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

A proposito di FVAF A proposito di FVAF La nostra storia Siamo il Consiglio di servizio volontario e il Centro di volontariato per la foresta di Dean. Forniamo assistenza a molte delle centinaia di organizzazioni di volontariato e di comunità nel Distretto che a loro volta sono più in grado di svolgere il proprio lavoro nella e per la comunità locale. Da quando ci siamo formati nel 1994, abbiamo sviluppato una reputazione per incoraggiare, abbracciare e migliorare l'azione della comunità in tutta la Foresta di Dean. Crediamo che attraverso approcci guidati dalla comunità consentiamo ai cittadini di sviluppare le competenze, la resilienza e il capitale sociale per vivere vite più felici e meglio connesse. Servizi d'ufficio Personale e amministratori Politiche Accessibilità e Sostenibilità

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.

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

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.

FOREST VOLUNTEER AWARDS IT'S VOTING TIME! The PUBLIC VOTE is now OPEN for Volunteer of the Year 2026 - The People's Champion! VOTING CLOSES: MIDNIGHT THURSDAY 27 AUGUST 2026 We had so many fantastic nominations, with every one a worthy winner BUT after much deliberation our judging panel shortlisted the following local volunteers: VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE Julie Abolins - CANDI Lewis Chapman – Brody’s Trust Alice Hogge – Wye Valley Music Anne Lamacraft – Forest of Dean Baby Bank Jane Osborne – Tiny Spikes Hedgehog Rescue Claire Smeeth – Drybrook Rugby Club & Forest Health Forum Submit Find out why these amazing volunteers were nominated below: JULIE ABOLINS CANDI Julie gives to the community unconditionally, supporting everyone who walks through CANDI's (Cinderford Area Neighbourhood Development Initiative) doors. LEWIS CHAPMAN Brody's Trust Lewis is a volunteer trustee at Brody's Trust who goes above and beyond, helping manage projects across renovation, maintenance, IT, governance and more. ALICE HOGGE Wye Valley Music Alice is the driving force behind Wye Valley Music in Mind project and a dedicated Music for Memories Ambassador, creating opportunities for people living with dementia to experience the joy and connection music brings. She has helped set up a multitude of groups — coffee mornings, lunch clubs, mental health support, children's groups, safe spaces and homework clubs — reaching every corner of the community. She was the driving force behind the weekly Women's Space, a welcoming environment for women who have experienced domestic abuse to share experiences and meet new people. She exudes empathy, understanding and commitment in everything she does, while also supporting her team of volunteers. Julie truly deserves recognition for her immeasurable contribution to CANDI and the wider community. Despite being involved with multiple businesses full-time in Bristol, he travels up at least once a week and most weekends to work in the hub — running cables, breaking down walls, painting, and chasing contractors. He had no prior links to Brody's Trust; he simply heard the story and jumped in. Quiet and unseeking of recognition, Lewis's practical skills and unwavering dedication have been vital to developing the charity's facilities and supporting its growth. Her personal lived experience of dementia gives her a unique ability to connect with individuals and families, focusing on the person rather than the condition. Through performances and community sessions across St Briavels and beyond, Alice has built welcoming, inclusive spaces where people with dementia, carers and families can come together with dignity and respect. Her warmth and leadership have inspired a strong, committed volunteer team. ANNE LAMACRAFT Forest of Dean Baby Bank Anne is a force of nature whose compassion and drive inspire everyone around her. She consistently goes above and beyond for the families the Forest of Dean Baby Bank supports. JANE OSBORNE Tiny Spikes Hedgehog Rescue For a species fighting for survival, Jane Osborne is a lifeline. She set up Tiny Spikes Hedgehog Rescue in Lydney, drawing on expertise gained volunteering at another rescue before striking out on her own. CLAIRE SMEETH Drybrook Rugby Club & Forest Health Forum Claire is a longstanding and committed member of the committee at Drybrook Rugby Club, giving her time and energy generously to the club's success. Stepping in without being asked whenever volunteers are away or unwell, Anne is brilliant at taking initiative and simply getting things done, filling gaps quietly and reliably. Her commitment has made a real difference to the organisation, and the Forest of Dean Baby Bank has benefited enormously from having her on board. Anne's dedication and can-do spirit make her a truly deserving nominee for this award. It's a demanding role — long hours, personal sacrifice, and total dedication to the spiky bundles in her care. Her rescue filled a vital gap, as there hadn't been one in this part of the Forest of Dean for around seven years. Jane saves local residents a long journey with a sick hedgehog, and her selfless commitment to wildlife welfare makes her a wonderful nominee. She has also served tirelessly as volunteer secretary for the Forest Health Forum, acting as a valuable sounding board for its committee. Claire's steady support has been especially important through the Forum's recent transition, helping keep it running and representative for people across the Forest of Dean. Her dual commitment across two very different community organisations reflects a genuine dedication to service that thoroughly deserves recognition.

Resource Hub/Library Leaflets & literature on wellness, recovery, self-help & coping with mental distress. The group office, based above the Library at The Main Place in Coleford, is available for members to use as a safe and confidential space. We keep material that may be of use to members – and we are happy for people to provide us with leaflets that they would like shared. To read the My Networks Scoping Project Report please visit: www.fvaf.org.uk/publications

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:

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

CELEBRATING OUR AMAZING VOLUNTEERS! This National Volunteers Week (1st-7th June), we're hitting the road with our special roadshow across the Forest of Dean to say a massive THANK YOU to all our incredible volunteers! Join us at 4 fantastic locations throughout the first week of June as we celebrate the heart and soul of our community - YOU, our volunteers! At each stop, we'll be: ✨ Celebrating local volunteering heroes ✨ Giving away special thank you gifts for every volunteer we meet! 📅 First week of June 📍 4 locations across the Forest of Dean: Stop 1 – Coleford 9.30am - 11:30am, Monday 1st June at Café Sixteen, Bank Street, Coleford. Stop 2 – Newent 1:30pm - 3:30pm, Wednesday 3rd June at Newent Chillout Stop 3 – Lydney 10am – 12pm, Thursday 4th June at River Children and Family Centre Stop 4 – Cinderford 3:30pm – 6pm, Thursday 4th June at Ow Bist - Forest Community Space + **PARTY TIME!!** Official unveiling of the Ow Bist Community Mural. Contact volunteer@fvaf.org.uk for more information.

Camminare con le ruote: domande frequenti Che cos'è un "vagabondo"? Un Tramper è un veicolo elettrico per la mobilità fuoristrada. Ha una velocità limitata fino a 4 mph, ideale per accompagnare escursionisti o bambini piccoli in bicicletta. Le specifiche complete dei Tramper possono essere trovato qui . chi può usare questo servizio? Walking with Wheels è aperto a chiunque abbia più di 14 anni di età e un peso inferiore a 25 pietre che abbia difficoltà a camminare a causa di difficoltà motorie temporanee o permanenti. Su quali percorsi posso usarlo? I percorsi disponibili includono Symond's Yat Rock e giù per il fiume Wye a Symond's Yat da Forest Holidays e Cyril Hart Arboretum, Mallards Pike e parti della Family Cycle Trail da The Speech House. Le mappe dei percorsi saranno fornite al momento dell'assunzione. Quando è disponibile per il noleggio? Il Tramper è disponibile per il noleggio dalle 9:00 alle 5:00 7 giorni su 7 (l'orario potrebbe essere più breve in inverno per garantire il ritorno prima del tramonto). Come posso prenotarne uno? Si prega di prenotare in anticipo il vostro Tramper prima della giornata, per evitare delusioni. Si prega di contattare direttamente i siti tramper per prenotare. Per Vacanze nel Bosco chiamare lo 01594 837165 Per The Speech House chiamare 01594 822607 Quanto costa noleggiare un Tramper? Il Tramper costa solo £ 2,50 l'ora. Per i nuovi utenti c'è anche una quota associativa annuale di £ 10 a Countryside Mobility o £ 2,50 per una sessione di prova di due settimane. E se non ne avessi mai usato uno prima? Da non preoccuparsi! Sono molto semplici e sicuri da usare e ogni utente riceverà un'induzione completa per assicurarsi che si senta al sicuro e a proprio agio nell'affrontare i nostri fantastici sentieri. Cosa succede se ho bisogno di ulteriore aiuto? Chiediamo che tutti siano accompagnati sui sentieri così avrete sempre qualcuno con voi. Se desideri provare un Tramper, prima di assumerne uno, chiama uno dei nostri centri per organizzare. Perché devo diventare un membro di Countryside Mobility? Countryside Mobility è responsabile della fornitura dei Trampers ed è per questo che vengono offerti a una tariffa così conveniente. Lavorano anche per garantire che ogni sito che ospita un Tramper lo faccia in modo sicuro e facilmente accessibile. Questa iscrizione ti consentirà anche di utilizzare qualsiasi vagabondo nei numerosi siti di mobilità in campagna nel sud-ovest. Per ulteriori informazioni, visitare il sito Web della mobilità in campagna . È possibile completare i moduli di adesione al centro prima dell'assunzione. Posso aiutare con questo progetto? Walking with Wheels si affida ai volontari per promuovere il nostro servizio. Se sei interessato ad aiutare a spargere la voce sul nostro servizio, o desideri aiutare in un altro modo, chiama lo 01594 822073 o invia un'e-mail a walkingwithwheels@fvaf.org.uk . Verrà fornita formazione e supporto completi. E se devo cancellare una prenotazione? Ti chiediamo di dare un preavviso di cancellazione di almeno 24 ore in modo da poter noleggiare il Tramper a un altro utente. Per annullare contatta il sito con cui hai prenotato 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

Forest of Dean Big Health Debate Monday 13 July 2026 | Lydney Town Hall To view the presentations, please click on the below links: Big Health Debate - Main presentation Alex Digby & Nick Penny Strategic Estates planning, delivery of new facilities in the Forest of Dean and the future vision of Neighbourhood services Andrew Hughes & Gina Mann General Practice Services Jo White Gloucestershire Mental Health Services Sadie Trout & Andrew Telford Gloucestershire ICB - Dental NHS