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.

Our publications Forest Compass Edition 3 Volunteering in the Forest of Dean FVAF Annual Report 2024/25 FVAF Annual Accounts 2024/25 FVAF Annual Report 2023/24 FVAF Annual Report 2022/23 FVAF Annual Report 2021/22 Insights into the Experience of commissioning for small VCSE organisations in the Forest of Dean By Chris Brown My Networks publications My Networks Scoping Project Report, Oct 2022 by Simon Price Supporting documents: Mental Health Scoping Project – Survey Results Co-production – How we facilitated My Networks Scoping Report The Forest of Dean Mycelium Mental Health Project A report from the Undergrowth by Simon Price, Anwen Jenkins, Pete Harper, Miranda Thomason and Teresa Rose Useful community publications The Digital Divides Report and Recommendations By Digital Divides Steering Group Learnings from the Forest By Forest of Dean Climate Action Partnership (FODCAP), Holding The Space, Thirty Percy, and CCRI.

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

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

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

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

Chodzenie z kołami: często zadawane pytania Co to jest „Tramper”? Tramper to terenowy pojazd z napędem elektrycznym. Ma ograniczoną prędkość do 4 mil na godzinę, co jest idealne dla towarzyszących spacerowiczów lub małych dzieci na rowerach. Pełna specyfikacja Trampersów może być: znaleźć tutaj . Kto może korzystać z tej usługi? Walking with Wheels jest dostępny dla każdego, kto ukończył 14 lat i waży mniej niż 25 kamieni, który ma trudności z chodzeniem z powodu tymczasowych lub stałych trudności z poruszaniem się. Na jakich trasach mogę z niego korzystać? Dostępne trasy obejmują Symond's Yat Rock i do rzeki Wye w Symond's Yat z Forest Holidays i Cyril Hart Arboretum, Mallards Pike i część rodzinnego szlaku rowerowego z The Speech House. Mapy tras zostaną dostarczone przy zatrudnieniu. Kiedy można go wynająć? Tramper jest dostępny do wynajęcia w godzinach 9:00 - 5:00 7 dni w tygodniu (w zimie godziny mogą być krótsze, aby zapewnić powrót przed zmierzchem). Jak mogę zarezerwować? Prosimy o wcześniejszą rezerwację swojego Trampera przed dniem, aby uniknąć rozczarowania. Aby dokonać rezerwacji, skontaktuj się bezpośrednio ze stronami tramperów. W przypadku święta lasu zadzwoń pod numer 01594 837165 Zadzwoń do Domu Przemówień pod numer 01594 822607 Ile kosztuje wynajęcie Trampera? Tramper kosztuje tylko 2,50 funta za godzinę. Dla początkujących użytkowników obowiązuje również roczna opłata członkowska w wysokości 10 GBP na Countryside Mobility lub 2,50 GBP za dwutygodniową sesję testową. A jeśli nigdy wcześniej nie korzystałem z żadnego z nich? Nie martwić się! Są bardzo proste i bezpieczne w obsłudze, a każdy użytkownik otrzyma pełne wprowadzenie, aby upewnić się, że czuje się bezpiecznie i komfortowo podczas pokonywania naszych niesamowitych szlaków. A jeśli potrzebuję dodatkowej pomocy? Prosimy o towarzyszenie wszystkim na szlakach, dzięki czemu zawsze będziecie mieć kogoś przy sobie. Jeśli chcesz wypróbować Trampera, zanim go zatrudnisz, zadzwoń do jednego z naszych ośrodków w celu umówienia się. Dlaczego muszę zostać członkiem programu Mobilność na wsi? Za dostarczanie Trampersów odpowiada Countryside Mobility i dlatego są one oferowane w tak przystępnej cenie. Pracują również nad tym, aby każda witryna hostująca Tramper robiła to w bezpieczny i łatwo dostępny sposób. Członkostwo to umożliwi również korzystanie z dowolnego Trampersa w wielu ośrodkach Countryside Mobility na południowym zachodzie. Aby uzyskać więcej informacji, odwiedź stronę internetową Mobilność na wsi . Możesz wypełnić formularze członkowskie w centrum przed zatrudnieniem. Czy mogę pomóc w tym projekcie? Walking with Wheels polega na wolontariuszach, którzy promują naszą usługę. Jeśli jesteś zainteresowany pomocą w rozpowszechnianiu informacji o naszych usługach lub chciałbyś pomóc w inny sposób, zadzwoń pod numer 01594 822073 lub wyślij e-mail na adres walkingwithwheels@fvaf.org.uk . Zapewnione zostanie pełne szkolenie i wsparcie. Co jeśli muszę anulować rezerwację? Prosimy o powiadomienie o anulowaniu z co najmniej 24-godzinnym wyprzedzeniem, abyśmy mogli wynająć Trapera innemu użytkownikowi. Aby anulować, skontaktuj się z witryną, w której dokonałeś rezerwacji 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

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

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

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

Zostań członkiem FVAF Stając się członkiem FVAF, pomagasz nam nadal świadczyć kluczowe usługi wsparcia dla sektora wolontariatu i społeczności w Las Dziekana . FVAF działa jako rzecznik działań wolontariackich i społecznych, w stosownych przypadkach, na szczeblu dystryktu, powiatu i kraju, a im więcej reprezentujemy członków, tym silniejszy jest nasz głos. W związku z tym konsultujemy się z członkami w sprawach mających wpływ na sektor wolontariatu i społeczności w Forest of Dean oraz o to, co chcemy osiągnąć jako organizacja. Jako członek będziesz mieć dostęp do naszych usług biurowych, obniżone stawki za drukowanie i kopiowanie, promocję wakatów dla wolontariuszy dla swojej grupy oraz bezpłatny wynajem szerokiej gamy sprzętu biurowego. To zawiera: Tablice wystawowe Pętla słuchowa Projektor cyfrowy i ekran System PA Flipcharty Długi składany stół Urna gastronomiczna na ciepłą wodę Altana (wymagana darowizna 5 GBP) Jeśli chcesz zostać członkiem FVAF, kliknij przycisk Dołącz do FVAF po prawej stronie i wypełnij formularz. W celu uzyskania dalszych informacji zadzwoń pod numer 01594 822073 Aby uzyskać dostęp do wszystkich naszych usług wsparcia, możesz zostać członkiem FVAF BEZPŁATNIE Dołącz do FVAF

Employment Skills Support Ready to take your next steps towards further education, volunteering or work? Go along to your nearest Community Hub for 121 conversations with our friendly Community Builders. They can help: Explore what matters to you Develop your CV Signposting to education, training and employment Consider volunteering opportunities Increase your confidence for online searches, applications, interviews Take up opportunities to get involved in your local community For more information please contact: community@fvaf.org.uk or 01594 822073