Recovery & Wellbeing Café “A Community Created Curriculum of Curious Conversations” Weekly Face-to-Face Discussions & Recovery Educational Sessions Each Wednesday (Term Time) at Café 16 in Coleford from 6-8pm. “A safe space to create who you are, not be told what to think.” Join conversations with a diverse range of people with professional & lived experience of different subjects, local people who have gained understandings about the impact current concerns have upon mental health, recovery and wellbeing. We are building a supportive space where, as critical friends, we can learn together and support each other with our individual understandings. All curious & compassionate folk welcome.

NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN! CLOSING DATE: MIDNIGHT SUNDAY 20 JULY 2025 Nomination Form 2025 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 Accessibility & 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

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

FOREST VOLUNTEER AWARDS IT'S VOTING TIME! The PUBLIC VOTE is now OPEN for Volunteer of the Year 2025 - The People's Champion! VOTING CLOSES: MIDNIGHT WEDNESDAY 27 AUGUST 2025 We had so many fantastic nominations, with every one a worthy winner BUT after much deliberation our judging panel shortlisted the following local volunteers: VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE Carol Austin – Sedbury Space Laura Dovey – Taurus Crafts Annie George – Forest Exchange Ian Gower – CANDI, Mitcheldean Youth Club, Scarr Bandstand Glynis Halling – The Victoria Centre, Lydney Dial-a-Ride, Dr Charley's Lunch Club Julie Holder – Packed with Love Submit Find out why these amazing volunteers were nominated below: CAROL AUSTIN Sedbury Space Carol leads one of the Forest's busiest community groups at Sedbury Space, welcoming 30+ members weekly with exceptional care and dedication. LAURA DOVEY Taurus Crafts For an incredible twenty years, Laura has been the welcoming face of Taurus Crafts in Lydney, greeting every customer with genuine warmth and enthusiasm ANNIE GEORGE Forest Exchange Annie is the organisational powerhouse behind Forest Exchange (formerly Lydney Exchange), working tirelessly to help as many people as possible through this vital community resource.. Her personal touch makes all the difference – she ensures every member receives a birthday card and personally checks on anyone who's been absent for two weeks. Carol's generous spirit extends beyond her volunteer duties as she steps in to cover extra sessions, ensures no one feels excluded, and has a remarkable gift for helping shy members feel included without them even realising it. Her warm, energetic presence and unwavering commitment to helping others makes her an exceptional volunteer who truly goes above and beyond. Working across both the gift shop and Zero Waste shop, Laura's reliability and attention to detail shine through in everything she does – from pricing and checking invoices to ensuring packing materials are properly recycled. Her outstanding customer service skills and diligent approach make her a joy to work with, while her caring, helpful nature brings smiles to everyone she meets. Laura's two decades of unwavering commitment exemplifies the very best in community volunteering. Her incredible work ethic is evident whether she's moving heavy boxes, washing donated clothes, implementing efficient labelling systems, or lifting spirits with her amazing sense of humour. Over the past two and a half years, Annie has played a crucial role in the Exchange's remarkable growth from strength to strength. Though she's moving away to be closer to family, her unique approach to helping individuals and her invaluable contributions have left a lasting impact on the Forest community. IAN GOWER Mitcheldean Youth Club, CANDI, Scarr Bandstand Ian's volunteer work spans multiple organisations, making him a true Forest community champion through his support at CANDI, Mitcheldean Youth Hub, Scarr Bandstand, and the Forest of Dean History Society. GLYNIS HALLING The Victoria Centre, Lydney Dial-a-Ride, Dr Charley's Lunch Club For over 25 years, Glynis has been the driving force behind vital community services, serving as chief organiser and fundraiser for the Victoria Centre and previously Lydney Dial-a-Ride. JULIE HOLDER Packed with Love Julie is the inspirational driving force behind Packed with Love, a remarkable not-for-profit initiative that packs 180 backpacks for children in emergency care. Drawing on his engineering background with Rolls Royce, Ian creates engaging STEM workshops and provides maths tutoring that makes learning both fun and educational for young people. His understanding, kind, and caring approach toward young people, combined with his wealth of knowledge, makes him an exceptional mentor. Ian's dedication to his community is evident in how nothing is ever too much trouble, and his willingness to go out of his way to support the young people and various groups he serves. Her exceptional admin skills, creative vision, and ongoing dedication have been essential to these organisations' success. Glynis also volunteered for 13 years at Dr Charley's lunch club in Coleford, serving as Treasurer and later taking leadership after founder Dora Matthews passed away. Her commitment to community service has touched countless lives across the Forest, providing the "essential oil for the wheels" of much-valued services that bring people together and support those in need. Her tireless dedication encompasses every aspect of the operation – organising jumble sales and book sales, seeking donations, storing items in her own home, purchasing necessary supplies, coordinating the packing process, and ensuring distribution reaches those who need it most. Julie's work directly impacts vulnerable children during some of their most difficult moments, providing them with essential items and a tangible reminder that their community cares. Her selfless commitment transforms donations into hope for children facing uncertain times.

FVAF Community Celebration & AGM 2023 FRIDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2024 | 11AM - 2PM Ow Bis - Forest Community Space, Dockham Road GL14 2AN We are inviting the whole community to join us in celebrating the work FVAF has done over the last 12 months for, and with communities across the Forest of Dean PLUS it’s our 30th anniversary this year and we’re ready to celebrate! Refreshments and a delicious buffet lunch will be provided. Places are limited - please book your ticket ASAP READ THE AGM NOTICE BELOW: BOOK YOUR TICKET

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

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

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 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 As a one-stop-shop for all things volunteering, we can help you find, and keep, the perfect volunteer: 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 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)

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.

Ynglŷn â FVAF Ein Stori Ni yw'r Cyngor Gwasanaethau Gwirfoddol a Chanolfan Gwirfoddoli Fforest y Ddena. Rydym yn darparu cymorth i lawer o’r cannoedd o fudiadau gwirfoddol a chymunedol yn yr Ardal sydd yn eu tro yn gallu cyflawni eu gwaith yn well yn y gymuned leol ac ar ei rhan. Ers ffurfio yn 1994 rydym wedi datblygu enw da am annog, cofleidio a gwella gweithredu cymunedol ledled Fforest y Ddena. Credwn, drwy ddulliau a arweinir gan y gymuned, ein bod yn galluogi dinasyddion i ddatblygu’r sgiliau, y gwydnwch a’r cyfalaf cymdeithasol i fyw bywydau hapusach, sydd wedi’u cysylltu’n well. Gwasanaethau Swyddfa Staff ac Ymddiriedolwyr Polisïau Hygyrchedd a Chynaliadwyedd

Mycelium My Networks Mental Health Project Mycelium - Forest Mental Health Project The Mycelium Project aims to create an infrastructure in the Forest of Dean that: Influences change in statutory services for mental health services and support. Provides training to build a network of Lived Experience Practitioners who will support peer workers in the healthcare and voluntary and community sector. Offers support, supervision, safeguarding, visibility, and accountability. Click on the image to find out more information: Forest of Dean Mental Health Locality Partnership Peer Development Recovery & Wellbeing Café Resource Hub/Library