Sustainable Food Provision Forum; VAC AGM and Annual Review; #BuildBackBetter Resources; Letters from Lockdown; Cancer Awareness Survey; Canalside to Camley Street Plan; Art Bag; ApArt Club + news + Resources + funding + jobs + volunteers and more
Feature
Sustainable Food Provision
Following on from the Camden Food Summit, the Voluntary Action Forum on Wednesday 29th July will look at sustainable models for food supply. It’s an opportunity to get insights and inspiration about sustainable ways to address food poverty. This might be related to a type of organisation or structure (e.g. co-ops, clubs) and / or the approach to supplying residents with food (e.g. sourcing food sustainably, resident participation in distribution, affordability). We will start with presentations, but will be followed by an ‘open mike’ opportunity for people to present their own project and / or ask others for advice. Book at Eventbrite. Let us know if you want to book an open slot. info@vac.org.uk
The VAC Annual Review is out. Have a look and let us know what you think.
#BuildBackBetter Resources
We’ve added more resources to our #BuildBackBetter/ Planning for the Future pages including Camden specific guides, risk assessment templates and downloadable signs. Find it all on the VAC website here.
VAC AGM
Thanks to all those who attended and a warm welcome to our newly elected trustees: Chikwaba Oduka, Kathy Elliott and Cassandra Austen. We also say a fond farewell and big thanks to two long serving trustees, Sue Wilby and Brian Parker. View the AGM online here. Take a look at our latest Annual Report.
Letters from Lockdown: the first-hand experiences of older people in Camden during the Covid-19 crisis
Now, more than ever, Ageing Better in Camden strive to support our members to raise their voices and share their experiences. Far from being a great equaliser, the Covid-19 pandemic has revealed some of the deepest inequalities that have often remained hidden in our society. Our members have been writing a weekly newsletter for one another, to keep informed and connected in these challenging times. It has also brought us all closer together as we share our personal experiences of lockdown.
Please take this Cancer Awareness Survey
We want to know how aware people in Camden are of cancer, and how the coronavirus pandemic has affected how you feel about screening and seeking help for health concerns. We’ll use what you tell us to help improve awareness of cancer in Camden – including causes, signs, symptoms and screening.
Have your say: Canalside to Camley Street
The Council has prepared the Draft Canalside to Camley Street Supplementary Planning Document which sets out planning guidance and objectives for future development in the area. Consultation will run until 25th September.
You can find out more here.
CSKX Studios– Art Bag
CSKX are gauging interest from local groups, organisations and individuals, who would be interested in art kits for older and younger people – who they think would benefit from access to a selection of art materials.
The kits would be put together based upon participants interests and could include, or have access to, work plans or project ideas.
The aim is to facilitate the vulnerable or those who may not have access to art materials during the pandemic. Contact: Leo leo@cskx.org 020 8001 5357
ApArt Club,Holborn Community Association two online projects this summer for 8-12 year olds
ApArt Club – Holborn Community Association
Use online 3D graphics and design tools to create your own fantasy worlds and interactive adventures! Zoom sessions: 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th August 2.30 – 4.30pm
Virtual Gallery Project for 8-12 years
Experiment with different media, such as collage, drawing, photography and video to create your own digital artwork for the HCA Virtual Gallery! Zoom sessions: 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th August, 2.30-4.30pm
See the Funding pages on VAC’s website for all the latest information.
Community Impacts – Social Action Fund
The Social Action Fund is a partnership between Camden Council and Camden Giving and is part of the Community Impacts programme.
The fund will support a broad range of local organisations and Camden residents to deliver activities that increase social action and support community cohesion and resilience. Providing funding directly to residents and grassroots groups supports the generation of initiatives and activities best suited to the needs of the local community.
Organisations can apply for small grants of £500-£1,500 for projects lasting up to 12 months. See Camden Giving website. The fund is open until 12th Aug.
YCF Summer Opportunities Fund is Open
Young Camden Foundation (YCF) recently launched its annual Summer Opportunities Fund. Camden-based YCF members are encouraged to apply now. Summer projects must aim to achieve at least one of the following outcomes:
~ Children and young people will have increased confidence
~ Children and young people will have access to new activities and/or opportunities
~ Organisations work in partnership to deliver their activities
Applications will be considered if received by or before midnight on 2 August 2020. Please go to YCF’s website to access the application, which includes additional information about the fund, eligibility and background. Please send questions to grants@youngcamdenfoundation.org.uk
London Community Response Fund – vulnerable young Londoners
Grants to provide positive opportunities and a package of focused support for vulnerable young Londoners who have been most impacted by the COVID-19
Funding will be available for activities starting in the summer and autumn to deliver for up to 6-months. Activities may include:
~ Mental health and wellbeing support, to tackle isolation and loneliness
~ Educational attainment catch-up; transitions support; employment & training
~ Activities to inspire & motivate young Londoners & support for families
~ Diversion and prevention opportunities for vulnerable young people in need
~ Holiday and after-school sport and physical activity Small grants up to £10,000 or large grants up to £50,000
Apply now as applications are considered on a first come first served basis with a deadline at the end of July.
Somers Town Big Local and the Crick Covid-19 Community Fund
Up to £3,000 to local organisations and groups that are responding to the COVID-19 crisis and supporting the community. Applicants have to be located within a mile of the Crick and responding to the COVID-19 situation to the benefit of the local community, either directly or indirectly. More info here.
Maximum grant is £3000. Deadline 29th July. Email engage@crick.ac.uk
Young Camden Foundation – Heads Up Mental Health Fund
£1,000 – £5,000
The mental health and wellbeing of whole societies have been severely impacted by the current crisis and are a priority to be addressed urgently. Research has identified significant and sustained increases in symptoms of depression and anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Young people have been particularly affected by the crisis.
The idea of these small grants is to support staff, children & young people to be aware of the impact the pandemic has had, and will continue to have, on their emotions and develop mechanisms to cope and keep positive.
Deadlines: 31 July 2020. Full details here.
London Community Response – 3rd Wave
Grants to cover up to six months of your costs for the work you are seeking funding for (from the time the grant is awarded), though it can be for a shorter period (e.g. activities over the summer). Where possible we will offer unrestricted grants, though this is more likely if you are applying for a small grant.
Three strands to the current funding programme – crisis, enable and adapt.
Small grants up to £10k. Large grants up to £50k. Full details here.
Coronavirus Community Support Fund
A £200m fimd aimed at small to medium organisations:
~ To increase community support to vulnerable people affected by the COVID-19 crisis, through the work of civil society organisations.
~ To reduce temporary closures of essential charities and social enterprises, ensuring services for vulnerable people impacted by COVID-19 have the financial resources to operate, and so reduce the burden on public services.
Full details on the National Lottery Community Fund website.
Ubele Fundraising Support for BAME Organisations
Every Thursday at 3:30pm Ubele host fundraising webinars on a variety grant funds that are available with techniques on writing better applications. These webinars are free of charge and the presentations/resources are uploaded on our website. Registration for Fundraising Webinars here.
Coming Soon
Power to Change, Locality, The Ubele Initiative and Social Investment Business on behalf of the National Lottery Community Fund Covid-19 Community-Led Organisations Recovery Scheme for community organisations in England who are facing difficulties caused by Covid-19. Up to £100k. Opens 28 July. Free webinar on Thursday 23 July from 3.30-5pm where you will be able to find out more about the fund and application process and take part in a live Q&A.
Voluntary Action Forums: (web page here)
Wed 29 July Forum: Sustainable Food Solutions SPLN (Social Prescribing Learning Network) Venturing Out (date tbc)
Keep in eye on our Events Calendar to book and for more info.
Camden Voluntary Action Forum
The forum is open to all Camden voluntary and community groups and organisation, community activists, social entrepreneurs, volunteers and anyone interested in local voluntary action.
Safeguarding Courses:
VAC is working with funders so that safeguarding courses can continue online. Further details to come. There are some basic safeguarding videos on the home page and on the COVID19 Update page.
Tel: 020 7 284 6575 | Email: dogunyemi@vac.org.uk email (Mon – Wed)
Public Health England has launched an updated Psychological First Aid (PFA) digital training module, aimed at all frontline and essential workers and volunteers.
The course aims to increase awareness and confidence to provide psychosocial support to people affected by COVID-19. The course is free, and no previous qualifications are required. It takes around 90 minutes to complete and the learner can complete it at their own pace.
Healthwatch Camden Hosts Online Q+A Meeting with Royal Free Hospital and University College Hospital
Join an online Q&A event with Kate Slemeck, Chief Executive of the Royal Free Hospital and Marcel Levi, Chief Executive of University College Hospital.
Tuesday 4th August 5.30-6.30pm.
A chance to ask questions about how routine hospital services are returning after the Covid-19 lockdown, what changes patients will experience when accessing services and how we can all keep safe.
Register now: Via Zoom or register or by calling: 020 7383 2402
Support for Volunteer Managers from VCC
Volunteer Manager Cafes continue through the Summer, on Tuesdays to Thursdays 10am-5pm to the end of August you can book a free online video or telephone chat with our Best Practice Manager Shafia.
The next online Volunteer Managers’ Forum is on Tues 18 Aug. Details soon.
Camden Safeguarding Children’s Board Training
10 September 2020 — 9.30am-4.00pm
Designated Safeguarding Lead — New DSLs
18 September 2020 — 9.30am-1.00pm
Early Years and the Impact of Abuse
18 September 2020 — 9.30am-12.30pm
Designated Safeguarding Lead — Refresher Session
24 September 2020 — 10.00am-11.30am
Counter Extremism and WRAP Full details and how to apply here
Introduction to Office 365 from VAC
The Covid-19 crisis has seen an unprecedented number of organisations needing to move their back-office operations and services online, providing staff with access to emails and files remotely. Many have struggled with this as they lack the resource or know-how to get started.
This workshop will introduce you to the Office 365 platform (O365) and some of the key applications that facilitate remote working and collaboration. 4th August. Sign up on the VAC website.
Bloomsbury FC Holiday Football Camp
3 locations: Acland Burghley, Kings Cross Academy, Castlehaven.
10am – 3pm (staggered drop off/pick up) throughout the summer.
Ages: 7-11 (school years 2 – 6)
Full price from – £40 per day to Full bursary rate – £8 – varies by location.
E: info@bloomsburyfootball.com M: 07561 705 232
Book now: www.bloomsburyfootball.com
Women+Health online group classes via Zoom
Aiming too help people feel calm, grounded, & centred during lockdown. We are currently running 4 online classes per week:
~ Tuesdays at 1pm, ‘Mindfulness for Women’ with Camilla (women only)
~ Wednesdays at 6:30pm, ‘Yoga Nidra’ with Lina (men & women welcome)
~ Thursdays 6:30pm, ‘Gentle Hatha Yoga’ with Diana (men & women welcome)
~ Fridays at 1pm, ‘Sound Healing’ with Catherine (men & women welcome)
All classes are donation classes – and all money we receive goes towards helping Women+Health survive while our doors are closed. The classes are FREE if people cannot donate.
All info to join classes and to donate can be found on our JustGiving page:
Respect online domestic abuse training
Respect has secured funding from the London Community Response Fund to offer free online training to Frontline Workers who support or have an interest in service users with domestic abuse issues.
Working with women using violence in intimate relationships 16-29 July
Better engagement with perpetrators 31 July-13 August
Adolescent to parent violence and abuse 15-28 August Apply here. Any questions, please email abigail.jones@respect.uk.net
Students’ Union UCL’s Volunteering Service has a vacancy for a Student-led Projects Coordinator to cover a period of maternity leave until June next year.
Duties include supporting a caseload of student-led volunteering projects, providing guidance & supervision for leaders, developing and delivering training to students, and ensuring compliance with policies and procedures. Starting salary is £29,089. Full details on UCL’s vacancies page
Closing date 10 August.
CAMISH Network Young People’s Inclusivity Outreach Worker
Brandon Centre, on behalf of the Camden & Islington Network (CAMISH Network) is looking for an innovative and experienced outreach worker for this new project. Closing date is 30 July 2020
The aim of this project role is to enable us to trial innovative and effective ways of delivering services to young people who are at greatest risk of poor sexual health. Full details and how to apply on the NHS Jobs website.
London Irish Centre seeks Service Development Manager
Permanent Full Time – 35 hours per week Up to £35,000pa
The Service Development Manager is a key role at the London Irish Centre (LIC) as the postholder will be responsible for influencing and managing relationships with staff and external stakeholders to drive quality improvements as a part of the overall leadership of the LIC.
Application packs are available online
The deadline for applications is 9am Monday 27th July.
Interviews on Tuesday 4th August by Zoom.
Shak seeks Treasurer
Shak (South Hampstead and Kilburn Community Partnership) is a resident led charity based on the iconic Alexandra and Ainsworth estate* in the Kilburn ward of Camden NW London, which is an area of high rates of deprivation and poverty but big potential. Due to the local nature of our organisation we are looking for a trustee who is resident to the area where we operate.
Candidates will need to have or be willing to undertake a DBS check and child protection training.
The deadline for applications is: Monday 31st August.
If you would like further information or wish to apply for this role please contact John Boyle by email at johnboyle@shakonline.co.uk enclosing a current CV and cover letter explaining why you are interested in the post.
Somers Town Community Gardener
Reports to Story Garden Manager
3 days a week. September start date. Initially 1 year contract with possibilities for extension based on funding. Salary £24,000 per annum pro rata
Applications deadline Monday 3 August at midday Interviews Friday 7 August
To apply Email your CV and a separate covering letter (maximum two pages) explaining why you are best suited for the role to jobs@globalgeneration.org.uk
St Pancras Community Assoc seeks Volunteer Coordinator
The Golden Years Programme £28,000 pa. full time.
To challenge the effects of isolation among local people aged 60+, by building an activities programme, based on a community centre in NW1.
E-mail: info@spca.org.uk for an application pack.
Deadline for returning completed forms, 9am on 30th July. Interviews are planned for 24th August, either by Zoom or in NW1. Start date October 1st.
Calthorpe Project Treasurer Wanted
Calthorpe Community Garden is currently seeking an enthusiastic individual who understands the importance of strong governance to help enhance the lives of vulnerable people in the community. The Treasurer is an important and valuable part of the Trustee Board assisting in monitoring, understanding and communicating the accounts and budgets to the Board. The Treasurer should be able to highlight any improvements or risks for the financial wellbeing of the Calthorpe. Full details and how to apply on the website.
Director of Kentish Town City Farm
£30,000 – £40,000 per annum +pension
KTCF are seeking a visionary, strategic and courageous leader to realise our ambitions for the next exciting chapter at Kentish Town City Farm. The Farm Director is the key figurehead for the farm, providing leadership to an experienced and inclusive team of staff and volunteers, and ensuring financial growth. You will share our passion for changing lives by bringing people together, and our belief that every person has a positive contribution to make to the farm. Full details and how to apply here. Closing date: 6th August.
Paid work opportunities for people who have been laid off/ reduced income
Local Adult social care providers are still recruiting, and as they support the NHS to move vulnerable adults out of hospital to stay well at home, their need is growing. Contact Proud to Care.
Camden Social Prescribing and Care Navigation update
Social Prescribing and Care Navigation delivered by Age UK Camden, Voluntary Action Camden and Wish+ is operational, and adapted, as a point of access to services and support during the COVID 19 emergency. Referral form can be found here. Minimum requirements are contact details and permission to contact the person needing support.
Freephone: 0800 193 6067 (please leave a message if no answer)
Secure NHS email (referrals only): camccg.socialprescribingreferral@nhs.net
Community Links email (enquiries and referrals): communitylinks@vac.org.uk
Camden Food Survey
The Covid-19 pandemic has revealed gaps in the food security situation for many Camden residents and work is under way at the council and public health to look at the situation in more depth. A survey has been produced to get a snapshot of the food status in Camden in order to start thinking about longer term sustainability.
Are you involved in food delivery, food banks, meals service, food coops in Camden? If so please complete this survey.
VAC Directory updates for reconnecting residents
As organisations start to vary their offer to Camden residents we are eager to hear what is emerging. Care Navigation and Social Prescribing is hearing from many residents are ready to reconnect with social and community activities. Please update the VAC Covid directory so residents can reconnect! If you are already listed on the Covid directory you should have received a link to update your record. Otherwise you can submit a new record using this link: https://www.tfaforms.com/4811729, or get in touch with alexcharles@vac.org.uk
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.
