welcoming & vibrant community hub - for hire To date we have transformed the building's exterior with wooden cladding, resprayed windows and doors, and a new sign. Inside, we have created of a flexible training and events space , along with permanent office space for support agencies and community organisations. Thanks to funding from Cinderford Town Council, Ow Bist now features a Changing Places toilet to ensure accessibility for the entire community. Since taking on the 25 year lease of the former Dockham Road GP surgery, we have been working at a pace to create a welcoming and vibrant community hub that offers wrap-around support and improves access to community services. The whole team loved the space you have at Ow Bist, but also really valued the partnership approach. Hirer at Ow Bist What to find out more? Interested in hiring the space? Contact us at contact@fvaf.org.uk or 01594 822073

Forum dei connettori della comunità - Conosci la tua rete di patch Supporting Strong and Thriving Communities with Know Your Patch Supportare comunità forti e fiorenti con Know Your Patch Conosci la tua patch, parte del Community Connectors Forum (CCF), collega il settore del volontariato e della comunità, i servizi statutari e i residenti locali in un modo che crea modi migliori di lavorare. La Forest of Dean Know Your Patch Network è progettata per collegare il settore del volontariato e della comunità, i servizi statutari e i residenti locali in un modo che crei modi di lavorare migliori che alla fine rafforzi le nostre comunità. Questa "offerta comunitaria" è particolarmente vitale per prevenire o ritardare l'escalation dei bisogni sanitari. Ospitiamo eventi trimestrali in tutta la Foresta di Dean in cui invitiamo le parti interessate a partecipare alla discussione su ciò che conta nella loro comunità e su come i servizi e i gruppi del settore del volontariato possono aiutare a sostenere questo. Ogni evento Know Your Patch è GRATUITO e aperto a chiunque voglia prendere parte alla conversazione. Se desideri partecipare, chiama lo 01594 822073 o invia un'e-mail a help4groups@fvaf.org.uk . Inviamo anche e-mail regolari e aggiornamenti al nostro Know Your Patch Network per quanto riguarda ciò che sta accadendo nella Foresta di Dean. Se vuoi entrare a far parte di questa rete, iscriviti qui . Grazie al finanziamento di Consiglio della contea del Gloucestershire , Know Your Patch è disponibile anche in tutti gli altri distretti del Gloucestershire. Se desideri saperne di più su questi, visita qui . Ecco alcune delle ricerche che sottolineano il nostro pensiero: "Abbiamo tutti un ruolo da svolgere nell'aiutare gli individui e le comunità a sviluppare il capitale sociale. Vi è un crescente riconoscimento del fatto che, sebbene i gruppi sociali e le comunità svantaggiate abbiano una serie di bisogni complessi e interconnessi, hanno anche risorse a livello sociale e comunitario che possono aiutare a migliorare la salute e rafforzare la resilienza ai problemi di salute" (The Kings Fund, 2018) "Quelli con relazioni sociali adeguate avevano un tasso di sopravvivenza maggiore del 50% rispetto agli individui con relazioni sociali povere" (Holt-Lunstad et al 2010) "I social network hanno dimostrato di essere potenti predittori di mortalità come stile di vita comune e rischi clinici come fumo moderato, consumo eccessivo di alcol, obesità e colesterolo alto e pressione sanguigna" (Pantell et al 2013; Holt-Lunstad et al, 2010) . "Il supporto sociale è particolarmente importante per aumentare la resilienza e promuovere il recupero dalla malattia" (Pevalin e Rose, 2003) "La mancanza di social network e supporto rende più difficile autoregolare il comportamento e costruire forza di volontà e resilienza nel tempo, portando al coinvolgimento in comportamenti malsani" (Cacioppo e Patrick 2009). "La partecipazione alla comunità riduce l'isolamento, l'esclusione e la solitudine" (Farrell e Bryant 2009; Sevigny et al 2010; Ryan-Collins et al 2008) "Un forte capitale sociale migliora le possibilità di evitare i rischi dello stile di vita come il fumo" (Folland 2008; Brown et al, 2006)

Volontariato Come centro di volontariato per la Foresta di Dean, siamo qui per aiutarti a reclutare e gestire i volontari Il nostro nuovo Volontariato libretto pieno di dettagli del volontariato locale opportunità è fuori ora CLICCA PER SCARICARE Oppure ritirane una copia presso la tua biblioteca locale o Community Hub In quanto Centro di Volontariato per il Foresta di Dean spesso siamo il primo punto di contatto per chiunque sia interessato al volontariato. L'anno scorso siamo stati orgogliosi di sostenere oltre 100.000 ore di volontariato nell'area! FVAF promuove e pubblicizza un'ampia gamma di opportunità di volontariato da organizzazioni che condividono la nostra etica nel supportare i volontari e riconoscere l'ampia gamma di motivi per cui le persone scelgono di fare volontariato. Perché fare volontariato? Il volontariato ha una serie di enormi vantaggi, non solo per te individualmente, ma per la tua comunità e il mondo in cui viviamo. Se desideri migliorare il tuo CV, conoscere nuove persone, mettere a frutto le tue capacità, imparare qualcosa di nuovo, perseguire un interesse, offrire esperienza o semplicemente fare la differenza, abbiamo la garanzia di avere un'opportunità per te! Puoi scoprire queste opportunità nei seguenti modi: Cerca opportunità su Do-it.org Chiamaci allo 01594 822073 Mettiti in contatto tramite e-mail Vieni a trovarci al FVAF Lun - Ven 9:00 - 1:00 ( Indicazioni ) Se stai cercando di fare volontariato come parte di un grande gruppo, ad esempio come parte del volontariato aziendale, allora abbiamo anche una vasta gamma di opportunità tra cui scegliere. Get the latest volunteer opportunities - direct to your mailbox! Sign up to receive our regular email Volunteer Newsletter: SIGN UP HELP FOR GROUPS - recruiting & managing volunteers Come sportello unico per tutto ciò che riguarda il volontariato, utilizziamo una metodologia multiforme per offrirti le migliori possibilità possibili di reclutare e trattenere validi volontari. Ciò include quanto segue: Pubblicizza le tue opportunità su Do-it.org Promuovere le tue opportunità a membri del pubblico a noi riferiti o tramite la nostra funzione di drop-in. Pubblicizza le tue opportunità sulle nostre pagine Facebook e Twitter Promuovere le tue opportunità ai servizi locali che supportano il volontariato, ad es. Job Center, LearnDirect e 2GetherTrust Pubblicizza le tue opportunità in oltre 30 eventi all'anno Inviare le tue opportunità alle imprese locali che offrono volontariato supportato dal datore di lavoro Promuovere opportunità rilevanti per Scuole, Collegi e Università Distribuire le tue opportunità al nostro database di volontari di oltre 1.000 persone Promuovere le tue opportunità su una varietà di reti, incluso Know Your Patch As a one-stop-shop for all things volunteering, we can help you find, and keep, the perfect volunteer: Get in touch - call us on 01594 822073, via email or visit us at FVAF, Ow Bist - Forest Community Space, Dockham Road, Cinderford GL14 2AN (Mon - Fri 9am - 4pm)

Our publications Forest Compass Edition 3 Volunteering in the Forest of Dean FVAF Annual Report 2022/23 FVAF Annual Report 2021/22 Insights into the Experience of commissioning for small VCSE organisations in the Forest of Dean By Chris Brown My Networks publications My Networks Scoping Project Report, Oct 2022 by Simon Price Supporting documents: Mental Health Scoping Project – Survey Results Co-production – How we facilitated My Networks Scoping Report Useful community publications The Digital Divides Report and Recommendations By Digital Divides Steering Group Learnings from the Forest By Forest of Dean Climate Action Partnership (FODCAP), Holding The Space, Thirty Percy, and CCRI.

Are you a voluntary group? Need support? READ MORE Frequently visited pages: COMMUNITY HUBS VOLUNTEER ADVICE FOREST YOUTH ASSOCIATION Cos'è FVAF? FVAF sta per Forest Voluntary Action Forum. Offriamo supporto ai cittadini locali, ai gruppi della comunità e alle attività per fare le cose che contano di più per loro. Ciò include quanto segue: supporto e consulenza per lo sviluppo formazione informazione incontri di rete facilitare la rappresentazione reclutamento di volontari collocamento e supporto di volontari Gestiamo anche molti progetti con e per la comunità locale, come la Forest of Dean Youth Association, Holiday Activity Campaigns, The Forest Youth Music Network, The GEM Project, The Forest Compass Directory, Walking with Wheels e molti altri. Controlla la nostra pagina Progetti per tutti i dettagli. "Costruire comunità più forti in la Foresta di Dean" Scopri di più JOIN OUR MAILING LIST Get the latest community news and check out exciting volunteering opportunity in or around the Forest of Dean... Vai su Facebook Useful publications: FREE directory of the many volunteering opportunities available locally... DOWNLOAD I nostri partner We work with so many amazing and supportive partners. Find out more here... How to contact us Forest Voluntary Action Forum Ow Bist Forest Community Space Dockham Road Cinderford , Glos. GL14 2AN Email us: contact@fvaf.org.uk Tel: 01594 822073 Copyright © 2021 Forest Voluntary Action Forum. All Rights Reserved. Forest Voluntary Action Forum is a charity (1141126) and company limited by guarantee (07557852) registered in England and Wales. The registered address is The Belle Vue Centre, Cinderford, Glos, GL14 2AB. Forest Voluntary Action Forum proudly receives financial support from the Forest of Dean District Council .

Volunteer of the Year 2023 T he People's Champion VOTING OPEN! Time to choose your champion... We recently asked you to nominate a local volunteer who has gone above and beyond for their community over the past 12 months, and/or has an inspiring story. We had some cracking nominations, and it was an extremely hard task to narrow it down BUT after much deliberation, our panel of community experts have shortlisted 7 community heroes. Vote for your favourite by selecting ONE of the following volunteers: Chris Brain Melanie Getgood Jando Greco Edna Husbands Barbara Jenkins Albert Weager Dave Young VOTING CLOSES: 10PM SUNDAY, 17 SEPTEMBER VOTE Thanks for voting! Check out the profiles of the shortlisted nominees below: Chris Brain Chairman & Coach of Broadwell Youth Football Club For the past 15 years Chris has dedicated a huge amount of his time, energy and passion into grassroots sports. A constant supporter and instrumental in the ongoing success of Broadwell Football Club, Chris has served as the Chairman of the club and more recently 2 and half years as the First Team Manager. The pinnacle of his successful coaching term came last year when Chris led his side to Les James Cup victory. Going out on a high, Chris has just retired and deserves recognition for his dedication and commitment which has provided the opportunity for 100’s of children to play football and helped to create the thriving community football club Broadwell FC has become. Melanie Getgood Chairperson at Friends of Worcester Walk Melanie has been the inspirational driving force of Friends of Worcester Walk (FoWW). Her steadfast commitment to Worcester Walk has seen it develop into a unique richly diverse habitat in the Forest of Dean. Melainie goes the extra mile to share the experience of being in nature, through events with school groups, volunteers, and local people. With her generous inclusive way, she has built a solid and diverse group of volunteers for FoWW and ensures that everyone is welcome, and their work appreciated. Melanie’s community work doesn’t end there! She is also a co-opted member of the Environmental Committee of Coleford Town Council, helps run a local Morris Dancing group, has organised clean ups in the Coleford Cemetery, King George Playing Field and Bells Field. Melanie works tirelessly for community but is always friendly, approachable, kind and generous with her time and with everyone she meets. Jando Greco Volunteer helper at St Stephen's Church Cinderford Jando is a fantastic example of the impact volunteering can have for the community, and in growing as a person. For the past twelve years, Jando has supported St Stephen’s Church through his involvement with many projects, services, events and prayer groups. Jando is often found setting up and tidying after events or keeping the church tidy midweek between services. He helps with the Fairtrade Stall and Fairtrade Friday coffee afternoons, and is a leader at Messy Church. Usually the first to put his hand up to help, like many volunteers, much of what Jando does is 'behind the scenes' and unseen. But that doesn't bother him at all, he just loves volunteering his time, feeling part of a community and growing his skills as well as sharing his talents with others. His nominator said that: “We so appreciate him, he is such a thoughtful, caring person and will do anything for anyone – Jando is so worthy of receiving this award and would love for him to be recognised for his service!” Edna Husbands Lydcare Community Transport Co-ordinator at Lydcare An essential member of the team, Edna is responsible for organising Lydcare Community Transport Service. A complex and demanding role, on average Edna deals with over 120 calls from people who request transport and with drivers to arrange journeys. Edna's role requires a massive commitment both in time and energy and requires a high degree of patience and diplomacy dealing with last minute medical appointments, cancellations and reschedules. Thanks to her tireless work over 4,000 journeys are completed every year, helping over 2,700 people get to hospital, medical appointments and social events which due the lack of public transport would be impossible. Lydcare was the only community transport service running through the pandemic and this was down to Edna's determination and commitment to ensure patients, particularly those who usually received home visits, were able to get to important medical appointments. Edna also works as a voluntary driver and is an outstanding volunteer working for the benefit of those in need within the community. Barbara Jenkins Organiser of the ‘Over Sixties Group’ Berryhill Memorial Institute AKA ‘The Hut’ It would be hard to find a volunteer in the Forest with a longer commitment to volunteering in the community than Barbara! For over 50 years, Barbara has been the lead organiser of the ‘Over Sixties Group’ at the ‘The Hut’ Berryhill Memorial Institute. This popular group has been providing social activities to help combat isolation for the older community for decades. Collecting community memories for a recent memory capsule, created as part of The Hut’s centenary celebrations, revealed that Barbara had been quietly managing this group since 1971. But Barbara’s involvement with The Hut goes even further back to her childhood when her father was resident caretaker, and her mother was involved in organising activities. A wonderful and unique example of generations getting involved with the community to make it a better place, Barbara is an inspiration to us all and shows no sign of slowing down. Albert Weager Community representative & advocate for better healthcare in FoD A more committed and dedicated community representative than Albert would be hard to find! For over a decade Albert has tirelessly advocated for better health provision in the Forest of Dean. With an incredibly long service on the FoD Health Forum, in 2014 he was appointed chair and has been instrumental in ensuring that everyone is listened to and given the opportunity to ask questions. At a county level, Albert chairs the People and Communities Reference Group for Urgent and Emergency Care and is the community representative on the Urgent and Emergency Care, Patient Flow Clinical Programme Group. Not stopping there, Albert is also represents local people on the Ageing Well Care Programme Board and has been the patient representative on the Blood Transfusion Committee for over ten years. Everything Albert does is as a volunteer and we must congratulate him on his drive and passion. Dave Young Volunteer driver, cook, outreach at Forest Sensory Services & Samaritans Over the past 2 years Dave has dedicated more and more of his time volunteering and going above and beyond to support other people. Starting as a volunteer driver for Forest Sensory Services (FFS), Dave now volunteers with FSS 3 times a week and even dons his chef hat and cooks up a delicious feast, twice a month, for the service’s clients. A fantastic supporter of all the work that FSS does, Dave plays an active role in outreach sessions to make visually impaired people aware of the support services offered and he also helps with fundraising. Along with his face-to-face volunteering, Dave volunteers with the Samaritans answering the phone a couple of times a week offering emotional support . Plus promoting Samaritans with outreach in the community. His nominator said: “Dave is an inspiring person and an amazing volunteer who does so much for other people.” Find our more about the Forest Volunteers Awards here:

Camminare con le ruote Usa uno dei scooter per la mobilità fuoristrada per accedere ai bellissimi sentieri della foresta con la tua famiglia e i tuoi amici, indipendentemente dalla tua capacità di camminare. Il Foresta di Dean è un centro riconosciuto per passeggiate a piedi e in bicicletta ed è ben servito da sentieri e altri accessi asfaltati. Per le persone con disabilità fisica, cattive condizioni di salute, menomazione sensoriale o qualche altra condizione inibente potrebbe tuttavia essere necessaria un'assistenza potenziata, un'interpretazione specializzata o altri mezzi appropriati per consentire loro di godere dei benefici che altri danno per scontati. Questo Foresta dei forestali Progetto Heritage Lottery Funded, in collaborazione con Mobilità in campagna offre opportunità a più persone di accedere alla Foresta di Dean. Walking with Wheels fornisce scooter per la mobilità fuoristrada (chiamati Trampers) a noleggio da Forest Holidays at Christchurch e dallo Speech House Hotel. I Trampers sono disponibili per percorsi pre-mappati che abbracciano i panorami di Symonds Yat, Biblins, Cyril Hart Arboretum e Mallards Pike Lake, solo per citarne alcuni. Se vuoi saperne di più su Walking with Wheels, chiama lo 01594 822073 o contattaci via e-mail . Domande frequenti Che cos'è un "vagabondo"? chi può usare questo servizio? Su quali percorsi posso usarlo? Quando è disponibile per il noleggio? Come posso prenotarne uno? Quanto costa noleggiare un Tramper? E se non ne avessi mai usato uno prima? Cosa succede se ho bisogno di ulteriore aiuto? Perché devo diventare un membro di Countryside Mobility? Posso aiutare con questo progetto? E se devo cancellare una prenotazione? Frequently Asked Questions

Foresta dei forestali Volontario con Foresters' Forest Visita il sito web della foresta dei forestali Iscriviti alla newsletter Foresters' Forest Noi siamo un Fondo nazionale per il patrimonio della lotteria Programma di partenariato paesaggistico, formato da un'associazione di organizzazioni partner e gruppi di comunità locali all'interno della Foresta di Dean. Il nostro obiettivo è sensibilizzare e partecipare al patrimonio costruito, naturale e culturale che rende speciale la nostra Foresta. Ci sono molte cose da vedere, fare, esplorare e in cui essere coinvolti, quindi speriamo che verrai e ti unirai a noi in una serie di attività, opportunità di volontariato ed eventi. Per ulteriori informazioni si prega di visitare il nostro sito web dedicato www.forestersforest.uk . In poche parole, però, il programma Foresters' Forest si basa su cinque temi: la nostra fortezza per la natura, esplorare la nostra foresta, rivelare il nostro passato, celebrare la nostra foresta, garantire il nostro futuro. Ognuno di questi temi ha una serie di progetti che svelano, condividono e celebrano il nostro patrimonio. Ci sono molte opportunità per te di essere coinvolto nell'apprendimento e nella protezione della nostra foresta speciale, quindi speriamo che verrai e ti unirai a noi! Incontra alcuni dei nostri Volontari Argomento di studio David Chaloner David si offre volontario con il progetto Forest Conservation Grazing di The Foresters, guidato dal Gloucestershire... Per saperne di più Argomento di studio Gwynneth Weaver Ho avuto delle esperienze fantastiche con il progetto di archeologia forestale dei forestali. Gli scavi hanno... Per saperne di più Argomento di studio Keith Walker Partecipare alla piccola squadra di volontari con il compito di salvare Scarr Bandstand e fornire una piattaforma per... Per saperne di più

FVAF Community Celebration & AGM 2023 FRIDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2024 | 11AM - 2PM Ow Bis - Forest Community Space, Dockham Road GL14 2AN We are inviting the whole community to join us in celebrating the work FVAF has done over the last 12 months for, and with communities across the Forest of Dean PLUS it’s our 30th anniversary this year and we’re ready to celebrate! Refreshments and a delicious buffet lunch will be provided. Places are limited - please book your ticket ASAP READ THE AGM NOTICE BELOW: BOOK YOUR TICKET

KEEPING PEOPLE SAFE Young people who are moving towards adulthood have the right to make informed choices about how they connect to their local community. This can involve risk, for guidance read: Building Connections: One minute guide to Risk Assessment

NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN! CLOSING DATE: MIDNIGHT SUNDAY 14 JULY 2024 Forest Volunteer Awards 2024 Nomination Form FOREST VOLUNTEER AWARDS 2024 Please select in which category you would like to nominate the individual or group. Your Volunteer of the Year Young Volunteer of the Year 16yrs & under Young Volunteer of the Year 17 – 21yrs Community Organisation of the Year Grassroots Award - Voluntary Group of the Year ESV Business in the Community Award FoD Dementia Action Alliance Accessibility & Inclusion Award Nominee details Name of the volunteer/group being nominated: Name of the organisation or group linked to the nominee (for individual nominees only) Volunteer role or role of group Contact details for nominee (email and telephone) Reason for nomination - please provide a brief description which outlines why you think this individual or group stands out. What makes them special and worthy of being celebrated? Your details Your name Your email address Your telephone number Photographs – if you have any photographs please send them to communications@fvaf.org.uk Submit Thank you for taking the time nominate!

Volunteer Heroes Crowned! The community turned out in force on Wednesday 7 September to see local volunteers crowned at a glittering awards celebration evening we held at the AccXel Training Centre in Cinderford. We created the Forest Volunteer Awards to recognise and celebrate the amazing efforts of local volunteers in the Forest of Dean. Earlier this Summer, we asked local people to nominate those volunteer heroes who have demonstrated exceptional and outstanding support to the local community over the past 12 months. The response was amazing and we received hundreds of nominations. An expert panel had the tough task of shortlisting the nominations and picking the winners. However, one category - Volunteer of the Year – Peoples’ Champion – was decided by a public vote with almost 900 votes cast. The winners were crowned at a special evening, held at the stunning conference space at the impressive AccXel Training Centre, which was provided for free to FVAF by local construction company the KW Bell Group, who were the main sponsors of the event. Volunteer of the Year went to Les Cockle, volunteer fundraiser at Great Oaks Hospice whilst Forest of Dean Host Ukrainians and Ukraine Community Hub jointly picked up the Community Voluntary Group of the Year. Young volunteers were celebrated with Keira Stone, volunteer at disability group, Together We Can crowed under 16 years old Young Volunteer of the Year, whilst in the 17 – 25 years old category, Chloe Whatley and Jordan Terrel were rewarded for their tireless hard work volunteering at the Sea Cadets in Lydney. Lisa Tootell was crowned Outstanding New Volunteer of the Year for her amazing impact for the Girl Guides in the Forest of Dean and Hips Social were recognised for supporting the local community and investing in improving the local area. The winners were presented with an award, a framed certificate and £100 Amazon voucher, kindly provided by sponsors the KW Bell Group. Deb Cook, Volunteering Manager at FVAF said “So much of what happens within our community is because of people who give their time and energy for free. We think that recognising the amazing efforts of volunteers and organisations is incredibly important which is why we have been so pleased by the reaction of the local people who have supported these awards by nominating and voting.” Deb added, “It has been an incredible evening and we are so lucky and proud of the strength of the amazing voluntary sector we have in the Forest.” Master of Ceremony for the Forest Volunteer Awards was Kate Clark, BBC Radio Gloucestershire presenter who kept the guests entertained with her expert hosting skills. Award winners were announced by guest presenter; Roger Deeks (FVAF Trustee), Nicola Bird and Yvonne Bell (KW Bell and main sponsor), Sue Middleton (Verderer of the Forest of Dean), Andy Lewis MBE (PT2 Para triathlete), Neill Ricketts (Founder of Versarien and chair the Forest of Dean Economic Partnership). The celebration evening was made possible thanks to generous sponsorship for the following local organisations: KW Bell Group and AccXel Training Centre – main sponsors Hot Tubs Rock Versarien The Midcounties Co- Operative FOREST VOLUNTEER AWARD WINNERS: Volunteer of the Year – Peoples’ Champion WINNER: Les Cockle – Great Oaks Hospice Highly Commended: Hannah McGowan (FOD Hosts of Ukrainians Support Group), Martin Elsmore (The Golden Triangle Club), Steve Gregory (FVAF / Walking with Wheels) and Mark Jones (Community First Responder SWASFT) Community Voluntary Group of the Year WINNER: FOD Hosts of Ukrainians Support Group and Ukraine Community Hub Highly Commended: Together We Can, Newnham Archery Club, Dean Radio, The Friends of Longhope Church and The Rewild Project Outstanding New Volunteer WINNER: Lisa Tootell – Girlguiding FOD South Division Highly Commended: Sarah Maxfield – Berry Hill Memorial Institute Young Volunteer of the Year 16yrs & under WINNER: Keira Stone – Together We Can Highly Commended: Toby Niblett – Lydney Youth Hub Young Volunteer of the Year 17 – 25yrs JOINT WINNERS: Jordan Terrell and Chloe Whatley – FOD Sea Cadets Community Impact Award WINNER: HIPs Social Highly Commended: Recycle Shop CIC Newent and Wilde Earth Journeys