BOOK HERE! Frequently visited pages: COMMUNITY HUBS VOLUNTEER ADVICE YOUTH SUPPORT Beth yw FVAF? Ystyr FVAF yw Fforwm Gweithredu Gwirfoddol y Goedwig. Rydym yn cynnig cymorth i ddinasyddion lleol, grwpiau cymunedol a gweithgareddau i wneud y pethau sydd bwysicaf iddynt. Mae hyn yn cynnwys y canlynol: cefnogaeth a chyngor datblygu hyfforddiant gwybodaeth cyfarfodydd rhwydweithio hwyluso cynrychiolaeth recriwtio gwirfoddolwyr lleoliad a chefnogaeth gwirfoddolwyr Rydym hefyd yn cynnal llawer o brosiectau gyda’r gymuned leol ac ar ei chyfer, megis Cymdeithas Ieuenctid Forest of Dean, Ymgyrchoedd Gweithgareddau Gwyliau, Rhwydwaith Cerddoriaeth Ieuenctid y Goedwig, Prosiect GEM, Cyfeiriadur Cwmpawd y Goedwig, Walking with Wheels a llawer mwy. Edrychwch ar ein tudalen Prosiectau am fanylion llawn. “Adeiladu Cymunedau Cryfach i mewn Fforest y Ddena" Darganfod mwy JOIN OUR MAILING LIST Get the latest community news and check out exciting volunteering opportunity in or around the Forest of Dean... Ewch i Facebook Useful publications: FREE directory of the many volunteering opportunities available locally... DOWNLOAD Ein Partneriaid We work with so many amazing and supportive partners. Find out more here... How to contact us Forest Voluntary Action Forum Ow Bist Forest Community Space Dockham Road Cinderford , Glos. GL14 2AN Email us: contact@fvaf.org.uk Tel: 01594 822073 Copyright © 2021 Forest Voluntary Action Forum. All Rights Reserved. Forest Voluntary Action Forum is a charity (1141126) and company limited by guarantee (07557852) registered in England and Wales. The registered address is The Belle Vue Centre, Cinderford, Glos, GL14 2AB. 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

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 Programme Manager Teresa Allewell Finance & Operations Manager Catherine Best Communications & Fundraising Manager Deb Cook Volunteering Manager Connor Grimshaw Facilities 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 Alex Digby Digital Projects Manager Melanie Benn Community Builder Teresa Rose Community Connectors' Facilitator Natasha Nelson Forest Food Network Coordinator Pete Harper Community Connector 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. Penny Hulbert Chair of Trustees Simon Murray Vice Chair of Trustees Jonathan Gault Trustee - Treasurer Sid Phelps Trustee Diana Martin Trustee Roger Deeks Trustee Louise Penny Trustee Josh Bond Trustee Bob Rhodes Trustee Interested in becoming a FVAF Trustee? Talk to us! Contact Chris is ceo@fvaf.org.uk 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

Fforwm Cysylltwyr Cymunedol - Adnabod eich Rhwydwaith Patch Supporting Strong and Thriving Communities with Know Your Patch Cefnogi Cymunedau Cryf a Ffyniannus trwy Adnabod Eich Ardal Mae rhan Know Your Patch o'r Fforwm Cysylltwyr Cymunedol (CCF) yn cysylltu'r Sector Gwirfoddol a Chymunedol, Gwasanaethau Statudol a thrigolion lleol mewn ffordd sy'n creu ffyrdd gwell o weithio. Cynlluniwyd Rhwydwaith Know Your Patch Fforest y Ddena i gysylltu’r Sector Gwirfoddol a Chymunedol, Gwasanaethau Statudol a thrigolion lleol mewn ffordd sy’n creu gwell ffyrdd o weithio sydd yn y pen draw yn cryfhau ein cymunedau. Mae'r 'cynnig cymunedol' hwn yn arbennig o hanfodol er mwyn atal neu oedi rhag gwaethygu anghenion iechyd. Rydym yn cynnal digwyddiadau chwarterol ledled Fforest y Ddena lle rydym yn gwahodd rhanddeiliaid i ymuno â’r drafodaeth ar yr hyn sy’n bwysig yn eu cymuned a sut y gall gwasanaethau a grwpiau sector gwirfoddol helpu i gefnogi hyn. Mae pob digwyddiad Know Your Patch AM DDIM ac yn agored i unrhyw un sydd eisiau bod yn rhan o'r sgwrs. Os hoffech fynychu ffoniwch 01594 822073 neu e-bostiwch help4groups@fvaf.org.uk . Rydym hefyd yn anfon e-byst a diweddariadau rheolaidd i'n Rhwydwaith Know Your Patch ynghylch yr hyn sy'n digwydd yn Fforest y Ddena. Os hoffech ymuno â'r rhwydwaith hwn, tanysgrifiwch yma . Diolch i gyllid gan Mae Cyngor Sir Gaerloyw , Know Your Patch hefyd ar gael ym mhob Dosbarth arall yn Swydd Gaerloyw. Os hoffech chi ddarganfod mwy am y rhain ewch i yma . Dyma rywfaint o’r ymchwil sy’n tanlinellu ein ffordd o feddwl: "Mae gennym ni i gyd rôl i'w chwarae wrth helpu unigolion a chymunedau i ddatblygu cyfalaf cymdeithasol. Mae cydnabyddiaeth gynyddol, er bod gan grwpiau cymdeithasol a chymunedau difreintiedig ystod o anghenion cymhleth a rhyng-gysylltiedig, mae ganddyn nhw hefyd asedau ar lefel gymdeithasol a chymunedol. a all helpu i wella iechyd, a chryfhau gwytnwch i broblemau iechyd" (The Kings Fund, 2018) "Roedd gan y rhai â pherthnasoedd cymdeithasol digonol gyfradd oroesi 50 y cant yn uwch o gymharu ag unigolion â pherthnasoedd cymdeithasol gwael" (Holt-Lunstad et al 2010) “Dangoswyd bod rhwydweithiau cymdeithasol yr un mor bwerus â rhagfynegwyr marwolaethau â pheryglon ffordd o fyw a chlinigol cyffredin fel ysmygu cymedrol, yfed gormod o alcohol, gordewdra a cholesterol uchel a phwysedd gwaed” (Pantell et al 2013; Holt-Lunstad et al, 2010) . “Mae cymorth cymdeithasol yn arbennig o bwysig o ran cynyddu gwydnwch a hybu adferiad o salwch” (Pevalin a Rose, 2003) “Mae diffyg rhwydweithiau cymdeithasol a chefnogaeth yn ei gwneud hi’n anoddach hunan-reoleiddio ymddygiad ac adeiladu grym ewyllys a gwytnwch dros amser, gan arwain at ymgysylltu ag ymddygiadau afiach” (Cacioppo a Patrick 2009). “Mae Cyfranogiad Cymunedol yn lleihau arwahanrwydd, allgáu ac unigrwydd” (Farrell a Bryant 2009; Sevigny et al 2010; Ryan-Collins et al 2008) "Mae cyfalaf cymdeithasol cryf yn gwella'r siawns o osgoi risgiau ffordd o fyw fel ysmygu" (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.

Employment Skills Support Ready to take your next steps towards further education, volunteering or work? Go along to your nearest Community Hub for 121 conversations with our friendly Community Builders. They can help: Explore what matters to you Develop your CV Signposting to education, training and employment Consider volunteering opportunities Increase your confidence for online searches, applications, interviews Take up opportunities to get involved in your local community For more information please contact: community@fvaf.org.uk or 01594 822073

Gwirfoddoli Fel canolfan Wirfoddoli Fforest y Ddena rydym yma i'ch helpu i recriwtio a rheoli gwirfoddolwyr Ein Gwirfoddoli newydd llyfryn yn llawn o fanylion o wirfoddoli lleol mae cyfleoedd ar gael nawr CLICIWCH I LAWRLWYTHO Neu codwch gopi yn eich llyfrgell leol neu Hyb Cymunedol Fel y Ganolfan Gwirfoddoli ar gyfer y Fforest y Ddena ni yw'r pwynt cyswllt cyntaf yn aml i unrhyw un sydd â diddordeb mewn gwirfoddoli. Y llynedd roeddem yn falch o gefnogi gwerth dros 100,000 o oriau o wirfoddoli yn yr ardal! Mae FVAF yn hyrwyddo ac yn hysbysebu ystod eang o gyfleoedd gwirfoddoli gan sefydliadau sy'n rhannu ein hethos o ran cefnogi gwirfoddolwyr a chydnabod yr amrywiaeth eang o resymau pam mae pobl yn dewis gwirfoddoli. Pam Gwirfoddoli? Mae gan wirfoddoli nifer o fanteision enfawr, nid yn unig i chi yn unigol, ond i'ch cymuned a'r byd yr ydym yn byw ynddo. Os hoffech chi gyfoethogi'ch CV, cyfarfod â phobl newydd, defnyddio'ch sgiliau'n dda, dysgu rhywbeth newydd, dilyn diddordeb, cynnig profiad neu wneud gwahaniaeth, rydyn ni'n sicr o gael cyfle i chi! Gallwch gael gwybodaeth am y cyfleoedd hyn yn y ffyrdd canlynol: Chwiliwch am gyfleoedd yn Do-it.org Ffoniwch ni ar 01594 822073 Cysylltwch drwy ebost Dewch i ymweld â ni yn FVAF Llun - Gwener 9:00 - 1:00 ( Cyfarwyddiadau ) Os ydych yn dymuno gwirfoddoli fel rhan o grŵp mawr, er enghraifft fel rhan o wirfoddoli corfforaethol, yna mae gennym hefyd amrywiaeth eang o gyfleoedd i ddewis ohonynt. 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 Fel siop-un-stop ar gyfer popeth sy'n ymwneud â gwirfoddoli, rydym yn defnyddio methodoleg amlochrog i roi'r cyfle gorau posibl i chi recriwtio a chadw gwirfoddolwyr gwerthfawr. Mae hyn yn cynnwys y canlynol: Hysbysebu eich cyfleoedd ar Do-it.org Hyrwyddo eich cyfleoedd i aelodau o'r cyhoedd a gyfeiriwyd atom neu drwy ein swyddogaeth galw heibio. Hysbysebu eich cyfleoedd ar ein tudalennau Facebook a Twitter Hyrwyddo eich cyfleoedd i wasanaethau lleol sy'n cefnogi gwirfoddoli e.e. Canolfan Gwaith, LearnDirect a 2GetherTrust Hysbysebu eich cyfleoedd mewn dros 30 o ddigwyddiadau'r flwyddyn Anfon eich cyfleoedd i fusnesau lleol sy'n cynnig gwirfoddoli gyda chymorth cyflogwr Hyrwyddo cyfleoedd perthnasol i Ysgolion, Colegau a Phrifysgolion Dosbarthu eich cyfleoedd i'n cronfa ddata gwirfoddolwyr o dros 1,000 o bobl Hyrwyddo eich cyfleoedd i amrywiaeth o rwydweithiau, gan gynnwys Know Your Patch As a one-stop-shop for all things volunteering, we can help you find, and keep, the perfect volunteer: 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)

Cerdded gydag Olwynion Defnyddiwch un o'r sgwteri symudedd pob tir i gael mynediad i lwybrau prydferth y Goedwig gyda’ch teulu a’ch ffrindiau, waeth beth fo’ch gallu i gerdded. Yr Fforest y Ddena yn ganolfan gydnabyddedig ar gyfer cerdded a beicio ac yn cael ei gwasanaethu'n dda gan lwybrau a mynediad arall ag arwyneb. Fodd bynnag, ar gyfer pobl ag anabledd corfforol, iechyd gwael, nam ar y synhwyrau neu gyflwr llesteiriol arall, efallai y bydd angen rhywfaint o gymorth pŵer, dehongliad arbenigol neu gyfryngau priodol eraill i'w galluogi i fwynhau'r buddion y mae eraill yn eu cymryd yn ganiataol. hwn Coedwigwyr Prosiect a Ariennir gan Gronfa Dreftadaeth y Loteri, yn cydweithio â Symudedd Cefn Gwlad yn darparu cyfleoedd i fwy o bobl gael mynediad i Fforest y Ddena. Mae Walking with Wheels yn darparu sgwteri symudedd pob tir (o’r enw Trampers) i’w llogi o Forest Holidays yn Christchurch, a Gwesty’r Speech House. Mae'r Trampers ar gael ar gyfer llwybrau wedi'u mapio ymlaen llaw sy'n cynnwys golygfeydd Symonds Yat, y Biblins, Arboretum Cyril Hart a Llyn Hwyaid Pike i enwi dim ond rhai. Os hoffech chi ddysgu mwy am Gerdded gydag Olwynion, ffoniwch 01594 822073 neu cysylltwch â ni trwy e-bost . Cwestiynau Cyffredin Beth yw 'Tramper'? Pwy all ddefnyddio'r gwasanaeth hwn? Ar ba lwybrau y gallaf ei ddefnyddio? Pryd mae ar gael i'w logi? Sut gallaf archebu un? Faint mae'n ei gostio i logi Tramper? Beth os nad ydw i erioed wedi defnyddio un o'r rhain o'r blaen? Beth os bydd angen help ychwanegol arnaf? Pam fod yn rhaid i mi ddod yn aelod o Countryside Mobility? A allaf helpu gyda'r prosiect hwn? Beth os bydd angen i mi ganslo archeb? Frequently Asked Questions

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

The podcast kit is also available for hire to voluntary community groups. For more information on The Community Action Pod and ways to get involved contact the Host Melanie Benn on melanie@fvaf.org.uk or 01594 822073. Produced by Forest Voluntary Action Forum Funded by the Barnwood Trust Digital Inclusion Fund