Our Team. Our head office is based in Cinderford but everyday you will meet members of the FVAF team out and about supporting the community and building strong partnerships with other local organisations and groups... Chris Brown Chief Executive Officer Nick Penny Head of Operations Teresa Allewell Finance & Operations Manager Catherine Best Communications & Fundraising Manager Deb Cook Volunteering Manager Cherry Potter-Irwin Finance & Administration Officer Fliss Simister Youth Association Manager Lisa Robertson Youth Development Officer Katy Virgo Youth Development Officer Courtney Middleton Project Coordinator Lauren Greening Youth Development Project Manager Jodie Atkins Youth Support Worker Krissie Carter Neighbourhood Connector Alex Digby Digital Projects Manager Melanie Benn Community Builder Teresa Rose Community Connectors' Facilitator Pete Harper Community Connector Natasha Nelson Working with Forest Food Network Piers Cardiff Forest of Dean Climate Action Partnership Coordinator Becky Moorcroft Forest of Dean Climate Action Partnership Coordinator Meet our trustees. We have a highly skilled board of trustees who meet regularly to monitor, challenge and guide what FVAF does now, and in the future. Bob Rhodes Chair of Trustees Josh Bond Vice Chair of Trustees Jonathan Gault Trustee - Treasurer Sid Phelps Trustee Penny Hulbert Trustee Roger Deeks Trustee Rob Toomer Trustee Diana Martin Trustee Louise Penny Trustee Interested in becoming a FVAF Trustee? Talk to us! Contact Chris is ceo@fvaf.org.uk 01594 822073

Peer Development Developing the space between us to enable better Community Health and Wellbeing. Mycelium seeks to promote connectedness between people and encourage collaboration in service development in the Forest of Dean. Mycelium seeks to promote connectedness between people and encourage collaboration in service development in the Forest of Dean. We wish to do so to develop a counternarrative to ‘siloed working’ and the overbearing competitiveness between people, organisations and within emerging systems. We value both lived and professional experience equally and work from a horizontal, narrative informed, peer advocacy model with co-production and action research principles at its core. What do we do? We offer Peer Advocacy, Peer Mentoring & Peer Development for individuals, groups and organisations living or working in the Forest of Dean. For People from our Communities We work with individuals providing 1 to 1 support. Using peer advocacy and peer mentoring principles we can help you to develop a ‘recovery practice’ that enables you to get back up after a crisis, or travel safely through a difficult period in your life. We can help you: to understand and respond to social care needs or a health condition and can help you to cope with a situation that is causing you emotional distress. to find information, to build confidence as you begin to identify, navigate and try out the wellbeing and self-help resources that are available to you in your local community. if issues arise when trying to build yourself up again - we can be there and help you to learn about yourself, your world and your rights. to travel through the complexities of recovery from a health condition, from mental illness, trauma or addiction - to raise your voice about what is important to you as you do so. to access advice from the best expertise available and can then support you to understand, choose between and explore the options opened up for you by that advice. to access community groups and projects and help them in turn to become more confident, compassionate and efficient when supporting individuals experiencing mental health difficulties. Peer advocacy will work on up to three specific community advocacy issues at a time, but the Peer mentoring will be open access, an ‘in the background’ wrap around support that will attempt to respond to your unique circumstances and complex needs whilst still trying to link you in with the best expertise available to you. For Volunteers and Professionals “Project Support” - We work with individuals developing groups and organisations With consultancy, reflective practice and ongoing support we can help lived experience practitioners, peer support workers and staff with lived experience who are working in the VCS and local health and social care settings, to use their experiences of illness or mental distress in a way that is safe, effective and compassionate for both them and the people they are supporting. We can help: you to develop an idea, a workshop, a group or a project that has arisen from your own unique situation, lived experience or from the skills and awareness gained on your recovery journey. provide or link you in with training, information, supervision and a support structure around you to enable you to turn this awareness into a skill that can benefit others in your local community. projects, groups and organisations develop their co-production strategies and be a point of contact with transformed mental health services and the wider supports available. We can enable you to implement these strategies in a non ’tokenistic’ & authentic way. you to stay well and practice self-care whilst working and using your lived experience to help others who are going through health conditions or mental distres s. What does ‘Peer’ mean? “PEER … One that is of equal standing with another” The ‘Peer’ in Peer Advocacy, Peer Mentoring and Peer Development points to shared concerns and experiences. Peer support is when we come together with others who have been through or are recovering from something similar. It is about ‘mutuality’ - helping each other through conversations, activities and spending time together. It can help us not to feel so alone or unusual, to realise that there is a possibility of life beyond and outside of the condition, distress or situation encountered. Peer services connect people and create opportunities for ‘giving back’; they can help us to take notice of the skills and knowledge we have gained on our journeys while also creating opportunities to use these skills to build better services and communities for the future. Who are we? We are all local people with both professional and personal experience of disability, illness, mental distress and/or have been carers for people navigating social and health care systems. We are all individuals who have had extensive experience of managing our own recoveries from illness and mental distress and have learnt much from doing so. We all feel that talking to someone who has ‘been through’ and managed to successfully survive and navigate something similar in the past can be incredibly helpful to those who are feeling isolated with that condition, situation or circumstance in the present. Though we understand the importance of being supported by someone who understands from ‘lived experience’, we also recognise the importance of skill and learning. We know how important ongoing development is to help convert that learning into a constructive, safe and effective practice that enables others. We have all received extensive previous training and are committed to continued professional development alongside the “lived experience” knowledge that we draw upon. We have all benefitted from Peer Advocacy, Peer Support or Peer Mentoring ourselves and are passionate about its enormous benefits for good community mental health and wellbeing. We have all had extensive previous experience of co-production work, collaborative working, community development and promoting diverse voices. What have we done so far? Developing Action Research & our Narrative Model for locality-based peer development Over the past two years Mycelium has been drawing together people with experience, professionals and those passionate about community development, to overcome barriers to discussion and rally around shared concerns or stories. The aim of this has been to increase understanding about mental health illness and, most importantly, move towards improvement of the current situation for individuals, families and the Forest communities. We have developed a Resource Hub, Community-based Recovery Education Sessions and a Community of Practice group for those working with individuals with mental health challenges. We have facilitated extensive community-based action research to ascertain need and identify a network of allies. This has been published alongside papers on co-production and has all been fed into the Community Mental Health Transformation undertaken in Gloucestershire. Who are we for? We have supported the growth of community initiatives that allow everybody’s voices to be heard and we want change to continue to be driven by well-being and mutual aid. We are listening, learning and offering opportunities for all community members within the Forest and invite you to join us on this exciting journey. Anyone 16 + who is living or working in the Forest of Dean. Anyone who feels that they could benefit from support from individuals with experience of managing their own recovery from mental health difficulties, addiction, mental distress or a health condition. Anyone facing challenges in accessing the support that they want and need help to find information, understand their rights, build a support network or develop an advocacy plan of action to raise their voice or complain about the care they have received. Anyone with either diagnosed or undiagnosed conditions and people waiting on waiting lists for assessment. Our aim is to respect all perspectives and encourage action and improvement in the lives of all across our Forest communities. How do I find out more, get involved or access Mycelium support? For more information drop Simon Price (Project Manager and Mental Health Researcher) a message at Simon@fvaf.org.uk or call 07394 945046 to arrange a meet up and find out more about Mycelium Peer Development.

Hodanje s točkovima: Često postavljana pitanja Šta je 'Tramper'? Tramper je pokretno vozilo za sve terene na električni pogon. Ima ograničenu brzinu do 4mph što je idealno za pratnju šetača ili male djece na biciklima. Potpuna specifikacija Trampera može biti pronašao ovde . Ko može koristiti ovu uslugu? Walking with Wheels je otvoren za sve starije od 14 godina i tjelesne težine ispod 25 stone koji otežano hodaju zbog privremenih ili trajnih poteškoća u kretanju. Na kojim rutama ga mogu koristiti? Dostupne rute uključuju do Symond's Yat Rock i dolje do rijeke Wye u Symond's Yat od Forest Holidays i Cyril Hart Arboretuma, Mallards Pike i dijelove porodične biciklističke staze od The Speech House. Mape ruta će biti dostavljene prilikom zapošljavanja. Kada je moguće unajmiti? Tramper je dostupan za iznajmljivanje od 9:00 do 5:00 7 dana u sedmici (zimi može biti kraće radno vrijeme kako bi se osigurao povratak prije sumraka). Kako mogu rezervirati? Molimo Vas da unaprijed rezervirate svoj Tramper prije dana, kako biste izbjegli razočaranje. Za rezervaciju kontaktirajte direktno skitnice. Za šumske praznike nazovite 01594 837165 Za The Speech House nazovite 01594 822607 Koliko košta unajmiti Trampera? Tramper košta samo 2,50 funti na sat. Za korisnike koji prvi put koriste tu je i godišnja članarina od £10 za Countryside Mobility ili £2,50 za dvonedeljnu sesiju degustacije. Šta ako nikada ranije nisam koristio jedan od ovih? Ne brinite! Vrlo su jednostavni i sigurni za rukovanje, a svaki korisnik će dobiti potpunu indukciju kako bi se osiguralo da se osjeća sigurno i ugodno da se uhvati u koštac s našim nevjerovatnim stazama. Šta ako mi treba dodatna pomoć? Molimo da svi budu u pratnji na stazama kako biste uvijek imali nekoga sa sobom. Ako želite isprobati Trampera, prije nego što ga unajmite, pozovite jedan od naših centara da se dogovorimo. Zašto moram postati član Countryside Mobility? Countryside Mobility je odgovorna za obezbjeđivanje Trampera i to je razlog zašto se oni nude po tako pristupačnoj cijeni. Oni također rade na tome da osiguraju da svaka stranica koja ugošćuje Tramper to čini na siguran i lako dostupan način. Ovo članstvo će vam također omogućiti da koristite bilo koji od Trampera na mnogim lokacijama za seosku mobilnost širom jugozapada. Za više informacija posjetite web stranicu Countryside Mobility . U centru možete popuniti formulare za članstvo prije zapošljavanja. Mogu li pomoći s ovim projektom? Walking with Wheels oslonite se na volontere koji promoviraju našu uslugu. Ako ste zainteresovani da pomognete u širenju informacija o našoj usluzi, ili želite da pomognete na neki drugi način, pozovite 01594 822073 ili pošaljite e-mail na walkingwithwheels@fvaf.org.uk . Biće obezbeđena puna obuka i podrška. Šta ako trebam otkazati rezervaciju? Molimo vas da o otkazivanju obavijestite najmanje 24 sata kako bismo mogli iznajmiti Tramper drugom korisniku. Za otkazivanje molimo kontaktirajte stranicu na kojoj ste rezervirali What is a Tramper Who can use this service What routes can I use it on When is it available to hire How can I book one How much does it cost What if I've never used one of these before What if I need additional help Why do I have to become a member of CM Can I help wit this project What if I need to cancel a booking

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

Volontiranje Kao Volonterski centar za Dekansku šumu mi smo tu da vam pomognemo da regrutujete i upravljate volonterima Naše novo volontiranje knjižica ispunjena detaljima lokalnog volontiranja prilike sada nestaju KLIKNITE ZA PREUZIMANJE Kao Volonterski centar za Forest of Dean mi smo često prva tačka kontakta za sve koji su zainteresovani za volontiranje. Prošle godine smo bili ponosni što smo podržali više od 100.000 sati vredno volontiranja u ovoj oblasti! FVAF promoviše i oglašava širok spektar mogućnosti volontiranja od organizacija koje dijele naš etos u podršci volonterima i prepoznavanju širokog spektra razloga zašto se ljudi odlučuju na volontiranje. Zašto Volontirati? Volontiranje ima niz ogromnih prednosti, ne samo za vas pojedinačno, već i za vašu zajednicu i svijet u kojem živimo. Ako želite poboljšati svoj životopis, upoznati nove ljude, iskoristiti svoje vještine, naučiti nešto novo, ostvariti interes, ponuditi iskustvo ili jednostavno napraviti razliku, zagarantirano imamo priliku za vas! O ovim prilikama možete saznati na sljedeće načine: Mogućnosti pretraživanja na Do-it.org Pozovite nas na 01594 822073 Javite se putem email Posjetite nas na FVAF pon - pet 9:00 - 1:00 ( smjernice ) Ako želite volontirati kao dio velike grupe, na primjer kao dio korporativnog volontiranja, onda imamo i široku lepezu mogućnosti za odabir. 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: Kao centar na jednom mjestu za sve stvari volontiranja, koristimo višestruku metodologiju kako bismo vam pružili najbolju moguću šansu za regrutiranje i zadržavanje vrijednih volontera. Ovo uključuje sljedeće: Oglašavanje vaših mogućnosti na Do-it.org Promoviranje vaših prilika kod javnosti upućenih nama ili putem naše funkcije za slanje. Oglašavanje vaših mogućnosti na našim Facebook i Twitter stranicama Promoviranje vaših mogućnosti lokalnim službama koje podržavaju volontiranje, npr. Centar za zapošljavanje, LearnDirect i 2GetherTrust Oglašavanje vaših mogućnosti na preko 30 događaja godišnje Šaljete svoje mogućnosti lokalnim preduzećima koja nude volontiranje uz podršku poslodavaca Promoviranje relevantnih mogućnosti za škole, fakultete i univerzitete Distribuiranje vaših mogućnosti u našu bazu volontera od preko 1.000 ljudi Promoviranje vaših mogućnosti na različitim mrežama, uključujući Know Your Patch 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)

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

Tell us what training would help your organisation We're exploring how best to support the training needs of voluntary and community groups across the Forest of Dean. This might include hosting training ourselves, bringing in external trainers, or connecting you with existing resources and courses. Please complete this brief survey to let us know what would be most valuable for you. Your feedback will shape the support we're able to offer. Organisation Name: Your Role: Email Training Topics Which of the following topics would be most valuable for your organisation? (Please tick all that apply and add any others) Funding & Fundraising Marketing & PR Digital Skills/Using Technology Financial Procedures & Management Governance & Trustees Finding & Recruiting Volunteers Volunteer Management & Retention Embedding Climate Action Neurodiversity, Mental Health & Inclusion Safeguarding First Aid Health & Safety Food Hygiene Other Let us know your TOP 3 training needs: When Which days work best for you? (Tick all that apply) Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Preferred times: (Tick all that apply) Morning (9am-12pm) Afternoon (1pm-5pm) Evening (6pm-8pm) Where How would you prefer to attend training? (Tick all that apply) In-person only Online only Hybrid (option to attend either way) No preference If in-person: Forest of Dean only Willing to travel How Which learning formats work best for you? (Tick all that apply) Workshops (group sessions) Online webinars/courses One-to-one support/mentoring Drop-in sessions Self-paced resources Peer learning/networking groups 5. Additional Information Are there any barriers that prevent you from accessing training? (e.g., cost, time, childcare, accessibility needs) Any other comments or suggestions? Submit

Our partners We work with, and are supported by so many fantastic organisations. The projects and services we deliver in partnership with others, and the funding we receive makes it possible for us to support voluntary activity and community action in the Forest of Dean. These are just some of the organisations we currently work closely with:

Svratišta za izgradnju zajednice The drop-in hub provides support to create, inspire and build stronger communities together Ulazni centar pruža podršku za zajedničko stvaranje, inspiraciju i izgradnju jačih zajednica Svaki drop-in centar nudi raznovrsnu podršku, savjete i smjernice za lokalno stanovništvo. Na primjer; podrška i slanje potpisa lokalnim službama, povezivanje i postavljanje novog grupe u zajednici, podržavajući ljude da se približe zaposlenju ili daljem obrazovanju, pomažu u pristupu digitalnom svijetu i podržavaju oživotvorenje vaših ideja za zajednicu. Možemo ponuditi pomoć sa: Mogućnosti volontiranja Podrška zapošljivosti Lokalne grupe i klubovi IT i digitalna podrška Informacije o lokalnim događajima Objavljivanje potpisa lokalnim službama 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.

welcoming & vibrant community hub - for hire Since taking on the 25 year lease of the former Dockham Road GP surgery, we have been working at a pace to create a welcoming and vibrant community hub that offers wrap-around support and improves access to community services. To date we have transformed the building's exterior with wooden cladding, resprayed windows and doors, and a new sign. Inside, we have created of a flexible training and events space , along with permanent office space for support agencies and community organisations. Thanks to funding from Cinderford Town Council, Ow Bist now features a Changing Places toilet to ensure accessibility for the entire community. Travelling in the Forest of Dean Forest Of Dean Climate Action Partnership has created a handy interactive guide to travelling in the Forest of Dean. DOWNLOAD HERE What to find out more? Interested in hiring the space? Contact us at contact@fvaf.org.uk or 01594 822073 The whole team loved the space you have at Ow Bist, but also really valued the partnership approach. Hirer at Ow Bist

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.

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