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.

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

Vullnetarizmi Si qendër vullnetare për Pyllin e Deanit, ne jemi këtu për t'ju ndihmuar të rekrutoni dhe menaxhoni vullnetarë Vullnetarizmi ynë i ri broshurë e mbushur me detaje të vullnetarizmit lokal mundësitë janë jashtë tani KLIKONI PËR TË SHKARKONI Ose merrni një kopje në bibliotekën tuaj lokale ose në Qendrën e Komunitetit Si Qendra Vullnetare për Pylli i Dekanit ne jemi shpesh pika e parë e kontaktit për këdo që është i interesuar për vullnetarizëm. Vitin e kaluar ne ishim krenarë që mbështetëm mbi 100,000 orë vullnetarizëm në zonë! FVAF promovon dhe reklamon një gamë të gjerë mundësish vullnetarizmi nga organizata që ndajnë etikën tonë në mbështetjen e vullnetarëve dhe njohjen e një gamë të gjerë arsyesh pse njerëzit zgjedhin të dalin vullnetarë. Pse vullnetar? Vullnetarizmi ka një sërë përfitimesh të mëdha, jo vetëm për ju individualisht, por për komunitetin tuaj dhe botën ku jetojmë. Nëse dëshironi të përmirësoni CV-në tuaj, të takoni njerëz të rinj, të përdorni aftësitë tuaja në përdorim të mirë, të mësoni diçka të re, të ndiqni një interes, të ofroni përvojë ose thjesht të bëni një ndryshim, ne jemi të garantuar që të kemi një mundësi për ju! Ju mund të mësoni për këto mundësi në mënyrat e mëposhtme: Kërko mundësitë në Do-it.org Na telefononi në 01594 822073 Kontaktoni nëpërmjet email Na vizitoni në FVAF Hënë - Prem 9:00 - 1:00 ( Udhëzime ) Nëse po kërkoni të dilni vullnetar si pjesë e një grupi të madh, për shembull si pjesë e vullnetarizmit të korporatës, atëherë ne kemi gjithashtu një gamë të gjerë mundësish për të zgjedhur. 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 Si një qendër e vetme për të gjitha gjërat vullnetare, ne përdorim një metodologji shumëplanëshe për t'ju dhënë mundësinë më të mirë të mundshme për të rekrutuar dhe mbajtur vullnetarë të vlefshëm. Kjo përfshin sa vijon: Reklamimi i mundësive tuaja në Do-it.org Promovimi i mundësive tuaja për anëtarët e publikut të referuar tek ne ose nëpërmjet funksionit tonë të hyrjes. Reklamimi i mundësive tuaja në faqet tona në Facebook dhe Twitter Promovimi i mundësive tuaja për shërbimet lokale që mbështesin vullnetarizmin p.sh. Qendra e Punës, LearnDirect dhe 2GetherTrust Reklamimi i mundësive tuaja në mbi 30 ngjarje në vit Dërgimi i mundësive tuaja te bizneset lokale që ofrojnë vullnetarizëm të mbështetur nga punëdhënësi Promovimi i mundësive përkatëse në shkolla, kolegje dhe universitete Shpërndarja e mundësive tuaja në bazën tonë të të dhënave vullnetare me mbi 1000 njerëz Promovimi i mundësive tuaja në një sërë rrjetesh, duke përfshirë 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)

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

Forumi i Lidhësve të Komunitetit - Njihni Rrjetin tuaj Patch Supporting Strong and Thriving Communities with Know Your Patch Mbështetja e komuniteteve të forta dhe të lulëzuara me Know Your Patch Pjesa e "Njihni patchin tuaj" të Forumit të Lidhësve të Komunitetit (CCF) lidh Sektorin Vullnetar dhe Komunitar, Shërbimet Statutore dhe banorët vendas në një mënyrë që krijon mënyra më të mira të punës. Rrjeti Forest of Dean Know Your Patch është projektuar për të lidhur Sektorin Vullnetar dhe Komunitar, Shërbimet Statutore dhe banorët vendas në një mënyrë që krijon mënyra më të mira të punës e cila përfundimisht forcon komunitetet tona. Kjo 'ofertë e komunitetit' është veçanërisht jetike në parandalimin ose vonimin e përshkallëzimit të nevojave shëndetësore. Ne organizojmë ngjarje tremujore në të gjithë Pyllin e Deanit, ku ftojmë palët e interesuara të bashkohen në diskutimin rreth asaj që ka rëndësi në komunitetin e tyre dhe se si shërbimet dhe grupet e sektorit vullnetar mund të ndihmojnë në mbështetjen e kësaj. Çdo ngjarje Know Your Patch është FALAS dhe e hapur për këdo që dëshiron të jetë pjesë e bisedës. Nëse dëshironi të merrni pjesë, ju lutemi telefononi në 01594 822073 ose email help4groups@fvaf.org.uk . Ne gjithashtu dërgojmë e-mail dhe përditësime të rregullta në Rrjetin tonë "Njih Your Patch" në lidhje me atë që po ndodh në Forest of Dean. Nëse dëshironi të bashkoheni në këtë rrjet, ju lutemi abonohuni këtu . Falë financimit nga Këshilli i Qarkut Gloucestershire , Know Your Patch është gjithashtu i disponueshëm në çdo rreth tjetër në Gloucestershire. Nëse dëshironi të mësoni më shumë rreth këtyre, ju lutemi vizitoni këtu . Këtu janë disa nga hulumtimet që nënvizojnë të menduarit tonë: "Ne të gjithë duhet të luajmë një rol për të ndihmuar individët dhe komunitetet që të zhvillojnë kapitalin social. Ekziston një njohje në rritje se megjithëse grupet dhe komunitetet sociale të pafavorizuara kanë një sërë nevojash komplekse dhe të ndërlidhura, ato gjithashtu kanë asete në nivel social dhe komunitar. që mund të ndihmojë në përmirësimin e shëndetit dhe forcimin e qëndrueshmërisë ndaj problemeve shëndetësore" (The Kings Fund, 2018) "Ata me marrëdhënie të përshtatshme shoqërore kishin një shkallë mbijetese 50 për qind më të madhe krahasuar me individët me marrëdhënie të dobëta sociale" (Holt-Lunstad et al 2010) "Rrjetet sociale janë treguar të jenë po aq parashikues të fuqishëm të vdekshmërisë sa edhe mënyra e zakonshme e jetesës dhe rreziqet klinike si pirja e moderuar e duhanit, konsumi i tepërt i alkoolit, obeziteti dhe kolesteroli i lartë dhe presioni i gjakut" (Pantell et al 2013; Holt-Lunstad et al, 2010). . "Mbështetja sociale është veçanërisht e rëndësishme në rritjen e elasticitetit dhe nxitjen e rikuperimit nga sëmundja" (Pevalin dhe Rose, 2003) "Mungesa e rrjeteve sociale dhe mbështetjes e bën më të vështirë vetërregullimin e sjelljes dhe ndërtimin e vullnetit dhe elasticitetit me kalimin e kohës, duke çuar në përfshirje në sjellje të pashëndetshme" (Cacioppo dhe Patrick 2009). "Pjesëmarrja në komunitet redukton izolimin, përjashtimin dhe vetminë" (Farrell dhe Bryant 2009; Sevigny et al 2010; Ryan-Collins et al 2008) "Kapitali i fortë social përmirëson shanset për të shmangur rreziqet e stilit të jetesës si duhanpirja" (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.

FOREST VOLUNTEER AWARDS IT'S VOTING TIME! The PUBLIC VOTE is now OPEN for Volunteer of the Year 2025 - The People's Champion! VOTING CLOSES: MIDNIGHT WEDNESDAY 27 AUGUST 2025 We had so many fantastic nominations, with every one a worthy winner BUT after much deliberation our judging panel shortlisted the following local volunteers: VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE Carol Austin – Sedbury Space Laura Dovey – Taurus Crafts Annie George – Forest Exchange Ian Gower – CANDI, Mitcheldean Youth Club, Scarr Bandstand Glynis Halling – The Victoria Centre, Lydney Dial-a-Ride, Dr Charley's Lunch Club Julie Holder – Packed with Love Submit Find out why these amazing volunteers were nominated below: CAROL AUSTIN Sedbury Space Carol leads one of the Forest's busiest community groups at Sedbury Space, welcoming 30+ members weekly with exceptional care and dedication. LAURA DOVEY Taurus Crafts For an incredible twenty years, Laura has been the welcoming face of Taurus Crafts in Lydney, greeting every customer with genuine warmth and enthusiasm ANNIE GEORGE Forest Exchange Annie is the organisational powerhouse behind Forest Exchange (formerly Lydney Exchange), working tirelessly to help as many people as possible through this vital community resource.. Her personal touch makes all the difference – she ensures every member receives a birthday card and personally checks on anyone who's been absent for two weeks. Carol's generous spirit extends beyond her volunteer duties as she steps in to cover extra sessions, ensures no one feels excluded, and has a remarkable gift for helping shy members feel included without them even realising it. Her warm, energetic presence and unwavering commitment to helping others makes her an exceptional volunteer who truly goes above and beyond. Working across both the gift shop and Zero Waste shop, Laura's reliability and attention to detail shine through in everything she does – from pricing and checking invoices to ensuring packing materials are properly recycled. Her outstanding customer service skills and diligent approach make her a joy to work with, while her caring, helpful nature brings smiles to everyone she meets. Laura's two decades of unwavering commitment exemplifies the very best in community volunteering. Her incredible work ethic is evident whether she's moving heavy boxes, washing donated clothes, implementing efficient labelling systems, or lifting spirits with her amazing sense of humour. Over the past two and a half years, Annie has played a crucial role in the Exchange's remarkable growth from strength to strength. Though she's moving away to be closer to family, her unique approach to helping individuals and her invaluable contributions have left a lasting impact on the Forest community. IAN GOWER Mitcheldean Youth Club, CANDI, Scarr Bandstand Ian's volunteer work spans multiple organisations, making him a true Forest community champion through his support at CANDI, Mitcheldean Youth Hub, Scarr Bandstand, and the Forest of Dean History Society. GLYNIS HALLING The Victoria Centre, Lydney Dial-a-Ride, Dr Charley's Lunch Club For over 25 years, Glynis has been the driving force behind vital community services, serving as chief organiser and fundraiser for the Victoria Centre and previously Lydney Dial-a-Ride. JULIE HOLDER Packed with Love Julie is the inspirational driving force behind Packed with Love, a remarkable not-for-profit initiative that packs 180 backpacks for children in emergency care. Drawing on his engineering background with Rolls Royce, Ian creates engaging STEM workshops and provides maths tutoring that makes learning both fun and educational for young people. His understanding, kind, and caring approach toward young people, combined with his wealth of knowledge, makes him an exceptional mentor. Ian's dedication to his community is evident in how nothing is ever too much trouble, and his willingness to go out of his way to support the young people and various groups he serves. Her exceptional admin skills, creative vision, and ongoing dedication have been essential to these organisations' success. Glynis also volunteered for 13 years at Dr Charley's lunch club in Coleford, serving as Treasurer and later taking leadership after founder Dora Matthews passed away. Her commitment to community service has touched countless lives across the Forest, providing the "essential oil for the wheels" of much-valued services that bring people together and support those in need. Her tireless dedication encompasses every aspect of the operation – organising jumble sales and book sales, seeking donations, storing items in her own home, purchasing necessary supplies, coordinating the packing process, and ensuring distribution reaches those who need it most. Julie's work directly impacts vulnerable children during some of their most difficult moments, providing them with essential items and a tangible reminder that their community cares. Her selfless commitment transforms donations into hope for children facing uncertain times.

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? Drop in and chat with us We're coming to a venue near you: February dates: 19 Feb, 11:30am-1:30pm :Chillout Zone, 36 Broad St, Newent GL18 1AJ 23 Feb: Cinderford, Hilltops Family Centre, 9-10am 23 Feb: 11am-2pm : Café Sixteen, 16 Bank St, Coleford GL16 8BA 25 Feb: 10am-12pm : The Victoria Centre, 5 Victoria Road, Lydney GL15 5DG 26 Feb: 11:30am-1:30pm :The Swan Community Hub, Ledbury Rd, Staunton GL19 3QA 27 Feb, 9-10am: Hilltops Family Centre, Latimer Road, Cinderford GL14 2QA Visit https://www.fdean.gov.uk/forest-of-dean-s-unesco-biosphere-bid or https://www.wylderne.com/ for more information. Y oung people Special sessions are happening at youth groups across the Forest including Ruardean, Blakeney, and others. 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

Bëhuni anëtar i FVAF Duke u bërë anëtar i FVAF-it, ju na ndihmoni të vazhdojmë të ofrojmë një shërbim mbështetës jetik për sektorin vullnetar dhe komunitar në Pylli i Dekanit . FVAF vepron si një avokat për veprime vullnetare dhe komunitare aty ku është e përshtatshme në nivel rrethi, qarku dhe kombëtar, dhe sa më shumë anëtarë të përfaqësojmë, aq më i fortë është zëri ynë. Prandaj, anëtarët konsultohen për çështjet që ndikojnë në sektorin vullnetar dhe komunitar në Pyllin e Dekanit dhe atë që ne synojmë të arrijmë si organizatë. Si anëtar, do të gëzoni akses në shërbimet tona të zyrës, tarifa të reduktuara të printimit dhe kopjimit, promovimin e vendeve të lira të punës vullnetare për grupin tuaj dhe marrjen me qira pa pagesë të një sërë pajisjesh zyre. Kjo perfshin: Afisho tabelat Lak i dëgjimit Projektor dixhital dhe ekran Sistemi PA Flip Charts Tavolinë e gjatë e palosshme Urnë e furnizimit me ujë të nxehtë Gazebo (kërkohet donacion 5 £) Nëse dëshironi të bëheni anëtar i FVAF-it, ju lutemi klikoni në butonin Join FVAF në të djathtë dhe plotësoni formularin. Për detaje të mëtejshme telefononi në 01594 822073 Është FALAS të bëhesh anëtar i FVAF për të hyrë në të gjitha shërbimet tona mbështetëse Bashkohuni me FVAF

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