New Look VAC; VAC seeks CEO; Afghan Refugee Update and Appeal; Unlocking the Lock Down; Healthwatch Long Covid Survey; Zen Project Wellbeing Day; Want to Swap for Rehearsal Space? NCL People Board; #WeMakeCamden; Recovery College; Patient Vaccine Survey + Newsletters + Resources + funding + jobs + volunteers & more
Feature
New Look VAC
VAC has a new logo and new image! At the Voluntary Action Forum on Wednesday we launched our new look and new website. The website will continue to be refined in response to your feedback, so do let us know what you think or if you can’t find what you are looking for. Look out for a new Directory interface in the near future.
Voluntary Action Camden is Recruiting a Chief Executive
See Jobs section for full details. Closes: 28 September
Afghan Refugee Crisis Update
A Camden Afghan Refugee Steering Group has been formed with key council staff and VCS organisations led by Hopscotch and VAC. The group is meeting every Wednesday. If your organisation can contribute please let Rosie Tharp know. Some useful links can be found here.
Unlocking the Locked Down
For many of the UK’s 2.2 million ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’ people who were advised to shield at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, leaving home for the first time in many months was a daunting thought. That’s why social prescribing workers are supporting older shielders back out into a world they haven’t seen in a year. With trips starting at walking to the front gate, eventually older people are supported to join community farms, theatre groups, and local events. Read the full report on the Ageing Better in Camden website.
Healthwatch Camden Long Covid Survey
For some people, Coronavirus (COVID-19) can cause symptoms that last weeks or months after the infection has gone. This is sometimes called post-COVID-19 syndrome or ‘Long COVID’. Many people feel better in a few days or weeks and most will make a full recovery within 12 weeks.
If you have been struggling with any of these symptoms for more than 4 weeks after having COVID-19, please complete this survey to share your experiences.
The Zen Project, Healthy Minds, and Mind Camden present a Day Long Celebration of Wellbeing
Thursday 14th October, 11am – 4pm, 19 – 37 Highgate Road, NW5.
Workshops, short guided zen sessions, guided meditation etc.
Want to Swap Rehearsal Space for Workshops or Performances?
Kentish Town based actor and theatre maker would be interested in talking with any Camden voluntary organisations who might consider trading rehearsal space for workshops or performances.
I work with 3Worlds, a dramatic improvisation company who create stories live in performance.
We require space mostly on Monday evenings to accommodate 6-8 actors and in return, can offer workshops for any sized client group and/or performances tailored to suit your needs.
If you are interested please contact Andy on 07872 965918 or email astjuk@yahoo.co.uk
Call for expression of interest and nominations for member roles on the North Central London People Board
Expressions of interest are invited for specific membership roles on the North Central London (NCL) People Board.
The NCL People Board was first established in October 2020, and there have been five meetings to date. NCL People Board members work as part of a unitary board providing strategic vision and effective challenge to NCL organisations and the Integrated Care System (ICS).
Deadline 5pm Friday 01 October 2021. Full details and how to apply here.
We make Camden
Communities taking action is a series of events kickstarting a chance for every citizen in the borough to get inspired and involved in helping to make Camden a better, fairer place to live. Find out more here.
Hopscotch’s Afghan Crisis Appeal
Thank you! Hopscotch Women’s Centre fundraiser has had a great start. Funds will pay for training to those who are supporting Afghan refugees and can conduct effective referral work for those in need.
Hopscotch is working as one of the leads with Camden Council and other major charities.
We have, on standby, four Afghan Family Advocates who are professional leads to deliver:-
Essential Cultural Orientation Training for council staff, charities and volunteers so everyone is interacting appropriately and effectively
To act as referral specialists with refugees in a trauma-informed way
Click here to donate.
Recovery College
Recovery College celebrates 7 years. Autumn term has started but many courses are still open. Face-to-face courses are planned for October. Find out more and register on the website.
Camden Mela Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Bangladesh Independence
Patient survey on the COVID booster and Flu vaccines
NCL CCG are planning a winter communications campaign and would like to hear views from residents on receiving the Flu and COVID booster vaccines. We have created a short survey so that we can better understand the issues that will inform patients’ decisions.
Legal challenge launched over ‘anti-woke’ agenda of Charity Commission
The Good Law Project says an instruction issued by the former culture secretary Oliver Dowden last week before interviews for the Charity Commission Chair post is unlawful and “amounts to an impermissible and improper attempt on the secretary of state’s part to direct and control the exercise of the new chair’s regulatory functions”. Story in the Guardian.
See the Funding pages on VAC’s website for all the latest information.
Access the Idox Camden 4 Community grant search here.
City of London Open Space
Grants of between £2,000 and £15,000 are available to help
voluntary organisations and registered charities on projects that
address the following themes:
• Connecting communities with their green spaces
• Improving the conservation value of the green spaces
• Improving our knowledge of the biodiversity of the green spaces
• Improving mental health through the use of green spaces
Application deadline: Monday 11 October 2021.
For more information about the City of London Corporation’s Enjoying
Green Spaces and the Natural Environment fund, and to apply visit:
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/centralgrantsprogramme
Build Up Fund: Youth Crime Prevention and Capacity Building Grants
Camden based organisations working with children and young people can apply for grants of between £500 up to £3,000 to address their training and capacity building needs in three distinct areas:
Youth crime prevention
Collaborating or sharing best practice on youth crime prevention schemes
Organisational sustainability.
Deadline for applications: 10 October 2021 Find out more and apply here.
St Giles Charities
Grants are available to improve the educational opportunities of children and young people from birth to 25 years old who are resident, or attending an educational institution, in the area of benefit (Bloomsbury, Holborn part of Covent Garden). £3k to £10k. Full details and how to apply on the website.
Veolia Funding for Community Groups
Grants towards projects that make improvements to community facilities and the natural environment. Find out more here.
London Fund for Racialised Communities
The BME Health Forum has opened a second funding round for organisations wishing to help communities in London experiencing racial inequality meet their immediate needs related to Covid-19. Grants of up to £10,000 are available for applications received by 12 noon (BST), Monday 4 October 2021.
This funding round is for charities and social enterprises with an average annual income of at least £10,000 but less than £100,000.
Details of the opportunity and how to apply can be found here
Trust for London
The application form is now shorter. Potential applicants can book a 30-minute slot with a Grants Manager ahead of the deadline. Reading the funding guidelines before booking an appointment. Current grantees can contact their Grants Manager to discuss further applications. The closing date is 1pm, 5 October. Click here for details.
Free Data from Vodaphone
You can apply for free Vodafone SIMs, each loaded with 20GB data plus unlimited calls and texts to be used over 6 months. You can use these however you like.Multiple SIMs can be requested and repeat applications can be made if the organisation has a range of digital exclusion projects.
Applications will be reviewed and a decision to support made within 30 days. SIMs will be issued within 30 days of a positive decision. SIMs are available until 1 November 2022. Full details and how to apply here.
Mayor of London’s Sport Unites Fund
The Sport Unites Fund is offering grants of up to £50,000 for projects that use sport and physical activity to address one or more of these priorities:
~ Helping the most inactive people be more active
~ Improving people’s mental health and wellbeing
~ Decreasing isolation/loneliness
~ Strengthening connections in your local area and across communities
~ Reducing serious youth violence
Deadline: 12th November 2021. Find out more here.
Aviva Community Fund
Deadline 6th October. Grants of up to £50k are available for organisations to adapt or continue their vital services so they can help their beneficiaries during this time of need. Find out more at the Aviva website.
We Make Camden Social Action Fund
Camden Giving has been awarded £90,000* to deliver the We Make Camden Social Action Fund. Organisations and individuals can apply for grants of £500-£1,500 for initiatives that support:
~ Social Action in the 4 mission areas (see below)
~ Social Cohesion
~ Local responses and solutions to challenges/ issues/ needs
In addition to the small grants, people can access support to apply, and you don’t need to be an incorporated community group or organisation to apply.
The “We Make Camden Kit” gives money and support to Camden residents and community groups who have great ideas for their communities.
Residents and community groups can apply via Camden Giving to receive up to £1,500 to deliver ideas that contribute to the four Camden missions:
~ Food poverty and sustainability
~ Diversity in positions of power
~ Health and sustainability of estates
~ Opportunities for young people
NAVCA Funders List
A useful list of small trusts and foundations most useful to small charities.
Keep in eye on our Events Calendar to book and for more info.
An Introduction to Digital Transformation – 5th October 2-4pm
Even before the pandemic, charities have started to think about how to use or integrate digital technology to improve operations and deliver better value and experiences to service users. This introductory session will introduce you to the concept of digital transformation, what it is and why it matters, and how your organisation can approach the challenges and opportunities it presents. Full details here.
GDPR and Cyber Security Workshops
VAC have three online IT workshops planned in September
~ An Introduction to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) – Part 2 28/9/2021 3-5pm
Full details and booking here
Camden Voluntary Action Forum
The forum is open to all Camden voluntary and community groups and organisations, community activists, social entrepreneurs, volunteers and anyone interested in local voluntary action. The Forum currently meets monthly online on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 11am.
Past Voluntary Action Forums: Resources
You can find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here.
Safeguarding Courses:
Check back for details soon. Meanwhile you can listen to the latest podcast –
Safeguarding and Physical Security in Community Settings
Dianne Carlton-Ogunyemi our Community Safeguarding Lead talks to John Bayley – of HA9 Consultancy
Topics include community policing and schools, gang crime, domestic violence, fraud investigation etc.
More details on the VAC website: https://vac.org.uk/events/
Managing Allegations about Members of Staff (LADO) Briefing
1st December 2021 — 2.30pm-4.30pm Online
Aims:
~ To gain a greater understanding of the role of the LADO
~ To know how to make a LADO referral when concerns are raised
~ To gain an understanding of the LADO process following referral
This event is suitable for all multi-agency professionals working with Camden children and families. Details and how to apply here.
Autumn Volunteering Fair
Thursday 14th October 12 – 2.30pm
On Zoom. There are still 3 places for Camden organisations at the VCC/VAI fair. Contact Marta marta.aparicio@vai.org.uk
Families for Life Community Champion Programme
6-week programme for Camden parents/carers who has what it takes to become an inspirational
Sessions run on Tuesday’s at 10-11.30am from 28 September to 9 November.
Contact: Syria Chowdhury, Community Champion Coordinator:
m: 07734 603 060, e: syria.chowdhury@camden.gov.uk.
These sessions are organised by Camden Health and Wellbeing Team
Black Maps Matter – Just Maps
Wednesday, September 29, 2021, 18:00 – 20:00
Counter Mapping White Supremacy in the Deep US South: the work of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee
Full details and tickets here.
Talk for Health
4 Day Peer Counselling Prgramme starting 1st October
Free Taster, 6th October 4-6pm
Click here to see our full list of events or for more information visit our website or contact info@talkforhealth.co.uk or call/text 0203 409 3201.
Do you have regular conversations with Local residents and want to make a bigger difference to their lives?
Making Every Contact Count (MECC) is about spotting opportunities in these conversations to deliver additional support and improve their wellbeing.
We are offering refreshed online courses
~ Good conversations – Supporting COVID-19 recovery: 2 hour course
~ Basics of Motivational Interviewing: 3 hour course
Bookings: camdenmecc.org.uk /islingtonmecc.org.uk.
Bespoke sessions: meccsupport@smgateway.co.uk
“Talk for Transformation” Autumn event dates
At a Taster session, you will get a glimpse of the Programmes, get to network with new colleagues and decide if our 4-day Full Programme is for you:
Friday, Oct 8th 3PM-5PM, please register at Eventbrite link.
Thursday, Nov 4th 3PM-5PM, please register at Eventbrite link.
Camden Young Filmmakers Collective
Are you aged 18-26 and living in the borough of Camden? Are you passionate about filmmaking and wanting to create your own short film?
We are a new filmmaking collective in Camden seeking 12 young people to join us in October for our inaugural 8 weeks of online filmmaking workshops.
For more information and an application form for the filmmaking workshops please email on camdenyoungfilmmakers@gmail.com or send a message through Instagram @CamdenYoungFilmmakers
Camden Adult Community Learning
Offers free courses to residents aged 19 and over, both online and in community venues across Camden. Enrol now for the Autumn.
Courses are relaxed, friendly and are aimed to help local people get back into work, overcome isolation, improve their mental health, develop their skills – or learn something new and exciting.
For a full list of autumn courses go to www.camden.gov.uk/adultlearning and then follow the link to www.webenrol.com/camden.
Stop Hate UK – Hate Crime Champions Training
Stop Hate UK are providing training for VCS groups interested in knowing more about how to use their 24-hour helpline to report hate crimes and hate incidents in Camden. This training provides an overview of all forms of Hate Crime and Hate Incidents, the impact on victims and communities and how you can help.
Thursday 30th September, 2pm-3.30pm, via Zoom. Book at Eventbrite.
Activities at QCCA
Visual Impairment Gym Sessions:
QCCA Camden Health Kick are offering FREE gym sessions to those with a visual impairment with our qualified personal trainer.
Please call: 020 7267 6635 or email: Sarah@qcca.org.uk for more information.
Girls Only Sports:
QCCA Sports Department are offering a FREE multi-sports session on Tuesdays between 6:30pm – 8pm for 10 – 14yr girls. Please call: 020 7267 6635 or email: Frances@qcca.org.uk for more information.
Girls Only Zumba:
QCCA Camden Health Kick are offering FREE women’s only Zumba sessions throughout the week, delivered by a qualified Zumba instructor.
Please call: 020 7267 6635 or email: Sarah@qcca.org.uk for more information.
Girls Only Family Yoga:
QCCA Camden Health Kick are offering FREE women’s only yoga for all ages, delivered by a qualified yoga instructor.
Please call: 020 7267 6635 or email: Sarah@qcca.org.uk for more information.
Family Sports Sessions:
QCCA Camden Health Kick are offering FREE family sport’s sessions throughout the week for all ages.
Please call: 020 7267 6635 or email: Frances@qcca.org.uk or Sarah@qcca.org.uk for more information.
KOVE Annual General Meeting
2pm to 4pm Thursday 30 September 2021
Mazenod Social Club, Mazenod Avenue, NW6 4LS
3.05pm: Kilburn Debate: Prof Jo-Anne Bichard on The Need for Public Toilets
To join KOVE www.kove.org.uk contact Deborah Knight on 07778 145787 or email deborah@kove.org.uk
For nominations contact: peter56nw@outlook.com
Voluntary Action Camden is Recruiting a Chief Executive
After nearly three years as VAC’s Executive Director (and many more in various other roles at VAC) Kevin is moving on and handing over to a new leader.
To lead this organisation, with its rich history and connections within Camden and beyond, will require someone with a vision of what it means to be an effective infrastructure support organisation. The leader will have the skills to ensure VAC is present and available to the smallest of community projects, right through to our very many large charities who need support to keep building their resilience in getting through these uncertain times. We are constantly developing opportunities for individuals, groups and local communities to have a broad range of learning and access to high quality resources to help them achieve their objectives.
Our new CEO will have a natural ability to network and demonstrate how to bring together charities, social enterprises, community groups, statutory bodies, citizens and the private/corporate sector to co-produce solutions to tackle social disadvantage, increase social cohesion and address gaps in wellbeing and health. They will have a good understanding of the sector landscape and the current challenges it faces, whilst taking opportunities as they arise.
To find out more and apply for the role of Chief Executive at VAC, click here
For a confidential, informal conversation, please contact Debra Winterson at Cadence Partners on +44 20 7947 4960 or email ceo-vac@cadencepartners.co.uk Applications Close: 28 September 2021
Personalisation Support in Camden (PSiC) Manager
We are looking for the right person to lead the PSiC service.
Salary: £41,605.00 pa (plus contributory pension employee and employer contribution 6% each)
Hours: 35 Hours per week Contract Type: 6 Months Fixed term contract
Closing date: (5pm) Monday, 4th October Full details on the website.
North Camden Zone is currently recruiting two brand new roles.
Communities in the Lead Manager (£30,000 per year, full-time)
We are looking for a Communities in the Lead Manager to help us build on the groundbreaking work of North Camden Zone.
Apply by emailing jobs@thewinch.org with a CV (3 pages max) and a covering letter (max 2 pages A4, font size 12). We will not consider applications without a covering letter.
Deadline midnight Monday 4th October 2021. Interviews w/c 11th October.
For more information, visit our website: https://www.northcamdenzone.orgCommunications Worker (£26,000 per year, 32 hours per week)
We’re looking for an enthusiastic, authentic and supportive Communications Worker to shape and lead our public communication across the Winch and the North Camden Zone team.
Apply by emailing jobs@thewinch.org with a CV and covering letter, outlining how your experience matches the role outline. Your CV should be no longer than 3 pages of A4 (Font 12) and your covering letter no more than 2 pages (A4 Font 12). Applications without a covering letter will not be considered.
Deadline tmidnight Monday 4th October. Interviews w/c 11th October.
For more information, visit our website: https://www.northcamdenzone.org
Community Association for West Hampstead seeks Manager
£21,000 per annum inc. LW (FTE £35,000 )
for 21 hours/week plus 3% contributory pension
We are a small, active community association serving the diverse population of West Hampstead in the London Borough of Camden. We are seeking an energetic and motivated Manager to lead us in the next phase of development.
Closing date: Monday 18 October 2021 5pm
Interviews: Friday 29 October
We are committed to welcoming people from the widest possible diversity of background, culture and experience.
For recruitment pack email info@cawh.org.uk, or ring 020 7794 3729
Mind in Camden are recruiting 2 posts
Mental Health Community Development Worker
Salary: £23,469 Hours: full time (35 hrs)
Closing Date: 04/10/21 at 9.00am
Would you like to be part of a new and evolving transformation of mental health services in Camden? We are seeking a Community Development Worker to join a team from a range of local organisations to be part of this journey of change.
Camden Mind Ventures – Charity Shop Assistant Manager
£10.85 per hour Hours: 21
Closing Date: 04/10/21 at 12.00pm
We need someone to assist the shop manager with all aspects of shop operations, to ensure that the maximum amount of profit is gift aided to Mind in Camden as the parent charity.
To download an application pack, please visit https://www.mindincamden.org.uk/work-for-us, or phone 020 7911 0822 (24hrs), or email recruitment@mindincamden.org.uk
You can also pick a form up from our offices – Mind in Camden, Barnes House, 9-15 Camden Road, NW1 9LQ
Camden Giving, Head of Grants Programmes
£33,000 per anum Full time
Camden Giving are looking for someone who can uncover better ways of creating equality in communities by leading our grant-giving programmes, awarding £1million a year to hundreds of local community groups.
Applicants should send the following to director@camdengiving.org.uk by midnight on the 29th September 2021, interviews held on 5th and 6th Oct.
A copy of your CV and a cover letter explaining your relevant skills and experience for this role.
The Winch seeks Community Partnerships Coordinator
£28-£30k (0.6 FTE)
Are you looking for a change of direction? Something with more purpose & rooted in community?
You could be our next community partnerships coordinator!
Help build our network of supporters & bring power to our purpose!
Full details and how to apply: thewinch.org/careers/
Latin American House is looking for an Immigration Advisor/Solicitor.
The post holder will be responsible for providing specialist immigration legal advice and will be expected to be registered with the Office of Immigration Services Commission (OISC) or Solicitors Regulatory Authority and ideally provide advice at OISC Level 3 or equivalent.
To apply and get more information: https://casalatina.org.uk/get-involved/vacancies/
Deadline for applications is Thursday 7th of October 2021.
Henna is Recruiting
Community Liaison Officer
An individual, who will recruit new members and engage with both statutory and voluntary organisation to promote the services and activities run by Henna. And to oversee and update the social media channels.
Salary: £20,020 pa (pro rata 14 hours per week)
12 months contract with possibility of extension, depending on funding.
https://www.charityjob.co.uk/jobs/community-liaison-officer/771301?tsId=8Project Support Officer
Looking for the right person to support the manager in providing an excellent service to women and especially to older women. This role will require you to be supportive and understanding and be able to deal with any issues that may arise confidently.
Salary: £21,840 pa – 35 hours per week
12 months contract with possibility of extension, depending on funding.
https://www.charityjob.co.uk/jobs/henna-asian-women-s-group/project-support-officer/770640?tsId=8Fundraising Officer
We are seeking a Fundraising Officer to start ASAP. We are looking for a someone who is a self-starter, ambitious, enthusiastic, and has experience of raising funds from trusts, foundations, statutory bodies, and awards.
Salary: £35,300 pa (pro rata 7 hours per week)
12 months contract with possibility of extension, depending on funding.
https://www.charityjob.co.uk/jobs/view/771304?tsId=8
Closing date for all posts: Monday 20th of September 2021, by 5pm.
Employability Tutor at Elfrida Rathbone Camden
Elfrida Rathbone Camden are seeking to appoint an Employability Tutor to work with young people (16 -25 years) with a learning disability at our OFSTED registered Leighton College. The key aim of the role is to equip people with a learning disability with the skills and confidence to move towards employment. Elfrida Rathbone Camden provides ground-breaking education programmes to just 20 students that help young disabled people to build confidence, develop employment skills, encourage independence within the local community and to release their potential.
£26,912 – £28,342 per year (pro rata £18,797 – £19,796) – 4 days a week, term-time only. Full details here.
Vaccinations for 16 and 17 year olds
People aged 16 – 17 can find a nearby walk-in clinic via the national grab a jab website. A list of North Central London walk-in clinics currently offering vaccinations to 16 and 17 year olds can also be found on the CCG website. Or use the national booking service.
In addition 12 – 16 year olds with underlying health conditions or living with a person with suppressed immune system can get the vaccine. Further details on the CCG website.
London Social Prescribing Survey
This survey is to identify the current offers of social prescribing/ identify gaps and see how current offers can be expanded across Greater London.
Please spare 5 minutes to take the survey
The latest NHSE Guidance on Integrated Care System Development
NHSE has published the latest guidance. Of particular interest to the VCS are:
“Building strong integrated care systems everywhere: ICS implementation guidance on partnerships with the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector”
“ICS ‘What Good Looks Like’ Framework (Digital & Data)”
“Thriving Places: guidance on the development of place-based partnerships as part of statutory integrated care systems”
View the summary document here with links to all the newe guidance mentioned.
Supporting People with Long-Covid in Camden
The Camden team support people with signs & symptoms lasting for longer than 12 weeks (NICE) to be diagnosed as Long-Covid. They may occur in conjunction with other conditions. Referrals need to come from GP’s or the Post-Covid clinic at UCLH. They should be sent to, camdenreferrals.cnwl@nhs.net
The Long-Covid team consists of Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy with a Rehab Assistant to support and access to psychology if required.
Contact Rob Clarke on rob.clarke6@nhs.net for any information or enquiries.
How to Volunteer and How to Recruit Volunteers in Camden
Volunteer in Camden at Time to Spare.
Volunteer for the NHS at GoodSAM.
Join a neighbourhood Mutual Aid group.
Organisations that are signed up to Time to Spare can now request volunteers through a brokerage team making it much easier to access the volunteers. The brokers can help match volunteers with voluntary and community organisations who have a need for verified/ vetted volunteers. The service will also help to verify or carry out new DBS check with volunteers.
Get support and resources from Volunteer Centre Camden
The council has a page of resources to help community organisations
UCL are looking for new volunteering opportunities to promote to their students. Visit their info for recruiters page to find out more.
Send your item to knunan@vac.org.uk or info@vac.org.uk by noon on Thursday for publication in the following day’s edition. The e-bulletin comes out every Friday. Submissions should be 50 – 75 words. Please send plain text or a format that can be copied (ie not embedded in an image). Send links to documents rather than attachments. Make sure to include contact details.
