Zgłaszanie się na ochotnika Jako Centrum Wolontariatu dla Forest of Dean jesteśmy tutaj, aby pomóc Ci w rekrutacji i zarządzaniu wolontariuszami Nasz nowy Wolontariat broszura wypełniona szczegółami lokalnego wolontariatu możliwości są teraz wyczerpane KLIKNIJ, ABY POBRAĆ Jako Centrum Wolontariatu dla Las Deana często jesteśmy pierwszym punktem kontaktu dla wszystkich zainteresowanych wolontariatem. W zeszłym roku z dumą wspieraliśmy ponad 100 000 godzin wolontariatu w okolicy! FVAF promuje i reklamuje szeroką gamę możliwości wolontariatu od organizacji, które podzielają nasz etos wspierania wolontariuszy i rozpoznają szeroki wachlarz powodów, dla których ludzie decydują się na wolontariat. Dlaczego warto być wolontariuszem? Wolontariat niesie ze sobą szereg ogromnych korzyści, nie tylko dla Ciebie indywidualnie, ale także dla Twojej społeczności i świata, w którym żyjemy. Jeśli chcesz ulepszyć swoje CV, poznać nowych ludzi, dobrze wykorzystać swoje umiejętności, nauczyć się czegoś nowego, zainteresować się, zaoferować doświadczenie lub po prostu coś zmienić, mamy gwarancję, że mamy dla Ciebie okazję! Możesz dowiedzieć się o tych możliwościach w następujący sposób: Szukaj możliwości w Do-it.org Zadzwoń do nas pod numer 01594 822073 Skontaktuj się przez e-mail Odwiedź nas w FVAF od poniedziałku do piątku w godzinach 9:00 - 1:00 ( kierunek ) Jeśli szukasz wolontariatu w ramach dużej grupy, na przykład w ramach wolontariatu pracowniczego, mamy również szeroki wachlarz możliwości do wyboru. 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 As a one-stop-shop for all things volunteering, we can help you find, and keep, the perfect volunteer: Jako punkt kompleksowej obsługi we wszystkich sprawach związanych z wolontariatem, stosujemy wielopłaszczyznową metodologię, aby dać Ci najlepszą możliwą szansę na rekrutację i zatrzymanie wartościowych wolontariuszy. Obejmuje to: Reklamuj swoje możliwości na Do-it.org Promowanie swoich możliwości wśród osób, które do nas poleciły lub za pośrednictwem naszej funkcji drop-in. Reklamuj swoje możliwości na naszych stronach na Facebooku i Twitterze Promowanie swoich możliwości lokalnym służbom, które wspierają wolontariat, np. Job Centre, LearnDirect i 2GetherTrust Reklamuj swoje możliwości na ponad 30 wydarzeniach rocznie Wysyłanie możliwości do lokalnych firm oferujących wolontariat wspierany przez pracodawcę Promowanie odpowiednich możliwości dla szkół, kolegiów i uniwersytetów Dystrybucja Twoich możliwości do naszej bazy wolontariuszy liczącej ponad 1000 osób Promowanie swoich możliwości w różnych sieciach, w tym Know Your Patch 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)

Forum społeczności złączy — poznaj swoją sieć poprawek Supporting Strong and Thriving Communities with Know Your Patch Wspieranie silnych i kwitnących społeczności dzięki funkcji Poznaj swoją łatkę Część „Know Your Patch” Forum Łączników Społeczności (CCF) łączy sektor wolontariatu i społeczności, usługi statutowe i lokalnych mieszkańców w sposób, który tworzy lepsze sposoby pracy. The Forest of Dean Know Your Patch Network ma na celu połączenie sektora wolontariatu i społeczności, usług ustawowych i lokalnych mieszkańców w sposób, który tworzy lepsze sposoby pracy, co ostatecznie wzmacnia nasze społeczności. Ta „oferta społeczności” jest szczególnie istotna w zapobieganiu lub opóźnianiu eskalacji potrzeb zdrowotnych. Organizujemy kwartalne wydarzenia w całym Forest of Dean, podczas których zapraszamy interesariuszy do przyłączenia się do dyskusji na temat tego, co jest ważne w ich społeczności i jak usługi i grupy sektora wolontariackiego mogą w tym pomóc. Każde wydarzenie Know Your Patch jest BEZPŁATNE i otwarte dla każdego, kto chce wziąć udział w rozmowie. Jeśli chcesz wziąć udział, zadzwoń pod numer 01594 822073 lub wyślij e-mail na adres help4groups@fvaf.org.uk . Wysyłamy również regularne e-maile i aktualizacje do naszej sieci Know Your Patch dotyczące tego, co dzieje się w Forest of Dean. Jeśli chcesz dołączyć do tej sieci, zasubskrybuj tutaj . Dzięki dofinansowaniu z Rada Hrabstwa Gloucestershire , Know Your Patch jest również dostępna w każdym innym dystrykcie Gloucestershire. Jeśli chcesz dowiedzieć się więcej na ten temat, odwiedź tutaj . Oto niektóre z badań, które podkreślają nasze myślenie: „Wszyscy mamy do odegrania rolę w pomaganiu jednostkom i społecznościom w rozwijaniu kapitału społecznego. Rośnie przekonanie, że chociaż defaworyzowane grupy społeczne i społeczności mają szereg złożonych i wzajemnie powiązanych potrzeb, mają również atuty na poziomie społecznym i społeczności które mogą pomóc w poprawie zdrowia i wzmocnieniu odporności na problemy zdrowotne” (The Kings Fund, 2018) „Osoby z odpowiednimi relacjami społecznymi miały o 50% większy wskaźnik przeżycia w porównaniu z osobami o słabych relacjach społecznych” (Holt-Lunstad i wsp. 2010) „Wykazano, że sieci społecznościowe są równie silnymi predyktorami śmiertelności, jak powszechny styl życia i zagrożenia kliniczne, takie jak umiarkowane palenie, nadmierne spożycie alkoholu, otyłość oraz wysoki poziom cholesterolu i ciśnienie krwi” (Pantell i wsp. 2013; Holt-Lunstad i wsp., 2010) . „Wsparcie społeczne jest szczególnie ważne w zwiększaniu odporności i promowaniu powrotu do zdrowia po chorobie” (Pevalin i Rose, 2003) „Brak sieci społecznościowych i wsparcia utrudnia samoregulację zachowania oraz budowanie siły woli i odporności w czasie, co prowadzi do zaangażowania w niezdrowe zachowania” (Cacioppo i Patrick 2009). „Uczestnictwo w społeczności zmniejsza izolację, wykluczenie i samotność” (Farrell i Bryant 2009; Sevigny i in. 2010; Ryan-Collins i in. 2008) „Silny kapitał społeczny zwiększa szanse na uniknięcie zagrożeń związanych ze stylem życia, takich jak palenie” (Folland 2008; Brown i in., 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.

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.

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

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

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! CURRENT VACANCIES We're not looking for anyone right now but check back soon! Trouble downloading the documents? Contact communications@fvaf.org.uk or 01594 822073

Our team transforms Local Spaces during Volunteers Week 2025 We rolled up our sleeves this week and got stuck in with some fantastic Employer Supported Volunteering (ESV) as part of Volunteers Week 2025! We got out about in the local community to two fantastic local community groups: Team Paint Squad grabbed their brushes and got stuck in with smiles on their faces (and paint on their clothes!) to transform the Forest Fighting Fit studio with a fresh coat of paint - brightening up their space, recovery room, and bathrooms. Team Green Fingers headed down to Steam Mills to work their magic at the community garden for Cinderford Grows. Armed with gloves, tools, and plenty of enthusiasm, our team tackled overgrown areas, cleared stubborn weeds, and gave the pathway a beautiful fresh layer of wood chippings. Deb Cook, FVAF's Volunteering Manager said: "We all had a blast and were reminded that volunteering can be both rewarding and great fun!" A huge thank you to Forest Fighting Fit and Cinderford Grows for welcoming us with open arms.

🌟 Forest Volunteer Awards 2025 – Celebrating Local Heroes 🌟 This year, we’re shining a spotlight on the incredible individuals, groups, and organisations who go the extra mile to make the Forest of Dean a better place. Whether they’re quietly making a difference or leading bold community change, we want to hear their stories. THE CATEGORIES: 🏆 Volunteer of the Year – People's Champion This is your chance to celebrate an unsung hero. Someone who consistently goes above and beyond to support others, uplift their community, or inspire through their own journey. Their dedication may have transformed lives—or even kept vital services running. We're looking for someone who: Shows exceptional dedication and commitment to their volunteer role Has made a significant positive impact on individuals or the wider community Demonstrates reliability, compassion, and selflessness May have overcome personal challenges while helping others Goes above and beyond to support those in need ✨ This is the only award chosen by public vote! Once finalists are announced, the community will decide who takes home the title. 🌱 Young Volunteer of the Year (21 & under) Recognising a young person who's making a big impact. Whether they've overcome personal challenges or shown outstanding commitment to helping others, this award celebrates young volunteers —in schools, clubs, or community projects. We're looking for a young person who: Demonstrates exceptional commitment to volunteering despite their age Serves as a role model and inspiration to other young people Shows maturity, leadership, and dedication beyond their years May have overcome personal obstacles while helping others Actively contributes to making their school, club, or community better Examples might include: peer mentoring, fundraising champions, environmental activists, community event organisers, or young carers who also volunteer. 🤝 Grassroots Group of the Year For small, volunteer-led groups making a big difference. From lunch clubs to sports teams, support circles to hobby groups—if your local group is powered by passion and community spirit, we want to celebrate it. We're looking for groups that: Are entirely or predominantly volunteer-run Demonstrate strong community impact despite limited resources Show innovation, creativity, and resilience in their approach Foster genuine connections and belonging among members Address local needs or bring people together around shared interests Operate with transparency, inclusivity, and community spirit Examples might include: village halls committees, friendship groups, local history societies, craft circles, walking groups, or neighbourhood support networks. 🏢 Community Organisation Award Recognising larger charities, CICs, CIOs, or teams of staff and volunteers making a meaningful impact in the Forest of Dean. We celebrate organisations that: Make a real difference by creating positive, lasting change in the local community Join forces with other local groups and partners to work together effectively Stay open and accountable while encouraging active community participation Keep evolving to meet new challenges and the changing needs of the community Use resources wisely to bring the greatest possible benefits to those who need them Stay true to the mission and focus on what matters most to the Forest of Dean Champion volunteering by effectively recruiting, supporting, and valuing volunteers This award highlights established organisations with formal structures, paid staff, and a commitment to fostering and sustaining volunteer contributions. 🏢💚 Business in the Community Award Celebrating local businesses that give back. Whether through employee volunteering, project sponsorship, or hands-on community support, this award recognises businesses that are making a real social impact. We're looking for businesses that: Go beyond profit to actively contribute to community wellbeing Encourage and support employee volunteering during work time Provide meaningful sponsorship, donations, or in-kind support Partner with local charities and community groups Operate with environmental and social responsibility Demonstrate genuine, long-term commitment to the Forest of Dean Examples might include: businesses offering apprenticeships to local youth, companies supporting community events, employers giving staff volunteer days, or businesses donating skills, space, or resources. ♿ Accessibility & Inclusion Award (sponsored by FoD Dementia Action Alliance) This award celebrates organisations or groups that are actively working to break down barriers and create welcoming, inclusive spaces. It's not about being perfect—it's about showing commitment to accessibility, equity, and belonging for all. We're looking for organisations that: Actively work to remove physical, social, or communication barriers Demonstrate understanding of diverse needs including disability, age, culture, and background Show ongoing commitment to improving accessibility and inclusion Provide training, support, or resources to become more inclusive Create environments where everyone feels valued and able to participate Take practical steps to accommodate different needs and abilities This could include: dementia-inclusive initiatives, wheelchair accessible improvements, sensory-friendly adaptations, multilingual support, or programmes specifically designed to welcome marginalised groups. 🌍 Community Climate Action Award (sponsored by Forest of Dean Climate Action Partnership) F or individuals or VCSE groups leading the way in environmental action. From community gardens and repair cafés to sustainable transport and flood resilience—if you're helping the Forest adapt and thrive in a changing climate, we want to hear from you. We're looking for nominees who: Take practical action to address climate change or environmental challenges Inspire and educate others about sustainable living Develop innovative solutions to local environmental issues Build community resilience to the impact of the changing climate Create lasting positive environmental change in the Forest of Dean Examples might include: renewable energy projects, sustainable food initiatives, active travel promotion, waste reduction campaigns, or climate adaptation projects. NOMINATIONS NOW CLOSED FAQs Who can nominate? Anyone can nominate! Whether you are an individual local resident, part of a community group or from a local government organisation. How can I nominate? It’s easy – just fill in our nomination form here or if you would prefer a paper copy you can request one via communications@fvaf.org.uk or 01594 822073. What information do I need to provide? Please provide plenty of detail about what the nominee has achieved and as much information as possible about them and their unique contribution. If you have any, please provide good quality photographs. Make sure that you have permission from anyone else in the photograph so that we can use it for media and promotional activities unless you tell us not to. Should I tell the person or organisation I am nominating them or keep it a surprise? Ideally it would be good to let them know once you have decided to nominate, just so that they are aware and happy for their story to be shared. We want to celebrate and shout about the wonderful work of volunteers which would include promotion via social media, on our website and to local press. How will it be judged? All nominations will be carefully considered by a panel of judges. This panel will be made up of a mix of unbiased and independent judges including; members of staff from FVAF, a FVAF trustee, and representatives from local councils, businesses and media. For more information or if you have any questions, email communications@fvaf.org.uk or call 01594 822073 .

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

Forest of Dean Digital Partnership FUNDED BY THE BARNWOOD TRUST A collaborative community partnership project, led by FVAF. This district-wide partnership, the first of its kind, was created to break down the barriers people face in relation to digital inclusion and unlock the many assets available within our communities and the digital world.   Forest of Dean Digital Partnership - Final Evaluation September 2024 Report - Download Forest of Dean Digital Partnership - Final Evaluation September 2024: APPENDICES APPENDIX 1: Forest of Dean Digital Partnership Application APPENDIX 2: Insight into Set up and Delivery of Local Digital Inclusion Pilot Projects APPENDIX 3: Healthwatch Gloucestershire - Access to digital technologies APPENDIX 4: Partner Claim Form APPENDIX 5: Instructions for filling in Partner’s claim form APPENDIX 6: Promo flier - Invitation to get involved APPENDIX 7: EOI Process Map APPENDIX 8: EOI Document A template APPENDIX 9: EOI Document B template APPENDIX 10: EOI scoring sheet APPENDIX 11:Forest of Dean Community Choir EOI Document 1 APPENDIX 12: Forest of Dean Community Choir EOI Document 2 APPENDIX 13: Virtual Sight Loss EOI Document 1 APPENDIX 14: Virtual Sight Loss EOI Document 2 APPENDIX 15: CVT EOI Document 1 APPENDIX 16: CVT EOI Document 2 APPENDIX 17: Outdoors, Indoors EOI Document 1 APPENDIX 18: Outdoors, Indoors EOI Document 2 APPENDIX 19: Forest Pathways EOI Document 1 APPENDIX 20: Forest Pathways EOI Document 2 APPENDIX 21: Project Engage EOI Document 1 APPENDIX 22: Project Engage EOI Document 2 APPENDIX 23: Forest of Dean Hybrid Choir Final Evaluation APPENDIX 24: CVT - Digital Inclusion Workshop Final Evaluation APPENDIX 25: Outdoors, Indoors Final Evaluation APPENDIX 26: Forest Pathways Final Evaluation APPENDIX 27: Forest Pathways Executive Summary APPENDIX 28: Reflection Session Presentation APPENDIX 29: Journey Reflection OTHER PROJECT PUBLICATIONS: EASY READ BOOKLET - How to use the computer and software EASY READ BOOKLET - Staying Safe Online

Konstruktorzy społeczności Drop-in Hubs The drop-in hub provides support to create, inspire and build stronger communities together Centrum typu drop-in zapewnia wsparcie w tworzeniu, inspirowaniu i budowaniu silniejszych społeczności razem Każde centrum typu drop-in oferuje różnorodne wsparcie, porady i wskazówki dla lokalnych mieszkańców. Na przykład; wsparcie i znakowanie delegowania do usług lokalnych, łączenie i konfigurowanie nowego grupy społecznościowe, wspierające ludzi w zbliżeniu się do zatrudnienia lub dalszej edukacji, pomagające w dostępie do cyfrowego świata i wspierające w realizacji swoich pomysłów dla społeczności. Oferujemy pomoc w zakresie: Możliwości wolontariatu Wsparcie w zakresie zatrudnialności Lokalne grupy aktywności i kluby Wsparcie informatyczne i cyfrowe Informacje o lokalnych wydarzeniach Publikowanie znaków w usługach lokalnych 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.