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.

Volunteer Heroes Crowned! The community turned out in force on Wednesday 7 September to see local volunteers crowned at a glittering awards celebration evening we held at the AccXel Training Centre in Cinderford. We created the Forest Volunteer Awards to recognise and celebrate the amazing efforts of local volunteers in the Forest of Dean. Earlier this Summer, we asked local people to nominate those volunteer heroes who have demonstrated exceptional and outstanding support to the local community over the past 12 months. The response was amazing and we received hundreds of nominations. An expert panel had the tough task of shortlisting the nominations and picking the winners. However, one category - Volunteer of the Year – Peoples’ Champion – was decided by a public vote with almost 900 votes cast. The winners were crowned at a special evening, held at the stunning conference space at the impressive AccXel Training Centre, which was provided for free to FVAF by local construction company the KW Bell Group, who were the main sponsors of the event. Volunteer of the Year went to Les Cockle, volunteer fundraiser at Great Oaks Hospice whilst Forest of Dean Host Ukrainians and Ukraine Community Hub jointly picked up the Community Voluntary Group of the Year. Young volunteers were celebrated with Keira Stone, volunteer at disability group, Together We Can crowed under 16 years old Young Volunteer of the Year, whilst in the 17 – 25 years old category, Chloe Whatley and Jordan Terrel were rewarded for their tireless hard work volunteering at the Sea Cadets in Lydney. Lisa Tootell was crowned Outstanding New Volunteer of the Year for her amazing impact for the Girl Guides in the Forest of Dean and Hips Social were recognised for supporting the local community and investing in improving the local area. The winners were presented with an award, a framed certificate and £100 Amazon voucher, kindly provided by sponsors the KW Bell Group. Deb Cook, Volunteering Manager at FVAF said “So much of what happens within our community is because of people who give their time and energy for free. We think that recognising the amazing efforts of volunteers and organisations is incredibly important which is why we have been so pleased by the reaction of the local people who have supported these awards by nominating and voting.” Deb added, “It has been an incredible evening and we are so lucky and proud of the strength of the amazing voluntary sector we have in the Forest.” Master of Ceremony for the Forest Volunteer Awards was Kate Clark, BBC Radio Gloucestershire presenter who kept the guests entertained with her expert hosting skills. Award winners were announced by guest presenter; Roger Deeks (FVAF Trustee), Nicola Bird and Yvonne Bell (KW Bell and main sponsor), Sue Middleton (Verderer of the Forest of Dean), Andy Lewis MBE (PT2 Para triathlete), Neill Ricketts (Founder of Versarien and chair the Forest of Dean Economic Partnership). The celebration evening was made possible thanks to generous sponsorship for the following local organisations: KW Bell Group and AccXel Training Centre – main sponsors Hot Tubs Rock Versarien The Midcounties Co- Operative FOREST VOLUNTEER AWARD WINNERS: Volunteer of the Year – Peoples’ Champion WINNER: Les Cockle – Great Oaks Hospice Highly Commended: Hannah McGowan (FOD Hosts of Ukrainians Support Group), Martin Elsmore (The Golden Triangle Club), Steve Gregory (FVAF / Walking with Wheels) and Mark Jones (Community First Responder SWASFT) Community Voluntary Group of the Year WINNER: FOD Hosts of Ukrainians Support Group and Ukraine Community Hub Highly Commended: Together We Can, Newnham Archery Club, Dean Radio, The Friends of Longhope Church and The Rewild Project Outstanding New Volunteer WINNER: Lisa Tootell – Girlguiding FOD South Division Highly Commended: Sarah Maxfield – Berry Hill Memorial Institute Young Volunteer of the Year 16yrs & under WINNER: Keira Stone – Together We Can Highly Commended: Toby Niblett – Lydney Youth Hub Young Volunteer of the Year 17 – 25yrs JOINT WINNERS: Jordan Terrell and Chloe Whatley – FOD Sea Cadets Community Impact Award WINNER: HIPs Social Highly Commended: Recycle Shop CIC Newent and Wilde Earth Journeys

Bí i do bhall de FVAF Trí bheith i do bhall de FVAF cabhraíonn tú linn leanúint ar aghaidh ag cur seirbhís tacaíochta ríthábhachtach ar fáil don earnáil dheonach agus phobail sa Foraois an Déin . Feidhmíonn FVAF mar thacadóir do ghníomhaíocht dheonach agus phobail nuair is cuí ag leibhéal dúiche, contae agus náisiúnta, agus dá mhéad ball a dhéanaimid ionadaíocht orthu, is amhlaidh is láidre ár nguth. Téitear i gcomhairle le baill mar sin faoi chúrsaí a théann i bhfeidhm ar an earnáil dheonach agus phobail i bhForaois an Déin agus ar a bhfuil sé mar aidhm againn a bhaint amach mar eagraíocht. Mar bhall, bainfidh tú taitneamh as rochtain ar ár seirbhísí oifige, rátaí laghdaithe priontála agus cóipeála, folúntais deonacha a chur chun cinn do do ghrúpa, agus cíos saor in aisce ar raon trealaimh oifige. Áirítear leis seo: Cláir Taispeána Lúb Éisteachta Teilgeoir Digiteach agus scáileán Córas PA Smeach-chairteacha Tábla fillte fada Urn lónadóireachta uisce te Gazebo (£5 síntiús ag teastáil) Más mian leat a bheith i do bhall den FVAF cliceáil le do thoil ar an gcnaipe Member FVAF ar dheis agus comhlánaigh an fhoirm. Le haghaidh tuilleadh sonraí cuir glaoch ar 01594 822073 Tá sé SAOR IN AISCE a bheith i do bhall de FVAF chun rochtain a fháil ar ár seirbhísí tacaíochta go léir Cláraigh le FVAF

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

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

Help us create a mural celebrating the Forest of Dean's tradition of community action ! We're creating a mural to celebrate our incredible heritage of community action, mutual support, and resilience! From our mining traditions to welcoming Ukrainian families, from river fishing to friendly societies – we want to hear all the stories that matter. The finished mural will be painted on the side of Ow Bist - Forest Community Space, Dockham Road, Cinderford, creating a lasting tribute to our community's story. We've held two drop-in workshops, led by local artist Tom Cousins, where we invited the community to come along and share their amazing stories and ideas about what makes our area special. Couldn't Make It to the Workshops? We Still Want to Hear From You! We've created the below online survey – so you can still contribute your memories, stories, and ideas for the mural. Whether you've lived here all your life or recently made this place home, your perspective is valuable. What We're Looking For Personal stories that capture the spirit of our community Memories of local traditions, places, or events Examples of how neighbours have supported each other What makes you proud to be part of this community Ideas for images or symbols that represent our shared heritage Share your thoughts and ideas below: Your Forest of Dean Stories Your name (optional) How long have you lived in/been connected to the Forest of Dean area? 1. What does community spirit mean to you in the Forest of Dean? 2. Which of these themes resonate most with your experience of our area? (Tick all that apply) Food & Resources (traditional land use, fishing, growing food, sharing resources) Landscape & Environment (rivers, mining heritage, how place shapes community) Arts & Culture (music, festivals, creative traditions) Community Action (mutual aid, rights movements, defending our heritage) Settlers & Diversity (different communities who've made this area home) 3. What's a story, memory, or tradition from the Forest of Dean that you think should be celebrated in the mural? 4. Are there particular people, groups, or movements (historical or recent) that represent the community spirit of our area to you? 5. What would you like visitors and future generations to understand about the Forest of Dean community? Would you be interested in helping with the mural painting in August? Yes - I'd love to help paint! No, but I support the project Email details (if you'd like updates) Submit

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!

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.

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)

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.