Photo: L to R County Cllr Ray Donaghue, Chris Brown (FVAF CEO) & Reuben Brown, Tom Cousins, Cinderford Town Mayor Roger Sterry & Cllr Sid Phelps Local Councillors Celebrate New Community Mural Marking FVAF's 30th Anniversary Striking artwork brings together decades of Forest of Dean community action Local councillors visited Cinderford earlier this month to view a vibrant new community mural celebrating the Forest of Dean's heritage of grassroots activism and marking Forest Voluntary Action Forum's 30th anniversary. Councillors from Cinderford Town Council and County Councillor Ray Donaghue toured the large-scale artwork, which was made possible through funding from Gloucestershire County Council's Build Back Better Fund. A Community-Led Design The mural emerged from summer workshops where local residents shared stories, memories, and perspectives spanning decades of community action. Local artist Tom Cousins transformed these diverse voices into a unified artwork capturing the enduring spirit of volunteerism that defines the area. The design bridges past and present, from early 20th century Friendly Society Banners to today's environmental campaigns. It showcases grassroots volunteer-led groups, community choirs and music festivals, local food networks, sports clubs, and community-owned shops and pubs. References to the area as the "land between two rivers" ground the celebration in the Forest of Dean's distinctive landscape and character. Catherine Best, Communications & Fundraising Manager at FVAF, said: "This mural wasn't just about improving the look of our new community building – it's about celebrating who we are as a community and the pride we have in our local heritage. Every time you look at it, you see something different. We've had a fantastic response from local people stopping to take a look, taking pictures and discussing what they see and what it means to them. We hope it will serve as both a reminder of the rich heritage of community action in our past and an inspiration for the future." Part of a Wider Transformation The mural is part of FVAF's transformation of the former doctor's surgery into a welcoming, inclusive community space for everyone in Cinderford and the wider district. For over 30 years, FVAF has helped local people turn ideas into action through resources, guidance, and networking opportunities. The organisation works with over 800 community groups annually to make the Forest of Dean an even better place to live. For more information, contact communications@fvaf.org.uk or 01594 822073.

Universal Youth Services Partnership bringing Open Access Universal Youth Services to Gloucester and the Forest of Dean! Together with Gloucestershire Gateway Trust and The Venture Community Hub (TVCH), we’ve joined forces to make a real difference in the lives of young people. Guided by GGT, in the Forest of Dean FVAF is leading on supporting a wide range of services for young people aged 11 to 19 (or up to 25 for those with special educational needs and disabilities). Our youth services will be available to everyone, focusing on the needs of the local community to create a more connected, supported, and engaging youth sector. FIND OUT MORE ABOUT... Gloucestershire Gateway Trust The Venture Community Hub

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

EVENTS CALENDAR Check out the latest hip happenings in the Forest!

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!

Bendruomenės kūrėjų centrai The drop-in hub provides support to create, inspire and build stronger communities together Įsigijimo centras teikia paramą kuriant, įkvepiant ir kuriant stipresnes bendruomenes kartu Kiekviename įėjimo centre vietiniams gyventojams teikiama įvairi pagalba, patarimai ir patarimai. Pavyzdžiui; palaikyti ir pasirašyti skelbimus vietinėms tarnyboms, susiejimas ir naujo nustatymas bendruomenės grupės, padedančios žmonėms priartėti prie darbo ar tolesnio išsilavinimo, padėti patekti į skaitmeninį pasaulį ir padėti įgyvendinti jūsų idėjas bendruomenei. Galime pasiūlyti pagalbą šiais klausimais: Savanoriškos veiklos galimybės Įsidarbinimo parama Vietinės veiklos grupės ir klubai IT ir skaitmeninis palaikymas Informacija apie vietinius renginius Pasirašymas į vietines tarnybas 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.

NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN! CLOSING DATE: MIDNIGHT SUNDAY 19 JULY 2026 Nomination Form 2026 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 Diversity & 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

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

Vaikščiojimas su ratais: dažnai užduodami klausimai Kas yra "tramperis"? Tramper yra visureigis elektra varomas mobilusis automobilis. Jis turi ribotą greitį iki 4 mylių per valandą, o tai idealiai tinka lydėti vaikštančius ar mažus vaikus dviračiais. Visa Trampers specifikacija gali būti rasti čia . Kas gali naudotis šia paslauga? Vaikščioti su ratais gali visi, vyresni nei 14 metų ir sveriantys mažiau nei 25 akmenis, kuriems sunku vaikščioti dėl laikinų ar nuolatinių judėjimo sunkumų. Kokiais maršrutais galiu juo naudotis? Galimi maršrutai: iki Symond's Yat Rock ir iki Wye upės prie Symond's Yat iš Forest Holidays ir Cyril Hart medelyno, Mallards Pike ir dalis Family Cycle Trail iš The Speech House. Priimant į darbą bus pateikti maršrutų žemėlapiai. Kada galima išsinuomoti? Tramperį galima išsinuomoti 9:00–5:00 7 dienas per savaitę (žiemą valandos gali būti trumpesnės, kad būtų užtikrintas grįžimas prieš sutemus). Kaip galiu užsisakyti vieną? Norėdami išvengti nusivylimo, iš anksto užsisakykite „Tramper“ prieš dieną. Norėdami užsisakyti, susisiekite tiesiogiai su tramperių svetainėmis. Dėl miško švenčių skambinti telefonu 01594 837165 Dėl The Speech House skambinkite 01594 822607 Kiek kainuoja išsinuomoti Tramperį? „Tramper“ valanda kainuoja tik 2,50 GBP. Pirmą kartą besinaudojantiems asmenims taip pat taikomas metinis 10 svarų sterlingų „Countryside Mobility“ narystės mokestis arba 2,50 GBP už dviejų savaičių degustacijos sesiją. Ką daryti, jei niekada anksčiau nenaudojau nė vieno iš jų? Nesijaudinti! Jie yra labai paprasti ir saugūs naudoti, o kiekvienas naudotojas bus visiškai supažindintas, kad užtikrintų, jog jie jaustųsi saugūs ir patogiai važiuodami mūsų nuostabiais takais. Ką daryti, jei man reikia papildomos pagalbos? Prašome visus palydėti takuose, kad visada kas nors būtų su savimi. Jei norite išbandyti Tramperį, prieš samdydami jį, paskambinkite į vieną iš mūsų centrų ir susitarkite. Kodėl aš turiu tapti „Countryside Mobility“ nariu? „Countryside Mobility“ yra atsakinga už „Trampers“ tiekimą, todėl jie siūlomi tokia prieinama kaina. Jie taip pat stengiasi užtikrinti, kad kiekviena svetainė, kurioje yra „Tramper“, tai veiktų saugiai ir lengvai pasiekiamai. Ši narystė taip pat suteiks galimybę naudotis bet kuriuo Trampers daugelyje pietvakarių kaimo mobilumo svetainių. Norėdami gauti daugiau informacijos, apsilankykite kaimo mobilumo svetainėje. Narystės anketas galite užpildyti centre prieš įdarbindami. Ar galiu padėti įgyvendinant šį projektą? „Walking with Wheels“ pasikliaukite savanoriais, kurie reklamuoja mūsų paslaugą. Jei norite padėti skleisti žinią apie mūsų paslaugą arba norėtumėte padėti kitu būdu, skambinkite 01594 822073 arba el. paštu walkingwithwheels@fvaf.org.uk . Bus teikiami pilni mokymai ir pagalba. Ką daryti, jei man reikia atšaukti užsakymą? Prašome įspėti apie atšaukimą bent prieš 24 valandas, kad galėtume išnuomoti Tramperį kitam vartotojui. Norėdami atšaukti, susisiekite su svetaine, kurioje užsisakėte 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

Savanoriška veikla Kaip dekano miško savanorių centras esame čia, kad padėtume jums įdarbinti ir valdyti savanorius Mūsų nauja savanorystė knygelė užpildyta smulkmenomis vietos savanorystės galimybių jau nebeliko SPAUSKITE, KAD ATSISIŲSTI Arba pasiimkite kopiją vietinėje bibliotekoje arba bendruomenės centre Kaip Savanorių centras Deano miškas mes dažnai esame pirmasis kontaktinis asmuo visiems, kurie domisi savanoriška veikla. Praėjusiais metais didžiavomės galėdami paremti daugiau nei 100 000 valandų savanoriškos veiklos šioje vietovėje! FVAF reklamuoja ir reklamuoja įvairias savanoriškos veiklos galimybes iš organizacijų, kurios remiasi savanoriais ir atpažįsta daugybę priežasčių, kodėl žmonės pasirenka savanoriauti. Kodėl Savanoris? Savanoriška veikla turi daug naudos ne tik jums asmeniškai, bet ir jūsų bendruomenei bei pasauliui, kuriame gyvename. Jei norite patobulinti savo CV, susipažinti su naujais žmonėmis, panaudoti savo įgūdžius, išmokti ko nors naujo, domintis, pasiūlyti patirties ar tiesiog pakeisti, mes garantuotai turėsime jums galimybę! Apie šias galimybes galite sužinoti šiais būdais: Paieškos galimybės adresu Do-it.org Skambinkite mums 01594 822073 Susisiekite per paštu Ateikite pas mus į FVAF I - Pen 9:00 - 1:00 ( kryptys ) Jei norite savanoriauti kaip didelės grupės dalis, pavyzdžiui, kaip įmonės savanorystės dalis, mes taip pat turime daugybę galimybių rinktis. 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 Kaip „vieno langelio“ principas, skirtas visiems savanorystės dalykams, naudojame įvairiapusę metodiką, kad suteiktume jums geriausią įmanomą galimybę įdarbinti ir išlaikyti vertingus savanorius. Tai apima: Reklamuokite savo galimybes Do-it.org Reklamuoti savo galimybes visuomenės nariams, kuriuos mums nurodė arba per mūsų įtraukimo funkciją. Reklamuokite savo galimybes mūsų Facebook ir Twitter puslapiuose Reklamuoti savo galimybes vietinėms tarnyboms, kurios remia savanorystę, pvz. Darbo centras, LearnDirect ir 2GetherTrust Reklamuokite savo galimybes daugiau nei 30 renginių per metus Siųskite savo galimybes vietinėms įmonėms, kurios siūlo darbdavių remiamą savanorystę Atitinkamų galimybių skatinimas mokykloms, kolegijose ir universitetuose Jūsų galimybių platinimas mūsų savanorių duomenų bazėje, kurioje yra daugiau nei 1000 žmonių Savo galimybių reklamavimas įvairiuose tinkluose, įskaitant Know Your Patch 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)

Role:Place Partnership Lead – Building Connections Salary: £36,000 – £45,000 (pro rata for part-time/job share) Hours: Up to 37.5 hours per week (job share or part-time hours considered) Contract: Fixed Term until 31st August 2029 with extension dependent on funding and performance Location: Cinderford and Mitcheldean, with travel across the wider Forest of Dean Do you build trust easily, love bringing people together, and want to help shape stronger, more connected communities in the Forest of Dean? We're looking for a passionate and proactive Place Partnership Lead to help local organisations, community buildings, volunteers and residents in Cinderford and Mitcheldean come together to collaborate, connect, and thrive. The Role Build and maintain positive relationships with community buildings, resident groups, parish councils, VCSE organisations and statutory partners across Cinderford and Mitcheldean. Convene and facilitate place-based partnership meetings, forums and collaborative networks. Support community buildings to develop governance, leadership and community engagement, helping them move towards a community-owned Hub model. Work alongside residents and volunteers to ensure local people shape plans, activities and decisions, particularly those experiencing loneliness or isolation. Support the design, promotion and administration of Community Chest funding, helping local groups develop ideas and applications. Capture learning and share examples of good practice across the Forest of Dean and wider partnership networks. Who We're Looking For Experience of partnership development, community development, community engagement or stakeholder management. A proven ability to build productive relationships across multiple sectors and communities. Confidence facilitating meetings, groups, networks or collaborative projects. Strong communication, interpersonal and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities. An understanding of loneliness and social isolation, and of co-production or asset-based community development approaches. A collaborative, empowering and community-centred approach, and a genuine commitment to inclusion and equity. JOB DESCRIPTION: Place Partnership Lead – Building Connections 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: Wednesday 26th August Interview date: Wednesday 9th September For an informal discussion about this role contact Chris Brown at ceo@fvaf.org.uk .

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