Current job vacancies at FVAF Work for us. We are passionate about nurturing talented, compassionate, community minded team players. Join our friendly and supportive team! CURRENT VACANCIES Role: Community Connector Salary: £26-28k (Full Time Equivalent) per annum Hours: Up to 3 days week (22.5 hrs) worked flexibly to include occasional evening and weekends where necessary Location: Cinderford (travel throughout the district will be required) Contract Term: 1-year fixed term contract (aim to start October 2025) extension subject to funding and performance We have an exciting opportunity for a Community Connector to join our dynamic team and play a pivotal role in transforming health and wellbeing outcomes in Cinderford. Part funded by Active Gloucestershire, this role builds on 18 months of successful place-based work focusing on what matters most to local residents. Join us to create sustainable change that will benefit the Forest of Dean for years to come! JOB DESCRIPTION: Community Connector JOB APPLICATION FORM Application deadline: 12:00 noon, Wednesday 20th August 2025 Interviews: 1st or 2nd September 2025 For more information or an informal chat email projects@fvaf.org.uk . Trouble downloading the documents? Contact communications@fvaf.org.uk or 01594 822073

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

Volunteer of the Year 2023 T he 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 7 community heroes. Vote for your favourite by selecting ONE of the following volunteers: Chris Brain Melanie Getgood Jando Greco Edna Husbands Barbara Jenkins Albert Weager Dave Young VOTING CLOSES: 10PM SUNDAY, 17 SEPTEMBER VOTE Thanks for voting! Check out the profiles of the shortlisted nominees below: Chris Brain Chairman & Coach of Broadwell Youth Football Club For the past 15 years Chris has dedicated a huge amount of his time, energy and passion into grassroots sports. A constant supporter and instrumental in the ongoing success of Broadwell Football Club, Chris has served as the Chairman of the club and more recently 2 and half years as the First Team Manager. The pinnacle of his successful coaching term came last year when Chris led his side to Les James Cup victory. Going out on a high, Chris has just retired and deserves recognition for his dedication and commitment which has provided the opportunity for 100’s of children to play football and helped to create the thriving community football club Broadwell FC has become. Melanie Getgood Chairperson at Friends of Worcester Walk Melanie has been the inspirational driving force of Friends of Worcester Walk (FoWW). Her steadfast commitment to Worcester Walk has seen it develop into a unique richly diverse habitat in the Forest of Dean. Melainie goes the extra mile to share the experience of being in nature, through events with school groups, volunteers, and local people. With her generous inclusive way, she has built a solid and diverse group of volunteers for FoWW and ensures that everyone is welcome, and their work appreciated. Melanie’s community work doesn’t end there! She is also a co-opted member of the Environmental Committee of Coleford Town Council, helps run a local Morris Dancing group, has organised clean ups in the Coleford Cemetery, King George Playing Field and Bells Field. Melanie works tirelessly for community but is always friendly, approachable, kind and generous with her time and with everyone she meets. Jando Greco Volunteer helper at St Stephen's Church Cinderford Jando is a fantastic example of the impact volunteering can have for the community, and in growing as a person. For the past twelve years, Jando has supported St Stephen’s Church through his involvement with many projects, services, events and prayer groups. Jando is often found setting up and tidying after events or keeping the church tidy midweek between services. He helps with the Fairtrade Stall and Fairtrade Friday coffee afternoons, and is a leader at Messy Church. Usually the first to put his hand up to help, like many volunteers, much of what Jando does is 'behind the scenes' and unseen. But that doesn't bother him at all, he just loves volunteering his time, feeling part of a community and growing his skills as well as sharing his talents with others. His nominator said that: “We so appreciate him, he is such a thoughtful, caring person and will do anything for anyone – Jando is so worthy of receiving this award and would love for him to be recognised for his service!” Edna Husbands Lydcare Community Transport Co-ordinator at Lydcare An essential member of the team, Edna is responsible for organising Lydcare Community Transport Service. A complex and demanding role, on average Edna deals with over 120 calls from people who request transport and with drivers to arrange journeys. Edna's role requires a massive commitment both in time and energy and requires a high degree of patience and diplomacy dealing with last minute medical appointments, cancellations and reschedules. Thanks to her tireless work over 4,000 journeys are completed every year, helping over 2,700 people get to hospital, medical appointments and social events which due the lack of public transport would be impossible. Lydcare was the only community transport service running through the pandemic and this was down to Edna's determination and commitment to ensure patients, particularly those who usually received home visits, were able to get to important medical appointments. Edna also works as a voluntary driver and is an outstanding volunteer working for the benefit of those in need within the community. Barbara Jenkins Organiser of the ‘Over Sixties Group’ Berryhill Memorial Institute AKA ‘The Hut’ It would be hard to find a volunteer in the Forest with a longer commitment to volunteering in the community than Barbara! For over 50 years, Barbara has been the lead organiser of the ‘Over Sixties Group’ at the ‘The Hut’ Berryhill Memorial Institute. This popular group has been providing social activities to help combat isolation for the older community for decades. Collecting community memories for a recent memory capsule, created as part of The Hut’s centenary celebrations, revealed that Barbara had been quietly managing this group since 1971. But Barbara’s involvement with The Hut goes even further back to her childhood when her father was resident caretaker, and her mother was involved in organising activities. A wonderful and unique example of generations getting involved with the community to make it a better place, Barbara is an inspiration to us all and shows no sign of slowing down. Albert Weager Community representative & advocate for better healthcare in FoD A more committed and dedicated community representative than Albert would be hard to find! For over a decade Albert has tirelessly advocated for better health provision in the Forest of Dean. With an incredibly long service on the FoD Health Forum, in 2014 he was appointed chair and has been instrumental in ensuring that everyone is listened to and given the opportunity to ask questions. At a county level, Albert chairs the People and Communities Reference Group for Urgent and Emergency Care and is the community representative on the Urgent and Emergency Care, Patient Flow Clinical Programme Group. Not stopping there, Albert is also represents local people on the Ageing Well Care Programme Board and has been the patient representative on the Blood Transfusion Committee for over ten years. Everything Albert does is as a volunteer and we must congratulate him on his drive and passion. Dave Young Volunteer driver, cook, outreach at Forest Sensory Services & Samaritans Over the past 2 years Dave has dedicated more and more of his time volunteering and going above and beyond to support other people. Starting as a volunteer driver for Forest Sensory Services (FFS), Dave now volunteers with FSS 3 times a week and even dons his chef hat and cooks up a delicious feast, twice a month, for the service’s clients. A fantastic supporter of all the work that FSS does, Dave plays an active role in outreach sessions to make visually impaired people aware of the support services offered and he also helps with fundraising. Along with his face-to-face volunteering, Dave volunteers with the Samaritans answering the phone a couple of times a week offering emotional support . Plus promoting Samaritans with outreach in the community. His nominator said: “Dave is an inspiring person and an amazing volunteer who does so much for other people.” Find our more about the Forest Volunteers Awards here:

EVENTS CALENDAR Check out the latest hip happenings in the Forest!

KEEPING PEOPLE SAFE Young people who are moving towards adulthood have the right to make informed choices about how they connect to their local community. This can involve risk, for guidance read: Building Connections: One minute guide to Risk Assessment

Forest of Dean Digital Partnership FUNDED BY THE BARNWOOD TRUST A collaborative community partnership project, led by FVAF. This district-wide partnership, the first of its kind, was created to break down the barriers people face in relation to digital inclusion and unlock the many assets available within our communities and the digital world.   Forest of Dean Digital Partnership - Final Evaluation September 2024 Report - Download Forest of Dean Digital Partnership - Final Evaluation September 2024: APPENDICES APPENDIX 1: Forest of Dean Digital Partnership Application APPENDIX 2: Insight into Set up and Delivery of Local Digital Inclusion Pilot Projects APPENDIX 3: Healthwatch Gloucestershire - Access to digital technologies APPENDIX 4: Partner Claim Form APPENDIX 5: Instructions for filling in Partner’s claim form APPENDIX 6: Promo flier - Invitation to get involved APPENDIX 7: EOI Process Map APPENDIX 8: EOI Document A template APPENDIX 9: EOI Document B template APPENDIX 10: EOI scoring sheet APPENDIX 11:Forest of Dean Community Choir EOI Document 1 APPENDIX 12: Forest of Dean Community Choir EOI Document 2 APPENDIX 13: Virtual Sight Loss EOI Document 1 APPENDIX 14: Virtual Sight Loss EOI Document 2 APPENDIX 15: CVT EOI Document 1 APPENDIX 16: CVT EOI Document 2 APPENDIX 17: Outdoors, Indoors EOI Document 1 APPENDIX 18: Outdoors, Indoors EOI Document 2 APPENDIX 19: Forest Pathways EOI Document 1 APPENDIX 20: Forest Pathways EOI Document 2 APPENDIX 21: Project Engage EOI Document 1 APPENDIX 22: Project Engage EOI Document 2 APPENDIX 23: Forest of Dean Hybrid Choir Final Evaluation APPENDIX 24: CVT - Digital Inclusion Workshop Final Evaluation APPENDIX 25: Outdoors, Indoors Final Evaluation APPENDIX 26: Forest Pathways Final Evaluation APPENDIX 27: Forest Pathways Executive Summary APPENDIX 28: Reflection Session Presentation APPENDIX 29: Journey Reflection OTHER PROJECT PUBLICATIONS: EASY READ BOOKLET - How to use the computer and software EASY READ BOOKLET - Staying Safe Online

The Digital Hubs Project Tackling digital exclusion across Gloucestershire The Digital Hubs Project is a new innovative approach, developed by Forest Voluntary Action Forum and GCC Adult Transformation Team, to tackle digital exclusion across Gloucestershire by offering free, accessible, tailored support to individuals. Starting out in October 2021, we have played the as role as county wide facilitator of the project in partnership with GCC’s Adult Transformation Team. Whilst being facilitator’s, we act as the Forest of Dean lead district provider, offering FREE 1:1 digital support across safe and trusted Community Drop-in Hubs. Coleford – Sixteen Community Cafe Sedbury – Sedbury Space Cinderford - Ow Bist - Forest Community Space Staunton – The Swan Community Hub Newent – The Chill Out Zone What does Digital Hubs aim to address? Motivation Not everyone sees why using the internet could be relevant and helpful A Digital Hub can demonstrate the huge benefits Confidence Some people fear online crime, lack trust or don’t know where to start online A Digital Hub can increase confidence via trusted relationships  Skills Not everyone has the ability to use the internet and online services A digital Hub can provide 1:1 training Access Not everyone has the ability to connect to the internet and go online A Digital Hub can provide access to free equipment and internet Since starting the journey of Gloucestershire Digital Hubs Project, awareness and recognition of the project has grown and is now recognised as essential community-based approach to tackling digital exclusion across Gloucestershire. Notability, the project was highlighted in the Report of the Director of Public health 2022/23 - No Person is an island: Social connections in Gloucestershire, which also included video cased study of the project. You can also  download the PDF version (PDF, 5.2 MB)  of Director of Public health 2022/23 For more information about the project visit the Digital Hub website HERE To find out more, dates, times and locations for upcoming FVAF Community Digital Drop-in Hubs, contact Alex on community@fvaf.org.uk  or 01594 822073.

স্বেচ্ছাসেবক ফরেস্ট অফ ডিনের স্বেচ্ছাসেবক কেন্দ্র হিসাবে আমরা আপনাকে স্বেচ্ছাসেবকদের নিয়োগ এবং পরিচালনা করতে সহায়তা করতে এখানে আছি আমাদের নতুন স্বেচ্ছাসেবক পুস্তিকা বিবরণ দিয়ে ভরা স্থানীয় স্বেচ্ছাসেবক সুযোগ এখন বাইরে ডাউনলোড করতে ক্লিক করুন জন্য স্বেচ্ছাসেবক কেন্দ্র হিসাবে ডিনের বন আমরা প্রায়ই স্বেচ্ছাসেবক আগ্রহী যে কেউ যোগাযোগের প্রথম পয়েন্ট. গত বছর আমরা 100,000 ঘন্টার বেশি মূল্যের স্বেচ্ছাসেবী এলাকায় সমর্থন করতে পেরে গর্বিত! FVAF স্বেচ্ছাসেবকদের সমর্থন করার জন্য এবং লোকেরা কেন স্বেচ্ছাসেবক বেছে নেয় তার বিস্তৃত কারণগুলিকে স্বীকৃতি দেওয়ার ক্ষেত্রে আমাদের নীতিগুলি ভাগ করে এমন সংস্থাগুলি থেকে স্বেচ্ছাসেবী সুযোগের বিস্তৃত পরিসরের প্রচার এবং বিজ্ঞাপন দেয়। কেন স্বেচ্ছাসেবক? স্বেচ্ছাসেবকের অনেকগুলি বিশাল সুবিধা রয়েছে, শুধুমাত্র আপনার জন্যই নয়, আপনার সম্প্রদায় এবং আমরা যে বিশ্বে বাস করি তার জন্য। আপনি যদি আপনার সিভি উন্নত করতে চান, নতুন লোকেদের সাথে দেখা করতে চান, আপনার দক্ষতাগুলোকে ভালোভাবে কাজে লাগাতে চান, নতুন কিছু শিখতে চান, আগ্রহ দেখাতে চান, অভিজ্ঞতা অফার করতে চান বা শুধুমাত্র একটি পার্থক্য আনতে চান, তাহলে আমরা আপনার জন্য একটি সুযোগ নিশ্চিত! আপনি নিম্নলিখিত উপায়ে এই সুযোগগুলি সম্পর্কে জানতে পারেন: এ সুযোগ সন্ধান করুন Do-it.org আমাদের 01594 822073 এ কল করুন মাধ্যমে যোগাযোগ করুন ইমেইল FVAF সোম - শুক্র 9:00 - 1:00 ( নির্দেশ ) এ আমাদের সাথে দেখা করুন আপনি যদি একটি বৃহৎ গোষ্ঠীর অংশ হিসাবে স্বেচ্ছাসেবক হতে চান, উদাহরণস্বরূপ কর্পোরেট স্বেচ্ছাসেবীর অংশ হিসাবে, তাহলে আমাদের কাছে বেছে নেওয়ার বিস্তৃত সুযোগ রয়েছে। 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 a one-stop-shop for all things volunteering, we can help you find, and keep, the perfect volunteer: স্বেচ্ছাসেবী সব কিছুর জন্য একটি ওয়ান-স্টপ-শপ হিসাবে, আমরা আপনাকে মূল্যবান স্বেচ্ছাসেবকদের নিয়োগ এবং ধরে রাখার সর্বোত্তম সম্ভাব্য সুযোগ দিতে বহুমুখী পদ্ধতি ব্যবহার করি। এর মধ্যে নিম্নলিখিতগুলি অন্তর্ভুক্ত রয়েছে: Do-it.org-এ আপনার সুযোগের বিজ্ঞাপন আমাদের উল্লেখ করা জনসাধারণের সদস্যদের কাছে বা আমাদের ড্রপ-ইন ফাংশনের মাধ্যমে আপনার সুযোগগুলি প্রচার করা। আমাদের ফেসবুক এবং টুইটার পেজে আপনার সুযোগের বিজ্ঞাপন দিন স্বেচ্ছাসেবীকে সমর্থন করে এমন স্থানীয় পরিষেবাগুলিতে আপনার সুযোগের প্রচার করা যেমন। জব সেন্টার, LearnDirect এবং 2GetherTrust প্রতি বছর 30 টিরও বেশি ইভেন্টে আপনার সুযোগের বিজ্ঞাপন নিয়োগকর্তা সমর্থিত স্বেচ্ছাসেবী অফার করে এমন স্থানীয় ব্যবসাগুলিতে আপনার সুযোগগুলি প্রেরণ করা স্কুল, কলেজ এবং বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়ে প্রাসঙ্গিক সুযোগ প্রচার করা আমাদের 1,000 জনের বেশি লোকের স্বেচ্ছাসেবক ডাটাবেসে আপনার সুযোগগুলি বিতরণ করা আপনার প্যাচ জানুন সহ বিভিন্ন নেটওয়ার্কে আপনার সুযোগের প্রচার করা 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 ideas wanted for ‘Our Forest’ £3m lottery bid An opportunity for people and community organisations to discuss project ideas for Our Forest's planned National Lottery Heritage Fund Bid. BOOK TICKETS: Saturday 13th April, Lydney Town Hall - 1pm - 4pm BOOK TICKET: Sunday 14th April, Mitcheldean Community Centre - 1pm - 4pm We’re excited to announce that we are leading on preparing a new £3million bid to the National Heritage Lottery Fund (NLHF). Called ‘Our Forest’ this new community-driven project will focus on the heritage of the Forest of Dean To prepare for this bid, we are asking local people, community groups and organisations to have their say at two community events we are hosting this weekend. Taking place at 1pm-4:30pm on Saturday (13 April) at Lydney Town Hall and 1pm-4:30pm on Sunday (14 April) at Mitcheldean Community Centre , these events are open for anyone to attend, to share and discuss ideas for potential heritage projects, partnerships and collaborations that could be included in the bid for funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF). Deb Cook, our Volunteering Manager at FVAF said “Heritage is what you think is important and should be preserved. It could be about improving access to landscapes, historical sites, or collections; cultural activity or traditions; stories and celebrations as well as more traditional ideas of heritage. It can be anything from the past or even present that you value and want to pass on to future generations. She added: “We’re asking the community to come along to one of these events to be part of the conversation and tell us what they think is important to include in the ‘Our Forest’ project.” Building upon the legacy of the Foresters' Forest Landscape Partnership programme, ‘Our Forest’ will focus on involving diverse people, grass-roots organisations, and the voluntary community sector, with projects that involve young people, older people, hardly reached groups, as well as focusing on mental health and wellbeing.

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

FVAF সম্পর্কে FVAF সম্পর্কে আমাদের গল্প আমরা স্বেচ্ছাসেবী পরিষদ এবং ডিনের বনের জন্য স্বেচ্ছাসেবক কেন্দ্র। আমরা জেলার শত শত স্বেচ্ছাসেবী এবং কমিউনিটি সংস্থার অনেককে সহায়তা প্রদান করি যারা স্থানীয় সম্প্রদায়ের মধ্যে এবং তাদের জন্য তাদের কাজ প্রদান করতে আরও ভালভাবে সক্ষম। 1994 সালে গঠনের পর থেকে আমরা পুরো ফরেস্ট অফ ডিন জুড়ে কমিউনিটি অ্যাকশনকে উত্সাহিত, আলিঙ্গন এবং উন্নত করার জন্য একটি খ্যাতি তৈরি করেছি। আমরা বিশ্বাস করি যে সম্প্রদায়-নেতৃত্বপূর্ণ পদ্ধতির মাধ্যমে আমরা নাগরিকদের দক্ষতা, স্থিতিস্থাপকতা এবং সামাজিক পুঁজি বিকাশ করতে সক্ষম করি যাতে তারা সুখী, আরও ভাল সংযুক্ত জীবনযাপন করতে পারে। অফিস পরিষেবা স্টাফ এবং ট্রাস্টি নীতি অ্যাক্সেসযোগ্যতা এবং স্থায়িত্ব