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.

FVAF Appoints Nick Penny as Head of Operations READ MORE Frequently visited pages: COMMUNITY HUBS VOLUNTEER ADVICE YOUTH SUPPORT FVAF چیست؟ FVAF مخفف Forest Voluntary Action Forum است. ما از شهروندان محلی، گروههای اجتماعی و فعالیتها حمایت میکنیم تا کارهایی را که برایشان مهم است انجام دهند. این شامل موارد زیر است: مشاوره پشتیبانی و توسعه آموزش اطلاعات جلسات شبکه تسهیل نمایندگی جذب داوطلب استقرار و پشتیبانی داوطلب ما همچنین پروژههای زیادی را با و برای جامعه محلی اجرا میکنیم، مانند انجمن جوانان جنگل دین، کمپینهای فعالیت تعطیلات، شبکه موسیقی جوانان جنگل، پروژه GEM، فهرست قطبنمای جنگل، راه رفتن با چرخها و بسیاری دیگر. برای جزئیات کامل صفحه پروژه های ما را بررسی کنید. "ایجاد جوامع قوی تر در جنگل دین" اطلاعات بیشتر JOIN OUR MAILING LIST Get the latest community news and check out exciting volunteering opportunity in or around the Forest of Dean... به فیس بوک برو Useful publications: FREE directory of the many volunteering opportunities available locally... DOWNLOAD شرکای ما 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 Head of Operations Teresa Allewell Finance & Operations Manager Catherine Best Communications & Fundraising Manager Deb Cook Volunteering 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 Krissie Carter Neighbourhood Connector Alex Digby Digital Projects Manager Teresa Rose Community Connectors' Facilitator Natasha Nelson Forest Food Network Coordinator Melanie Benn Community Builder 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 Jonathan Gault Trustee - Treasurer Josh Bond Trustee Sid Phelps Trustee Diana Martin Trustee Roger Deeks Trustee Louise Penny Trustee Bob Rhodes Trustee Interested in becoming a FVAF Trustee? Talk to us! Contact Chris is ceo@fvaf.org.uk 01594 822073

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.

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.

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

قطب نما جنگل Forest Compass یک فهرست فیزیکی و آنلاین است که بسیاری از فعالیتهای منظم، گروههای پشتیبانی و باشگاههای موجود در سراسر Forest of Dean را فهرست میکند. جنگل خانه صدها گروه اجتماعی و فعالیتهای مختلف از گروههای کودک، از کلوپهای ناهار، آلونکهای مردانه تا کافههای حافظه است. شرکت در بسیاری از آنها رایگان یا با هزینه بسیار کم است و توسط داوطلبان یا گروه های غیرانتفاعی اداره می شود. متأسفانه بسیاری از افرادی که میتوانند از چنین گروههایی بهره ببرند، از فرصتهای شگفتانگیز در آستانه خانه خود بیاطلاع هستند. اگر یک فعالیت رهبری داوطلبانه، باشگاه یا گروه پشتیبانی را در Forest of Dean اجرا می کنید، با تکمیل فرم زیر، به صورت رایگان در فهرست فیزیکی Forest Compass و در فهرست آنلاین اینجا تبلیغ کنید. 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

راه رفتن با چرخ: سوالات متداول ترامپر چیست؟ ترامپر یک وسیله نقلیه حرکتی الکتریکی تمام زمینی است. سرعت محدودی تا 4 مایل در ساعت دارد که برای همراهی پیادهروها یا کودکان خردسال با دوچرخه ایدهآل است. مشخصات کامل ترامپرها می تواند باشد اینجا پیدا شد . چه کسانی می توانند از این سرویس استفاده کنند؟ راه رفتن با چرخ برای افراد بالای 14 سال و با وزن کمتر از 25 سنگ که به دلیل مشکلات حرکتی موقت یا دائمی در راه رفتن مشکل دارند آزاد است. در چه مسیرهایی می توانم از آن استفاده کنم؟ مسیرهای موجود عبارتند از به صخره یات سیموند و پایین رفتن به رودخانه وای در سایموندز یات از جنگل تعطیلات و درختستان سیریل هارت، مالاردز پایک و بخشهایی از مسیر چرخه خانوادگی از خانه سخنرانی. نقشه مسیرها هنگام استخدام ارائه می شود. چه زمانی امکان استخدام وجود دارد؟ ترامپر در 7 روز هفته از ساعت 9:00 تا 5:00 برای اجاره در دسترس است (ساعتها ممکن است در زمستان کوتاهتر باشد تا اطمینان حاصل شود که قبل از غروب میروید). چگونه می توانم یکی را رزرو کنم؟ لطفاً قبل از روز، Tramper خود را از قبل رزرو کنید تا ناامید نشوید. لطفاً برای رزرو مستقیماً با سایت های ترامپر تماس بگیرید. برای تعطیلات جنگلی با شماره 01594 837165 تماس بگیرید برای خانه سخنرانی با شماره 01594 822607 تماس بگیرید هزینه استخدام ترامپر چقدر است؟ قیمت ترامپر فقط 2.50 پوند در ساعت است. همچنین برای کاربرانی که برای اولین بار استفاده میکنند، حق عضویت سالانه 10 پوند به Countryside Mobility یا 2.50 پوند برای یک جلسه دو هفتهای تست وجود دارد. اگر قبلاً از یکی از اینها استفاده نکرده باشم چه می شود؟ نگران نباشید! عملکرد آنها بسیار ساده و ایمن است و به هر کاربر یک القاء کامل داده می شود تا اطمینان حاصل شود که برای مقابله با مسیرهای شگفت انگیز ما احساس امنیت و راحتی می کند. اگر به کمک اضافی نیاز داشته باشم چه می شود؟ ما از همه می خواهیم که در مسیرها همراهی کنند تا همیشه یک نفر همراه خود داشته باشید. اگر می خواهید ترمپر را امتحان کنید، قبل از استخدام، لطفاً با یکی از مراکز ما تماس بگیرید تا هماهنگی لازم را انجام دهید. چرا باید عضو Countryside Mobility شوم؟ Countryside Mobility مسئول ارائه Trampers است و به همین دلیل است که آنها با چنین نرخ مقرون به صرفه ای ارائه می شوند. آنها همچنین کار می کنند تا اطمینان حاصل کنند که هر سایتی که میزبان Tramper است این کار را به روشی ایمن و آسان انجام می دهد. این عضویت همچنین به شما امکان می دهد از هر یک از Trampers در بسیاری از سایت های Countryside Mobility در سراسر جنوب غربی استفاده کنید. لطفاً برای اطلاعات بیشتر به وب سایت Countryside Mobility مراجعه کنید. قبل از استخدام می توانید فرم های عضویت را در مرکز تکمیل کنید. آیا می توانم در این پروژه کمک کنم؟ Walking with Wheels برای ارتقای خدمات ما به داوطلبان متکی است. اگر مایل به کمک به انتشار اخبار در مورد خدمات ما هستید، یا می خواهید به روش دیگری کمک کنید، لطفاً با شماره 01594 822073 یا ایمیل walkingwithwheels@fvaf.org.uk تماس بگیرید. آموزش کامل و پشتیبانی ارائه خواهد شد. اگر نیاز به لغو رزرو داشته باشم چه می شود؟ ما از شما می خواهیم که حداقل 24 ساعت اخطار لغو کنید تا بتوانیم Tramper را به کاربر دیگری استخدام کنیم. برای لغو لطفا با سایتی که با آن رزرو کرده اید تماس بگیرید 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

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.

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

Youth Support in the Forest of Dean Forest Youth Association 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