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.

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

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.

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

Hubs drop-in do Community Builders The drop-in hub provides support to create, inspire and build stronger communities together O hub drop-in fornece suporte para criar, inspirar e construir comunidades mais fortes juntos Cada hub drop-in oferece uma variedade de suporte, aconselhamento e orientação para os residentes locais. Por exemplo; apoiar e assinar afixação aos serviços locais, vinculando e configurando novos grupos comunitários, apoiando as pessoas para que se aproximem do emprego ou da educação, ajudem a acessar o mundo digital e ajudem a dar vida às suas ideias para a comunidade. Podemos oferecer ajuda com: Oportunidades de voluntariado Apoio à empregabilidade Grupos e clubes de atividades locais TI e suporte digital Informações do evento local Publicação de sinal para serviços locais 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 20 JULY 2025 Nomination Form 2025 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 Accessibility & 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

Andar com rodas: perguntas frequentes O que é um 'Tramper'? Um Tramper é um veículo de mobilidade movido a eletricidade todo-o-terreno. Tem uma velocidade restrita de até 4 mph, ideal para acompanhar caminhantes ou crianças pequenas em bicicletas. A especificação completa dos Trampers pode ser encontrado aqui . Quem pode usar este serviço? A Caminhada com Rodas está aberta a qualquer pessoa com mais de 14 anos e peso inferior a 25 quilos que tenha dificuldade em caminhar devido a dificuldades de mobilidade temporárias ou permanentes. Em quais rotas posso usá-lo? Rotas disponíveis incluem a Yat Rock de Symond e até o rio Wye em Yat de Symond de Forest Holidays e Cyril Hart Arboretum, Mallards Pike e partes da Family Cycle Trail da The Speech House. Mapas das rotas serão fornecidos no momento da contratação. Quando está disponível para locação? O Tramper está disponível para aluguer das 9:00 às 5:00 7 dias por semana (as horas podem ser mais curtas no Inverno para garantir o regresso antes do anoitecer). Como posso reservar um? Por favor, pré-reserve o seu Tramper antes do dia, para evitar decepções. Por favor, entre em contato diretamente com os sites de tramper para reservar. Para Férias na Floresta ligue 01594 837165 Para a Casa da Fala ligue 01594 822607 Quanto custa contratar um Tramper? O Tramper custa apenas £ 2,50 por hora. Para usuários iniciantes, há também uma taxa de associação anual de £ 10 para o Countryside Mobility ou £ 2,50 para uma sessão de degustação de duas semanas. E se eu nunca usei um desses antes? Não se preocupe! Eles são muito simples e seguros de operar e cada usuário receberá uma indução completa para garantir que se sinta seguro e confortável para enfrentar nossas incríveis trilhas. E se eu precisar de ajuda adicional? Pedimos que todos estejam acompanhados nas trilhas para que sempre tenha alguém com você. Se você quiser experimentar um Tramper, antes de contratar um, ligue para um de nossos centros para combinar. Porque tenho de me tornar membro da Countryside Mobility? A Countryside Mobility é responsável por fornecer os Trampers e é por isso que eles são oferecidos a um preço tão acessível. Eles também trabalham para garantir que cada site que hospeda um Tramper o faça de maneira segura e de fácil acesso. Esta associação também permitirá que você use qualquer um dos Trampers nos muitos locais de mobilidade rural em todo o sudoeste. Por favor, visite o site da Mobilidade Rural para mais informações. Você pode preencher os formulários de associação no centro antes de contratar. Posso ajudar neste projeto? A Caminhando com Rodas conta com voluntários para promover nosso serviço. Se você estiver interessado em ajudar a divulgar nosso serviço, ou gostaria de ajudar de outra forma, ligue para 01594 822073 ou envie um e-mail walkingwithwheels@fvaf.org.uk . Será fornecido treinamento e suporte completos. E se eu precisar cancelar uma reserva? Pedimos que avise com pelo menos 24 horas de antecedência do cancelamento para que possamos alugar o Tramper para outro usuário. Para cancelar, entre em contato com o site com o qual você reservou 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

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

Voluntariado Como centro de voluntários para a Floresta de Dean, estamos aqui para ajudá-lo a recrutar e gerenciar voluntários Nosso novo Voluntariado livreto cheio de detalhes de voluntariado local oportunidades já está disponível CLIQUE PARA FAZER O DOWNLOAD Ou pegue uma cópia em sua biblioteca local ou Centro Comunitário Como o Centro de Voluntariado para o Floresta de Dean muitas vezes somos o primeiro ponto de contato para qualquer pessoa interessada em ser voluntária. No ano passado, tivemos o orgulho de apoiar mais de 100.000 horas de voluntariado na área! A FVAF promove e divulga uma ampla gama de oportunidades de voluntariado de organizações que compartilham nosso espírito de apoio a voluntários e reconhecem a ampla gama de razões pelas quais as pessoas optam por ser voluntárias. Por que Voluntário? O voluntariado tem vários benefícios enormes, não apenas para você individualmente, mas para sua comunidade e o mundo em que vivemos. Se você deseja aprimorar seu currículo, conhecer novas pessoas, colocar suas habilidades em prática, aprender algo novo, buscar um interesse, oferecer experiência ou simplesmente fazer a diferença, garantimos uma oportunidade para você! Você pode conhecer essas oportunidades das seguintes maneiras: Busque oportunidades em Faça-o.org Ligue para 01594 822073 Entre em contato através o email Venha nos visitar na FVAF Seg - Sex 9:00 - 1:00 ( Direções ) Se você deseja ser voluntário como parte de um grande grupo, por exemplo, como parte do voluntariado corporativo, também temos uma ampla variedade de oportunidades para escolher. Get the latest volunteer opportunities - direct to your mailbox! Sign up to receive our regular email Volunteer Newsletter: SIGN UP HELP FOR GROUPS - recruiting & managing volunteers Como um balcão único para todas as coisas de voluntariado, usamos uma metodologia multifacetada para oferecer a você a melhor chance possível de recrutar e reter voluntários valiosos. Isso inclui o seguinte: Anuncie suas oportunidades no Do-it.org Promovendo suas oportunidades para o público que nos indicou ou por meio de nossa função drop-in. Anuncie suas oportunidades em nossas páginas do Facebook e Twitter Promover suas oportunidades para serviços locais que apoiam o voluntariado, por exemplo. Centro de Emprego, LearnDirect e 2GetherTrust Anuncie suas oportunidades em mais de 30 eventos por ano Enviando suas oportunidades para empresas locais que oferecem voluntariado apoiado pelo empregador Promover oportunidades relevantes para escolas, faculdades e universidades Distribuindo suas oportunidades para nosso banco de dados de voluntários com mais de 1.000 pessoas Promovendo suas oportunidades para uma variedade de redes, incluindo Know Your Patch As a one-stop-shop for all things volunteering, we can help you find, and keep, the perfect volunteer: Get in touch - call us on 01594 822073, via email or visit us at FVAF, Ow Bist - Forest Community Space, Dockham Road, Cinderford GL14 2AN (Mon - Fri 9am - 4pm)

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