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

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

Vrywilligerswerk As die vrywilligersentrum vir die Forest of Dean is ons hier om jou te help om vrywilligers te werf en te bestuur Ons nuwe vrywilligerswerk boekie gevul met besonderhede van plaaslike vrywilligerswerk geleenthede is nou uit KLIK OM AF TE LAAI Of gaan haal 'n kopie by jou plaaslike biblioteek of gemeenskapsentrum As die vrywilligersentrum vir die Bos van Dean ons is dikwels die eerste kontakpunt vir enigiemand wat in vrywilligerswerk belangstel. Verlede jaar was ons trots om meer as 100 000 uur se vrywilligerswerk in die area te ondersteun! FVAF bevorder en adverteer 'n wye reeks vrywilligersgeleenthede van organisasies wat ons etos deel om vrywilligers te ondersteun en die wye verskeidenheid redes erken waarom mense kies om vrywilligers te doen. Hoekom vrywilliger wees? Vrywilligerswerk hou 'n aantal groot voordele in, nie net vir jou individueel nie, maar vir jou gemeenskap en die wêreld waarin ons leef. As jy jou CV wil verbeter, nuwe mense wil ontmoet, jou vaardighede goed wil gebruik, iets nuuts wil leer, 'n belangstelling wil najaag, ervaring aanbied of bloot 'n verskil wil maak, is ons gewaarborg om 'n geleentheid vir jou te hê! Jy kan op die volgende maniere uitvind oor hierdie geleenthede: Soek geleenthede by Doen-dit.org Bel ons by 01594 822073 Kontak via e-pos Kom besoek ons by FVAF Ma - Vr 9:00 - 1:00 ( Aanwysings ) As jy op soek is na vrywilligers as deel van 'n groot groep, byvoorbeeld as deel van korporatiewe vrywilligerswerk, dan het ons ook 'n wye verskeidenheid geleenthede om van te kies. 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 As 'n eenstopwinkel vir alles wat vrywilligers doen, gebruik ons 'n veelsydige metodologie om jou die beste moontlike kans te gee om waardevolle vrywilligers te werf en te behou. Dit sluit die volgende in: Adverteer jou geleenthede op Do-it.org Bevordering van jou geleenthede aan lede van die publiek wat na ons verwys is of via ons inloerfunksie. Adverteer jou geleenthede op ons Facebook- en Twitter-bladsye Bevorder jou geleenthede aan plaaslike dienste wat vrywilligerswerk ondersteun, bv. Job Centre, LearnDirect en 2GetherTrust Adverteer jou geleenthede by meer as 30 geleenthede per jaar Stuur jou geleenthede aan plaaslike besighede wat werkgewerondersteunde vrywilligerswerk aanbied Bevordering van relevante geleenthede aan skole, kolleges en universiteite Verspreiding van jou geleenthede na ons vrywilligersdatabasis van meer as 1 000 mense Bevorder jou geleenthede na 'n verskeidenheid netwerke, insluitend 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)

Community Connectors' Forum - Ken jou Patch Network Supporting Strong and Thriving Communities with Know Your Patch Ondersteun sterk en florerende gemeenskappe met Know Your Patch Know Your Patch-deel van die Community Connectors Forum (CCF) verbind die Vrywilligers- en Gemeenskapsektor, Statutêre Dienste en plaaslike inwoners op 'n manier wat beter maniere van werk skep. Die Forest of Dean Know Your Patch Network is ontwerp om die Vrywilligers- en Gemeenskapsektor, Statutêre Dienste en plaaslike inwoners te verbind op 'n manier wat beter maniere van werk skep wat uiteindelik ons gemeenskappe versterk. Hierdie 'gemeenskapsaanbod' is veral noodsaaklik om die eskalasie van gesondheidsbehoeftes te voorkom of te vertraag. Ons bied kwartaallikse geleenthede regdeur die Forest of Dean aan waar ons belanghebbendes nooi om deel te neem aan die gesprek oor wat saak maak in hul gemeenskap en hoe dienste en vrywillige sektorgroepe dit kan help ondersteun. Elke Know Your Patch-geleentheid is GRATIS en oop vir enigiemand wat deel van die gesprek wil wees. As jy dit wil bywoon, skakel asseblief by 01594 822073 of e-pos help4groups@fvaf.org.uk . Ons stuur ook gereelde e-posse en opdaterings aan ons Know Your Patch Network oor wat in die Forest of Dean aangaan. As jy by hierdie netwerk wil aansluit, teken asseblief in hier . Danksy befondsing van Gloucestershire County Council , Know Your Patch is ook beskikbaar in elke ander distrik in Gloucestershire. As jy meer hieroor wil uitvind, besoek gerus hier . Hier is van die navorsing wat ons denke onderstreep: "Ons het almal 'n rol om te speel om individue en gemeenskappe te help om sosiale kapitaal te ontwikkel. Daar is toenemende erkenning dat alhoewel benadeelde sosiale groepe en gemeenskappe 'n reeks komplekse en interverwante behoeftes het, hulle ook bates op sosiale en gemeenskapsvlak het. wat kan help om gesondheid te verbeter en veerkragtigheid teen gesondheidsprobleme te versterk" (The Kings Fund, 2018) "Diegene met voldoende sosiale verhoudings het 'n 50 persent groter oorlewingsyfer in vergelyking met individue met swak sosiale verhoudings" (Holt-Lunstad et al 2010) Daar is getoon dat sosiale netwerke net so kragtige voorspellers van mortaliteit is as algemene lewenstyl en kliniese risiko's soos matige rook, oormatige alkoholverbruik, vetsug en hoë cholesterol en bloeddruk" (Pantell et al 2013; Holt-Lunstad et al, 2010) . "Sosiale ondersteuning is veral belangrik in die verhoging van veerkragtigheid en die bevordering van herstel van siekte" (Pevalin en Rose, 2003) "Die gebrek aan sosiale netwerke en ondersteuning maak dit moeiliker om gedrag self te reguleer en mettertyd wilskrag en veerkragtigheid op te bou, wat lei tot betrokkenheid by ongesonde gedrag" (Cacioppo en Patrick 2009). "Gemeenskapsdeelname verminder isolasie, uitsluiting en eensaamheid" (Farrell en Bryant 2009; Sevigny et al 2010; Ryan-Collins et al 2008) "Sterk sosiale kapitaal verbeter die kanse om lewenstylrisiko's soos rook te vermy" (Folland 2008; Brown et al, 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.

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.

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.

Gemeenskapbouers se inloop-hubs The drop-in hub provides support to create, inspire and build stronger communities together Die inloop-spilpunt bied ondersteuning om saam sterker gemeenskappe te skep, te inspireer en te bou Elke inloer-spilpunt bied 'n verskeidenheid ondersteuning, advies en leiding vir plaaslike inwoners. Byvoorbeeld; ondersteuning en plasing van tekens aan plaaslike dienste, skakel en nuwe opstel gemeenskapsgroepe, wat mense ondersteun om nader aan werk of verdere onderwys te kom, help om toegang tot die digitale wêreld te kry en ondersteuning om jou idees vir die gemeenskap tot lewe te bring. Ons kan hulp bied met: Vrywilligerswerk geleenthede Ondersteuning vir indiensneming Plaaslike aktiwiteitsgroepe en klubs IT en digitale ondersteuning Plaaslike gebeurtenis inligting Teken plasing na plaaslike dienste For dates, times and locations for up coming FVAF Community Drop-in Hubs, contact Alex on community@fvaf.org.uk or call the FVAF office on 01594 822073.

Employment Skills Support Ready to take your next steps towards further education, volunteering or work? Go along to your nearest Community Hub for 121 conversations with our friendly Community Builders. They can help: Explore what matters to you Develop your CV Signposting to education, training and employment Consider volunteering opportunities Increase your confidence for online searches, applications, interviews Take up opportunities to get involved in your local community For more information please contact: community@fvaf.org.uk or 01594 822073

NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN! CLOSING DATE: MIDNIGHT SUNDAY 20 JULY 2025 Nomination Form 2025 Please select in which category you would like to nominate the individual or group. Your Volunteer of the Year Young Volunteer of the Year 21yrs & under 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 FoDCAP Community Climate Action Award 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) If you are providing personal contact details, do you have permission to share this person's information? If not, no problem—we will use the general contact details of the group or organisation associated with the nominee instead. Yes No 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 name Your email address Are you happy for us to keep your contact details for the purpose of this nomination only? Yes No Submit

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.