Orman Gençlik Derneği Orman Dekanı Gençlik Derneği, gençlere ve gençlik kulüplerine, gruplarına veya kuruluşlarına yardım ve destek sunmak için burada. Yeni arkadaşlar edin Topluluğunuza Katılın bir ilgi peşinde koşmak Yeni bir şey dene Yeni beceriler öğren Gönüllü Daha iyi bir dünya yaratın gönüllülük Hem gençler hem de yetişkinler için birçok gönüllülük fırsatı var. Boş zamanlarında, daha fazla beceri kazanmak veya DofE programınızın bir parçası olarak gönüllü olarak çalışmak isteyen genç bir kişiyseniz, lütfen bizi arayın veya ziyaret edin. https://do-it.org/ Benzer şekilde, beceri ve bilgisi olan bir yetişkinseniz veya Dean Ormanı'ndaki bir gençlik kuruluşunu desteklemek istiyorsanız, desteğinizi takdir edecek birçok kuruluş olduğundan lütfen iletişime geçin. Kulübünüz / Organizasyonunuz için Bağlı Üyelik Forest of Dean Youth Association'a üye olduğunuzda, sizinki gibi bir organizasyonun her alanında tavsiye ve destek sunan tüm hizmetlerimizden yararlanma hakkına sahip olacaksınız. Ayrıca gönüllülerinizin ve gençlerin cüzi bir ücret karşılığında katılabileceği bir etkinlik takvimi de yürütüyoruz. Avantajların tüm detayları için veya kulübünüzü kaydettirmek için aşağıdaki linklere tıklayın Kulüpler için Gençlik Derneği Üyelik Avantajları Kulüpler için Gençlik Derneği Üyelik Formu Daha Fazla Bilgi İçin İletişim Bilgileri Projelerimiz veya etkinliklerimiz hakkında veya nasıl katılacağınız hakkında daha fazla bilgi edinmek isterseniz, lütfen şu adresten Gençlik Derneği Geliştirme Sorumlumuz Alethea Bumpstead ile iletişime geçin. 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 Finansal destek Forest of Dean Youth Association, Cinderford ve Coleford Belediye Meclislerinden gururla mali destek almaktadır. Mahalleniz veya Belediye Meclisiniz Orman Dekanı Gençlik Derneği hakkında veya bize nasıl destek olabileceğiniz hakkında daha fazla bilgi edinmek isterse, lütfen e-posta ile iletişime geçin. FodYouthAssociation@fvaf.org.uk

Universal Youth Services Partnership bringing Open Access Universal Youth Services to Gloucester and the Forest of Dean! Together with Gloucestershire Gateway Trust and The Venture Community Hub (TVCH), we’ve joined forces to make a real difference in the lives of young people. Guided by GGT, in the Forest of Dean FVAF is leading on supporting a wide range of services for young people aged 11 to 19 (or up to 25 for those with special educational needs and disabilities). Our youth services will be available to everyone, focusing on the needs of the local community to create a more connected, supported, and engaging youth sector. FIND OUT MORE ABOUT... Gloucestershire Gateway Trust The Venture Community Hub

Topluluk Bağlayıcıları Forumu - Yama Ağınızı Tanıyın Supporting Strong and Thriving Communities with Know Your Patch Patch Your Patch ile Güçlü ve Gelişen Toplulukları Destekleme Topluluk Bağlayıcıları Forumu'nun (CCF) Yamanızı Bilin kısmı, Gönüllü ve Toplum Sektörü, Yasal Hizmetler ve yerel sakinleri daha iyi çalışma yolları yaratacak şekilde birbirine bağlar. Dean Ormanı Yamanızı Tanıyın Ağı, Gönüllü ve Toplum Sektörü, Yasal Hizmetler ve yerel sakinleri daha iyi çalışma yöntemleri yaratacak ve nihayetinde topluluklarımızı güçlendirecek şekilde birbirine bağlamak için tasarlanmıştır. Bu 'topluluk teklifi', sağlık ihtiyaçlarının artmasını önlemede veya geciktirmede özellikle hayati önem taşımaktadır. Dean Ormanı boyunca, paydaşları toplumlarında neyin önemli olduğu ve hizmetlerin ve gönüllü sektör gruplarının bunu nasıl destekleyebileceği konusundaki tartışmaya katılmaya davet ettiğimiz üç ayda bir düzenlenen etkinliklere ev sahipliği yapıyoruz. Her Patch Your Patch etkinliği ÜCRETSİZDİR ve sohbetin bir parçası olmak isteyen herkese açıktır. Katılmak isterseniz lütfen 01594 822073 numaralı telefonu arayın veya help4groups@fvaf.org.uk adresine e-posta gönderin. Ayrıca, Dean Ormanı'nda neler olup bittiğiyle ilgili olarak Patch Your Patch Network'e düzenli e-postalar ve güncellemeler gönderiyoruz. Bu ağa katılmak istiyorsanız, lütfen abone olun burada . tarafından sağlanan finansman sayesinde Gloucestershire İlçe Meclisi , Yamanızı Tanıyın Gloucestershire'daki diğer tüm Bölgelerde de mevcuttur. Bunlar hakkında daha fazla bilgi edinmek isterseniz, lütfen ziyaret edin burada . İşte düşüncemizin altını çizen araştırmalardan bazıları: "Bireylerin ve toplulukların sosyal sermaye geliştirmelerine yardım etmede hepimizin oynayacağı bir rol var. Dezavantajlı sosyal grupların ve toplulukların bir dizi karmaşık ve birbiriyle ilişkili ihtiyaçları olmasına rağmen, sosyal ve topluluk düzeyinde de varlıkları olduğu giderek daha fazla kabul görüyor. sağlığı iyileştirmeye ve sağlık sorunlarına karşı direnci güçlendirmeye yardımcı olabilecek" (The Kings Fund, 2018) "Yeterli sosyal ilişkilere sahip olanlar, zayıf sosyal ilişkilere sahip bireylere kıyasla yüzde 50 daha fazla hayatta kalma oranına sahipti" (Holt-Lunstad ve diğerleri 2010) "Sosyal ağların, yaygın yaşam tarzı ve ılımlı sigara içme, aşırı alkol tüketimi, obezite ve yüksek kolesterol ve kan basıncı gibi klinik riskler kadar güçlü ölüm belirleyicileri olduğu gösterilmiştir" (Pantell ve diğerleri 2013; Holt-Lunstad ve diğerleri, 2010) . "Sosyal destek, dayanıklılığı arttırmada ve hastalıktan iyileşmeyi desteklemede özellikle önemlidir" (Pevalin ve Rose, 2003) "Sosyal ağların ve desteğin eksikliği, davranışları kendi kendine düzenlemeyi ve zamanla irade ve dayanıklılık oluşturmayı zorlaştırarak sağlıksız davranışlarda bulunmaya yol açar" (Cacioppo ve Patrick 2009). "Topluluk Katılımı izolasyonu, dışlanmayı ve yalnızlığı azaltır" (Farrell ve Bryant 2009; Sevigny ve diğerleri 2010; Ryan-Collins ve diğerleri 2008) "Güçlü sosyal sermaye, sigara içmek gibi yaşam tarzı risklerinden kaçınma şansını artırır" (Folland 2008; Brown ve diğerleri, 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.

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

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!

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.

welcoming & vibrant community hub - for hire Since taking on the 25 year lease of the former Dockham Road GP surgery, we have been working at a pace to create a welcoming and vibrant community hub that offers wrap-around support and improves access to community services. To date we have transformed the building's exterior with wooden cladding, resprayed windows and doors, and a new sign. Inside, we have created of a flexible training and events space , along with permanent office space for support agencies and community organisations. Thanks to funding from Cinderford Town Council, Ow Bist now features a Changing Places toilet to ensure accessibility for the entire community. Travelling in the Forest of Dean Forest Of Dean Climate Action Partnership has created a handy interactive guide to travelling in the Forest of Dean. DOWNLOAD HERE What to find out more? Interested in hiring the space? Contact us at contact@fvaf.org.uk or 01594 822073 The whole team loved the space you have at Ow Bist, but also really valued the partnership approach. Hirer at Ow Bist

Orman Pusulası Forest Compass, Forest of Dean'de bulunan düzenli aktivitelerin, destek gruplarının ve kulüplerin birçoğunu listeleyen fiziksel ve çevrimiçi bir rehberdir. Orman, bebek gruplarından öğle yemeği kulüplerine, erkek barakalarından hatıra kafelerine kadar her türden yüzlerce sosyal ve aktivite grubuna ev sahipliği yapıyor. Birçoğu, gönüllüler tarafından veya kâr grupları için değil, katılmak ve çalıştırmak için ücretsiz veya çok düşük maliyetlidir. Ne yazık ki, bu tür gruplardan yararlanabilecek birçok insan, kapılarının önündeki inanılmaz fırsatlardan habersizdir. Forest of Dean'de bir gönüllü liderlik etkinliği, kulüp veya destek grubu yürütürseniz, hem Forest Compass fiziksel dizininde hem de buradaki çevrimiçi dizinde reklam verin, aşağıdaki formu doldurarak ÜCRETSİZ olarak. 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

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

Youth Support in the Forest of Dean FVAF Youth Team Here to offer help and support to young people and youth clubs, groups or organisations. Discover more Local Youth Clubs Check out the timetable of regular youth clubs and events What's on offer NEW! Universal Youth Services We’ve joined forces Gloucestershire Gateway Trust and The Venture Community Hub, to make a real difference in the lives of young people Discover more

🌟 Forest Volunteer Awards 2026 – Celebrating Local Heroes 🌟 This year, we’re shining a spotlight on the incredible individuals, groups, and organisations who go the extra mile to make the Forest of Dean a better place. Whether they’re quietly making a difference or leading bold community change, we want to hear their stories. THE CATEGORIES: 🏆 Volunteer of the Year – People's Champion This is your chance to celebrate an unsung hero. Someone who consistently goes above and beyond to support others, uplift their community, or inspire through their own journey. Their dedication may have transformed lives—or even kept vital services running. We're looking for someone who: Shows exceptional dedication and commitment to their volunteer role Has made a significant positive impact on individuals or the wider community Demonstrates reliability, compassion, and selflessness May have overcome personal challenges while helping others Goes above and beyond to support those in need ✨ This is the only award chosen by public vote! Once finalists are announced, the community will decide who takes home the title. 🌱 Young Volunteer of the Year (21 & under) Recognising a young person who's making a big impact. Whether they've overcome personal challenges or shown outstanding commitment to helping others, this award celebrates young volunteers —in schools, clubs, or community projects. We're looking for a young person who: Demonstrates exceptional commitment to volunteering despite their age Serves as a role model and inspiration to other young people Shows maturity, leadership, and dedication beyond their years May have overcome personal obstacles while helping others Actively contributes to making their school, club, or community better Examples might include: peer mentoring, fundraising champions, environmental activists, community event organisers, or young carers who also volunteer. 🤝 Grassroots Group of the Year For small, volunteer-led groups making a big difference. From lunch clubs to sports teams, support circles to hobby groups—if your local group is powered by passion and community spirit, we want to celebrate it. We're looking for groups that: Are entirely or predominantly volunteer-run Demonstrate strong community impact despite limited resources Show innovation, creativity, and resilience in their approach Foster genuine connections and belonging among members Address local needs or bring people together around shared interests Operate with transparency, inclusivity, and community spirit Examples might include: village halls committees, friendship groups, local history societies, craft circles, walking groups, or neighbourhood support networks. 🏢 Community Organisation Award Recognising larger charities, CICs, CIOs, or teams of staff and volunteers making a meaningful impact in the Forest of Dean. We celebrate organisations that: Make a real difference by creating positive, lasting change in the local community Join forces with other local groups and partners to work together effectively Stay open and accountable while encouraging active community participation Keep evolving to meet new challenges and the changing needs of the community Use resources wisely to bring the greatest possible benefits to those who need them Stay true to the mission and focus on what matters most to the Forest of Dean Champion volunteering by effectively recruiting, supporting, and valuing volunteers This award highlights established organisations with formal structures, paid staff, and a commitment to fostering and sustaining volunteer contributions. 🏢💚 Business in the Community Award Celebrating local businesses that give back. Whether through employee volunteering, project sponsorship, or hands-on community support, this award recognises businesses that are making a real social impact. We're looking for businesses that: Go beyond profit to actively contribute to community wellbeing Encourage and support employee volunteering during work time Provide meaningful sponsorship, donations, or in-kind support Partner with local charities and community groups Operate with environmental and social responsibility Demonstrate genuine, long-term commitment to the Forest of Dean Examples might include: businesses offering apprenticeships to local youth, companies supporting community events, employers giving staff volunteer days, or businesses donating skills, space, or resources. ♿ Diversity & Inclusion Award (sponsored by FoD Dementia Action Alliance) This award celebrates organisations or groups that are actively working to break down barriers and create welcoming, inclusive spaces. It's not about being perfect—it's about showing commitment to accessibility, equity, and belonging for all. We're looking for organisations that: Actively work to remove physical, social, or communication barriers Demonstrate understanding of diverse needs including disability, age, culture, and background Show ongoing commitment to improving accessibility and inclusion Provide training, support, or resources to become more inclusive Create environments where everyone feels valued and able to participate Take practical steps to accommodate different needs and abilities This could include: dementia-inclusive initiatives, wheelchair accessible improvements, sensory-friendly adaptations, multilingual support, or programmes specifically designed to welcome marginalised groups. 🌍 Community Climate Action Award (sponsored by Forest of Dean Climate Action Partnership) F or individuals or VCSE groups leading the way in environmental action. From community gardens and repair cafés to sustainable transport and flood resilience—if you're helping the Forest adapt and thrive in a changing climate, we want to hear from you. We're looking for nominees who: Take practical action to address climate change or environmental challenges Inspire and educate others about sustainable living Develop innovative solutions to local environmental issues Build community resilience to the impact of the changing climate Create lasting positive environmental change in the Forest of Dean Examples might include: renewable energy projects, sustainable food initiatives, active travel promotion, waste reduction campaigns, or climate adaptation projects. NOMINATION HERE! CLOSING DATE: MIDNIGHT SUNDAY 19 JULY 2026 See last year's winners here FAQs Who can nominate? Anyone can nominate! Whether you are an individual local resident, part of a community group or from a local government organisation. How can I nominate? It’s easy – just fill in our nomination form here or if you would prefer a paper copy you can request one via communications@fvaf.org.uk or 01594 822073. What information do I need to provide? Please provide plenty of detail about what the nominee has achieved and as much information as possible about them and their unique contribution. If you have any, please provide good quality photographs. Make sure that you have permission from anyone else in the photograph so that we can use it for media and promotional activities unless you tell us not to. Should I tell the person or organisation I am nominating them or keep it a surprise? Ideally it would be good to let them know once you have decided to nominate, just so that they are aware and happy for their story to be shared. We want to celebrate and shout about the wonderful work of volunteers which would include promotion via social media, on our website and to local press. How will it be judged? All nominations will be carefully considered by a panel of judges. This panel will be made up of a mix of unbiased and independent judges including; members of staff from FVAF, a FVAF trustee, and representatives from local councils, businesses and media. For more information or if you have any questions, email communications@fvaf.org.uk or call 01594 822073 .