Ag Siúl le Rothaí: Ceisteanna Coitianta Cad is ‘Tramper’ ann? Is feithicil soghluaisteachta leictreach uile-tír-raon é Tramper. Tá luas teoranta suas le 4msu aige atá oiriúnach do shiúlóirí nó do leanaí óga ar rothair. Is féidir sonraíocht iomlán na Trampers fáil anseo . Cé atá in ann an tseirbhís seo a úsáid? Tá Walking with Wheels oscailte d’aon duine atá os cionn 14 bliana d’aois agus a bhfuil meáchan faoi bhun 25 cloch acu a bhfuil deacracht acu siúl mar gheall ar dheacrachtaí soghluaisteachta sealadacha nó buana. Cad iad na bealaí ar féidir liom é a úsáid? I measc na mbealaí atá ar fáil tá go Symond's Yat Rock agus síos go dtí an abhainn Wye ag Symond's Yat ó Forest Holidays agus Cyril Hart Arboretum, Mallards Pike agus codanna de Chosán Rothaíochta na dTeaghlach ó The Speech House. Cuirfear léarscáileanna de na bealaí ar fáil agus tú ar cíos. Cathain a bheidh sé ar fáil ar cíos? Tá an Tramper ar fáil ar cíos 9:00 - 5:00 7 lá na seachtaine (d’fhéadfadh uaireanta a bheith níos giorra sa Gheimhreadh chun filleadh roimh dhubh a chinntiú). Conas is féidir liom ceann a chur in áirithe? Cuir do Tramper in áirithe roimh an lá le do thoil, chun díomá a sheachaint. Déan teagmháil le do thoil leis na suíomhanna tramper chun áit a chur in áirithe. Le haghaidh Saoire Foraoise cuir glaoch ar 01594 837165 Le haghaidh An Teach Cainte cuir glaoch ar 01594 822607 Cé mhéad a chosnaíonn sé Tramper a fhostú? Ní chosnaíonn an Tramper ach £2.50 san uair. I gcás úsáideoirí den chéad uair tá táille bhliantúil £10 ar Shoghluaisteacht Tuaithe nó £2.50 le haghaidh seisiún blaiseadh coicíse. Cad a tharlóidh murar úsáid mé ceann acu seo riamh? Gan a bheith buartha! Tá siad an-simplí agus sábháilte a oibriú agus tabharfar ionduchtú iomlán do gach úsáideoir chun a chinntiú go mbraitheann siad sábháilte agus compordach chun dul i ngleic lenár rianta iontacha. Cad a tharlóidh má theastaíonn cabhair bhreise uaim? Iarraimid go mbeadh gach duine in éineacht leat ar na cosáin ionas go mbeidh duine éigin in éineacht leat i gcónaí. Más mian leat Tramper a thriail, roimh duit ceann a fhostú, cuir glaoch ar cheann dár n-ionaid le socrú a dhéanamh. Cén fáth a gcaithfidh mé bheith i mo bhall de Countryside Mobility? Tá Countryside Mobility freagrach as na Trampers a sholáthar agus is é sin an fáth go gcuirtear ar fáil iad ar ráta chomh inacmhainne. Oibríonn siad freisin chun a chinntiú go ndéanann gach suíomh ina bhfuil Tramper é sin a dhéanamh ar bhealach sábháilte agus inrochtana. Cuirfidh an bhallraíocht seo ar do chumas úsáid a bhaint as aon cheann de na Trampers ag an iliomad láithreán Soghluaisteachta Tuaithe ar fud an Iardheiscirt. Tabhair cuairt le do thoil ar an suíomh Gréasáin Countryside Mobility le haghaidh tuilleadh eolais. Is féidir leat foirmeacha ballraíochta a chomhlánú ag an ionad roimh fhostú. An féidir liom cabhrú leis an tionscadal seo? Bíonn Walking with Wheels ag brath ar oibrithe deonacha chun ár seirbhís a chur chun cinn. Más spéis leat cuidiú lenár seirbhís a scaipeadh, nó más mian leat cabhrú ar bhealach eile, cuir glaoch le do thoil ar 01594 822073 nó seol ríomhphost chuig walkingwithwheels@fvaf.org.uk . Cuirfear oiliúint agus tacaíocht iomlán ar fáil. Cad a tharlóidh más gá dom áirithint a chur ar ceal? Iarraimid ort fógra cealaithe 24 uair ar a laghad a thabhairt ionas gur féidir linn an Tramper a fhostú chuig úsáideoir eile. Chun é a chur ar ceal déan teagmháil leis an suíomh ar chuir tú in áirithe é What is a Tramper Who can use this service What routes can I use it on When is it available to hire How can I book one How much does it cost What if I've never used one of these before What if I need additional help Why do I have to become a member of CM Can I help wit this project What if I need to cancel a booking

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

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

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!

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

Share Your Vision for the Forest of Dean – New Online Ways to Join the Conversation Have your say on the Forest's future – including potential UNESCO Biosphere designation. Residents across the Forest of Dean can now take part in shaping the area's future, from the comfort of their own home, with new online platforms that have just launched as part of a major community engagement project. Forest of Dean District Council has commissioned Wylderne to explore what the future could look like for this distinctive working Forest – including the possibility of UNESCO Biosphere designation – and everyone is invited to have their say. We've been supporting Wylderne with reaching the community and we're excited to launch 2 new digital opportunities to make it easier for everyone to contribute. Open to the whole community, residents can join facilitated video discussions in AI-Moderated Video Chat Rooms. A text-Based conversation platform is also being used to allow people to share thoughts and ideas through online discussion forums AI-Moderated Video Chat Room - sign up HERE Text Based conversation - take part HERE What's it all about? Our unique landscape has created a remarkable history and culture. But what will be the next chapter for this working Forest? What could a future look like that's rooted in our beautiful landscape and the stories that have forged our local identity? As part of these conversations, we'll also explore whether becoming a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve could help bring out the potential we know is here. A Biosphere is a place where communities learn how to protect biodiversity AND develop sustainably – finding local solutions to global challenges. But this is a genuine conversation about possibilities, not a done deal. We want to hear from YOU We're using an innovative approach that starts by asking what you value and treasure about the Forest. What stories make you proud? What are our strengths? What would you like to see in our future? Visit https://www.fdean.gov.uk/forest-of-dean-s-unesco-biosphere-bid or https://www.wylderne.com/ for more information. What is a UNESCO Biosphere? There are 759 Biosphere Reserves in 136 countries, with 7 already in the UK (including North Devon, Isle of Wight, and Dyfi in Wales). They're places for innovation – where communities work out how human beings and nature can live side by side so both can thrive. Cllr Chris McFarling, who represents Sedbury and St Briavels on Forest of Dean District Council, said: "A business as usual approach has seen continued declines in species, increased development, and increased pollution of our rivers. Becoming a Biosphere will tell the international community that there is something special and unique about the natural environment and the culture of the people of the Dean." Get involved Your insights will help shape a report that will be completed in early March 2026, feeding into the potential Biosphere application and helping guide our Forest's future direction. For more information: Visit: www.wylderne.com Contact: Paul Pivcevic, 07968 472317 or Catherine Best, communications@fvaf.org.uk

Our publications Forest Compass Edition 3 Volunteering in the Forest of Dean FVAF Annual Report 2024/25 FVAF Annual Accounts 2024/25 FVAF Annual Report 2023/24 FVAF Annual Report 2022/23 FVAF Annual Report 2021/22 Insights into the Experience of commissioning for small VCSE organisations in the Forest of Dean By Chris Brown My Networks publications My Networks Scoping Project Report, Oct 2022 by Simon Price Supporting documents: Mental Health Scoping Project – Survey Results Co-production – How we facilitated My Networks Scoping Report The Forest of Dean Mycelium Mental Health Project A report from the Undergrowth by Simon Price, Anwen Jenkins, Pete Harper, Miranda Thomason and Teresa Rose Useful community publications The Digital Divides Report and Recommendations By Digital Divides Steering Group Learnings from the Forest By Forest of Dean Climate Action Partnership (FODCAP), Holding The Space, Thirty Percy, and CCRI.

Recovery & Wellbeing Café “A Community Created Curriculum of Curious Conversations” Weekly Face-to-Face Discussions & Recovery Educational Sessions Each Wednesday (Term Time) at Café 16 in Coleford from 6-8pm. “A safe space to create who you are, not be told what to think.” Join conversations with a diverse range of people with professional & lived experience of different subjects, local people who have gained understandings about the impact current concerns have upon mental health, recovery and wellbeing. We are building a supportive space where, as critical friends, we can learn together and support each other with our individual understandings. All curious & compassionate folk welcome.

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

We Celebrate our Outstanding Volunteers! Winners crowned at annual Forest Volunteer Awards event... The Forest of Dean's most dedicated volunteers took centre stage this week at our annual Forest Volunteer Awards, held on Tuesday 2 September at the AccXel Construction School in Cinderford! People's Champion Takes Top Honours Ian Gower claimed the evening's most coveted award – Volunteer of the Year (People's Champion) – following a public vote that attracted over 3,500 participants. Ian's tireless work spans multiple organisations including CANDI, Mitcheldean Youth Club, and Scarr Bandstand, where he inspires young people through STEM education, drawing on his engineering background with Rolls Royce. Community Groups Recognised for Vital Work Several local organisations received recognition for their outstanding community contributions. The Salvation Army Community Hub in Coleford won Community Organisation of the Year for providing comprehensive support services including food assistance and domestic violence support. The Sharing Kitchen in Newent claimed the Grassroots Voluntary Group award, having transformed from a winter soup kitchen into a thriving community hub since launching in November 2024. Meanwhile, Music for Memories received the FoD Dementia Action Alliance Accessibility & Inclusion Award for positively impacting nearly 200 lives through personalised music therapy. We Rewarded Resilience Brockweir Village Shop and Café earned our ESV Business in the Community Award, demonstrating remarkable resilience after rebuilding following devastating fire damage in 2023. Volunteers worked tirelessly through an 18-month reconstruction to reopen the vital community facility. We Recognised Environmental Action Our newly introduced Community Climate Action Award went to the Save the Wye Campaign, recognising the group's creative activism in bringing national attention to the environmental crisis facing the River Wye. We Celebrated Future Leaders and Lifetime Achievement Our ceremony highlighted emerging community leaders, with Moss Thornton taking home our Young Volunteer of the Year honours for outstanding work as a Youth Expert and Youth Worker with Gloucestershire Health and Care Trust and Forest Pulse. Albert Weager received our Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 for his decades of community service as a representative and advocate for improved healthcare in the Forest of Dean. Celebrating Community Spirit "So much of what happens within our community is because of people who give their time and energy for free," said Deb Cook, Volunteering Manager at FVAF. "We're so proud to host this event and make a massive fuss about the incredible work that goes on in groups and organisations large and small. The work carried out by these volunteers is absolutely crucial to so many." Hosted by Steve Knibbs (BBC News Presenter) and Les Love (Dean Radio), our award winners were announced by guest presenters; Simon Murray (Vice chair, trustee of FVAF and chair of the Forest of Dean branch of CPRE), Cllr Jackie Dale, Cabinet Member for Thriving Communities FoDDC, Piers Cardiff (new Co-ordinator of FoDCAP), Tyler Josh Carpenter (volunteer at SARA (Severn Area Rescue Association) AND winner of last year’s Forest Young Volunteer of the Year), Dame Janet Trotter (DBE CVO), Nick Penny (FVAF Programme Manager). The celebration evening was made possible through generous sponsorship from local organisations, KW Bell Group and AccXel Construction Centre , Cinderhill Farm , Float in the Forest , Forest of Dean Climate Action Partnership (FODCAP) , Forest of Dean District Council , Mid Counties Co-operative and Pedalabikeaway . We received hundreds of nominations following their summer call for submissions, with an expert panel handling the challenging task of shortlisting candidates across all categories. FOREST VOLUNTEER AWARD WINNERS 2025: Volunteer of the Year – Peoples’ Champion WINNER: Ian Gower: CANDI, Mitcheldean Youth Club, Scarr Bandstand Highly Commended: Carol Austin: Sedbury Space Laura Dovey: Taurus Crafts Annie George: Forest Exchange Glynis Halling: The Victoria Centre, Lydney Dial-a-Ride, Dr Charley's Lunch Club Julie Holder: Packed with Love Young Volunteer of the Year 21yrs & under WINNER: Moss Thornton: Youth Expert and Youth Worker with Gloucestershire Health and Care Trust and Forest Pulse Highly Commended: Chloe Watts - Her Game Too and Bristol Rovers Women Ambassador Community Organisation of the Year WINNER: Salvation Army Community Hub Highly Commended: Forest of Dean Writers Collection Project and Dean Green Team Grassroots Group of the Year WINNER: The Sharing Kitchen Highly Commended: Cinderford Town FC (Youth Team)  Forest Wombles Business in the Community Award WINNER: Brockweir Village Shop & Cafe Highly Commended: Dean Forest Food Hub FoD Dementia Action Alliance Accessibility & Inclusion Award WINNER: Music for Memories Highly Commended: Skillzone – Preparation for Adulthood Community Climate Action Award (sponsored by FoDCAP) WINNER: Save the Wye Campaign Highly Commended: Yorkley Village Garden Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 – Albert Weager - community representative and advocate for better healthcare in the Forest of Dean 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, Activities and Food Programme, 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 Road, Cinderford , Glos. GL14 2AN.

Compás Foraoise Is eolaire fisiciúil agus ar líne é an Compás Foraoise a liostaíonn go leor de na gníomhaíochtaí rialta, grúpaí tacaíochta agus clubanna atá ar fáil ar fud Foraoise an Déin. Tá na céadta grúpa sóisialta agus gníomhaíochta de gach cineál san Fhoraois, ó ghrúpaí leanaí, trí chlubanna lóin, ó sheideanna fear go caiféanna cuimhne. Tá go leor acu saor in aisce nó ar chostas an-íseal le freastal orthu agus á reáchtáil ag oibrithe deonacha nó grúpaí neamhbhrabúis. Faraor tá go leor daoine a d’fhéadfadh leas a bhaint as grúpaí den sórt sin aineolach ar na deiseanna iontacha atá ar leac an dorais acu. Má reáchtálann tú gníomhaíocht dheonach, club nó grúpa tacaíochta i bhForaois an Déin déan fógairt in eolaire fisiciúil an Chompáis Fhoraoise agus san eolaire ar líne anseo, SAOR IN AISCE tríd an bhfoirm thíos a chomhlánú. Download OTHER USEFUL DIRECTORIES: YourCircle Check out a local directory to help you find your way around care and support and connect with people, places and activities in Gloucestershire