Stap met wiele Gebruik een van die all-terrain mobiliteit bromponies om toegang te verkry tot die pragtige Bos roetes met jou familie en vriende, ongeag jou stap vermoë. Die Bos van Dean is 'n erkende sentrum vir stap en fietsry en word goed bedien deur roetes en ander toegang tot die oppervlak. Vir mense met fisieke gestremdheid, swak gesondheid, sensoriese gestremdheid of 'n ander inhiberende toestand kan daar egter 'n behoefte wees aan een of ander aangedrewe bystand, gespesialiseerde interpretasie of ander toepaslike media om hulle in staat te stel om die voordele te geniet wat ander as vanselfsprekend aanvaar. Hierdie Bosbouers se Bos Heritage Lottery Befondsde projek, werk saam met Plattelandsmobiliteit bied geleenthede vir meer mense om toegang tot die Forest of Dean te verkry. Walking with Wheels bied all-terrain mobiliteit bromponies (genoem Trampers) te huur van Forest Holidays by Christchurch, en die Speech House Hotel. Die Trampers is beskikbaar vir vooraf-gekarteerde roetes wat die uitsigte van Symonds Yat, die Biblins, die Cyril Hart Arboretum en Mallards Pike Lake inneem om net 'n paar te noem. As jy meer wil leer oor Walking with Wheels, skakel asseblief 01594 822073 of kontak ons per e-pos . Gereelde Vrae Wat is 'n 'Tramper'? Wie kan hierdie diens gebruik? Op watter roetes kan ek dit gebruik? Wanneer is dit beskikbaar om te huur? Hoe kan ek een bespreek? Hoeveel kos dit om 'n Tramper te huur? Wat as ek nog nooit een hiervan gebruik het nie? Wat as ek bykomende hulp nodig het? Hoekom moet ek 'n lid van Plattelandsmobiliteit word? Kan ek help met hierdie projek? Wat as ek 'n bespreking moet kanselleer? Frequently Asked Questions

Oor FVAF Ons storie Ons is die Vrywillige Diensraad en Vrywilligersentrum vir die Bos van Dekaan. Ons bied hulp aan baie van die honderde vrywillige en gemeenskapsorganisasies in die Distrik wat op hul beurt beter in staat is om hul werk in en vir die plaaslike gemeenskap te lewer. Sedert ons in 1994 gestig is, het ons 'n reputasie ontwikkel om gemeenskapsoptrede regdeur die Forest of Dean aan te moedig, te omhels en te versterk. Ons glo dat ons burgers deur gemeenskapsgeleide benaderings in staat stel om die vaardighede, veerkragtigheid en sosiale kapitaal te ontwikkel om gelukkiger, beter gekoppelde lewens te lei. Kantoordienste Personeel en Trustees Beleide Toeganklikheid en Volhoubaarheid

LATEST FVAF NEWS Two brilliant people, two exciting new roles! We’re really pleased to share some good news. As part of a strategic restructure, we’ve created two new senior roles – and we’re delighted that both have been filled by people already at the heart of our organisation. These appointments recognise the talent, experience and deep community knowledge within our own team, and reflect our commitment to growing strong leadership from within. Deb Cook – Head of Development After more than a decade with FVAF, Deb’s promotion feels like a natural next step. She has played a huge role in building relationships, championing co-design, and helping turn bold ideas and community stories into meaningful change. As Head of Development, Deb will lead our development strategy – strengthening partnerships, supporting innovation, amplifying community voices, and helping us test and grow new approaches that align with our Theory of Change. Chris Brown, CEO at FVAF said: “After 11 years with FVAF championing volunteering and community groups, I could not be more thrilled to see Deb moving into this exciting new role within the organisation. Deb will bring fresh ideas, energy, and passion to drive innovation in our communities and help grow all the things which make the Forest of Dean such a brilliant place.” Alex Digby – Community Manager We’re equally pleased to announce Alex’s move into the newly created role of Community Manager. Alex will lead our Community Team, supporting projects that put local people in the driving seat, build strong connections, and unlock the skills and assets already present across the Forest of Dean. This role sits right at the heart of our commitment to community-led action and advocacy. “It has been fantastic to watch and support Alex’s growth in our organisation over the last few years, and I am delighted that he has secured this exciting promotion. Alex is a role model for strengths-based working, and he has excelled at building strong relationships across the county in his role as Digital Projects Manager. I am confident that Alex will provide strong leadership to our Community team and look forward to supporting his continued growth with FVAF.” said Nick Penny, Head of Operations at FVAF. Both of these appointments reflect our belief in investing in people and recognising internal talent. They will play a key role in shaping FVAF’s future and deepening our impact across the Forest of Dean. We couldn’t be prouder to see Deb and Alex step into these roles. 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 Youth Support Service, Holiday Activity and Food Programme, The Gloucestershire Digi Partnership, The Forest Compass Directory, Walking with Wheels Head office - Forest Voluntary Action Forum, Ow Bist – Forest Community Space, Dockham Rd, Cinderford , Glos. GL14 2AN.

Role: Caretaker Salary: £20,000 – £24,800 (depending on experience) Hours: 30 hours per week, Mon–Fri, 7:30am–2pm (some evenings/weekends may be required) Contract: Permanent contract Location: Ow Bist Forest Community Space, Cinderford Do you take pride in keeping spaces safe, well-maintained, and welcoming? Do you care about your community and want your work to make a real difference in the Forest of Dean We're looking for a passionate and proactive Caretaker to be the heartbeat of Ow Bist Forest Community Space — a vibrant hub where local organisations, community groups, and people come together to collaborate, connect, and thrive. The Role This is a hands-on, varied role. As our Caretaker, you'll be the person who makes sure everything runs smoothly. You'll be responsible for: Day-to-day facilities management, building security, and opening/closing procedures Proactive maintenance, minor repairs, and contractor management Leading health and safety compliance, risk assessments, and staff training Overseeing cleaning staff and eco-friendly supplies Supporting FVAF's sustainability goals — monitoring utilities, promoting recycling, and championing green practices Managing room set-ups for events and building users Operating and maintaining the FVAF Community Engagement Vehicle Building great relationships with tenants, colleagues, and community partners JOB DESCRIPTION: Caretaker 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. Applications will be considered as they are received. For an informal discussion about the role, please contact projects@fvaf.org.uk

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

Photo: L to R County Cllr Ray Donaghue, Chris Brown (FVAF CEO) & Reuben Brown, Tom Cousins, Cinderford Town Mayor Roger Sterry & Cllr Sid Phelps Local Councillors Celebrate New Community Mural Marking FVAF's 30th Anniversary Striking artwork brings together decades of Forest of Dean community action Local councillors visited Cinderford earlier this month to view a vibrant new community mural celebrating the Forest of Dean's heritage of grassroots activism and marking Forest Voluntary Action Forum's 30th anniversary. Councillors from Cinderford Town Council and County Councillor Ray Donaghue toured the large-scale artwork, which was made possible through funding from Gloucestershire County Council's Build Back Better Fund. A Community-Led Design The mural emerged from summer workshops where local residents shared stories, memories, and perspectives spanning decades of community action. Local artist Tom Cousins transformed these diverse voices into a unified artwork capturing the enduring spirit of volunteerism that defines the area. The design bridges past and present, from early 20th century Friendly Society Banners to today's environmental campaigns. It showcases grassroots volunteer-led groups, community choirs and music festivals, local food networks, sports clubs, and community-owned shops and pubs. References to the area as the "land between two rivers" ground the celebration in the Forest of Dean's distinctive landscape and character. Catherine Best, Communications & Fundraising Manager at FVAF, said: "This mural wasn't just about improving the look of our new community building – it's about celebrating who we are as a community and the pride we have in our local heritage. Every time you look at it, you see something different. We've had a fantastic response from local people stopping to take a look, taking pictures and discussing what they see and what it means to them. We hope it will serve as both a reminder of the rich heritage of community action in our past and an inspiration for the future." Part of a Wider Transformation The mural is part of FVAF's transformation of the former doctor's surgery into a welcoming, inclusive community space for everyone in Cinderford and the wider district. For over 30 years, FVAF has helped local people turn ideas into action through resources, guidance, and networking opportunities. The organisation works with over 800 community groups annually to make the Forest of Dean an even better place to live. For more information, contact communications@fvaf.org.uk or 01594 822073.

The podcast kit is also available for hire to voluntary community groups. For more information on The Community Action Pod and ways to get involved contact the Host Melanie Benn on melanie@fvaf.org.uk or 01594 822073. Produced by Forest Voluntary Action Forum Funded by the Barnwood Trust Digital Inclusion Fund

CELEBRATING OUR AMAZING VOLUNTEERS! This National Volunteers Week (1st-7th June), we're hitting the road with our special roadshow across the Forest of Dean to say a massive THANK YOU to all our incredible volunteers! Join us at 4 fantastic locations throughout the first week of June as we celebrate the heart and soul of our community - YOU, our volunteers! At each stop, we'll be: ✨ Celebrating local volunteering heroes ✨ Giving away special thank you gifts for every volunteer we meet! 📅 First week of June 📍 4 locations across the Forest of Dean: Stop 1 – Coleford 9.30am - 11:30am, Monday 1st June at Café Sixteen, Bank Street, Coleford. Stop 2 – Newent 1:30pm - 3:30pm, Wednesday 3rd June at Newent Chillout Stop 3 – Lydney 10am – 12pm, Thursday 4th June at River Children and Family Centre Stop 4 – Cinderford 3:30pm – 6pm, Thursday 4th June at Ow Bist - Forest Community Space + **PARTY TIME!!** Official unveiling of the Ow Bist Community Mural. Contact volunteer@fvaf.org.uk for more information.

Lydney Link up soundbite Lydney Link Up 00:00 / 04:01 Lydney Link Up Julie at the Lydney Habour 00:00 / 01:17 Conversation with Vilnis Lydney Link Up 00:00 / 02:17 Lydney Link Up Mia's experience 00:00 / 01:49

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

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