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.

Role: Digital & Community Projects Manager Salary: £30,000 – £37,000 (subject to experience) Hours: 30–37.5 hours per week, Monday–Friday (some evenings/weekends may be required) Flexible and part-time/job share arrangements considered Contract: Initial 18-month contract (extension subject to funding and performance) Location: Ow Bist Forest Community Space, Cinderford Do you believe that everyone deserves to be connected? Are you passionate about the power of communities to shape their own futures? FVAF is looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Digital & Community Projects Manager to join our growing team in the heart of the Forest of Dean. This is a genuinely exciting opportunity to lead meaningful, place-based work that makes a real difference — helping people and communities thrive through digital inclusion, local partnerships, and strengths-based engagement. JOB DESCRIPTION: Digital & Community Projects Manager 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: 5pm Wednesday 24th June Interview dates: w/c 6th July For an informal discussion about the role, please contact community@fvaf.org.uk Send completed application forms to Alex Digby at community@fvaf.org.uk

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.

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

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!

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

Chodzenie z kołami Użyj jednego z terenowe skutery inwalidzkie umożliwiające dostęp do pięknych leśnych szlaków z rodziną i przyjaciółmi, niezależnie od umiejętności chodzenia. ten Las Deana jest uznanym ośrodkiem spacerów i jazdy na rowerze i jest dobrze obsługiwany przez szlaki i inne utwardzone drogi dostępu. W przypadku osób z niepełnosprawnością fizyczną, złym stanem zdrowia, zaburzeniami sensorycznymi lub innymi stanami hamującymi, może zaistnieć potrzeba pomocy wspomaganej, specjalistycznej interpretacji lub innych odpowiednich środków, aby umożliwić im czerpanie korzyści, które inni uważają za oczywiste. Ten Las leśników Projekt Heritage Lottery Funded, we współpracy z Mobilność na wsi zapewnia więcej osób dostępu do Forest of Dean. Walking with Wheels zapewnia terenowe skutery inwalidzkie (tzw. Trampers) do wynajęcia od Forest Holidays w Christchurch oraz Speech House Hotel. Trampery są dostępne dla wstępnie zmapowanych tras, które obejmują widoki Symonds Yat, Biblins, Arboretum Cyrila Harta i Mallards Pike Lake, żeby wymienić tylko kilka. Jeśli chcesz dowiedzieć się więcej o chodzeniu z kółkami, zadzwoń pod numer 01594 822073 lub skontaktuj się z nami przez e-mail . Często Zadawane Pytania Co to jest „Tramper”? Kto może korzystać z tej usługi? Na jakich trasach mogę z niego korzystać? Kiedy można go wynająć? Jak mogę zarezerwować? Ile kosztuje wynajęcie Trampera? A jeśli nigdy wcześniej nie korzystałem z żadnego z nich? A jeśli potrzebuję dodatkowej pomocy? Dlaczego muszę zostać członkiem programu Mobilność na wsi? Czy mogę pomóc w tym projekcie? Co jeśli muszę anulować rezerwację? Frequently Asked Questions

FVAF Appoints Nick Penny as Head of Operations FVAF is delighted to announce the appointment of Nick Penny to the newly created role of Head of Operations, effective 1 January 2026. Nick brings over five years of dedicated service to FVAF, where he has been instrumental in driving delivery of various community projects as Programme Manager. His promotion recognises his outstanding contribution to the organisation and his deep understanding of FVAF's community-rooted approach. In his new role, Nick will provide strategic leadership across FVAF's operational teams, programmes, and internal systems. He will oversee frontline delivery, ensure operational excellence, and lead the organisation's people-management functions. Reporting directly to the CEO, Nick will be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, guiding FVAF's continued growth and impact. The Head of Operations role has been established to strengthen FVAF's infrastructure and ensure the organisation's delivery remains aligned with its TRIBE (Trust, Relational, Innovation, Bravery, Equity) values and Theory of Change. Chris Brown, FVAF CEO said: "Nick lives and breathes community. He is a fantastic role model within the organisation and his commitment to the Forest of Dean and FVAF is infectious. I am delighted that Nick will be taking this next step in his journey with us and am excited to see what we’ll achieve together”. Nick Penny said: “I am really excited by the opportunities that this new role brings for both my own personal development and the continued growth of the Charity. I am extremely grateful to our Board of Trustees for their support of Chris and the leadership team with this investment in developing our organisation. It is fantastic to wake up in the morning knowing that my role, and those of my colleagues, contribute so successfully to making a positive impact across our Forest of Dean community." 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 Forest of Dean Youth Association, Holiday Activity Campaigns, The Forest Youth Music Network, The Gloucestershire Digi Partnership, The Forest Compass Directory, Walking with Wheels FVAF receives some financial support from the Forest of Dean District Council and funds activities through external funding opportunities Head office - Forest Voluntary Action Forum, Ow Bist – Forest Community Space, Dockham Rd, Cinderford, Glos. GL14 2AN.

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Forest of Dean Mental Health Locality Partnership The Locality Partnership offers VCS and faith-based organisations the opportunity to meet with other professionals and voluntary groups who are supporting people with their mental health in the Forest of Dean. The Partnership is a collective of social care practitioners who are working towards a community response to the My Networks scoping project findings. By coming together, we hope to keep abreast of developments, begin partnership projects or create collaborative opportunities that can address what is needed for better mental health in the Forest of Dean. We are now an integral part of the wider Forest Know Your Patch network. Regular online meetings as well as live, in-person events are held where topics and projects are discussed and highlighted. As well as this, the FKYP works closely with other statutory organisations offering a platform to disseminate up-to-date information about services available in the community.