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!

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

Samahang Kabataan sa Kagubatan Nandito ang Forest of Dean Youth Association upang mag-alok ng tulong at suporta sa mga kabataan at mga youth club, grupo o organisasyon. Makipagkaibigan Makilahok sa iyong komunidad Ituloy ang interes Sumubok ng bago Matuto ng mga bagong kasanayan Magboluntaryo Gumawa ng isang mas mahusay na mundo Pagboluntaryo Mayroong maraming mga pagkakataon sa pagboboluntaryo para sa parehong mga kabataan at matatanda. Kung ikaw ay isang kabataan na naghahanap ng boluntaryong trabaho na gagawin sa iyong libreng oras, upang makakuha ng higit pang mga kasanayan o bilang bahagi ng iyong programa ng DofE mangyaring tawagan kami o bisitahin https://do-it.org/ Katulad nito, kung ikaw ay nasa hustong gulang na may mga kasanayan at kaalaman o nais mong suportahan ang isang organisasyon ng kabataan sa loob ng Forest of Dean, mangyaring makipag-ugnayan dahil maraming organisasyon ang magpapahalaga sa iyong suporta. Affiliated Membership para sa iyong Club / Organization Kapag kaakibat ka sa Forest of Dean Youth Association, magkakaroon ka ng karapatan sa aming buong hanay ng mga serbisyo, na nag-aalok ng payo at suporta sa lahat ng aspeto ng pagpapatakbo ng isang organisasyon tulad ng sa iyo. Nagpapatakbo din kami ng isang kalendaryo ng mga aktibidad kung saan ang iyong mga boluntaryo at kabataan ay maaaring lumahok sa isang maliit na bayad. Para sa buong detalye ng mga benepisyo o para irehistro ang iyong club, mag-click sa mga sumusunod na link Mga Benepisyo sa Membership ng Youth Association para sa mga Club Form ng Membership ng Youth Association para sa mga Club Mga Detalye ng Makipag-ugnayan Para sa Karagdagang Impormasyon Kung gusto mong malaman ang higit pa tungkol sa alinman sa aming mga proyekto o kaganapan o kung paano makibahagi, mangyaring makipag-ugnayan sa aming Youth Association Development Officer, Alethea Bumpstead sa FodYouthAssociation@fvaf.org.uk For More Information If you would like to know about any of our projects or events or how to get involved, please get in touch with us at hi.ya @fvaf.org.uk Suporta sa Pinansyal Ang Forest of Dean Youth Association ay buong pagmamalaki na tumatanggap ng suportang pinansyal mula sa Cinderford at Coleford Town Councils. Kung ang iyong Parokya o Konseho ng Bayan ay gustong malaman ang higit pa tungkol sa Forest of Dean Youth Association o kung paano mo kami masusuportahan, mangyaring makipag-ugnayan sa pamamagitan ng pag-email FodYouthAssociation@fvaf.org.uk

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.

Walking with Wheels: Mga Madalas Itanong Ano ang isang 'Tramper'? Ang Tramper ay isang all-terrain electric powered mobility vehicle. Ito ay may restricted speed na hanggang 4mph na mainam para sa mga kasamang naglalakad o maliliit na bata sa mga bisikleta. Ang buong detalye ng Trampers ay maaaring matatagpuan dito . Sino ang maaaring gumamit ng serbisyong ito? Ang Walking with Wheels ay bukas sa sinumang higit sa 14 taong gulang at tumitimbang ng wala pang 25 na bato na nahihirapang maglakad dahil sa pansamantala o permanenteng kahirapan sa paggalaw. Sa anong mga ruta ko ito magagamit? Kasama sa mga available na ruta ang Symond's Yat Rock at pababa sa ilog Wye sa Symond's Yat mula sa Forest Holidays at Cyril Hart Arboretum, Mallards Pike at mga bahagi ng Family Cycle Trail mula sa The Speech House. Ang mga mapa ng mga ruta ay ibibigay kapag nag-hire. Kailan ito magagamit para sa pag-upa? Ang Tramper ay available na umarkila 9:00 - 5:00 7 araw sa isang linggo (maaaring mas maikli ang mga oras sa Taglamig upang matiyak na bumalik bago ang takipsilim). Paano ako makakapag-book ng isa? Mangyaring i-pre-book ang iyong Tramper bago ang araw, upang maiwasan ang pagkabigo. Mangyaring makipag-ugnayan nang direkta sa mga tramper site upang mag-book. Para sa Forest Holidays tumawag sa 01594 837165 Para sa The Speech House tumawag sa 01594 822607 Magkano ang gastos sa pag-upa ng Tramper? Ang Tramper ay nagkakahalaga lamang ng £2.50 bawat oras. Para sa mga unang beses na user, mayroon ding taunang bayad sa membership na £10 sa Countryside Mobility o £2.50 para sa isang dalawang linggong sesyon ng pagtikim. Paano kung hindi ko pa nagamit ang isa sa mga ito dati? Huwag mag-alala! Ang mga ito ay napaka-simple at ligtas na patakbuhin at ang bawat user ay bibigyan ng buong induction upang matiyak na ligtas at komportable silang harapin ang aming mga kamangha-manghang landas. Paano kung kailangan ko ng karagdagang tulong? Hinihiling namin na ang lahat ay samahan sa mga landas para lagi kang may kasama. Kung gusto mong subukan ang isang Tramper, bago kumuha ng isa, mangyaring tumawag sa isa sa aming mga sentro upang ayusin. Bakit kailangan kong maging miyembro ng Countryside Mobility? Ang Countryside Mobility ay may pananagutan sa pagbibigay ng mga Tramper at ito ang dahilan kung bakit sila ay inaalok sa abot-kayang halaga. Nagsusumikap din sila upang matiyak na ginagawa ito ng bawat site na nagho-host ng Tramper sa isang ligtas at madaling ma-access na paraan. Ang membership na ito ay magbibigay-daan din sa iyo na gamitin ang alinman sa mga Tramper sa maraming mga site ng Countryside Mobility sa buong South West. Mangyaring bisitahin ang website ng Countryside Mobility para sa karagdagang impormasyon. Maaari mong kumpletuhin ang mga form ng membership sa center bago mag-hire. Maaari ba akong tumulong sa proyektong ito? Ang Walking with Wheels ay umaasa sa mga boluntaryo upang i-promote ang aming serbisyo. Kung interesado kang tumulong sa pagpapalaganap ng balita tungkol sa aming serbisyo, o gusto mong tumulong sa ibang paraan, mangyaring tumawag sa 01594 822073 o e-mail sa walkingwithwheels@fvaf.org.uk . Buong pagsasanay at suporta ay ibibigay. Paano kung kailangan kong magkansela ng booking? Hinihiling namin na magbigay ka ng hindi bababa sa 24 na oras na abiso ng pagkansela upang ma-hire namin ang Tramper sa ibang user. Upang kanselahin, mangyaring makipag-ugnayan sa site kung saan ka nag-book 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

Mga Drop-in Hub ng Mga Tagabuo ng Komunidad support, advice & guidance Our drop-in hubs provide support to create, inspire and build stronger communities together. Ang drop-in hub ay nagbibigay ng suporta upang lumikha, magbigay ng inspirasyon at bumuo ng mas malalakas na komunidad nang sama-sama Ang bawat drop-in hub ay nag-aalok ng iba't ibang suporta, payo at gabay para sa mga lokal na residente. Halimbawa; suporta at pag-sign sa pag-post sa mga lokal na serbisyo, pag-link at pag-set up ng bago mga grupo ng komunidad, na sumusuporta sa mga tao upang mas mapalapit sa trabaho o karagdagang edukasyon, tumulong na ma-access ang digital na mundo at suporta upang bigyang-buhay ang iyong mga ideya para sa komunidad. Maaari kaming mag-alok ng tulong sa: Mga pagkakataon sa pagboluntaryo Suporta sa kakayahang magamit Mga grupo at club ng lokal na aktibidad IT at digital na suporta Impormasyon sa lokal na kaganapan Mag-sign sa pag-post sa mga lokal na serbisyo Get Digital Confident! Visit our community hubs for help navigating the digital world. Whether you need help setting up your devices or simply need a bit of support with everyday online tasks, we’re here to help — free, friendly, and open to everyone. No appointment necessary! Just drop in at one of our community hubs across the Forest of Dean. FVAF is part of the Digital Inclusion Gloucestershire Initiative, tackling digital exclusion across the county. Find out more here For dates, times and locations for up coming FVAF Community Drop-in Hubs, contact Flora at flora@fvaf.org.uk or call the FVAF office on 01594 822073.

We Celebrate our Outstanding Volunteers! Winners crowned at annual Forest Volunteer Awards event... The Forest of Dean's most dedicated volunteers took centre stage this week at our annual Forest Volunteer Awards, held on Tuesday 2 September at the AccXel Construction School in Cinderford! People's Champion Takes Top Honours Ian Gower claimed the evening's most coveted award – Volunteer of the Year (People's Champion) – following a public vote that attracted over 3,500 participants. Ian's tireless work spans multiple organisations including CANDI, Mitcheldean Youth Club, and Scarr Bandstand, where he inspires young people through STEM education, drawing on his engineering background with Rolls Royce. Community Groups Recognised for Vital Work Several local organisations received recognition for their outstanding community contributions. The Salvation Army Community Hub in Coleford won Community Organisation of the Year for providing comprehensive support services including food assistance and domestic violence support. The Sharing Kitchen in Newent claimed the Grassroots Voluntary Group award, having transformed from a winter soup kitchen into a thriving community hub since launching in November 2024. Meanwhile, Music for Memories received the FoD Dementia Action Alliance Accessibility & Inclusion Award for positively impacting nearly 200 lives through personalised music therapy. We Rewarded Resilience Brockweir Village Shop and Café earned our ESV Business in the Community Award, demonstrating remarkable resilience after rebuilding following devastating fire damage in 2023. Volunteers worked tirelessly through an 18-month reconstruction to reopen the vital community facility. We Recognised Environmental Action Our newly introduced Community Climate Action Award went to the Save the Wye Campaign, recognising the group's creative activism in bringing national attention to the environmental crisis facing the River Wye. We Celebrated Future Leaders and Lifetime Achievement Our ceremony highlighted emerging community leaders, with Moss Thornton taking home our Young Volunteer of the Year honours for outstanding work as a Youth Expert and Youth Worker with Gloucestershire Health and Care Trust and Forest Pulse. Albert Weager received our Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 for his decades of community service as a representative and advocate for improved healthcare in the Forest of Dean. Celebrating Community Spirit "So much of what happens within our community is because of people who give their time and energy for free," said Deb Cook, Volunteering Manager at FVAF. "We're so proud to host this event and make a massive fuss about the incredible work that goes on in groups and organisations large and small. The work carried out by these volunteers is absolutely crucial to so many." Hosted by Steve Knibbs (BBC News Presenter) and Les Love (Dean Radio), our award winners were announced by guest presenters; Simon Murray (Vice chair, trustee of FVAF and chair of the Forest of Dean branch of CPRE), Cllr Jackie Dale, Cabinet Member for Thriving Communities FoDDC, Piers Cardiff (new Co-ordinator of FoDCAP), Tyler Josh Carpenter (volunteer at SARA (Severn Area Rescue Association) AND winner of last year’s Forest Young Volunteer of the Year), Dame Janet Trotter (DBE CVO), Nick Penny (FVAF Programme Manager). The celebration evening was made possible through generous sponsorship from local organisations, KW Bell Group and AccXel Construction Centre , Cinderhill Farm , Float in the Forest , Forest of Dean Climate Action Partnership (FODCAP) , Forest of Dean District Council , Mid Counties Co-operative and Pedalabikeaway . We received hundreds of nominations following their summer call for submissions, with an expert panel handling the challenging task of shortlisting candidates across all categories. FOREST VOLUNTEER AWARD WINNERS 2025: Volunteer of the Year – Peoples’ Champion WINNER: Ian Gower: CANDI, Mitcheldean Youth Club, Scarr Bandstand Highly Commended: Carol Austin: Sedbury Space Laura Dovey: Taurus Crafts Annie George: Forest Exchange Glynis Halling: The Victoria Centre, Lydney Dial-a-Ride, Dr Charley's Lunch Club Julie Holder: Packed with Love Young Volunteer of the Year 21yrs & under WINNER: Moss Thornton: Youth Expert and Youth Worker with Gloucestershire Health and Care Trust and Forest Pulse Highly Commended: Chloe Watts - Her Game Too and Bristol Rovers Women Ambassador Community Organisation of the Year WINNER: Salvation Army Community Hub Highly Commended: Forest of Dean Writers Collection Project and Dean Green Team Grassroots Group of the Year WINNER: The Sharing Kitchen Highly Commended: Cinderford Town FC (Youth Team)  Forest Wombles Business in the Community Award WINNER: Brockweir Village Shop & Cafe Highly Commended: Dean Forest Food Hub FoD Dementia Action Alliance Accessibility & Inclusion Award WINNER: Music for Memories Highly Commended: Skillzone – Preparation for Adulthood Community Climate Action Award (sponsored by FoDCAP) WINNER: Save the Wye Campaign Highly Commended: Yorkley Village Garden Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 – Albert Weager - community representative and advocate for better healthcare in the Forest of Dean 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, Activities and Food Programme, 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 Road, Cinderford , Glos. GL14 2AN.

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

Tell us what training would help your organisation We're exploring how best to support the training needs of voluntary and community groups across the Forest of Dean. This might include hosting training ourselves, bringing in external trainers, or connecting you with existing resources and courses. Please complete this brief survey to let us know what would be most valuable for you. Your feedback will shape the support we're able to offer. Organisation Name: Your Role: Email Training Topics Which of the following topics would be most valuable for your organisation? (Please tick all that apply and add any others) Funding & Fundraising Marketing & PR Digital Skills/Using Technology Financial Procedures & Management Governance & Trustees Finding & Recruiting Volunteers Volunteer Management & Retention Embedding Climate Action Neurodiversity, Mental Health & Inclusion Safeguarding First Aid Health & Safety Food Hygiene Other Let us know your TOP 3 training needs: When Which days work best for you? (Tick all that apply) Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Preferred times: (Tick all that apply) Morning (9am-12pm) Afternoon (1pm-5pm) Evening (6pm-8pm) Where How would you prefer to attend training? (Tick all that apply) In-person only Online only Hybrid (option to attend either way) No preference If in-person: Forest of Dean only Willing to travel How Which learning formats work best for you? (Tick all that apply) Workshops (group sessions) Online webinars/courses One-to-one support/mentoring Drop-in sessions Self-paced resources Peer learning/networking groups 5. Additional Information Are there any barriers that prevent you from accessing training? (e.g., cost, time, childcare, accessibility needs) Any other comments or suggestions? Submit

KEEPING PEOPLE SAFE Young people who are moving towards adulthood have the right to make informed choices about how they connect to their local community. This can involve risk, for guidance read: Building Connections: One minute guide to Risk Assessment