COMMUNITY CONNECTORS’ FORUM/KNOW YOUR PATCH NETWORK In-person event 14 June 2022 at The Wesley, Cinderford Event Feedback \ Thank you for participating in our event! Tell us what you thought about it. Name & organisation Please indicate on a scale of 1 – 10, where 1 is the most negative and 10 the most positive What was your overall impression of the day? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 What was your experience of the speakers? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Please share any comments about your overall impression of the day and the speakers What was your experience of the activities? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Please share any comments about the activities What was your experience of the refreshments? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Was there anything else that you feel could have been provided? What would you like to see in future events? Suggested speakers/format etc Your email Send Feedback Thanks for your feedback!

Cumann Óige na Foraoise Tá Cumann Óige Forest of Dean anseo chun cabhair agus tacaíocht a thairiscint do dhaoine óga agus do chlubanna, grúpaí nó eagraíochtaí óige. Déan Cairde nua Glac páirt i do phobal Leanúint ar leas Bain triail as rud éigin nua Foghlaim scileanna nua Deonach Déan domhan níos fearr Obair dheonach Tá go leor deiseanna deonacha ann do dhaoine óga agus do dhaoine fásta araon. Más duine óg tú atá ag lorg obair dheonach le déanamh i d’am saor, chun tuilleadh scileanna a fháil nó mar chuid de do chlár DofE cuir glaoch orainn nó tabhair cuairt ar https://do-it.org/ Mar an gcéanna, más duine fásta thú a bhfuil scileanna agus eolas agat nó más mian leat tacú le heagraíocht óige laistigh de Foraoise an Déin, déan teagmháil le do thoil mar go bhfuil go leor eagraíochtaí ann a bheadh buíoch as do thacaíocht. Ballraíocht Chleamhnaithe do do Chlub / Eagraíocht Nuair a bheidh tú cleamhnaithe le Cumann Óige Foraoise an Déan beidh tú i dteideal ár raon iomlán seirbhísí, a chuireann comhairle agus tacaíocht ar fáil i ngach gné de reáchtáil eagraíochta mar mise. Tá féilire gníomhaíochtaí á reáchtáil againn freisin ar féidir le d’oibrithe deonacha agus daoine óga páirt a ghlacadh iontu ar tháille ainmniúil. Chun sonraí iomlána a fháil faoi na buntáistí nó chun do chlub a chlárú, cliceáil ar na naisc seo a leanas Sochair Chomhaltas Chumann na nÓg do Chlubanna Foirm Ballraíochta Chumann Óige do Chlubanna Sonraí Teagmhála Le Tuilleadh Eolais Más mian leat tuilleadh eolais a fháil faoi aon cheann dár dtionscadail nó imeachtaí nó conas a bheith páirteach ann, téigh i dteagmháil lenár nOifigeach Forbartha Chumann Óige, Alethea Bumpstead ar FodYouthAssociation@fvaf.org.uk For More Information If you would like to know about any of our projects or events or how to get involved, please get in touch with us at hi.ya @fvaf.org.uk Tacaíocht Airgeadais Faigheann Cumann Óige Foraoise an Déin tacaíocht airgeadais ó Chomhairlí Baile Chúlfort agus Chúil Aodha. Más mian le do Chomhairle Paróiste nó Baile tuilleadh eolais a fháil faoi Chumann Óige Fhoraois an Déin nó conas is féidir leat tacú linn, déan teagmháil le do thoil trí ríomhphost a sheoladh chuig FodYouthAssociation@fvaf.org.uk

Our team transforms Local Spaces during Volunteers Week 2025 We rolled up our sleeves this week and got stuck in with some fantastic Employer Supported Volunteering (ESV) as part of Volunteers Week 2025! We got out about in the local community to two fantastic local community groups: Team Paint Squad grabbed their brushes and got stuck in with smiles on their faces (and paint on their clothes!) to transform the Forest Fighting Fit studio with a fresh coat of paint - brightening up their space, recovery room, and bathrooms. Team Green Fingers headed down to Steam Mills to work their magic at the community garden for Cinderford Grows. Armed with gloves, tools, and plenty of enthusiasm, our team tackled overgrown areas, cleared stubborn weeds, and gave the pathway a beautiful fresh layer of wood chippings. Deb Cook, FVAF's Volunteering Manager said: "We all had a blast and were reminded that volunteering can be both rewarding and great fun!" A huge thank you to Forest Fighting Fit and Cinderford Grows for welcoming us with open arms.

🌟 Forest Volunteer Awards 2025 – Celebrating Local Heroes 🌟 This year, we’re shining a spotlight on the incredible individuals, groups, and organisations who go the extra mile to make the Forest of Dean a better place. Whether they’re quietly making a difference or leading bold community change, we want to hear their stories. THE CATEGORIES: 🏆 Volunteer of the Year – People's Champion This is your chance to celebrate an unsung hero. Someone who consistently goes above and beyond to support others, uplift their community, or inspire through their own journey. Their dedication may have transformed lives—or even kept vital services running. We're looking for someone who: Shows exceptional dedication and commitment to their volunteer role Has made a significant positive impact on individuals or the wider community Demonstrates reliability, compassion, and selflessness May have overcome personal challenges while helping others Goes above and beyond to support those in need ✨ This is the only award chosen by public vote! Once finalists are announced, the community will decide who takes home the title. 🌱 Young Volunteer of the Year (21 & under) Recognising a young person who's making a big impact. Whether they've overcome personal challenges or shown outstanding commitment to helping others, this award celebrates young volunteers —in schools, clubs, or community projects. We're looking for a young person who: Demonstrates exceptional commitment to volunteering despite their age Serves as a role model and inspiration to other young people Shows maturity, leadership, and dedication beyond their years May have overcome personal obstacles while helping others Actively contributes to making their school, club, or community better Examples might include: peer mentoring, fundraising champions, environmental activists, community event organisers, or young carers who also volunteer. 🤝 Grassroots Group of the Year For small, volunteer-led groups making a big difference. From lunch clubs to sports teams, support circles to hobby groups—if your local group is powered by passion and community spirit, we want to celebrate it. We're looking for groups that: Are entirely or predominantly volunteer-run Demonstrate strong community impact despite limited resources Show innovation, creativity, and resilience in their approach Foster genuine connections and belonging among members Address local needs or bring people together around shared interests Operate with transparency, inclusivity, and community spirit Examples might include: village halls committees, friendship groups, local history societies, craft circles, walking groups, or neighbourhood support networks. 🏢 Community Organisation Award Recognising larger charities, CICs, CIOs, or teams of staff and volunteers making a meaningful impact in the Forest of Dean. We celebrate organisations that: Make a real difference by creating positive, lasting change in the local community Join forces with other local groups and partners to work together effectively Stay open and accountable while encouraging active community participation Keep evolving to meet new challenges and the changing needs of the community Use resources wisely to bring the greatest possible benefits to those who need them Stay true to the mission and focus on what matters most to the Forest of Dean Champion volunteering by effectively recruiting, supporting, and valuing volunteers This award highlights established organisations with formal structures, paid staff, and a commitment to fostering and sustaining volunteer contributions. 🏢💚 Business in the Community Award Celebrating local businesses that give back. Whether through employee volunteering, project sponsorship, or hands-on community support, this award recognises businesses that are making a real social impact. We're looking for businesses that: Go beyond profit to actively contribute to community wellbeing Encourage and support employee volunteering during work time Provide meaningful sponsorship, donations, or in-kind support Partner with local charities and community groups Operate with environmental and social responsibility Demonstrate genuine, long-term commitment to the Forest of Dean Examples might include: businesses offering apprenticeships to local youth, companies supporting community events, employers giving staff volunteer days, or businesses donating skills, space, or resources. ♿ Accessibility & Inclusion Award (sponsored by FoD Dementia Action Alliance) This award celebrates organisations or groups that are actively working to break down barriers and create welcoming, inclusive spaces. It's not about being perfect—it's about showing commitment to accessibility, equity, and belonging for all. We're looking for organisations that: Actively work to remove physical, social, or communication barriers Demonstrate understanding of diverse needs including disability, age, culture, and background Show ongoing commitment to improving accessibility and inclusion Provide training, support, or resources to become more inclusive Create environments where everyone feels valued and able to participate Take practical steps to accommodate different needs and abilities This could include: dementia-inclusive initiatives, wheelchair accessible improvements, sensory-friendly adaptations, multilingual support, or programmes specifically designed to welcome marginalised groups. 🌍 Community Climate Action Award (sponsored by Forest of Dean Climate Action Partnership) F or individuals or VCSE groups leading the way in environmental action. From community gardens and repair cafés to sustainable transport and flood resilience—if you're helping the Forest adapt and thrive in a changing climate, we want to hear from you. We're looking for nominees who: Take practical action to address climate change or environmental challenges Inspire and educate others about sustainable living Develop innovative solutions to local environmental issues Build community resilience to the impact of the changing climate Create lasting positive environmental change in the Forest of Dean Examples might include: renewable energy projects, sustainable food initiatives, active travel promotion, waste reduction campaigns, or climate adaptation projects. NOMINATIONS NOW CLOSED FAQs Who can nominate? Anyone can nominate! Whether you are an individual local resident, part of a community group or from a local government organisation. How can I nominate? It’s easy – just fill in our nomination form here or if you would prefer a paper copy you can request one via communications@fvaf.org.uk or 01594 822073. What information do I need to provide? Please provide plenty of detail about what the nominee has achieved and as much information as possible about them and their unique contribution. If you have any, please provide good quality photographs. Make sure that you have permission from anyone else in the photograph so that we can use it for media and promotional activities unless you tell us not to. Should I tell the person or organisation I am nominating them or keep it a surprise? Ideally it would be good to let them know once you have decided to nominate, just so that they are aware and happy for their story to be shared. We want to celebrate and shout about the wonderful work of volunteers which would include promotion via social media, on our website and to local press. How will it be judged? All nominations will be carefully considered by a panel of judges. This panel will be made up of a mix of unbiased and independent judges including; members of staff from FVAF, a FVAF trustee, and representatives from local councils, businesses and media. For more information or if you have any questions, email communications@fvaf.org.uk or call 01594 822073 .

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

Moil Buail Isteach na dTógálaithe Pobail The drop-in hub provides support to create, inspire and build stronger communities together Soláthraíonn an mol buail isteach tacaíocht chun pobail níos láidre a chruthú, a spreagadh agus a thógáil le chéile Cuireann gach mol buail isteach raon tacaíochta, comhairle agus treorach ar fáil do chónaitheoirí áitiúla. Mar shampla; tacaíocht agus comharthaíocht chuig seirbhísí áitiúla, ag nascadh agus ag bunú nua grúpaí pobail, ag tacú le daoine teacht níos gaire don fhostaíocht nó don bhreisoideachas, cabhrú le rochtain a fháil ar an saol digiteach agus tacaíocht chun do chuid smaointe don phobal a thabhairt ar an saol. Is féidir linn cabhrú le: Deiseanna obair dheonach Tacaíocht infhostaitheachta Grúpaí gníomhaíochta agus clubanna áitiúla Tacaíocht TF & dhigiteach Eolas imeacht áitiúil Comharthaíocht chuig seirbhísí áitiúla For dates, times and locations for up coming FVAF Community Drop-in Hubs, contact Alex on community@fvaf.org.uk or call the FVAF office on 01594 822073.

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

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:

NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN! CLOSING DATE: MIDNIGHT SUNDAY 20 JULY 2025 Nomination Form 2025 Please select in which category you would like to nominate the individual or group. Your Volunteer of the Year Young Volunteer of the Year 21yrs & under Community Organisation of the Year Grassroots Award - Voluntary Group of the Year ESV Business in the Community Award FoD Dementia Action Alliance Accessibility & Inclusion Award FoDCAP Community Climate Action Award Name of the volunteer/group being nominated: Name of the organisation or group linked to the nominee (for individual nominees only) Volunteer role or role of group Contact details for nominee (email and telephone) If you are providing personal contact details, do you have permission to share this person's information? If not, no problem—we will use the general contact details of the group or organisation associated with the nominee instead. Yes No Reason for nomination - please provide a brief description which outlines why you think this individual or group stands out. What makes them special and worthy of being celebrated? Your name Your email address Are you happy for us to keep your contact details for the purpose of this nomination only? Yes No Submit

Fóram na Nascóirí Pobail - Bíodh do Líonra Paiste ar eolas agat Supporting Strong and Thriving Communities with Know Your Patch Ag Tacú le Pobail Láidre Rathúla agus Bíodh Fios agat ar do Phaiste Nascann cuid Know Your Patch den Fhóram um Chónascairí Pobail (CCF) an Earnáil Deonach agus Pobail, Seirbhísí Reachtúla agus cónaitheoirí áitiúla ar bhealach a chruthaíonn bealaí oibre níos fearr. Tá Líonra Know Your Patch i bhForaois na Déan deartha chun an Earnáil Deonach agus Pobail, Seirbhísí Reachtúla agus cónaitheoirí áitiúla a nascadh ar bhealach a chruthaíonn bealaí oibre níos fearr a neartaíonn ár bpobail sa deireadh. Tá an ‘tairiscint phobail’ seo thar a bheith tábhachtach chun géarú riachtanas sláinte a chosc nó a mhoilliú. Déanaimid óstáil ar imeachtaí ráithiúla ar fud Foraoise an Déin áit a dtugaimid cuireadh do pháirtithe leasmhara a bheith páirteach sa phlé ar cad atá tábhachtach ina bpobal agus conas is féidir le seirbhísí agus grúpaí earnála deonacha cabhrú leis seo. Tá gach imeacht Know Your Patch SAOR IN AISCE agus oscailte d’aon duine atá ag iarraidh a bheith mar chuid den chomhrá. Más mian leat a bheith i láthair cuir glaoch ar 01594 822073 nó seol ríomhphost chuig help4groups@fvaf.org.uk . Seolaimid ríomhphoist agus nuashonruithe rialta chuig ár Líonra Know Your Patch maidir lena bhfuil ar siúl i bhForaois an Déan. Más mian leat a bheith páirteach sa líonra seo, liostáil le do thoil anseo . Buíochas le maoiniú ó Comhairle Contae Gloucestershire , Tá Know Your Patch ar fáil freisin i ngach ceantar eile i Gloucestershire. Más mian leat tuilleadh a fháil amach fúthu seo tabhair cuairt le do thoil anseo . Seo cuid den taighde a chuireann béim ar ár smaointeoireacht: "Tá ról againn go léir maidir le cabhrú le daoine aonair agus le pobail caipiteal sóisialta a fhorbairt. Tá aitheantas ag dul i méid, cé go bhfuil raon de riachtanais chasta agus idirghaolmhara ag grúpaí sóisialta agus pobail faoi mhíbhuntáiste, go bhfuil sócmhainní acu freisin ar an leibhéal sóisialta agus pobail. ar féidir leo cabhrú le sláinte a fheabhsú, agus athléimneacht i leith fadhbanna sláinte a neartú" (The Kings Fund, 2018) "Bhí ráta marthanais 50 faoin gcéad níos airde acu siúd a raibh caidreamh sóisialta leordhóthanach acu i gcomparáid le daoine aonair a raibh droch-chaidreamh sóisialta acu" (Holt-Lunstad et al 2010) "Tá sé léirithe go bhfuil líonraí sóisialta chomh cumhachtach mar thuaróirí mortlaíochta agus atá gnáthrioscaí stíl mhaireachtála agus cliniciúla cosúil le caitheamh tobac measartha, ólachán iomarcach alcóil, murtall agus colaistéaról ard agus brú fola" (Pantell et al 2013; Holt-Lunstad et al, 2010) . "Tá tacaíocht shóisialta thar a bheith tábhachtach chun athléimneacht a mhéadú agus chun téarnamh ó bhreoiteacht a chur chun cinn" (Pevalin agus Rose, 2003) “Cuidíonn easpa líonraí sóisialta agus tacaíochta é níos deacra iompar féin-rialú agus tiomnacht agus athléimneacht a thógáil thar am, as a dtiocfaidh rannpháirtíocht in iompraíochtaí míshláintiúla” (Cacioppo agus Patrick 2009). "Laghdaíonn Rannpháirtíocht an Phobail aonrú, eisiamh agus uaigneas" (Farrell agus Bryant 2009; Sevigny et al 2010; Ryan-Collins et al 2008) "Feabhsaíonn caipiteal sóisialta láidir an seans go seachnófar rioscaí stíl mhaireachtála amhail caitheamh tobac" (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.

FVAF Community Celebration & AGM 2023 FRIDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2024 | 11AM - 2PM Ow Bis - Forest Community Space, Dockham Road GL14 2AN We are inviting the whole community to join us in celebrating the work FVAF has done over the last 12 months for, and with communities across the Forest of Dean PLUS it’s our 30th anniversary this year and we’re ready to celebrate! Refreshments and a delicious buffet lunch will be provided. Places are limited - please book your ticket ASAP READ THE AGM NOTICE BELOW: BOOK YOUR TICKET

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