Get top tips to ‘Live for Less’ at community drop-in event! 2pm - 5pm Wednesday 22 March| Lydney Town Hall GL15 5DY Come along to our FREE drop-in event for top tips and advice to help you with the rising cost of living. From 2pm to 5pm you will get the chance to visit over 25 information stalls and speak face-to-face with experts who can offer help with food support, reducing bills, energy saving, searching for a job and benefits and money advice. PLUS we’ve got some fantastic interactive demos featuring cooking with Dean Forest Kitchen, grow your own tips from Adult Education Gloucestershire and upcycling skills with Newent Upcycling. In addition, AEG will also be giving a taste of the other sessions that they offer . Chris Brown, our CEO at said “With the cost of living constantly on the rise we are seeing first-hand the strain and impact this is having on the day-to-day lives of local people. This drop-in event will offer tips and advice and help everyone discover sustainable ways to cut their bills and save money.” ‘Living for Less’ is a free community drop-in event with a wide range of organisations signed up to attend including Forest of Dean District Council, Citizens Advice Bureau, Severn Wye Energy Agency, DWP, Homestart, Wlydwood, Two Rivers Housing and many other local community and support groups. Full list of organisations attending: Forest of Dean District Council - community, health, benefits and housing teams SevernWye Energy Agency Citizens Advice Bureau Department For Work and Pensions – Benefits and employment team Newent Upcycling Dean Forest Kitchen Friends of Forest Waterways Christians Against Poverty Wyldwood Crossroads Care Gloucestershire Carers Healthwatch Gloucestershire Adult Education Gloucestershire FRED – Forest Read Easy Deal Charlie's in the Forest Lydney Hub Gloucestershire Community Rail Two Rivers Housing Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue Mothers in Mind/Homestart Lydney Exchange Gloucestershire Nightstop Great Oaks Hospice Managing Memory GOPA - Gloucestershire Older Persons' Association Dementia Action Alliance - DDA CCP – Caring for Communities and People For more information contact contact@fvaf.org.uk or 01594 822073.

حول FVAF حول FVAF قصتنا نحن مجلس الخدمة التطوعية ومركز المتطوعين لغابة العميد. نحن نقدم المساعدة للعديد من مئات المنظمات التطوعية والمجتمعية في المنطقة والذين هم بدورهم أكثر قدرة على تقديم عملهم في المجتمع المحلي ومن أجله. منذ التأسيس في عام 1994 ، طورنا سمعة طيبة في تشجيع واحتضان وتعزيز العمل المجتمعي في جميع أنحاء غابة العميد. نعتقد أنه من خلال الأساليب التي يقودها المجتمع ، فإننا نمكّن المواطنين من تطوير المهارات والمرونة ورأس المال الاجتماعي ليعيشوا حياة أكثر سعادة وتواصلًا. الخدمات المكتبية الموظفين والأمناء سياسات سهولة الوصول والاستدامة

TRUSTEES' WEEK 2022 - Showcasing & celebrating trustees Next week (7 – 11 November) we will be taking part in a national celebration of charity trustees as part of Trustees’ Week 2022 . Ever wondered what a trustee does? Maybe you’d like to take on a trustee role but don’t know where to start. Across the week we will try and answers your questions by looking at what a trustee is, the benefits of taking on a trustee role and showcasing the fantastic impact it can have to local people and communities. Follow us on Facebook for daily tips and info and check our website for updates and links to useful resources. Are you recruiting trustees? Tell us! If you are an organisation of community group looking for trustees – this is the perfect opportunity to recruit! To advertise your trustee opportunities just send the info to communications@fvaf.org.uk by 5pm Thursday 10 November

COMMUNITY CONNECTORS’ FORUM/KNOW YOUR PATCH NETWORK In-person event 14 June 2022 at The Wesley, Cinderford Event Feedback \ Thank you for participating in our event! Tell us what you thought about it. Name & organisation Please indicate on a scale of 1 – 10, where 1 is the most negative and 10 the most positive What was your overall impression of the day? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 What was your experience of the speakers? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Please share any comments about your overall impression of the day and the speakers What was your experience of the activities? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Please share any comments about the activities What was your experience of the refreshments? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Was there anything else that you feel could have been provided? What would you like to see in future events? Suggested speakers/format etc Your email Send Feedback Thanks for your feedback!

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

Volunteer of the Year 2024 The 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 6 community heroes. Vote for your favourite by selecting ONE of the following volunteers: Liz Bell Pete Harper Elaine Quirk Lisa Robertson Sarah Wootton Emily Worrall VOTING CLOSES: MIDNIGHT MONDAY, 9 SEPTEMBER VOTE Thanks for voting! Check out the profiles of the shortlisted nominees below: Liz Bell Orchard Trust Site volunteer and Trustee Liz Bell has been a cornerstone of the Orchard Trust since she began volunteering at the Stowfield site in 2021. Her dedication and passion quickly became evident, leading her to take on the role of Trustee in 2022. Liz’s contributions extend far beyond her weekly volunteering; she has played a pivotal role in shaping the site and enhancing its value to the community. As a volunteer, Liz has taken charge of maintaining the sensory garden, apple tree circle, and general site upkeep. After spending time immersed in the environment, she began offering innovative ideas to improve it, always with the visitors' experience in mind. One of her most notable achievements was serving as the Volunteer Project Manager for the wildlife area. Liz not only designed and wrote the proposal for this project but also worked closely with the Stowfield site manager to ensure it was delivered on time and within budget—all in her own free time. Liz’s vision and hard work has helped to create a lasting community asset that is accessible and enjoyable for people of all ages, especially those who often face barriers to engaging with nature. Pete Harper Mycelium Mental Health Project Volunteer Pete Harper is the quiet force behind the success of the Mycelium Mental Health Project, a volunteer whose impact is felt far beyond the boundaries of the project itself. Described by his nominator as "one of the most humble and knowledgeable people I have ever met," Pete’s dedication and passion for mutual aid have been instrumental in establishing and nurturing Mycelium. Pete’s extraordinary commitment is matched by his generosity. He has been a steadfast supporter, working tirelessly to ensure the project's success. His influence extends beyond Mycelium, as he has become a vital advocate for our community’s mental health. Pete Harper is not just an extraordinary volunteer; he is a true champion for mental health, whose quiet strength and unwavering commitment continue to uplift and inspire all those around him. His work with Mycelium has created a lasting impact, ensuring that the most vulnerable in our community have a voice and a compassionate ally. Elaine Quirk Volunteer helper for Gloucestershire Carers Hub Elaine Quirk is the heart and soul of the Gloucestershire Carers Hub, where she serves as a Carer Welcomer at Bickys Carer Café in Coleford and Candi in Cinderford. With her gentle and kind demeanour, Elaine ensures that every unpaid carer who walks through the door feels truly welcomed and supported. Elaine has a remarkable ability to make people feel valued. Carers who attend the sessions she hosts often leave with a renewed sense of being heard, respected, and encouraged to share their experiences. Her presence has significantly increased footfall at Bickys during quieter times and helped Candi engage with new clients, extending the reach of the Carers Hub in meaningful ways. Elaine’s work goes beyond welcoming carers—it’s about creating a supportive space where they can find comfort and community. Her dedication to helping others has made a lasting difference in the lives of many, and her warm presence is an essential part of the Carers Hub’s success. Lisa Robertson Ruardean Youth Leader For nearly 20 years, Lisa Robertson has been the heart and soul of Ruardean Youth Club, dedicating countless hours of her free time to creating a safe, fun, and supportive environment for youth people aged 11-18. Under Lisa’s guidance, the Youth Club has become a vital resource for the community, offering a wide range of activities, advice, and information to help teenagers navigate their challenges. Lisa’s impact on the lives of hundreds of children and young people in Ruardean is immeasurable. She is known for her selfless dedication, always going above and beyond to ensure that the Youth Club not only thrives but also continues to meet the evolving needs of the community and every young person who walks through the door. Her contributions extend far beyond the Youth Club. Lisa also played a key role in organising the annual Ruardean Carnival and most recently, Lisa has spearheaded the creation of the Ruardean Community Orchard. Lisa’s tireless efforts and deep commitment to her community make her an extraordinary volunteer and a true inspiration. Her work has left a lasting legacy in Ruardean, enriching the lives of countless young people and helping to build a stronger, more connected community. Sarah Wootton Chair of the Committee - Brockweir Village Shop & Café As the Chair of the Committee for Brockweir Village Shop & Café, Sarah Wootton has been a pillar of strength and leadership for her community. When a devastating fire struck the shop in June 2023, Sarah immediately took charge, and with the help of the amazing committee and employees, Ferne and Kris, coordinated efforts to ensure the swift and successful rebuilding of this vital community hub. Sarah's dedication has been unwavering—she handled complex negotiations with the insurance company and loss adjustor, navigated the flood of daily emails, and provided steadfast support to the shop's staff and volunteers. Her commitment didn’t end with reopening the shop; she has continued to offer guidance and encouragement to everyone involved, helping them navigate the challenges that followed the fire. Sarah's efforts have ensured that even in the face of adversity, the shop, which serves as a cornerstone of the village is not just a place to shop—it’s a lifeline for locals and visitors alike. Emily Worrall Volunteer fundraiser at Great Oaks Hospice Emily Worrall is an invaluable member of the fundraising team at Great Oaks Hospice, bringing energy, enthusiasm, and a contagious positivity to everything she does. With her bright smile and can-do attitude, Emily ensures that the Hospice’s events are well-publicised, tirelessly delivering and posting event posters across all the Forest. Her dedication doesn’t stop there—Emily is always on hand at events, whether it’s setting up, taking down, or even getting the party started with her infectious dance moves at discos. Emily’s journey is truly inspiring. Despite facing learning difficulties, she has worked hard to live independently, and her contributions to the team go far beyond her tasks. Emily is more than just a volunteer; she is a cherished member of the Great Oaks Hospice family. Find our more about the Forest Volunteers Awards here:

كن عضوا في FVAF من خلال أن تصبح عضوًا في FVAF ، فإنك تساعدنا على الاستمرار في تقديم خدمة دعم حيوية للقطاع التطوعي والمجتمع في الولايات المتحدة غابة العميد . تعمل FVAF كمدافع عن العمل التطوعي والمجتمعي عند الاقتضاء على مستوى المنطقة والمقاطعة والمستوى الوطني ، وكلما زاد عدد الأعضاء الذين نمثلهم ، كان صوتنا أقوى. لذلك يتم استشارة الأعضاء بشأن الأمور التي تؤثر على القطاع التطوعي والمجتمعي في Forest of Dean وما نهدف إلى تحقيقه كمنظمة. بصفتك عضوًا ، ستستمتع بإمكانية الوصول إلى خدمات مكتبنا ، ومعدلات طباعة ونسخ مخفضة ، والترويج للوظائف الشاغرة لمجموعتك ، واستئجار مجموعة من المعدات المكتبية مجانًا. هذا يشمل: لوحات العرض حلقة السمع جهاز عرض رقمي وشاشة نظام PA جداول ورقية طاولة قابلة للطي طويلة جرة تقديم الطعام بالماء الساخن جازيبو (مطلوب تبرع بقيمة 5 جنيهات إسترلينية) إذا كنت ترغب في أن تصبح عضوًا في FVAF ، فالرجاء النقر فوق الزر Join FVAF على اليمين واستكمال النموذج. لمزيد من التفاصيل اتصل على 01594 822073 يمكنك أن تصبح عضوًا في FVAF مجانًا للوصول إلى جميع خدمات الدعم الخاصة بنا انضم إلى FVAF

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.

جمعية شباب الغابة تتواجد مؤسسة Forest of Dean للشباب هنا لتقديم المساعدة والدعم للشباب والأندية الشبابية أو المجموعات أو المنظمات. تكوين صداقات جديدة انخرط في مجتمعك السعي وراء مصلحة جرب شيئًا جديدًا تعلم مهارات جديدة تطوع اصنع عالما أفضل التطوع هناك الكثير من فرص التطوع لكل من الشباب والكبار. إذا كنت شابًا تبحث عن عمل تطوعي للقيام به في أوقات فراغك ، لاكتساب المزيد من المهارات أو كجزء من برنامج DofE الخاص بك ، فيرجى الاتصال بنا أو زيارة https://do-it.org/ وبالمثل ، إذا كنت بالغًا ولديك المهارات والمعرفة أو كنت ترغب في دعم منظمة شبابية داخل Forest of Dean ، فيرجى الاتصال حيث توجد العديد من المنظمات التي ستقدر دعمك. العضوية التابعة لناديك / منظمتك عندما تنضم إلى جمعية Forest of Dean للشباب ، يحق لك الحصول على مجموعة كاملة من الخدمات ، والتي تقدم المشورة والدعم في جميع جوانب إدارة منظمة مثل مؤسستك. نقوم أيضًا بتشغيل تقويم للأنشطة التي يمكن للمتطوعين والشباب المشاركة فيها مقابل رسوم رمزية. للحصول على تفاصيل كاملة عن المزايا أو لتسجيل ناديك ، انقر على الروابط التالية مزايا عضوية اتحاد الشباب للأندية استمارة عضوية اتحاد الشباب للأندية تفاصيل الاتصال لمزيد من المعلومات إذا كنت ترغب في معرفة المزيد عن أي من مشاريعنا أو أحداثنا أو كيفية المشاركة ، فيرجى الاتصال بمسؤول تطوير جمعية الشباب لدينا ، Alethea Bumpstead على FodYouthAssociation@fvaf.org.uk For More Information If you would like to know about any of our projects or events or how to get involved, please get in touch with us at hi.ya @fvaf.org.uk الدعم المالي تتلقى جمعية فورست أوف دين للشباب بفخر دعمًا ماليًا من مجلسي مدينتي Cinderford و Coleford. إذا رغبت أبرشيتك أو مجلس المدينة في معرفة المزيد عن جمعية فورست أوف دين للشباب أو كيف يمكنك دعمنا ، فيرجى الاتصال بنا عن طريق البريد الإلكتروني FodYouthAssociation@fvaf.org.uk

بوصلة الغابة فورست كومباس هو دليل مادي وعبر الإنترنت يسرد العديد من الأنشطة المنتظمة ومجموعات الدعم والنوادي المتاحة في جميع أنحاء Forest of Dean. تعد الغابة موطنًا لمئات من المجموعات الاجتماعية والأنشطة من جميع الأنواع بدءًا من مجموعات الأطفال ، مرورًا بنوادي الغداء ، وأكواخ الرجال إلى مقاهي الذاكرة. العديد منها مجاني أو بتكلفة منخفضة للغاية لحضورها وإدارتها بواسطة متطوعين أو مجموعات ليست من أجل الربح. للأسف كثير من الناس الذين يمكن أن يستفيدوا من مثل هذه المجموعات غير مدركين للفرص الرائعة الموجودة على أعتاب منازلهم. إذا كنت تدير نشاطًا رائدًا تطوعيًا أو ناديًا أو مجموعة دعم في Forest of Dean ، فقم بالإعلان في كل من الدليل المادي لـ Forest Compass وفي الدليل عبر الإنترنت هنا ، مجانًا عن طريق إكمال النموذج أدناه. 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

منتدى موصلات المجتمع - تعرف على شبكة التصحيح الخاصة بك Supporting Strong and Thriving Communities with Know Your Patch دعم المجتمعات القوية والمزدهرة من خلال اعرف رقعتك يربط جزء اعرف باتش الخاص بك من Community Connectors Forum (CCF) القطاع التطوعي والمجتمعي والخدمات القانونية والسكان المحليين بطريقة تخلق طرقًا أفضل للعمل. تم تصميم The Forest of Dean تعرف على شبكة التصحيح الخاصة بك لربط القطاع التطوعي والمجتمعي والخدمات القانونية والسكان المحليين بطريقة تخلق طرقًا أفضل للعمل والتي تقوي مجتمعاتنا في نهاية المطاف. يعد "عرض المجتمع" هذا أمرًا حيويًا بشكل خاص في منع أو تأخير تصعيد الاحتياجات الصحية. نستضيف أحداثًا ربع سنوية في جميع أنحاء Forest of Dean حيث ندعو أصحاب المصلحة للانضمام إلى المناقشة حول ما يهم في مجتمعهم وكيف يمكن للخدمات ومجموعات القطاع التطوعي المساعدة في دعم ذلك. كل حدث تعرف على باتش (Know Your Patch) مجاني ومفتوح لأي شخص يريد أن يكون جزءًا من المحادثة. إذا كنت ترغب في الحضور ، يرجى الاتصال على 01594 822073 أو إرسال بريد إلكتروني إلى help4groups@fvaf.org.uk . نرسل أيضًا رسائل بريد إلكتروني وتحديثات منتظمة إلى شبكة Know Your Patch Network بخصوص ما يحدث في Forest of Dean. إذا كنت ترغب في الانضمام إلى هذه الشبكة ، يرجى الاشتراك هنا . بفضل التمويل من مجلس مقاطعة جلوسيسترشاير ، تعرف باتش يورك متاح أيضًا في كل منطقة أخرى في جلوسيسترشاير. إذا كنت ترغب في معرفة المزيد عن هذه الرجاء زيارة هنا . فيما يلي بعض الأبحاث التي تؤكد تفكيرنا: "لدينا جميعًا دور نؤديه في مساعدة الأفراد والمجتمعات على تطوير رأس المال الاجتماعي. وهناك اعتراف متزايد بأنه على الرغم من أن الفئات والمجتمعات الاجتماعية المحرومة لديها مجموعة من الاحتياجات المعقدة والمترابطة ، إلا أنها تمتلك أيضًا أصولًا على المستوى الاجتماعي والمجتمعي يمكن أن تساعد في تحسين الصحة وتقوية القدرة على الصمود في مواجهة المشكلات الصحية "(The Kings Fund ، 2018) "أولئك الذين لديهم علاقات اجتماعية مناسبة لديهم معدل بقاء أكبر بنسبة 50 في المائة مقارنة بالأفراد ذوي العلاقات الاجتماعية الضعيفة" (هولت لونستاد وآخرون 2010) "لقد ثبت أن الشبكات الاجتماعية تنبئ بقوة بالوفيات مثل نمط الحياة الشائعة والمخاطر السريرية مثل التدخين المعتدل ، والإفراط في استهلاك الكحول ، والسمنة ، وارتفاع الكوليسترول وضغط الدم" (Pantell et al 2013 ؛ Holt-Lunstad et al ، 2010) . "الدعم الاجتماعي مهم بشكل خاص في زيادة المرونة وتعزيز التعافي من المرض" (بيفالين وروز ، 2003) "الافتقار إلى الشبكات الاجتماعية والدعم يجعل من الصعب تنظيم السلوك الذاتي وبناء قوة الإرادة والمرونة بمرور الوقت ، مما يؤدي إلى الانخراط في السلوكيات غير الصحية" (Cacioppo and Patrick 2009). "المشاركة المجتمعية تقلل العزلة والاستبعاد والشعور بالوحدة" (Farrell and Bryant 2009 ؛ Sevigny et al 2010 ؛ Ryan-Collins et al 2008) "رأس المال الاجتماعي القوي يحسن فرص تجنب مخاطر نمط الحياة مثل التدخين" (Folland 2008 ؛ Brown et al ، 2006) Spring/Summer Programme 2025 Welcome back to the Spring/Summer 2025 sessions in the Forest Know Your Patch network. We continue with the mixture of shorter sessions (from 10-11am) and longer sessions (from 10am until noon) - providing the opportunity for a more in-depth look at topics. The latter also provide a platform for attendees to share information about their work and current developments and partnerships. We have included a live event in Cinderford, in the heart of the Forest, at the end of May, and look forward to meeting as many of you as possible at that networking event. 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. PROGRAMME 2025 Late Spring/Early Summer April 29th – 10-11am: Health in the Forest - Rethink/Great Oaks Hospice May 13th – 10-11am: Forest Food Network May 27th (tbc) IN-PERSON: Forest Digital Forest Showcase with Alex Digby June 10th – 10-11am Partnership Development - Integrated Care Board - Community Catalysts & Physical Health Self-Management June 24th – 10 - 11am: Join us for a “Virtual Cuppa” – And Help to Shape Know Your Patch in the Future July 8th – 10am - 12noon: Family Hubs in the Forest July 22nd – 10 - 11am : Holiday Provision for Children & Families All meetings are online via MS TEAMS except 27th May - further details about this event will be sent in due course.

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!