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

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

COMING SOON! Universal Youth Services We’re thrilled to announce our new partnership to bring Open Access Universal Youth Services to Gloucester and the Forest of Dean! Together with Gloucestershire Gateway Trust and The Venture Community Hub (TVCH), we’ve joined forces to make a real difference in the lives of young people. Guided by GGT, in the Forest of Dean FVAF will be leading on supporting a wide range of services for young people aged 11 to 19 (or up to 25 for those with special educational needs and disabilities). Our youth services will be available to everyone, focusing on the needs of the local community to create a more connected, supported, and engaging youth sector. Stay tuned for more updates and get ready to be part of something amazing! FIND OUT MORE ABOUT... Gloucestershire Gateway Trust The Venture Community Hub

Cerdded Gydag Olwynion: Cwestiynau Cyffredin Beth yw 'Tramper'? Mae Tramper yn gerbyd symudedd trydan pob tir. Mae ganddo gyflymder cyfyngedig o hyd at 4mya sy'n ddelfrydol ar gyfer cerddwyr neu blant ifanc ar feiciau. Gall manyleb lawn y Trampers fod dod o hyd yma . Pwy all ddefnyddio'r gwasanaeth hwn? Mae Cerdded gydag Olwynion yn agored i unrhyw un dros 14 oed ac sy’n pwyso o dan 25 stôn sy’n cael anhawster cerdded oherwydd anawsterau symudedd dros dro neu barhaol. Ar ba lwybrau y gallaf ei ddefnyddio? Mae'r llwybrau sydd ar gael yn cynnwys i Symond's Yat Rock ac i lawr i'r afon Gwy yn Symond's Yat o Forest Holidays a Cyril Hart Arboretum, Hwyaid Gwyllt a rhannau o Lwybr Beicio'r Teulu o The Speech House. Darperir mapiau o'r llwybrau wrth logi. Pryd mae ar gael i'w logi? Mae'r Tramper ar gael i'w logi 9:00 - 5:00 7 diwrnod yr wythnos (gall oriau fod yn fyrrach yn y Gaeaf i sicrhau dychwelyd cyn iddi nosi). Sut gallaf archebu un? Archebwch eich Tramper ymlaen llaw cyn y diwrnod, i osgoi cael eich siomi. Cysylltwch â'r safleoedd tramper yn uniongyrchol i archebu. Ar gyfer Gwyliau Coedwig ffoniwch 01594 837165 Ar gyfer The Speech House ffoniwch 01594 822607 Faint mae'n ei gostio i logi Tramper? Mae'r Tramper yn costio dim ond £2.50 yr awr. Ar gyfer defnyddwyr am y tro cyntaf mae yna hefyd ffi aelodaeth flynyddol o £10 i Countryside Mobility neu £2.50 am sesiwn blasu pythefnos. Beth os nad ydw i erioed wedi defnyddio un o'r rhain o'r blaen? Peidio â phoeni! Maent yn syml iawn ac yn ddiogel i'w gweithredu a bydd pob defnyddiwr yn cael cyflwyniad llawn i sicrhau eu bod yn teimlo'n ddiogel ac yn gyfforddus i fynd i'r afael â'n llwybrau anhygoel. Beth os bydd angen help ychwanegol arnaf? Gofynnwn i bawb ddod gyda nhw ar y llwybrau felly bydd rhywun gyda chi bob amser. Os hoffech roi cynnig ar Tramper, cyn llogi un, ffoniwch un o'n canolfannau i drefnu. Pam fod yn rhaid i mi ddod yn aelod o Countryside Mobility? Mae Countryside Mobility yn gyfrifol am ddarparu'r Trampers a dyna pam eu bod yn cael eu cynnig am bris mor fforddiadwy. Maent hefyd yn gweithio i sicrhau bod pob safle sy'n cynnal Tramper yn gwneud hynny mewn ffordd ddiogel a hawdd ei chyrraedd. Bydd yr aelodaeth hon hefyd yn eich galluogi i ddefnyddio unrhyw un o'r Trampers yn y nifer o safleoedd Cefn Gwlad Symudedd ar draws y De Orllewin. Ewch i wefan Countryside Mobility am ragor o wybodaeth. Gallwch lenwi ffurflenni aelodaeth yn y ganolfan cyn llogi. A allaf helpu gyda'r prosiect hwn? Mae Cerdded gydag Olwynion yn dibynnu ar wirfoddolwyr i hyrwyddo ein gwasanaeth. Os oes gennych ddiddordeb mewn helpu i ledaenu’r gair am ein gwasanaeth, neu os hoffech helpu mewn ffordd arall, ffoniwch 01594 822073 neu e-bostiwch walkingwithwheels@fvaf.org.uk . Bydd hyfforddiant a chefnogaeth lawn yn cael eu darparu. Beth os bydd angen i mi ganslo archeb? Gofynnwn i chi roi o leiaf 24 awr o rybudd o ganslo fel y gallwn logi'r Tramper i ddefnyddiwr arall. I ganslo cysylltwch â'r safle y gwnaethoch archebu gyda hi 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

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

Dewch yn aelod o FVAF Trwy ddod yn aelod o FVAF rydych chi'n ein helpu ni i barhau i ddarparu gwasanaeth cefnogi hanfodol i'r sector gwirfoddol a chymunedol yn y Fforest y Ddena . Mae FVAF yn gweithredu fel eiriolwr dros weithredu gwirfoddol a chymunedol lle bo’n briodol ar lefel ardal, sir a chenedlaethol, a pho fwyaf o aelodau rydym yn eu cynrychioli, cryfaf fydd ein llais. Ymgynghorir ag aelodau felly ar faterion sy'n effeithio ar y sector gwirfoddol a chymunedol yn Fforest y Ddena a'r hyn yr ydym yn bwriadu ei gyflawni fel sefydliad. Fel aelod, byddwch yn mwynhau mynediad at ein gwasanaethau swyddfa, cyfraddau argraffu a chopïo gostyngol, hyrwyddo swyddi gwag gwirfoddol ar gyfer eich grŵp, a rhentu ystod o offer swyddfa am ddim. Mae hyn yn cynnwys: Byrddau Arddangos Dolen Clyw Taflunydd Digidol a sgrin System PA Siartiau troi Bwrdd plygu hir Wrn arlwyo dŵr poeth Gazebo (£5 yn angenrheidiol) Os hoffech ddod yn aelod o FVAF cliciwch ar y botwm Ymuno â FVAF ar y dde a chwblhewch y ffurflen. Am ragor o fanylion ffoniwch 01594 822073 Mae AM DDIM i ddod yn aelod o FVAF i gael mynediad at ein holl wasanaethau cymorth Ymunwch â FVAF

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!

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)

FVAF Appoints Nick Penny as Head of Operations FVAF is delighted to announce the appointment of Nick Penny to the newly created role of Head of Operations, effective 1 January 2026. Nick brings over five years of dedicated service to FVAF, where he has been instrumental in driving delivery of various community projects as Programme Manager. His promotion recognises his outstanding contribution to the organisation and his deep understanding of FVAF's community-rooted approach. In his new role, Nick will provide strategic leadership across FVAF's operational teams, programmes, and internal systems. He will oversee frontline delivery, ensure operational excellence, and lead the organisation's people-management functions. Reporting directly to the CEO, Nick will be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, guiding FVAF's continued growth and impact. The Head of Operations role has been established to strengthen FVAF's infrastructure and ensure the organisation's delivery remains aligned with its TRIBE (Trust, Relational, Innovation, Bravery, Equity) values and Theory of Change. Chris Brown, FVAF CEO said: "Nick lives and breathes community. He is a fantastic role model within the organisation and his commitment to the Forest of Dean and FVAF is infectious. I am delighted that Nick will be taking this next step in his journey with us and am excited to see what we’ll achieve together”. Nick Penny said: “I am really excited by the opportunities that this new role brings for both my own personal development and the continued growth of the Charity. I am extremely grateful to our Board of Trustees for their support of Chris and the leadership team with this investment in developing our organisation. It is fantastic to wake up in the morning knowing that my role, and those of my colleagues, contribute so successfully to making a positive impact across our Forest of Dean community." 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 Forest of Dean Youth Association, Holiday Activity Campaigns, The Forest Youth Music Network, The Gloucestershire Digi Partnership, The Forest Compass Directory, Walking with Wheels FVAF receives some financial support from the Forest of Dean District Council and funds activities through external funding opportunities 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.

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.

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