Spring Holiday Activities & Food We’ve teamed up with Gloucestershire Cou nty Counci l and arranged a packed timetable of FREE fun! ​ The HAF programme is open to all school aged children, who live in the Forest of Dean, and who qualify for free school meals. ​ If funding allows, s ometimes activities are extended and offered to all children and young people across Gloucestershire through the Holiday Activities Programme (HAP). ​ There's something for eve ryone - we've got sports clubs, cooking, crafts, play sessions an d so much more... You need to be registered to book | All sessions mus t be pre bo oke d REGISTER HERE For information or support with the HAF Spring programme contact: HAFParentEnquiries@gloucestershire.gov.uk or ring the HAF helpline on 01452 427960. BOOKING NOW OPEN! CHECK OUT THE TIMETABLE **PLEASE NOTE: You can only book 4 activities at a time - please wait 24 hours before you book again** For more information visit the Gloucestershire County Council website here

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

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.

Current Opportunities Many local organisations, across the Forest of Dean, are currently looking for trustees with a variety of skills & experience: LYDNEY DIAL-A-RIDE Lydney Dial-a-Ride is a friendly door-to-door transport service for those people who do not have their own transport and are unable to use public transport. They operate a fleet of fully accessible minibuses capable of carrying wheelchair passengers and other seated passengers. ​ Trustee role: They are looking for people who have HR experience, managing a small to medium organisation or wishing to make a difference in their local community. The Trustees meet every other month and keep in regular contact via email and telephone. Chat louise@lydneydialaride.co.uk | 01594 843809 EARLYBIRDS PLAYGROUP Earlybirds Playgroup are a local charity-based playgroup offering education for early years children from 2 to 4 years old. Established in January 1999, it is the aim of the committee and staff to keep it running successfully for many more years. Located in Cinderford in the Forest of Dean, all members of staff are qualified to a high level and have many years of experience of working within young children; they attend regular safeguarding, first aid and continuing professional development training which allows them to support each child in their development and well-being. Trustee role: Currently that have a committee with 7 trustees but are looking to expand and would welcome anyone with IT skills, finance, marketing, or legal along with anyone with an interest in early years education. Chat earlybirdschair@yahoo.com or 07553215307 ST BRIAVELS ASSEMBLY ROOMS The St Briavels Assembly Rooms are a village hall built for the benefit of the parishioners of St Briavels, Hewelsfield and Brockweir. The Rooms consist of a main hall with stage, a bar/cafe area a commercial kitchen, a meeting room/office and a walled courtyard. Activities at the Rooms include lettings to local groups and private individuals, a regular tearoom, events with a bar, a produce market and a 100 Club lottery. Trustees meet about every 6 weeks, or about 8 times a year. The Trustees, who are not remunerated, also volunteer as much as they can and are supported by a team of community volunteers who help to deliver the key services. Trustee role: Looking for Trustees who can contribute knowledge, expertise and volunteer time especially in the following areas: Event management: co-ordinating the creation and delivery of an annual programme of events Minutes Secretary: taking minutes at Trustee meetings. Chat sbar.helpers@gmail.com LOVE DRYBROOK TRUST The Love Drybrook Trust raises money through trading at the Shop on the Cross in the centre of Drybrook. This is a charity shop run by enthusiastic volunteers and selling mainly to local people. They also offer a small coffee and chat area within the shop. Money raised is distributed primarily once a year and when specific requests are received - these may be from individuals and families or community groups. Trustee role: They would value new trustees who could bring experience to any aspects of what they do and who are keen to support the local community. The trust has firm Christian foundations and seeks to share that faith practically by supporting local people, especially the most vulnerable, in a variety of ways. Chat Revd. Clare Edwards, 01594 726318 revclareedwards@gmail.com HOPE SUPPORT SERVICES About: Hope Support Services is a charity providing support to Children and Young People experiencing a health crisis within their family or with someone who is significant to them. Based in Ross-on-Wye but cover all of Herefordshire with in person support, and provide online support nationally. Trustee role: They are looking for a talented, passionate individual to join the board as their new Finance Trustee. Chat Find our more HERE FOREST SENSORY SERVICES Forest Sensory Services is a small friendly charity, who provides support to those with sensory impairment (sight and hearing). They promote and encourage clients to remain as independent as possible with their impairments. FSS depend on volunteers to support the services they provide. Trustee role: FSS are interested in hearing from anyone interested in support their activities. Chat Support@forestsensoryservices.org FOREST OF DEAN CHILDREN’S OPPORTUNITY CENTRE The Forest of Dean Children’s Opportunity Centre was set up as a registered charity in 1982. The aim of the centre is for all children regardless of any special need or disability to play and learn alongside each other in a safe and stimulating environment. The Centre provides an informal meeting place for parents and those professionals involved in the care of the children who have diverse and complex special needs. Trustee role: The centre is looking to recruit up to two new trustees following recent retirements and a review of skills needed on the board. They are particularly looking for an individual with accounting skills to take on the role of treasurer, someone with legal expertise, ideally but not essentially in the field of charity law, and someone with broad general business experience. They would also welcome new parent trustees. Chat ​ sue_burrows@hotmail.com or 01594 544174 CANDI Established in 1995 to improve conditions of life in Cinderford and the surrounding area, CANDI has particularly been committed to increasing the opportunities, to raising their aspirations and providing drop-ins for young people aged 11 to 17 in Cinderford and Drybrook. CANDI is now extending the scope of its work to reach out to community groups of all ages, setting up its own groups and working in partnership with other charities in the Forest of Dean. Trustee role: CANDI is seeking trustees generally but also with specialist skills in the following areas: IT, legal, publicity, HR, fundraising, premises management Chat Company Secretary - cosec@candi.email **NEW CHARITY**MINDFULVISION MindfulVision offers employment opportunities and training for Blind, Severely Sight Impaired (SSI), Visually Impaired (VI) and disabled people. ​ Trustee role: this new charity is looking for people who can help create a more inclusive society where blind and disabled people can participate fully and equally in the workforce. Chat guy.woodland@mindfulvision.org

Studija slučaja: Gwynneth Walker Preselili smo se u Forest prije nekoliko godina i kao potpuno novi u tom području počeo sam se pridružiti klubovima i izaći i upoznati ljude. Jednog dana u mom Book Clubu čuo sam da neko pominje Šumarska šuma i da postoji arheološki projekat. Pomislio sam: "Zvuči zanimljivo, uradiću to!" To je bilo u fazi razvoja Foresters' Forest 2015. godine i od tada sam uključen. Imao sam fantastična iskustva kroz projekat. Radio sam na LIDAR istraživanju podataka, učestvovao u tri arheološka iskopavanja i nedavno sam se uključio u projekat istraživanja Palmers Flat u kojem živim. Uživam u ovom istraživanju radeći sa prijateljem koji živi u blizini, a mi saznajemo neke fascinantne informacije o našem lokalitetu. Mogao sam koristiti mnogo različitih tehnika kao što su kompjutersko istraživanje porijekla i gledanje arhiva i mapa. Neka od ovih istraživanja su mi već bila poznata, ali zanimljivo je vidjeti kako se sve to spaja u sliku prošlosti. Smatram da je učenje da radim LIDAR premjeravanje veoma korisno. Može biti malo naporno, ali zaista zauvijek mijenja način na koji gledate na krajolik. Sada posvuda vidim karakteristike koje mi pomažu da prepoznam male kamenolome, rudnike i tramvaje koji su nekada bili razbacani posvuda. Pronalaženje platforme za drveni ugljen u Birchhillu bilo je uzbudljivo. Zapravo ih ima jako puno u šumi i uviđam ih gdje god idem. Bilo je zadovoljstvo učestvovati u iskopavanjima. Rad sa drugim volonterima i stručnjacima naučio me mnogo toga. Tako je poseban osjećaj otkrivati stvari koje ljudske oči tako dugo nisu vidjele. Još jedan volonter i ja smo imali sreće da pronađemo komad srednjovjekovne grnčarije u Yorkley Digu. Osjećaj kada smo uočili nešto drugačije među zemljom je bio uzbudljiv. Zatim strganje i postepeno otkrivanje djelića prošlosti s ljudima koji su željno čekali da vide šta smo pronašli – bilo je to tako sjajno iskustvo! Volontiranje na projektu je bilo puno pozitivnih stvari. Stekao sam prijatelje, kao što su Cathy sa kojom radim na istraživačkom projektu i Elaine i David sa kojima radim na projektu LIDAR. Sjajan je osjećaj biti uključen u nešto što se tiče brige o Dekanskoj šumi i očuvanja posebnog za buduće generacije. Više od svega, učestvovanje u arheološkim iskopavanjima je nešto što sam želeo da radim još od univerzitetskih dana, i konačno kroz Šumarovu šumu ostvarujem taj san. Volontirajte sa Foresters' Forest Posjetite web stranicu Foresters' Forest Prijavite se na bilten Foresters' Forest

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 wid e 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 our 6 safe and trusted Community Drop-in Hubs. Coleford – Sixteen Community Cafe Lydney – Taurus Crafts Sedbury – Sedbury Space Mitcheldean – Mitcheldean Community Library 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 Skills Not everyone has the ability to use the internet and online services A digital Hub can provide 1:1 training 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 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.

„Izgradnja jačih zajednica u Dekanova šuma" Šta je FVAF? FVAF je skraćenica od Forest Voluntary Action Forum. Nudimo podršku lokalnim građanima, grupama u zajednici i aktivnostima da rade stvari koje su im najvažnije. Ovo uključuje sljedeće: ​ podrška i razvojni savjeti obuku informacije umrežavanje sastanaka olakšavanje predstavljanja regrutovanje volontera volonterski angažman i podrška ​ Također vodimo mnoge projekte sa i za lokalnu zajednicu, kao što su Udruženje mladih Šuma dekana, Kampanje prazničnih aktivnosti, The Forest Youth Music Network, The GEM Project, The Forest Compass Directory, Hod with Wheels i mnogi drugi. Pogledajte našu stranicu Projekti za sve detalje. ​ Saznati više Hop onboard the DigiBus! FREE 1-2-1 training ​ Coming to a town near you…the DigiBus will be stopping at locations across the Forest during June and July with trainers on hand to help you improve your digital skills. FIND OUT MORE NOVI direktorij volontiranja Još lakše volontirati u Dekanskoj šumi? U FVAF-u smo izradili potpuno novu knjižicu pod nazivom Volontiranje u Forest of Dean. Ovo je besplatni imenik nekih od mnogih mogućnosti volontiranja dostupnih na lokalnom nivou. Uskoro će biti štampane kopije vaš lokalni Biblioteka ili Centar zajednice ili kliknite ispod da preuzmete a digitalna kopija. Preuzimanje knjižice o volontiranju Pronađite svoj najbliži Drop-in Hub SADA OTVOREN Svratišta za izgradnju zajednice Uđite i razgovarajte licem u lice sa graditeljem zajednice. Svaki drop-in centar nudi raznovrsnu podršku, savjete i smjernice za lokalno stanovništvo. Na primjer; podrška i označavanje lokalnim uslugama, povezivanje i uspostavljanje novih grupa u zajednici, podrška ljudima da se približe zaposlenju ili daljem obrazovanju, pomoć u pristupu digitalnom svijetu i podrška za oživotvorenje vaših ideja za zajednicu. Forest of Dean Udruženje mladih Udruženje mladih Forest of Dean podržava mlade mlađe od 25 godina da postanu proaktivni građani i lideri svojih života. Također podržavamo grupe i organizacije u zajednici širom Forest of Dean kako bi unaprijedili sjajan posao koji već rade kroz otkrivanje lokalnih vještina i sredstava, bilo da se radi o ljudima, mjestima ili finansiranju. Tim ima širok spektar vještina i iskustva u radu s mladima i našim šumskim zajednicama, tako da se možemo prilagoditi i reagirati na većinu projekata ili upita vezanih za mlade. Kao rezultat toga, Udruženje mladih uključuje se u širok spektar projekata, kao i pružanje putokaza za podršku i usluge. Saznati više Volonteer Support Ako želite volontirati u Dekanskoj šumi, imamo izbor trenutnih mogućnosti za vas. ​ Ako ste grupa u zajednici koja želi neku volontersku podršku, možemo promovirati vaš konkurs za volontiranje za vas. Ako vam je potrebna pomoć i savjet o radu sa volonterima, javite se Search Volunteer Opportunites Pratite nas na Facebooku Naše najnovije vijesti i događaje redovno objavljujemo na Facebooku. Za najnovije informacije pratite našu Facebook stranicu Idite na Facebook Naši partneri

O FVAF-u O FVAF-u Naša priča Mi smo Vijeće volonterskog servisa i Volonterski centar Dekanske šume. Pružamo pomoć mnogim od stotina dobrovoljnih i društvenih organizacija u Distriktu koje su zauzvrat sposobnije da obavljaju svoj posao ui za lokalnu zajednicu. ​ Od osnivanja 1994. godine razvili smo reputaciju za ohrabrivanje, prihvaćanje i unapređenje djelovanja zajednice u cijeloj Dekanskoj šumi. Vjerujemo da kroz pristupe koje vodi zajednica omogućavamo građanima da razviju vještine, otpornost i društveni kapital kako bi živjeli sretnijim, bolje povezanim životima. Kancelarijske usluge Osoblje i povjerenici Politike Pristupačnost i održivost

Community Engagement - NHS assets and services We are currently carrying out community engagement work in the Forest of Dean seeking information about the use of NHS assets and services. We would very much appreciate it if you could help provide information as part of this exercise. ​ We hope you will be able to provide answers to a few questions in a survey that should only take a few minutes to complete. Community Engagement Survey: Parish Councils First name Last name Email Job title Organisation/Group Continue

OUR FOREST EVENTS 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 - ESHO (Employment Skills Outreach Hub) Holiday Activity and Food Programme Community Builders Forest of Dean Youth Association Forest Community Pantry Walking with Wheels Know Your Patch/CCF Network Forest Compass

VOTING NOW OPEN! VOTING CLOSES 10PM THIS SUNDAY - ??? SEPTEMBER Volunteer of the Year 2023 - People's Champion 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 5 community heroes. To vote for your favourite by selecting ONE of the following volunteers: Check out the profiles of the shortlisted nominees below Martin Elsmore VOLUNTEER AT The Golden Triangle Club An essential member of the volunteer team at The Golden Triangle Club, Martin gives a huge amount of his time and thought into providing a safe, fun place for adults with Learning Disability in the Forest of Dean and beyond. ​ Martin goes above and beyond to make sure that the members have the best time by arranging a selection of activities including demonstrating his fantastic DJing skills at regular discos and organising theatre and shopping trips. For the members, this club is a lifeline and really enhances their enjoyment of life. Steve Gregory VOLUNTEER at Foresters’ Forest & FVAF Steve has an incredible volunteer story. V olunteering has helped re-build his life and confidence after a brain tumour about 4 years ago. Along with volunteering with Foresters' Forest on a variety of wildlife projects, he has become an advocate and trainer for the accessible Walking with Wheels project and has become FVAF's in-house photographer. FVAF recently received funding to send Steve on a course to learn how to teach Mindfulness Photography. He plans to use these new skills by sharing them with the Forest of Dean Community. He is an inspiration and a great story of how volunteering can change people's lives. Hannah McGowan VOLUNTEER at Forest of Dean Hosts Ukrainians The founder of the FOD Hosts of Ukrainians support group, Hannah has given, and continues to give hundreds of hours of her time to help people fleeing the war in Ukraine. Responding to the pressing need to help Ukrainian refugees, Hannah was the driving force in bringing the local community together to provide a safe, welcoming and supportive place for Ukrainians by matching hosts and guests. From raising money to pay for transport and everyday living costs, Hannah and her amazing community team provide advice and support to host families and financial and emotional aid to guests. Les Cockle VOLUNTEER FUNDRAISER at Great Oaks Hospice An amazing example of a dedicated and selfless fundraiser, for many years Les has worked tirelessly repairing and refurbishing donated bikes which he sells from his house 7 days a week. Every penny made from the sale of the bikes is donated to Great Oaks Hospice. In just two years Les has raised an incredible £43,000 for the hospice and this money has helped the hospice to provide the wonderful care and support they offer to individuals and families across the Forest of Dean. Mark Jones VOLUNTEER at SWASFT Community First Responder for South Western Ambulance Service Foundation Trust Despite working full-time at a local secondary school, Mark supports the local community as a first responder, providing emergency care around the Forest of Dean at least twice a week. Throughout the pandemic Mark volunteered thousands of hours and regularly attends cardiac arrests and falls, throughout the night whilst still going to work in the morning. Find our more about the Forest Volunteers Awards here: