Our Team. Our head office is based in Cinderford but everyday you will meet members of the FVAF team out and about supporting the community and building strong partnerships with other local organisations and groups... Chris Brown Chief Executive Officer Nick Penny Head of Operations Deb Cook Head of Development Rachel Adams Place Partnership Lead – Building Connections Victoria Wren Volunteering & Communications Officer Catherine Best Communications & Fundraising Manager Cherry Potter-Irwin Finance & Administration Officer Fliss Simister Youth Team Manager Lisa Robertson Youth Development Officer Katy Virgo Youth Development Officer Courtney Middleton Project Coordinator Jodie Atkins Youth Support Worker Adam Lambert Youth Projects Manager Krissie Carter Neighbourhood Connector Mark Evans Neighbourhood Connector Alex Digby Community Team Manager Flora Croysdale Digital and Community Project Manager Teresa Rose Community Connectors' Facilitator Melanie Benn Community Builder Pete Harper Community Connector Piers Cardiff Forest of Dean Climate Action Partnership Coordinator Becky Moorcroft Forest of Dean Climate Action Partnership Coordinator Meet our trustees. We have a highly skilled board of trustees who meet regularly to monitor, challenge and guide what FVAF does now, and in the future. Bob Rhodes Chair of Trustees Josh Bond Vice Chair of Trustees Jonathan Gault Trustee - Treasurer Patricia Le Rolland Trustee Sid Phelps Trustee Diana Martin Trustee Rob Toomer Trustee Roger Deeks Trustee Interested in becoming a FVAF Trustee? Talk to us! Contact Chris is ceo@fvaf.org.uk 01594 822073

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

CELEBRATING OUR AMAZING VOLUNTEERS! This National Volunteers Week (1st-7th June), we're hitting the road with our special roadshow across the Forest of Dean to say a massive THANK YOU to all our incredible volunteers! Join us at 4 fantastic locations throughout the first week of June as we celebrate the heart and soul of our community - YOU, our volunteers! At each stop, we'll be: ✨ Celebrating local volunteering heroes ✨ Giving away special thank you gifts for every volunteer we meet! 📅 First week of June 📍 4 locations across the Forest of Dean: Stop 1 – Coleford 9.30am - 11:30am, Monday 1st June at Café Sixteen, Bank Street, Coleford. Stop 2 – Newent 1:30pm - 3:30pm, Wednesday 3rd June at Newent Chillout Stop 3 – Lydney 10am – 12pm, Thursday 4th June at River Children and Family Centre Stop 4 – Cinderford 3:30pm – 6pm, Thursday 4th June at Ow Bist - Forest Community Space + **PARTY TIME!!** Official unveiling of the Ow Bist Community Mural. Contact volunteer@fvaf.org.uk for more information.

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

Volunteer Heroes Crowned! The community turned out in force on Wednesday 7 September to see local volunteers crowned at a glittering awards celebration evening we held at the AccXel Training Centre in Cinderford. We created the Forest Volunteer Awards to recognise and celebrate the amazing efforts of local volunteers in the Forest of Dean. Earlier this Summer, we asked local people to nominate those volunteer heroes who have demonstrated exceptional and outstanding support to the local community over the past 12 months. The response was amazing and we received hundreds of nominations. An expert panel had the tough task of shortlisting the nominations and picking the winners. However, one category - Volunteer of the Year – Peoples’ Champion – was decided by a public vote with almost 900 votes cast. The winners were crowned at a special evening, held at the stunning conference space at the impressive AccXel Training Centre, which was provided for free to FVAF by local construction company the KW Bell Group, who were the main sponsors of the event. Volunteer of the Year went to Les Cockle, volunteer fundraiser at Great Oaks Hospice whilst Forest of Dean Host Ukrainians and Ukraine Community Hub jointly picked up the Community Voluntary Group of the Year. Young volunteers were celebrated with Keira Stone, volunteer at disability group, Together We Can crowed under 16 years old Young Volunteer of the Year, whilst in the 17 – 25 years old category, Chloe Whatley and Jordan Terrel were rewarded for their tireless hard work volunteering at the Sea Cadets in Lydney. Lisa Tootell was crowned Outstanding New Volunteer of the Year for her amazing impact for the Girl Guides in the Forest of Dean and Hips Social were recognised for supporting the local community and investing in improving the local area. The winners were presented with an award, a framed certificate and £100 Amazon voucher, kindly provided by sponsors the KW Bell Group. Deb Cook, Volunteering Manager at FVAF said “So much of what happens within our community is because of people who give their time and energy for free. We think that recognising the amazing efforts of volunteers and organisations is incredibly important which is why we have been so pleased by the reaction of the local people who have supported these awards by nominating and voting.” Deb added, “It has been an incredible evening and we are so lucky and proud of the strength of the amazing voluntary sector we have in the Forest.” Master of Ceremony for the Forest Volunteer Awards was Kate Clark, BBC Radio Gloucestershire presenter who kept the guests entertained with her expert hosting skills. Award winners were announced by guest presenter; Roger Deeks (FVAF Trustee), Nicola Bird and Yvonne Bell (KW Bell and main sponsor), Sue Middleton (Verderer of the Forest of Dean), Andy Lewis MBE (PT2 Para triathlete), Neill Ricketts (Founder of Versarien and chair the Forest of Dean Economic Partnership). The celebration evening was made possible thanks to generous sponsorship for the following local organisations: KW Bell Group and AccXel Training Centre – main sponsors Hot Tubs Rock Versarien The Midcounties Co- Operative FOREST VOLUNTEER AWARD WINNERS: Volunteer of the Year – Peoples’ Champion WINNER: Les Cockle – Great Oaks Hospice Highly Commended: Hannah McGowan (FOD Hosts of Ukrainians Support Group), Martin Elsmore (The Golden Triangle Club), Steve Gregory (FVAF / Walking with Wheels) and Mark Jones (Community First Responder SWASFT) Community Voluntary Group of the Year WINNER: FOD Hosts of Ukrainians Support Group and Ukraine Community Hub Highly Commended: Together We Can, Newnham Archery Club, Dean Radio, The Friends of Longhope Church and The Rewild Project Outstanding New Volunteer WINNER: Lisa Tootell – Girlguiding FOD South Division Highly Commended: Sarah Maxfield – Berry Hill Memorial Institute Young Volunteer of the Year 16yrs & under WINNER: Keira Stone – Together We Can Highly Commended: Toby Niblett – Lydney Youth Hub Young Volunteer of the Year 17 – 25yrs JOINT WINNERS: Jordan Terrell and Chloe Whatley – FOD Sea Cadets Community Impact Award WINNER: HIPs Social Highly Commended: Recycle Shop CIC Newent and Wilde Earth Journeys

OW BIST COMMUNITY KITCHEN A community kitchen at the heart of Cinderford We're on a journey to create the Ow Bist Community Kitchen — a warm, welcoming space at the heart of Ow Bist, bringing people together over good food. Food has a unique power to connect us. We want the kitchen to serve simple, healthy, affordable meals — made with local ingredients where possible — and to become a friendly hub where people can meet , work , learn , connect with peers, and access support . Some of the ideas we're keen to explore: Hearty, affordable lunches — curries, stews and simple home-cooked dishes Ethical soft drinks, teas, quality coffee and cakes throughout the day A "Butty Kitchen" of quality, locally sourced sandwiches Dietary, cultural and allergen needs catered for as standard, not an afterthought Plant-based food as a staple, alongside some meat and dairy Partnerships with local producers, suppliers and community growing groups Pay-as-you-can and pay-it-forward models, to keep food accessible to all We're inspired by community-food initiatives like The Long Table in Stroud and The Sharing Kitchen in Newent — places where food is used as a vehicle for connection and community participation. More than a café FLEXIBLE SPACE FOR THE WHOLE COMMUNITY Alongside everyday use, we want the kitchen to be a flexible space for the wider community — hosting cooking classes, pop-ups, volunteering and training opportunities, and community lunch takeovers. We're already planning sessions with Wyldwood Arts and local Sri Lankan residents, and we're building a team of volunteer community greeters to help welcome everyone through the door. It all comes together around People, Place, Planet and Prosperity — a vibrant, community-driven space that strengthens Cinderford's sense of community through good food and shared purpose. HOW WE COULD MAKE IT HAPPEN We're open to exploring different ways of running the kitchen, including: An external operator — a community-focused business or social enterprise runs the kitchen day-to-day, with FVAF retaining strategic input A community CIC — a new CIC, set up with FVAF's support, becomes the food business and runs the kitchen independently but in line with FVAF's values A hybrid model — a mix of the above, with room for pop-ups, community takeovers and evening/weekend use alongside day-to-day running WHAT WE CAN OFFER A brand new, fully fitted, high-spec commercial kitchen A newly fitted front-of-house space — tables, chairs and an outdoor seating area, designed to be fully accessible A busy Cinderford location, with regular visitors and around 80 staff working from the building Marketing support through FVAF's channels Connections to local community groups, volunteers and voluntary sector organisations Potential for in-house catering of events and meetings in the building WHO WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM We're looking for people who are: Passionate about sustainable, healthy, affordable food and cooking Community-focused, balancing social impact with commercial sustainability Open to working with volunteers and trainees Keen to reflect the diverse food cultures of our community Interested in innovative, barrier-removing models like pay-it-forward Flexible, and excited to help grow a community kitchen for Cinderford and the wider Forest of Dean Whether you're an established food business, a passionate cook, a caterer looking to try pop-ups, a food educator, or simply someone who cares about food and community — we'd love to talk to you. FIND OUT MORE! If you'd like to find out more, check out the kitchen or just have an informal chat - get in touch! We'd love hear from you! Contact deb@fvaf.org.uk

🌟 Forest Volunteer Awards 2026 – 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. ♿ Diversity & 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 HAVE NOW CLOSED FOR 2026! See last year's winners here 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 .

Forest of Dean's Volunteers Take Centre Stage! The Forest of Dean's most dedicated volunteers were celebrated in style this week when we hosted our annual Forest Volunteer Awards at the AccXel Construction School in Cinderford. These awards recognise the individuals, groups and organisations who have gone above and beyond for their communities over the past 12 months. Eight awards were presented on the night, spanning everything from grassroots groups and local businesses to a public vote decided by nearly 3,000 community members. Brody's Trust wins Community Organisation Award Founded in memory of a much-loved boy, Brody's Trust took home the Community Organisation Award for its work building an inclusive, therapeutic space for families of children with additional needs, disabilities and complex medical conditions. In 2025 the charity secured the former Joys Green Primary School in Lydbrook, which it is transforming into a state-of-the-art Multi-Sensory Community Hub with the support of local volunteers and businesses. Cinderford Royal British Legion and The Orchard Trust were highly commended. FRED honoured for 15 years of literacy support The Grassroots Group of the Year award went to FRED (Forest Read Easy Deal), which has spent fifteen years providing free, confidential, one-to-one literacy support to adults across the Forest — entirely through volunteers. Around twenty coaches give roughly three hours a week each, helping local people build the confidence to read to their grandchildren, return to work and reconnect with their communities. Mons' Chatter and Mitcheldean Community Larder were highly commended. T he Ark Café named Business in the Community winner Newent's Ark Café scooped the ESV Business in the Community Award. What began as one mother's wish to give young children somewhere to play has grown into a lifeline for local families, complete with a sensory room, a "Pay It Forward" board ensuring no child goes without, and holiday lunchboxes for families who need extra support. Drew Property Law and The Den were highly commended. Cinderford Grows recognised for inclusive green spaces Cinderford Grows won the Diversity & Inclusion Award, sponsored by FoD Dementia Action Alliance, for creating two welcoming green spaces — The Garden at St John's and an orchard at Steam Mills. Set up after Covid to tackle loneliness and isolation, the group has since added wheelchair-accessible gates and pathways and warmly welcomed the local Romanian community. Forest Fighting Fit was highly commended. Soudley Village Hall takes Climate Action honours The Community Climate Action Award, sponsored by Forest of Dean Climate Action Partnership, went to Soudley Village Hall for retrofitting its building with an air source heat pump and solar panels — one of the first spaces of its kind in the area. Yorkley Mend and Repair Café, and Hartpury Orchard Centre and 99 Pines CIC, were highly commended. Young Volunteer of the Year: Abigail Rudge Sixteen-year-old Abigail Rudge was named Young Volunteer of the Year after helping raise over £20,000 for the Poppy Appeal in Lydney last year alone — more than £100,000 over five years — alongside her role organising Parkend Carnival's Queen's lorry. Adam Pritchard and Matylda Kozikowska were highly commended. Julie Abolins wins People's Choice The night's most personal award, Volunteer of the Year – People's Champion, is decided entirely by public vote. This year almost 3,000 votes were cast, with the honour going to Julie Abolins of CANDI, who has helped establish coffee mornings, lunch clubs, mental health support groups and the weekly Women's Space for survivors of domestic abuse. Also highly commended in this category: Lewis Chapman (Brody's Trust), Alice Hogge (Wye Valley Music, St Briavels), Anne Lamacraft (Forest of Dean Baby Bank), Jane Osborne (Tiny Spikes Hedgehog Rescue) and Claire Smeeth (Drybrook Rugby Club & Forest Health Forum). Lifetime Achievement: FOIST Collective The evening closed with the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented without competing nominees to a single standout recipient. FOIST Collective has kept grassroots and original live music alive in the Forest of Dean since 1989 — entirely run by volunteers. From its earliest gigs at the old Coleford Community Centre, including an early show from EMF, to today's regular nights at The Club in Newnham-on-Severn and its stage at Coleford Music Festival, FOIST has promoted more than 40 bands from Britain, America and Canada in the last four years alone, always keeping ticket prices low and passing proceeds straight to the artists. Deb Cook, Head of Development at FVAF, said: “So much of what happens in our community is made possible by people who freely give their time and energy. FVAF is proud to host this event and celebrate the incredible work taking place across groups and organisations of all sizes, as well as by countless individuals throughout the district. It is important that we shout about it, because the work of these organisations and volunteers is vital to so many people.” Hosted by Steve Knibbs (BBC News Presenter) and Les Love (Dean Radio), our award winners were announced by guest presenters; Bren McInerney (prominent community leader, volunteer, and health advocate), Miranda Thomason (VCSE Partnership & Prevention Manager, Gloucestershire County Council), Karl Ottomor (Supply Chain Director for Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I), Dr Matt Reed, (Head of Research (Strategy and Environment), University of Gloucestershire), Alison Walker, Director of Children and Family Centres & Youth Services, Gloucestershire Gateway Trust, Dame Janet Trotter (DBE CVO), Sid Phelps (Councillor at Forest of Dean District Council and FVAF Trustee). The celebration evening was made possible through generous sponsorship from local organisations, KW Bell Group and AccXel Construction Centre , Forest of Dean Climate Action Partnership (FODCAP) , Forest of Dean District Council , Gloucestershire Gateway Trust , Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I , Cinderhill Farm and Hips Coffee generously provided delicious food for the locally sourced buffet. Find out more about the awards here

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

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. Email completed application forms to Chris Brown at ceo@fvaf.org.uk 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 .