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

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

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

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 .

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!

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.

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

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.

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

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.

leśny kompas Forest Compass to fizyczny i internetowy katalog zawierający wiele regularnych zajęć, grup wsparcia i klubów dostępnych w całym Forest of Dean. Las jest domem dla setek grup społecznych i aktywności wszelkiego rodzaju, od grup dziecięcych, przez kluby lunchowe, szopy dla mężczyzn po kawiarnie pamięci. Wiele z nich jest bezpłatnych lub bardzo tanich, jeśli chodzi o uczestnictwo i jest prowadzone przez wolontariuszy lub grupy non-profit. Niestety wiele osób, które mogłyby skorzystać z takich grup, nie zdaje sobie sprawy z niesamowitych możliwości, jakie stoją przed ich drzwiami. Jeśli prowadzisz działalność wolontariuszy, klub lub grupę wsparcia w Forest of Dean, ogłaszaj się w katalogu fizycznym Forest Compass oraz w katalogu online tutaj, ZA DARMO, wypełniając poniższy formularz. Download OTHER USEFUL DIRECTORIES: YourCircle Check out a local directory to help you find your way around care and support and connect with people, places and activities in Gloucestershire

Youth Support in the Forest of Dean FVAF Youth Team Here to offer help and support to young people and youth clubs, groups or organisations. Discover more Local Youth Clubs Check out the timetable of regular youth clubs and events What's on offer NEW! Universal Youth Services We’ve joined forces Gloucestershire Gateway Trust and The Venture Community Hub, to make a real difference in the lives of young people Discover more