YOUTH CLUBS & ACTIVITIES

Waldkompass Forest Compass ist ein physisches und Online-Verzeichnis, das viele der regelmäßigen Aktivitäten, Selbsthilfegruppen und Clubs auflistet, die im gesamten Forest of Dean verfügbar sind. Der Wald beherbergt Hunderte von sozialen und Aktivitätsgruppen aller Art, von Babygruppen über Mittagsclubs, Männerschuppen bis hin zu Gedächtniscafés. Viele sind kostenlos oder sehr kostengünstig zu besuchen und werden von Freiwilligen oder gemeinnützigen Gruppen durchgeführt. Leider sind sich viele Menschen, die von solchen Gruppen profitieren könnten, der erstaunlichen Möglichkeiten vor ihrer Haustür nicht bewusst. Wenn Sie eine ehrenamtlich geführte Aktivität, einen Club oder eine Selbsthilfegruppe im Forest of Dean betreiben, werben Sie KOSTENLOS sowohl im physischen Verzeichnis von Forest Compass als auch hier im Online-Verzeichnis, indem Sie das unten stehende Formular ausfüllen. Download OTHER USEFUL DIRECTORIES: YourCircle Check out a local directory to help you find your way around care and support and connect with people, places and activities in Gloucestershire

Peer Development Developing the space between us to enable better Community Health and Wellbeing. Mycelium seeks to promote connectedness between people and encourage collaboration in service development in the Forest of Dean. Mycelium seeks to promote connectedness between people and encourage collaboration in service development in the Forest of Dean. We wish to do so to develop a counternarrative to ‘siloed working’ and the overbearing competitiveness between people, organisations and within emerging systems. We value both lived and professional experience equally and work from a horizontal, narrative informed, peer advocacy model with co-production and action research principles at its core. What do we do? We offer Peer Advocacy, Peer Mentoring & Peer Development for individuals, groups and organisations living or working in the Forest of Dean. For People from our Communities We work with individuals providing 1 to 1 support. Using peer advocacy and peer mentoring principles we can help you to develop a ‘recovery practice’ that enables you to get back up after a crisis, or travel safely through a difficult period in your life. We can help you: to understand and respond to social care needs or a health condition and can help you to cope with a situation that is causing you emotional distress. to find information, to build confidence as you begin to identify, navigate and try out the wellbeing and self-help resources that are available to you in your local community. if issues arise when trying to build yourself up again - we can be there and help you to learn about yourself, your world and your rights. to travel through the complexities of recovery from a health condition, from mental illness, trauma or addiction - to raise your voice about what is important to you as you do so. to access advice from the best expertise available and can then support you to understand, choose between and explore the options opened up for you by that advice. to access community groups and projects and help them in turn to become more confident, compassionate and efficient when supporting individuals experiencing mental health difficulties. Peer advocacy will work on up to three specific community advocacy issues at a time, but the Peer mentoring will be open access, an ‘in the background’ wrap around support that will attempt to respond to your unique circumstances and complex needs whilst still trying to link you in with the best expertise available to you. For Volunteers and Professionals “Project Support” - We work with individuals developing groups and organisations With consultancy, reflective practice and ongoing support we can help lived experience practitioners, peer support workers and staff with lived experience who are working in the VCS and local health and social care settings, to use their experiences of illness or mental distress in a way that is safe, effective and compassionate for both them and the people they are supporting. We can help: you to develop an idea, a workshop, a group or a project that has arisen from your own unique situation, lived experience or from the skills and awareness gained on your recovery journey. provide or link you in with training, information, supervision and a support structure around you to enable you to turn this awareness into a skill that can benefit others in your local community. projects, groups and organisations develop their co-production strategies and be a point of contact with transformed mental health services and the wider supports available. We can enable you to implement these strategies in a non ’tokenistic’ & authentic way. you to stay well and practice self-care whilst working and using your lived experience to help others who are going through health conditions or mental distres s. What does ‘Peer’ mean? “PEER … One that is of equal standing with another” The ‘Peer’ in Peer Advocacy, Peer Mentoring and Peer Development points to shared concerns and experiences. Peer support is when we come together with others who have been through or are recovering from something similar. It is about ‘mutuality’ - helping each other through conversations, activities and spending time together. It can help us not to feel so alone or unusual, to realise that there is a possibility of life beyond and outside of the condition, distress or situation encountered. Peer services connect people and create opportunities for ‘giving back’; they can help us to take notice of the skills and knowledge we have gained on our journeys while also creating opportunities to use these skills to build better services and communities for the future. Who are we? We are all local people with both professional and personal experience of disability, illness, mental distress and/or have been carers for people navigating social and health care systems. We are all individuals who have had extensive experience of managing our own recoveries from illness and mental distress and have learnt much from doing so. We all feel that talking to someone who has ‘been through’ and managed to successfully survive and navigate something similar in the past can be incredibly helpful to those who are feeling isolated with that condition, situation or circumstance in the present. Though we understand the importance of being supported by someone who understands from ‘lived experience’, we also recognise the importance of skill and learning. We know how important ongoing development is to help convert that learning into a constructive, safe and effective practice that enables others. We have all received extensive previous training and are committed to continued professional development alongside the “lived experience” knowledge that we draw upon. We have all benefitted from Peer Advocacy, Peer Support or Peer Mentoring ourselves and are passionate about its enormous benefits for good community mental health and wellbeing. We have all had extensive previous experience of co-production work, collaborative working, community development and promoting diverse voices. What have we done so far? Developing Action Research & our Narrative Model for locality-based peer development Over the past two years Mycelium has been drawing together people with experience, professionals and those passionate about community development, to overcome barriers to discussion and rally around shared concerns or stories. The aim of this has been to increase understanding about mental health illness and, most importantly, move towards improvement of the current situation for individuals, families and the Forest communities. We have developed a Resource Hub, Community-based Recovery Education Sessions and a Community of Practice group for those working with individuals with mental health challenges. We have facilitated extensive community-based action research to ascertain need and identify a network of allies. This has been published alongside papers on co-production and has all been fed into the Community Mental Health Transformation undertaken in Gloucestershire. Who are we for? We have supported the growth of community initiatives that allow everybody’s voices to be heard and we want change to continue to be driven by well-being and mutual aid. We are listening, learning and offering opportunities for all community members within the Forest and invite you to join us on this exciting journey. Anyone 16 + who is living or working in the Forest of Dean. Anyone who feels that they could benefit from support from individuals with experience of managing their own recovery from mental health difficulties, addiction, mental distress or a health condition. Anyone facing challenges in accessing the support that they want and need help to find information, understand their rights, build a support network or develop an advocacy plan of action to raise their voice or complain about the care they have received. Anyone with either diagnosed or undiagnosed conditions and people waiting on waiting lists for assessment. Our aim is to respect all perspectives and encourage action and improvement in the lives of all across our Forest communities. How do I find out more, get involved or access Mycelium support? For more information drop Simon Price (Project Manager and Mental Health Researcher) a message at Simon@fvaf.org.uk or call 07394 945046 to arrange a meet up and find out more about Mycelium Peer Development.

What we do We support many community-led projects shaped with, and for local people: Employment and skills support Holiday Activity and Food Programme Community Builders Forest of Dean Youth Association Walking with Wheels Know Your Patch Forest Compass

Two brilliant people, two exciting new roles! READ MORE Frequently visited pages: COMMUNITY HUBS VOLUNTEER ADVICE YOUTH SUPPORT Was ist FVAF? FVAF steht für Freiwilliges Aktionsforum Wald. Wir bieten lokalen Bürgern, Gemeindegruppen und Aktivitäten Unterstützung, um die Dinge zu tun, die ihnen am wichtigsten sind. Dies beinhaltet Folgendes: Unterstützung und Entwicklungsberatung Ausbildung Information Netzwerktreffen Vertretung erleichtern Freiwillige Rekrutierung Freiwilligenvermittlung und -unterstützung Wir führen auch viele Projekte mit und für die lokale Gemeinde durch, wie die Forest of Dean Youth Association, Holiday Activity Campaigns, The Forest Youth Music Network, The GEM Project, The Forest Compass Directory, Walking with Wheels und viele mehr. Auf unserer Projektseite finden Sie alle Details. „Stärkere Gemeinschaften aufbauen in der Wald von Dean" Finde mehr heraus JOIN OUR MAILING LIST Get the latest community news and check out exciting volunteering opportunity in or around the Forest of Dean... Gehe zu Facebook Useful publications: FREE directory of the many volunteering opportunities available locally... DOWNLOAD Unsere Partner 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

Youth Support in the Forest of Dean FVAF Youth Team Here to offer help and support to young people and youth clubs, groups or organisations. Discover more Local Youth Clubs Check out the timetable of regular youth clubs and events What's on offer NEW! Universal Youth Services We’ve joined forces Gloucestershire Gateway Trust and The Venture Community Hub, to make a real difference in the lives of young people Discover more

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.

Lydney Link up soundbite Lydney Link Up 00:00 / 04:01 Lydney Link Up Julie at the Lydney Habour 00:00 / 01:17 Lydney Link Up Mia's experience 00:00 / 01:49

Gehen mit Rädern: Häufig gestellte Fragen Was ist ein „Tramper“? Ein Tramper ist ein geländegängiges, elektrisch betriebenes Mobilitätsfahrzeug. Es hat eine begrenzte Geschwindigkeit von bis zu 4 mph, was ideal ist, um Wanderer oder kleine Kinder auf Fahrrädern zu begleiten. Die vollständige Spezifikation des Trampers kann sein hier gefunden . Wer kann diesen Dienst nutzen? Walking with Wheels steht allen Personen über 14 Jahren und einem Gewicht von weniger als 25 kg offen, die aufgrund vorübergehender oder dauerhafter Mobilitätsprobleme Schwierigkeiten beim Gehen haben. Auf welchen Strecken kann ich es verwenden? Zu den verfügbaren Routen gehören Symond's Yat Rock und hinunter zum Fluss Wye bei Symond's Yat von Forest Holidays und Cyril Hart Arboretum, Mallards Pike und Teile des Family Cycle Trail von The Speech House. Karten der Routen werden bei der Anmietung zur Verfügung gestellt. Wann kann es gemietet werden? Der Tramper kann 7 Tage die Woche von 9:00 bis 17:00 Uhr gemietet werden (die Öffnungszeiten können im Winter kürzer sein, um sicherzustellen, dass Sie vor Einbruch der Dunkelheit zurückkehren). Wie kann ich eine buchen? Bitte buchen Sie Ihren Tramper im Voraus, um Enttäuschungen zu vermeiden. Bitte wenden Sie sich direkt an die Tramper-Standorte, um zu buchen. Für Waldferien rufen Sie 01594 837165 an Rufen Sie für The Speech House 01594 822607 an Wie viel kostet es, einen Tramper zu mieten? Der Tramper kostet nur £2,50 pro Stunde. Für Erstbenutzer gibt es auch eine jährliche Mitgliedsgebühr von 10 £ für Countryside Mobility oder 2,50 £ für eine zweiwöchige Schnuppersitzung. Was ist, wenn ich so etwas noch nie benutzt habe? Keine Sorgen machen! Sie sind sehr einfach und sicher zu bedienen und jeder Benutzer erhält eine vollständige Einweisung, um sicherzustellen, dass er sich sicher und wohl fühlt, um unsere erstaunlichen Trails zu bewältigen. Was ist, wenn ich zusätzliche Hilfe benötige? Wir bitten darum, dass jeder auf den Trails begleitet wird, damit Sie immer jemanden bei sich haben. Wenn Sie einen Tramper ausprobieren möchten, rufen Sie bitte eines unserer Zentren an, bevor Sie einen mieten. Warum muss ich Mitglied bei Countryside Mobility werden? Countryside Mobility ist für die Bereitstellung der Trampers verantwortlich und wird deshalb zu einem so günstigen Preis angeboten. Sie arbeiten auch daran, sicherzustellen, dass jeder Standort, der einen Tramper hostet, dies auf sichere und leicht zugängliche Weise tut. Diese Mitgliedschaft ermöglicht es Ihnen auch, jeden der Trampers an den vielen Countryside Mobility-Standorten im Südwesten zu nutzen. Weitere Informationen finden Sie auf der Countryside Mobility- Website. Sie können die Beitrittsformulare vor der Einstellung im Zentrum ausfüllen. Kann ich bei diesem Projekt helfen? Walking with Wheels ist auf Freiwillige angewiesen, um unseren Service zu fördern. Wenn Sie daran interessiert sind, unseren Service bekannter zu machen, oder auf andere Weise helfen möchten, rufen Sie bitte 01594 822073 an oder senden Sie eine E-Mail an walkingwithwheels@fvaf.org.uk . Es wird eine umfassende Schulung und Unterstützung bereitgestellt. Was ist, wenn ich eine Buchung stornieren muss? Wir bitten um eine Kündigungsfrist von mindestens 24 Stunden, damit wir den Tramper an einen anderen Nutzer vermieten können. Um zu stornieren, wenden Sie sich bitte an die Website, bei der Sie gebucht haben 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

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 wide 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 safe and trusted Community Drop-in Hubs. Coleford – Sixteen Community Cafe Sedbury – Sedbury Space Cinderford - Ow Bist - Forest Community Space 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 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  Skills Not everyone has the ability to use the internet and online services A digital Hub can provide 1:1 training 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.

Our publications Forest Compass Edition 3 Volunteering in the Forest of Dean FVAF Annual Report 2024/25 FVAF Annual Accounts 2024/25 FVAF Annual Report 2023/24 FVAF Annual Report 2022/23 FVAF Annual Report 2021/22 Insights into the Experience of commissioning for small VCSE organisations in the Forest of Dean By Chris Brown My Networks publications My Networks Scoping Project Report, Oct 2022 by Simon Price Supporting documents: Mental Health Scoping Project – Survey Results Co-production – How we facilitated My Networks Scoping Report The Forest of Dean Mycelium Mental Health Project A report from the Undergrowth by Simon Price, Anwen Jenkins, Pete Harper, Miranda Thomason and Teresa Rose Useful community publications The Digital Divides Report and Recommendations By Digital Divides Steering Group Learnings from the Forest By Forest of Dean Climate Action Partnership (FODCAP), Holding The Space, Thirty Percy, and CCRI.

Current job vacancies at FVAF Work for us. We are passionate about nurturing talented, compassionate, community minded team players. Join our friendly and supportive team! Role: Caretaker Salary: £20,000- £24,800 (depending on experience) Hours: 30 hours per week, Monday–Friday 7:30am – 2pm Contract: Permanent Location: Ow Bist Forest Community Space, Cinderford Do you take pride in keeping spaces safe, well-maintained, and welcoming? Do you care about your community and want your work to make a real difference in the Forest of Dean We’re looking for a passionate and proactive Caretaker to be the heartbeat of Ow Bist Forest Community Space. This is a hands-on, varied role. As our Caretaker, you'll be the person who makes sure everything runs smoothly. ROLE PROFILE: CARETAKER FVAF JOB APPLICATION FORM HOW TO APPLY Please read the above full job description and download the application form. Please note CVs will not be accepted. Deadline: Applications will be considered as they are received Send completed application forms to Nick Penny at nick@fvaf.org.uk Trouble downloading the documents? Contact communications@fvaf.org.uk or 01594 822073