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! CURRENT VACANCIES Role: Forest of Dean Climate Action Partnership (FODCAP) Coordinator Salary: £36-40k (Full Time Equivalent) per annum. Contracted Hours: Up to full-time (37.5hrs per week) Job share will be considered. Contract Term: 2-year fixed term contract with potential to evolve. Lead FODCAP's strategic growth with focus on climate initiatives across the Forest of Dean District. Key Responsibilities: Coordinate partnership activities and stakeholder collaboration Develop and implement climate action strategies Drive progress in 2025 focus areas: Youth & Climate, Travel, Food & Farming, and Energy JOB DESCRIPTION: FODCAP Coordinator How to Apply: Read the job description, send a short covering letter, no more than two pages, outlining why this role excites you, along with your CV to info@fodcap.org with the subject "FODCAP Coordinator Application." We welcome applications from individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Deadline: 11:59pm on Friday 30th May Interviews: 9 & 12th June 2025 If you have any questions or would like to discuss the role e-mail info@fodcap.org Trouble downloading the documents? Contact communications@fvaf.org.uk or 01594 822073

À propos de la FVAF Notre histoire Nous sommes le Conseil du Service Volontaire et le Centre de Volontariat de la Forêt de Dean. Nous fournissons une assistance à plusieurs des centaines d'organisations bénévoles et communautaires du district qui, à leur tour, sont mieux à même d'accomplir leur travail dans et pour la communauté locale. Depuis notre création en 1994, nous avons développé une réputation d'encouragement, d'adoption et d'amélioration de l'action communautaire dans toute la forêt de Dean. Nous croyons que grâce à des approches communautaires, nous permettons aux citoyens de développer les compétences, la résilience et le capital social pour vivre des vies plus heureuses et mieux connectées. Services de bureau Personnel et fiduciaires Stratégies Accessibilité et durabilité

Marcher avec des roues Utilisez l'un des scooters de mobilité tout-terrain pour accéder aux magnifiques sentiers de la forêt avec votre famille et vos amis, peu importe votre capacité de marche. le Forêt de Dean est un centre reconnu pour la marche et le vélo et est bien desservi par des sentiers et d'autres accès en surface. Pour les personnes souffrant d'un handicap physique, d'une mauvaise santé, d'une déficience sensorielle ou d'une autre condition inhibitrice, il peut cependant être nécessaire d'avoir recours à une assistance motorisée, à une interprétation spécialisée ou à d'autres médias appropriés pour leur permettre de profiter des avantages que les autres tiennent pour acquis. Ce Forêt des forestiers Projet financé par la loterie du patrimoine, en collaboration avec Mobilité à la campagne offre la possibilité à un plus grand nombre de personnes d'accéder à la forêt de Dean. Walking with Wheels propose des scooters de mobilité tout-terrain (appelés Trampers) à louer auprès de Forest Holidays à Christchurch et du Speech House Hotel. Les Trampers sont disponibles pour des itinéraires pré-cartographiés qui offrent des vues sur Symonds Yat, les Biblins, l'arboretum Cyril Hart et le lac Mallards Pike pour n'en nommer que quelques-uns. Si vous souhaitez en savoir plus sur Walking with Wheels, veuillez appeler le 01594 822073 ou contactez-nous par e-mail . Questions fréquemment posées Qu'est-ce qu'un "Trampeur" ? Qui peut utiliser ce service ? Sur quels trajets puis-je l'utiliser ? Quand est-il disponible à la location ? Comment puis-je en réserver un ? Combien coûte la location d'un Tramper ? Et si je n'en ai jamais utilisé un auparavant ? Et si j'ai besoin d'aide supplémentaire ? Pourquoi dois-je devenir membre de Countryside Mobility ? Puis-je aider à ce projet ? Que faire si je dois annuler une réservation ? Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Faire du bénévolat En tant que centre de bénévolat pour la forêt de Dean, nous sommes là pour vous aider à recruter et à gérer des bénévoles Notre nouveau bénévolat livret rempli de détails du bénévolat local les opportunités sont maintenant terminées CLIQUEZ POUR TÉLÉCHARGER Ou procurez-vous un exemplaire à votre bibliothèque locale ou au Community Hub En tant que centre de bénévolat pour le Forêt de Dean nous sommes souvent le premier point de contact pour toute personne intéressée par le bénévolat. L'année dernière, nous étions fiers de soutenir plus de 100 000 heures de bénévolat dans la région ! La FVAF fait la promotion et annonce un large éventail d'opportunités de bénévolat d'organisations qui partagent notre philosophie de soutien aux bénévoles et reconnaissent le large éventail de raisons pour lesquelles les gens choisissent de faire du bénévolat. Pourquoi faire du bénévolat? Le bénévolat présente un certain nombre d'énormes avantages, non seulement pour vous individuellement, mais aussi pour votre communauté et le monde dans lequel nous vivons. Si vous souhaitez enrichir votre CV, rencontrer de nouvelles personnes, mettre vos compétences à profit, apprendre quelque chose de nouveau, poursuivre un intérêt, offrir de l'expérience ou simplement faire la différence, nous sommes assurés d'avoir une opportunité pour vous ! Vous pouvez découvrir ces opportunités de la manière suivante : Opportunités de recherche sur Do-it.org Appelez-nous au 01594 822073 Contactez-nous via e-mail Venez nous rendre visite à la FVAF du lundi au vendredi de 9h00 à 13h00 ( itinéraire ) Si vous cherchez à faire du bénévolat dans le cadre d'un grand groupe, par exemple dans le cadre d'un bénévolat d'entreprise, nous avons également un large éventail d'opportunités parmi lesquelles choisir. 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 En tant que guichet unique pour tout ce qui concerne le bénévolat, nous utilisons une méthodologie à multiples facettes pour vous donner les meilleures chances possibles de recruter et de retenir de précieux bénévoles. Cela inclut les éléments suivants : Annoncez vos opportunités sur Do-it.org Promouvoir vos opportunités auprès des membres du public qui nous sont référés ou via notre fonction de rendez-vous. Annoncez vos opportunités sur nos pages Facebook et Twitter Promouvoir vos opportunités auprès des services locaux qui soutiennent le bénévolat, par exemple. Centre d'emploi, LearnDirect et 2GetherTrust Annoncez vos opportunités lors de plus de 30 événements par an Envoyer vos opportunités aux entreprises locales qui proposent du bénévolat soutenu par l'employeur Promouvoir les opportunités pertinentes auprès des écoles, collèges et universités Distribuer vos opportunités à notre base de données de bénévoles de plus de 1 000 personnes Promouvoir vos opportunités sur une variété de réseaux, y compris 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)

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

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

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

Forum des connecteurs de la communauté - Connaissez votre réseau de correctifs Supporting Strong and Thriving Communities with Know Your Patch Soutenir des communautés fortes et prospères avec Know Your Patch Know Your Patch du Forum des connecteurs communautaires (CCF) relie le secteur bénévole et communautaire, les services statutaires et les résidents locaux d'une manière qui crée de meilleures méthodes de travail. Le réseau Forest of Dean Know Your Patch est conçu pour connecter le secteur bénévole et communautaire, les services statutaires et les résidents locaux d'une manière qui crée de meilleures méthodes de travail qui, en fin de compte, renforcent nos communautés. Cette « offre communautaire » est particulièrement vitale pour prévenir ou retarder l'escalade des besoins de santé. Nous organisons des événements trimestriels dans toute la forêt de Dean où nous invitons les parties prenantes à se joindre à la discussion sur ce qui compte dans leur communauté et sur la manière dont les services et les groupes du secteur bénévole peuvent aider à soutenir cela. Chaque événement Know Your Patch est GRATUIT et ouvert à toute personne souhaitant participer à la conversation. Si vous souhaitez y assister, veuillez appeler le 01594 822073 ou envoyer un e-mail à help4groups@fvaf.org.uk . Nous envoyons également des e-mails réguliers et des mises à jour à notre réseau Know Your Patch concernant ce qui se passe dans la forêt de Dean. Si vous souhaitez rejoindre ce réseau, abonnez-vous ici . Grâce au financement de Conseil du comté de Gloucestershire , Know Your Patch est également disponible dans tous les autres districts du Gloucestershire. Si vous souhaitez en savoir plus à ce sujet, veuillez visiter ici . Voici quelques-unes des recherches qui sous-tendent notre réflexion : "Nous avons tous un rôle à jouer pour aider les individus et les communautés à développer le capital social. Il est de plus en plus reconnu que, bien que les groupes sociaux et les communautés défavorisés aient une gamme de besoins complexes et interdépendants, ils ont également des atouts au niveau social et communautaire. qui peuvent aider à améliorer la santé et à renforcer la résilience aux problèmes de santé » (The Kings Fund, 2018) "Ceux qui avaient des relations sociales adéquates avaient un taux de survie de 50 % supérieur à celui des personnes ayant de mauvaises relations sociales" (Holt-Lunstad et al 2010) "Les réseaux sociaux se sont révélés être des prédicteurs de mortalité aussi puissants que le mode de vie courant et les risques cliniques tels que le tabagisme modéré, la consommation excessive d'alcool, l'obésité, l'hypercholestérolémie et la tension artérielle" (Pantell et al 2013 ; Holt-Lunstad et al, 2010) . "Le soutien social est particulièrement important pour accroître la résilience et favoriser le rétablissement après une maladie" (Pevalin et Rose, 2003) "Le manque de réseaux sociaux et de soutien rend plus difficile l'autorégulation du comportement et le renforcement de la volonté et de la résilience au fil du temps, ce qui conduit à l'engagement dans des comportements malsains" (Cacioppo et Patrick 2009). "La participation communautaire réduit l'isolement, l'exclusion et la solitude" (Farrell et Bryant 2009 ; Sevigny et al 2010 ; Ryan-Collins et al 2008) "Un capital social fort améliore les chances d'éviter les risques liés au style de vie comme le tabagisme" (Folland 2008 ; Brown et al, 2006) Spring/Summer Programme 2025 Welcome back to the Spring/Summer 2025 sessions in the Forest Know Your Patch network. We continue with the mixture of shorter sessions (from 10-11am) and longer sessions (from 10am until noon) - providing the opportunity for a more in-depth look at topics. The latter also provide a platform for attendees to share information about their work and current developments and partnerships. We have included a live event in Cinderford, in the heart of the Forest, at the end of May, and look forward to meeting as many of you as possible at that networking event. 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. PROGRAMME 2025 Late Spring/Early Summer April 29th – 10-11am: Health in the Forest - Rethink/Great Oaks Hospice May 13th – 10-11am: Forest Food Network May 27th (tbc) IN-PERSON: Forest Digital Forest Showcase with Alex Digby June 10th – 10-11am Partnership Development - Integrated Care Board - Community Catalysts & Physical Health Self-Management June 24th – 10 - 11am: Join us for a “Virtual Cuppa” – And Help to Shape Know Your Patch in the Future July 8th – 10am - 12noon: Family Hubs in the Forest July 22nd – 10 - 11am : Holiday Provision for Children & Families All meetings are online via MS TEAMS except 27th May - further details about this event will be sent in due course.

Nouvelles et Evènements Strengthening Communities Through Climate Action 9.30am – 12.30pm Wednesday 12th March The Main Place, Coleford, GL16 8RH BOOK HERE Join us for a session focused on how we can improve people’s lives and strengthen communities through action on climate change. The session is run in partnership with Forest of Dean Climate Action Partnership. We will explore how climate change is relevant to the Forest of Dean and what action is already happening in the district to make a difference. We will look at how climate action can support your work on issues like cost of living, warmer homes, tackling pollution, improving health, transport and jobs. You will hear from other organisations in the Forest, who have started developing plans to address their impact on the planet and what they have learnt. Hear how to save money and make homes and workplaces better places to live and work. Find out where to get support and more information. For more information e mail either FoDKYP@fvaf.org.uk or Piers.Cardiff@fdean.gov.uk

Volunteer of the Year 2023 T he People's Champion VOTING OPEN! Time to choose your champion... We recently asked you to nominate a local volunteer who has gone above and beyond for their community over the past 12 months, and/or has an inspiring story. We had some cracking nominations, and it was an extremely hard task to narrow it down BUT after much deliberation, our panel of community experts have shortlisted 7 community heroes. Vote for your favourite by selecting ONE of the following volunteers: Chris Brain Melanie Getgood Jando Greco Edna Husbands Barbara Jenkins Albert Weager Dave Young VOTING CLOSES: 10PM SUNDAY, 17 SEPTEMBER VOTE Thanks for voting! Check out the profiles of the shortlisted nominees below: Chris Brain Chairman & Coach of Broadwell Youth Football Club For the past 15 years Chris has dedicated a huge amount of his time, energy and passion into grassroots sports. A constant supporter and instrumental in the ongoing success of Broadwell Football Club, Chris has served as the Chairman of the club and more recently 2 and half years as the First Team Manager. The pinnacle of his successful coaching term came last year when Chris led his side to Les James Cup victory. Going out on a high, Chris has just retired and deserves recognition for his dedication and commitment which has provided the opportunity for 100’s of children to play football and helped to create the thriving community football club Broadwell FC has become. Melanie Getgood Chairperson at Friends of Worcester Walk Melanie has been the inspirational driving force of Friends of Worcester Walk (FoWW). Her steadfast commitment to Worcester Walk has seen it develop into a unique richly diverse habitat in the Forest of Dean. Melainie goes the extra mile to share the experience of being in nature, through events with school groups, volunteers, and local people. With her generous inclusive way, she has built a solid and diverse group of volunteers for FoWW and ensures that everyone is welcome, and their work appreciated. Melanie’s community work doesn’t end there! She is also a co-opted member of the Environmental Committee of Coleford Town Council, helps run a local Morris Dancing group, has organised clean ups in the Coleford Cemetery, King George Playing Field and Bells Field. Melanie works tirelessly for community but is always friendly, approachable, kind and generous with her time and with everyone she meets. Jando Greco Volunteer helper at St Stephen's Church Cinderford Jando is a fantastic example of the impact volunteering can have for the community, and in growing as a person. For the past twelve years, Jando has supported St Stephen’s Church through his involvement with many projects, services, events and prayer groups. Jando is often found setting up and tidying after events or keeping the church tidy midweek between services. He helps with the Fairtrade Stall and Fairtrade Friday coffee afternoons, and is a leader at Messy Church. Usually the first to put his hand up to help, like many volunteers, much of what Jando does is 'behind the scenes' and unseen. But that doesn't bother him at all, he just loves volunteering his time, feeling part of a community and growing his skills as well as sharing his talents with others. His nominator said that: “We so appreciate him, he is such a thoughtful, caring person and will do anything for anyone – Jando is so worthy of receiving this award and would love for him to be recognised for his service!” Edna Husbands Lydcare Community Transport Co-ordinator at Lydcare An essential member of the team, Edna is responsible for organising Lydcare Community Transport Service. A complex and demanding role, on average Edna deals with over 120 calls from people who request transport and with drivers to arrange journeys. Edna's role requires a massive commitment both in time and energy and requires a high degree of patience and diplomacy dealing with last minute medical appointments, cancellations and reschedules. Thanks to her tireless work over 4,000 journeys are completed every year, helping over 2,700 people get to hospital, medical appointments and social events which due the lack of public transport would be impossible. Lydcare was the only community transport service running through the pandemic and this was down to Edna's determination and commitment to ensure patients, particularly those who usually received home visits, were able to get to important medical appointments. Edna also works as a voluntary driver and is an outstanding volunteer working for the benefit of those in need within the community. Barbara Jenkins Organiser of the ‘Over Sixties Group’ Berryhill Memorial Institute AKA ‘The Hut’ It would be hard to find a volunteer in the Forest with a longer commitment to volunteering in the community than Barbara! For over 50 years, Barbara has been the lead organiser of the ‘Over Sixties Group’ at the ‘The Hut’ Berryhill Memorial Institute. This popular group has been providing social activities to help combat isolation for the older community for decades. Collecting community memories for a recent memory capsule, created as part of The Hut’s centenary celebrations, revealed that Barbara had been quietly managing this group since 1971. But Barbara’s involvement with The Hut goes even further back to her childhood when her father was resident caretaker, and her mother was involved in organising activities. A wonderful and unique example of generations getting involved with the community to make it a better place, Barbara is an inspiration to us all and shows no sign of slowing down. Albert Weager Community representative & advocate for better healthcare in FoD A more committed and dedicated community representative than Albert would be hard to find! For over a decade Albert has tirelessly advocated for better health provision in the Forest of Dean. With an incredibly long service on the FoD Health Forum, in 2014 he was appointed chair and has been instrumental in ensuring that everyone is listened to and given the opportunity to ask questions. At a county level, Albert chairs the People and Communities Reference Group for Urgent and Emergency Care and is the community representative on the Urgent and Emergency Care, Patient Flow Clinical Programme Group. Not stopping there, Albert is also represents local people on the Ageing Well Care Programme Board and has been the patient representative on the Blood Transfusion Committee for over ten years. Everything Albert does is as a volunteer and we must congratulate him on his drive and passion. Dave Young Volunteer driver, cook, outreach at Forest Sensory Services & Samaritans Over the past 2 years Dave has dedicated more and more of his time volunteering and going above and beyond to support other people. Starting as a volunteer driver for Forest Sensory Services (FFS), Dave now volunteers with FSS 3 times a week and even dons his chef hat and cooks up a delicious feast, twice a month, for the service’s clients. A fantastic supporter of all the work that FSS does, Dave plays an active role in outreach sessions to make visually impaired people aware of the support services offered and he also helps with fundraising. Along with his face-to-face volunteering, Dave volunteers with the Samaritans answering the phone a couple of times a week offering emotional support . Plus promoting Samaritans with outreach in the community. His nominator said: “Dave is an inspiring person and an amazing volunteer who does so much for other people.” Find our more about the Forest Volunteers Awards here:

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