Newsletter 25th August 2020
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Voluntary Action Islington Resource Centre is open
The Resource Centre is now open. If you want to join a community of voluntary organisations with a shared purpose and a common culture, then look no further! We offer permanent and temporary renting of a desk in our office, based in Central London. Meeting and large training rooms are also available with Covid-19 compliant. For more details visit here Islington Funding Toolkit
If you are looking for non-covid and covid funding, please register for the Islington Funding Toolkit. This toolkit helps you seek out grants, awards and other funding which may be may be relevant to your organisation. You will be emailed one a week with the lastest funding available so you don’t miss out on deadlines. |
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| The coronavirus has really affected organizations and charities financially, meaning they need to look for COVID related funding to still carry on working and providing services to the community.
This week we are highlighting:
BAME Infrastructure Support Fund
The UK Community Foundations has launched this new fund to support Black, Asian, and minority ethnic (BAME) groups who have been disproportionately affected by the coronavirus/COVID-19 crisis. The funding is intended to support BAME-led groups and organisations that can, in turn, help other BAME organisations to access their local Community Foundation and secure National Emergencies Trust (NET) funds from them. An initial £250,000 is being made available with more funds anticipated on a rolling basis. Read more on the grant and apply here
Community Fund COVID-19 Digital Response
This fund is aimed at organisations whose work has been affected by COVID-19 and who need emergency funding to continue to deliver essential services. It will support them to develop the digital, data, and design capabilities that allow them to address urgent issues and serve the most vulnerable. There are two funds being offered: The Discovery Programme – deadline 7th September at 5 pm, and The Development Programme – deadline 20th September 5 pm. Read more on the grant and apply here
Discretionary Grants fund
Islington Council’s £5,000 Discretionary Grants fund has been opened up to voluntary and community organisations based in affordable co-working spaces such as community centres. Those who have had ongoing property costs (such as rent) and seen a decrease in their income during the COVID crisis are encouraged to apply. The deadline to receive applications is 28 August.
Scrappage Scheme
The Mayor of London has launched a scrappage scheme to help improve London’s toxic air. It supports businesses with up to 50 employees to replace vehicles that don’t meet the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) standards. Charities that have old vans and minibuses can get some money to get rid of them and buy new ones. The scrappage scheme will be suspended to new van applicants at 5pm on Friday 28 August 2020. Read here
For more COVID funding have a look at our list here. If you are looking for non-covid funding, please register for the Islington Funding toolkit, where you can find loads of funding opportunities available. Last quarter Islington groups used the funding toolkit got over £34k last quarter! |
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Volunteering has become important during the pandemic for organisations to help local residents who are isolated, shielded, and vulnerable during this difficult time. Volunteer Centre Islington has gathered information about safeguarding, staying safe whilst volunteering, and resources for staff to use here
The Strengthening Communities Through Volunteering project run by Volunteer Centre Islington and funded by the London Community Response Fund/ City Bridge Trust aim is to help local voluntary organisations support volunteers and local people better at a time when safety and safeguarding are essential and remote working is the new normal. Click here to find out about the project, resources, remote 1-2-1 sessions, and events.
Volunteering Roles of the week:
Food Preparation – Covid19 role by Food For All is looking for volunteers to help prepare food, you can attend any shift you can make. The shifts are 4 hours per shift, 2 shifts per day: 8am-12pm / 1pm-5pm, AM only on Fridays & Saturdays. Respect social distancing and wear PPE at all times. Apply here
Food Parcel Delivery- Covid19 role by The Alexandra Wylie Tower Foundation is looking for volunteers are needed for the delivery of food parcels to addresses across Islington. A car or bike with trailer or saddlebags would be required as the food parcels are quite heavy. The collection is from the Ringcross Community Centre N7 8RH. Volunteers can choose the ward to which they want to deliver. Apply here
If you or anyone you know that wants to volunteer and be part of the covid response in Islington have a look at the many opportunities that the volunteer centre has available. They consist of befriending, picking and dropping off groceries & medication, help to sort out food packages… Register your interest here.
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Find information and tips for managing your staff’s mental health and wellbeing during the coronavirus outbreak. In case you’re social distancing or self-isolating or just working remotely for months you may be feeling anxious or stressed. Many local and national organisations are providing help and guidance during these troubling times. Visit the Islington organisations list & National organisations list that VAI has compiled. Check our working from home, being active, health and wellbeing podcasts, and wearing masks section for more information.
Help On Your Doorstep is running support for people who are feeling isolated, depressed, finding it hard to afford and get essentials like food, or need advice on a wide range of issues including housing, welfare benefits, and family matters. Call them on 020 3931 6080
Healthy Mind Healthy Bods have created weekly health packs that focus on mind-sets, health, nutrition, exercise, and routine. They have produced 19 packs for far which includes quiz, game, recipes, news, and much more. Read here
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MSK Health, BAME communities, and Inequalities – Round Table
Wednesday 9th September 2020 15:00 – 17:00
Muscular-skeletal (MSK) health is one of the most significant global health challenges. The burden of MSK is also highly unequal, with the poorest and most marginalised facing some of the greatest barriers in access and treatment, and the poorest outcomes. Public Health England have been working with the Race Equality Foundation to bring together experts to discuss how we can better work together to address MSK health in BAME communities. It promises to be an engaging event that will hopefully set the agenda for the future and have a real impact. Register here |
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New Service for Perpetrators of Domestic Violence
Islington Council is running a campaign promote service for perpetrators of domestic abuse. 200 posters will be dispatched around public areas (shops etc) by Islington Council colleagues from Holborn police station this weekend. 200 business cards size leaflets will be printed next week for custody officers to give to people in custody arrested for domestic abuse offenses. For confidential support call, the Domestic Violence Intervention Project (DVIP) on 07501 722 611 / 07484 920 003 or visit here for more information.
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| The following libraries will be open from 1st September: • Archway • Central • Finsbury • N4 • West • Local History Centre(appointment only) To make sure you are safe people will have to wear face coverings & numbers will be limited here
The London Irish Centre is recruiting for an Advice Service Manager as an interim, for three months, with the possibility of extension. Full time, salary up to £35k, exciting opportunity for a proven leader to develop a team and service, helping lift people out of poverty. Apply here |
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| During the lockdown, many organisations found that the best way to keep in touch with their service users and other organisations is to run or attend virtual events online. Please check our updated events sections.
Making your own Art Journal
Islington Carers Hub
Every Monday 14:30 – 15:30 pm. Remotely on zoom
It’s a FREE, fun, creative, weekly session on making your own Art Journal. Contact Carmen via info@islingtoncarershub.org to sign up and receive the Zoom.
Back to school and early years 2020: Islington Panel and Question Time
Islington Council
Tuesday 1st September 12:30 – 14:00 pm. Remotely
This is an opportunity for parents of children returning to school of early years settings in September to hear from the experts and get your questions answered. The panel of experts will explain how we are working together in Islington to get children safely back to school and early years in September Book Here
British Citizenship & Covid Updates Webinar
Immigration Advice Service
Tuesday 1st September 18:00 – 19:00 pm. Remotely
This is exploring British Citizenship applications and an update on Covid-19 and its Impact on Immigration. Book Here
A Community Conversation on Recovery
Islington Faiths Forum
Wednesday 2nd September 14:00 – 15:00 pm. Remotely on zoom
This is exploring the crucial role of faith and VCS groups – what do we need to sustain efforts into a recovery phase?T he needs of young people – to look at those facing the greatest barriers to realising their potential and more. Book Here
Introduction To Trauma: Session 1
Immigration Advice Service
Tuesday 8th September 11:00 – 12:30 pm. Remotelyinfo@islingtoncarershub.org
Partnership for Young London is working in collaboration with Nicola Lester Psychological Trauma Consultancy to deliver a series of webinars on trauma awareness, trauma-informed practice, and developing therapeutic skills for practice. Each session is 1.5 hours and will be delivered online, presentation time is approximately 1-hour with time for discussion and questions in the remaining 30 minutes. Attendees will receive a copy of the presentation, handouts, and a certificate of attendance upon completion of the session. Book Here
See more relevant events to your organisation development or your service users here and if you are running any events and would like us to promote them send an email to Meera.Jobanputra@vai.org.uk |
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| ‘We are Islington’ the helpline, run by Islington Council, has been connecting vulnerable and self-isolating residents who have been affected by the pandemic with the support they need. To contact them call 020 7527 8222 or email at: weareislington@islington.gov.uk (open daily 9am to 5pm) |
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