to build towards greater justice, equality and a positive working environment.

PAPRIKA Collective: Activate & Animate & Healing Choir

PAPRIKA Collective are thrilled to launch “Activate & Animate: Stories of Kilburn” an exhibition commissioned by Camden Libraries aimed at engaging with the local community on Saturday, October 12th. This event aims to bring together local artists and community members to explore and celebrate the vibrant culture and history of Kilburn. Then, on Sunday October 13th, they will host a sharing event that invites the public to participate in a creative health activity called Healing Choir. This session is designed to foster well-being and creative expression among participants, offering a unique opportunity to connect with the arts in a meaningful way. Both events will take place at the historic Kilburn Tin Tabernacle.

Fitzrovia Youth in Action Youth Action Showcase

Fitzrovia Youth in Action will be holding its annual Youth Action Showcase on Tuesday 29th October at the Indian YMCA, 41 Fitzroy Square, W1T 6AQ. Last year, FYA supported over 700 young people in delivering social action, across over 50 cohorts. At the showcase, young people will screen films and present examples of place-based social action, different types of peer support and creative ways in which they have co-produced system change. There will be a chance to network, and lunch will be served at 1pm. Places can be booked here. For further details contact Farzana.Sania@fya.org.uk.

Camden’s Disability Oversight Panel

Invites all disabled residents, carers and supporting VSC organisations to attend its forthcoming public engagement session. ‘Camden’s Transport Delivery Plan 2025 -28′. Tuesday 15 October 2024, 6.15pm – 8pm,The Conference Suite, The Crowndale Centre, 218 Eversholt Street. With BSL Interpreters and Caption/ Speech to Text Support. Contact disabilityoversightpanel@camden.gov.uk or call 0207 9743 578 to register and for help with transport.

Real Talk debate for young people aged 16-21

The Real Talk debate for 16 to 21-year-olds in Camden aims to create a safe space for young people to express their opinions and challenge pre-conceived notions on topics that matter most to them, as well as empower local youth to shape the design and development of services in their community. This year’s Real Talk event is taking place at Camden Town Hall, Judd Street, King’s Cross, on Wednesday 23 October. Food and refreshments will be provided along with a thank you voucher for participating young people, who can book their free ticket on Eventbrite.

VCC Volunteer Managers’ Forum  

Join Volunteer Centre Camden online for networking and peer support in the company of volunteer managers from everywhere on Wednesday 9th October at 2pm. Topics are decided by you on the day and booking is free. 

DBS Eligibility and Legal Duty to Refer Webinar

DBS are hosting a webinar on Wednesday 9th October which will be of value to those; who have recruitment / management / safeguarding responsibilities; are involved in safer recruitment processes; recruit or manage those in regulated activity; and/or are responsible for making DBS referrals. The webinar will cover: • Understanding DBS checks and role eligibility, including levels of check and workforce • How “regulated activity” with children and adults is defined and what this means in practice • DBS Update Service • The three different referral routes, and much more. You can register here. 

Fundraiser at Gospel Oak Action Link Youth Club

GOALYC is a Camden based Charity providing at no cost to users, a rich variety of sports, music, education and other activities to mostly disadvantaged young people in the Gospel Oak area. They are looking for a fundraiser to play a vital role in securing funding and help the charity’s direction, upkeep, and policies, that create a positive difference to our youth. The role is a self-employed Fundraising Officer, reporting to the GOALYC Board of Trustees. If you’re intertested, send your CV and cover letter to Mei@qcca.org.uk.

Deadline: 30th October 

Support & Wellbeing worker (Young Adult Carer Lead)

Camden Carers are currently recruiting for a Support & Wellbeing worker (Young Adult Carer Lead). This is an exciting opportunity to join the dynamic team at Camden Carers and make a difference to the lives of carers and families in Camden. This part-time (28-35 hours per week) role is at the main office based in North West London, with the opportunity of some flexible working.

Deadline: 14th October by 9am 

Nursery Practitioner at SPCA

This role with Saint Pancras Community Association’s is for a Nursery Practitioner, who will report to the Nursery Manager. The role is 20 hours per week, including 15 hours contact time with children when the Nursery is open. Be part of SPCA’s team delivering high-quality community work, that benefits people living in the Borough of Camden and the Saint Pancras and Somers town area. Concentrate on the creation and development of a caring, stimulating and accessible service for children from the age of 2-5. This includes transition into school, in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework or other frameworks which succeed it.

Closing Date: 20th October 

Supervisor (Mailing & Distribution Social Enterprise) 

Unity Works are seeking a dynamic and motivated individual to assist the Social Enterprise Manager in running the mailing and distribution social enterprise. The ideal candidate will be comfortable and confident dealing with customers as well as championing a real commitment to improving the lives of adults with a learning disability. A candidate with a background in customer service and developing community business opportunities would also be ideal. Part of the role will be to assist in the mentoring of trainees attending the social enterprise. For more information, please click here.

Closing Date: 15th October 

Heath Hands youth volunteering opportunities

Heath Hands’ free youth conservation volunteering sessions have restarted for 2024-25. 10am-12pm every Saturday during term time and tasks including habitat conservation, gardening, estate management, and learning a lot of about nature and conservation. All tools and equipment provided. Young people aged 13-17 who might be interested can find more info here.

Become a SHAK trustee

SHAK is seeking 2-3 new trustees with skills and time to commit to fundraising.  They are particularly interested in recruiting people who live locally and increasing representation at board level from minority communities. You would be joining at an exciting time when SHAK are undertaking a strategic review and setting in place a new plan forward.
If you are interested in applying please click here.

Volunteer Trustees including Chair of Trustees at GOALYC

Gospel Oak Action Link Youth Club (GOALYC) is a Camden based Charity providing at no cost to users, a rich variety of sports, music, education and other activities to mostly disadvantaged young people in the Gospel Oak area. They are looking for Volunteer Trustees who will guide the charity’s direction, upkeep, and policies, making key decisions that create a positive difference to our youth. If you are interested in becoming a GOALYC trustee, you can find out more by emailing mei@qcca.org.uk.

Volunteer at Somers Town People’s Museum

‘Story Bike Taxi’ Cyclist

The People’s Museum are looking for a community-minded, fit and outgoing person with a can do attitude and the ability to learn and make local connections. An opportunity to get involved in a growing intergenerational initiative with a social  prescribing purpose. This part time-role will cover expenses and include training for Outreach Promotion and cycling an passenger electric bike on market duties.

Art Facilitator

Engage a community in group art club sessions on Saturdays, 11-1pm. Expenses per hour and training will be provided. This role involves Project sessions of Printmaking/ Screenprint / T-shirts for the People’s Museum Centenary project. 
To find out more or apply, send your CV to info@aspaceforus.club.

Small Charities Advisory Panel – Member needed

NCVO have established a panel in the wake of the closure of the Small Charity Commission. The panel will work to amplify the voice of local infrastructure, and provide support to small charities. If you are a trustee or staff member of a small charity based in England or Wales, and you’re interested in becoming a member on the panel, you can find out more and submit an application here. 

Charity Finance Resource Centre

This new Resource Centre includes a selection of free digital transformation resources specifically catered towards charity and non-profit organisations. The resources are there to help you and your finance team, with finance system checklists, toolkits, advice and more. 

Camden Women’s Safety Survey

We want Camden to be a safe place for everyone, but sadly, we know too many women don’t feel safe when they’re out and about on our streets. We’d like to hear the experiences of women and girls in Camden to understand how safe you feel living, working and travelling in our borough. The survey should take up to five to six minutes and will build on the work from our first survey in 2022. Survey link here. The survey closes on 7th Oct 2024. For more information, please contact savannah.ray@camden.gov.uk.

Local VCS Newsletters

If you would like your Camden VCS newsletter added to this list, please email social@vac.org.uk

Looking for a previous newsletter entry? Find it in our archive here

Find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here

Our mailing address is:
Greenwood Centre, Greenwood Place, London, NW5 1LB

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Navigate to:

Spotlight  |   Features, News and Policy  |   Funding   |   Events and Training   |
Jobs and Volunteering   |   Surveys, Resources and Opportunities

Communications Survey

Our Communications Survey will be running until mid September. If you haven’t had a chance to give your thoughts yet, please click this link and let us know how you’re feeling about how we communicate with you. 

Upcoming Training & Events

• Face-to-face: Introduction to Safeguarding for new starters and volunteers Crowndale Centre 218 Eversholt Street, NW1 1BD, 25^th September, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
• Face-to-face: Women and Girls’ Personal Safety and Awareness (In partnership with The Safeguarding Foundation) Crowndale Centre 218 Eversholt Street, NW1 1BD, 9^th October, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
• Camden Carers Service face to face session: Who Cares for the Carer? Voluntary Action Camden, 8-12 Camden High St, NW1 0JH, 13th November, 10:00 am – 11:30 am

Find out more here: https://vac.org.uk/news-and-events/events/

Open to VAC Members only

If you are a voluntary service or group delivering services in Camden and are not a member of VAC, please join here: https://vac.org.uk/get-involved/membership

The Charities Aid Foundation’s latest Corporate Giving Report analysed charitable donations made by the FTSE 100 companies in the last decade. Since 2014, profits for the UK’s 100 largest companies by value rose by 49%, but total donations decreased by 13%, a drop of 34% in real terms. The report also studied corporate giving by sector, and looked at how companies and policymakers could deliver massive positive impact with a new national strategy for philanthropy.

Report shows decline in youth social action projects

A new report from Youth Employment UK has revealed that the level of youth participation in social action projects (volunteering and fundraising) declined to 17% this year, compared with 24% in 2023. The annual survey of young people between 11-30 also revealed declines in awareness and engagement in volunteering. 

Updated guidance for trustees to improve charity finances

The Charity Commission has published updated guidance for trustees to help manage their charity’s finances and better prepare for financial difficulties. The new guidance includes information on how to identify issues at an early stage, what to do in cases of insolvency or risk of insolvency, and seeking appropriate legal help. 

Every week VAC checks various sources for the latest funding opportunities relevant for Camden groups.

You can visit our website for a round up of the latest opportunities added this week: Search for Funding – Voluntary Action Camden (vac.org.uk).

We’ve included a selection of the latest funds below but check out our new funding portal for many more opportunities.

If you need help sourcing or applying for funds, get in touch with our consultancy service, free for all Camden groups!

• COSARAF Hardship Grants for organisations that support families and individuals from across the UK who are in financial need and struggling with everyday costs such as basic expenses, utilities, or rent arrears.
• The Arts Council National Portfolio Creative People and Places funding focuses on parts England where involvement in creativity and culture is significantly below the national average, to develop a programme of cultural activity and engagement over three years but with a long-term vision.
• Community Grant Scheme for community-based groups and organisations in the UK to create events or activities that engage underrepresented audiences as part of British Science Week.
• Shaftsbury Young People Trust funding to deliver projects that bring about positive change in the lives of young people aged between 11 and 18.
• ASDA foundation funding for grassroots groups – Cost of Living Grant, Empowering Local Communities Grant, and U18 Better Starts Grants
• Triangle Trust 1949 Fund for proposals focused on targeted work with high-risk young women and girls ages 11 and 30 who are on the edge of the criminal justice system.

North London Community Workshops 

The NLWA and Acciona have joined forces to develop a series of Community Workshops to provide organisational development training for volunteer, charity and social enterprise organisations in North London. The series is designed to support organisations by enhancing skills and increasing knowledge. They will be FREE to attend and online during September and November 2024; in person during October 2024. Find out more and sign up.

VCC Volunteer Managers’ Forum  

Join Volunteer Centre Camden online for networking and peer support in the company of volunteer managers from everywhere on Wednesday 9th October at 2pm. Topics are decided by you on the day and booking is free. 

DBS Eligibility and Legal Duty to Refer Webinar

DBS are hosting a webinar on Wednesday 9th October which will be of value to those; who have recruitment / management / safeguarding responsibilities; are involved in safer recruitment processes; recruit or manage those in regulated activity; and/or are responsible for making DBS referrals. The webinar will cover: • Understanding DBS checks and role eligibility, including levels of check and workforce • How “regulated activity” with children and adults is defined and what this means in practice • DBS Update Service • The three different referral routes, and much more. You can register here. 

Heath Hands Women’s Walk and Conker Championships

Join Heath Hands for a new free women-only health walk on Hampstead Heath, This will initially run once a month on the first Wednesday of the month, starting on Wednesday 2nd October, meeting at the entrance to the Heath opposite Hampstead Heath overground station. No need to book, just turn up, find the walk leaders and join the walk, ending with an optional cuppa at the base at the Hive. More information on all Hampstead Heath walks here.
Then, on Sunday 6th October, The annual conker championships return to the Parliament Hill Bandstand. Including nature activities, live music and the all-important conker contests. More information here. 

Free Family Bike Ride (Cycle to School Week)

Camden Cyclists are organising a family bike ride on Sunday 29th September to coincide with Cycle to School Week. This is a guided group ride for families. The route will pass close to various schools in Camden. The aim is to familiarise the participants with examples of routes they can take when cycling to school or activity clubs in Camden. This will help build confidence for people to cycle to school with their children and potentially enable older children to cycle to school independently. Contact the event organiser Suzanne Weller with any questions on ktride@camdencyclists.org.uk.

Reclaiming Narratives for Black History Month

Young Camden Foundation are hosting Reclaiming Narratives! – dedicated to honouring and celebrating the black community in Camden’s CYP sector on Thursday 3rd October. The event aims to highlight the importance of reclaiming and sharing black stories, amplifying voices that have been marginalised for too long, and will feature performances, a panel discussion and refreshments. 

Camden Community Centres’ Consortium’s AGM

Camden Community Centres’ Consortium’s AGM will take place on Thursday, October 3rd, 5:45pm-7pm, at Camden Town Hall’s Council Chamber. Over the past six months, we have been working hard to refocus our collaboration and increase the profile of community centres and spaces in Camden. If you are able to attend, here is the link to register. Please don’t hesitate to email admin@c4consortium.org.uk if you have any questions. 

FEAST With Us Operations Manager

FEAST With Us are recruiting for an Operations Manager, reporting to the CEO. You’ll be the engine behind the charity’s day-to-day success and oversee the operational heart of the organisation, ensuring that nutritious meals and healthy eating services for people experiencing food insecurity in community venues in Camden, Islington, Barnet, Westminster and Haringey run smoothly, efficiently, and with maximum impact to service users.
Closing date: 27th September

Adult Community Learning Tutors – Camden 

We are seeking enthusiastic and qualified tutors to join our adult community programme in Camden. Our adult learning programme supports adults with a learning disability to develop self-confidence, learn new skills and to improve their understanding of their local community. Please note tutors must have AET or a teaching qualification. For more information, please click here.
Closing Date: 30th September

Vacancies at Women at The Well

Recruiting for staff, trustees and volunteers: Women at The Well is a small day centre and outreach service for women facing multiple disadvantages, based in the King’s Cross area. They are currently recruiting:
•    Housekeeper/Cleaner (£15/hour, 9 hours/week, contract, holidays, pension; deadline ASAP);
•    Trustees (deadline 30 Sept);
•    Volunteers
Find out more and apply on the website: Paid roles here and volunteers/trustees here.

Supervisor (Mailing & Distribution Social Enterprise)

Unity Works are seeking a dynamic and motivated individual to assist the Social Enterprise Manager in running the mailing and distribution social enterprise. The ideal candidate will be comfortable and confident dealing with customers as well as championing a real commitment to improving the lives of adults with a learning disability. A candidate with a background in customer service and developing community business opportunities would also be ideal. Part of the role will be to assist in the mentoring of trainees attending the social enterprise. For more information, please click here.
Closing Date: 15th October 

Volunteer Trustees including Chair of Trustees at GOALYC

Gospel Oak Action Link Youth Club (GOALYC) is a Camden based Charity providing at no cost to users, a rich variety of sports, music, education and other activities to mostly disadvantaged young people in the Gospel Oak area. They are looking for Volunteer Trustees who will guide the charity’s direction, upkeep, and policies, making key decisions that create a positive difference to our youth. If you are interested in becoming a GOALYC trustee, you can find out more by emailing mei@qcca.org.uk.

Volunteer at Somers Town People’s Museum

‘Story Bike Taxi’ Cyclist

The People’s Museum are looking for a community-minded, fit and outgoing person with a can do attitude and the ability to learn and make local connections. An opportunity to get involved in a growing intergenerational initiative with a social  prescribing purpose. This part time-role will cover expenses and include training for Outreach Promotion and cycling an passenger electric bike on market duties.

Art Facilitator

Engage a community in group art club sessions on Saturdays, 11-1pm. Expenses per hour and training will be provided. This role involves Project sessions of Printmaking/ Screenprint / T-shirts for the People’s Museum Centenary project. 
To find out more or apply, send your CV to info@aspaceforus.club.

Volunteering Opportunities at Abbey Community Centre

ACC are looking for volunteer befrienders to help reduce isolation by regularly visiting individuals over 60s in their homes and help provide ad hoc support. If you’re passionate in Children’s Services and family support, you can volunteer in assisting running creative and fun activities for under 5s whilst building relationships with their parents and carers. Other volunteering opportunities available and please contact vol-opps@abbeycc-kilburn.org.uk with any questions. 

Camden Women’s Safety Survey

We want Camden to be a safe place for everyone, but sadly, we know too many women don’t feel safe when they’re out and about on our streets. We’d like to hear the experiences of women and girls in Camden to understand how safe you feel living, working and travelling in our borough. The survey should take up to five to six minutes and will build on the work from our first survey in 2022. Survey link here. The survey closes on 7th Oct 2024. For more information, please contact savannah.ray@camden.gov.uk.

Room hire for Talking Therapy Practitioners

Brandon Centre offers a welcoming setting and 10 warmly furnished private rooms ideal for talking therapies. Rates start at £10 per hour, and rooms are generally available on weekday evenings. For more information, head to the website and send any enquires to roombooking@brandoncentre.org.uk.

Gift Aid Awareness Day 

Gift Aid Awareness Day takes place on Thursday 3rd October. Find out more about how to raise awareness and boost your own gift aid donations with this free campaign toolkit (with social media images, stickers and printable posters) from Charity Finance Group.

Local VCS Newsletters

If you would like your Camden VCS newsletter added to this list, please email social@vac.org.uk

Looking for a previous newsletter entry? Find it in our archive here

Find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here

Our mailing address is:
Greenwood Centre, Greenwood Place, London, NW5 1LB

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Navigate to:

Spotlight  |   Features, News and Policy  |   Funding   |   Events and Training   |
Jobs and Volunteering   |   Surveys, Resources and Opportunities

Communications Survey

Our Communications Survey will be running until mid September. If you haven’t had a chance to give your thoughts yet, please click this link and let us know how you’re feeling about how we communicate with you. 

Upcoming Training & Events

• Face-to-face: Introduction to Safeguarding for new starters and volunteers Crowndale Centre 218 Eversholt Street, NW1 1BD, 25^th September, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
• Face-to-face: Women and Girls’ Personal Safety and Awareness (In partnership with The Safeguarding Foundation) Crowndale Centre 218 Eversholt Street, NW1 1BD, 9^th October, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
• Camden Carers Service face to face session: Who Cares for the Carer? Voluntary Action Camden, 8-12 Camden High St, NW1 0JH, 13th November, 10:00 am – 11:30 am

Find out more here: https://vac.org.uk/news-and-events/events/

Open to VAC Members only

If you are a voluntary service or group delivering services in Camden and are not a member of VAC, please join here: https://vac.org.uk/get-involved/membership

The annual conference for The Association of Charitable Foundations, which took place this week, featured a discussion on the subject of how charities can respond to climate change. Attendees heard from a number of speakers and a variety of approaches, with some proposing that the sector should take more risks in response to the climate change emergency, while others focused on how charities can highlight the impact to normal people. You can read more about the issues raised here.

Report analyses digital exclusion concerns

82% of charities are concerned about digital technology excluding service users and volunteers, according to a new report from Charity Digital. The vast majority of charities now use digital tools and technologies in their work, but there is a substantial gap in the amount of services users and volunteers who are able to access them due to costs and lack of confidence in digital skills.

New guidance published for councils working with smaller charities

The Local Government Association, the umbrella body for local authorities, has released new guidance to improve the relationships between councils and smaller voluntary sector organisations. The guidance recognised that the the difference in size between councils and smaller charities can affect working relationships, and their guidance comes with a raft of recommendations for council officers and councillors to consider when working with small VCSE organisations.

Every week VAC checks various sources for the latest funding opportunities relevant for Camden groups.

You can visit our website for a round up of the latest opportunities added this week: Search for Funding – Voluntary Action Camden (vac.org.uk).

We’ve included a selection of the latest funds below but check out our new funding portal for many more opportunities.

If you need help sourcing or applying for funds, get in touch with our consultancy service, free for all Camden groups!

• Veolia Sustainability Funding can provide cash sponsorship, in-kind resources or staff volunteers to support not-for-profit organisations and community groups to transform their local community or environment. Deadline of 30th September.
• Ockenden International Prize 2025 opens for entries for locally-based and/or refugee led organisations with projects proven to advance refugee self-reliance, and which reward and recognise the agency, dignity and autonomy of refugees and forced migrants anywhere in the world.
• Cash4Clubs 2024 programme is exclusively focused on supporting adult clubs. The scheme wants to offer funding to groups that deliver activities to over 18s only, with an emphasis on 18–25 year olds.
• Friends Provident Foundation aims to create a fair and sustainable economic system. Their one-time funding opportunity is for a small number of organisations in the UK to work alongside the Foundation to explore changing beliefs about the UK economy.
• Imperial Polythene is offering grants for charities, CIOs and CICs across the UK to deliver projects and activities that benefit local communities across the themes of environment, sustainability, creativity, and local problem-solving.
• Charles Plater Trust – Grants are available to local charities for projects which promote social justice through education in its broadest sense in England and Wales.

Energy Efficiency Coffee Morning at Coram’s Fields

Find out more about energy efficiency at this coffee morning hosted by Coram’s Fields on Thursday 26th September. Get practical tips on energy saving, along with a carbon monoxide awareness talk and register for the PSR-service with 2 free annual Gas Tests. Goodie bag included! To register or find out more about this new energy efficiency project contact katrina.raymond@coramsfields.org.uk. 93 Guildford Street, WC1N 1ND. 

Film Night at the People’s Museum 

Night at the Museum is back on Thursday 26th September with a one-off screening of ‘The White Flats’. The film explores Highgate New Town, council housing by legendary architect Peter Tábori, who also designed Oakshott Court. Followed by a Q&A with architects and filmmakers Rachel Stevenson, and Jo McCafferty, and drinks and chat over retro vinyl of the era. People’s Museum, 52 Phoenix Rd NW1 1ES.

Heath Hands Women’s Walk and Conker Championships

Join Heath Hands for a new free women-only health walk on Hampstead Heath, This will initially run once a month on the first Wednesday of the month, starting on Wednesday 2nd October, meeting at the entrance to the Heath opposite Hampstead Heath overground station. No need to book, just turn up, find the walk leaders and join the walk, ending with an optional cuppa at the base at the Hive. More information on all Hampstead Heath walks here.
Then, on Sunday 6th October, The annual conker championships return to the Parliament Hill Bandstand. Including nature activities, live music and the all-important conker contests. More information here. 

Free Family Bike Ride (Cycle to School Week)

Camden Cyclists are organising a family bike ride on Sunday 29th September to coincide with Cycle to School Week. This is a guided group ride for families. The route will pass close to various schools in Camden. The aim is to familiarise the participants with examples of routes they can take when cycling to school or activity clubs in Camden. This will help build confidence for people to cycle to school with their children and potentially enable older children to cycle to school independently. Contact the event organiser Suzanne Weller with any questions on ktride@camdencyclists.org.uk.

Reclaiming Narratives for Black History Month

Young Camden Foundation are hosting Reclaiming Narratives! – dedicated to honouring and celebrating the black community in Camden’s CYP sector on Thursday 3rd October. The event aims to highlight the importance of reclaiming and sharing black stories, amplifying voices that have been marginalised for too long, and will feature performances, a panel discussion and refreshments. 

Zen in Mind Free Community Festival 

The Zen Project and Mind in Camden bring to you another of their monthly festivals on Thursday 26th September to celebrate mental health and support the local Camden community. Open to all and all activities are free. Free food, massage, mindfulness sessions and more. Climb on board the big yellow American school bus and take part in one of the activities to help create some calm and ease anxiety. There is something for everyone. No need to book – just turn up. More information here.

Somali Marketplace Event

In partnership with the British Somali Community Centre, Camden Council is hosting a Somali community event to share information about the support and services here in Camden for children and adults who have disabilities or additional needs, and their parents. A Somali lunch will be provided.

24 September, 218 Eversholt St, Mornington Crescent, NW1 1BD

Play for Inclusion – a fundraising indie music night 

Join Learning Disability Network London for a night of live music and raise vital funds to support people with learning disabilities. Wednesday 25th September, The Strongroom, Shoreditch. Doors open at 7pm, Tickets cost £14. There are 4 amazing bands lined up: Coming up Roses, Lucas Button, Sweet Giant and The Carbonators. Find tickets and more info here.

Camden Youth Worker Forum: Collaboration & Partnership 

This forum from Young Camden Foundation is designed specifically for those working with children and young people in Camden and around our diverse Borough of Camden, part of their Level Up Youth Work series. The event will focus on the power of collaboration, and will hopefully encourage new partnerships in the room. There will be guest speakers, engaging discussions, and time for networking too. You’ll have the opportunity to connect with others working in the youth sector, share experiences, and hopefully learn from each other. Tuesday 24th September, 4.30 – 6.00pm.

Camden Community Centres’ Consortium’s AGM

Camden Community Centres’ Consortium’s AGM will take place on Thursday, October 3rd, 5:45pm-7pm, at Camden Town Hall’s Council Chamber. Over the past six months, we have been working hard to refocus our collaboration and increase the profile of community centres and spaces in Camden. If you are able to attend, here is the link to register. Please don’t hesitate to email admin@c4consortium.org.uk if you have any questions. 

Ethical Property Foundation Support Clinic & Webinar

The EPF are hosting an exclusive specialist advice clinic hosted in partnership with Utility Aid, on 26th September. Free slots are available on the day with experts. To register your interest in this event, please click here.
Then, on 3rd October, there is a free webinar, Negotiating and Managing Your Lease, run by experienced solicitors and surveyors. 

Chef Manager: Kentish Town Social Enterprise Café

Seeking an experienced and enthusiastic individual for an exciting opportunity to manage one of Unity Works’ social enterprise cafés in Kentish Town. The Café Manager will support and train people with a learning disability, whilst being responsible for the overall management and performance of the café. As part of this role, you will be training catering tasks such as barista skills, customer service and culinary skills. You will work as part of a dynamic team to provide a professional service delivering high quality food and drinks to the local community.
Closing Date: 21st September 

Survivors Can Shine – New Project Coordinator Role

Are you looking to make a real difference in the world? Are you passionate about inspiring the next generation of young change-makers? It’s an exciting time to get involved with Survivors Can Shine, who are looking for a motivated, agile and value-driven person to join their team to effectively deliver the ‘I Shine, Speak Out – Ambassadors for Change’ project. Survivors Can Shine believe that every child has the right to a safe and happy childhood. Their commitment is to ensure that every child knows their rights and the power of their voice. Join them on their mission to break the cycle of intergenerational abuse and empower children to build solid foundations to thrive. Find more information here.

Closing date: 25th September 

Day Care Officer – Day Care Centres 

Age UK Camden Day Care Centres are looking to recruit Day Care Officers to cover a range of hours and shifts across their two Day Care Centres. The centres provide a wide range of activities as well as being a specialist Day Care Centres caring for older people with complex needs. The Day Care Centres also provide a hot lunch and a range of special events. The dedicated, specialist team supports people with care needs, including those living with mild – moderate dementia and complex needs. 

Closing date: 25th September 

FEAST With Us Operations Manager

FEAST With Us are recruiting for an Operations Manager, reporting to the CEO. You’ll be the engine behind the charity’s day-to-day success and oversee the operational heart of the organisation, ensuring that nutritious meals and healthy eating services for people experiencing food insecurity in community venues in Camden, Islington, Barnet, Westminster and Haringey run smoothly, efficiently, and with maximum impact to service users. 

Closing date: 27th September

Trustees including Chair of Trustees at GOALYC

Gospel Oak Action Link Youth Club (GOALYC) is a Camden based Charity providing at no cost to users, a rich variety of sports, music, education and other activities to mostly disadvantaged young people in the Gospel Oak area. They are looking for Trustees who will guide the charity’s direction, upkeep, and policies, making key decisions that create a positive difference to our youth. If you are interested in becoming a GOALYC trustee, you can find out more by emailing mei@qcca.org.uk.

Adult Community Learning Tutors – Camden 

We are seeking enthusiastic and qualified tutors to join our adult community programme in Camden. Our adult learning programme supports adults with a learning disability to develop self-confidence, learn new skills and to improve their understanding of their local community. Please note tutors must have AET or a teaching qualification. For more information, please click here.

Closing Date: 30th September

Vacancies at Women at The Well

Recruiting for staff, trustees and volunteers: Women at The Well is a small day centre and outreach service for women facing multiple disadvantages, based in the King’s Cross area. They are currently recruiting:
•    Housekeeper/Cleaner (£15/hour, 9 hours/week, contract, holidays, pension; deadline ASAP);
•    Trustees (deadline 30 Sept);
•    Volunteers
Find out more and apply on the website: Paid roles here and volunteers/trustees here.

Supervisor (Mailing & Distribution Social Enterprise) 

Unity Works are seeking a dynamic and motivated individual to assist the Social Enterprise Manager in running the mailing and distribution social enterprise. The ideal candidate will be comfortable and confident dealing with customers as well as championing a real commitment to improving the lives of adults with a learning disability. A candidate with a background in customer service and developing community business opportunities would also be ideal. Part of the role will be to assist in the mentoring of trainees attending the social enterprise. For more information, please click here.

Closing Date: 15th October 

Volunteer at Somers Town People’s Museum

‘Story Bike Taxi’ Cyclist
The People’s Museum are looking for a community-minded, fit and outgoing person with a can do attitude and the ability to learn and make local connections. An opportunity to get involved in a growing intergenerational initiative with a social  prescribing purpose. This part time-role will cover expenses and include training for Outreach Promotion and cycling an passenger electric bike on market duties.

Art Facilitator
Engage a community in group art club sessions on Saturdays, 11-1pm. Expenses per hour and training will be provided. This role involves Project sessions of Printmaking/ Screenprint / T-shirts for the People’s Museum Centenary project. 
To find out more or apply, send your CV to info@aspaceforus.club.

Volunteering Opportunities at Abbey Community Centre

ACC are looking for volunteer befrienders to help reduce isolation by regularly visiting individuals over 60s in their homes and help provide ad hoc support. If you’re passionate in Children’s Services and family support, you can volunteer in assisting running creative and fun activities for under 5s whilst building relationships with their parents and carers. Other volunteering opportunities available and please contact vol-opps@abbeycc-kilburn.org.uk with any questions. 

Free BAFTA Award Winning Training in Digital & Broadcast Media

Apply now for 8 weeks of FREE intensive digital and broadcast media training delivered by the BAFTA winning charity MAMA Youth and BAFTA winning company, Licklemor Productions. Lunch and travel expenses provided to all trainees (travel covered within Greater London only). The training is open to all UK residents with a recommended age of 18-30 and with a passion for a career in media. Apply by Monday 28th October.

Nominations open for Camden Youth Awards 2024

Do you know a young person who has achieved something that deserves recognition? Will their story inspire and encourage others? If so, Camden Council’s Integrated Youth Support Service wants your nomination. Nominations for the Camden Youth Awards 2024 can come from other young people; professionals, including teachers, social workers and youth workers; parents, guardians or carers and local residents. Please submit your nominations before the deadline of 1 November 2024. You can nominate a Camden young person, a youth worker or a youth project – find out more about the categories and how to nominate an individual or project.

LCEP Climate & Emergency Resource Hub

This new resource hub from London Plus’ London Communities Emergencies Partnership contains reports, information and advice on emergency situations, include climate-based emergencies such as extreme heat or flooding. The hub provides support on planning for emergencies for charities and community based groups.

Local VCS Newsletters

If you would like your Camden VCS newsletter added to this list, please email social@vac.org.uk

Looking for a previous newsletter entry? Find it in our archive here

Find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here

Our mailing address is:
Greenwood Centre, Greenwood Place, London, NW5 1LB

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Navigate to:

Spotlight  |   Features, News and Policy  |   Funding   |   Events and Training   |
Jobs and Volunteering   |   Surveys, Resources and Opportunities

Communications Survey

Our Communications Survey will be running until mid September. If you haven’t had a chance to give your thoughts yet, please click this link and let us know how you’re feeling about how we communicate with you. 

Upcoming Training & Events

• Voluntary sector organisational structures; what’s right for you? 16^th September, 10:30am – 12:00pm
• Virtual: Understanding Gaming and Gambling Harms – Health and Social Care Focus 17th September, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
• Virtual Workshop: National Lottery – Awards for All Applications 18^th September, 10:00 am – 11:30 am
• Face-to-face: Introduction to Safeguarding for new starters and volunteers Crowndale Centre 218 Eversholt Street, NW1 1BD, 25^th September, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
• Face-to-face: Women and Girls’ Personal Safety and Awareness (In partnership with The Safeguarding Foundation) Crowndale Centre 218 Eversholt Street, NW1 1BD, 9^th October, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
• Camden Carers Service face to face session: Who Cares for the Carer? Voluntary Action Camden, 8-12 Camden High St, NW1 0JH, 13th November, 10:00 am – 11:30 am

Find out more here: https://vac.org.uk/news-and-events/events/

Open to VAC Members only

If you are a voluntary service or group delivering services in Camden and are not a member of VAC, please join here: https://vac.org.uk/get-involved/membership

A new report from Vestd has ranked the charity and non-for-profit sectors third out of 14 industries for employee retention. Charity workers average 4.3 years in one organisation, compared to 5.3 years in the manufacturing industry, which ranked first for retention. The report also studied the factors that play an important part in employees staying at their company/organisation.  

Charities struggling to meet certain banking regulations

The banking experience for charities continues to come under spotlight after a report revealed particular problem areas. The Financial Conduct Authority report indicated that charities with complex governance structures (for example, those with more than 100 trustees) face issues opening and processing bank accounts, while requirements imposed by banks to satisfy financial crime-regulated obligations often created difficulties for charity and non-profit organisations.

Charity Commission updates decision-making guidance

The Charity Commission have updated guidance article CC27, which is structured around 7 key principles for decision making. The new guidance now takes half the time to read and has been updated for conciseness with straight-forward language, in an aim to encourage more trustees to use it. You can find the updated guidance here. 

Every week VAC checks various sources for the latest funding opportunities relevant for Camden groups.

You can visit our website for a round up of the latest opportunities added this week: Search for Funding – Voluntary Action Camden (vac.org.uk).

We’ve included a selection of the latest funds below but check out our new funding portal for many more opportunities.
If you need help sourcing or applying for funds, get in touch with our consultancy service, free for all Camden groups!

• Sir Jules Thorn Charitable Trust grants are available to registered or exempt charities and NHS organisations to support the implementation of innovative models of health and care in the UK.
• Grassroots Grants provides unrestricted funding of up to £2,000 for small, local organisations in England who are making a positive difference in their communities.
• The National Garden Scheme’s Community Gardens Award provides grants for the creation of a garden or a similar project (such as an allotment) with horticultural focus for the benefit of the local community.
• Fight for Sight is offering grants for projects that support and empower children and young people who are blind and vision impaired with the tools to live independent and fulfilling lives. 
• The Ogden Trust School Partnerships Programme supports schools who want to collaborate on projects that enhance the teaching and learning of physics.
• VisitBritain’s Familiarisation Trip Fund provides UK tourism suppliers the opportunity to connect with international travel buyers to gain new ideas through a series of familiarisation visits, with a view to generating new business sales and growth.

Reclaiming Narratives for Black History Month

Young Camden Foundation are hosting Reclaiming Narratives! – dedicated to honouring and celebrating the black community in Camden’s CYP sector on Thursday 3rd October. The event aims to highlight the importance of reclaiming and sharing black stories, amplifying voices that have been marginalised for too long, and will feature performances, a panel discussion and refreshments. 

Zen in Mind Free Community Festival 

The Zen Project and Mind in Camden bring to you another of their monthly festivals on Thursday 26th September to celebrate mental health and support the local Camden community. Open to all and all activities are free. Free food, massage, mindfulness sessions and more. Climb on board the big yellow American school bus and take part in one of the activities to help create some calm and ease anxiety. There is something for everyone. No need to book – just turn up. More information here.

Somali Marketplace Event

In partnership with the British Somali Community Centre, Camden Council is hosting a Somali community event to share information about the support and services here in Camden for children and adults who have disabilities or additional needs, and their parents. A Somali lunch will be provided.
24 September, 218 Eversholt St, Mornington Crescent, NW1 1BD

Play for Inclusion – a fundraising indie music night 

Join Learning Disability Network London for a night of live music and raise vital funds to support people with learning disabilities. Wednesday 25th September, The Strongroom, Shoreditch. Doors open at 7pm, Tickets cost £14. There are 4 amazing bands lined up: Coming up Roses, Lucas Button, Sweet Giant and The Carbonators. Find tickets and more info here.

Active For All Day for disabled children and young people

Disabled children and young people aged eight and above (including adults) and their families are invited to come along to Talacre Community Sports Centre, in Kentish Town, NW5 3AF, for a day of free, fun activities. Try out a fantastic range of inclusive activities on Saturday 14 September, with a special appearance from a 2024 Olympic athlete. Activities include athletics, wheelchair roller sessions, new age kurling, boccia, adapted bikes, trampolining and rebound therapy, gymnastics, football, basketball and much more. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. 

Camden Youth Worker Forum: Collaboration & Partnership 

This forum from Young Camden Foundation is designed specifically for those working with children and young people in Camden and around our diverse Borough of Camden, part of their Level Up Youth Work series. The event will focus on the power of collaboration, and will hopefully encourage new partnerships in the room. There will be guest speakers, engaging discussions, and time for networking too. You’ll have the opportunity to connect with others working in the youth sector, share experiences, and hopefully learn from each other. Tuesday 24th September, 4.30 – 6.00pm.

Camden Community Centres’ Consortium’s AGM
Camden Community Centres’ Consortium’s AGM will take place on Thursday, October 3rd, 5:45pm-7pm, at Camden Town Hall’s Council Chamber. Over the past six months, we have been working hard to refocus our collaboration and increase the profile of community centres and spaces in Camden. If you are able to attend, here is the link to register. Please don’t hesitate to email admin@c4consortium.org.uk if you have any questions. 

Ethical Property Foundation Support Clinic & Webinar

The EPF are hosting an exclusive specialist advice clinic hosted in partnership with Utility Aid, on 26th September. Free slots are available on the day with experts. To register your interest in this event, please click here.
Then, on 3rd October, there is a free webinar, Negotiating and Managing Your Lease, run by experienced solicitors and surveyors. 

Supervisor (Mailing & Distribution Social Enterprise) 

Unity Works are seeking a dynamic and motivated individual to assist the Social Enterprise Manager in running the mailing and distribution social enterprise. The ideal candidate will be comfortable and confident dealing with customers as well as championing a real commitment to improving the lives of adults with a learning disability. A candidate with a background in customer service and developing community business opportunities would also be ideal. Part of the role will be to assist in the mentoring of trainees attending the social enterprise. For more information, please click here.
Closing Date: 15th October 

Survivors Can Shine – New Project Coordinator Role

Are you looking to make a real difference in the world? Are you passionate about inspiring the next generation of young change-makers? It’s an exciting time to get involved with Survivors Can Shine, who are looking for a motivated, agile and value-driven person to join their team to effectively deliver the ‘I Shine, Speak Out – Ambassadors for Change’ project. Survivors Can Shine believe that every child has the right to a safe and happy childhood. Their commitment is to ensure that every child knows their rights and the power of their voice. Join them on their mission to break the cycle of intergenerational abuse and empower children to build solid foundations to thrive. Find more information here.
Closing date: 25th September 

FEAST With Us Operations Manager

FEAST With Us are recruiting for an Operations Manager, reporting to the CEO. You’ll be the engine behind the charity’s day-to-day success and oversee the operational heart of the organisation, ensuring that nutritious meals and healthy eating services for people experiencing food insecurity in community venues in Camden, Islington, Barnet, Westminster and Haringey run smoothly, efficiently, and with maximum impact to service users.
Closing date: 27th September

Trustees including Chair of Trustees at GOALYC

Gospel Oak Action Link Youth Club (GOALYC) is a Camden based Charity providing at no cost to users, a rich variety of sports, music, education and other activities to mostly disadvantaged young people in the Gospel Oak area. They are looking for Trustees who will guide the charity’s direction, upkeep, and policies, making key decisions that create a positive difference to our youth. If you are interested in becoming a GOALYC trustee, you can find out more by emailing mei@qcca.org.uk.

Day Care Officer – Day Care Centres

 
Age UK Camden Day Care Centres are looking to recruit Day Care Officers to cover a range of hours and shifts across their two Day Care Centres. The centres provide a wide range of activities as well as being a specialist Day Care Centres caring for older people with complex needs. The Day Care Centres also provide a hot lunch and a range of special events. The dedicated, specialist team supports people with care needs, including those living with mild – moderate dementia and complex needs.
Closing date: 25th September 

Vacancies at Women at The Well

Recruiting for staff, trustees and volunteers: Women at The Well is a small day centre and outreach service for women facing multiple disadvantages, based in the King’s Cross area. They are currently recruiting:
•    Housekeeper/Cleaner (£15/hour, 9 hours/week, contract, holidays, pension; deadline ASAP);
•    Trustees (deadline 30 Sept);
•    Volunteers
Find out more and apply on the website: Paid roles here and volunteers/trustees here.

Young Carers Practitioner at The Children’s Society

Are you passionate about supporting young people to thrive? The Children’s Society are currently looking for an experienced young carers practitioner to join their dynamic, ambitious team. Your role will be to contribute to the overall provision of services for young carers in Camden & Islington, providing child-centred assessments, plans and interventions to support young carers to thrive, and reduce the impact of caring responsibilities. You will also support to deliver training and awareness raising sessions to relevant professionals and provide specialist help where necessary.
Deadline for applications: Wednesday 18th September

Chef Manager: Kentish Town Social Enterprise Café

Seeking an experienced and enthusiastic individual for an exciting opportunity to manage one of Unity Works’ social enterprise cafés in Kentish Town. The Café Manager will support and train people with a learning disability, whilst being responsible for the overall management and performance of the café. As part of this role, you will be training catering tasks such as barista skills, customer service and culinary skills. You will work as part of a dynamic team to provide a professional service delivering high quality food and drinks to the local community.
Closing Date: 21st September 
 

Adult Community Learning Tutors – Camden 

We are seeking enthusiastic and qualified tutors to join our adult community programme in Camden. Our adult learning programme supports adults with a learning disability to develop self-confidence, learn new skills and to improve their understanding of their local community. Please note tutors must have AET or a teaching qualification. For more information, please click here.
Closing Date: 30th September

Hampstead Wells and Campden Trust – Trustee Recruitment

A local charity in NW Camden dedicated to the relief of poverty, health inequalities and homelessness. We’re looking for enthusiastic and engaged Trustees to join our team. This is a voluntary role, with expenses covered. Please contact our Director, Stuart Woltkamp-Moon, at stuart@hwct.org.uk to discuss the position. More information about the HWCT can be found here.

Volunteering Opportunities at Abbey Community Centre

ACC are looking for volunteer befrienders to help reduce isolation by regularly visiting individuals over 60s in their homes and help provide ad hoc support. If you’re passionate in Children’s Services and family support, you can volunteer in assisting running creative and fun activities for under 5s whilst building relationships with their parents and carers. Other volunteering opportunities available and please contact vol-opps@abbeycc-kilburn.org.uk with any questions. 

Startup School for Seniors 

Startup School for Seniors is an eight-week, part-time eLearning course for over-50s starting September 19th who are looking to start their own businesses. This course is for you if you:

• Have always wanted to start a business but have no idea how to start
• Would welcome meeting others with whom you can share your business idea & receive feedback
• Want to build your confidence and improve your chance of success
• Want to create an income stream from your hobby, passion or work experience

Run by social enterprise, Advantages of Age, the course is delivered online by entrepreneur Suzanne Noble and business coach Mark Elliott. They create a fun, interactive learning experience and support you in progressing week by week. Fully funded places are available to qualified London residents.

YCF Young Ambassadors Programme

Young Camden Foundation are sending out one last call for applications for their Young Ambassadors Programme. The final deadline for applications is Monday (16/09), and they are particularly keen to get more women and girls aged 16-21 to apply. Successful participants will get paid London Living wage for the year-long programme which will enable you to develop your skills and get involved in youth participation initiatives in the local community. To apply, fill out this form. 

Volunteer with Camden’s Youth Justice Service

Do you have an interest in your local community and youth crime rates? Want to help children make positive changes in their lives? Enhance your own skill set and work experience? Camden Youth Justice Service recruits volunteers as Referral Order Panel Members. You will work with children aged 10-17 who have attended court for the first time. Full training is provided, as well as support and supervision. For more information or to request an application form, please download the flyer, email jaynita.haria@camden.gov.uk or call Jaynita on 020 7974 6582. Closing date is 20 September.

Local VCS Newsletters

If you would like your Camden VCS newsletter added to this list, please email social@vac.org.uk

Looking for a previous newsletter entry? Find it in our archive here

Find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here

Our mailing address is:
Greenwood Centre, Greenwood Place, London, NW5 1LB

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Navigate to:

Spotlight  |   Features, News and Policy  |   Funding   |   Events and Training   |
Jobs and Volunteering   |   Surveys, Resources and Opportunities

Communications Survey

You may have seen a notice from us last week about our Communications Survey, which will be running until midway through September. If you haven’t had a chance to give your thoughts yet, please click this link and let us know how you’re feeling about how we communicate with you. 

Upcoming Training & Events

• Virtual Webinar: Conflict Management 12th September, 10:00 am – 11:00 am
• Voluntary sector organisational structures; what’s right for you? 16^th September, 10:30am – 12:00pm
• Virtual: Understanding Gaming and Gambling Harms – Health and Social Care Focus 17th September, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
• Virtual Workshop: National Lottery – Awards for All Applications 18^th September, 10:00 am – 11:30 am
• Face-to-face: Introduction to Safeguarding for new starters and volunteers Crowndale Centre 218 Eversholt Street, NW1 1BD, 25^th September, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
• Face-to-face: Women and Girls’ Personal Safety and Awareness (In partnership with The Safeguarding Foundation) Crowndale Centre 218 Eversholt Street, NW1 1BD, 9^th October, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
• Camden Carers Service face to face session: Who Cares for the Carer? Voluntary Action Camden, 8-12 Camden High St, NW1 0JH, 13th November, 10:00 am – 11:30 am

Find out more here: https://vac.org.uk/news-and-events/events/

Open to VAC Members only
If you are a voluntary service or group delivering services in Camden and are not a member of VAC, please join here: https://vac.org.uk/get-involved/membership

A new report from Pro Bono Economics has shed light on the difficulties faced by a majority of charities in 2024. The findings indicate that challenges in recruitment and funding are having a major impact on many charities capacity to meet demand for their services.

Fundraising Regulator welcomes feedback on new code

Charities have been invited to look at and comment on the new revised Code of Fundraising Practice, in the final stage of an open consultation launched by the Fundraising Regulator. The code aims to establish standards of fundraising for charitable organisations and third party fundraisers. The consultation is open until 1 November 2024.

Survey reveals gap in charity social media engagement

A new survey from Eden Stanley explored the untapped potential for engaging with older social media users about charitable causes. Many older generations are using social media regularly, meaning there are lots of opportunities for charities to engage with them online and thereby spread their message and have more of an impact on public policy. 

Every week VAC checks various sources for the latest funding opportunities relevant for Camden groups.

You can visit our website for a round up of the latest opportunities added this week: Search for Funding – Voluntary Action Camden (vac.org.uk).

We’ve included a selection of the latest funds below but check out our new funding portal for many more opportunities.

If you need help sourcing or applying for funds, get in touch with our consultancy service, free for all Camden groups!

• Go! London Foundation Fund for community sport and physical activity projects for young Londoners.
• Jerwood Foundation is offering grants to UK-based organisations that focus on making art available for public benefit and promoting emerging talent in the arts.
• Arnold Clark Community Fund offers grants for Cost of Living support, community support, and gear up for sport projects.
• Clarion Futures funding is for organisations seeking to deliver innovative, well-designed projects that support Clarion residents and the wider community to address digital exclusion.
• BlueSpark Foundation supports projects to improve the education and development of children and young people through educational, cultural, sporting and other activities.
• Legal & General Health Equity Fund is set up to explore the role of business in reducing health inequalities in the UK.

Play for Inclusion – a fundraising indie music night 

Join Learning Disability Network London for a night of live music and raise vital funds to support people with learning disabilities. Wednesday 25th September, The Strongroom, Shoreditch. Doors open at 7pm, Tickets cost £14. There are 4 amazing bands lined up: Coming up Roses, Lucas Button, Sweet Giant and The Carbonators. Find tickets and more info here.

Active For All Day for disabled children and young people

Disabled children and young people aged eight and above (including adults) and their families are invited to come along to Talacre Community Sports Centre, in Kentish Town, NW5 3AF, for a day of free, fun activities. Try out a fantastic range of inclusive activities on Saturday 14 September, with a special appearance from a 2024 Olympic athlete. Activities include athletics, wheelchair roller sessions, new age kurling, boccia, adapted bikes, trampolining and rebound therapy, gymnastics, football, basketball and much more. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. 

DBS Eligibility and Legal Duty to Refer Webinar

DBS are hosting a webinar on Wednesday 9th October which will be of value to those; who have recruitment / management / safeguarding responsibilities; are involved in safer recruitment processes; recruit or manage those in regulated activity; and/or are responsible for making DBS referrals. The webinar will cover: • Understanding DBS checks and role eligibility, including levels of check and workforce • How “regulated activity” with children and adults is defined and what this means in practice • DBS Update Service • The three different referral routes, and much more. You can register here. 

Merit Donated Computers Scheme – Meet the Funder

Does your organisation support individuals to get online and need devices to do so? Merit will be donating laptops and desktops (including keyboard, mouse, monitor and cables) in time for Christmas. All devices will have a minimum specification to run Windows 10, MacOS Big Sur or Linux Mint. If you wish your organisation to be considered, attend their webinar on Tuesday 10th September or visit the website.

Collective Homework club at Latin American House

 Do you have a lot of errands to run? Need help? Do you want to bring your child together in a collective learning space? Worry no longer, bring your kids every Saturday at 1 pm, we’ll take care of the rest! Email info@casalatina.org.uk for more information.

Camden Youth Worker Forum: Collaboration & Partnership 

This forum from Young Camden Foundation is designed specifically for those working with children and young people in Camden and around our diverse Borough of Camden, part of their Level Up Youth Work series. The event will focus on the power of collaboration, and will hopefully encourage new partnerships in the room. There will be guest speakers, engaging discussions, and time for networking too. You’ll have the opportunity to connect with others working in the youth sector, share experiences, and hopefully learn from each other. Tuesday 24th September, 4.30 – 6.00pm.

Camden Community Centres’ Consortium’s AGM

Camden Community Centres’ Consortium’s AGM will take place on Thursday, October 3rd, 5:45pm-7pm, at Camden Town Hall’s Council Chamber. Over the past six months, we have been working hard to refocus our collaboration and increase the profile of community centres and spaces in Camden. If you are able to attend, here is the link to register. Please don’t hesitate to email admin@c4consortium.org.uk if you have any questions. 

Ethical Property Foundation Support Clinic & Webinar

The EPF are hosting an exclusive specialist advice clinic hosted in partnership with Utility Aid, on 26th September. Free slots are available on the day with experts. To register your interest in this event, please click here.
Then, on 3rd October, there is a free webinar, Negotiating and Managing Your Lease, run by experienced solicitors and surveyors. 

The National Youth Ballet present Evolving Visions 

National Youth Ballet is thrilled to announce an exciting offer for local families to join them at the upcoming performance of Evolving Visions at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, on Sunday 8 September at 19:30. Embracing a variety of dance and music languages, Evolving Visions reflects NYB’s ongoing commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for young people, combining personal development with artistic excellence. Register your interest in our limited allocation of complimentary tickets by filling out the form before ASAP. 

VCC Autumn 2024 Camden and Islington Volunteering Fair 

Join Volunteer Centre Camden online and meet local groups recruiting volunteers now. This fair takes place on Thursday 12th September, 12.30-2pm. Sign up for the Zoom link here. If you are an organisation that would like to recruit volunteers at this fair contact Sheila by email: sheila@volunteercentrecamden.org.uk.

Young Carers Practitioner at The Children’s Society

Are you passionate about supporting young people to thrive? The Children’s Society are currently looking for an experienced young carers practitioner to join their dynamic, ambitious team. Your role will be to contribute to the overall provision of services for young carers in Camden & Islington, providing child-centred assessments, plans and interventions to support young carers to thrive, and reduce the impact of caring responsibilities. You will also support to deliver training and awareness raising sessions to relevant professionals and provide specialist help where necessary.
Deadline for applications: Wednesday 18th September

Vacancies at Women at The Well

Recruiting for staff, trustees and volunteers: Women at The Well is a small day centre and outreach service for women facing multiple disadvantages, based in the King’s Cross area. They are currently recruiting:
•    Support Workers (Full-time, £30,202; deadline 11 September);
•    Housekeeper/Cleaner (£15/hour, 9 hours/week, contract, holidays, pension; deadline ASAP);
•    Trustees (deadline 30 Sept);
•    Volunteers
Find out more and apply on the website: Paid roles here and volunteers/trustees here.

Chef Manager: Kentish Town Social Enterprise Café

Seeking an experienced and enthusiastic individual for an exciting opportunity to manage one of Unity Works’ social enterprise cafés in Kentish Town. The Café Manager will support and train people with a learning disability, whilst being responsible for the overall management and performance of the café. As part of this role, you will be training catering tasks such as barista skills, customer service and culinary skills. You will work as part of a dynamic team to provide a professional service delivering high quality food and drinks to the local community.
Closing Date: 21st September 

Haringey Community Collaborative Capacity Building Lead

Haringey Community Collaborative (a partnership between Mind in Haringey and Public Voice CIC), are looking for a Community Development Lead to join our team in supporting the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) in Haringey. The role involves providing one-to-one and group capacity building support, facilitating funding opportunities, designing and delivering training and workshops, and promoting collaboration and networking. Find out more and apply here.
Closing date: 9th September 

Adult Community Learning Tutors – Camden 

We are seeking enthusiastic and qualified tutors to join our adult community programme in Camden. Our adult learning programme supports adults with a learning disability to develop self-confidence, learn new skills and to improve their understanding of their local community. Please note tutors must have AET or a teaching qualification. For more information, please click here.
Closing Date: 30th September

Vacancies at St Pancras Community Association

Saint Pancras Community Association (SPCA) is a charity delivering high quality services for Camden residents, especially the lively and diverse community of the St Pancras and Somers Town ward. They are currently looking for: 

Caretaker/Cleaner
Provide a staff presence in a community centre after 5pm and weekend so that people feel welcome and safe and the building is secure. Set out rooms, so that community activities can be run on site. General cleaning.

Community Kitchen Volunteer 
SPCA’s Community kitchen will provide a warm space, healthy eating options, as well as a range of other community benefits such as reduced social isolation and skills development. This role is to support the Community Café Manager to run the kitchen. Ideally you will be able to commit to at least 5 hours on Thursdays, but as we understand people lead busy lives so you can volunteer on between 3.00pm-6.30pm.
Please email jobs@spca.org.uk if you are interested in applying.

Hampstead Wells and Campden Trust – Trustee Recruitment

A local charity in NW Camden dedicated to the relief of poverty, health inequalities and homelessness. We’re looking for enthusiastic and engaged Trustees to join our team. This is a voluntary role, with expenses covered. Please contact our Director, Stuart Woltkamp-Moon, at stuart@hwct.org.uk to discuss the position. More information about the HWCT can be found here.

Volunteering Opportunities at Abbey Community Centre

ACC are looking for volunteer befrienders to help reduce isolation by regularly visiting individuals over 60s in their homes and help provide ad hoc support. If you’re passionate in Children’s Services and family support, you can volunteer in assisting running creative and fun activities for under 5s whilst building relationships with their parents and carers. Other volunteering opportunities available and please contact vol-opps@abbeycc-kilburn.org.uk with any questions. 

Volunteer with Camden’s Youth Justice Service

Do you have an interest in your local community and youth crime rates? Want to help children make positive changes in their lives? Enhance your own skill set and work experience? Camden Youth Justice Service recruits volunteers as Referral Order Panel Members. You will work with children aged 10-17 who have attended court for the first time. Full training is provided, as well as support and supervision. For more information or to request an application form, please download the flyer, email jaynita.haria@camden.gov.uk or call Jaynita on 020 7974 6582. Closing date is 20 September.

Legacies How to Guide for Fundraisers

The second of a free series in “How to” Guides has been published by Civil Society Media and Fundraising Magazine. The How to Guide: Legacies gives tips on inspiring supporters to leave legacy donations, as well as offering case studies and practical information all about building legacy plans and programmes.

Free Digital Skills Courses in Camden Community Venues

If you want to develop your digital skills, Camden Adult Community Learning offers a range of courses starting later in September. All the laptops and tablets are provided, and courses in community venues are offered across Camden, so there is bound to be something near you! Choose from beginners’ or improvers’ courses, digital skills for finding a job, or more advanced courses in digital photography, child online safety, MS Excel, podcasting and more. Autumn courses are now open for enrolment here, and you can check out the autumn course guide here.

Easyfundraising’s Community Champions – win £250 donation

Is there someone in your organisation who’s a real champion? Easyfundraising is on the search for the people who go above and beyond or make everyone’s day a little brighter. Three incredible people deserving of some much-needed recognition and appreciation will be chosen as easyfundraising’s Community Champions and will win a £250 donation for their organisation, as well as £250 to treat themselves to something special. To nominate your champion, fill in the short online form before 30th September and tell easyfundraising why this person is so amazing. 

Local VCS Newsletters

If you would like your Camden VCS newsletter added to this list, please email social@vac.org.uk

Looking for a previous newsletter entry? Find it in our archive here

Find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here

Our mailing address is:
Greenwood Centre, Greenwood Place, London, NW5 1LB

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Interim CEO announcement

A message from our interim CEO, Dianne Carlton Ogunyemi:

Many of our community partners, members and colleagues know me from my work developing, planning and delivering training for the Community Safeguarding Project, which I have led in earnest since April 2018.

What started as a pilot project in response to the death of Victoria Climbié in 2000, has evolved and expanded into a personalised, responsive, and integral service; sensitive to the needs of its organisations, communities and groups, and I am proud of the work achieved so far.

With the departure of our CEO Keith Morgan, I am honoured to accept the role of interim chief executive officer at VAC, and deeply appreciate the trust and confidence the board have placed in me during this important period of transition.

While our trustees complete the final stages of recruitment for our new CEO; on behalf of the entire team at VAC I would like to express our gratitude to Keith Morgan for his passion drive and leadership. We wish him all the best and wait to hear of the fantastic work he will go on to achieve at Prostate Cancer UK.

The safeguarding of children and young people has been my passion for the past 15 years, and this will continue to take centre stage with the renewal of the CSP contract, funded by Camden’s Safeguarding Children’s Partnership this year. Thank you to the partners, co-workers, former colleagues, new and old friends for your kind words, encouragement and promise of ongoing support.

As we move forward, I am committed to ensuring the team are supported and strengthened while we navigate this period of transition together.

Best wishes to all.

Dianne

Communications Survey
You may have seen a notice from us earlier in the week about our Communications Survey, which will be running until midway through September. If you haven’t had a chance to give your thoughts yet, please click this link and let us know how you’re feeling about how we communicate with you. 

Upcoming Training & Events

• Virtual Webinar: Conflict Management 12th September, 10:00 am – 11:00 am
• Voluntary sector organisational structures; what’s right for you? 16^th September, 10:30am – 12:00pm
• Virtual: Understanding Gaming and Gambling Harms – Health and Social Care Focus 17th September, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
• Virtual Workshop: National Lottery – Awards for All Applications 18^th September, 10:00 am – 11:30 am
• Face-to-face: Introduction to Safeguarding for new starters and volunteers Crowndale Centre 218 Eversholt Street, NW1 1BD, 25^th September, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
• Face-to-face: Women and Girls’ Personal Safety and Awareness (In partnership with The Safeguarding Foundation) Crowndale Centre 218 Eversholt Street, NW1 1BD, 9^th October, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
• Camden Carers Service face to face session: Who Cares for the Carer? Voluntary Action Camden, 8-12 Camden High St, NW1 0JH, 13th November, 10:00 am – 11:30 am

Find out more here: https://vac.org.uk/news-and-events/events/

Open to VAC Members only
If you are a voluntary service or group delivering services in Camden and are not a member of VAC, please join here: https://vac.org.uk/get-involved/membership

Issues and opportunities for membership-based charities
New research into charities utilising membership-based models has collected a number of insights into how such models have a positive impact but also raise spaces for growth. The Strength in Numbers report, published by consultants Lucent, analysed different membership-based charities and talks about the ways membership can provide stability and trust, but also how some versions of the model can be outdated and create barriers.

UK children show low life satisfaction, report says
A new report from The Children’s Society has been released, which reveals stark findings about child wellbeing in the UK. The report collected and analysed data from a number of sources, and gives insights into children and young people’s relationships with family and school, as well as comparing for gender and with other European countries. You can read The Good Childhood Report here.

Every week VAC checks various sources for the latest funding opportunities relevant for Camden groups.

You can visit our website for a round up of the latest opportunities added this week: Search for Funding – Voluntary Action Camden (vac.org.uk).

We’ve included a selection of the latest funds below but check out our new funding portal for many more opportunities.

If you need help sourcing or applying for funds, get in touch with our consultancy service, free for all Camden groups!

• Prudence Trust is offering grants of between for charities and community interest companies across the UK that deliver evidence-based, specialist eating disorder services for children and young people aged between 11 and 25, and their families (deadline for applications is 2nd September).
• Youth Safety Multi-Media Competition – apply for funding before 30 September. Camden’s annual Youth Safety Multi-Media Competition is open to children and young people in Camden aged 10 to 18. Entries must be by children and young people in partnership with their school, youth organisation or play centre. If you don’t require funding for your project, you can still enter the competition up until the closing date of 8 November.
• The Paul Hamlyn Foundation Ideas and Pioneers Fund provides grants to individuals, groups and small organisations who want to explore an innovative new idea or approach for change. The funding is intended to help develop early-stage ideas and wants to support people aged 18-30 who have lived experience of the issues their ideas are looking to address or who have been let down or harmed by current systems.
• D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust for advancement of the arts, medical welfare and the environment.
• The government is providing grants through the Heat Networks Delivery Unit (HNDU) to help identify, evaluate and develop new heating and cooling networks and the expansion of existing heating and cooling networks in England and Wales.
• The Motability Foundation supports the travel needs of disabled people across the UK through its grant programme which supports disabled people through other charities and organisations who provide transport, help to access it, or research how to make transport accessible. 

Camden Youth Worker Forum: Collaboration & Partnership 

This forum from Young Camden Foundation is designed specifically for those working with children and young people in Camden and around our diverse Borough of Camden, part of their Level Up Youth Work series. The event will focus on the power of collaboration, and will hopefully encourage new partnerships in the room. There will be guest speakers, engaging discussions, and time for networking too. You’ll have the opportunity to connect with others working in the youth sector, share experiences, and hopefully learn from each other. Tuesday 24th September, 4.30 – 6.00pm.

Camden Community Centres’ Consortium’s AGM

Camden Community Centres’ Consortium’s AGM will take place on Thursday, October 3rd, 5:45pm-7pm, at Camden Town Hall’s Council Chamber. Over the past six months, we have been working hard to refocus our collaboration and increase the profile of community centres and spaces in Camden. If you are able to attend, here is the link to register. Please don’t hesitate to email admin@c4consortium.org.uk if you have any questions. 

Ethical Property Foundation Support Clinic & Webinar

The EPF are hosting an exclusive specialist advice clinic hosted in partnership with Utility Aid, on 26th September. Free slots are available on the day with experts. To register your interest in this event, please click here.
Then, on 3rd October, there is a free webinar, Negotiating and Managing Your Lease, run by experienced solicitors and surveyors. 

Mentoring & Befriending Coordinator at Advice for Renters

Advice for renters is recruiting a Mentoring & Befriending Coordinator. You will be creating connections that bring warmth, understanding and practical help to those who need it most. By pairing volunteers with service users, you will combat social isolation and contribute to the overall wellbeing of our community. Your dedication and commitment will empower individuals to be more independent, making a lasting difference to their lives.
Closing date: Friday 30th August

Holborn Venues Events Co-ordinator

Holborn Venues are looking for a full time Events Co-ordinator. The Events Co-ordinator will join a small team running a wide-ranging events programme within the church and adjoining buildings. The role is varied and includes setting up events spaces, liaising with customers and creating social media content. Evening and weekend work required on a rota basis. To apply, send an up-to-date CV and covering letter addressing the main requirements of the post to vacancy@standrewholborn.org.uk.
Closing date: 2nd September.

3 Vacancies at St Pancras Community Association

Saint Pancras Community Association (SPCA) is a charity delivering high quality services for Camden residents, especially the lively and diverse community of the St Pancras and Somers Town ward. 

Marketing and Communications Executive
SPCA are seeking a talented Marketing and Communications Executive to play a crucial role in raising SPCA’s brand in the community. You will be responsible for the marketing and communications strategy and content; manage key communications channels including our website, newsletters, and social media; and coordinate with colleagues to generate content across the organisation. This exciting role would suit someone looking to move from a corporate communications and marketing role into the charity sector or someone already working in the sector seeking a new challenge and drive and shape the future of SPCA.
Closing Date: 02 September

Caretaker/Cleaner

Provide a staff presence in a community centre after 5pm and weekend so that people feel welcome and safe and the building is secure. Set out rooms, so that community activities can be run on site. General cleaning.

Community Kitchen Volunteer 
SPCA’s Community kitchen will provide a warm space, healthy eating options, as well as a range of other community benefits such as reduced social isolation and skills development. This role is to support the Community Café Manager to run the kitchen. Ideally you will be able to commit to at least 5 hours on Thursdays, but as we understand people lead busy lives so you can volunteer on between 3.00pm-6.30pm.
Please email jobs@spca.org.uk if you are interested in applying.

Haringey Community Collaborative Capacity Building Lead

Haringey Community Collaborative (a partnership between Mind in Haringey and Public Voice CIC), are looking for a Community Development Lead to join our team in supporting the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) in Haringey. The role involves providing one-to-one and group capacity building support, facilitating funding opportunities, designing and delivering training and workshops, and promoting collaboration and networking. Find out more and apply here.
Closing date: 9th September 

Adult Community Learning Tutors – Camden 

We are seeking enthusiastic and qualified tutors to join our adult community programme in Camden. Our adult learning programme supports adults with a learning disability to develop self-confidence, learn new skills and to improve their understanding of their local community. Please note tutors must have AET or a teaching qualification. For more information, please click here.
Closing Date: 30th September

Hampstead Wells and Campden Trust – Trustee Recruitment

A local charity in NW Camden dedicated to the relief of poverty, health inequalities and homelessness. We’re looking for enthusiastic and engaged Trustees to join our team. This is a voluntary role, with expenses covered. Please contact our Director, Stuart Woltkamp-Moon, at stuart@hwct.org.uk to discuss the position. More information about the HWCT can be found here.

Volunteering Opportunities at Abbey Community Centre

ACC are looking for volunteer befrienders to help reduce isolation by regularly visiting individuals over 60s in their homes and help provide ad hoc support. If you’re passionate in Children’s Services and family support, you can volunteer in assisting running creative and fun activities for under 5s whilst building relationships with their parents and carers. Other volunteering opportunities available and please contact vol-opps@abbeycc-kilburn.org.uk with any questions. 

Communications Volunteer (women only) at Clean Break

Clean Break provides theatre and writing based opportunities, including workshops from their studios in Kentish Town NW5 for women who have experience of the criminal justice system, or who are risk of entering it. Their Communications team are looking for a volunteer (see Job pack at the bottom of the page) to support the upkeep of social media channels and website. You will be working with the Communications Manger to plan, write, design and schedule social media and website content.

LIFT Digital Marketing Futures programme

This short and intensive programme is specifically for people who would have completed a Digital marketing course in the past 2 years and want to get some help in preparing to work in the field. The only criteria is to be a resident of Camden, Islington, Tower Hamlets or Hackney aged 18 and over.
•    Get advice from recruitment teams and hiring managers from leading digital marketing agencies.
•    In depth workshops to improve your presentation skills, maths assessment, excel, showcasing your current experience.
•    Access to interviews for live roles, paid internships, and 2 days of work experience.

Audio messages in Bengali & Somali for NHS Healthy Start scheme

Camden Public Health has worked with local community volunteers to develop audio messages in Bengali and Somali languages for WhatsApp groups, to raise awareness on the NHS Healthy Start scheme. If you are pregnant or have a child under 4 years, you may be eligible for financial support through the scheme. 

Camden Women’s Safety Survey

We want Camden to be a safe place for everyone, but sadly, we know too many women don’t feel safe when they’re out and about on our streets. The council would like to hear the experiences of women and girls in Camden to understand how safe you feel living, working and travelling in our borough. The survey should take up to five to six minutes and will build on the work from their first survey in 2022. Survey link here. The survey closes on 7th Oct 2024. For more information, please contact savannah.ray@camden.gov.uk.

Local VCS Newsletters

If you would like your Camden VCS newsletter added to this list, please email social@vac.org.uk

Looking for a previous newsletter entry? Find it in our archive here

Find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here

Our mailing address is:
Greenwood Centre, Greenwood Place, London, NW5 1LB

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Navigate to:

Spotlight  |   Features, News and Policy  |   Funding   |   Events and Training   |
Jobs and Volunteering   |   Surveys, Resources and Opportunities

Checking in with… Vania, Membership Development Officer 

Vania Guetova is our part-time Membership Development Officer at Voluntary Action Camden. She has worked across multiple London boroughs in the voluntary and statutory sectors and has a wealth of experience in the voluntary sector capacity building, project and networks management and membership engagement.

If you need information and support about how to start a community group, or register a charity or social enterprise, if you need support in developing your policies, searching and finding funding for your projects, finding premises, attending capacity building training and joining VAC’s Networks for peer support, sharing knowledge and strengthening the VCS ‘ voice in decision-making contact us via our website – Consultancy for Charities & Community Groups – VAC and complete our VAC enquiry form or email vguetova@vac.org.uk

The easiest way to receive VAC support is to sign as a VAC member and to join VAC’s ever growing Network of members from across the Voluntary Sector in Camden, please fill out our online form.

Communications Survey!

We’re really keen to hear from you about how we communicate – through our newsletter, our social media, our emails and otherwise. We will be sending out a survey next week with a few key questions which will give us some valuable insights into how and what you want to hear from us. The survey will be short and sweet and should take no longer than 5 minutes to complete. We’d be really grateful if you could take some time out to give us your perspective. 

Upcoming Training & Events

• Camden Carers Service: face to face session Voluntary Action Camden, 8-12 Camden High St, NW1 0JH, 27th August, 10am – 11.30am

• Virtual: Understanding Gaming and Gambling Harms – Health and Social Care Focus 17th September, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

• Introduction to Safeguarding for new starters and volunteers Crowndale Centre, 218 Eversholt St, NW1 1B, 25th September,10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Research indicates high level of public trust in charities 
The Charity Commission have published research into the level of public trust in charities. Their findings reveal that the public trust in charities is at it’s highest since 2014, and cited that that information about how money is spent by a charity is the single most important factor for most people. The research also investigated trustee awareness of their responsibilities and their relationship with the Commission.

BHF find joy with “micro-volunteering”
Sarah Boardman, retail volunteering operations manager at the British Heart Foundation, wrote recently about how the charity has discovered and embraced trends in flexible shift patterns for volunteers. Increasingly BHF are finding that, for younger people especially, “micro-volunteering” is very popular – irregular and ad-hoc shifts rather than formal or long term patterns.

Every week VAC checks various sources for the latest funding opportunities relevant for Camden groups.

You can visit our website for a round up of the latest opportunities added this week: Search for Funding – Voluntary Action Camden (vac.org.uk).

We’ve included a selection of the latest funds below but check out our new funding portal for many more opportunities.
If you need help sourcing or applying for funds, get in touch with our consultancy service, free for all Camden groups!

• The Hampstead Wells and Campden Trust aims to alleviate poverty and support health and wellbeing in north Camden, focusing especially (but not only) on debt advice, homelessness and mental health and we have supported vital local services to cope with the cost of living crisis.
• The Edge Fund is offering 40 grants to communities and campaign groups based in the UK and Republic of Ireland that are working for social, economic and environmental justice.
• Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Inspire Fund is open to projects that both; engage with underserved audiences on the topic of dementia, such as minority ethnic communities, marginalised or socio-economically disadvantaged people, and build knowledge and understanding about brain health (in the context of dementia risk reduction) and explore ways to encourage behaviour change.
• The Metropolitan Public Gardens Association is offering grants for charities, community groups, and other organisations across Greater London to deliver projects that preserve or enhance green spaces that are accessible to the public.
• National Archives’ Resilience Grants Programme has been designed to support archive services, organisations with archives, and archives networks to be adaptable, resilient and sustainable, creating lasting solutions that enable them to respond to change, and contribute to communities and the economy.

VAC UPCOMING TRAINING

• Camden Carers Service: face to face session. VAC office, 8-12 Camden High St, NW1 0JH, 27th August, 10am – 11.30am

• Virtual: Understanding Gaming and Gambling Harms – Health and Social Care Focus 17th September, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm 

• Introduction to Safeguarding for new starters and volunteers Crowndale Centre, 218 Eversholt St, NW1 1B, 25th September,10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Haringey Community Collaborative Capacity Building Lead

Haringey Community Collaborative (a partnership between Mind in Haringey and Public Voice CIC), are looking for a Community Development Lead to join our team in supporting the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) in Haringey. The role involves providing one-to-one and group capacity building support, facilitating funding opportunities, designing and delivering training and workshops, and promoting collaboration and networking. Find out more and apply here.
Closing date: 09 September 

Communications Volunteer (women only) at Clean Break
Clean Break provides theatre and writing based opportunities, including workshops from their studios in Kentish Town NW5 for women who have experience of the criminal justice system, or who are risk of entering it. Their Communications team are looking for a volunteer (see Job pack at the bottom of the page) to support the upkeep of social media channels and website. You will be working with the Communications Manger to plan, write, design and schedule social media and website content.

Supervisor (Mailing & Distribution Social Enterprise) – Kentish Town
Unity Works are seeking a dynamic and motivated individual to assist the Social Enterprise Manager in running their mailing and distribution social enterprise. The ideal candidate will be comfortable and confident dealing with customers as well as championing a real commitment to improving the lives of adults with a learning disability, with a background in customer service and developing community business opportunities. Part of the role will be assisting in the mentoring of trainees attending the social enterprise.
Closing Date: 23rd August

Mentoring & Befriending Coordinator at Advice for Renters

Advice for renters is recruiting a Mentoring & Befriending Coordinator. You will be creating connections that bring warmth, understanding and practical help to those who need it most. By pairing volunteers with service users, you will combat social isolation and contribute to the overall wellbeing of our community. Your dedication and commitment will empower individuals to be more independent, making a lasting difference to their lives.
Closing date: Friday 30th August

Holborn Venues Events Co-ordinator

Holborn Venues are looking for a full time Events Co-ordinator. The Events Co-ordinator will join a small team running a wide-ranging events programme within the church and adjoining buildings. The role is varied and includes setting up events spaces, liaising with customers and creating social media content. Evening and weekend work required on a rota basis. To apply, send an up-to-date CV and covering letter addressing the main requirements of the post to vacancy@standrewholborn.org.uk.
Closing date: 2nd September.

3 Vacancies at St Pancras Community Association

Saint Pancras Community Association (SPCA) is a charity delivering high quality services for Camden residents, especially the lively and diverse community of the St Pancras and Somers Town ward. 

Marketing and Communications Executive
SPCA are seeking a talented Marketing and Communications Executive to play a crucial role in raising SPCA’s brand in the community. You will be responsible for the marketing and communications strategy and content; manage key communications channels including our website, newsletters, and social media; and coordinate with colleagues to generate content across the organisation. This exciting role would suit someone looking to move from a corporate communications and marketing role into the charity sector or someone already working in the sector seeking a new challenge and drive and shape the future of SPCA.
Closing Date: 02 September

Caretaker/Cleaner
Provide a staff presence in a community centre after 5pm and weekend so that people feel welcome and safe and the building is secure. Set out rooms, so that community activities can be run on site. General cleaning.

Community Kitchen Volunteer 
SPCA’s Community kitchen will provide a warm space, healthy eating options, as well as a range of other community benefits such as reduced social isolation and skills development. This role is to support the Community Café Manager to run the kitchen. Ideally you will be able to commit to at least 5 hours on Thursdays, but as we understand people lead busy lives so you can volunteer on between 3.00pm-6.30pm.
Please email jobs@spca.org.uk if you are interested in applying.

Adult Community Learning Tutors – Camden 

We are seeking enthusiastic and qualified tutors to join our adult community programme in Camden. Our adult learning programme supports adults with a learning disability to develop self-confidence, learn new skills and to improve their understanding of their local community. Please note tutors must have AET or a teaching qualification. For more information, please click here.
Closing Date: 30th September

Hampstead Wells and Campden Trust – Trustee Recruitment
A local charity in NW Camden dedicated to the relief of poverty, health inequalities and homelessness. We’re looking for enthusiastic and engaged Trustees to join our team. This is a voluntary role, with expenses covered. Please contact our Director, Stuart Woltkamp-Moon, at stuart@hwct.org.uk to discuss the position. More information about the HWCT can be found here.

Volunteering Opportunities at Abbey Community Centre
ACC are looking for volunteer befrienders to help reduce isolation by regularly visiting individuals over 60s in their homes and help provide ad hoc support. If you’re passionate in Children’s Services and family support, you can volunteer in assisting running creative and fun activities for under 5s whilst building relationships with their parents and carers. Other volunteering opportunities available and please contact vol-opps@abbeycc-kilburn.org.uk with any questions. 

MRN Community and Capacity Gap Surveys
The Migrants’ Rights Network (MRN) is a London-based charity that stands in solidarity with all migrants in their fights for rights and justice across the UK. They are surveying communities to find out more about what issues grassroots groups, individuals and larger organisations are facing, as well as capacity gaps. There are two surveys, one for individuals with lived experience of migration and one for representatives of organisations.

Camden Cultural Strategy consultation
Camden Council are building a cultural strategy for 2025-30 – and they need every voice heard! They are starting conversations in various ways to engage as much of the borough’s thoughts and ideas as possible, and actively trying to engage all groups of people in our local community. There will be community workshops over the next couple of months – keep an eye on this website for details once confirmed. They will be inviting feedback in different ways to make it as easy as possible for you to speak up and give your thoughts, views and ideas for a fulfilling future Camden with a varied and accessible culture offering for all.

Families for Life Community Champions free volunteer training 
Parents and carers can become Families for Life Community Champions with free volunteer training starting on 17 September at Kilburn Grange Children’s Centre & Family Hub. It’s an opportunity to improve your skills and CV, while helping other families to improve their health and wellbeing by signposting them to services and support. Find out more by downloading a flyer or emailing Syria.Chowdhury@camden.gov.uk.

Camden High Street Pedestrianisation consultation
Camden have proposed a number of developments to Camden High Street, including a motor-traffic free section, and they want your views on these potential changes. Find out more and complete the survey here – open until 30th August.

Local VCS Newsletters

If you would like your Camden VCS newsletter added to this list, please email social@vac.org.uk

Looking for a previous newsletter entry? Find it in our archive here

Find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here

Our mailing address is:
Greenwood Centre, Greenwood Place, London, NW5 1LB

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Navigate to:

Spotlight  |   Features, News and Policy  |   Funding   |   Events and Training   |
Jobs and Volunteering   |   Surveys, Resources and Opportunities

Upcoming Training & Events

• Camden Carers Service: face to face session Voluntary Action Camden, 8-12 Camden High St, NW1 0JH, 27th August, 10am – 11.30am

• Virtual: Understanding Gaming and Gambling Harms – Health and Social Care Focus 17th September, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

• Introduction to Safeguarding for new starters and volunteers Crowndale Centre, 218 Eversholt St, NW1 1B, 25th September,10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Every week VAC checks various sources for the latest funding opportunities relevant for Camden groups.

You can visit our website for a round up of the latest opportunities added this week: Search for Funding – Voluntary Action Camden (vac.org.uk).

We’ve included a selection of the latest funds below but check out our new funding portal for many more opportunities.
If you need help sourcing or applying for funds, get in touch with our consultancy service, free for all Camden groups!

• Kelly Family Charitable Trust funds charities working in fields including early intervention, mediation, prison services and services for families affected by sexual abuse, physical abuse and domestic violence, among others.
• Ulverscroft Foundation accepts applications from organisations that help the visually impaired in the UK or overseas.
• Music for All Community Grants programme is awarding grants to underserved community groups and to support providers using music to assist people living with dementia.
• Youth Futures Foundation Evidence into Action Grants Programme for voluntary sector delivery organisations in England that are committed to developing their youth employability activities.  
• Rewilding Britain is offering grants to help remove barriers to rewilding projects across Britain, whether they are at the early planning stage or scaling up a pre-existing project.

VAC UPCOMING TRAINING

• Camden Carers Service: face to face session. VAC office, 8-12 Camden High St, NW1 0JH, 27th August, 10am – 11.30am

• Virtual: Understanding Gaming and Gambling Harms – Health and Social Care Focus 17th September, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm 

• Introduction to Safeguarding for new starters and volunteers Crowndale Centre, 218 Eversholt St, NW1 1B, 25th September,10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Communications Volunteer (women only) at Clean Break
Clean Break provides theatre and writing based opportunities, including workshops from their studios in Kentish Town NW5 for women who have experience of the criminal justice system, or who are risk of entering it. Their Communications team are looking for a volunteer (see Job pack at the bottom of the page) to support the upkeep of social media channels and website. You will be working with the Communications Manger to plan, write, design and schedule social media and website content.

3 Vacancies at St Pancras Community Association

Saint Pancras Community Association (SPCA) is a charity delivering high quality services for Camden residents, especially the lively and diverse community of the St Pancras and Somers Town ward. 

Marketing and Communications Executive
SPCA are seeking a talented Marketing and Communications Executive to play a crucial role in raising SPCA’s brand in the community. You will be responsible for the marketing and communications strategy and content; manage key communications channels including our website, newsletters, and social media; and coordinate with colleagues to generate content across the organisation. This exciting role would suit someone looking to move from a corporate communications and marketing role into the charity sector or someone already working in the sector seeking a new challenge and drive and shape the future of SPCA.
Closing Date: 02 September

Caretaker/Cleaner
Provide a staff presence in a community centre after 5pm and weekend so that people feel welcome and safe and the building is secure. Set out rooms, so that community activities can be run on site. General cleaning.

Community Kitchen Volunteer 
SPCA’s Community kitchen will provide a warm space, healthy eating options, as well as a range of other community benefits such as reduced social isolation and skills development. This role is to support the Community Café Manager to run the kitchen. Ideally you will be able to commit to at least 5 hours on Thursdays, but as we understand people lead busy lives so you can volunteer on between 3.00pm-6.30pm.
Please email jobs@spca.org.uk if you are interested in applying.

Supervisor (Mailing & Distribution Social Enterprise) – Kentish Town
Unity Works are seeking a dynamic and motivated individual to assist the Social Enterprise Manager in running their mailing and distribution social enterprise. The ideal candidate will be comfortable and confident dealing with customers as well as championing a real commitment to improving the lives of adults with a learning disability, with a background in customer service and developing community business opportunities. Part of the role will be assisting in the mentoring of trainees attending the social enterprise.
Closing Date: 23rd August

Mentoring & Befriending Coordinator at Advice for Renters

Advice for renters is recruiting a Mentoring & Befriending Coordinator. You will be creating connections that bring warmth, understanding and practical help to those who need it most. By pairing volunteers with service users, you will combat social isolation and contribute to the overall wellbeing of our community. Your dedication and commitment will empower individuals to be more independent, making a lasting difference to their lives.
Closing date: Friday 30th August

Holborn Venues Events Co-ordinator

Holborn Venues are looking for a full time Events Co-ordinator. The Events Co-ordinator will join a small team running a wide-ranging events programme within the church and adjoining buildings. The role is varied and includes setting up events spaces, liaising with customers and creating social media content. Evening and weekend work required on a rota basis. To apply, send an up-to-date CV and covering letter addressing the main requirements of the post to vacancy@standrewholborn.org.uk.
Closing date: 2nd September.

Adult Community Learning Tutors – Camden 

We are seeking enthusiastic and qualified tutors to join our adult community programme in Camden. Our adult learning programme supports adults with a learning disability to develop self-confidence, learn new skills and to improve their understanding of their local community. Please note tutors must have AET or a teaching qualification. For more information, please click here.
Closing Date: 30th September

Hampstead Wells and Campden Trust – Trustee Recruitment
A local charity in NW Camden dedicated to the relief of poverty, health inequalities and homelessness. We’re looking for enthusiastic and engaged Trustees to join our team. This is a voluntary role, with expenses covered. Please contact our Director, Stuart Woltkamp-Moon, at stuart@hwct.org.uk to discuss the position. More information about the HWCT can be found here.

Volunteering Opportunities at Abbey Community Centre
ACC are looking for volunteer befrienders to help reduce isolation by regularly visiting individuals over 60s in their homes and help provide ad hoc support. If you’re passionate in Children’s Services and family support, you can volunteer in assisting running creative and fun activities for under 5s whilst building relationships with their parents and carers. Other volunteering opportunities available and please contact vol-opps@abbeycc-kilburn.org.uk with any questions. 

Club Games for Residents over 60
GLL is preparing to host the Club Games in Lee Valley this September! Club Games is a multi-borough competition for residents over 60, Christopher Biggins is this year’s endorsement! They are in the process of recruiting residents to join Team Camden across a range of sports (no trials are required for participation). For more information visit the Club Games Webpage or residents can register via the participant sign up form (even if they aren’t attached to a Leisure Centre).

Startup School for Seniors
Startup School for Seniors, an online programme that supports over 50s to become self-employed, starts on 19th September. In addition to a bank of video resources, learners will benefit from 1:2:1 support, a weekly group call via Zoom and additional, specialist live workshops. Places are fully funded for those in receipt of benefits, retired, or with caring responsibilities. Learners can register here.

How to be an active bystander or responder
Young people and residents in Regent’s Park, working with Camden Council’s Detached Youth Team, local youth charity Fitzrovia Youth in Action and photographer Louie Stewart, have created resources to help keep each other safe and potentially save lives. Their ‘How to be an active bystander or responder’ campaign is now featured on bus shelter poster sites across Camden. Visit Camden Rise website to find out more.

Local VCS Newsletters

If you would like your Camden VCS newsletter added to this list, please email social@vac.org.uk

Looking for a previous newsletter entry? Find it in our archive here

Find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here

Our mailing address is:
Greenwood Centre, Greenwood Place, London, NW5 1LB

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Navigate to:

Spotlight  |   Features, News and Policy  |   Funding   |   Events and Training   |
Jobs and Volunteering   |   Surveys, Resources and Opportunities

We know that at the forefront of your minds will be supporting your service users, but we do also want to stress the importance of prioritising your people: The safety and security of your staff, volunteers and the people you support is paramount. So we urge you to have a look at the basic suggestions of how to keep your people safe we’ve circulated from VCS Emergencies Partnership. 

We will be coordinating two distinct offers in relation to this issue: 

1. Collating training opportunities, resources, and guidance from critical sources for the sector including, VCS Emergencies Partnership (VCS EP) and London Communities Emergency Partnership, Hope Not Hate, and UK Youth – covering a range of topics including, how to offer initial basic support and signposting to victims of hate crime; and Staying Safe amidst Far-Right violence particularly for organisations supporting people seeking asylum, and refugees.  

2. We are keen to work in partnership with our colleagues in the Camden VCS infrastructure sector to provide a space for Camden VCS to share and learn how people are responding to the issue and maintaining social cohesion. This would be for the whole sector including faith-based VCS orgs, and youth VCS orgs. We look forward to sharing more details with you in the coming days. 

In the meantime, please take a look at these statements from a number of sources, which give responses and collate resources, practical support and guidance for anyone affected:

– London Plus have produced a document listing resources to support the voluntary, community and faith sectors. You can email them on info@lcep.london with suggestions for the document. They also ask that anyone who has information on vulnerable locations or communities that may be affected fill out this form.
– The Charity Commission have issued a statement including practical guidance in case of emergencies.
– A statement from Camden Council with a list of emergency services information and community support.
– Mayor of London communities newsletter including a message from Debbie Weekes-Bernard London’s Deputy Mayor for Communities and Social Justice.

VAC CEO leaving message

It is with a heavy heart that I share this last post. I’m leaving VAC to join Prostate Cancer UK as their new Associate Director of Black Health Equity. It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as CEO for the past few years, and I will always treasure the memories I have made here. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support during my tenure. I could not have asked for a better borough to work in and a more passionate group of colleagues to work with. The sector has continually demonstrated, with limited resources, the important role it plays in keeping people connected and healthy. During my time VAC committed to highlighting the importance of the sector to the community and championing its needs. I am proud of the accomplishments we have made together particularly, supporting and looking after each other during the sequential crisis  of
the pandemic, cost-of-living, and record level inflation. During the toughest periods of the last few years, we have been standing shoulder to shoulder with our members. I know that VAC will continue to do so, by shouting about the value of the VCS to civic society, the economy, public health, and social cohesion.

The new CEO will be announced soon, but in the meantime, Dianne Carlton Ogunyemi (dogunyemi@vac.org.uk) has been appointed as interim CEO and will do a fantastic job!

Message to the next CEO:

You are going to have so much fun – here’s three reasons why:

1. VAC is at the forefront of the voluntary community sector in Camden. It has a proud history of serving communities in Camden, and it is well positioned as a strategic leader for the sector. ‘With great power comes great responsibility’ and VAC has never shied away from this. You will be joining VAC at a pivotal moment as it broadens its membership offer and deepens its relationship with the council through 7 years of secured core funding.

2. VAC’s staff and trustees are passionate about their work and committed to seeing the organisation grow. Through the toughest of times the team has shown resilience and vision. They know why they are here and what needs to be done to achieve the organisations aims and objectives. You will be inheriting an unmatched team of skilled, diverse and collaborative individuals.

3. We Make Camden. The voluntary and community sector in Camden is strong with over 2,000 organisations. The sector embodies Camden’s popular image of being rebellious and pioneering. VAC’s members are supportive and engaged and will guide you through this exciting new chapter.

I’ve had a great time at VAC, and I know you will too. Every day was different but was always filled with examples of how we are improving the lives of our community.

Upcoming Training & Events

• Camden Carers Service: face to face session Voluntary Action Camden, 8-12 Camden High St, NW1 0JH, 27th August, 10am – 11.30am

• Virtual: Understanding Gaming and Gambling Harms – Health and Social Care Focus 17th September, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

• Introduction to Safeguarding for new starters and volunteers Crowndale Centre, 218 Eversholt St, NW1 1B, 25th September,10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Every week VAC checks various sources for the latest funding opportunities relevant for Camden groups.

You can visit our website for a round up of the latest opportunities added this week: Search for Funding – Voluntary Action Camden (vac.org.uk).

We’ve included a selection of the latest funds below but check out our new funding portal for many more opportunities.
If you need help sourcing or applying for funds, get in touch with our consultancy service, free for all Camden groups!

• Camden Youth Safety Multi-Media Competition raises awareness of issues affecting the safety of young people in Camden. There’s up to £500 available to local schools, youth and play organisations to develop their project and the winner will receive £500 for their school or centre. It’s open to ages 10 to 18. Schools or centres can visit Camden Rise website to find out more and enter. The deadline to apply for funding is 30 September. If you have any questions, please email youthsafety@camden.gov.uk.
• Arts Council England Creative People and Places Programme is intended to help get local people involved in the arts across parts of England where arts involvement is considerably below the national average. The 2026 – 2029 funding round will support programmes of cultural activity and engagement in 142 locations across England. 
• Youth Futures Foundation is providing grants for up to three years for voluntary and community sector organisations to co-develop and implement youth employment activities that are targeted at young people aged between 16 and 24 from minoritised ethnic communities who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET), or at risk of becoming NEET, across selected areas of London, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Yorkshire, and the West Midlands.

VAC UPCOMING TRAINING

• Camden Carers Service: face to face session. VAC office, 8-12 Camden High St, NW1 0JH, 27th August, 10am – 11.30am

• Virtual: Understanding Gaming and Gambling Harms – Health and Social Care Focus 17th September, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm 

• Introduction to Safeguarding for new starters and volunteers Crowndale Centre, 218 Eversholt St, NW1 1B, 25th September,10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Mentoring & Befriending Coordinator at Advice for Renters

Advice for renters is recruiting a Mentoring & Befriending Coordinator. You will be creating connections that bring warmth, understanding and practical help to those who need it most. By pairing volunteers with service users, you will combat social isolation and contribute to the overall wellbeing of our community. Your dedication and commitment will empower individuals to be more independent, making a lasting difference to their lives.
Closing date: Friday 30th August

Laamiga part-time female administrator
Laamiga are looking to recruit a part-time administrator to support the work of Laamiga, a small friendly charity formed in 2010, working in Islington and Camden. This role will support the Laamiga Coordinator to recruit and manage mentees and volunteer mentors. Laamiga helps migrant, refugee and minority ethnic women to achieve financial independence and satisfying work through personal mentoring and training.
Deadline: 16th September

Mind in Camden
Senior Manager – Reach Out Camden and Community Services
Would you like to take on a senior management role in an alliance of community mental health services? Do you take pride in fostering a supportive environment and harnessing the creativity of your team? Join Mind in Camden to help transform the mental health system and the lives of people in Camden.  They’re looking for someone with at least two years’ management experience in mental health or related services. You may have senior management experience or you may be a service manager looking to step up to a more senior role.
Closing date: 14th August
Senior Community Mental Health Recovery Support Worker
Mind in Camden are looking for a supportive and proactive leader to join their community service as a Senior Community Mental Health Recovery Support Worker. The post involves direct work with service users, supervising a team of staff and working in partnership with colleagues across different sectors in Camden. You’ll be working collaboratively alongside partners and statutory providers to adapt the service offers to meet changing local needs.
Closing date: 14th August

Supervisor (Mailing & Distribution Social Enterprise) – Kentish Town
Unity Works are seeking a dynamic and motivated individual to assist the Social Enterprise Manager in running their mailing and distribution social enterprise. The ideal candidate will be comfortable and confident dealing with customers as well as championing a real commitment to improving the lives of adults with a learning disability, with a background in customer service and developing community business opportunities. Part of the role will be assisting in the mentoring of trainees attending the social enterprise.
Closing Date: 23rd August

Supervisor (Mailing & Distribution Social Enterprise) – Kentish Town
Unity Works are seeking a dynamic and motivated individual to assist the Social Enterprise Manager in running their mailing and distribution social enterprise. The ideal candidate will be comfortable and confident dealing with customers as well as championing a real commitment to improving the lives of adults with a learning disability, with a background in customer service and developing community business opportunities. Part of the role will be assisting in the mentoring of trainees attending the social enterprise.
Closing Date: 23rd August

Holborn Venues Events Co-ordinator

Holborn Venues are looking for a full time Events Co-ordinator. The Events Co-ordinator will join a small team running a wide-ranging events programme within the church and adjoining buildings. The role is varied and includes setting up events spaces, liaising with customers and creating social media content. Evening and weekend work required on a rota basis. To apply, send an up-to-date CV and covering letter addressing the main requirements of the post to vacancy@standrewholborn.org.uk.
Closing date: 2nd September.

Adult Community Learning Tutors – Camden 

We are seeking enthusiastic and qualified tutors to join our adult community programme in Camden. Our adult learning programme supports adults with a learning disability to develop self-confidence, learn new skills and to improve their understanding of their local community. Please note tutors must have AET or a teaching qualification. For more information, please click here.
Closing Date: 30th September

Hampstead Wells and Campden Trust – Trustee Recruitment
A local charity in NW Camden dedicated to the relief of poverty, health inequalities and homelessness. We’re looking for enthusiastic and engaged Trustees to join our team. This is a voluntary role, with expenses covered. Please contact our Director, Stuart Woltkamp-Moon, at stuart@hwct.org.uk to discuss the position. More information about the HWCT can be found here.

How to be an active bystander or responder
Young people and residents in Regent’s Park, working with Camden Council’s Detached Youth Team, local youth charity Fitzrovia Youth in Action and photographer Louie Stewart, have created resources to help keep each other safe and potentially save lives. Their ‘How to be an active bystander or responder’ campaign is now featured on bus shelter poster sites across Camden. Visit Camden Rise website to find out more.

Heath Hands Wildflower Meadow Appeal
Do you want to help boost biodiversity and see more wildflower meadows on the Heath? Help Heaths Hands by donating to their Wildflower Meadow Appeal. Over the past few years, Heath Hands have been working to transform some unloved patches of grass into beautiful wildflower meadows, bursting with life. Now in 2024, they’re planning to expand their efforts, focusing on maintaining the Hive and Sparrow Site meadows, and creating new areas of meadow around Parliament Hill.

Easyfundraising supermarket donations
Leading supermarkets Tesco, Morrisons, ASDA, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Iceland, and Ocado will donate money to your voluntary organization when your community of supporters shop with them. Whenever an online shopper buys groceries, the supermarket sends your organisation up to a £5 donation. Just one person could raise £97.50 in a year for your organisation by doing their food shop.  All types of third sector organisations can benefit – your organisation just needs to be registered with funding website easyfundraising.

Local VCS Newsletters

If you would like your Camden VCS newsletter added to this list, please email social@vac.org.uk

Looking for a previous newsletter entry? Find it in our archive here

Find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here

Our mailing address is:
Greenwood Centre, Greenwood Place, London, NW5 1LB

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Navigate to:

Spotlight  |   Features, News and Policy  |   Funding   |   Events and Training   |
Jobs and Volunteering   |   Surveys, Resources and Opportunities

What If?
This new project is a framework that aims to support Camden’s VCS to better prepare, respond and recover from emergencies. We put this together with the support of local community groups, the Borough Resilience team at Camden Council, the Mayor of London, London Plus, Communities Prepared, British Red Cross, and Voluntary and Community Sector Emergencies Partnership. The service includes resources to help plan for emergencies, as well as important information to help groups identify and learn about this vital topic. Have a look at the page here: https://vac.org.uk/our-services/what-if/

Upcoming Training & Events

• Camden Carers Service: face to face session Voluntary Action Camden, 8-12 Camden High St, NW1 0JH, 27th August, 10am – 11.30am

• Virtual: Understanding Gaming and Gambling Harms – Health and Social Care Focus 17th September, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

• Introduction to Safeguarding for new starters and volunteers Crowndale Centre, 218 Eversholt St, NW1 1B, 25th September,10:00 am – 12:00 pm

   

Cenuswide reveal study on employee activism
Civil Society media have revealed insights from a study, commissioned by Alder and carried out by Censuswide, which polled 100 charity leaders on employee activism. A majority of those surveyed said that they had experienced expectations from staff to speak out on issues not related to the charity’s core mission, ranging from trade union activity to global political and social issues. 

10% growth in legacy donations to Arts charities
A new report published by Remember A Charity studied legacy donations, and has found a substantial growth in donations made to arts charities. The top 1000 charities for legacy income in the last year received 5% growth on average, but that was doubled when it came to arts charities. You can read about these and other trends reported here. 

Every week VAC checks various sources for the latest funding opportunities relevant for Camden groups.

You can visit our website for a round up of the latest opportunities added this week: Search for Funding – Voluntary Action Camden (vac.org.uk).

We’ve included a selection of the latest funds below but check out our new funding portal for many more opportunities.
If you need help sourcing or applying for funds, get in touch with our consultancy service, free for all Camden groups!

• School for Social Entrepreneurs – free development learning programme with a match trading grant to support locally rooted community businesses in England to become stronger and more sustainable.
• Footwork Trust’s People and Place mentoring programme supports small groups or individuals whose experience of a pressing issue in their neighbourhood has motivated them to take action and address it with an innovative solution.
• The Walking and Cycling Grants London Programme from Transport for London, in partnership with The London Marathon Foundation.
• Metal For Good is offering grants for community groups, charities, and other not-for-profit organisations across England and Wales to deliver projects and activities that music as a tool for change and help to create a more equal society.
• LNER Customer and Community Investment Fund is offering grants for charities, community groups, and other not-for-profit organisations to deliver small-to-medium-sized projects that deliver a positive impact for communities near the East Coast mainline route.

VAC UPCOMING TRAINING

• Camden Carers Service: face to face session. VAC office, 8-12 Camden High St, NW1 0JH, 27th August, 10am – 11.30am

• Virtual: Understanding Gaming and Gambling Harms – Health and Social Care Focus 17th September, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm 

• Introduction to Safeguarding for new starters and volunteers Crowndale Centre, 218 Eversholt St, NW1 1B, 25th September,10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Holborn Venues Events Co-ordinator

Holborn Venues are looking for a full time Events Co-ordinator. The Events Co-ordinator will join a small team running a wide-ranging events programme within the church and adjoining buildings. The role is varied and includes setting up events spaces, liaising with customers and creating social media content. Evening and weekend work required on a rota basis. To apply, send an up-to-date CV and covering letter addressing the main requirements of the post to vacancy@standrewholborn.org.uk.
Closing date: 2nd September.

Fundraising and Development Organiser for Xenia
Xenia are looking for the newest member of their staff team to drive growth forward. A small ambitious charity, Xenia work to enable refugee, asylum seeking, migrant and British women to connect as equals, engage with their local area, build community, explore heritage and the arts and find their voice. This 2 day per week role is right for you if you have a desire to work in a self-managing role, have a good understanding of migrant women’s lives, and an unwavering commitment to equality and inclusion. Feel free to email to find out more welcome@xenia.org.uk.
Deadline: 6th August

Age UK Camden
Age UK Camden is is a local, independent and innovative charity which has provided services to older people in Camden for more than 50 years through diverse and inclusive services.  These services are highly valued by the residents of Camden and the voluntary and statutory sectors. They are looking to recruit a skilled and experienced Quality and Governance Coordinator to support the organisation in their Quality and Governance functions. The successful candidate will have a key role in the development and delivery of quality, compliance and corporate support services including strategy and business planning.
Closing date: Wednesday 7th August 

Mind in Camden
Senior Manager – Reach Out Camden and Community Services
Would you like to take on a senior management role in an alliance of community mental health services? Do you take pride in fostering a supportive environment and harnessing the creativity of your team? Join Mind in Camden to help transform the mental health system and the lives of people in Camden.  They’re looking for someone with at least two years’ management experience in mental health or related services. You may have senior management experience or you may be a service manager looking to step up to a more senior role.
Closing date: 14th August
Senior Community Mental Health Recovery Support Worker
Mind in Camden are looking for a supportive and proactive leader to join their community service as a Senior Community Mental Health Recovery Support Worker. The post involves direct work with service users, supervising a team of staff and working in partnership with colleagues across different sectors in Camden. You’ll be working collaboratively alongside partners and statutory providers to adapt the service offers to meet changing local needs.
Closing date: 14th August

Supervisor (Mailing & Distribution Social Enterprise) – Kentish Town
Unity Works are seeking a dynamic and motivated individual to assist the Social Enterprise Manager in running their mailing and distribution social enterprise. The ideal candidate will be comfortable and confident dealing with customers as well as championing a real commitment to improving the lives of adults with a learning disability, with a background in customer service and developing community business opportunities. Part of the role will be assisting in the mentoring of trainees attending the social enterprise.
Closing Date: 23rd August

Supervisor (Mailing & Distribution Social Enterprise) – Kentish Town
Unity Works are seeking a dynamic and motivated individual to assist the Social Enterprise Manager in running their mailing and distribution social enterprise. The ideal candidate will be comfortable and confident dealing with customers as well as championing a real commitment to improving the lives of adults with a learning disability, with a background in customer service and developing community business opportunities. Part of the role will be assisting in the mentoring of trainees attending the social enterprise.
Closing Date: 23rd August

Adult Community Learning Tutors – Camden 

We are seeking enthusiastic and qualified tutors to join our adult community programme in Camden. Our adult learning programme supports adults with a learning disability to develop self-confidence, learn new skills and to improve their understanding of their local community. Please note tutors must have AET or a teaching qualification. For more information, please click here.
Closing Date: 30th September

Free Digital Skills Courses in Camden Community Venues
If you want to develop your digital skills, Camden Adult Community Learning offers a range of courses to get you started, or to take your skills further. All the laptops and tablets are provided, and the courses are offered in community venues across Camden, so there is bound to be a course near you! Autumn courses are now open for enrolment here, and you can check out the autumn course guide here.

DBS Training for Volunteer Managers with VCC
Join Volunteer Centre Camden online to find out all about DBS checks for volunteers. This free session will take place on Wednesday 25th September, 10-11.30am, and it will be led by Kiran Rehal, your local DBS Regional Outreach Advisor. Sign up here.

King’s Speech Policy Briefing for NAVCA Members 
Anyone who is a NAVCA member can log in to their website and find a succinct briefing on the bills announced in the King’s Speech. The document also includes an analysis of which of the new measures are likely to affect local infrastructure, and where the speech could have gone further. 

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