Forest of Dean Big Health Debate Monday 13 July 2026 | Lydney Town Hall To view the presentations, please click on the below links: Big Health Debate - Main presentation Alex Digby & Nick Penny Strategic Estates planning, delivery of new facilities in the Forest of Dean and the future vision of Neighbourhood services Andrew Hughes & Gina Mann General Practice Services Jo White Gloucestershire Mental Health Services Sadie Trout & Andrew Telford Gloucestershire ICB - Dental NHS

NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN! CLOSING DATE: MIDNIGHT SUNDAY 19 JULY 2026 Nomination Form 2026 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 Diversity & 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

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)

ফরেস্ট কম্পাস ফরেস্ট কম্পাস হল একটি শারীরিক এবং অনলাইন ডিরেক্টরি যা ফরেস্ট অফ ডিন জুড়ে উপলব্ধ অনেকগুলি নিয়মিত কার্যকলাপ, সহায়তা গোষ্ঠী এবং ক্লাবগুলিকে তালিকাভুক্ত করে৷ অরণ্য হল শিশুর দল থেকে শুরু করে লাঞ্চ ক্লাব, পুরুষদের শেড থেকে মেমরি ক্যাফে পর্যন্ত শত শত সামাজিক ও কার্যকলাপের গোষ্ঠীর আবাসস্থল। অনেকগুলি বিনামূল্যে বা খুব কম খরচে যোগদান করতে এবং স্বেচ্ছাসেবকদের দ্বারা চালিত হয় বা লাভজনক গোষ্ঠীগুলির জন্য নয়। দুঃখজনকভাবে অনেক লোক যারা এই ধরনের গোষ্ঠীগুলি থেকে উপকৃত হতে পারে তারা তাদের দোরগোড়ায় আশ্চর্যজনক সুযোগ সম্পর্কে অবগত নয়। আপনি যদি ফরেস্ট অফ ডিন-এ একটি স্বেচ্ছাসেবক লিড অ্যাক্টিভিটি, ক্লাব বা সহায়তা গোষ্ঠী চালান, তাহলে নীচের ফর্মটি সম্পূর্ণ করে বিনামূল্যে ফরেস্ট কম্পাস ফিজিক্যাল ডিরেক্টরি এবং এখানে অনলাইন ডিরেক্টরিতে বিজ্ঞাপন দিন। 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

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

Resource Hub/Library Leaflets & literature on wellness, recovery, self-help & coping with mental distress. The group office, based above the Library at The Main Place in Coleford, is available for members to use as a safe and confidential space. We keep material that may be of use to members – and we are happy for people to provide us with leaflets that they would like shared. To read the My Networks Scoping Project Report please visit: www.fvaf.org.uk/publications

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

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.

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.

OW BIST COMMUNITY KITCHEN A community kitchen at the heart of Cinderford We're on a journey to create the Ow Bist Community Kitchen — a warm, welcoming space at the heart of Ow Bist, bringing people together over good food. Food has a unique power to connect us. We want the kitchen to serve simple, healthy, affordable meals — made with local ingredients where possible — and to become a friendly hub where people can meet , work , learn , connect with peers, and access support . Some of the ideas we're keen to explore: Hearty, affordable lunches — curries, stews and simple home-cooked dishes Ethical soft drinks, teas, quality coffee and cakes throughout the day A "Butty Kitchen" of quality, locally sourced sandwiches Dietary, cultural and allergen needs catered for as standard, not an afterthought Plant-based food as a staple, alongside some meat and dairy Partnerships with local producers, suppliers and community growing groups Pay-as-you-can and pay-it-forward models, to keep food accessible to all We're inspired by community-food initiatives like The Long Table in Stroud and The Sharing Kitchen in Newent — places where food is used as a vehicle for connection and community participation. More than a café FLEXIBLE SPACE FOR THE WHOLE COMMUNITY Alongside everyday use, we want the kitchen to be a flexible space for the wider community — hosting cooking classes, pop-ups, volunteering and training opportunities, and community lunch takeovers. We're already planning sessions with Wyldwood Arts and local Sri Lankan residents, and we're building a team of volunteer community greeters to help welcome everyone through the door. It all comes together around People, Place, Planet and Prosperity — a vibrant, community-driven space that strengthens Cinderford's sense of community through good food and shared purpose. HOW WE COULD MAKE IT HAPPEN We're open to exploring different ways of running the kitchen, including: An external operator — a community-focused business or social enterprise runs the kitchen day-to-day, with FVAF retaining strategic input A community CIC — a new CIC, set up with FVAF's support, becomes the food business and runs the kitchen independently but in line with FVAF's values A hybrid model — a mix of the above, with room for pop-ups, community takeovers and evening/weekend use alongside day-to-day running WHAT WE CAN OFFER A brand new, fully fitted, high-spec commercial kitchen A newly fitted front-of-house space — tables, chairs and an outdoor seating area, designed to be fully accessible A busy Cinderford location, with regular visitors and around 80 staff working from the building Marketing support through FVAF's channels Connections to local community groups, volunteers and voluntary sector organisations Potential for in-house catering of events and meetings in the building WHO WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM We're looking for people who are: Passionate about sustainable, healthy, affordable food and cooking Community-focused, balancing social impact with commercial sustainability Open to working with volunteers and trainees Keen to reflect the diverse food cultures of our community Interested in innovative, barrier-removing models like pay-it-forward Flexible, and excited to help grow a community kitchen for Cinderford and the wider Forest of Dean Whether you're an established food business, a passionate cook, a caterer looking to try pop-ups, a food educator, or simply someone who cares about food and community — we'd love to talk to you. FIND OUT MORE! If you'd like to find out more, check out the kitchen or just have an informal chat - get in touch! We'd love hear from you! Contact deb@fvaf.org.uk

🌟 Forest Volunteer Awards 2026 – Celebrating Local Heroes 🌟 This year, we’re shining a spotlight on the incredible individuals, groups, and organisations who go the extra mile to make the Forest of Dean a better place. Whether they’re quietly making a difference or leading bold community change, we want to hear their stories. THE CATEGORIES: 🏆 Volunteer of the Year – People's Champion This is your chance to celebrate an unsung hero. Someone who consistently goes above and beyond to support others, uplift their community, or inspire through their own journey. Their dedication may have transformed lives—or even kept vital services running. We're looking for someone who: Shows exceptional dedication and commitment to their volunteer role Has made a significant positive impact on individuals or the wider community Demonstrates reliability, compassion, and selflessness May have overcome personal challenges while helping others Goes above and beyond to support those in need ✨ This is the only award chosen by public vote! Once finalists are announced, the community will decide who takes home the title. 🌱 Young Volunteer of the Year (21 & under) Recognising a young person who's making a big impact. Whether they've overcome personal challenges or shown outstanding commitment to helping others, this award celebrates young volunteers —in schools, clubs, or community projects. We're looking for a young person who: Demonstrates exceptional commitment to volunteering despite their age Serves as a role model and inspiration to other young people Shows maturity, leadership, and dedication beyond their years May have overcome personal obstacles while helping others Actively contributes to making their school, club, or community better Examples might include: peer mentoring, fundraising champions, environmental activists, community event organisers, or young carers who also volunteer. 🤝 Grassroots Group of the Year For small, volunteer-led groups making a big difference. From lunch clubs to sports teams, support circles to hobby groups—if your local group is powered by passion and community spirit, we want to celebrate it. We're looking for groups that: Are entirely or predominantly volunteer-run Demonstrate strong community impact despite limited resources Show innovation, creativity, and resilience in their approach Foster genuine connections and belonging among members Address local needs or bring people together around shared interests Operate with transparency, inclusivity, and community spirit Examples might include: village halls committees, friendship groups, local history societies, craft circles, walking groups, or neighbourhood support networks. 🏢 Community Organisation Award Recognising larger charities, CICs, CIOs, or teams of staff and volunteers making a meaningful impact in the Forest of Dean. We celebrate organisations that: Make a real difference by creating positive, lasting change in the local community Join forces with other local groups and partners to work together effectively Stay open and accountable while encouraging active community participation Keep evolving to meet new challenges and the changing needs of the community Use resources wisely to bring the greatest possible benefits to those who need them Stay true to the mission and focus on what matters most to the Forest of Dean Champion volunteering by effectively recruiting, supporting, and valuing volunteers This award highlights established organisations with formal structures, paid staff, and a commitment to fostering and sustaining volunteer contributions. 🏢💚 Business in the Community Award Celebrating local businesses that give back. Whether through employee volunteering, project sponsorship, or hands-on community support, this award recognises businesses that are making a real social impact. We're looking for businesses that: Go beyond profit to actively contribute to community wellbeing Encourage and support employee volunteering during work time Provide meaningful sponsorship, donations, or in-kind support Partner with local charities and community groups Operate with environmental and social responsibility Demonstrate genuine, long-term commitment to the Forest of Dean Examples might include: businesses offering apprenticeships to local youth, companies supporting community events, employers giving staff volunteer days, or businesses donating skills, space, or resources. ♿ Diversity & Inclusion Award (sponsored by FoD Dementia Action Alliance) This award celebrates organisations or groups that are actively working to break down barriers and create welcoming, inclusive spaces. It's not about being perfect—it's about showing commitment to accessibility, equity, and belonging for all. We're looking for organisations that: Actively work to remove physical, social, or communication barriers Demonstrate understanding of diverse needs including disability, age, culture, and background Show ongoing commitment to improving accessibility and inclusion Provide training, support, or resources to become more inclusive Create environments where everyone feels valued and able to participate Take practical steps to accommodate different needs and abilities This could include: dementia-inclusive initiatives, wheelchair accessible improvements, sensory-friendly adaptations, multilingual support, or programmes specifically designed to welcome marginalised groups. 🌍 Community Climate Action Award (sponsored by Forest of Dean Climate Action Partnership) F or individuals or VCSE groups leading the way in environmental action. From community gardens and repair cafés to sustainable transport and flood resilience—if you're helping the Forest adapt and thrive in a changing climate, we want to hear from you. We're looking for nominees who: Take practical action to address climate change or environmental challenges Inspire and educate others about sustainable living Develop innovative solutions to local environmental issues Build community resilience to the impact of the changing climate Create lasting positive environmental change in the Forest of Dean Examples might include: renewable energy projects, sustainable food initiatives, active travel promotion, waste reduction campaigns, or climate adaptation projects. NOMINATIONS HAVE NOW CLOSED FOR 2026! See last year's winners here FAQs Who can nominate? Anyone can nominate! Whether you are an individual local resident, part of a community group or from a local government organisation. How can I nominate? It’s easy – just fill in our nomination form here or if you would prefer a paper copy you can request one via communications@fvaf.org.uk or 01594 822073. What information do I need to provide? Please provide plenty of detail about what the nominee has achieved and as much information as possible about them and their unique contribution. If you have any, please provide good quality photographs. Make sure that you have permission from anyone else in the photograph so that we can use it for media and promotional activities unless you tell us not to. Should I tell the person or organisation I am nominating them or keep it a surprise? Ideally it would be good to let them know once you have decided to nominate, just so that they are aware and happy for their story to be shared. We want to celebrate and shout about the wonderful work of volunteers which would include promotion via social media, on our website and to local press. How will it be judged? All nominations will be carefully considered by a panel of judges. This panel will be made up of a mix of unbiased and independent judges including; members of staff from FVAF, a FVAF trustee, and representatives from local councils, businesses and media. For more information or if you have any questions, email communications@fvaf.org.uk or call 01594 822073 .

Our publications Forest Compass Edition 3 Volunteering in the Forest of Dean FVAF Annual Report 2024/25 FVAF Annual Accounts 2024/25 FVAF Annual Report 2023/24 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 The Forest of Dean Mycelium Mental Health Project A report from the Undergrowth by Simon Price, Anwen Jenkins, Pete Harper, Miranda Thomason and Teresa Rose 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.