Our publications Forest Compass Edition 3 Volunteering in the Forest of Dean FVAF Annual Report 2022/23 FVAF Annual Report 2021/22 Insights into the Experience of commissioning for small VCSE organisations in the Forest of Dean By Chris Brown My Networks publications My Networks Scoping Project Report, Oct 2022 by Simon Price Supporting documents: Mental Health Scoping Project – Survey Results Co-production – How we facilitated My Networks Scoping Report The Forest of Dean Mycelium Mental Health Project A report from the Undergrowth by Simon Price, Anwen Jenkins, Pete Harper, Miranda Thomason and Teresa Rose Useful community publications The Digital Divides Report and Recommendations By Digital Divides Steering Group Learnings from the Forest By Forest of Dean Climate Action Partnership (FODCAP), Holding The Space, Thirty Percy, and CCRI.

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

Волонтерство Як волонтерський центр Лісу Діна, ми тут, щоб допомогти вам залучити та керувати волонтерами Наше нове волонтерство буклет, наповнений деталями місцевого волонтерства можливості зараз вичерпані НАТИСНІТЬ, ДЛЯ ЗАВАНТАЖЕННЯ Як повідомляє Волонтерський центр ім Ліс Діна ми часто є першою контактною особою для всіх, хто цікавиться волонтерством. Минулого року ми пишалися тим, що підтримали понад 100 000 годин волонтерства в цьому районі! FVAF заохочує та рекламує широкий спектр можливостей волонтерства від організацій, які поділяють наш дух підтримки волонтерів і визнають широкий спектр причин, чому люди вибирають волонтерську діяльність. Чому волонтер? Волонтерство має ряд величезних переваг не тільки для вас окремо, але і для вашої спільноти та світу, в якому ми живемо. Якщо ви хочете покращити своє резюме, познайомитися з новими людьми, використати свої навички, навчитися чомусь новому, зацікавитися, запропонувати досвід чи просто змінити ситуацію, ми гарантовано матимемо для вас можливість! Дізнатися про ці можливості можна наступними способами: Можливості пошуку на Do-it.org Зателефонуйте нам за номером 01594 822073 Зв'яжіться через електронна пошта Заходьте до нас у FVAF пн-пт з 9:00 до 1:00 ( Маршрут ) Якщо ви хочете стати волонтером у складі великої групи, наприклад, у рамках корпоративного волонтерства, у нас також є широкий спектр можливостей на вибір. 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 As a one-stop-shop for all things volunteering, we can help you find, and keep, the perfect volunteer: Як єдиний центр для всього волонтерства, ми використовуємо багатогранну методологію, щоб дати вам найкращі шанси залучити та утримати цінних волонтерів. Це включає в себе наступне: Реклама ваших можливостей на Do-it.org Просування ваших можливостей представникам громадськості, які звернулися до нас, або через нашу функцію. Рекламуйте свої можливості на наших сторінках у Facebook та Twitter Просування ваших можливостей місцевим службам, які підтримують волонтерство, наприклад. Центр зайнятості, LearnDirect та 2GetherTrust Реклама ваших можливостей на понад 30 подіях на рік Надсилайте свої можливості місцевим підприємствам, які пропонують волонтерство за підтримки роботодавців Просування відповідних можливостей для шкіл, коледжів та університетів Розповсюдження ваших можливостей у нашій базі даних волонтерів, яка налічує понад 1000 людей Просування ваших можливостей у різноманітних мережах, включаючи Know Your Patch 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)

Ходьба на колесах: поширені запитання Що таке «Бродяга»? Tramper — це вседорожний транспортний засіб з електроприводом. Він має обмежену швидкість до 4 миль на годину, що ідеально підходить для супроводу пішоходів або маленьких дітей на велосипедах. Повна специфікація Trampers може бути знайдено тут . Хто може скористатися цією послугою? Ходьба з колесами доступна для всіх, хто старше 14 років і вагою менше 25 стоунів, кому важко ходити через тимчасові або постійні труднощі з пересуванням. На яких маршрутах я можу використовувати його? Доступні маршрути включають до Скелі Саймонда Ят і вниз до річки Вай у Саймондс Ят від Forest Holidays і дендрарію Сіріла Харта, Крижів Пайк і частини Сімейної велосипедної стежини від The Speech House. Карти маршрутів будуть надані при прийомі на роботу. Коли його можна взяти напрокат? Tramper доступний для оренди з 9:00 до 5:00 7 днів на тиждень (взимку години можуть бути коротшими, щоб забезпечити повернення до настання сутінків). Як я можу забронювати? Будь ласка, забронюйте свій Tramper заздалегідь, щоб уникнути розчарування. Будь ласка, зв’яжіться безпосередньо з сайтами мандрівників, щоб забронювати. З питань лісових свят телефонуйте за номером 01594 837165 Для The Speech House телефонуйте за номером 01594 822607 Скільки коштує найняти бродяга? Tramper коштує всього 2,50 £ на годину. Для перших користувачів також стягується річний членський внесок у розмірі 10 фунтів стерлінгів для Countryside Mobility або 2,50 фунтів стерлінгів за двотижневу пробну сесію. Що робити, якщо я ніколи раніше не використовував їх? Не хвилюйся! Вони дуже прості та безпечні в експлуатації, і кожен користувач отримає повну індукцію, щоб переконатися, що він почувається безпечно та комфортно під час проходження наших дивовижних трас. Що робити, якщо мені потрібна додаткова допомога? Ми просимо всіх супроводжувати на стежках, щоб у вас завжди був хтось із собою. Якщо ви хочете спробувати трампер, перш ніж наймати його, зателефонуйте в один з наших центрів, щоб домовитися. Чому я маю стати учасником Countryside Mobility? Countryside Mobility відповідає за надання Бродяг, і саме тому вони пропонуються за такою доступною ціною. Вони також працюють над тим, щоб кожен сайт, на якому розміщено Tramper, робив це безпечним і легкодоступним способом. Це членство також дасть вам можливість використовувати будь-який з Trampers на багатьох сайтах сільської мобільності на південному заході. Для отримання додаткової інформації відвідайте веб-сайт Countryside Mobility . Ви можете заповнити форми членства в центрі до прийняття на роботу. Чи можу я допомогти з цим проектом? Walking with Wheels покладається на волонтерів для просування нашої служби. Якщо ви зацікавлені в поширенні інформації про наш сервіс або хочете допомогти іншим чином, зателефонуйте за номером 01594 822073 або надішліть електронну пошту walkingwithwheels@fvaf.org.uk . Буде надано повне навчання та підтримку. Що робити, якщо мені потрібно скасувати бронювання? Ми просимо вас повідомити про скасування принаймні за 24 години, щоб ми могли орендувати Tramper іншому користувачеві. Щоб скасувати бронювання, зв’яжіться з сайтом, на якому ви бронювали 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

Лісовий компас Forest Compass — це фізичний та онлайн-довідник із переліком багатьох регулярних заходів, груп підтримки та клубів, доступних у Лісі Дін. Ліс є домом для сотень громадських та різноманітних груп, від дитячих груп, через обідні клуби, чоловічі сараї до кафе пам’яті. Багато з них є безкоштовними або дуже дешевими для відвідування та керування ними волонтерами або некомерційними групами. На жаль, багато людей, які могли б отримати користь від таких груп, не знають про чудові можливості, які відкриваються перед ними. Якщо ви керуєте волонтерською діяльністю, клуб або групу підтримки в Forest of Dean розмістіть рекламу як у фізичному каталозі Forest Compass, так і в онлайн-каталозі тут, БЕЗКОШТОВНО, заповнивши форму нижче. 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

Peer Development Developing the space between us to enable better Community Health and Wellbeing. Mycelium seeks to promote connectedness between people and encourage collaboration in service development in the Forest of Dean. Mycelium seeks to promote connectedness between people and encourage collaboration in service development in the Forest of Dean. We wish to do so to develop a counternarrative to ‘siloed working’ and the overbearing competitiveness between people, organisations and within emerging systems. We value both lived and professional experience equally and work from a horizontal, narrative informed, peer advocacy model with co-production and action research principles at its core. What do we do? We offer Peer Advocacy, Peer Mentoring & Peer Development for individuals, groups and organisations living or working in the Forest of Dean. For People from our Communities We work with individuals providing 1 to 1 support. Using peer advocacy and peer mentoring principles we can help you to develop a ‘recovery practice’ that enables you to get back up after a crisis, or travel safely through a difficult period in your life. We can help you: to understand and respond to social care needs or a health condition and can help you to cope with a situation that is causing you emotional distress. to find information, to build confidence as you begin to identify, navigate and try out the wellbeing and self-help resources that are available to you in your local community. if issues arise when trying to build yourself up again - we can be there and help you to learn about yourself, your world and your rights. to travel through the complexities of recovery from a health condition, from mental illness, trauma or addiction - to raise your voice about what is important to you as you do so. to access advice from the best expertise available and can then support you to understand, choose between and explore the options opened up for you by that advice. to access community groups and projects and help them in turn to become more confident, compassionate and efficient when supporting individuals experiencing mental health difficulties. Peer advocacy will work on up to three specific community advocacy issues at a time, but the Peer mentoring will be open access, an ‘in the background’ wrap around support that will attempt to respond to your unique circumstances and complex needs whilst still trying to link you in with the best expertise available to you. For Volunteers and Professionals “Project Support” - We work with individuals developing groups and organisations With consultancy, reflective practice and ongoing support we can help lived experience practitioners, peer support workers and staff with lived experience who are working in the VCS and local health and social care settings, to use their experiences of illness or mental distress in a way that is safe, effective and compassionate for both them and the people they are supporting. We can help: you to develop an idea, a workshop, a group or a project that has arisen from your own unique situation, lived experience or from the skills and awareness gained on your recovery journey. provide or link you in with training, information, supervision and a support structure around you to enable you to turn this awareness into a skill that can benefit others in your local community. projects, groups and organisations develop their co-production strategies and be a point of contact with transformed mental health services and the wider supports available. We can enable you to implement these strategies in a non ’tokenistic’ & authentic way. you to stay well and practice self-care whilst working and using your lived experience to help others who are going through health conditions or mental distres s. What does ‘Peer’ mean? “PEER … One that is of equal standing with another” The ‘Peer’ in Peer Advocacy, Peer Mentoring and Peer Development points to shared concerns and experiences. Peer support is when we come together with others who have been through or are recovering from something similar. It is about ‘mutuality’ - helping each other through conversations, activities and spending time together. It can help us not to feel so alone or unusual, to realise that there is a possibility of life beyond and outside of the condition, distress or situation encountered. Peer services connect people and create opportunities for ‘giving back’; they can help us to take notice of the skills and knowledge we have gained on our journeys while also creating opportunities to use these skills to build better services and communities for the future. Who are we? We are all local people with both professional and personal experience of disability, illness, mental distress and/or have been carers for people navigating social and health care systems. We are all individuals who have had extensive experience of managing our own recoveries from illness and mental distress and have learnt much from doing so. We all feel that talking to someone who has ‘been through’ and managed to successfully survive and navigate something similar in the past can be incredibly helpful to those who are feeling isolated with that condition, situation or circumstance in the present. Though we understand the importance of being supported by someone who understands from ‘lived experience’, we also recognise the importance of skill and learning. We know how important ongoing development is to help convert that learning into a constructive, safe and effective practice that enables others. We have all received extensive previous training and are committed to continued professional development alongside the “lived experience” knowledge that we draw upon. We have all benefitted from Peer Advocacy, Peer Support or Peer Mentoring ourselves and are passionate about its enormous benefits for good community mental health and wellbeing. We have all had extensive previous experience of co-production work, collaborative working, community development and promoting diverse voices. What have we done so far? Developing Action Research & our Narrative Model for locality-based peer development Over the past two years Mycelium has been drawing together people with experience, professionals and those passionate about community development, to overcome barriers to discussion and rally around shared concerns or stories. The aim of this has been to increase understanding about mental health illness and, most importantly, move towards improvement of the current situation for individuals, families and the Forest communities. We have developed a Resource Hub, Community-based Recovery Education Sessions and a Community of Practice group for those working with individuals with mental health challenges. We have facilitated extensive community-based action research to ascertain need and identify a network of allies. This has been published alongside papers on co-production and has all been fed into the Community Mental Health Transformation undertaken in Gloucestershire. Who are we for? We have supported the growth of community initiatives that allow everybody’s voices to be heard and we want change to continue to be driven by well-being and mutual aid. We are listening, learning and offering opportunities for all community members within the Forest and invite you to join us on this exciting journey. Anyone 16 + who is living or working in the Forest of Dean. Anyone who feels that they could benefit from support from individuals with experience of managing their own recovery from mental health difficulties, addiction, mental distress or a health condition. Anyone facing challenges in accessing the support that they want and need help to find information, understand their rights, build a support network or develop an advocacy plan of action to raise their voice or complain about the care they have received. Anyone with either diagnosed or undiagnosed conditions and people waiting on waiting lists for assessment. Our aim is to respect all perspectives and encourage action and improvement in the lives of all across our Forest communities. How do I find out more, get involved or access Mycelium support? For more information drop Simon Price (Project Manager and Mental Health Researcher) a message at Simon@fvaf.org.uk or call 07394 945046 to arrange a meet up and find out more about Mycelium Peer Development.

What we do We support many community-led projects shaped with, and for local people: Employment and skills support Holiday Activity and Food Programme Community Builders Forest of Dean Youth Association Walking with Wheels Know Your Patch Forest Compass

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

Our Green Impact Our Statement of Intent At a time of ongoing critical assessment as to how the resources of the world are being employed in economic and social activity, it is essential that all involved with Forest Voluntary Action Forum (FVAF) have a clear understanding as to how its work can impact on the environment. We accept responsibility for our actions and commit to working towards reducing any harmful effects it may have on the environment. It is also understood that, as a leader in the Forest of Dean voluntary and community sector, we have a responsibility to manifest best practice. We will use, as its guiding principles - in order of priority – the need to: REPAIR RE-USE REDUCE RECYCLE Our policy describes how FVAF will implement practices that will minimalize the impact of its work on the environment. FVAF ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY 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 Gold Award from the GEM NUS-Green Impact challenge GEM NUS Green Imapct Gold Award Certificate NUS Green Imapct Community Award Certificate In our first year taking part in the GEM NUS Green Impact Challenge , we were delighted to achieve a Gold Award. This UN award winning programme is designed to support and challenge organisations to look at the way they work and ensure that the practices they follow are as environmentally and socially sustainable as possible. The challenge was set as part of the *GEM Project’s partnership and our joint commitment to living sustainably and minimising our impact on the environment. Working together as a team, we shared ideas and encouraged lifestyle changes in the following areas: use of water and energy travel – work and personal recycling reducing and dealing with waste upcycling, freecycling unused goods using sustainable products encouraging biodiversity Other creative ideas from the team included making bird feeders from broken tree branches, a homemade recipe for a cleaning product, donations to local charity shops. * The Going the Extra Mile Project (GEM) is an employability and social inclusion project supporting the most disadvantaged communities and individuals furthest from the labour market to find or get closer to employment. It is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and European Social Fund as part of a national programme Building Better Opportunities.

Станьте членом FVAF Ставши членом FVAF, ви допомагаєте нам продовжувати надавати важливу підтримку волонтерському та громадському сектору в Ліс Діна . FVAF виступає як прихильник добровільних і громадських дій, де це доречно, на районному, окружному та національному рівнях, і чим більше членів ми представляємо, тим сильнішим буде наш голос. Тому з членами проводять консультації з питань, що впливають на волонтерський та громадський сектор у Лісі Діна, а також те, чого ми прагнемо досягти як організація. Як учасник, ви отримаєте доступ до наших офісних послуг, знижені ціни на друк і копіювання, рекламу волонтерських вакансій для вашої групи та безкоштовний прокат різноманітного офісного обладнання. Це включає: Дисплейні дошки Петля слуху Цифровий проектор і екран PA система Фліп-чарти Довгий розкладний стіл Урна для гарячої води Альтанка (потрібна пожертва 5 фунтів стерлінгів) Якщо ви хочете стати членом FVAF, будь ласка, натисніть кнопку Приєднатися до FVAF праворуч і заповніть форму. За додатковою інформацією телефонуйте 01594 822073 Щоб отримати доступ до всіх наших служб підтримки, стати членом FVAF БЕЗКОШТОВНО Приєднуйтесь до FVAF

YOUTH CLUBS & ACTIVITIES TUESDAY Blakeney Youth Club | 6pm-8pm Cinderford Rd, Blakeney GL15 4AE Open Access youth group for local young people ORGANISATION: Blakeney YC and FVAF Forest Youth Project | 4:30pm-8pm (alternate Tuesdays) The Main Place, Old Station Way, Coleford GL16 8RH LGBTQ+ young people 10-16yrs ORGANISATION: Wye River Festival and FVAF THURSDAY Forest Young Mums | 10am-12pm Hilltop Children & Family Centre, Latimer Road, Cinderford GL14 2QA Targeted support for young mums under 21 ORGANISATION: FVAF in partnership with NHS Coleford Youth Hub (Juniors) | 4pm-6pm The Main Place, Old Station Way, Coleford GL16 8RH Open Access youth group for Years 5 & 6 (Every Thursday) ORGANISATION: FVAF in partnership with Coleford Town Council Coleford Youth Hub (Seniors) | 6:30pm-8:30pm The Main Place, Old Station Way, Coleford GL16 8RH Open Access youth group for Years 7 & 8 (Last Thursday of month) ORGANISATION: FVAF in partnership with Coleford Town Council FRIDAY Mitcheldean Youth Hub | 4pm-8pm The Playing Fields, Mitcheldean GL17 0BQ Open Access Year 7+ ORGANISATION: FVAF in partnership Mitcheldean Parish Council OTHER ACTIVITIES Beezee Families| 4pm-6:30pm The Main Place, Old Station Way, Coleford GL16 8RH Healthy families 8 week programme (by referral; please contact FVAF for rolling start dates) ORGANISATION: BeeZee Maximus and FVAF Work It Out | TBC The Main Place, Old Station Way, Coleford GL16 8RH Targeted support for young people not in education, training and employment ORGANISATION: FVAF Youth Support Team ASTON | 6pm-8pm The Main Place, Old Station Way, Coleford GL16 8RH Targeted ASB and crime prevention (by referral; please contact FVAF for dates) ORGANISATION: PCSO’s and FVAF To find out more contact hi.ya@fvaf.org.uk or 01594 822073

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