News, Funding, Events and More for Barnet's VCFSE Community from Inclusion Barnet
Welcome to the Community Organisation Support Newsletter by Inclusion Barnet: focusing on strengthening the voluntary sector through the power of the Barnet Together partnership.
We've had another great month supporting the VCFSE sector. We have been supporting Black History Month and we also recently organised a member network meeting with Councillor Anne Hutton, focused on local democracy and educating members on local political structures. The session was a great chance to network and aimed to provide our members with insights into how local democracy and decision-making processes work. We plan to organise more similar workshops in the future to engage our members effectively.
Crucially, last month, we successfully hosted the Barnet Together Conference on 30th September in collaboration with Barnet Together organisations sharing their power to build a better Barnet. The event highlighted the exceptional support being provided to Barnet's admirable VCFSE sector.
Stay tuned for upcoming exclusive offers centred around training sessions, collaborative events with our BT partners, and specialised member gatherings in the near future! Our membership opportunities are continually expanding to include a wider range of organisations within Barnet.
Existing members can now schedule personalised 1:1 meetings with the COS team either online or in person by selecting a slot from our designated bookings page!
In this month’s newsletter, we are yet again promoting various opportunities from across the Barnet Together partnership, including funding opportunities and the chance for members to sign up to a range of events. Take a look!
(For VCFSEs looking for focused support, funding, news and events for their work with Children, Young People and Families, please contact Young Barnet Foundation, and for those working with volunteers, please contact Volunteering Barnet).
Member Network Meeting with Councillor Anne Hutton
On October 17th, a members' meeting was convened at the Meritage Centre Wellness Hub with Cllr Anne Hutton as the keynote speaker.
Cllr Hutton delivered an enlightening session on "Understanding Barnet's Local Government," showcasing the pivotal role local councilors play in supporting VCFSE organisations and their respective communities. The event garnered a dedicated turnout of members actively engaged in vital borough-wide community initiatives.
Following this informative session, a stimulating Q&A session ensued, allowing attendees to pose some pertinent questions. Subsequently, participants had the opportunity to network, exchange insights about their work, and partake in discussions concerning funding and collaborations that directly benefit the Barnet community.
We look forward to organising future sessions of a similar calibre and arranging additional networking prospects for our members to enjoy.
The Black History Month theme for 2024, "Reclaiming Narratives," has been a powerful call to acknowledge and correct historical inaccuracies and amplify the voices and stories of Black heritage. This year’s programme has included a range of events throughout Barnet, from author readings and historical sessions to celebrations of culture, music, and community.
Events have highlighted diverse aspects of Black history and achievements, such as Jagged Path by Charlotte Osho, Carnival Unplugged II at Arts Depot.
Special talks included Levi Roots at Age UK and a presentation from the RAF Museum exploring the lives of African and Caribbean personnel in the RAF.
In addition, IB staff attended the Centre of Excellence’ event put on by the notable non-profit community organisation based on the Grahame Park Estate. The event’s goal was to celebrate Black History Month, and showcase culture and tradition within the community. The event was highly successful, with a stand featuring traditional Somali clothing, cultural artefacts, and popular food.
And that's not all: there is at least one more event to look forward to: the upcoming OYA Annual Awards, where young Africans will be celebrated for their contributions.
The IB team has visited several of these events, witnessing firsthand the energy and dedication behind each celebration. It’s inspiring to see the community come together to share knowledge, foster unity, and celebrate the rich tapestry of Black history and culture.
We are looking forward to the OYA Annual Awards on November 2 and continuing to support these impactful initiatives.
Join the Campaign for Disability Justice
We all want a decent quality of life for ourselves and those we care about. Yet two million Disabled people are trapped in deep poverty.
Our campaign priorities
We’ve sent an open letter to the Minister for Social Security and Disability calling on the Government to work with organisations led by Disabled people to guarantee: Opportunity to work, financial Security and Respect, for all Disabled people, whether in work or not.
Barnet Upshot project
YOUR LAST CHANCE TO GET THIS NORMALLY £1,500 A YEAR PLATFORM FOR FREE
Every VCFSE organisation needs an efficient, easy way to monitor and evaluate its programmes. Upshot provides an easy-to-use online system to help organisations monitor, evaluate and learn from their data.
Hear more about how it could help your organisation with a unique partnership just for Barnet.
Upcoming Meetings & Events
1:1 Member Bookings Available
Hey members, just a quick reminder about our membership support 1-2-1s!
You'll be delighted to hear that we've added more 1-2-1 slots each week, both in-person at our IB office in Colindale and online via MS Teams. These 30-minute sessions come with some great perks:
- Fundraising Support: Revamp your funding strategies to elevate your financial resources.
- Monitoring and Evaluation Assistance: Enhance the impact and performance of your project.
- Governance Guidance: Strengthen your organisation's leadership and compliance.
- Newsletter: Access to Community Organisation Support Newsletter
with relevant resources, information, and opportunities. - Collaboration and partnership opportunities: Enhance your services by sharing ideas and best practices with other members, local partners, and like-minded individuals to seize opportunities for improvement.
Head to our website to check our entire membership offer: How can we help? - Inclusion Barnet. Don't miss out on these opportunities to advance your initiatives. Head to our bookings page and secure your spot now!
Book here: One-to-one (office365.com)
Please contact our new-look Community Organisation Support team for any queries:
Your Team Contacts:
- Bryn Phillips, COS Manager: bryn@inclusionbarnet.org.uk
- Sukhjeen Kaur, Membership Development Officer: sukhjeen@inclusionbarnet.org.uk
- Fariha Heydari, Membership Development Officer: fariha@inclusionbarnet.org.uk
OYA Black History Month Event Nov 2
As part of Black History Month, the Organisation of Young Africans (OYA) takes a holistic approach to learning and personal development, celebrating African achievement and fostering growth in a wide range of skills and disciplines.
Their activities include everything from formal National Curriculum lessons to vocational training, along with a vibrant programme of cultural expression and engagement.
They offer drama, dance, drumming, football, fashion, and public speaking, empowering young Africans to develop diverse talents and build strong community connections.
Join them for the OYA Annual Awards on Saturday, 2nd November 2024, from 3:00 pm to 6:30 pm at Saracens High School, NW9 4AS.
Celebrate the achievements of young Africans and see the impactful work they’re doing in our community.
Rehabilitation and Reintegration For People on Probation Project Launch!
An Introduction to a New Partnership with MOJ and HMP across Hounslow, Ealing, Hillingdon, and Brent
Keynote Speaker:
Dr. Nooralhaq Nasimi MBE, Founder and Director of Afghanistan and Central Asian Association
Speakers:
- Professor Anna Gupta, School of Law and Social Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London
- Lauren Allen, Rehabilitation Project Manager, Afghanistan and Central Asian Association
- Chae St Louis, Rehabilitation Project Coordinator, Afghanistan and Central Asian Association
Moderator:
Darius Nasimi, Head of Funding and Partnerships at Afghanistan and Central Asian Association
The event will take place at the Afghanistan and Central Asian Association’s Feltham Centre on Wednesday, 30th October from 17:00 to 21:00 BST.
New Chair of North Central London Integrated Care Board announced
North Central London Integrated Care Board would like to share an announcement from their Chief Executive about their new Chair with you:
"It is our pleasure to announce that the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, has given approval to Paul Najsarek to become the new Chair of North Central London Integrated Care Board.
The Chair will play a vital role, working the Executive Team and the Board, to ensure progress against the ambitious Population Health and Integrated Care Strategy, bringing together people and partners to improve the health outcomes and experience of local residents, reduce inequality and support people and communities to stay healthy and well.
Paul brings a wealth of experience, gained across over 30 years in predominantly local government and healthcare settings, including a decade at Chief Executive level. Most recently he was Chief Executive at Ealing Council for six years until 2022. This experience will be invaluable in supporting North Central London.
He was appointed following a competitive selection process, led by NHS England. The competitive process was several months ago but has taken some time to confirm, due to all chair appointments needing Secretary of State for Health and Social Care approval."
Peer support session event for trustees, chairs, vice-chairs and co-chairs
Wednesday 6 November, 6 - 8pm, London
As part of Trustees’ Week, join the Association of Chairs in-person peer session - open to trustees, chairs, vice-chairs and co-chairs.
In this session the focus will be on ‘aspiring chairs’.
- Are you a new or aspiring chair looking for support to help you develop into the role?
- Want to find your first chairing role and not sure where to start looking?
- Wondering how to prepare for the recruitment process, or what core skills you need to have to become a chair?
Do join to either learn more about the chairing role, or to share your insights as an experienced chair. Sign up here. (https://www.associationofchairs.org.uk/events/peer-support-group-session-for-london-chairs-9/)
New competition for local high street startups
A competition offering free space and support at the Broadwalk Centre in Edgware has been announced.
SaveTheHighStreet.org has launched a new initiative to reward local high street entrepreneurs who would like to launch their business in Edgware.
‘The Edgware Startup’ begins with a competition to win a shop unit at the Broadwalk Shopping Centre in Edgware, as well as a range of specialist, hands-on support to help launch and develop their business, all entirely free of charge for 3 months.
This competition is now open and aims to fill empty space in Edgware, while empowering a new generation of local high street entrepreneurs.
Or simply get in contact with edgware@savethehighstreet.org for more information.
Alex Schlagman, a Founding Partner of SaveTheHighStreet.org, says: “It’s time to turn vacant shops into incubators that attract, support and retain promising high street entrepreneurs. We’ve been seeing great successes with these projects in other areas and are excited to be working with so many forward thinking local partners across the London Borough of Barnet to make ‘The Edgware Startup’ a reality this year.”
Halloween / Samhain Gathering Sunday November 3rd
Looking for something exciting to do this Halloween Weekend?
Why not head over to the enchanting Our Barnwood for a delightfully spooky afternoon of fun and thrills?
Mark your calendars for Sunday, 3rd November, from 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm at N2 8LG Tarling Road.
Immerse yourself in a world of eerie decorations, engaging activities, and perhaps even some surprises that will make your Halloween celebration truly unforgettable!
Happy Diwali and Bonfire Night!
A free fireworks display is coming to Barnet for Diwali and Bonfire night, lighting up the skies above Colindale Gardens on Thursday, October 31. The nearby Trinity Church London will also be serving hot drinks to make sure everyone stays warm.
The show will kick off 6.30pm.
Meanwhile, the briliant Barnet Multi Faith Forum plans to hosts a sold-out Diwali Afternoon Tea on Nov 4.
Happy Diwali to all our members!
Free Talk About Domestic Abuse Service for Deaf People
As part of the ‘16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence’, we are offering an hour's presentation for FREE, where we will talk about our Domestic Abuse service for deaf people and look at how we can work together.
We have arranged 2 separate sessions as follows: Tuesday 26th November – 2pm to 3pm Wednesday 4th December – 10.30am to 11.30am
It is aimed at London professionals working in VAWG sector. It’s first come first served as we only have 25 spaces per session.
Interested? Please register via our Eventbrite page: SignHealth Domestic Abuse Service Events - 2 Upcoming Activities and Tickets | Eventbrite
Inclusion Barnet Community Organisation Support Membership
Become a Community Organisation Support member today!
Do you need help finding fundraising opportunities? Do you need support to raise your organisation’s profile? Do you want to attend training sessions, gain advice on business planning, and network with other VCFSE organisations?
We are stepping up our membership recruitment and we would love your support! Please share our free membership offer with other organisations who support adults in the borough so we can maximise our impact of community work in Barnet.
Our Community Organisation Support team at Inclusion Barnet, working in partnership as Barnet Together, supports the vital role that voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) organisations play in our vibrant and diverse borough. Whether you need help in identifying the right fundraising opportunities, advice on governance or business planning, or to find new ways to raise your organisation’s profile and reach new audiences, our Community Organisation Support team are here to help your organisation adapt and thrive.
Our Community Organisation Support team is here for you!
Join our FREE membership to access:
🌟 one-to-one support sessions
🌟 grant / funding advice and support
🌟 planning and marketing support
🌟 networking opportunities
🌟 partnership development
🌟 training sessions
🌟 monitoring & evaluation tools (Upshot)
🌟 advice about setting up an organisation.
Latest Funding Opportunities
We have recently seen a significant influx of new members joining our organisation. In response to this, we have expanded our specialised grants section to feature prominent grant opportunities, recommended online resources and web pages, as well as newly released grant options.
Learning Disability and Autism Meaningful Activities Grant offer!
North London Forensic Collaborative (NLFC) are launching a new grant offer for Voluntary, Community, Faith, and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) groups based in North London, who are interested in providing meaningful activities for adult secure service users with a learning disability and autistic services users.
North London Forensic Collaborative (NLFC) provide inpatient and community services, across north London, for individuals with severe mental illness and a learning disability and autistic people, who have background of offending behaviour. They are looking to partner with VCFSE organisations to deliver meaningful activities which improve wellbeing, reduce social isolation and promoting sustained recovery and are offering grants of up to £10K per rolling 12 months.
This grant offer builds on the success of existing grant schemes which have offered a broad range of meaningful activities such as Bread N Butter cookery classes, OrganicLea horticultural training, Key Changes music production and Studio 306 jewellery making course, and NLFC are looking to expand offers to those service users with a learning disability and autistic service users.
You can apply if you are a VCFSE provider operating in London, working with people with a learning disability or autistic people, or with the right support could deliver a project that would provide meaningful activities for adult secure service users with a learning disability and autistic services users.
NLFC have kept the grant application process light touch to encourage applications from the smallest of VCFSE’s and can offer help and guidance with the process if needed. You will work in partnership with specialist learning disability community teams, who will have responsibility for the care and risk management, and will work alongside providers to support the delivery of the project
Please contact Sarah Avery, NLFC Marketing and Communications Lead
Email: sarah.avery4@nhs.net
Realising the Remarkable: Small Business Cash Grant Programme worth £60,000 unveiled
Want to win £3,000 to grow your business? For a second year, @e_nation and @VistaPrint have joined forces to provide a cash grant programme worth £60,000 that will help budding entrepreneurs grow their ventures and reach their full potential.
Enter now to be one of the 20 small businesses from across the UK to win £3,000, alongside marketing and design support to help your business thrive.
Apply at: bit.ly/VistaPrintSmallBusinessGrants
New fund for Barnet Residents over 66 – professional referrals only
Referrals open from Monday 21 October 2024
Age UK Barnet is pleased to launch its 66 plus Winter Project to support struggling Barnet residents over the age of 66.
Eligible clients need to be on certain means-tested benefits, and those who qualify will be offered cash payments of between £200 and £500, depending on age and type of benefit received.
Each client will also be offered a winter home check carried out by the Age UK Barnet Handyperson Service.
Age UK Barnet Services Manager Jenny Jean-Charles says: ‘This fund is there for people who are under financial pressure and the winter home check – which includes checking thermostats and installing draught proofing - will ensure that people stay warm and safe this winter.’
An application form and client consent form will need to be filled for every referral.
If you have any questions, please phone 020 8203 5040 email householdsupport@ageukbarnet.org.uk
Ongoing grants from last time
VCFSE Ukrainian Refugee Support Grant
The VCFSE Ukrainian Refugee Support Grant aims to enhance outreach and engagement for supporting Ukrainian refugees in Barnet. It offers grants between £500 and £2,000 for activities promoting integration and community cohesion. The fund collaborates with voluntary organisations to provide inclusive activities beyond existing services. Priority areas include English language support, social activities for all age groups, cultural adaptation assistance, and community connections.
Applicants must meet specific criteria related to organisational structure and membership with relevant foundations or groups. Additionally, they should avoid duplicating existing services in the Borough.
Detailed eligibility guidelines are provided for interested applicants on the official application page.
General grants and funds
National Lottery Community Foundation – Awards for All
A classic resource! The Awards for All fund provides grants from £300 to £20,000, ideal for organisations looking to kickstart a project. For larger needs, the Reaching Communities grant begins at £20,001. If your organisation hasn’t applied for Awards for All funding yet, now is the time!
The Society Foundation
Supporting charities that help people overcome barriers to employment, the Society Foundation focuses on the recently homeless, vulnerably housed, ex-offenders, and young people aged 16-24 who are not in employment, education, or training (NEET). Grants fund essentials like IT infrastructure, staff training, and consultancy support. Micro-grants up to £2,500 are available for smaller organisations with turnovers under £500,000. The 2024 deadline is midday on 8th July.
Co-op Local Community Fund
The Co-op Local Community Fund assists community projects focused on sustainable futures for people and planet. Apply by midnight on 7th July 2024. Each community grant offers £6,000, divided among three local causes, based on Co-op members’ support. Every chosen cause is guaranteed a minimum of £1,000.
Sport England’s Movement Fund
Funding and resources are available to support community groups, local sports clubs, and grassroots organisations across England in tackling inequalities and promoting physical activity. The Movement Fund focuses on high-need areas and projects that help overcome barriers to sports participation.
Trust for London
The Trust for London new strategy focusses on economic and social justice.
The economic objectives include:
Promoting decent work,
Addressing the housing crisis,
Enhancing social security, and
Eliminating the poverty premium.
In terms of justice, their goals are to end migrant destitution, promote racial equality, and support disability rights.
This funding opportunity is aimed at small to medium-sized organisations in London with annual expenditures below £2 million that are dedicated to eradicating poverty and inequality.
Being a registered charity is not a requirement. Grants can extend up to five years with an annual range typically between £40,000 and £80,000. Recipients are advised to allocate 40%-50% of the funding towards advisory services while core expenses will be covered by the grant.
News & Opportunities
WrapUp coat collection returns
Barnet Council is excited to announce their support for WrapUp London once again this year. Starting from Monday 4 to Monday 25 November, several Barnet libraries will serve as drop-off locations for WrapUp London's winter campaign.
You can donate warm coats in good condition for both adults and children during staffed opening hours at the following libraries:
Chipping Barnet,
Colindale,
Edgware,
Finchley Church End,
Hendon, and
North Finchley.
The collected coats will be distributed by local charities to those in need, including homeless individuals, refugees, and disadvantaged families.
For more details, please visit WrapUp London's website.
Support Wenta in the Sky Zero Footprint Fund!
Wenta are currently participating in the Sky AdSmart ‘Sky Zero Footprint Fund: Local Heroes’ competition, where Sky is offering a £20,000 TV campaign to businesses that promote sustainability.
Since launching their Action Zero support service for small businesses in 2022, Wenta have helped over 20,000 SMEs reduce their carbon footprint.
Winning this competition would allow them to further extend their support to even more small businesses, helping them understand the importance of reducing their carbon footprint and gain access to Wenta's Action Zero services.
More information about Wenta's participation can be found here
Please encourage your network to vote for Wenta by visiting this link.
They've also prepared ready-to-use social media posts and would be grateful if you could share some of them!
Twitter/X: https://x.com/TheWentaGroup/status/1828465065147654573
Civic Awards 2025
Nominations are now open and will close on 31 December 2024.
Since the inaugural presentations in Spring 2001, Barnet Civic Awards have been an opportunity for the Borough to officially recognise the commitment and hard work of those who make a positive difference to the lives of others in our community.
Nominations open in October each year and close on 31 December. Successful nominees are presented with their Awards by the Mayor in the Spring.
Nominations are now open and will close on 31 December 2024.
More information including categories, criteria, and terms and conditions can be found in the nomination form. Completed nominations must be received by email or post to the Mayor’s Office by 31 December 2024. The Civic Awards Ceremony will be held in April 2025.
Download Barnet Civic Awards nomination form 2025 (PDF, 0.4 MB)
Printed copies can be requested from the Mayor's Office.
Contact
Email: mayor@barnet.gov.ukExternal link
Phone: 020 8359 2652
Zero Waste Eco Show and Tell
28th October, 6pm-7:30pm / 11th November, 12:30pm-2pm
Climate and environmental leadership is needed more than ever.
This is a FREE webinar which teaches how to reduce waste and consumption. It focuses on Barnet and London, UK.
Training & Resources
London Borough of Barnet Adults & Health Workforce Development Team
Safeguarding Adults - Policy and Procedures (External Provider Sector)
Charge: Free!
Dates: Request via email to CAHTraining@Barnet.gov.uk
Time: 09:15 – 13:30 / Venue: Online - Microsoft teams (you will receive joining link 1 week before training)
Audience:
Frontline Managers, Deputies and Supervisors of Adult Provider services in the independent and voluntary sector. Professionals who hold responsibility for carrying out safeguarding enquiries
To provide practitioners with a sound understanding and over view of their statutory duties within the application of the London Adult Safeguarding Policies and Procedures and Section 42 of the Care Act 2014.
The session will inform and update practitioners of use of relevant legislation and policies (i.e. Care Act, MCA, MHA, statutory guidance & others) whilst updating and reinforcing best practice when dealing with Adult Safeguarding Concerns.
Prerequisites:
Before attending this course staff are required to have competed the Me Learning Safeguarding Adults - Level 1.
Barnet Together online writing for impact training!
Join Barnet Together for an interactive training session on enhancing funding bids with powerful case studies and impactful writing techniques.
Whether new to funding applications or seeking to refine skills, get top tips and best practices for success.
Covered topics:
- Structuring compelling case studies
- Writing techniques for standout bids
- Key elements funders seek
- Tips to communicate project impact
Ideal for fundraising, bid writing, and storytelling improvement. Hosted by Barnet Together, Young Barnet Foundation, and Inclusion Barnet.
For charities, community groups, organisations aiming to secure funding through strong bids and case studies. Expect interactive presentation, practical exercises with homework, & networking opportunities. Learn how to boost bid effectiveness and success rate!
Register now: Online Writing for Impact Training Tickets, Thu, Dec 5, 2024 at 12:00 PM | Eventbrite
Frontline community workers employment training
We are excited to invite you to a free employment advice training session hosted by Citizens Advice Barnet, tailored specifically for frontline community workers in Barnet.
This session is perfect for organisations looking to enhance their knowledge and offer better support to clients facing employment challenges.
What to expect: In this beginner-friendly session, you will:
- Learn about basic employment rights
- Discover how to provide initial guidance to those seeking help
- Understand when and how to refer cases to Citizens Advice Barnet
It’s also a fantastic opportunity to connect with other local services, share knowledge and strengthen the support we offer to our community.
Event details:
Date: Thursday 14th November
Time: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Location: Citizens Advice Barnet (Finchley Office), First Floor, 24 Hendon Lane, London, N3 1TR
Tea and refreshments will be provided.
RSVP via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1047822073027?aff=oddtdtcreator
Carbon literacy training for community leaders
Barnet Council is offering certified Carbon Literacy Training for community leaders in the borough. It is an in-person training session at Hendon Town Hall on 26th November, 9am-5pm. This training is open to anyone in the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector in the borough.
We encouraged anyone with an interest in learning more about climate change and how it is relevant to your work to register with the form below. It will be an interactive day to learn and to discuss important questions about climate change.
This training is delivered by officers in the Sustainability Team, the content is designed and accredited by the Carbon Literacy Trust. There is the opportunity for attendees to receive a certification upon completion with a cost of £10 which is paid to the Carbon Literacy Trust.
Jobs for Hongkongers!
Groundwork London are delivering a project to support Hongkongers into work. "Jobs for Hongkongers" supports Hong Kong BN(O) visa holders in finding meaningful employment through an 8-week course. The program, delivered virtually or remotely in Cantonese, pairs participants with key workers for guidance on job search strategies, CV preparation, and interview tips. English improvement sessions are also offered.
For more information, visit the Jobs for Hongkongers website or contact jobsforhongkongers@gcemployment.uk.
Sign up to receive Barnet Together Alliance partners' newsletters...
- For support and information regarding Food Banks/Food Poverty, please email Barnet Food Hub.
- For support and information regarding Volunteer recruitment and management, please sign up here.
- Resources for Children, Young People and Families can be accessed here. (For Young Barnet Foundation members only).
- To receive Barnet Council's Barnet First eNewsletter for residents, please sign up here.
- Keep up-to-date with sustainability news in Barnet.
If you have any community news to share or want to get in touch with the team, please email: communitysupport@inclusionbarnet.org.uk