Current job vacancies at FVAF Work for us. We are passionate about nurturing talented, compassionate, community minded team players. Join our friendly and supportive team! WE DON'T HAVE ANY VACANCIES RIGHT NOW - CHECK BACK SOON! Trouble downloading the documents? Contact communications@fvaf.org.uk or 01594 822073

What we do We support many community-led projects shaped with, and for local people: Employment and skills support Holiday Activity and Food Programme Community Builders Forest of Dean Youth Association Walking with Wheels Know Your Patch Forest Compass

The Digital Hubs Project Tackling digital exclusion across Gloucestershire The Digital Hubs Project is a new innovative approach, developed by Forest Voluntary Action Forum and GCC Adult Transformation Team, to tackle digital exclusion across Gloucestershire by offering free, accessible, tailored support to individuals. Starting out in October 2021, we have played the as role as county wide facilitator of the project in partnership with GCC’s Adult Transformation Team. Whilst being facilitator’s, we act as the Forest of Dean lead district provider, offering FREE 1:1 digital support across safe and trusted Community Drop-in Hubs. Coleford – Sixteen Community Cafe Sedbury – Sedbury Space Cinderford - Ow Bist - Forest Community Space Staunton – The Swan Community Hub Newent – The Chill Out Zone What does Digital Hubs aim to address? Motivation Not everyone sees why using the internet could be relevant and helpful A Digital Hub can demonstrate the huge benefits Confidence Some people fear online crime, lack trust or don’t know where to start online A Digital Hub can increase confidence via trusted relationships  Skills Not everyone has the ability to use the internet and online services A digital Hub can provide 1:1 training Access Not everyone has the ability to connect to the internet and go online A Digital Hub can provide access to free equipment and internet Since starting the journey of Gloucestershire Digital Hubs Project, awareness and recognition of the project has grown and is now recognised as essential community-based approach to tackling digital exclusion across Gloucestershire. Notability, the project was highlighted in the Report of the Director of Public health 2022/23 - No Person is an island: Social connections in Gloucestershire, which also included video cased study of the project. You can also  download the PDF version (PDF, 5.2 MB)  of Director of Public health 2022/23 For more information about the project visit the Digital Hub website HERE To find out more, dates, times and locations for upcoming FVAF Community Digital Drop-in Hubs, contact Alex on community@fvaf.org.uk  or 01594 822073.

We crown our community heroes! The community turned out in force on Tuesday 3 October to see local volunteers crowned at our glittering Forest Volunteers Awards 2023 celebration at the AccXel Training Centre in Cinderford. READ THE NOMINEE PROFILES IN THE AWARDS PROGRAMME We created the Forest Volunteer Awards to recognise and celebrate the amazing efforts of local volunteers in the Forest of Dean and earlier this Summer, we asked you to nominate those volunteer heroes who have demonstrated exceptional and outstanding support to the local community over the past 12 months. We had an amazing response and received hundreds of nominations. Our expert community 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 withalmost 1,400 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. Jando Greco, volunteer at St Stephens Church in Cinderford was crowned Volunteer of the Year – the People’s Champion following a public vote. A volunteer of over 12 years his nominator said: “We so appreciate him, he is such a thoughtful, caring person and will do anything for anyone – Jando is so worthy of receiving this award.” Young volunteers were celebrated with Ebony Powell, volunteer and fundraiser at Forest of Dean Dog Rescue crowned under 16 years old Young Volunteer of the Year for her caring and dedicated commitment caring for the rescue dogs, whilst in the 17 – 25 years old category, Daisy Hoole rewarded for her tireless hard work volunteering at C.A.N.D.I Youth Space. In the groups section, The George in Newnham was recognised as the New Voluntary Group of the Year for reopening the former café as a vibrant community space. Next up, was Sedbury Space who picked up the Grassroots Voluntary Group award in recognition of the fantastic efforts of the community to create a thriving, inclusive, welcoming hub. Fire safety education organisation SkillZONE was awarded the Community Organisation award for their responsive work with young people in the Forest, and a team of volunteers from EDF Energy picked up the Business in the Community Award for helping out at Camphill Village Trust in Lydney. Forest of Dean Dementia Action Alliance (FDDAA) sponsored the launch of a new Inclusion Award, with Cinderford Bowls Club scooping the top spot for making changes to the game and their grounds to make bowls accessible for everyone to enjoy. Our Volunteering Manager Deb Cook 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 Steve Knibbs, BBC Points West reporter who kept the guests entertained with his expert hosting skills. Award winners were announced by guest presenters; Mark Topping( Leader of Forest of Dean District Council), Emma Snell (Go Volunteer Glos), Penny Hulbert (FVAF Chair of Trustees), Jonathan Lane (Cabinet Member for Economy at FODDC), Kirsty Downie (John Lewis Partnership & Waitrose - Monmouth), and Andrea Harman (Ecophon). The celebration evening was made possible thanks to generous sponsorship for the following local organisations: KW Bell Group and AccXel Training Centre – main sponsors Ecophon Simplicity in Business Steve Gooch Estate Agents Waitrose & Partners (Monmouth Store) FOREST VOLUNTEER AWARD WINNERS 2023: Volunteer of the Year – Peoples’ Champion WINNER: Jando Greco – St Stephens Church, Cinderford Highly Commended: Chris Brain (Broadwell Football Club), Melanie Getgood (Friends of Worcester Walk), Edna Husbands (Lydcare Community Transport), Barbara Jenkins (Over 60’s Group at Berryhill Memorial Hut), Albert Weager (community representative & advocate for better healthcare) and Dave Young (Forest Sensory Services and Samaritans). New Voluntary Group of the Year WINNER: The George, Newnham Highly Commended: Lydney Army Cadets Young Volunteer of the Year 16yrs & under WINNER: Ebony Powell – Forest of Dean Dog Rescue Highly Commended: Evie Harris - community volunteer and Teens in Crisis fundraiser Young Volunteer of the Year 17 – 25yrs WINNER: Daisy Hoole – C.A.N.D.I Youth Space Highly Commended: Leanne Hendrix – Coleford Youth Club Grassroots Voluntary Group of the Year WINNER: Sedbury Space Highly Commended: Forest Community Shed Community Organisation of the Year WINNER: SkillZone Highly Commended: Forest of Dean District Scouts Business in the Community Award WINNER: EDF Energy Highly Commended: The Rising Sun Community Pub FoD Dementia Action Alliance Inclusion Award WINNER: Cinderford Bowls Club Highly Commended: Artspace Cinderford END For media enquires contact communications@fvaf.org.uk or 01594 822073.

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

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

KEEPING PEOPLE SAFE Young people who are moving towards adulthood have the right to make informed choices about how they connect to their local community. This can involve risk, for guidance read: Building Connections: One minute guide to Risk Assessment

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? Drop in and chat with us We're coming to a venue near you: February dates: 19 Feb, 11:30am-1:30pm :Chillout Zone, 36 Broad St, Newent GL18 1AJ 23 Feb: Cinderford, Hilltops Family Centre, 9-10am 23 Feb: 11am-2pm : Café Sixteen, 16 Bank St, Coleford GL16 8BA 25 Feb: 10am-12pm : The Victoria Centre, 5 Victoria Road, Lydney GL15 5DG 26 Feb: 11:30am-1:30pm :The Swan Community Hub, Ledbury Rd, Staunton GL19 3QA 27 Feb, 9-10am: Hilltops Family Centre, Latimer Road, Cinderford GL14 2QA Visit https://www.fdean.gov.uk/forest-of-dean-s-unesco-biosphere-bid or https://www.wylderne.com/ for more information. Y oung people Special sessions are happening at youth groups across the Forest including Ruardean, Blakeney, and others. 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

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.

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