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.

EVENTS CALENDAR Check out the latest hip happenings in the Forest!

Andar com rodas Utilize um dos scooters de mobilidade todo-o-terreno para acederes aos belos trilhos da Floresta com a tua família e amigos, independentemente da tua capacidade de caminhar. O Floresta de Dean é um centro reconhecido para caminhadas e ciclismo e é bem servido por trilhas e outros acessos pavimentados. No entanto, para pessoas com deficiência física, problemas de saúde, deficiência sensorial ou alguma outra condição inibidora, pode haver necessidade de alguma assistência motorizada, interpretação especializada ou outra mídia apropriada para permitir que desfrutem dos benefícios que outros consideram garantidos. este Floresta dos silvicultores Projeto financiado pela Heritage Lottery, trabalhando em conjunto com Mobilidade Rural oferece oportunidades para que mais pessoas acessem a Floresta de Dean. A Walking with Wheels oferece scooters de mobilidade todo-o-terreno (chamadas Trampers) para aluguel na Forest Holidays em Christchurch e no Speech House Hotel. Os Trampers estão disponíveis para rotas pré-mapeadas que contemplam as vistas de Symonds Yat, Biblins, Cyril Hart Arboretum e Mallards Pike Lake, para citar apenas alguns. Se quiser saber mais sobre Andar com Rodas, ligue para 01594 822073 ou entre em contato conosco por e-mail . perguntas frequentes O que é um 'Tramper'? Quem pode usar este serviço? Em quais rotas posso usá-lo? Quando está disponível para locação? Como posso reservar um? Quanto custa contratar um Tramper? E se eu nunca usei um desses antes? E se eu precisar de ajuda adicional? Porque tenho de me tornar membro da Countryside Mobility? Posso ajudar neste projeto? E se eu precisar cancelar uma reserva? 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.

YOUTH CLUBS & ACTIVITIES

Sobre a FVAF Nossa história Somos o Conselho de Serviço Voluntário e Centro de Voluntariado para a Floresta de Dean. Prestamos assistência a muitas das centenas de organizações voluntárias e comunitárias do Distrito que, por sua vez, estão mais aptas a realizar o seu trabalho na e para a comunidade local. Desde a nossa formação em 1994, desenvolvemos uma reputação de incentivar, abraçar e aprimorar a ação comunitária em toda a Floresta de Dean. Acreditamos que, por meio de abordagens lideradas pela comunidade, permitimos que os cidadãos desenvolvam habilidades, resiliência e capital social para viver vidas mais felizes e melhor conectadas. Serviços de escritório Funcionários e Fiduciários Políticas Acessibilidade e Sustentabilidade

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

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

Fórum de Conectores da Comunidade - Conheça sua rede de patches Supporting Strong and Thriving Communities with Know Your Patch Apoiando comunidades fortes e prósperas com Know Your Patch Conheça seu Patch parte do Fórum de Conectores Comunitários (CCF) conecta o Setor Voluntário e Comunitário, Serviços Estatutários e moradores locais de uma forma que cria melhores formas de trabalhar. A Forest of Dean Know Your Patch Network foi projetada para conectar o Setor Voluntário e Comunitário, os Serviços Estatutários e os moradores locais de uma forma que cria melhores formas de trabalhar que, em última análise, fortalece nossas comunidades. Esta 'oferta comunitária' é particularmente vital para prevenir ou retardar a escalada das necessidades de saúde. Realizamos eventos trimestrais em toda a Floresta de Dean, onde convidamos as partes interessadas a participar da discussão sobre o que importa em sua comunidade e como os serviços e grupos do setor voluntário podem ajudar a apoiar isso. Todo evento Know Your Patch é GRATUITO e aberto a qualquer pessoa que queira fazer parte da conversa. Se você quiser participar, ligue para 01594 822073 ou envie um e-mail para help4groups@fvaf.org.uk . Também enviamos e-mails e atualizações regulares para nossa rede Know Your Patch sobre o que está acontecendo na Floresta de Dean. Se você deseja fazer parte desta rede, inscreva-se aqui . Graças ao financiamento de O Conselho do Condado de Gloucestershire , Know Your Patch também está disponível em todos os outros distritos de Gloucestershire. Se você quiser saber mais sobre isso, visite aqui . Aqui estão algumas das pesquisas que sublinham nosso pensamento: "Todos nós temos um papel a desempenhar para ajudar indivíduos e comunidades a desenvolver capital social. Há um reconhecimento crescente de que, embora grupos e comunidades sociais desfavorecidas tenham uma série de necessidades complexas e inter-relacionadas, eles também têm ativos no nível social e comunitário. que podem ajudar a melhorar a saúde e fortalecer a resiliência aos problemas de saúde" (The Kings Fund, 2018) "Aqueles com relacionamentos sociais adequados tiveram uma taxa de sobrevivência 50% maior em comparação com indivíduos com relacionamentos sociais ruins" (Holt-Lunstad et al 2010) "As redes sociais têm se mostrado como poderosos preditores de mortalidade como estilo de vida comum e riscos clínicos, como tabagismo moderado, consumo excessivo de álcool, obesidade e colesterol e pressão arterial elevados" (Pantell et al 2013; Holt-Lunstad et al, 2010) . "O apoio social é particularmente importante para aumentar a resiliência e promover a recuperação da doença" (Pevalin e Rose, 2003) “A falta de redes sociais e apoio torna mais difícil a autorregulação do comportamento e a construção de força de vontade e resiliência ao longo do tempo, levando ao envolvimento em comportamentos não saudáveis” (Cacioppo e Patrick 2009). "A Participação da Comunidade reduz o isolamento, a exclusão e a solidão" (Farrell e Bryant 2009; Sevigny et al 2010; Ryan-Collins et al 2008) "Um capital social forte melhora as chances de evitar riscos de estilo de vida, como fumar" (Folland 2008; Brown et al, 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.

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