Projects
We work with other organisations to run projects that address local concerns. These include research projects, training programmes and innovative pilot schemes. You can scroll down the page to read a little about each of our projects, or click on the links below to find out about the project that interests you.
- HELP Project (How to Educate Learners with Peer Mentoring)
- Localism and Neighbourhood Planning
- Mental Health
- Child Safeguarding
- Better Governance
- Target HR
- Community Premises
- Better Climate
Archive Projects (ended 2010)
Project Summaries
Localism and Neighbourhood Planning
In March 2011, VAC’s Community Empowerment Network hosted a seminar on “The Localism Bill: Opportunities, Concerns and How Proposals Might Work in Practice”. Following the event, we began the ‘Camden Blueprint project’ which involved working with two very different Camden communities to explore how the neighbourhood planning process might work in practice. Read more on our website about the Camden Blueprint project or Localism Act
Mental Health Project
Our mental health project employs three Community Development Workers. It aims to raise awareness of mental health issues and promote good practice in services that improve mental wellbeing. The project offers local groups the opportunity to participate in mental health networks and to access training. Read more here.
Community Partnership Adviser (Child Safeguarding)
Our Community Partnership Adviser works with local community and faith groups on safeguarding children, improving links with statutory services, and promoting mutual understanding of cultural issues and views on safeguarding. The project offers advice, information and training to local staff and volunteers. Read more here.
Better Governance
The project offers Camden committee members/trustees an opportunity to improve their skills in managing a voluntary or community organisation through a training programme and customised one-to-one support for their organisations. Read more here.
Target HR
Target HR is a human resources support project developed by a network of the 7 central London Councils for Voluntary Service (CVS), and led by VAC. The project aims to provide in-depth support to organisations to improve their HR procedures, skills and knowledge. Read more here.
Community Premises
As part of our work to support groups to access affordable premises, we have joined with local partners to form a Community Assets Enterprise. We have also developed an interactive Community Spaces website for groups seeking premises or help with facilities management. Read more here.
Better Climate
VAC is an active member of the Camden Climate Change Alliance Advisory Board, committed to taking forward the ‘green’ (sustainability) agenda within the voluntary and community sector in Camden. This has resulted in a number of initiatives to date, including advice surgeries for local groups and workshops on ‘green’ issues. Read more here.
Project Summaries: Archive (ended 2010)
Workforce Development “Fit for Purpose” (Closed 2010)
This project supported the development of good practice within organisations supporting people affected by substance misuse problems. It offered training, outreach and advice on the Common Assessment Framework and the “Fit for Purpose” tool, helping organisations action plan to improve their services. Read more here.
Peer Education Project (Closed 2010)
This project piloted peer education as a way to empower young people to tackle health and relationship issues in their own communities. It reached out into local Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities to develop health education in culturally sensitive and appropriate ways. Read more here.