Word lid van FVAF Deur 'n lid van FVAF te word, help jy ons om voort te gaan om 'n noodsaaklike ondersteuningsdiens aan die vrywilligers- en gemeenskapsektor in die Bos van Dean . FVAF tree op as 'n voorstander vir vrywillige en gemeenskapsoptrede waar toepaslik op distriks-, land- en nasionale vlak, en hoe meer lede ons verteenwoordig, hoe sterker is ons stem. Lede word dus geraadpleeg oor sake wat 'n impak het op die vrywilligers- en gemeenskapsektor in die Forest of Dean en wat ons as organisasie beoog om te bereik. As 'n lid sal jy toegang geniet tot ons kantoordienste, verlaagde druk- en kopieertariewe, die bevordering van vrywillige vakatures vir jou groep, en gratis huur van 'n reeks kantoortoerusting. Dit sluit in: Vertoonborde Gehoorlus Digitale projektor en skerm PA stelsel Blaaikaarte Lang opvoutafel Warmwater spyseniering urn Gazebo (£5 skenking vereis) As jy 'n FVAF-lid wil word, klik asseblief op die Sluit aan by FVAF-knoppie aan die regterkant en voltooi die vorm. Vir verdere besonderhede skakel 01594 822073 Dit is GRATIS om 'n lid van FVAF te word om toegang tot al ons ondersteuningsdienste te kry Sluit aan by FVAF

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

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

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

Recovery & Wellbeing Café “A Community Created Curriculum of Curious Conversations” Weekly Face-to-Face Discussions & Recovery Educational Sessions Each Wednesday (Term Time) at Café 16 in Coleford from 6-8pm. “A safe space to create who you are, not be told what to think.” Join conversations with a diverse range of people with professional & lived experience of different subjects, local people who have gained understandings about the impact current concerns have upon mental health, recovery and wellbeing. We are building a supportive space where, as critical friends, we can learn together and support each other with our individual understandings. All curious & compassionate folk welcome.

Stap met wiele: gereelde vrae Wat is 'n 'Tramper'? 'n Tramper is 'n alle-terrein elektriese aangedrewe mobiliteitsvoertuig. Dit het 'n beperkte spoed van tot 4mph wat ideaal is om stappers of jong kinders op fietse te vergesel. Die volledige spesifikasie van die Trampers kan wees hier gevind . Wie kan hierdie diens gebruik? Walking with Wheels is oop vir enigiemand ouer as 14 jaar en wat minder as 25 klip weeg wat moeilik loop as gevolg van tydelike of permanente mobiliteitsprobleme. Op watter roetes kan ek dit gebruik? Roetes wat beskikbaar is, sluit in na Symond's Yat Rock en af na die rivier Wye by Symond's Yat vanaf Forest Holidays en Cyril Hart Arboretum, Mallards Pike en dele van die Family Cycle Trail vanaf The Speech House. Kaarte van die roetes sal verskaf word wanneer gehuur word. Wanneer is dit beskikbaar om te huur? Die Tramper is beskikbaar om 9:00 - 5:00 7 dae per week te huur (ure kan korter wees in die winter om terugkoms voor skemer te verseker). Hoe kan ek een bespreek? Bespreek asseblief vooraf jou Tramper voor die dag, om teleurstelling te voorkom. Kontak asseblief die tramper terreine direk om te bespreek. Vir Bosvakansies skakel 01594 837165 Vir The Speech House skakel 01594 822607 Hoeveel kos dit om 'n Tramper te huur? Die Tramper kos net £2,50 per uur. Vir eerstekeergebruikers is daar ook 'n jaarlikse lidmaatskapfooi van £10 vir Countryside Mobility of £2,50 vir 'n twee weke proesessie. Wat as ek nog nooit een hiervan gebruik het nie? Moenie bekommerd wees nie! Hulle is baie eenvoudig en veilig om te gebruik en elke gebruiker sal 'n volledige induksie kry om te verseker dat hulle veilig en gemaklik voel om ons wonderlike roetes aan te pak. Wat as ek bykomende hulp nodig het? Ons vra dat almal op die roetes vergesel word sodat jy altyd iemand by jou sal hê. As jy 'n Tramper wil probeer, skakel asseblief een van ons sentrums om te reël voordat jy een huur. Hoekom moet ek 'n lid van Plattelandsmobiliteit word? Countryside Mobility is verantwoordelik vir die verskaffing van die Trampers en dit is hoekom hulle teen so 'n bekostigbare tarief aangebied word. Hulle werk ook om te verseker dat elke werf wat 'n Tramper huisves dit op 'n veilige en maklik toeganklike manier doen. Hierdie lidmaatskap sal jou ook in staat stel om enige van die Trampers by die vele Plattelandsmobiliteit-terreine regoor die Suidwes te gebruik. Besoek asseblief die Plattelandsmobiliteit- webwerf vir meer inligting. U kan lidmaatskapvorms by die sentrum voltooi voordat u aangestel word. Kan ek help met hierdie projek? Walking with Wheels maak staat op vrywilligers om ons diens te bevorder. As jy belangstel om te help om die woord oor ons diens te versprei, of op 'n ander manier wil help, skakel asseblief 01594 822073 of e-pos walkingwithwheels@fvaf.org.uk . Volledige opleiding en ondersteuning sal verskaf word. Wat as ek 'n bespreking moet kanselleer? Ons vra dat jy ten minste 24 uur kennis van kansellasie gee sodat ons die Tramper aan 'n ander gebruiker kan verhuur. Kontak asseblief die webwerf waarmee jy bespreek het om te kanselleer What is a Tramper Who can use this service What routes can I use it on When is it available to hire How can I book one How much does it cost What if I've never used one of these before What if I need additional help Why do I have to become a member of CM Can I help wit this project What if I need to cancel a booking

FOREST VOLUNTEER AWARDS IT'S VOTING TIME! The PUBLIC VOTE is now OPEN for Volunteer of the Year 2025 - The People's Champion! VOTING CLOSES: MIDNIGHT WEDNESDAY 27 AUGUST 2025 We had so many fantastic nominations, with every one a worthy winner BUT after much deliberation our judging panel shortlisted the following local volunteers: VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE Carol Austin – Sedbury Space Laura Dovey – Taurus Crafts Annie George – Forest Exchange Ian Gower – CANDI, Mitcheldean Youth Club, Scarr Bandstand Glynis Halling – The Victoria Centre, Lydney Dial-a-Ride, Dr Charley's Lunch Club Julie Holder – Packed with Love Submit Find out why these amazing volunteers were nominated below: CAROL AUSTIN Sedbury Space Carol leads one of the Forest's busiest community groups at Sedbury Space, welcoming 30+ members weekly with exceptional care and dedication. LAURA DOVEY Taurus Crafts For an incredible twenty years, Laura has been the welcoming face of Taurus Crafts in Lydney, greeting every customer with genuine warmth and enthusiasm ANNIE GEORGE Forest Exchange Annie is the organisational powerhouse behind Forest Exchange (formerly Lydney Exchange), working tirelessly to help as many people as possible through this vital community resource.. Her personal touch makes all the difference – she ensures every member receives a birthday card and personally checks on anyone who's been absent for two weeks. Carol's generous spirit extends beyond her volunteer duties as she steps in to cover extra sessions, ensures no one feels excluded, and has a remarkable gift for helping shy members feel included without them even realising it. Her warm, energetic presence and unwavering commitment to helping others makes her an exceptional volunteer who truly goes above and beyond. Working across both the gift shop and Zero Waste shop, Laura's reliability and attention to detail shine through in everything she does – from pricing and checking invoices to ensuring packing materials are properly recycled. Her outstanding customer service skills and diligent approach make her a joy to work with, while her caring, helpful nature brings smiles to everyone she meets. Laura's two decades of unwavering commitment exemplifies the very best in community volunteering. Her incredible work ethic is evident whether she's moving heavy boxes, washing donated clothes, implementing efficient labelling systems, or lifting spirits with her amazing sense of humour. Over the past two and a half years, Annie has played a crucial role in the Exchange's remarkable growth from strength to strength. Though she's moving away to be closer to family, her unique approach to helping individuals and her invaluable contributions have left a lasting impact on the Forest community. IAN GOWER Mitcheldean Youth Club, CANDI, Scarr Bandstand Ian's volunteer work spans multiple organisations, making him a true Forest community champion through his support at CANDI, Mitcheldean Youth Hub, Scarr Bandstand, and the Forest of Dean History Society. GLYNIS HALLING The Victoria Centre, Lydney Dial-a-Ride, Dr Charley's Lunch Club For over 25 years, Glynis has been the driving force behind vital community services, serving as chief organiser and fundraiser for the Victoria Centre and previously Lydney Dial-a-Ride. JULIE HOLDER Packed with Love Julie is the inspirational driving force behind Packed with Love, a remarkable not-for-profit initiative that packs 180 backpacks for children in emergency care. Drawing on his engineering background with Rolls Royce, Ian creates engaging STEM workshops and provides maths tutoring that makes learning both fun and educational for young people. His understanding, kind, and caring approach toward young people, combined with his wealth of knowledge, makes him an exceptional mentor. Ian's dedication to his community is evident in how nothing is ever too much trouble, and his willingness to go out of his way to support the young people and various groups he serves. Her exceptional admin skills, creative vision, and ongoing dedication have been essential to these organisations' success. Glynis also volunteered for 13 years at Dr Charley's lunch club in Coleford, serving as Treasurer and later taking leadership after founder Dora Matthews passed away. Her commitment to community service has touched countless lives across the Forest, providing the "essential oil for the wheels" of much-valued services that bring people together and support those in need. Her tireless dedication encompasses every aspect of the operation – organising jumble sales and book sales, seeking donations, storing items in her own home, purchasing necessary supplies, coordinating the packing process, and ensuring distribution reaches those who need it most. Julie's work directly impacts vulnerable children during some of their most difficult moments, providing them with essential items and a tangible reminder that their community cares. Her selfless commitment transforms donations into hope for children facing uncertain times.

Help us create a mural celebrating the Forest of Dean's tradition of community action ! We're creating a mural to celebrate our incredible heritage of community action, mutual support, and resilience! From our mining traditions to welcoming Ukrainian families, from river fishing to friendly societies – we want to hear all the stories that matter. The finished mural will be painted on the side of Ow Bist - Forest Community Space, Dockham Road, Cinderford, creating a lasting tribute to our community's story. We've held two drop-in workshops, led by local artist Tom Cousins, where we invited the community to come along and share their amazing stories and ideas about what makes our area special. Couldn't Make It to the Workshops? We Still Want to Hear From You! We've created the below online survey – so you can still contribute your memories, stories, and ideas for the mural. Whether you've lived here all your life or recently made this place home, your perspective is valuable. What We're Looking For Personal stories that capture the spirit of our community Memories of local traditions, places, or events Examples of how neighbours have supported each other What makes you proud to be part of this community Ideas for images or symbols that represent our shared heritage Share your thoughts and ideas below: Your Forest of Dean Stories Your name (optional) How long have you lived in/been connected to the Forest of Dean area? 1. What does community spirit mean to you in the Forest of Dean? 2. Which of these themes resonate most with your experience of our area? (Tick all that apply) Food & Resources (traditional land use, fishing, growing food, sharing resources) Landscape & Environment (rivers, mining heritage, how place shapes community) Arts & Culture (music, festivals, creative traditions) Community Action (mutual aid, rights movements, defending our heritage) Settlers & Diversity (different communities who've made this area home) 3. What's a story, memory, or tradition from the Forest of Dean that you think should be celebrated in the mural? 4. Are there particular people, groups, or movements (historical or recent) that represent the community spirit of our area to you? 5. What would you like visitors and future generations to understand about the Forest of Dean community? Would you be interested in helping with the mural painting in August? Yes - I'd love to help paint! No, but I support the project Email details (if you'd like updates) Submit

Boskompas Forest Compass is 'n fisiese en aanlyn gids wat baie van die gereelde aktiwiteite, ondersteuningsgroepe en klubs wat regdeur die Forest of Dean beskikbaar is, bevat. Die Bos is die tuiste van honderde sosiale en aktiwiteitsgroepe van alle soorte van babagroepe, deur middageteklubs, manskure tot geheuekafees. Baie is gratis of baie goedkoop om by te woon en te bestuur deur vrywilligers of nie-winsgroepe. Ongelukkig is baie mense wat by sulke groepe kan baat, onbewus van die wonderlike geleenthede op hul voorstoep. As jy 'n vrywillige hoofaktiwiteit, klub of ondersteuningsgroep in die Forest of Dean bestuur, adverteer in beide die Forest Compass fisiese gids en in die aanlyn gids hier, GRATIS deur die vorm hieronder te voltooi. Download OTHER USEFUL DIRECTORIES: YourCircle Check out a local directory to help you find your way around care and support and connect with people, places and activities in Gloucestershire