LATEST FVAF NEWS Two brilliant people, two exciting new roles! We’re really pleased to share some good news. As part of a strategic restructure, we’ve created two new senior roles – and we’re delighted that both have been filled by people already at the heart of our organisation. These appointments recognise the talent, experience and deep community knowledge within our own team, and reflect our commitment to growing strong leadership from within. Deb Cook – Head of Development After more than a decade with FVAF, Deb’s promotion feels like a natural next step. She has played a huge role in building relationships, championing co-design, and helping turn bold ideas and community stories into meaningful change. As Head of Development, Deb will lead our development strategy – strengthening partnerships, supporting innovation, amplifying community voices, and helping us test and grow new approaches that align with our Theory of Change. Chris Brown, CEO at FVAF said: “After 11 years with FVAF championing volunteering and community groups, I could not be more thrilled to see Deb moving into this exciting new role within the organisation. Deb will bring fresh ideas, energy, and passion to drive innovation in our communities and help grow all the things which make the Forest of Dean such a brilliant place.” Alex Digby – Community Manager We’re equally pleased to announce Alex’s move into the newly created role of Community Manager. Alex will lead our Community Team, supporting projects that put local people in the driving seat, build strong connections, and unlock the skills and assets already present across the Forest of Dean. This role sits right at the heart of our commitment to community-led action and advocacy. “It has been fantastic to watch and support Alex’s growth in our organisation over the last few years, and I am delighted that he has secured this exciting promotion. Alex is a role model for strengths-based working, and he has excelled at building strong relationships across the county in his role as Digital Projects Manager. I am confident that Alex will provide strong leadership to our Community team and look forward to supporting his continued growth with FVAF.” said Nick Penny, Head of Operations at FVAF. Both of these appointments reflect our belief in investing in people and recognising internal talent. They will play a key role in shaping FVAF’s future and deepening our impact across the Forest of Dean. We couldn’t be prouder to see Deb and Alex step into these roles. For media enquires contact communications@fvaf.org.uk or 01594 822073. -END - Notes to editor: Established in 1994, Forest Voluntary Action Forum (FVAF) is the Voluntary Service Council and Volunteer Centre for the Forest of Dean The charity offers support to local citizens, community groups and activities including support and development advice, training, networking meetings, facilitating representation, volunteer recruitment, volunteer placement and support In addition, FVAF delivers projects with and for the local community, including Youth Support Service, Holiday Activity and Food Programme, The Gloucestershire Digi Partnership, The Forest Compass Directory, Walking with Wheels Head office - Forest Voluntary Action Forum, Ow Bist – Forest Community Space, Dockham Rd, Cinderford , Glos. GL14 2AN.

Photo: L to R County Cllr Ray Donaghue, Chris Brown (FVAF CEO) & Reuben Brown, Tom Cousins, Cinderford Town Mayor Roger Sterry & Cllr Sid Phelps Local Councillors Celebrate New Community Mural Marking FVAF's 30th Anniversary Striking artwork brings together decades of Forest of Dean community action Local councillors visited Cinderford earlier this month to view a vibrant new community mural celebrating the Forest of Dean's heritage of grassroots activism and marking Forest Voluntary Action Forum's 30th anniversary. Councillors from Cinderford Town Council and County Councillor Ray Donaghue toured the large-scale artwork, which was made possible through funding from Gloucestershire County Council's Build Back Better Fund. A Community-Led Design The mural emerged from summer workshops where local residents shared stories, memories, and perspectives spanning decades of community action. Local artist Tom Cousins transformed these diverse voices into a unified artwork capturing the enduring spirit of volunteerism that defines the area. The design bridges past and present, from early 20th century Friendly Society Banners to today's environmental campaigns. It showcases grassroots volunteer-led groups, community choirs and music festivals, local food networks, sports clubs, and community-owned shops and pubs. References to the area as the "land between two rivers" ground the celebration in the Forest of Dean's distinctive landscape and character. Catherine Best, Communications & Fundraising Manager at FVAF, said: "This mural wasn't just about improving the look of our new community building – it's about celebrating who we are as a community and the pride we have in our local heritage. Every time you look at it, you see something different. We've had a fantastic response from local people stopping to take a look, taking pictures and discussing what they see and what it means to them. We hope it will serve as both a reminder of the rich heritage of community action in our past and an inspiration for the future." Part of a Wider Transformation The mural is part of FVAF's transformation of the former doctor's surgery into a welcoming, inclusive community space for everyone in Cinderford and the wider district. For over 30 years, FVAF has helped local people turn ideas into action through resources, guidance, and networking opportunities. The organisation works with over 800 community groups annually to make the Forest of Dean an even better place to live. For more information, contact communications@fvaf.org.uk or 01594 822073.

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!

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

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

Forum konektora zajednice - Upoznajte svoju mrežu zakrpa Supporting Strong and Thriving Communities with Know Your Patch Podrška jakim i uspješnim zajednicama uz pomoć Know Your Patch Know Your Patch dio Foruma za povezivanje zajednice (CCF) povezuje volonterski i društveni sektor, zakonske službe i lokalno stanovništvo na način koji stvara bolje načine rada. The Forest of Dean Know Your Patch Network je dizajnirana da poveže volonterski i društveni sektor, zakonske službe i lokalno stanovništvo na način koji stvara bolje načine rada koji na kraju jača naše zajednice. Ova 'ponuda zajednice' je posebno vitalna u sprečavanju ili odlaganju eskalacije zdravstvenih potreba. Domaćini smo tromjesečnih događaja u cijeloj Dekanskoj šumi gdje pozivamo zainteresirane strane da se pridruže diskusiji o tome šta je važno u njihovoj zajednici i kako usluge i grupe dobrovoljnog sektora mogu pomoći u tome. Svaki događaj Know Your Patch je BESPLATAN i otvoren za sve koji žele biti dio razgovora. Ako želite da prisustvujete, pozovite na 01594 822073 ili e-mail help4groups@fvaf.org.uk . Također šaljemo redovne e-poruke i ažuriranja našoj mreži Know Your Patch o tome šta se dešava u Forest of Dean. Ako se želite pridružiti ovoj mreži, pretplatite se ovdje . Zahvaljujući finansiranju iz Gloucestershire County Council , Know Your Patch je također dostupan u svakom drugom okrugu u Gloucestershireu. Ako želite saznati više o njima, posjetite ovdje . Evo nekih istraživanja koja potcrtavaju naše razmišljanje: "Svi mi moramo odigrati ulogu u pomaganju pojedincima i zajednicama da razviju društveni kapital. Sve je više uviđanje da iako socijalno ugrožene grupe i zajednice imaju niz složenih i međusobno povezanih potreba, one također imaju sredstva na društvenom i društvenom nivou koji mogu pomoći u poboljšanju zdravlja i jačanju otpornosti na zdravstvene probleme" (The Kings Fund, 2018.) "Oni sa adekvatnim društvenim odnosima imali su 50 posto veću stopu preživljavanja u poređenju sa pojedincima sa lošim društvenim odnosima" (Holt-Lunstad et al 2010.) „Društvene mreže su se pokazale kao moćni prediktori smrtnosti kao i uobičajeni način života i klinički rizici kao što su umjereno pušenje, prekomjerna konzumacija alkohola, pretilost i visoki kolesterol i krvni tlak“ (Pantell et al 2013; Holt-Lunstad et al, 2010) . „Društvena podrška je posebno važna u povećanju otpornosti i promicanju oporavka od bolesti“ (Pevalin i Rose, 2003.) „Nedostatak društvenih mreža i podrške otežava samoregulaciju ponašanja i izgradnju snage volje i otpornosti tokom vremena, što dovodi do uključivanja u nezdrava ponašanja“ (Cacioppo i Patrick 2009). "Učešće u zajednici smanjuje izolaciju, isključenost i usamljenost" (Farrell i Bryant 2009; Sevigny et al 2010; Ryan-Collins et al 2008) „Snažan društveni kapital poboljšava šanse za izbjegavanje rizika od načina života kao što je pušenje“ (Folland 2008; Brown et al, 2006) Autumn Programme 2025 September 2nd (Short) Thriving Communities The TC grant was launched in August. Come along and find out more about it and hear about the work that has been funded through the scheme. 16th (Short) Digital Inclusion Strategy – Stakeholder Engagement with GCC This session will be led by those involved in the Digital Inclusion Project in Gloucestershire. 30th (Short) Health in the Forest A focus on health-related matters and support that is available in our locality. October 14th (In-person) Spotlight on Cinderford This meeting will take the form of a walk around the town visiting some of the projects that are being led by FKYP members and partners. We will meet at Ow Bist Forest Community Space and follow a route round Cinderford. 28th (Short) FODCAP Update Come along and hear about developments and updates on project in the Forest. November 11th (Short) Community Support Showcasing the work of several community groups who work for the benefit of the Forest Community. 25th (Long) Health in the Forest Another session where we will focus on health-related matters and support that is available in our locality. Please note The meeting on October 14th will be in-person and an opportunity for all those attending to network. All other meetings are online on MS Teams. The invitation will be sent out at the beginning of the season and then the link will be added to the regular reminder email – together with meeting notes from the previous session and the Agenda for the meeting 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.

YOUTH CLUBS & ACTIVITIES

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

Forest of Dean Mental Health Locality Partnership The Locality Partnership offers VCS and faith-based organisations the opportunity to meet with other professionals and voluntary groups who are supporting people with their mental health in the Forest of Dean. The Partnership is a collective of social care practitioners who are working towards a community response to the My Networks scoping project findings. By coming together, we hope to keep abreast of developments, begin partnership projects or create collaborative opportunities that can address what is needed for better mental health in the Forest of Dean. We are now an integral part of the wider Forest Know Your Patch network. Regular online meetings as well as live, in-person events are held where topics and projects are discussed and highlighted. As well as this, the FKYP works closely with other statutory organisations offering a platform to disseminate up-to-date information about services available in the community.

Hodanje sa točkovima Koristite jedan od Skuteri za mobilnost na svim terenima za pristup prekrasnim šumskim stazama sa svojom porodicom i prijateljima, bez obzira na vaše sposobnosti hodanja. The Forest of Dean je priznat centar za šetnju i vožnju biciklom i dobro je opslužen stazama i drugim površinskim pristupima. Za osobe sa tjelesnim invaliditetom, lošim zdravljem, senzornim oštećenjem ili nekim drugim inhibirajućim stanjem, međutim, može postojati potreba za nekom stručnom pomoći, specijalizovanim tumačenjem ili drugim odgovarajućim medijima kako bi im se omogućilo da uživaju u pogodnostima koje drugi uzimaju zdravo za gotovo. Ovo Šumarska šuma Projekat finansiran od Heritage Lottery, radeći zajedno sa Countryside Mobility pruža mogućnosti za više ljudi da pristupe Dekanskoj šumi. Walking with Wheels nudi skutere za kretanje po svim terenima (zvane Trampers) za iznajmljivanje iz Forest Holidays u Christchurchu i hotela Speech House. Trampersi su dostupni za unaprijed mapirane rute koje pružaju pogled na Symonds Yat, Biblins, Arboretum Cyril Hart i jezero Mallards Pike, da spomenemo samo neke. Ako želite saznati više o Hodanju s točkovima, pozovite 01594 822073 ili kontaktirajte nas putem emaila . Često Postavljena Pitanja Šta je 'Tramper'? Ko može koristiti ovu uslugu? Na kojim rutama ga mogu koristiti? Kada je moguće unajmiti? Kako mogu rezervirati? Koliko košta unajmiti Trampera? Šta ako nikada ranije nisam koristio jedan od ovih? Šta ako mi treba dodatna pomoć? Zašto moram postati član Countryside Mobility? Mogu li pomoći s ovim projektom? Šta ako trebam otkazati rezervaciju? Frequently Asked Questions

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