Online Q&A session / Monday 13 May /5.00 to 6.00pm / Online / Click here to sign up. Application deadline: Monday 20 May @9.30am 

We are looking to appoint a unique leader who will help make a difference to the lives of over 2 million people who live in north east London.

As a partnership of the diverse voluntary, community and social enterprise sector across north east London and the Integrated Care Board we collaborate to ensure that the design and delivery of health and care services works for residents across north east London. We are now seeking a motivated and creative individual to lead the next steps in the development of the North East London Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Sector Collaborative (the VCSE Collaborative) as part of the sub-regional Integrated Care System.

The position will be hosted by Tower Hamlets CVS although the post holder will be accountable to the VCSE Collaborative Leadership Group and will be expected to work equitably across the north east London sub-region.

Thursday, 16 May / 2.00 to 4.30pm / The Green House | Ethical Property, 244-254 Cambridge Heath Road, E2 9DA

Join us for the next THCVS Health and Wellbeing Forum. There will be presentations from:

• North East London Cancer alliance on their prevention programmes for bowel, breast and cervical cancer with communities.
• Tower Hamlets Together (THT) has identified prevention as one of its priority objectives, and has identified the need to focus on reducing the vital 5 modifiable risk factors: smoking, alcohol, weight, high blood pressure and mental health. THT would like to co-develop the Be Well programme, which will be a system-wide approach to achieving measurable reductions in poor health among residents of Tower Hamlets.
  

At the forum you will be invited to:

• Comment on the scope and outline structure of the proposed Be Well programme, as set out above
• Suggest Outcomes, and success metrics, that could be used to successfully define the programme.
• Suggest specific commitments that they/ their organisation can make as part of this programme – and bringing those commitments to the workshop. This may require discussion within organisations in advance of the workshop
• Consider additional suggestions for specific actions that could be taken in partnership to help achieving the aims of the programme.
• Suggest what the sector will need to be involved in the programme.
• Suggest specific commitments that they/ their organisation can make as part of this programme – and bringing those commitments to the workshop. This may require discussion within organisations in advance of the workshop
• Consider additional suggestions for specific actions that could be taken in partnership to help achieving the aims of the programme.
• Suggest what the sector will need to be involved in the programme.
  

Should you have any questions please contact liam.crosby@towerhamlets.gov.uk or zakia.variava@towerhamlets.gov.uk

Wednesday 14 May / 7.00 to 9.00pm / St Margaret’s House, The Mulberry Hall, 21 Old Ford Road, E2 9PL

You are invited to join elop and the Tower Hamlets LGBT+ Community Forum to mark International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia and bring together communities and organisations to stand up to violence and discrimination against LGBTQ+ people across the world. There will be a performance of ‘This is Who I Am’ by Ice & Fire Theatre followed by a Q&A and wellbeing activity. For more information please email lgbtforum@elop.org

Online information session - Monday 20 May / 9.30 to 10.30am

elop’s Advanced Diploma in Integrative LGBTQ+ Affirmative Counselling starts this September. If you would like more information about the course, email advanced-diploma@elop.org.

Wednesday 5 June / 10.30am to 2.00pm (registration at 10.00am) / Mile End Stadium, Mile End Road, London, E3 4DH 

Vallance will be holding their 14th Annual Disability Sports Day Festival for people (Year 7 and above/Adults) with Special Educational Needs & Learning Disabilities. 

Activities taking place on day include; track and field events, football competition, cricket competition, boccia (wheelchair game), specialist bikes, golf, soft tennis, plastic Fencing, inclusive cycling and archery. A medal will be provided to ALL participants. Please bring your own lunch. 

All groups and individuals who want to compete and are not members of Vallance need to arrive before 10-30am for registration and fill in this consent form.
If your group will like to put out a Stall on the day, please click here.

If you have any queries or need more information please email iqbal.Hussain@vallancecsa.org.uk

The Equalities Hub is key to the new direction for the Council’s equalities provision, providing a central strategic focus, responding to the community’s needs and issues. The Hub will be vital to bringing about a more coordinated approach to equalities in the borough. If you want to find out more on how to get involved or if you have information you would like to share with the networks please get in touch.

Thursday 13 June / 9.45am to 12.45pm / Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA

Reaching residents most at risk of loneliness - A Connection Coalition networking and learning event for VCS, NHS and Council staff with an interest in loneliness and social isolation in Tower Hamlets. Get to hear about what others are doing, learn about new resources supporting your work, make useful connections and network over a light lunch. This event is organised by the Public Health team, Tower Hamlets Council.

Measles cases are on the rise in London. Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious illnesses such as, pneumonia, meningitis and in extreme cases blindness or death. One in five children with measles requires hospital treatment. Both children and adults can be infected. Know the symptoms:

• Measles usually begins with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash that begins on the head and face and moves down towards the feet;
• On dark skin, the rash may be harder to see and may appear purple or look darker than the surrounding skin.
• On white skin, the rash tends to be brown, or red.
• Small white spots may also appear inside the mouth.

Keep your family safe: The MMR vaccine is the safest and most effective way to protect your family. There are two types of vaccines: MMR VaxPro® contains pork gelatine, Priorix® does not. Both vaccines are available freely on the NHS and you can request Priorix® from your doctor. Side effects are usually mild. If you have questions or concerns, contact your GP.

Take Action: If you or your child has missed a dose, schedule a GP appointment today or call 0207 613 9422 to visit a pop-up clinic. For more information, visit the NHS webpage or click here.

Wednesday 19 June / 2.00 to 4.00pm / St Bart’s Hospital, West Wing Conference Room, Ground floor West Wing, EC1A 7BE  / Click here to book

Thursday 5 September / 10.00am to12.00pm / Langthorne Health Centre. 13
Langthorne Road, Leytonstone, E11 4HX / Click here to book

Worried about cancer coming back or spreading? Join Cancer Psychological Services for a free workshop to understand more about fears of cancer recurring or spreading, practice helpful strategies & connect with other people Open to All: patients, relatives, friends, professionals.

For further information call/text 0778 380 5759 or email cancerpsychologicals.bartshealth@nhs.net

Having a chat with an old friend or checking in on your elderly neighbour can make a big difference to their wellbeing. Even the smallest gesture can create a meaningful connection for someone, especially if they’re feeling lonely or isolated.

Just Say Hello is a new local campaign about encouraging conversations and connecting with one other, by taking time out to say ‘hello.’ Partners, organisations or members of the community across Tower Hamlets are being invited to use the Just Say Hello resources in their own way – whether it’s attending an event at a local community centre, hosting a ‘pop up’ coffee shop with your neighbours or dropping into a new class, there are many ways to make new connections. Click here for more information and resources.

If you are feeling isolated and in need of mental health support, there are local services that can support you:

• Tower Hamlets Talking Therapies provides a range of psychological therapies and counselling services - 020 8475 8080
• Mind in Tower Hamlets provide advice and support, as well as free counselling for residents - 020 7510 4247/4248
• If you are feeling overwhelmed or struggling with your mental health, you can call the Tower Hamlets Mental Health Crisis Support number for free 24/7 on 0800 073 0003 

Click here for the new social isolation and loneliness directory. This guide summarises activities available for adult residents in Tower Hamlets, available through the VCS sector.

Thursday 23 May, 2.00 to 4.30pm / on Zoom

Do you want to know more about the legal requirements and issues for organisations that involve volunteers? This practical Zoom session will provide an introduction or refresher to the key areas of law that affect volunteers and Volunteer Involving Organisations. It will cover health and safety, risk assessment, insurance, safeguarding, criminal record checks and data protection. It will explore issues of employment law, such as the difference between contracts and volunteer agreements, guidance on expenses, the Minimum Wage and volunteering while on welfare benefits. We will also consider issues around engaging volunteers from overseas, including refugees and asylum seekers. This session will help you to identify minimum legal requirements and good practice for your organisation. 

This session is suitable for those who are new to managing volunteers or experienced Volunteer Managers who would like a refresher.

Priority will be given to voluntary sector organisations with a base/office in Tower Hamlets, or that have services aimed at Tower Hamlets residents. Please email Evelyn at Volunteer Centre Tower Hamlets on evelyn@vcth.org.uk if you have any questions.

Thursday 6 June / 1.30 to 4.30pm / Click here to book

Monday 17 June / 1.30 to 4.30pm / Click here to book

This free-to-attend session, targeted at voluntary and community sector organisations, will offer participants an opportunity to deepen their understanding of ‘race’ and racism and to explore how anti-racism can apply to their work. In particular, participants will have an opportunity to:

explore understanding of racism, its root causes and how racism is maintained
explore what it means to be anti -racist and how to develop an anti-racist approach in work.
The sessions will be run by brap, an equality and human rights charity as part of a Tower Hamlets Together Partnership initiative to progress anti-racism across the health and care system in Tower Hamlets.

Road to Logistics is a national training program to encourage new talent into the transport and logistics industry from sections of society where individuals need help and support. Road to Logistics training programmes specialise in upskilling car license
holders to achieve their Cat C or C+E professional licenses. Click here to find out more.

The team are experts in working with people who may have additional needs, and have success in supporting people from a diverse range of backgrounds in achieving
their license. Additionally, all learners are given full mentor support from day one of the programme, and throughout the first year of employment (if required).

For more information, please email jennifer.swain@roadtologistics.org

Tuesday 14 May / 10.30am to 12.30pm / Brady Arts & Community Centre, E1 5HU
Lunch will be provided

The Council is developing a new Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) Strategy to support the development of a thriving and diverse VCS in Tower Hamlets. You can help and input in developing this Strategy by representing your communities needs. Participate and share your valuable input. The workshop will provide an opportunity for you to have your say on what:

• are the priority needs for the VCS in the borough which the Strategy should be focusing on
• is working well and not working well in regard to the Council’s support for and relationship with the VCS
• the vision and objectives for the new Strategy should be
  

Protection Approaches has been commissioned by the Greater London Authority (GLA) to undertake new research into how social cohesion initiatives led by community and faith groups are contributing to strengthening London’s resilience to shocks and stresses. Protection Approaches want to hear from community and faith groups across the capital on three key questions:

• What work are you doing that is building strong and positive relationships, connectedness, and solidarity between people from different backgrounds, beliefs, and circumstances?
• Does the work you are doing mean that communities in London are more prepared or able to support each other during shocks and chronic stresses (e.g., cost-of-living crisis, terror attacks, heatwaves and fires, flood events, pandemics, international conflict)?
• What stops you from being able to do more of the work that you know is effective?

Please click here to find out how you can take part. The deadline for submissions is 5pm on Monday 20th May. For more information, email derek.oakley@protectionapproaches.org

Wednesday 29 May @7pm / Tommy Flowers Community Pub, E14 

'The People Speak' are looking for Tower Hamlets residents who would like to take part in their Storytelling Night & Open Mic. They especially welcome people 50+ and those who have no or very little experience of performing. 'The People Speak' will work with individuals to put together a 3-5 minute story on any subject they like.

For more information, email margot@thepeoplespeak.org.uk

London Borough of Tower Hamlets (LBTH) are seeking the thoughts, opinions and ideas on serious violence and exploitation and how key partners in Tower Hamlets should tackle this issue from people who live in, work in and visit the borough.

Professionals have developed a draft plan on a page, which outlines what they think should be done to tackle serious violence and exploitation. They want to know your thoughts on their proposed approach.

Be a part of the Tower Hamlets Serious Violence Consultation by:

• Completing a short survey here
• Sharing your stories/experiences/knowledge about incidents of serious violence and exploitation here
• Sharing you thoughts on our ideas board on what you think police, council, probation, education, health and wider partners should do about violence, exploitation and those at risk of being victims or becoming involved with violent offending here
• Telling us your thoughts about what professionals think we should do to address violence and exploitation (depicted through the plan on a page), here

The ‘PlayZones’ Programme aims to focus investment and resource into communities with the greatest need. This will deliver new or refurbished outdoor spaces designed for football and other sports and activities that will allow the Football Foundation’s priority groups to be more active. Each ‘PlayZone’ will need to have a multi-sport activation plan that sets out what sports and activities will take place on site. The plan will be developed and agreed through community engagement.

Caxton Hall Community Centre, Caxton Grove, Bow, E3 2EE

Caxton Hall is a LinkAge Plus Hub offering a broad range of activities and services for older people in the Bow area. Anybody over 50 is welcome to join us for regular activities such as digital drop-ins, lunch clubs, exercise classes, quizzes, games and much more. The activities at Caxton Hall are a great way to combat social isolation, increase independence and improve wellbeing for older people. They also facilitate one of the only Stroke Support Groups in Tower Hamlets currently operating. Click here for the regular weekly activity program for the Spring/Summer period. Click here for a list of activities happening in May.
You can contact caxtonhall@ageukeastlondon.org.uk or call 020 8981 7124 for more information.

First Wednesday of Each Month / 2.00 to 4.00pm / Bethnal Green Methodist Church,Approach Road, E2 9JP

The Zacchaeus Project has created a MS and Friends Support Group to provide emotional support and information to anyone living with MS. This support group is to ensure that you don't have to face MS on your own as we're here to help you get the right support. Join us for a group chat to share your MS journey and support tools. Enjoy free refreshments in a warm and friendly environment
Connect with old and new friends.

For more information, please call 020 8983 1568 / 07712 332324

Wednesday 15 May, 2pm / Emmott Close Senior Citizen Club, 27 Emmott Close, Solebay Street, E1 4QN

Join the BMHF launch Event Meeting. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided! Take part to make friends and socialise together

• Take part in social / recreational activities
• Take part to improve your health &wellbeing
• Take part to learn new skills
  

Following launch event, the group will meet every Wednesday, 2-4.30pm To attend or find out more please contact Jalal Uddin or Shamsur Choudhury, info@bangladeshimentalhealth.org / 07782 585856 (Jalal) / 07717 078840 (Shamsur)

Wednesday 22 May / 4.30 to 7:30pm / London Borough of Tower Hamlets, Town Hall, 160 Whitechapel Road Grocers Wing, E1 1BJ

Join Real for their Annual General Meeting, where we'll celebrate who we are, share information, and empower each other. It's a chance to connect and shape the future together. Who is it for? All D/deaf and Disabled people and our allies in Tower Hamlets and beyond. You are invited to two sessions and the AGM itself. From 6pm there will be light refreshments.
Session 1: Around the World of Real 
A fully interactive World Café where you can engage with various teams and campaigns at Real. Discover what we've been working on, our upcoming plans, and how you can get involved.
Session 2: Disabled People, Hate Crime, Community Safety and the Police

Monday 3rd June / 11.00am to 3:00pm / Tower Hamlets Town Hall, The Grocer’s Wing, 160 Whitechapel Road, E1 1BJ. Free admission

Volunteer Centre Tower Hamlets and the Council’s Workpath invite you to this fair where you can speak with 30+ charities recruiting volunteers for a wide variety of roles in Tower Hamlets. It’s your one stop shop to find the perfect volunteer role that matches your interests and availability. Why volunteer?

• It is a great way to gain skills and workplace experience, build your CV,
  and increase your chances of getting a job.
• You can meet new people, improve your wellbeing, boost your confidence,
  and have fun.
• It’s a great way to give back to your local community.
  

Anyone aged 16+ who lives, works or studies in Tower Hamlets is welcome.
There are roles for all levels of experience (or none).

Thursday 18 July / 1.00 to 4.00pm / Mile End Hospital, Garden Area, E1 4DG

Back again for another year, join us in a summer afternoon connecting and learning with our wonderful teams and services across our Tower Hamlets health and care partnership! Light vegetarian lunch provided with ticket. Interactive activities, giveaways, treats  and prize for 'Best Stall'.

Do you run a service or project which supports integrated care that you would like to tell health and social care colleagues about? Why not apply to host a stand?
If you are interested in hosting a stand at the event, just complete the short online form here, outlining how your stall will demonstrate and benefit integrated working across the THT footprint. Closing date for applications: 21 May @5pm.

Do you have any skills gap in your business? Are there any areas within your business where a talented Queen Mary student could assist in meeting your business needs? Queen Mary have helped 100s of small-to-medium-sized businesses hire interns in a range of areas from marketing, consultancy, research to business development!

Their internships programme is one of the key initiatives which helps students to develop their professional skillset and enable their future success all whilst supporting the brilliant work you do! The internships start from 70 hours, and we currently have funding to support SMEs and charities to provide these flexible opportunities.

Get in touch today by emailing careers-events@qmul.ac.uk to learn more about how a Humanities & Social Sciences student could benefit your business.

The VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme will help voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations (VCSEs) across England to deliver more efficient services for people and communities by saving money on their energy bills. The next round of capital funding will open in April.

Applicant organisations must be a VCSE based in England and delivering frontline services. They must be able to demonstrate that they are financially sustainable, require support around energy and are not suitable for blended finance or loan support through other schemes.

The scheme is funded as part of a package of over £100 million of support being delivered by the Government to help frontline delivery organisations with the increased cost of living.

North London Forensic Collaborative (NLFC) is offering grants to Voluntary Community Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) organisations based in North London, as part of its VCFSE Small Grant Programme. 

The Grant Programme is open to VCFSE organisations who currently work with individuals accessing mental health forensic inpatient or community services, as well as organisations that are delivering health and wellbeing initiatives in local communities that with additional investment, could extend this offer to individuals accessing mental health forensic services.

This grant programme aims to support small, grassroots organisations who are embedded in the community, working within the most deprived areas of the UK. They fund established organisations with a track record of delivering services directly to beneficiaries. They want to fund work that enables people who are excluded, vulnerable or facing other forms of hardship to have access to community-based services. Grant sizes vary between £20k and £70k per year. You can apply for these grants at any time.

Deadline: Ongoing