The Voluntary Action Forum, on Wednesday 1st July focussed on the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on the BAME Community & Health Inequalities.  The council shared the work that they have done on the issue and was followed by questions and discussion and next steps.

Presentation here

Notes of the meeting here

Public Health England  report Disparities in the risks and outcomes of COVID-19

Council Working Group: Interim and Final report

The council has published an interim report, exploring how disproportionality is affecting residents locally and outlines six key topics that will be examined to better understand the issues Black, Asian and minority ethnic residents are facing whilst developing actions to protect those in need. Further details and the link to download the report can be found on the Council website.

The final report will be published at the end of July.

Message from Community Partners Team Re: Communications working group

Promotion and invites

The Council sent open invitations to participate in the communications working group in June via the following methods and networks:

• All organisations registered on the Voluntary Action Camden One Directory of Community Groups & Charities which list their beneficiaries as BAME.
• Please check your organisation’s entry to ensure it is up to date. You should have recently received an email reminder to update your records. If you haven’t received this please contact alexcharles@vac.org.uk
• The Council’s Community Partnership VCS mailing list (approximately 400 subscribers from the VCS)
• Organisations that are funded via the Community Partnership Team and are BAME led or work with BAME communities

VCS attendees

• Please see page 4 of the attached meeting notes for VCS and faith organisations that attended first meeting or expressed an interest in being involved
• If you would like to find out more about being involved in this work, please email cohesionandequalities@camden.gov.uk

Next meeting

•  The next comms working group meeting will be held on Thursday 16^th July 11am-12pm. Notes from the first meeting here.  If you would like to find out more about being involved in this work, please email cohesionandequalities@camden.gov.uk

Future Forum and VCS meetings

Funding for BAME organisations

The next VAC forum on 15th July will focus on funding for BAME organisations in Camden. Speakers will include Nicholas Timms from the National Lottery Community Fund and Susie Dye from Trust for London.  We will also be getting updates from Ubele and All Ways Network.   Full details and booking here.

Sign up to the VAC newsletter for details of future meetings.