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

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

LATEST FVAF NEWS Two brilliant people, two exciting new roles! We’re really pleased to share some good news. As part of a strategic restructure, we’ve created two new senior roles – and we’re delighted that both have been filled by people already at the heart of our organisation. These appointments recognise the talent, experience and deep community knowledge within our own team, and reflect our commitment to growing strong leadership from within. Deb Cook – Head of Development After more than a decade with FVAF, Deb’s promotion feels like a natural next step. She has played a huge role in building relationships, championing co-design, and helping turn bold ideas and community stories into meaningful change. As Head of Development, Deb will lead our development strategy – strengthening partnerships, supporting innovation, amplifying community voices, and helping us test and grow new approaches that align with our Theory of Change. Chris Brown, CEO at FVAF said: “After 11 years with FVAF championing volunteering and community groups, I could not be more thrilled to see Deb moving into this exciting new role within the organisation. Deb will bring fresh ideas, energy, and passion to drive innovation in our communities and help grow all the things which make the Forest of Dean such a brilliant place.” Alex Digby – Community Manager We’re equally pleased to announce Alex’s move into the newly created role of Community Manager. Alex will lead our Community Team, supporting projects that put local people in the driving seat, build strong connections, and unlock the skills and assets already present across the Forest of Dean. This role sits right at the heart of our commitment to community-led action and advocacy. “It has been fantastic to watch and support Alex’s growth in our organisation over the last few years, and I am delighted that he has secured this exciting promotion. Alex is a role model for strengths-based working, and he has excelled at building strong relationships across the county in his role as Digital Projects Manager. I am confident that Alex will provide strong leadership to our Community team and look forward to supporting his continued growth with FVAF.” said Nick Penny, Head of Operations at FVAF. Both of these appointments reflect our belief in investing in people and recognising internal talent. They will play a key role in shaping FVAF’s future and deepening our impact across the Forest of Dean. We couldn’t be prouder to see Deb and Alex step into these roles. 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 Youth Support Service, Holiday Activity and Food Programme, The Gloucestershire Digi Partnership, The Forest Compass Directory, Walking with Wheels Head office - Forest Voluntary Action Forum, Ow Bist – Forest Community Space, Dockham Rd, Cinderford , Glos. GL14 2AN.

داوطلب شدن ما به عنوان مرکز داوطلب برای Forest of Dean اینجا هستیم تا به شما در استخدام و مدیریت داوطلبان کمک کنیم. داوطلبانه جدید ما جزوه پر از جزئیات داوطلبانه محلی فرصت ها در حال حاضر تمام شده است برای دانلود کلیک کنید یا از کتابخانه محلی یا مرکز انجمن خود یک نسخه بردارید به عنوان مرکز داوطلب برای جنگل دین ما اغلب اولین نقطه تماس برای هر کسی هستیم که علاقه مند به کار داوطلبانه است. سال گذشته ما مفتخر بودیم که بیش از 100000 ساعت از داوطلبی در این منطقه را پشتیبانی می کنیم! FVAF طیف وسیعی از فرصتهای داوطلبانه را از سوی سازمانهایی که اخلاق ما را در حمایت از داوطلبان و تشخیص طیف وسیعی از دلایلی که مردم برای داوطلب شدن انتخاب میکنند، به اشتراک میگذارند، تبلیغ و تبلیغ میکند. چرا داوطلب؟ داوطلبانه مزایای زیادی دارد، نه تنها برای شما به صورت فردی، بلکه برای جامعه شما و جهانی که در آن زندگی می کنیم. اگر میخواهید رزومه خود را ارتقا دهید، با افراد جدید ملاقات کنید، از مهارتهای خود به خوبی استفاده کنید، چیز جدیدی یاد بگیرید، علاقهای را دنبال کنید، تجربه ارائه دهید یا به سادگی تغییر ایجاد کنید، مطمئناً فرصتی برای شما خواهیم داشت! از راه های زیر می توانید از این فرصت ها مطلع شوید: جستجوی فرصت ها در Do-it.org با ما با شماره 01594 822073 تماس بگیرید از طریق تماس بگیرید پست الکترونیک از دوشنبه - جمعه از ساعت 9:00 تا 1:00 در FVAF از ما دیدن کنید ( مسیرها ) اگر به دنبال داوطلب شدن به عنوان بخشی از یک گروه بزرگ هستید، به عنوان مثال به عنوان بخشی از داوطلبانه شرکتی، پس ما نیز مجموعه وسیعی از فرصت ها را برای انتخاب داریم. 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 بهعنوان فروشگاهی یکجا برای همه چیزهای داوطلبانه، ما از روششناسی چند وجهی استفاده میکنیم تا بهترین شانس ممکن را برای جذب و حفظ داوطلبان ارزشمند به شما بدهیم. این شامل موارد زیر است: فرصت های خود را در Do-it.org تبلیغ کنید ارتقای فرصت های خود برای اعضای عمومی که به ما یا از طریق عملکرد کشویی ما مراجعه می کنند. فرصت های خود را در صفحات فیس بوک و توییتر ما تبلیغ کنید ارتقای فرصت های خود برای خدمات محلی که از داوطلبانه حمایت می کنند، به عنوان مثال. مرکز کار، LearnDirect و 2GetherTrust فرصت های خود را در بیش از 30 رویداد در سال تبلیغ کنید ارسال فرصت های خود به مشاغل محلی که داوطلبانه با پشتیبانی کارفرما را ارائه می دهند ارتقای فرصت های مرتبط به مدارس، کالج ها و دانشگاه ها توزیع فرصت های شما در پایگاه داده داوطلبانه ما با بیش از 1000 نفر ارتقای فرصت های خود به شبکه های مختلف، از جمله 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)

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.

Forest of Dean Mental Health Locality Partnership The Locality Partnership offers VCS and faith-based organisations the opportunity to meet with other professionals and voluntary groups who are supporting people with their mental health in the Forest of Dean. The Partnership is a collective of social care practitioners who are working towards a community response to the My Networks scoping project findings. By coming together, we hope to keep abreast of developments, begin partnership projects or create collaborative opportunities that can address what is needed for better mental health in the Forest of Dean. We are now an integral part of the wider Forest Know Your Patch network. Regular online meetings as well as live, in-person events are held where topics and projects are discussed and highlighted. As well as this, the FKYP works closely with other statutory organisations offering a platform to disseminate up-to-date information about services available in the community.

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

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.

انجمن اتصال دهنده ها - شبکه پچ خود را بشناسید Supporting Strong and Thriving Communities with Know Your Patch حمایت از جوامع قوی و پر رونق با Know Your Patch بخش وصله خود را بشناسید تالار انجمن اتصال دهنده ها (CCF) بخش داوطلبانه و جامعه، خدمات قانونی و ساکنان محلی را به روشی به هم متصل می کند که روش های بهتری برای کار ایجاد می کند. شبکه Forest of Dean Know Your Patch طراحی شده است تا بخش داوطلبانه و اجتماعی، خدمات قانونی و ساکنان محلی را به روشی متصل کند که روشهای بهتری برای کار ایجاد کند که در نهایت جوامع ما را تقویت کند. این "پیشنهاد جامعه" به ویژه در جلوگیری یا به تاخیر انداختن تشدید نیازهای بهداشتی حیاتی است. ما رویدادهای فصلی را در سرتاسر Forest of Dean میزبانی می کنیم که در آن از سهامداران دعوت می کنیم تا به بحث در مورد آنچه در جامعه خود اهمیت دارد و اینکه چگونه خدمات و گروه های بخش داوطلبانه می توانند به حمایت از آن کمک کنند، بپیوندند. هر رویداد Know Your Patch رایگان است و برای هر کسی که میخواهد بخشی از گفتگو باشد آزاد است. اگر مایل به شرکت هستید، لطفا با شماره 01594 822073 تماس بگیرید یا به help4groups@fvaf.org.uk ایمیل بزنید. ما همچنین به طور منظم ایمیلها و بهروزرسانیها را در مورد آنچه در Forest of Dean میگذرد به شبکه Know Your Patch میفرستیم. اگر مایل به عضویت در این شبکه هستید لطفا عضو شوید اینجا . با تشکر از بودجه از شورای شهرستان گلاسترشایر ، پچ خود را بشناسید در هر ناحیه دیگری در گلوسسترشر نیز موجود است. اگر مایلید در مورد این موارد بیشتر بدانید لطفا بازدید کنید اینجا . در اینجا برخی از تحقیقاتی است که بر تفکر ما تأکید می کند: "همه ما نقشی در کمک به افراد و جوامع برای توسعه سرمایه اجتماعی داریم. به رسمیت شناخته می شود که اگرچه گروه ها و جوامع محروم دارای طیف وسیعی از نیازهای پیچیده و مرتبط با یکدیگر هستند، اما دارایی هایی در سطح اجتماعی و اجتماعی نیز دارند. که می تواند به بهبود سلامتی و تقویت انعطاف پذیری در برابر مشکلات سلامت کمک کند" (The Kings Fund, 2018) "کسانی که روابط اجتماعی مناسبی داشتند نسبت به افرادی که روابط اجتماعی ضعیفی داشتند 50 درصد نرخ بقای بیشتری داشتند" (Holt-Lunstad et al 2010). نشان داده شده است که شبکه های اجتماعی به اندازه سبک زندگی رایج و خطرات بالینی مانند سیگار کشیدن متوسط، مصرف زیاد الکل، چاقی و کلسترول بالا و فشار خون، پیش بینی کننده های قوی مرگ و میر هستند (پانتل و همکاران 2013؛ هولت لونستاد و همکاران، 2010). . "حمایت اجتماعی به ویژه در افزایش تاب آوری و ارتقاء بهبودی از بیماری مهم است" (پوالین و رز، 2003). «فقدان شبکههای اجتماعی و حمایت، خودتنظیمی رفتار و ایجاد اراده و انعطافپذیری را در طول زمان سختتر میکند و منجر به درگیری در رفتارهای ناسالم میشود» (کاچیوپو و پاتریک 2009). "مشارکت جامعه انزوا، طرد شدن و تنهایی را کاهش می دهد" (فارل و برایانت 2009؛ سویگنی و همکاران 2010؛ رایان-کالینز و همکاران 2008) "سرمایه اجتماعی قوی شانس اجتناب از خطرات سبک زندگی مانند سیگار کشیدن را بهبود می بخشد" (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.

YOUTH CLUBS & ACTIVITIES

راه رفتن با چرخ از یکی از اسکوترهای حرکتی تمام زمینی برای دسترسی به مسیرهای زیبای جنگل با خانواده و دوستان خود، بدون توجه به توانایی شما در راه رفتن. در جنگل دین یک مرکز شناختهشده برای پیادهروی و دوچرخهسواری است و مسیرها و سایر دسترسیهای سطحی به خوبی از آن استفاده میشود. برای افراد دارای ناتوانی جسمی، سلامت ضعیف، اختلال حسی یا برخی از شرایط بازدارنده دیگر ممکن است نیاز به کمک های قدرتمند، تفسیر تخصصی یا سایر رسانه های مناسب وجود داشته باشد تا آنها را قادر سازد از مزایایی بهره مند شوند که دیگران آن را بدیهی می دانند. این جنگل جنگلبانان پروژه بخت آزمایی Heritage Funded، همکاری با تحرک روستایی فرصت هایی را برای افراد بیشتری برای دسترسی به Forest of Dean فراهم می کند. Walking with Wheels اسکوترهای حرکتی همه جانبه (به نام ترامپر) را برای کرایه از Forest Holidays در کرایست چرچ و هتل Speech House ارائه می دهد. Trampers برای مسیرهای از پیش نقشهبرداری شده در دسترس است که مناظر Symonds Yat، Biblins، Cyril Hart Arboretum و Mallards Pike Lake را میتوان نام برد. اگر می خواهید در مورد راه رفتن با چرخ بیشتر بدانید، لطفا با شماره 01594 822073 تماس بگیرید یا از طریق ایمیل با ما تماس بگیرید . سوالات متداول ترامپر چیست؟ چه کسی می تواند از این سرویس استفاده کند؟ در چه مسیرهایی می توانم از آن استفاده کنم؟ چه زمانی امکان استخدام وجود دارد؟ چگونه می توانم یکی را رزرو کنم؟ هزینه استخدام ترامپر چقدر است؟ اگر قبلاً از یکی از اینها استفاده نکرده باشم چه می شود؟ اگر به کمک اضافی نیاز داشته باشم چه می شود؟ چرا باید عضو Countryside Mobility شوم؟ آیا می توانم در این پروژه کمک کنم؟ اگر نیاز به لغو رزرو داشته باشم چه می شود؟ Frequently Asked Questions

درباره FVAF داستان ما ما شورای خدمات داوطلبانه و مرکز داوطلبان جنگل دین هستیم. ما به بسیاری از صدها سازمان داوطلبانه و اجتماعی در منطقه کمک می کنیم که به نوبه خود بهتر می توانند کار خود را در جامعه محلی و برای جامعه محلی انجام دهند. از زمان شکلگیری در سال 1994، ما برای تشویق، استقبال و افزایش فعالیتهای اجتماعی در سراسر Forest of Dean شهرت پیدا کردهایم. ما معتقدیم که از طریق رویکردهای جامعه محور، شهروندان را قادر میسازیم تا مهارتها، تابآوری و سرمایه اجتماعی را برای زندگی شادتر و مرتبطتر توسعه دهند. خدمات اداری کارکنان و معتمدین سیاست های دسترسی و پایداری