Role: Digital & Community Projects Manager Salary: £30,000 – £37,000 (subject to experience) Hours: 30–37.5 hours per week, Monday–Friday (some evenings/weekends may be required) Flexible and part-time/job share arrangements considered Contract: Initial 18-month contract (extension subject to funding and performance) Location: Ow Bist Forest Community Space, Cinderford Do you believe that everyone deserves to be connected? Are you passionate about the power of communities to shape their own futures? FVAF is looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Digital & Community Projects Manager to join our growing team in the heart of the Forest of Dean. This is a genuinely exciting opportunity to lead meaningful, place-based work that makes a real difference — helping people and communities thrive through digital inclusion, local partnerships, and strengths-based engagement. JOB DESCRIPTION: Digital & Community Projects Manager 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. Application deadline: 5pm Wednesday 24th June Interview dates: w/c 6th July For an informal discussion about the role, please contact community@fvaf.org.uk Send completed application forms to Alex Digby at community@fvaf.org.uk

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.

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.

Universal Youth Services Partnership bringing Open Access Universal Youth Services to Gloucester and the Forest of Dean! Together with Gloucestershire Gateway Trust and The Venture Community Hub (TVCH), we’ve joined forces to make a real difference in the lives of young people. Guided by GGT, in the Forest of Dean FVAF is leading on supporting a wide range of services for young people aged 11 to 19 (or up to 25 for those with special educational needs and disabilities). Our youth services will be available to everyone, focusing on the needs of the local community to create a more connected, supported, and engaging youth sector. FIND OUT MORE ABOUT... Gloucestershire Gateway Trust The Venture Community Hub

Role: Caretaker Salary: £20,000 – £24,800 (depending on experience) Hours: 30 hours per week, Mon–Fri, 7:30am–2pm (some evenings/weekends may be required) Contract: Permanent contract 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 — a vibrant hub where local organisations, community groups, and people come together to collaborate, connect, and thrive. The Role This is a hands-on, varied role. As our Caretaker, you'll be the person who makes sure everything runs smoothly. You'll be responsible for: Day-to-day facilities management, building security, and opening/closing procedures Proactive maintenance, minor repairs, and contractor management Leading health and safety compliance, risk assessments, and staff training Overseeing cleaning staff and eco-friendly supplies Supporting FVAF's sustainability goals — monitoring utilities, promoting recycling, and championing green practices Managing room set-ups for events and building users Operating and maintaining the FVAF Community Engagement Vehicle Building great relationships with tenants, colleagues, and community partners JOB DESCRIPTION: 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. Applications will be considered as they are received. For an informal discussion about the role, please contact projects@fvaf.org.uk

Obair dheonach Mar an t-ionad d’Oibrithe Deonacha le haghaidh Foraoise an Déin táimid anseo chun cabhrú leat oibrithe deonacha a earcú agus a bhainistiú Ár Obair Dheonach nua leabhrán líonta le sonraí den obair dheonach áitiúil deiseanna amach anois Cliceáil le híoslódáil Nó bailigh cóip ag do leabharlann áitiúil nó Mol Pobail Mar Ionad na nOibrithe Deonacha do na Foraois an Déin go minic is muid an chéad phointe teagmhála d’aon duine ar spéis leo obair dheonach. Anuraidh bhí bród orainn tacú le luach breis agus 100,000 uair an chloig d’obair dheonach sa cheantar! Déanann FVAF raon leathan deiseanna saorálaíochta a chur chun cinn agus a fhógairt ó eagraíochtaí a roinneann ár n-éiteas maidir le tacú le hoibrithe deonacha agus a aithníonn an raon leathan cúiseanna a roghnaíonn daoine obair dheonach a dhéanamh. Cén Fáth Oibrí Deonach? Tá roinnt buntáistí ollmhóra ag baint le hobair dheonach, ní hamháin duitse i do dhuine aonair, ach do do phobal agus don domhan ina mairimid. Más mian leat cur le do CV, bualadh le daoine nua, úsáid mhaith a bhaint as do chuid scileanna, rud éigin nua a fhoghlaim, spéis a shaothrú, taithí a thairiscint nó difríocht a dhéanamh, táimid cinnte go mbeidh deis againn duit! Is féidir leat eolas a fháil faoi na deiseanna seo ar na bealaí seo a leanas: Cuardaigh deiseanna ag Déan-é.org Glaoigh orainn ar 01594 822073 Téigh i dteagmháil tríd ríomhphost Tar ar cuairt chugainn ag FVAF Luan - Aoine 9:00 - 1:00 ( Treoracha ) Má tá tú ag iarraidh obair dheonach a dhéanamh mar chuid de ghrúpa mór, mar shampla mar chuid den obair dheonach chorparáideach, tá raon leathan deiseanna againn freisin le roghnú astu. 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 Mar ionad ilfhreastail do gach rud a bhaineann le hobair dheonach, bainimid úsáid as modheolaíocht ilghnéitheach chun an seans is fearr a thabhairt duit chun oibrithe deonacha luachmhara a earcú agus a choinneáil. Áirítear leis seo na nithe seo a leanas: Do dheiseanna a fhógairt ar Do-it.org Do dheiseanna a chur chun cinn do bhaill den phobal a chuirtear ar aghaidh chugainn nó tríd ár bhfeidhm buail isteach. Do dheiseanna a fhógairt ar ár leathanaigh Facebook agus Twitter Do dheiseanna a chur chun cinn do sheirbhísí áitiúla a thacaíonn le hobair dheonach m.sh. Job Centre, LearnDirect agus 2GetherTrust Do dheiseanna a fhógairt ag níos mó ná 30 imeacht in aghaidh na bliana Do dheiseanna a sheoladh chuig gnólachtaí áitiúla a thairgeann obair dheonach arna thacú ag fostóirí Deiseanna ábhartha a chur chun cinn i Scoileanna, Coláistí agus Ollscoileanna Do dheiseanna a dháileadh ar ár mbunachar sonraí oibrithe deonacha de bhreis is 1,000 duine Do dheiseanna a chur chun cinn chuig líonraí éagsúla, Know Your Patch san áireamh 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)

Siúl le Rothaí Bain úsáid as ceann de na scútair soghluaisteachta uile-tír-raon chun rochtain a fháil ar na cosáin áille Foraoise le do theaghlach agus lena chairde, beag beann ar do chumas siúlóide. Tá an Foraois an Déin Is ionad aitheanta é le haghaidh siúlóide agus rothaíochta agus déantar freastal maith air ag cosáin agus rochtain eile le dromchla. I gcás daoine le míchumas coirp, le drochshláinte, le lagú céadfach nó le riocht coisctheach éigin eile d’fhéadfadh go mbeadh gá le cúnamh cumhachtaithe, sainléirmhíniú nó meáin chuí eile le cur ar a gcumas sult a bhaint as na tairbhí a ghlacann daoine eile go talamh slán. seo Foraoise na bhForas Tionscadal maoinithe ag an gCrannchur Oidhreachta, ag obair i gcomhar le Soghluaisteacht faoin Tuath cuireann sé deiseanna ar fáil do níos mó daoine rochtain a fháil ar Fhoraois an Déin. Soláthraíonn Walking with Wheels scútair soghluaisteachta uile-tír-raon (ar a dtugtar Trampers) ar cíos ó Forest Holidays ag Christchurch, agus an Speech House Hotel. Tá na Trampers ar fáil do bhealaí réamh-mapáilte a chuimsíonn radharcanna Symonds Yat, na Biblíní, Crannlann Cyril Hart agus Loch Mallards Pike gan ach cuid acu a lua. Más mian leat níos mó a fhoghlaim faoi Ag siúl le Rothaí, cuir glaoch ar 01594 822073 nó déan teagmháil linn trí ríomhphost . Ceisteanna Coitianta Cad is ‘Tramper’ ann? Cé atá in ann an tseirbhís seo a úsáid? Cad iad na bealaí ar féidir liom é a úsáid? Cathain a bheidh sé ar fáil ar cíos? Conas is féidir liom ceann a chur in áirithe? Cé mhéad a chosnaíonn sé Tramper a fhostú? Cad a tharlóidh murar úsáid mé ceann acu seo riamh? Cad a tharlóidh má theastaíonn cabhair bhreise uaim? Cén fáth a gcaithfidh mé bheith i mo bhall de Countryside Mobility? An féidir liom cabhrú leis an tionscadal seo? Cad a tharlóidh más gá dom áirithint a chur ar ceal? Frequently Asked Questions

YOUTH CLUBS & ACTIVITIES

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!

Tell us what training would help your organisation We're exploring how best to support the training needs of voluntary and community groups across the Forest of Dean. This might include hosting training ourselves, bringing in external trainers, or connecting you with existing resources and courses. Please complete this brief survey to let us know what would be most valuable for you. Your feedback will shape the support we're able to offer. Organisation Name: Your Role: Email Training Topics Which of the following topics would be most valuable for your organisation? (Please tick all that apply and add any others) Funding & Fundraising Marketing & PR Digital Skills/Using Technology Financial Procedures & Management Governance & Trustees Finding & Recruiting Volunteers Volunteer Management & Retention Embedding Climate Action Neurodiversity, Mental Health & Inclusion Safeguarding First Aid Health & Safety Food Hygiene Other Let us know your TOP 3 training needs: When Which days work best for you? (Tick all that apply) Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Preferred times: (Tick all that apply) Morning (9am-12pm) Afternoon (1pm-5pm) Evening (6pm-8pm) Where How would you prefer to attend training? (Tick all that apply) In-person only Online only Hybrid (option to attend either way) No preference If in-person: Forest of Dean only Willing to travel How Which learning formats work best for you? (Tick all that apply) Workshops (group sessions) Online webinars/courses One-to-one support/mentoring Drop-in sessions Self-paced resources Peer learning/networking groups 5. Additional Information Are there any barriers that prevent you from accessing training? (e.g., cost, time, childcare, accessibility needs) Any other comments or suggestions? Submit