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

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

Forumul Conectorilor Comunităţii - Cunoaşte-ţi reţeaua de corecţii Supporting Strong and Thriving Communities with Know Your Patch Sprijinirea comunităților puternice și înfloritoare cu Know Your Patch Partea Know Your Patch a Forumului Community Connectors (CCF) conectează sectorul voluntariat și comunitar, serviciile statutare și rezidenții locali într-un mod care creează moduri mai bune de lucru. Rețeaua Pădurea Deanului Know Your Patch este concepută pentru a conecta sectorul de voluntariat și comunitar, serviciile statutare și rezidenții locali într-un mod care creează modalități mai bune de lucru, care în cele din urmă întăresc comunitățile noastre. Această „ofertă comunitară” este deosebit de vitală pentru a preveni sau a întârzia escaladarea nevoilor de sănătate. Găzduim evenimente trimestriale în Pădurea Decanului, unde invităm părțile interesate să se alăture discuției despre ceea ce contează în comunitatea lor și modul în care serviciile și grupurile din sectorul de voluntariat pot ajuta la sprijinirea acestui lucru. Fiecare eveniment Know Your Patch este GRATUIT și deschis pentru oricine dorește să facă parte din conversație. Dacă doriți să participați, sunați la 01594 822073 sau e-mail help4groups@fvaf.org.uk . De asemenea, trimitem e-mailuri regulate și actualizări către rețeaua noastră Know Your Patch cu privire la ceea ce se întâmplă în Pădurea Deanului. Dacă doriți să vă alăturați acestei rețele, vă rugăm să vă abonați aici . Datorită finanțării de la Consiliul Județean Gloucestershire , Know Your Patch este disponibil și în orice alt district din Gloucestershire. Dacă doriți să aflați mai multe despre acestea, vă rugăm să vizitați aici . Iată câteva dintre cercetările care ne subliniază gândirea: „Cu toții avem un rol de jucat în a ajuta indivizii și comunitățile să dezvolte capitalul social. Există o recunoaștere tot mai mare că, deși grupurile și comunitățile sociale dezavantajate au o serie de nevoi complexe și interdependente, ele au, de asemenea, atuuri la nivel social și comunitar. care pot ajuta la îmbunătățirea sănătății și la consolidarea rezistenței la problemele de sănătate” (The Kings Fund, 2018) „Cei cu relații sociale adecvate au avut o rată de supraviețuire cu 50% mai mare în comparație cu indivizii cu relații sociale slabe” (Holt-Lunstad et al 2010) „Rețelele sociale s-au dovedit a fi predictori la fel de puternici ai mortalității ca stilul de viață obișnuit și riscurile clinice, cum ar fi fumatul moderat, consumul excesiv de alcool, obezitatea și colesterolul și tensiunea arterială crescute” (Pantell și colab. 2013; Holt-Lunstad și colab., 2010) . „Suportul social este deosebit de important în creșterea rezistenței și promovarea recuperării după boală” (Pevalin și Rose, 2003) „Lipsa rețelelor sociale și a sprijinului îngreunează auto-reglementarea comportamentului și dezvoltarea voinței și rezistenței în timp, ceea ce duce la implicarea în comportamente nesănătoase” (Cacioppo și Patrick 2009). „Participarea comunitară reduce izolarea, excluderea și singurătatea” (Farrell și Bryant 2009; Sevigny și colab. 2010; Ryan-Collins și colab. 2008) „Capitalul social puternic îmbunătățește șansele de a evita riscurile legate de stilul de viață, cum ar fi fumatul” (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.

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

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!

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

The podcast kit is also available for hire to voluntary community groups. For more information on The Community Action Pod and ways to get involved contact the Host Melanie Benn on melanie@fvaf.org.uk or 01594 822073. Produced by Forest Voluntary Action Forum Funded by the Barnwood Trust Digital Inclusion Fund

LATEST FVAF NEWS Two brilliant people, two exciting new roles! We’re really pleased to share some good news. As part of a strategic restructure, we’ve created two new senior roles – and we’re delighted that both have been filled by people already at the heart of our organisation. These appointments recognise the talent, experience and deep community knowledge within our own team, and reflect our commitment to growing strong leadership from within. Deb Cook – Head of Development After more than a decade with FVAF, Deb’s promotion feels like a natural next step. She has played a huge role in building relationships, championing co-design, and helping turn bold ideas and community stories into meaningful change. As Head of Development, Deb will lead our development strategy – strengthening partnerships, supporting innovation, amplifying community voices, and helping us test and grow new approaches that align with our Theory of Change. Chris Brown, CEO at FVAF said: “After 11 years with FVAF championing volunteering and community groups, I could not be more thrilled to see Deb moving into this exciting new role within the organisation. Deb will bring fresh ideas, energy, and passion to drive innovation in our communities and help grow all the things which make the Forest of Dean such a brilliant place.” Alex Digby – Community Manager We’re equally pleased to announce Alex’s move into the newly created role of Community Manager. Alex will lead our Community Team, supporting projects that put local people in the driving seat, build strong connections, and unlock the skills and assets already present across the Forest of Dean. This role sits right at the heart of our commitment to community-led action and advocacy. “It has been fantastic to watch and support Alex’s growth in our organisation over the last few years, and I am delighted that he has secured this exciting promotion. Alex is a role model for strengths-based working, and he has excelled at building strong relationships across the county in his role as Digital Projects Manager. I am confident that Alex will provide strong leadership to our Community team and look forward to supporting his continued growth with FVAF.” said Nick Penny, Head of Operations at FVAF. Both of these appointments reflect our belief in investing in people and recognising internal talent. They will play a key role in shaping FVAF’s future and deepening our impact across the Forest of Dean. We couldn’t be prouder to see Deb and Alex step into these roles. 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 Youth Support Service, Holiday Activity and Food Programme, The Gloucestershire Digi Partnership, The Forest Compass Directory, Walking with Wheels Head office - Forest Voluntary Action Forum, Ow Bist – Forest Community Space, Dockham Rd, Cinderford , Glos. GL14 2AN.

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

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

Mersul cu roți: întrebări frecvente Ce este un „Tramper”? Un Tramper este un vehicul de mobilitate electric pentru toate terenurile. Are o viteză limitată de până la 4 mph, ceea ce este ideal pentru însoțirea plimbărilor sau a copiilor mici pe biciclete. Specificația completă a Trampers poate fi gasit aici . Cine poate folosi acest serviciu? Walking with Wheels este deschis oricărei persoane cu vârsta peste 14 ani și cu greutatea sub 25 de pietre care are dificultăți de mers din cauza dificultăților temporare sau permanente de mobilitate. Pe ce rute îl pot folosi? Rutele disponibile includ până la Symond's Yat Rock și până la râul Wye la Symond's Yat din Forest Holidays și Cyril Hart Arboretum, Mallards Pike și părți din Family Cycle Trail din The Speech House. Hărțile rutelor vor fi furnizate la angajare. Când este disponibil pentru angajare? Tramperul este disponibil pentru închiriere între orele 9:00 - 5:00, 7 zile pe săptămână (orele pot fi mai scurte iarna pentru a asigura întoarcerea înainte de amurg). Cum pot rezerva unul? Vă rugăm să rezervați în avans Tramperul înainte de zi, pentru a evita dezamăgirile. Vă rugăm să contactați direct site-urile Tramper pentru a rezerva. Pentru Sărbători în pădure sunați la 01594 837165 Pentru The Speech House sunați la 01594 822607 Cât costă să închiriezi un Tramper? Tramperul costă doar 2,50 lire sterline pe oră. Pentru utilizatorii pentru prima dată, există, de asemenea, o taxă de membru anual de 10 GBP pentru Countryside Mobility sau 2,50 GBP pentru o sesiune de degustare de două săptămâni. Ce se întâmplă dacă nu am folosit niciodată una dintre acestea până acum? Să nu-ți faci griji! Acestea sunt foarte simple și sigure de utilizat și fiecărui utilizator i se va oferi o inducție completă pentru a se asigura că se simte în siguranță și confortabil să parcurgă traseele noastre uimitoare. Ce se întâmplă dacă am nevoie de ajutor suplimentar? Vă rugăm ca toată lumea să fie însoțită pe trasee, astfel încât să aveți mereu pe cineva cu voi. Dacă doriți să încercați un Tramper, înainte de a închiria unul, vă rugăm să sunați la unul dintre centrele noastre pentru a aranja. De ce trebuie să devin membru al Countryside Mobility? Countryside Mobility este responsabil pentru furnizarea Trampers și de aceea sunt oferite la un preț atât de accesibil. De asemenea, lucrează pentru a se asigura că fiecare site care găzduiește un Tramper face acest lucru într-un mod sigur și ușor accesibil. Acest abonament vă va permite, de asemenea, să utilizați oricare dintre Trampers la numeroasele site-uri de mobilitate rurală din sud-vest. Vă rugăm să vizitați site-ul web de mobilitate rurală pentru mai multe informații. Puteți completa formularele de membru la centru înainte de angajare. Pot ajuta cu acest proiect? Walking with Wheels se bazează pe voluntari pentru a ne promova serviciul. Dacă sunteți interesat să contribuiți la răspândirea veștii despre serviciul nostru sau dacă doriți să ajutați într-un alt mod, vă rugăm să sunați la 01594 822073 sau să trimiteți un e-mail la walkingwithwheels@fvaf.org.uk . Se vor oferi instruire și sprijin complet. Ce se întâmplă dacă trebuie să anulez o rezervare? Vă rugăm să furnizați un preaviz de anulare cu cel puțin 24 de ore, astfel încât să putem închiria Tramperul unui alt utilizator. Pentru anulare, vă rugăm să contactați site-ul cu care ați rezervat 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

Deveniți membru FVAF Devenind membru al FVAF, ne ajutați să continuăm să oferim un serviciu de sprijin vital sectorului de voluntariat și comunitar din Pădurea Deanului . FVAF acţionează ca un avocat al acţiunii voluntare şi comunitare, acolo unde este cazul, la nivel raional, judeţean şi naţional, iar cu cât reprezentăm mai mulţi membri, cu atât vocea noastră este mai puternică. Prin urmare, membrii sunt consultați cu privire la chestiuni care afectează sectorul de voluntariat și comunitar din Pădurea Decanului și ceea ce ne propunem să realizăm ca organizație. În calitate de membru, vă veți bucura de acces la serviciile noastre de birou, de tarife reduse de imprimare și copiere, de promovarea locurilor de muncă vacante de voluntari pentru grupul dvs. și de închiriere gratuită a unei game de echipamente de birou. Aceasta include: Panouri de afișare Bucla auditivă Proiector digital și ecran Sistem PA Flip Charts Masa lunga pliabila Urnă de catering cu apă caldă Foișor (este necesară o donație de 5 GBP) Dacă doriți să deveniți membru FVAF, faceți clic pe butonul Alăturați-vă FVAF din dreapta și completați formularul. Pentru mai multe detalii sunati la 01594 822073 Este GRATUIT să deveniți membru FVAF pentru a accesa toate serviciile noastre de asistență Alăturați-vă FVAF