Join us for the FVAF Community Celebration & AGM 2026 - a day of festivities, important discussions, and community connection! We’ll start with our Annual General Meeting (AGM), then you’ll hear how FVAF has made a difference over the past year through our 4 Ps: People, Place, Planet and Prosperity, along with our plans for the year ahead. After the AGM, come and explore the Newent Showcase, a market of local community groups and organisations that make Newent special. It’s a great chance to meet the people behind them, find out what’s happening locally, and connect with other community members. Refreshments and a delicious buffet lunch, sourced from local delis and caterers, will be provided. EVERYONE WELCOME! DOORS OPEN AT 10AM FOR COFFEE & CATCH UP! Places are limited, so please book your ticket as soon as possible to secure your spot. BOOK HERE!

BOOK HERE! Frequently visited pages: COMMUNITY HUBS VOLUNTEER ADVICE YOUTH SUPPORT Qu'est-ce que la FVAF ? FVAF signifie Forum d'Action Volontaire Forestière. Nous offrons un soutien aux citoyens locaux, aux groupes communautaires et aux activités pour faire les choses qui comptent le plus pour eux. Cela inclut les éléments suivants : accompagnement et conseil en développement formation information réunions de réseautage faciliter la représentation recrutement de bénévoles placement et accompagnement de bénévoles Nous menons également de nombreux projets avec et pour la communauté locale, tels que la Forest of Dean Youth Association, les campagnes d'activités de vacances, le Forest Youth Music Network, le projet GEM, le Forest Compass Directory, Walking with Wheels et bien d'autres. Consultez notre page Projets pour tous les détails. "Bâtir des communautés plus fortes en la forêt de Dean" En savoir plus JOIN OUR MAILING LIST Get the latest community news and check out exciting volunteering opportunity in or around the Forest of Dean... Aller sur Facebook Useful publications: FREE directory of the many volunteering opportunities available locally... DOWNLOAD Nos partenaires 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 2AQ 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

À propos de la FVAF 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

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.

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.

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)

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.

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

YOUTH CLUBS & ACTIVITIES

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

Our partners We work with, and are supported by so many fantastic organisations. The projects and services we deliver in partnership with others, and the funding we receive makes it possible for us to support voluntary activity and community action in the Forest of Dean. These are just some of the organisations we currently work closely with:

Forest of Dean Digital Partnership FUNDED BY THE BARNWOOD TRUST A collaborative community partnership project, led by FVAF. This district-wide partnership, the first of its kind, was created to break down the barriers people face in relation to digital inclusion and unlock the many assets available within our communities and the digital world.   Forest of Dean Digital Partnership - Final Evaluation September 2024 Report - Download Forest of Dean Digital Partnership - Final Evaluation September 2024: APPENDICES APPENDIX 1: Forest of Dean Digital Partnership Application APPENDIX 2: Insight into Set up and Delivery of Local Digital Inclusion Pilot Projects APPENDIX 3: Healthwatch Gloucestershire - Access to digital technologies APPENDIX 4: Partner Claim Form APPENDIX 5: Instructions for filling in Partner’s claim form APPENDIX 6: Promo flier - Invitation to get involved APPENDIX 7: EOI Process Map APPENDIX 8: EOI Document A template APPENDIX 9: EOI Document B template APPENDIX 10: EOI scoring sheet APPENDIX 11:Forest of Dean Community Choir EOI Document 1 APPENDIX 12: Forest of Dean Community Choir EOI Document 2 APPENDIX 13: Virtual Sight Loss EOI Document 1 APPENDIX 14: Virtual Sight Loss EOI Document 2 APPENDIX 15: CVT EOI Document 1 APPENDIX 16: CVT EOI Document 2 APPENDIX 17: Outdoors, Indoors EOI Document 1 APPENDIX 18: Outdoors, Indoors EOI Document 2 APPENDIX 19: Forest Pathways EOI Document 1 APPENDIX 20: Forest Pathways EOI Document 2 APPENDIX 21: Project Engage EOI Document 1 APPENDIX 22: Project Engage EOI Document 2 APPENDIX 23: Forest of Dean Hybrid Choir Final Evaluation APPENDIX 24: CVT - Digital Inclusion Workshop Final Evaluation APPENDIX 25: Outdoors, Indoors Final Evaluation APPENDIX 26: Forest Pathways Final Evaluation APPENDIX 27: Forest Pathways Executive Summary APPENDIX 28: Reflection Session Presentation APPENDIX 29: Journey Reflection OTHER PROJECT PUBLICATIONS: EASY READ BOOKLET - How to use the computer and software EASY READ BOOKLET - Staying Safe Online