Topluluk Oluşturucular Açılır Merkezler support, advice & guidance Our drop-in hubs provide support to create, inspire and build stronger communities together. Giriş merkezi, birlikte daha güçlü topluluklar oluşturmak, ilham vermek ve inşa etmek için destek sağlar Her açılan merkez, yerel sakinler için çeşitli destek, tavsiye ve rehberlik sunar. Örneğin; yerel hizmetlere destek ve imza gönderme, yeni bağlantı ve kurulum topluluk grupları, insanları istihdama veya daha fazla eğitime daha yakın olmaları için destekler, dijital dünyaya erişmeye yardımcı olur ve topluluk için fikirlerinizi hayata geçirmeye destek olur. Şu konularda yardım sunabiliriz: gönüllülük fırsatları İstihdam desteği Yerel aktivite grupları ve kulüpleri BT ve dijital destek Yerel etkinlik bilgileri Yerel hizmetlere imza gönderme Get Digital Confident! Visit our community hubs for help navigating the digital world. Whether you need help setting up your devices or simply need a bit of support with everyday online tasks, we’re here to help — free, friendly, and open to everyone. No appointment necessary! Just drop in at one of our community hubs across the Forest of Dean. FVAF is part of the Digital Inclusion Gloucestershire Initiative, tackling digital exclusion across the county. Find out more here For dates, times and locations for up coming FVAF Community Drop-in Hubs, contact Flora at flora@fvaf.org.uk or call the FVAF office on 01594 822073.

Our Green Impact Our Statement of Intent At a time of ongoing critical assessment as to how the resources of the world are being employed in economic and social activity, it is essential that all involved with Forest Voluntary Action Forum (FVAF) have a clear understanding as to how its work can impact on the environment. We accept responsibility for our actions and commit to working towards reducing any harmful effects it may have on the environment. It is also understood that, as a leader in the Forest of Dean voluntary and community sector, we have a responsibility to manifest best practice. We will use, as its guiding principles - in order of priority – the need to: REPAIR RE-USE REDUCE RECYCLE Our policy describes how FVAF will implement practices that will minimalize the impact of its work on the environment. FVAF ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY Travelling in the Forest of Dean Forest Of Dean Climate Action Partnership has created a handy interactive guide to travelling in the Forest of Dean. DOWNLOAD HERE Gold Award from the GEM NUS-Green Impact challenge GEM NUS Green Imapct Gold Award Certificate NUS Green Imapct Community Award Certificate In our first year taking part in the GEM NUS Green Impact Challenge , we were delighted to achieve a Gold Award. This UN award winning programme is designed to support and challenge organisations to look at the way they work and ensure that the practices they follow are as environmentally and socially sustainable as possible. The challenge was set as part of the *GEM Project’s partnership and our joint commitment to living sustainably and minimising our impact on the environment. Working together as a team, we shared ideas and encouraged lifestyle changes in the following areas: use of water and energy travel – work and personal recycling reducing and dealing with waste upcycling, freecycling unused goods using sustainable products encouraging biodiversity Other creative ideas from the team included making bird feeders from broken tree branches, a homemade recipe for a cleaning product, donations to local charity shops. * The Going the Extra Mile Project (GEM) is an employability and social inclusion project supporting the most disadvantaged communities and individuals furthest from the labour market to find or get closer to employment. It is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and European Social Fund as part of a national programme Building Better Opportunities.

Tell us what training would help your organisation We're exploring how best to support the training needs of voluntary and community groups across the Forest of Dean. This might include hosting training ourselves, bringing in external trainers, or connecting you with existing resources and courses. Please complete this brief survey to let us know what would be most valuable for you. Your feedback will shape the support we're able to offer. Organisation Name: Your Role: Email Training Topics Which of the following topics would be most valuable for your organisation? (Please tick all that apply and add any others) Funding & Fundraising Marketing & PR Digital Skills/Using Technology Financial Procedures & Management Governance & Trustees Finding & Recruiting Volunteers Volunteer Management & Retention Embedding Climate Action Neurodiversity, Mental Health & Inclusion Safeguarding First Aid Health & Safety Food Hygiene Other Let us know your TOP 3 training needs: When Which days work best for you? (Tick all that apply) Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Preferred times: (Tick all that apply) Morning (9am-12pm) Afternoon (1pm-5pm) Evening (6pm-8pm) Where How would you prefer to attend training? (Tick all that apply) In-person only Online only Hybrid (option to attend either way) No preference If in-person: Forest of Dean only Willing to travel How Which learning formats work best for you? (Tick all that apply) Workshops (group sessions) Online webinars/courses One-to-one support/mentoring Drop-in sessions Self-paced resources Peer learning/networking groups 5. Additional Information Are there any barriers that prevent you from accessing training? (e.g., cost, time, childcare, accessibility needs) Any other comments or suggestions? Submit

Tekerleklerle Yürümek Şunlardan birini kullanın: Yürüme kabiliyetiniz ne olursa olsun, aileniz ve arkadaşlarınızla güzel Orman yollarına erişmek için tüm arazilerde hareketlilik scooterları. bu Dekan Ormanı yürüyüş ve bisiklete binme için tanınan bir merkezdir ve patikalar ve diğer yüzey erişimleri ile iyi hizmet vermektedir. Bununla birlikte, fiziksel engelli, sağlığı kötü, duyusal bozukluğu veya diğer bazı engelleyici durumları olan kişiler için, başkalarının kabul ettiği faydalardan yararlanmalarını sağlamak için bazı güçlü yardıma, özel yorumlamaya veya diğer uygun medyaya ihtiyaç olabilir. Bu Ormancılar Ormanı Miras Piyango Finansmanlı proje ile birlikte çalışıyor Kırsal Hareketlilik Dean Ormanı'na daha fazla insanın erişmesi için fırsatlar sağlar. Walking with Wheels, Christchurch'teki Forest Holidays'den ve Speech House Hotel'den kiralanabilecek her türlü araziye uygun mobilite scooterları (Tramper olarak adlandırılır) sağlar. Tramper'lar, Symonds Yat, Biblins, Cyril Hart Arboretumu ve Mallards Pike Gölü'nün manzarasını sunan önceden haritalanmış rotalar için mevcuttur. Tekerlekli Yürüme hakkında daha fazla bilgi edinmek isterseniz, lütfen 01594 822073 numaralı telefonu arayın veya e-posta yoluyla bize ulaşın . Sıkça Sorulan Sorular 'Tramper' nedir? Bu hizmeti kimler kullanabilir? Hangi rotalarda kullanabilirim? Ne zaman işe alınabilir? Nasıl rezervasyon yapabilirim? Bir Tramper kiralamanın maliyeti nedir? Ya bunlardan birini daha önce hiç kullanmadıysam? Ya ek yardıma ihtiyacım olursa? Neden Countryside Mobility üyesi olmam gerekiyor? Bu projeye yardımcı olabilir miyim? Bir rezervasyonu iptal etmem gerekirse ne olur? Frequently Asked Questions

Universal Youth Services Partnership bringing Open Access Universal Youth Services to Gloucester and the Forest of Dean! Together with Gloucestershire Gateway Trust and The Venture Community Hub (TVCH), we’ve joined forces to make a real difference in the lives of young people. Guided by GGT, in the Forest of Dean FVAF is leading on supporting a wide range of services for young people aged 11 to 19 (or up to 25 for those with special educational needs and disabilities). Our youth services will be available to everyone, focusing on the needs of the local community to create a more connected, supported, and engaging youth sector. FIND OUT MORE ABOUT... Gloucestershire Gateway Trust The Venture Community Hub

What we do We support many community-led projects shaped with, and for local people: Employment and skills support Holiday Activity and Food Programme Community Builders Forest of Dean Youth Association Walking with Wheels Know Your Patch Forest Compass

YOUTH CLUBS & ACTIVITIES

welcoming & vibrant community hub - for hire 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. 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. Travelling in the Forest of Dean Forest Of Dean Climate Action Partnership has created a handy interactive guide to travelling in the Forest of Dean. DOWNLOAD HERE What to find out more? Interested in hiring the space? Contact us at contact@fvaf.org.uk or 01594 822073 The whole team loved the space you have at Ow Bist, but also really valued the partnership approach. Hirer at Ow Bist

Mycelium My Networks Mental Health Project Mycelium - Forest Mental Health Project The Mycelium Project aims to create an infrastructure in the Forest of Dean that: Influences change in statutory services for mental health services and support. Provides training to build a network of Lived Experience Practitioners who will support peer workers in the healthcare and voluntary and community sector. Offers support, supervision, safeguarding, visibility, and accountability. Click on the image to find out more information: Forest of Dean Mental Health Locality Partnership Peer Development Recovery & Wellbeing Café Resource Hub/Library

Topluluk Bağlayıcıları Forumu - Yama Ağınızı Tanıyın Supporting Strong and Thriving Communities with Know Your Patch Patch Your Patch ile Güçlü ve Gelişen Toplulukları Destekleme Topluluk Bağlayıcıları Forumu'nun (CCF) Yamanızı Bilin kısmı, Gönüllü ve Toplum Sektörü, Yasal Hizmetler ve yerel sakinleri daha iyi çalışma yolları yaratacak şekilde birbirine bağlar. Dean Ormanı Yamanızı Tanıyın Ağı, Gönüllü ve Toplum Sektörü, Yasal Hizmetler ve yerel sakinleri daha iyi çalışma yöntemleri yaratacak ve nihayetinde topluluklarımızı güçlendirecek şekilde birbirine bağlamak için tasarlanmıştır. Bu 'topluluk teklifi', sağlık ihtiyaçlarının artmasını önlemede veya geciktirmede özellikle hayati önem taşımaktadır. Dean Ormanı boyunca, paydaşları toplumlarında neyin önemli olduğu ve hizmetlerin ve gönüllü sektör gruplarının bunu nasıl destekleyebileceği konusundaki tartışmaya katılmaya davet ettiğimiz üç ayda bir düzenlenen etkinliklere ev sahipliği yapıyoruz. Her Patch Your Patch etkinliği ÜCRETSİZDİR ve sohbetin bir parçası olmak isteyen herkese açıktır. Katılmak isterseniz lütfen 01594 822073 numaralı telefonu arayın veya help4groups@fvaf.org.uk adresine e-posta gönderin. Ayrıca, Dean Ormanı'nda neler olup bittiğiyle ilgili olarak Patch Your Patch Network'e düzenli e-postalar ve güncellemeler gönderiyoruz. Bu ağa katılmak istiyorsanız, lütfen abone olun burada . tarafından sağlanan finansman sayesinde Gloucestershire İlçe Meclisi , Yamanızı Tanıyın Gloucestershire'daki diğer tüm Bölgelerde de mevcuttur. Bunlar hakkında daha fazla bilgi edinmek isterseniz, lütfen ziyaret edin burada . İşte düşüncemizin altını çizen araştırmalardan bazıları: "Bireylerin ve toplulukların sosyal sermaye geliştirmelerine yardım etmede hepimizin oynayacağı bir rol var. Dezavantajlı sosyal grupların ve toplulukların bir dizi karmaşık ve birbiriyle ilişkili ihtiyaçları olmasına rağmen, sosyal ve topluluk düzeyinde de varlıkları olduğu giderek daha fazla kabul görüyor. sağlığı iyileştirmeye ve sağlık sorunlarına karşı direnci güçlendirmeye yardımcı olabilecek" (The Kings Fund, 2018) "Yeterli sosyal ilişkilere sahip olanlar, zayıf sosyal ilişkilere sahip bireylere kıyasla yüzde 50 daha fazla hayatta kalma oranına sahipti" (Holt-Lunstad ve diğerleri 2010) "Sosyal ağların, yaygın yaşam tarzı ve ılımlı sigara içme, aşırı alkol tüketimi, obezite ve yüksek kolesterol ve kan basıncı gibi klinik riskler kadar güçlü ölüm belirleyicileri olduğu gösterilmiştir" (Pantell ve diğerleri 2013; Holt-Lunstad ve diğerleri, 2010) . "Sosyal destek, dayanıklılığı arttırmada ve hastalıktan iyileşmeyi desteklemede özellikle önemlidir" (Pevalin ve Rose, 2003) "Sosyal ağların ve desteğin eksikliği, davranışları kendi kendine düzenlemeyi ve zamanla irade ve dayanıklılık oluşturmayı zorlaştırarak sağlıksız davranışlarda bulunmaya yol açar" (Cacioppo ve Patrick 2009). "Topluluk Katılımı izolasyonu, dışlanmayı ve yalnızlığı azaltır" (Farrell ve Bryant 2009; Sevigny ve diğerleri 2010; Ryan-Collins ve diğerleri 2008) "Güçlü sosyal sermaye, sigara içmek gibi yaşam tarzı risklerinden kaçınma şansını artırır" (Folland 2008; Brown ve diğerleri, 2006) Autumn Programme 2025 September 2nd (Short) Thriving Communities The TC grant was launched in August. Come along and find out more about it and hear about the work that has been funded through the scheme. 16th (Short) Digital Inclusion Strategy – Stakeholder Engagement with GCC This session will be led by those involved in the Digital Inclusion Project in Gloucestershire. 30th (Short) Health in the Forest A focus on health-related matters and support that is available in our locality. October 14th (In-person) Spotlight on Cinderford This meeting will take the form of a walk around the town visiting some of the projects that are being led by FKYP members and partners. We will meet at Ow Bist Forest Community Space and follow a route round Cinderford. 28th (Short) FODCAP Update Come along and hear about developments and updates on project in the Forest. November 11th (Short) Community Support Showcasing the work of several community groups who work for the benefit of the Forest Community. 25th (Long) Health in the Forest Another session where we will focus on health-related matters and support that is available in our locality. Please note The meeting on October 14th will be in-person and an opportunity for all those attending to network. All other meetings are online on MS Teams. The invitation will be sent out at the beginning of the season and then the link will be added to the regular reminder email – together with meeting notes from the previous session and the Agenda for the meeting If you would like to deliver a presentation at a forthcoming meeting or there is a topic that you would like to be addressed, please contact Teresa Rose, FKYP Facilitator at fodkyp@fvaf.org.uk to discuss this further. We look forward to seeing you in the forthcoming weeks.

FVAF Appoints Nick Penny as Head of Operations FVAF is delighted to announce the appointment of Nick Penny to the newly created role of Head of Operations, effective 1 January 2026. Nick brings over five years of dedicated service to FVAF, where he has been instrumental in driving delivery of various community projects as Programme Manager. His promotion recognises his outstanding contribution to the organisation and his deep understanding of FVAF's community-rooted approach. In his new role, Nick will provide strategic leadership across FVAF's operational teams, programmes, and internal systems. He will oversee frontline delivery, ensure operational excellence, and lead the organisation's people-management functions. Reporting directly to the CEO, Nick will be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, guiding FVAF's continued growth and impact. The Head of Operations role has been established to strengthen FVAF's infrastructure and ensure the organisation's delivery remains aligned with its TRIBE (Trust, Relational, Innovation, Bravery, Equity) values and Theory of Change. Chris Brown, FVAF CEO said: "Nick lives and breathes community. He is a fantastic role model within the organisation and his commitment to the Forest of Dean and FVAF is infectious. I am delighted that Nick will be taking this next step in his journey with us and am excited to see what we’ll achieve together”. Nick Penny said: “I am really excited by the opportunities that this new role brings for both my own personal development and the continued growth of the Charity. I am extremely grateful to our Board of Trustees for their support of Chris and the leadership team with this investment in developing our organisation. It is fantastic to wake up in the morning knowing that my role, and those of my colleagues, contribute so successfully to making a positive impact across our Forest of Dean community." For media enquires contact communications@fvaf.org.uk or 01594 822073. -END- Notes to editor: Established in 1994, Forest Voluntary Action Forum (FVAF) is the Voluntary Service Council and Volunteer Centre for the Forest of Dean The charity offers support to local citizens, community groups and activities including support and development advice, training, networking meetings, facilitating representation, volunteer recruitment, volunteer placement and support In addition, FVAF delivers projects with and for the local community, including Forest of Dean Youth Association, Holiday Activity Campaigns, The Forest Youth Music Network, The Gloucestershire Digi Partnership, The Forest Compass Directory, Walking with Wheels FVAF receives some financial support from the Forest of Dean District Council and funds activities through external funding opportunities Head office - Forest Voluntary Action Forum, Ow Bist – Forest Community Space, Dockham Rd, Cinderford, Glos. GL14 2AN.

Role: Digital & Community Projects Manager Salary: £30,000 – £37,000 (subject to experience) Hours: 30–37.5 hours per week, Monday–Friday (some evenings/weekends may be required) Flexible and part-time/job share arrangements considered Contract: Initial 18-month contract (extension subject to funding and performance) Location: Ow Bist Forest Community Space, Cinderford Do you believe that everyone deserves to be connected? Are you passionate about the power of communities to shape their own futures? FVAF is looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Digital & Community Projects Manager to join our growing team in the heart of the Forest of Dean. This is a genuinely exciting opportunity to lead meaningful, place-based work that makes a real difference — helping people and communities thrive through digital inclusion, local partnerships, and strengths-based engagement. JOB DESCRIPTION: Digital & Community Projects Manager FVAF JOB APPLICATION FORM HOW TO APPLY Please read the above full job description and download the application form. Please note CVs will not be accepted. Application deadline: 5pm Wednesday 24th June Interview dates: w/c 6th July For an informal discussion about the role, please contact community@fvaf.org.uk Send completed application forms to Alex Digby at community@fvaf.org.uk