VAC Weekly Newsletter
12th November 2021
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New VAC CEO announced; Volunteer Action Forum; Resilience fund information; Health and Wellbeing Strategy Consultation; carers survey; consultations; the start of Disabled History month; cybersecurity week; Castlehaven AGM; Wreath workshop; growth through sustainability; ABC Learning Event - Supporting Older Men; Central YMCA Young People Survey + Newsletters + Resources + funding + jobs + volunteers & more
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VAC Announces our new CEO
VAC is very pleased to welcome Keith Morgan as its new CEO. Keith was formerly the Chief Executive of the Young Camden Foundation and has a background in youth work. He also worked in Strategy and Change at Camden council. He brings considerable knowledge of the local sector, leadership experience and strategic thinking. Keith’s appointment completes a 3 year process of leadership renewal at VAC which has seen both a new chair and new board of trustees recruited.
The Voluntary Action Forum on Wednesday 15th December will be a first opportunity to meet Keith.
VAC has 3 important events coming up.
Voluntary Action Forum: 17th November 11-12pm
This week the VAF will discuss leases and the proposals from the council to change the arrangements for those with leases. Find out what the proposals are and what this will mean for those with a Camden lease. Book here
Resilience fund information session: 18th November 11-12pm
Attendees will learn more about the new large Camden Council Resilience Fund, including a Q&A with a member of the strategic partnerships team. Book here
Health and Wellbeing Strategy Consultation: 25th November 11-12pm
This is a chance to find out more about Camden Council's health and wellbeing strategy consultation and to have your say.
Book here
Our new CEO, Keith Morgan:
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Health and Wellbeing Strategy Consultation
Camden’s draft Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2021-30 six-week consultation opened on 1st November, and your views on the proposed approach to improve health and wellbeing are requested. Whether you live, work or receive care in the borough, your voice should be at the heart of the new strategy.
To have your say and to find out more, please visit the consultation website.
The Health and Wellbeing strategy is themed around three stages of life: Start, Live and Age, well. Consultation questions are grouped under 6 headings:
1. Population Health Approach
2. Ways of Working and Guiding Principles
3. Long term vision
4. Good Work and Employment
5. Healthy and Ready for School
6. Community Connectedness and Friendship
To request a paper copy, accessible versions, or if you have any questions about the strategy, please call 020 7974 5827 or email healthandwellbeingboard@camden.gov.uk
If you prefer to make your points in a group VAC will be hosting a consultation event on 25th November. Book here
New Grant Support for Voluntary and Community Organisations in Camden launched on 5 November
Camden Council have launched a new grant programme called The Resilience Fund. The Community Impacts Resilience Fund is in response to feedback that we have had from the VCS and offers financial support to local organisations that are struggling financially because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
It also provides support for new partnerships and innovative ways of working, which have been developed within the sector in response to the challenges of the pandemic.
In 2021/22 there are two strands of funding available in the Community Impacts Resilience Fund:
~ Recovery Fund: Grants of up to £15,000 to support organisations to return to business as usual. Funding can be used to cover day-to-day costs such as staffing, rent and utility bills. A total of £600,000 is available through this fund.
~ Partnership and Networks Fund: Grants of up to £10,000 to support organisations to develop existing or to establish new partnerships and collaborations within the community. Applications can be made as individual organisations, partnerships or networks. The fund can also be used to cover core costs associated with this work such as staffing, rent and utility bills. A total of £150,000 is available through this fund.
The grant application process is in two stages and groups that are successful at Stage 1 or the Expression of Interest, will be invited to submit a Stage 2 application. We would particularly like to encourage bids from small organisations working with Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.
Application forms and guidance on the funds can be found here from 5pm, 5th November: camden.gov.uk/voluntary-and-community-sector-in-camden#hltr
The website also has an FAQs section and you can also email us with any questions at vcs@camden.gov.uk
Deadline for the Stage 1 applications is 11pm on 29th November 2021
Voluntary Action Camden will be running some workshops to support groups with applying for the Fund. The first is on 18th November 11-12pm, book here
Camden Health and Wellbeing Event
20th November 12-4pm
Camden Council is hosting a free health and wellbeing event outside the Swiss Cottage library, 88 Avenue Road, NW3 3HA, to launch the borough's new mobile health bus. Please pop along if you are able.
Camden Carers Survey
Camden carers want to hear from carers. This survey is looking to understand carers' views on social care and the support that they need.
It should take less than 20 minutes and the more responses the more powerful carers' voices will be.
To take part, click here
Free festive wreath workshops for community groups on Hampstead Heath
Heath Hands are offering free wreath-making workshops for local community groups on the Heath. Spend time out in nature, learn new skills and bring home beautiful natural wreaths to decorate your home or give to friends and family. Tea, coffee and biscuits provided.
For more info and to organise an outing, contact Heath Hands on info@heath-hands.org.uk
Together! 2021 Disabled History Month Festival
A new exhibition by Vince Law is opening online as part of Disabled History Month. The Festival brings together Disabled artists from East London, the UK and beyond for an inclusive audience, with all events having BSL interpretation and live captions. For more information and to book
CyberSecurity Week: GDPR Training Resources.
The video, slides and comprehensive notes from the two recent VAC online training sessions on GDPR are now available on the website. These will help you understand the theory and legal framework of the GDPR with practical steps on how to remain compliant.
Castlehaven Community Association AGM Invitation
Wednesday 24th November at 6pm on Zoom
Sharing success and challenges from the past year, organisational adaptations in the face of Covid -19 and plans for the future. All our welcome. To join, email info@castlehaven.org.uk for the zoom link
Virtual: Introduction to Safeguarding for Volunteers
15th November 10-11.30
Suitable for anyone in Camden requiring the equivalent of a Level 2 safeguarding introduction; including volunteers, play workers, coaches, youth mentors and new starters who have never had child protection or safeguarding training before. Book here
The Evaluation Exchange has now officially started in Camden.
This month, we held an online workshop bringing together 27 researchers from UCL (ranging from PhD students to Research Fellows) with seven voluntary and community organisations from Camden. This workshop kick started the 6 month collaboration, with the researchers and organisational teams working together to tackle an evaluation challenge set by the organisation. Read the full article here.
Social Prescribing - Working with Regional Partners
11th November, 14.00 - 16.00
Join us as we hear from Natural England and London Sport about what is happening in these sectors around social prescribing activity, ways to access funding and what they need from you or any regional partner to work effectively with the voluntary sector. Register to attend via Zoom.
Growing your business through sustainability
Learn how to make your organisation more sustainable and help grow your business. In this training you will learn the importance of Sustainability not only for your business but in the context of the wider world, understanding your current carbon footprint, simple yet, impactful changes that can immediately be actioned and how to embed them within your marketing strategy.
In this workshop you will learn:
~ Why sustainability is good for business
~ How to start your journey
~ Where to use sustainability measures to engage employees and customers
This session is run using YouTube and is 60 minutes long. The course assumes no prior knowledge or experience. There will be the opportunity to ask questions during the session.
Supporting older men to build social networks: sharing what we've learnt
Hear about this alternative approach to bringing older men together and find out more about our latest research findings.
This event will be on Zoom
If you have any further questions about the event please get in touch with ageingbetterincamden@ageukcamden.org.uk
Find out more: www.ageingbetterincamden.org.uk or sign up at Eventbrite
Central YMCA has launched a survey for 16-25 year olds
Central YMCA are carrying out a survey to better understand the issues that affect young people today and the barriers that prevent them from overcoming these issues.
The results of the survey will help organisations to understand how they can better focus efforts to support young people where they really need it. There is an incentive, as one of the respondents will win a £300 voucher.
To answer the survey: www.ymca.co.uk/survey
If you have any questions please email julia.harvey@ymca.co.uk
SHAK
Latin American House
Creative Lives
Healthwatch Camden
Young Camden Foundation
AWN
West Euston Project (WEP)
London Sport (sign up)
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See the Funding pages on VAC’s website for all the latest information.
Access the Idox Camden 4 Community grant search here.
MadCovid Fund: Hardship Solidarity Fund
Small hardship grants of up to £200 available depending on individual circumstances. You can also show solidarity by donating. Full details here.
Funding Opportunities for Camden's Childrens Charities
The Childhood Trust is London's Child Poverty charity, dedicated to alleviating the impact of poverty on children and young people living in the capital. The Childhood Trust offers financial support to children's charities through matching funding campaigns. For more information email campaigns@childhoodtrust.org.uk
Together for our planet
£1000 - £10,000 funding opportunity for voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations. This grant is for activities relating to climate action, including food, waste and consumption (and a number of other categories). I know that many of you touch upon the climate crisis/environmental sustainability in your work, and they are also interested in hearing from those who are just starting to think about taking action on climate change. Visit here for more information. Deadline: 18th November.
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.
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.
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.
Lists of Emergency Funders
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VAC Events
Keep in eye on our Events Calendar to book and for more info.
Health Inequalities - Voluntary Action Forum
All the resources, contacts and presentations from the last forum on Health Inequalities are available on the VAC website now.
Past Voluntary Action Forums: Resources
You can find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here.
Safeguarding Courses:
Virtual: Introduction to Safeguarding for Volunteers
15th November 10-11.30
Suitable for anyone in Camden requiring the equivalent of a Level 2 safeguarding introduction; including volunteers, play workers, coaches, youth mentors and new starters who have never had child protection or safeguarding training before. Book here
More details on the VAC website: http://vac.org.uk/events/
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The Gift of Communication: Create Connections
How can you address the challenges in our post Covid world where charities face an estimated £10bn funding short fall with increased demand for essential services?
This is the question addressed in our mini-conference open exclusively to those within charities wanting to review and improve their communication.
Full details and how to book at Eventbrite.
Inclusion London: Call for Evidence survey
Before 5pm, Monday 22nd November
The UK government will soon be reporting to the UN Disability Committee on what it is doing to advance the rights of Disabled people.
We want to make sure the UN Disability Committee hears from Disabled people, our organisations and other civil society organisations so they understand the situation from our point of view too.
Fill in the survey here
You can also attend Inclusion London’s UNCRPD consultation event on Wednesday 17th of November 2021. This event is for Disabled people and Deaf and Disabled People's Organisations only. Click here to register
Camden Council looking for event information
Before 12pm on 15th November
Camden Council would like to include the details of free local events this winter in their information to residents and business.
If you are hosting an event please email Haidee.O’Donnell@camden.gov.uk and include your organisations name, the event name and place, the time, date and aims, if registration is required and where to go for more information
Volunteer Centre Camden: Volunteer Management Forum
23rd November 2021 - 10am
The volunteer managers' forum will discuss all things volunteer management
The topics will be varied, and can be anything related to managing volunteers - and will be decided by you on the day. And this event is open to volunteer managers everywhere. The forums are peer-to-peer learning, where groups work through solutions together. Book Here
Support to Camden residents who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Are you working with a Camden resident who is homeless or at risk? Beam can support them into a new job.
Residents can use Beam’s platform to raise funds for training, technology (e.g. laptops and smartphones), childcare, travel to work and work attire. Beam’s caseworkers provide 1-1 support with CVs, applications and interview skills. Through Beam, residents also get priority access to local jobs with 90+ employer partners.
To refer clients, visit beam.org/refer or contact referrals@beam.org
Free research consultancy clinic for voluntary sector
Voluntary & community sector organisations or community groups can apply for up to 90 minutes with a trained PhD student to outline a research project that would be useful to the organisation. Your project outline will be advertised in January 2022 to master’s students who will be invited to make an expression of interest and suggestions for taking the project forward. Collaborating with them, your project could be carried out May to September 2022. A useful and useable product for the organisation will be part of the collaboration.
Contact Anne (a.laybourne@ucl.ac.uk) about this opportunity. The clinic is scheduled for 22 November at 13.00, online.
Ageing Better in Camden and Ambition for Ageing Manchester launch: “Before this, I had nothing.”
A Report on the Development and Impact of a BAME-Led Partnership for Tackling Social Isolation Among Older People in Camden.
Thursday, 11 November 13:30 – 15:00
Ageing Better in Camden funded a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Community Action Project. The BAME CAP set out to develop the capacity of micro-organisations to tackle social isolation and loneliness among older people from small African Heritage communities in Camden.
Report author Adwoa Manful will share learning from this innovative research alongside other speakers who have been instrumental in developing the BAME CAP. Book your free ticket here.
Sadler's Wells £5 ticket offer for Botis Seva's BLKDOG
Friday 19th and Saturday 20th November
Learn more about the show and book here. Enter the code BLKDOG1 for the £5 ticket offer
British Museum Community Partnerships Volunteering focus group
A focus group discussion for community group
leaders and or community organisations and share your views on volunteering
opportunities at The British Museum.
Tuesday 23 November, 2.00pm – 4.00pm
To take part in this event please RSVP to: jstarns@britishmuseum.org
The Living Centre Environment & Climate Community Events
A full programme of events from the Living Centre - from Urban Farming to Climate Friendly Food Swaps. There will also be an Extinction Rebellion debate and a film screening of Made in Bangladesh about workers in the fast fashion business.
Click for the full programme. Book at climateexhibition@thelivingcentre.org
Luminary Bakery Employability and Independence Programme
A 6 month training and employment programme for women who have been classified as experiencing ‘multiple disadvantages’ including gender based violence. They focus on providing support to find employment in a safe, trauma-informed space, and have 28 spaces for women starting in February 2022. All training takes part at Luminary Bakery in Camden. Visit here for more information. Deadline: 1st December.
Google Training Session for Camden VCS
19 November 2021 9:00 - 13:00
Location: Our Kings Cross Office - Six Pancras Square, London N1C 4AG
Find out how to make the most of Google, YouTube, Google Analytics, Training the Trainer and more.
Virtual or F2F: F2F with an option to dial in. Please fill in this form to reserve your space.
Recovery College
Recovery College celebrates 7 years. Autumn term has started but many courses are still open. Find out more and register on the website.
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
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.
Adult Learning are always open to working with new partners. If you think your members/clients will benefit from any of our courses, (IT, Family Learning, ESOL, Health & Wellbeing or Communities & local interests), and you would like us to run a course at your centre please contact us on 020 7974 2148 or send an email to adultlearning@camden.gov.uk for more information on how we can work together.
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Castlehaven & Prince of Wales Medical Centre is recruiting a Social Prescribing Link Worker
In 2021 Prince of Wales Group Practice and the Castlehaven Community Association began partnering to recruit a full-time Social Prescribing Link Worker to work with Prince of Wales Group Practice patients and other referrals within the Castlehaven Community Centre.
This position is full-time and based at both Castlehaven Community Association, London NW1 8RU and Prince of Wales Group Practice, London, NW5 3LN. Applications close on Sunday 7th November. For the full job description and how to apply click here.
Community Link Worker: Nafsiyat Intercultural Therapy Centre
Part-time permanent employee, 1 day a week (7hrs)
As a community Link Worker, you will provide general advice, information, advocacy, and practical support to Nafsiyat’s clients. You will work closely with therapists, assess clients’ needs, identify any barriers that may prevent them from engaging with therapy and arrange appropriate referrals
Please send a current CV and tailored covering letter (no more than 2 pages) explaining how your knowledge, skills and experience match the requirements for this role as set out in the job description to recruitment@nafsiyat.org.uk by 5pm on Tuesday November 30th.
Digital Media Training: Mama Youth Project
Open to applicants 18-25yrs and residents of Barnet, Brent, Camden, Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Harrow, Kensington & Chelsea, the Cities of London or Westminster.
A free intensive 6-week course on digital media + a minimum of 2 weeks paid work placement.
For more information and to apply click here
The Autism Hub and ALAG are recruiting a freelance Advocacy Case Worker
The worker will provide specialist advocacy and outreach support to autistic adults who do not have a learning disability, in London.
We are looking for an experienced Advocate Case Worker, who has knowledge and at least 2 years experience working with autistic adults and also with adults living with mental health conditions. This experience will enable you to play a vital role in supporting autistic residents across London
£15.00/hr Part-time 15hrs/week
To Apply - Email: jill@autismhubislington.org
Central YMCA is recruiting a new Head of Health and Wellbeing
The new Head of Health and Wellbeing will be given a broad remit to develop our community engagement and funded programmes in Camden whilst also developing and expanding our health and wellbeing offer nationally and overseeing the day-to-day operations of our two London health clubs
To find out more and apply, click here.
Somers Town Community Association seeks Employer Engagement Worker
20 hrs pw £17 per hour
The post is part of the job hub team and will be expected to develop working relationship with local businesses and employers.
Email: ziaur@somerstown.org.uk for an application pack.
Maths on Toast Job opportunity
We're recruiting a Community & Schools Outreach Practitioner to help us show families how to explore and enjoy creative maths. If you're a creative learning expert or teacher with experience of working with children and families within the community, we'd love to hear from you. Click here for full details.
SHAK seeks Community Champions Project Coordinator
South Hampstead and Kilburn Community Partnership
£30,000 per year
Contract, Temporary, Project funding currently expires in April 2023, so is offered on a fixed term contract, Full-time
You will lead the Community Champions project which builds on the strengths, skills and knowledge of local communities, by recruiting local people as volunteers to tackle inequalities, improve health and wellbeing and address local issues of concern.
Full details and how to apply at CharityJob website.
London Irish Centre Vacancies
Including Survivor Support Liaison vacancy - a new role working with survivors of Irish institutional abuse.
Full details of all the vacancies and how to apply at the London Irish Centre website.
Kilburn Older Voices Exchange trustees seek to appoint a new Chair
Kilburn Older Voices Exchange (KOVE) is an established charity in north-west London (primarily Camden & Brent). We want to appoint a new Chair and trustee to help manage our small staff team and support the Trustees and Steering Group to plan and prioritise our support and development work.
A commitment to the full citizenship of all older people will be essential. You will succeed two distinguished predecessors, Barry Peskin and the late Ags Irwin, and bring a comparable level of experience gained in business, public service, education, the arts, community work, or the provision of care. An experience of managing staff or of using small budgets to maximum effect is vital.
If you share KOVE's ambitions, please get in touch. We look forward to hearing from you.
Contact: melwillwright@gmail.com
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Afghan Refugee Crisis
The Council and VCS continue to work together to help meet the needs of the Afghan Refugees in Camden. A steering group (led by Hopscotch) meets weekly and there is a database of offers and needs held by the council. You can donate to the Hopscotch appeal here. Keep up to date at the council website here.
Hopscotch's Afghan Crisis Appeal
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.
Space rental at Latin America House, Kilburn
A range of space available for events, classes and more.
Find out more here
Camden Eco-Champions Awards
Nominations are now open for those in your area that go above and beyond to protect the environment.
For more information click here
Have your say on the future of education in Camden
Camden’s draft Education Strategy events
Pop-up event at St Pancras and Somers Town Living Centre - Wednesday 24 November 2021 between 5pm-6pm
Everyone is welcome to pop in at any point during the session, to find out more about Camden's new draft Education Strategy, Building Back Stronger, and share your views on the strategy.
Online Camden Conversations
There will be three online Camden Conversations, held via Zoom, as part of the consultation on Camden’s new education strategy, Building Back Stronger. These sessions will offer you the chance to hear more about the strategy, as well as to ask questions and feed back your thoughts and suggestions. The sessions will all cover the same information, so please just choose the date that best suits your schedule. The sessions will be held on:
• Camden Conversation 1 - Monday 15 November 2021 between 6:30pm and 7:30pm
• Camden Conversation 2 - Thursday 18 November 2021 between 10am and 11am
• Camden Conversation 3 - Thursday 25 November 2021 between 4pm and 5pm
To book your place, please email comingbackstronger@camden.gov.uk, quoting the date of the session you would like to attend and what your connection is to education
Read the Draft Education strategy and respond to the consultation here or email your comments to comingbackstronger@camden.gov.uk
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.
Keep in touch and up-to-date via the e-bulletin and @onecamden twitter. We have a comprehensive COVID-19 update page and a resources page.
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Got an item for the e-bulletin?
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Send your item to knunan@vac.org.uk, jnellis@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.
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Watch a short video about our work!
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Find out more about our work supporting the community and community groups with this short video.
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