Latest News
for Barnet VCFSE
Environmental Network
Hello everyone! I'm Caitie Fisher, the new Community Organisation Support Communications Officer at Inclusion Barnet. With a background in digital marketing and a passion for the environment, I am thrilled to join this amazing team. After studying Creative Writing at university, I landed a job in sunny Seville, Spain, where I worked as the digital marketing & social media lead for an eco-conscious travel and tourism company. It was there that I learned the power of digital platforms in promoting sustainable practices.
Seeking to make a deeper impact, I transitioned to the VCSE sector, working in communications for a charity supporting visually impaired children. Now, I'm eager to combine my skills and experiences to drive positive change within Barnet Together. When I'm not working, you can find me outside, camping or hiking. I also love to paint and play the guitar (badly). I'm excited to embark on this journey with all of you, and together, let's create a greener future. Thanks for your interest in the Barnet VCFSE Environmental Network. Any questions/thoughts/contributions, do get in touch... Caitie Fisher, Communications Officer (Community Organisation Support)
caitie@inclusionbarnet.org.uk
Ellen Cheshire, Community Organisation Support Lead
ellen@inclusionbarnet.org.uk 22 June 2023
Join Our Next Meeting
Barnet VCFSE Environmental NetworkWednesday 19 July, 2.00pm - 3:30pm
If you've already been to a Barnet VCFSE Environmental Network meeting then you'll automatically receive a MS Teams link for our next meeting on Wednesday 19th July, 2.00pm - 3:30pm.
If you've not joined us yet, then do email Ellen. Our networking sessions are casual and friendly but jam-packed with vital information tailored to those working in the Barnet Voluntary, Community, Faith & Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector. We discuss environmental issues in the Borough, and work out how we can make a difference. This networking group will raise awareness of environmental projects that are happening across the Borough, help to establish partnerships and joint initiatives, and seek funding opportunities. If you have any topics you would like to raise/discuss at future meetings, do let Ellen know. We can't wait to see you there! FOR PAST E-NEWSLETTERS
Get involved...London Climate Action Week
London Climate Action Week (LCAW) runs from Saturday 24th June – Sunday 2nd July and is one of the world's largest independent climate change events. Colleagues across North Central London have been working together to schedule events throughout the week to share information about what we have achieved so far and what actions people can take as professionals as well as at home to reduce their carbon footprint. Stay tuned, in this newsletter we'll highlight some of the incredible events taking place across Climate Action
Week. Learn more about LCAW here
Make a change...How to reduce your website’s carbon footprint
Digital is often cited as an eco-friendly solution for minimising paper usage and lessening our environmental impact. We all know about the detrimental effects of single-use products, but the carbon footprint of the internet remains relatively unknown. Creating, storing and consuming online content can be hugely resource intensive but in this informative blog, Caspian Turner, Head of Strategy at Substrakt, talks us through ways we can reduce our digital carbon footprint and make websites more sustainable. Read the full blog here
Eco Show and Tell Updates
As part of the Eco Show and Tell project, West Hendon Urban Tree Festival and Sustainability Fair took place the 17th May and was a huge success. Naomi Stanford from Urban Garden shared this update: 'The event was held on what is grandly referred to as ‘The Plaza’ which is a pedestrian-only short street flanked by 2 10-story blocks of flats, between the Co-op Supermarket and Double Seal Frames. (No trees on it – but we live in hope, and perhaps action). Because our neighbourhood is extreme urban, not trees, the event was less about trees and more about the natural environment and
sustainability. Eco Show and Tell founder Shiri Atsmon raised a wonderful turnout of 12 stallholders to come with info, samples, plant swaps, seeds, and other enticements to encourage interaction and learning. Stalls included Barnet’s Tiny Forest Team who are turning Henley’s Corner on the North Circular into a small pocket of quality green space for benefit of people and wildlife. London National Park City, a grassroots movement for people making our city greener, healthier and wilder, NW7 Foodbank Community Garden, and Friends of the Earth. Creating additional buzz were the 250+ adults and children who came along. As well as cruising the stalls, some were planting up terrariums in an activity workshop, other making chalk drawings on the pavement, and
throughout convivially chatting over local restaurant, Paro’s, delicious pizza. Aiding the event, weather held good and the jazz duet provided great music for the duration of the evening. The feedback was heart-warming, typical was, ‘We all felt it was a really great event,’ and ‘I was there. It felt like it was a huge success!!!’ The eco champion reported, ‘The stall holders were very happy with the footfall, we managed to have loads of meaningful conversations about nature, climate change and sustainability. We definitely achieved our purpose, we are truly happy and had a great time.’ Barnet Council tweeted ‘It was a great event with stalls showcasing their environmentally friendly products and live music!’
Eco Show and Tell are accepting applications for stall-holding at their forthcoming fairs. If you have an environmental agenda to promote, you can apply to have a stall at an event. The stalls are free thanks to a generous funding by North London Waste Authority's North London Community Fund. You can also share a stall for as little as an hour to allow everyone to take part.
They're also looking for volunteers to help at the events, or just pop along for a fun few hours! Get involved in these upcoming events:
Eco Show and Tell in Barnet Vale Festival
When: Sunday 25th June, 11am - 4pm
Where: Barnet Vale, Tudor Sports Ground, Clifford Rd, Barnet EN5 Eco Show and Tell at the "Let Meet on the Edge" art installation, LFA
When: Sunday 2nd July, 2 - 5pm
Where: Edgware, The Garden City installation, HA8 7JE Eco Show and Tell Golders Green
When: Sunday 30th July, 11am - 2pm
Where: Golders Green Crescent, NW11 (road next to Lloyds Bank)
Read more about these Eco Show and Tell events and email ecoshowandtell@gmail.com to get involved.
In the news...Major ULEZ scrappage scheme expansion
The Mayor of London has announced a huge expansion to the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) scrappage scheme to cover all small businesses, and all families receiving child benefit. Check if your vehicle meets the emission standards here and see if you qualify
for the scheme. Read the full story here
Don't miss out...Suburban Strolls
As part of the London Festival of Architecture, local historian, retired town planner and Chair of the Barnet Green Spaces Network, Roger Chapman will lead you through some of our brilliant open spaces on a Suburban Stroll. There's only a few places left on the morning and afternoon sessions this Sunday 25th June so book now! Click here for more info
British Ecological Society - Outreach Grants
The British Ecological Society are offering grants of up to £2,000 to organisations to promote ecological science to a wide audience. They are supporting projects that increase public understanding and engagement with ecology, inspiring people to engage with the science of organisms and their environments. The next round of funding opens on Wednesday 5th July
and closes at 11:59pm on Wednesday 30th August.
London Marathon Foundation - Active Spaces Fund
Grants of between £5,000 and £50,000 are available from the London Marathon Foundation to projects that will improve and activate spaces, places and facilities to help children, young people, and marginalised groups to lead active lives. Local authorities, charities, schools, sports clubs and associations can apply for funding of up to £20,000 at any time. Applications of over £20,000 must be submitted by Friday 7th
July.
Bupa Foundation - Green Community Grants
As part of Bupa's #HealthyCities campaign, the Bupa Foundation are launching the Green Community Grants programme to support practical projects which help both people and planet. Grants are available for £250 - £2,500, and open to schools, charities, not-for-profit orgs, local authorities and social housing providers. Find out more about what kind of projects are supported here. The deadline for applications is Friday 30th June.
Ongoing Community Event Funding from Barnet Council Barnet Council’s vision is to make Barnet a ‘Borough of Fun’, where those who live and work have opportunities to enjoy life and celebrate the things that are important to them. Community Groups can apply for up to £1,000 throughout the year to host an event with their community. Please apply at least 4 weeks before the proposed event More information and how to apply for Community Event Funding
Sturgess Park, West Hendon - Play Equipment Consultation Barnet's fantastic collection of parks and open spaces are an important part of what makes Barnet a green and family friendly borough. The council’s West Area Committee has agreed to allocate £115,000 to improve and refurbish the playground facility in Sturgess Park.
Barnet Council would like to know your thoughts about the proposed play equipment and the location of the equipment at Sturgess Park. You can view the proposed playground layout in 2D and in 3D and the individual pieces of proposed equipment. Share your views via the online questionnaire or attend pop-up events in Sturgess Park Playground to look the proposals. Council staff will be on hand to
discuss the plans and answer any questions you may have. The pop-up events will take place at Sturgess Park Playground, Sturgess Avenue, West Hendon, NW4 on the following dates: - Saturday 8 July 10:30am - 12:30pm
- Tuesday 25 July 11:00 - 2:00pm
Read more about the Sturgess Park proposal here, including where to find information in alternative
formats
Blundell Road, HA8 and the surrounding area - Informal Parking Consultation Barnet Council have received concerns from the residents of Blundell Road and the surrounding streets regarding high levels of non-resident parking and it has therefore become necessary to review the existing parking situation. They've written to all the properties in the consultation area inviting them to take part in the consultation and they want to hear your views regarding the parking and traffic situation. Read more about Blundell Road Parking and share your views before Monday 26th June
Communities & Faith Officer - Inclusion Barnet Are you passionate about the important role that community and faith groups play in their localities? Could you support these groups to achieve their potential in the London Borough of Barnet? With an awareness of the local landscape and the challenges the sector faces, you will play a key role in providing support to community and
faith groups in Barnet. We are looking for someone who would enjoy working with them to provide resources, advice, and support around fundraising, organisational and business development, planning and governance. This is a varied and rewarding role, and you will be able to make a real impact for the sector. You will become part of a friendly and supportive team, working within a focused but flexible culture, where diversity is valued and you can bring your whole self to work. Location: Colindale, Greater London (Hybrid) Contract: Contract, Fixed to March 2024 with possibility of extension depending on funding Salary: £34,000 per year pro rata (28 hours per week) Closing Date: Friday 14th July 2023 at 23:59 Click here for more information on this role and how to apply
Activity & Programme Support Worker - Barnet Council Barnet Council are looking for enthusiastic individuals to support with the delivery of quality programmes for young people and families during the holiday period and term time. A variety of sessional or fixed term roles are currently available requiring various level of qualifications, technical skills, knowledge and experience including: - BACE Holiday and Positive Activities Co-Ordinator – experience of programme and activities delivery and/or events
- Creative Media tutors
- Music Production, Radio Production, Video Editing
- Dance and theatre production
- Sports across all areas
- Outdoor Educational delivery – DofE Award and Bushcraft experience
- Accreditation experience i.e. ASDAN, Arts Award, DofE Award
- Specialised delivery for SEND activities
- Lettings and Buildings support
Location: Borough
Wide Contract: Permanent - Sessional Salary: £13.46 - £14.14 Per Hour Closing Date: Monday 10th July 2023 Click here for more information on this role and how to apply
Business, Community, and Events Fundraiser - Young Barnet Foundation Could you make a difference in the lives of young people by engaging with local businesses, coordinating community events, and managing fundraising initiatives? This role with the Young Barnet Foundation offers flexible hours, opportunities for personal development, and a supportive
team environment. Location: Young Barnet Foundation Office (East Barnet) and Home Working Contract: 24-month fixed term contract, with potential extension subject to funding Salary: £27,000 FTE Pro Rata Hours: Part time, 14 - 21 hours per week Closing Date: Monday 10th July 2023, 5PM Click here for more information on this role and how to
apply
This Saturday: Blooming Marvellous Tea Party Saturday 24th June, 2.30pm - 4.30pm The Flower Bank, 45a Leicester Road, EN5 5EW In celebration of Pride Month, The Flower Bank warmly invites young and senior members of Barnet’s LGBTQIA+ community, to join them for wonderful afternoon where Seniors will be the guests of honour. You're invited to pay homage and share stories and experiences over tea and cake from the Wilds Café. Renowned flower designer Yan Skates will also be in attendance to create floral magic! For info or travel arrangements please get in touch by email nikki.barnett@barnet.gov.uk or call George on 03333 395003
This Saturday: Eco Celebration Day on the Community Plot at Whetstone Saturday 24th June, 10:30am - 4:30pm At the Community Plot, Whetstone Stray Allotments, Holden Road, London, N12 7DX Come and join in a day of celebrating the environment, featuring eco-friendly activities, workshops, and delicious food. You'll have the chance to: - Explore the Community Plot - an organic growing and wellbeing
space
- View the 'More than Human' sculpture, by environmental artist Becky Lyon
- Learn about supporting pollinators with Finchley N3, N12 Pollinator Project
- Make a recycled bee hotel with Alison of Re:New crafts (while stocks last)
- Enjoy a Mindfulness in Nature meditation and walk (beginning at 10.30am)
- Take part in an 'Introduction to Growing with Nature & Know Your Weeds and Eat Them' workshops led by Community Plot gardener, Les Moore
- And so much more!
Book your FREE tickets for the Eco
Celebration Day for Mayor of London weekend here!
This Saturday: Summer Garden Party Saturday 24th June, 3.00pm - 6.00pm OneStonegrove, 5 Hayling Way, Edgware HA8 8BN Come along for a fabulous day full of free activities for all ages including music, gardening, stalls, face painting, a magician, circus skills workshops, live performances and a kids play zone. There will be delicious food and drinks available to purchase.
This Sunday: Barnet Vale Festival Sunday 25th June, 11:00am - 4:00pm A free drop-in community event at the dilapidated but superb Art Deco pavilion in Tudor Park, Clifford Road, Barnet EN5, organised by “The Friends of Tudor Park and Pavilion”, a group aiming to refurbish the pavilion as a new multi-functional hub for the community. The Festival will have live music, talks, sports demos, catering and workshops from 11am to 4pm including: - Children’s activities: model making, drawing,
face-painting and treasure trail
- Pavilion display: the past, future, and opportunities to make suggestions
- The Flower Bank: how to grow your own veg
- Incredible Edible: you won’t believe what you can eat!
- Pavilion memories: local people record their stories More information can be found here!
London Climate Action Week Events There are over 150 events taking place between Saturday 24th June – Sunday 2nd July as part of London Climate Action Week. Here are some of the highlights hosted by North Central London NHS trusts, which are available for you to join for free: Learn About Gardening with Clive Pankhurst Monday 26th June, 12.00pm - 1.00pm Want to have a go at
gardening but not sure where to start? Not sure you can keep passing off your overgrown patch as a ‘wildlife garden’? Want to green up your balcony or try growing your own fruit and veg? Clive will share his journey and top tips to help you go from being a plant killer to having your green space featured on Gardeners World. Click here to join the event live via MS Teams at the start time London Climate Action Week with Professor
Hugh Montgomery & Dr Mark Harber Monday 26th June, 2:00pm - 3:00pm As part of London Climate Action Week, Professor Hugh Montgomery and Dr. Mark Harber will be giving a talk on: ‘An emergency update on the climate crisis and the things we can do that are constructive and positive as individuals and as institutions’ Click here to watch the event live via MS
Teams Climate anxiety with Patrick Kennedy-Williams Wednesday 28th June, 12.00pm - 1.00pm The climate crisis is here, now, and it is affecting healthcare systems around the
world, including here in the UK. This webinar provides an overview of climate anxiety, as well as practical tools to help maintain psychological resilience and sustainable action. Click here to join the event live via MS Teams at the start time Sustainable changes you can make at home and work with Joe Burton Wednesday 28th June, 3.00pm - 4.00pm The small differences that we can all make at home and at work can support us in limiting our personal carbon footprint. This session will offer simple tips and suggest easy changes that we can make to reduce our footprint in both the home and work environment. Click here to join the event live via MS Teams at the start time
Click here for the full list of London Climate Action Week events
Deliveries and Services: How to Save Money and Cut Your Emissions Thursday 13th July, 9am - 10am This practical online seminar, hosted by Barnet Council, will cover how to save money and reduce your carbon footprint in your business deliveries and services. Experts will share tips on optimizing your deliveries and adopting zero/low carbon modes. You'll hear about successful businesses and initiatives that have implemented sustainable practices and reduced their costs. Don't miss this opportunity to make a positive impact on the environment
while saving money. Book your FREE place on the 'How to Save Money and Cut Your Emissions' online seminar here!
Give it a Go Festival Sunday 16th July, 1.00pm - 5.30pm Give it a Go is Hampstead Heath’s celebration of physical and mental wellbeing. Come and enjoy music at the Parliament Hill Bandstand and try out one of the many free activities on offer on the day, such as rugby, fencing, tennis, athletics, bowls or healthy walks. Click here for more information
Save the Date for the second Barnet Together Alliance Conference
Join us for the second Barnet Together Alliance Conference Monday 2 October, 9am – 4.05pm Theme: Stronger Together: Addressing inequalities in Barnet Keynote speakers • Workshops • Marketplace
Networking • Meet the funders Followed by Then tea and cake until 5pm Address: RAF Museum, Hendon Formal invitation and agenda to follow
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