Forest of Dean Big Health Debate Monday 13 July 2026 | Lydney Town Hall To view the presentations, please click on the below links: Big Health Debate - Main presentation Alex Digby & Nick Penny Strategic Estates planning, delivery of new facilities in the Forest of Dean and the future vision of Neighbourhood services Andrew Hughes & Gina Mann General Practice Services Jo White Gloucestershire Mental Health Services Sadie Trout & Andrew Telford Gloucestershire ICB - Dental NHS

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

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

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!

Forest Compass Ang Forest Compass ay isang pisikal at online na direktoryo na naglilista ng marami sa mga regular na aktibidad, support group at club na available sa buong Forest of Dean. Ang Forest ay tahanan ng daan-daang pangkat ng panlipunan at aktibidad ng lahat ng uri mula sa mga grupo ng sanggol, hanggang sa mga lunch club, panlalaking shed hanggang sa mga memory cafe. Marami ang libre o napakababang halaga para dumalo at patakbuhin ng mga boluntaryo o hindi para sa mga grupo ng kita. Nakalulungkot na maraming mga tao na maaaring makinabang mula sa gayong mga grupo ay hindi alam ang mga kamangha-manghang pagkakataon sa kanilang pintuan. Kung nagpapatakbo ka ng isang volunteer lead activity, club o support group sa Forest of Dean mag-advertise sa parehong pisikal na direktoryo ng Forest Compass at sa online na direktoryo dito, nang LIBRE sa pamamagitan ng pagkumpleto sa form sa ibaba. Download OTHER USEFUL DIRECTORIES: YourCircle Check out a local directory to help you find your way around care and support and connect with people, places and activities in Gloucestershire

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

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.

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.

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

Maging miyembro ng FVAF Sa pagiging miyembro ng FVAF tinutulungan mo kaming magpatuloy sa pagbibigay ng mahalagang serbisyo sa suporta sa boluntaryo at sektor ng komunidad sa Kagubatan ng Dean . Ang FVAF ay kumikilos bilang isang tagapagtaguyod para sa boluntaryo at aksyong pangkomunidad kung saan naaangkop sa antas ng distrito, county at pambansang, at kapag mas maraming miyembro ang kinakatawan natin, mas malakas ang ating boses. Samakatuwid, ang mga miyembro ay kinokonsulta sa mga bagay na nakakaapekto sa boluntaryo at sektor ng komunidad sa Forest of Dean at kung ano ang layunin nating makamit bilang isang organisasyon. Bilang isang miyembro, masisiyahan ka sa pag-access sa aming mga serbisyo sa opisina, pinababang mga rate ng pag-imprenta at pagkopya, pagsulong ng mga boluntaryong bakante para sa iyong grupo, at libreng pagrenta ng isang hanay ng mga kagamitan sa opisina. Kabilang dito ang: Mga Display Board Hearing Loop Digital Projector at screen PA System Mga Flip Chart Mahabang folding table Hot water catering urn Gazebo (kinakailangan ng £5 na donasyon) Kung gusto mong maging miyembro ng FVAF mangyaring mag-click sa button na Sumali sa FVAF sa kanan at kumpletuhin ang form. Para sa karagdagang detalye tumawag sa 01594 822073 LIBRE ang maging miyembro ng FVAF para ma-access ang lahat ng aming serbisyo sa suporta Sumali sa FVAF

Community Connectors' Forum - Alamin ang iyong Patch Network Supporting Strong and Thriving Communities with Know Your Patch Pagsuporta sa Matatag at Umuunlad na Komunidad gamit ang Know Your Patch Ang Know Your Patch na bahagi ng Community Connectors Forum (CCF) ay nag-uugnay sa Voluntary and Community Sector, Statutory Services at mga lokal na residente sa paraang lumilikha ng mas mahusay na paraan ng pagtatrabaho. Ang Forest of Dean Know Your Patch Network ay idinisenyo upang ikonekta ang Voluntary and Community Sector, Statutory Services at mga lokal na residente sa isang paraan na lumilikha ng mas mahusay na paraan ng pagtatrabaho na sa huli ay nagpapalakas sa ating mga komunidad. Ang 'alok ng komunidad' na ito ay partikular na mahalaga sa pagpigil o pagkaantala sa pagdami ng mga pangangailangan sa kalusugan. Nagho-host kami ng mga quarterly event sa buong Forest of Dean kung saan inaanyayahan namin ang mga stakeholder na sumali sa talakayan tungkol sa kung ano ang mahalaga sa kanilang komunidad at kung paano makakatulong ang mga serbisyo at boluntaryong grupo ng sektor na suportahan ito. LIBRE ang bawat event na Know Your Patch at bukas sa sinumang gustong maging bahagi ng pag-uusap. Kung gusto mong dumalo mangyaring tumawag sa 01594 822073 o mag-email sa help4groups@fvaf.org.uk . Nagpapadala rin kami ng mga regular na e-mail at mga update sa aming Know Your Patch Network tungkol sa kung ano ang nangyayari sa Forest of Dean. Kung gusto mong sumali sa network na ito, mangyaring mag-subscribe dito . Salamat sa pagpopondo mula sa Ang Gloucestershire County Council , Ang Know Your Patch ay makukuha rin sa bawat iba pang Distrito sa Gloucestershire. Kung gusto mong malaman ang higit pa tungkol sa mga ito mangyaring bisitahin dito . Narito ang ilan sa mga pananaliksik na nagbibigay-diin sa ating pag-iisip: "Lahat tayo ay may papel na dapat gampanan sa pagtulong sa mga indibidwal at komunidad na bumuo ng panlipunang kapital. Lumalaki ang pagkilala na bagaman ang mga disadvantaged na mga grupo at komunidad sa lipunan ay may isang hanay ng mga kumplikado at magkakaugnay na mga pangangailangan, mayroon din silang mga ari-arian sa antas ng lipunan at komunidad. na maaaring makatulong na mapabuti ang kalusugan, at palakasin ang katatagan sa mga problema sa kalusugan" (The Kings Fund, 2018) "Ang mga may sapat na panlipunang relasyon ay may 50 porsiyentong mas mataas na antas ng kaligtasan kumpara sa mga indibidwal na may mahihirap na relasyon sa lipunan" (Holt-Lunstad et al 2010) "Ang mga social network ay ipinakita bilang makapangyarihang mga prediktor ng mortalidad gaya ng karaniwang pamumuhay at mga klinikal na panganib tulad ng katamtamang paninigarilyo, labis na pag-inom ng alak, labis na katabaan at mataas na kolesterol at presyon ng dugo" (Pantell et al 2013; Holt-Lunstad et al, 2010) . "Ang suportang panlipunan ay partikular na mahalaga sa pagtaas ng katatagan at pagtataguyod ng paggaling mula sa sakit" (Pevalin at Rose, 2003) "Ang kakulangan ng mga social network at suporta ay nagpapahirap sa pag-regulate ng sarili sa pag-uugali at pagbuo ng lakas at katatagan sa paglipas ng panahon, na humahantong sa pakikipag-ugnayan sa mga hindi malusog na pag-uugali" (Cacioppo at Patrick 2009). "Binabawasan ng Pakikilahok ng Komunidad ang paghihiwalay, pagbubukod at kalungkutan" (Farrell at Bryant 2009; Sevigny et al 2010; Ryan-Collins et al 2008) "Ang malakas na kapital sa lipunan ay nagpapabuti sa mga pagkakataon na maiwasan ang mga panganib sa pamumuhay tulad ng paninigarilyo" (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.

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