Categorie: News

Voting and Representation for Romanian and Romanian Roma Community + GLA

Voting and Representation for Romanian and Romanian Roma Community + GLA

By rcct in News on decembrie 16, 2025

Last year together with three other Romanian organisations The Romanian Support Network, Romanian Mothers in the UK and Roma Voice Centre we delivered a voter registration project for the GLA. It was a milestone project for our community and these blog posts showcase the impact of our projects and the creativity, dedication, and energy we brought to strengthening civic and democratic participation across London:

The full report can be accessed here and the executive summary is also available to read here 

 

Join our Team- Outreach Worker

Join our Team- Outreach Worker

By rcct in News on iunie 16, 2025

We are looking for a new employee to join our small but mighty team!

RCCT CIC is recruiting for a dedicated RCCT Outreach Worker (Romanian speaking) who will work as part of the CGL Barnet Drug and Alcohol Service, both within CGL Barnet Dennis Scott Unit and within outreach/satellite locations across the borough of Barnet.  The RCCT Outreach Worker will be co-located with the Barnet Rough Sleepers Drug and Alcohol Service 4 days a week, and within RCCT 1 day per week, starting in July 2025 to do as follows:

  • To identify and establish contact with rough sleepers and beggars, working within protocols to rapidly assist service users through street outreach shifts at a variety of times and a range of locations.
  • To identify and establish contact with entrenched rough sleepers, including those unwilling to engage with services, providing assertive outreach.
  • To assist homeless service users to be discharged from hospital at an appropriate time by moving them into appropriate accommodation as quickly as possible.
  • To work closely with the drug and alcohol teams within the service to ensure that substance misusers and problem drinkers are able to access treatment.
  • To advise service users regarding their substance misuse, using recognised theoretical models (e.g. Motivational Interviewing), supporting them to identify and explore concerns before deciding on a possible course of action.   
  • To work with Mental Health Agencies to ensure that where appropriate, service users have access to address their mental health issues.
  • To work proactively to ensure that service users have access to ongoing healthcare.
  • To divert people who are new to rough sleeping when appropriate and to encourage and assist people to return to their home communities.
  • To work closely with the Housing Strategy Team and Supported Housing Providers across the local area in order to maximise accommodation opportunities for the service user group.  
  • To convene and contribute to service user case conferences where appropriate.
  • To work closely with all partner services, with a focus on co-location with key partners Homeless Action in Barnet and Barnet Homes and sharing appropriate information and ensuring that action plans are carried through.
  • To represent the team at external forums where appropriate and requested to do so.
  • To participate in the ongoing statistical analysis of rough sleepers, as part of the MHCLG ongoing monitoring programme.  
  • To participate in street counts when requested.
  • To maintain accurate and comprehensive service user records in line with Change Grow Live’s procedures and protocols and the requirements of the local authority, maintaining confidentiality and sharing information with appropriate agencies.
  • To participate in patterns of shift work to enable the team to maximise potential contact with service users, which will include working unsociable hours and sometimes in severe weather conditions.
  • Supporting service users with GP registration

The day-to-day activities of the post will be overseen by the leadership team within CGL Barnet, more specifically the Community and Outreach Team Leader, Criminal Justice Team Leader, Deputy Services Manager and Services Manager.  The leadership team will be directed by the London Borough of Barnet Public Health team, via the Barnet Homeless Meeting and quarterly contract monitoring meetings.   

A multi-agency approach is expected for work with such vulnerable service users. As such, the RCCT Outreach Worker will contribute to the wider plan held by CGL Barnet and any partner agencies such as Barnet Homes and Homeless Action in Barnet (HAB) for the individuals accessing support. The RCCT Outreach Worker will communicate with all other agencies providing support and care to those accessing these interventions.

The successful candidate will also be assisting RCCT for a day a week where they will be required to:

  • Work with our clients during the Food Hub/Warm Hub and record their details on our database
  • Make referrals and follow up with them 
  • Make email enquiries and appointments for clients

Requirements:

  • Proficiency in using databases (training will be provided) 
  • Strong computer literacy skills including proficiency to a high standard in Windows-based software packages including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint
  • Ability to be patient and thorough when dealing with complex paperwork (relating to both the organisation and the personal matters of vulnerable clients)
  • High levels of accuracy and sharp attention to detail
  • Excellent verbal and written English and Romanian language
  • Strong awareness around risk assessment and management of risk
  • Basic understanding of some of the issues that someone who is homeless/substance user might experience
  • Ability to engage positively and constructively with people at all levels
  • Strong organisational skills and efficiency
  • Ability to take responsibility for a project and see it through from start to finish
  •  Ability to work to strict deadlines
  • Resilience to manage multiple demands whilst maintaining an organised work environment
  • Experience of working independently in a busy environment
  • Ideally living within five miles of our location or in North West London

Personal Style and Behaviour

  • Loyalty
  • Integrity
  • Ability to relate to people with sensitivity and respect
  • Confidentiality, tact and discretion at all times
  • Calm nature
  • Positive outlook and willing to “muck in” on a wide variety of tasks
  • Willingness to be a flexible, helpful member of the staff team
  • Ability to use initiative and work independently
  • Ability to work occasional out of office hours as required
  • Desire to learn and ability to accept instruction
  • Passionate to make a difference working for a small but high-impact community interest company

The role is for one year with the possibility of extending subject to approval of grant.

Salary: £34000/year

To apply please email your CV and cover letter to office@rcct.uk by 8 July 2025

About us: RCCT CIC is a not for profit organisation based in Harrow which aims to assist and support the Romanian community. We also promote Romanian culture and traditions while helping our members integrate and be an active part of the overall community. For the past five years we have continued to provide information and advice, run our food hub and warm hub as well as promoting mental health in our community. We are a small but ambitious organisation and if you would like to make a positive change in people’s lives, we look forward to having you join us!

 

Opening of the Romanian Community Centre

Opening of the Romanian Community Centre

By rcct in News on iunie 16, 2025

Seven years ago, we began our journey at RCCT with a clear mission: to support the Romanian community and to show that together, we are stronger.
On Thursday, May 29th—Ascension Day and Heroes’ Day—one of our greatest dreams became reality. Alongside Her Excellency, Mrs. Laura Popescu, Ambassador of Romania, the Mayor of Harrow, Cllr Anjana Patel, and His Eminence Atanasie of Bogdania, we officially opened the Romanian Community Centre at Kenmore Hall.
This achievement is the result of years of dedicated work, made possible through the unwavering support of our incredible staff, volunteers, and partner organisations.
Together with Help Harrow, we are ready to bring new life and purpose to Kenmore Hall, serving the community with even more heart and determination.
As our founder Tudorita Poenaru so beautifully said: This is just the beginning. Our work continues!
Acum șapte ani, am pornit la drum cu RCCT având o misiune clară: să sprijinim comunitatea românească și să arătăm că, împreună, suntem mai puternici.
Joi, 29 mai — de Ziua Eroilor și de Înălțare — unul dintre cele mai mari vise ale noastre a devenit realitate. Alături de Excelența Sa, doamna Laura Popescu, Ambasadoarea României, Primarul din Harrow, Cllr Anjana Patel, și Înaltpreasfințitul Atanasie de Bogdania, am deschis oficial Centrul Comunitar Român la Kenmore Hall.
Această realizare este rodul anilor de muncă dedicată și a fost posibilă datorită sprijinului necondiționat al angajaților noștri minunați, al voluntarilor și al organizațiilor partenere.
Împreună cu Help Harrow, suntem pregătiți să aducem un nou suflu și un nou scop la Kenmore Hall, continuând să servim comunitatea cu și mai multă inimă și hotărâre.
Așa cum a spus atât de frumos fondatoarea organizației, Tudorița Poenaru: Acesta este doar începutul. Munca noastră continuă!
Our Romanian Community Centre is Here!

Our Romanian Community Centre is Here!

By rcct in News on martie 28, 2025

Seven years ago, we set out on a journey to create a dedicated space for the Romanian community—a place to connect, celebrate our culture, and support one another. Today, thanks to the incredible support of Harrow Together, that dream has become a reality!

We are thrilled to announce that we now have the keys to our very own Romanian Community Centre! In the coming weeks, we look forward to welcoming you to a vibrant space filled with exciting activities, cultural events, and essential community services.

Our doors will be open five days a week, with special events on weekends—bringing us all closer through culture, tradition, and shared experiences.

A heartfelt thank you to Harrow Together for their unwavering support and dedication to our community. We can’t wait to celebrate this milestone with you all—stay tuned for more details!

Acum șapte ani, am pornit la drum cu un vis: să creăm un spațiu dedicat comunității românești – un loc unde să ne conectăm, să ne celebrăm cultura și să ne sprijinim unii pe alții. Astăzi, datorită sprijinului extraordinar oferit de Harrow Together, acest vis a devenit realitate!

Suntem încântați să anunțăm că avem în sfârșit cheile propriului nostru Centru Comunitar Românesc! În săptămânile următoare, vă așteptăm cu drag într-un spațiu plin de activități captivante, evenimente culturale și servicii esențiale pentru comunitate.

Vom fi deschiși cinci zile pe săptămână, iar în weekenduri vă vom întâmpina cu evenimente speciale – toate menite să ne aducă mai aproape prin cultură, tradiție și experiențe comune.

Un sincer mulțumim celor de la Harrow Together pentru sprijinul necondiționat și devotamentul față de comunitatea noastră. Așteptăm cu nerăbdare să sărbătorim acest moment important alături de voi – rămâneți aproape pentru mai multe detalii!

Embroidering: The Story of Romanians in Harrow

Embroidering: The Story of Romanians in Harrow

By rcct in News on februarie 11, 2025

We are happy to announce a new partnership with Romanian Mothers in the UK and the Romanian-British artist, Irina Stanean. The joint project, funded by the Harrow Giving and Lottery Heritage Fund focuses on understanding, preserving and sharing the Romanian heritage with future generations who are directly or indirectly descendants of the Romanian community who settled in Harrow as well as those interested in the history of Harrow.

“We look forward to showing a different side to the Romanian community in Harrow so our community members feel proud and younger generations learn more about their roots,” says Tudorita Poenaru, Director at RCCT CIC.

“Through this project I hope to preserve and share Romanian heritage by teaching traditional embroidery techniques that connect generations and inspire a deeper appreciation for the cultural significance of our designs. My goal is to guide participants in discovering the stories and traditions woven into the embroidered threads while fostering creativity and a sense of community ” says Irina Stanean.

The project is one of 16 selected by Harrow Giving to showcase the rich heritage in Harrow and preserving it for future generations. The photos in the collage have been taken at the launch event at Harrow Baptist Church on 23 January curtesy of Niaz Maleknia @niaz_photo.

About RCCT CIC: RCCT CIC has been working for the past six years to support the vulnerable Romanian community in North West London. We run a Food Hub and Warm Hub as well as providing wraparound support to our beneficiaries.

About Romanian Mothers in the UK: At Romanian Mothers in the UK, our mission is to provide comprehensive support to Romanian mothers, ensuring their well-being and fostering an environment of growth and empowerment. We strive to create a community where mothers feel valued, supported, and equipped with the necessary resources to navigate the challenges they face.

About Irina Stanean: Irina is a passionate community connector dedicated to integrating education, human rights, and the arts. With a solid educational foundation in Art & Design and extensive volunteer experience in community engagement, Irina is well-equipped for roles focused on community development and cultural initiatives. With a commitment to enriching lives through art and community engagement, Irina continues to inspire and connect individuals, fostering a vibrant creative community.

Outreach Event – Part of Greater Londoner Authority Democratic Participation Grants Programme

Outreach Event – Part of Greater Londoner Authority Democratic Participation Grants Programme

By rcct in News on noiembrie 22, 2024

On Saturday 9 November we held our first outreach event inviting members of our community to join us to find out how they can use their civic and democratic rights as well as to taste the winning cake of our vote – which is better: the Romanian “chec” or the English “cake”. Ahead of the event, to help us to spread the word and to encourage the Romanian community to vote we asked the popular food influencer Barbosu to share the initiative on his social media pages and promote the event.

Over 255 people on his Facebook page voted in the post comments and the Romanian chec was deemed the winner.

Everyone who visited us on the day got the chance to taste a fresh slice of chec, have their picture taken with Barbosu and find out more about getting their voice heard and getting involved in the democratic process. We were happy to find out that most of those we chatted with had registered to vote in elections held in the UK and we reminded them of the need for an accepted form of photo voter ID in order to vote in person.

Our project partners The Romanian Support Network and Romanian Mothers in the UK were also present on the day, and we look forward to our future outreach events.

This event was delivered as part of our civic and democratic participation project funded by the Greater Londoner Authority Democratic Participation Grants Programme.

 

Sâmbătă nouă noiembrie am gǎzduit primul nostru eveniment de informare în care am invitat membrii comunității sǎ afle mai multe despre drepturile lor civile și democratice și să deguste prajitura câṣtigǎtoare la votuli- care prǎjiturǎ  este mai bunǎ: checul românesc sau “cake-ul” englezesc. Înainte de eveniment și ca sǎ ne ajute sǎ rǎspândim mesajul şi să încurajăm comunitatea românească să voteze am colaborat împreună cu cunoscutul influencer Barbosu care a postat pe paginile lui de social media.

Doar pe pagina lui de facebook a avut peste 255 de voturi în comentarii și checul românesc a fost declarat câștigător.

Toți cei care ne-au vizitat în ziua evenimentului au degustat o felie de chec proaspăt, s-au pozat cu Barbosu și au primit informații legate de cum își pot face vocea auzita şi implica în procesul democratic. Am fost plăcut surprinși să aflăm că majoritatea celor prezenți erau deja înregistrați să voteze în alegerile din UK și le-am amintit de nevoia de a avea cu ei un act de identitate cu poză acceptat pentru a putea vota în persoană.

Alături de noi au fost partenerii noştrii din proiect The Romanian Support Network şi Romanian Mothers in the UK și aşteptǎm cu nerăbdare și evenimentele de informare viitoare.

Acest eveniment a fost livrat ca parte a proiectului de participare civică şi democratică acordat de programul de granturi pentru Participare Democratică al Greater London Authority.

New Partnership for Four Romanian Organisations- London Voter Registration Awareness Week launch

New Partnership for Four Romanian Organisations- London Voter Registration Awareness Week launch

By rcct in News on septembrie 16, 2024

London, UK: RCCT CIC today announced a new partnership with Romanian Mothers in UK, The Romanian Support Network and Roma Voice Centre This partnership will embark on an 10 month long project which is part of Phare Three of The GLA Democratic Participation Public Awareness Campaign. The aim of the partnership is to raise awareness among the Romanian community of the voter registration as well as of the means to get involved in the democratic process outside of election.

“We are proud of the new partnership and aim to show that working together with other Romanian organisations we a can build a stronger community,” says Tudorita Poenaru, Director at RCCT CIC. “Our approach to collaboration with the project partners is based on our key principles: fairness, transparency, and accountability. The monitoring and evaluation tools developed as part of this project can be adapted by us and our partners to be utilised in their work in the future.”

“We look forward to learning from this collaboration as well as spreading the awareness around the voter registration among our community,” says Danut Burla, Director at The Romanian Support Network. “As a new constituted organization we welcome the guidance of RCCT in supporting our work.”

The benefits of this new partnership include:

  • Reach groups that are seldom heard and marginalised due to the barriers they are experiencing
  • Increase awareness of democratic participation outside of elections
  • Capacity building within the four partner organisations

About RCCT CIC: RCCT CIC has been working for the past six years to support the vulnerable Romanian community in North West London. We run a Food Hub and Warm Hub as well as providing wraparound support to our beneficiaries.

About Romanian Mothers in UK: At Romanian Mothers in the UK, our mission is to provide comprehensive support to Romanian mothers, ensuring their well-being and fostering an environment of growth and empowerment. We strive to create a community where mothers feel valued, supported, and equipped with the necessary resources to navigate the challenges they face.

About The Romanian Support Network: Our mission is to support vulnerable Romanian nationals and families in their most challenging times. We want to extend a helping hand to those who are facing financial and emotional hardships due to the loss of loved ones, the lack of identification documents, or the need for immediate essential supplies.

About Roma Voice Centre: Roma Voice Centre is here to voice the concerns of the Roma community, migrant and minority ethnic groups in the UK. We aim to build and actively sustain an equal and inclusive society, where the cultural and ethnic diversity is empowered and appreciated.

Join our team!

Join our team!

By rcct in News on mai 21, 2024

RCCT CIC is recruiting for an experienced Monitoring and Evaluation Officer.

The role would include but not be limited to:

  • Detailed analysis of projects
  • Development of monitoring and evaluation methods
  • Implementation of monitoring and evaluation methods ad-hoc, weekly, monthly or bi-monthly as the projects demands it
  • Preparation of draft and final reports
  • Monthly meetings with directors to discuss performance per project and consultancy to improve delivery
  • Creating and implementing monitoring forms for evaluation of employees and volunteers

 

The role is suitable for freelance/self-employed specialist who can use their experience and make full use of the two days per week given to these tasks.

 

Requirements:

  • Experience of at least two years in a similar role
  • Strong computer literacy skills including proficiency to a high standard in Windows-based software packages including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint
  • Ability to be patient and thorough when dealing with complex paperwork (relating to both the organisation and the project grants)
  • High levels of accuracy and sharp attention to detail
  • Excellent verbal and written English and Romanian language
  • Ability to engage positively and constructively with people at all levels
  • Strong organisational skills and efficiency
  • Ability to take responsibility for a project and see it through from start to finish
  • Ability to work to strict deadlines
  • Resilience to manage multiple demands whilst maintaining an organised work environment
  • Experience of working independently and delivering results

Personal Style and Behaviour

  • Loyalty
  • Integrity
  • Ability to relate to people with sensitivity and respect
  • Confidentiality, tact and discretion at all times
  • Calm nature
  • Willingness to be a flexible, helpful member of the staff team
  • Ability to use initiative and work independently
  • Desire to learn and ability to accept instruction
  • Passionate to make a difference working for a small but high-impact community interest company

The role is for one year.

Salary: £20/hour

To apply please email your CV and cover letter to office@rcct.uk by 28 May 2024

About us: RCCT CIC is a not for profit organisation based in Harrow which aims to assist and support the Romanian community. We also promote Romanian culture and traditions while helping our members integrate and be an active part of the overall community. For the past five years we have continued to provide information and advice, run our food hub and warm hub as well as promoting mental health in our community. We are a small but ambitious organisation and if you would like to make a positive change in people’s lives, we look forward to having you join us!

Romanian Tennis Cup

Romanian Tennis Cup

By rcct in News on aprilie 30, 2024

This summer, on 23 June from 2pm, we will organise the first event of the Romanian Tennis Cup. The aim of the event is to promote sport as a means of wellbeing for our community members and showcase upcoming talents. For this event we have partnered with Colourfence and have planned a memorable day for those attending.

The entrance is free and the competition is open to all ages with prizes for the winners. BBQ and drinks will be available for a charge and the funds will be used towards the youth tennis programme. Depending on the number of participants we aim to have the following competition groups: men, women single and double as well as under-18 single and double. If you are interested in participating please contact office@rcct.uk.

Pe 23 iunie de la ora 2pm vom organiza primul eveniment al Romanian Tennis Cup. Scopul acestui eveniment este sa promoveze sportul ca instrument pentru bunastare si sa descoperim noi talente in acest sport. Sponsorul acestui eveniment este Colourfence si pentru toti cei care vor participa planuim o zi memorabilia!

Intrarea este gratuita iar concursul este deschi tuturor varstelor cu premii pentru castigatori. Mancare si bauturi sunt disponibile contra cost in ziua evenimentului iar fondurile stranse vor fi folosite in programul pentru tinerii tenismeni. In functie de numarul de participanti dorim sa organizam concursuri pentru urmatoarele categorii: adulti barbati si femeii, single si double, copii sub 18 ani, single si double. Daca doriti sa va inscrieti va rugam sa ne trimiteti un email la office@rcct.uk.

Healthy Harrow Champions

Healthy Harrow Champions

By rcct in Health, News on iunie 23, 2023

Avem bucuria de a anunța că facem parte din organizațiile a căror proiect a fost finanțat de către Harrow Giving Grants. Proiectul nostru se concentrează pe îmbunătățirea sănătății mintale a membrilor comunității românești din Harrow. 

Pentru a putea atinge acest scop, vom recruta voluntari care or deveni Campioni/ Champions ai sănătății mintale! Acești voluntari vor primi un curs intensiv de prim ajutor al sănătății mintale predat de către dr. Silvia Gerea. Silvia Gerea (AFBPsS, BA Hons, MSc, PhD, MBACP, MBABCP, Senior Associate MRSM, Reg.Scientist) este un psiholog român acreditat în UK cu o experiență extinsă. Acestea este al doilea proiect în care lucrăm împreună cu Dr. Gerea în sprijinul comunității.

Vor fi două sesiuni una organizată pe 15 iulie și a doua pe 24 octombrie la care vor fi formate două grupuri separate de Campioni.

După training, scopul Campionilor este să meargă în comunitate și să împărtășească din informațiile primite și să elimine stigma atunci când vorbim despre sănătatea mintală.

Aceste sesiuni sunt organizate gratis și sunt deschise vorbitorilor de limba română care locuiesc în Harrow. Vă rugăm să ne scrieți la office@rcct.uk dacă doriți să participați.