Join us for the FVAF Community Celebration & AGM 2026 - a day of festivities, important discussions, and community connection! We’ll start with our Annual General Meeting (AGM), then you’ll hear how FVAF has made a difference over the past year through our 4 Ps: People, Place, Planet and Prosperity, along with our plans for the year ahead. After the AGM, come and explore the Newent Showcase, a market of local community groups and organisations that make Newent special. It’s a great chance to meet the people behind them, find out what’s happening locally, and connect with other community members. Refreshments and a delicious buffet lunch, sourced from local delis and caterers, will be provided. EVERYONE WELCOME! DOORS OPEN AT 10AM FOR COFFEE & CATCH UP! Places are limited, so please book your ticket as soon as possible to secure your spot. BOOK HERE!

BOOK HERE! Frequently visited pages: COMMUNITY HUBS VOLUNTEER ADVICE YOUTH SUPPORT Що таке FVAF? FVAF розшифровується як Forest Voluntary Action Forum. Ми пропонуємо підтримку місцевим жителям, громадським групам та діям, щоб робити те, що для них найважливіше. Це включає в себе наступне: підтримка та поради щодо розвитку навчання інформації мережеві зустрічі полегшення представництва набір волонтерів розміщення та підтримка волонтерів Ми також запускаємо багато проектів з місцевою спільнотою та для неї, як-от Молодіжна асоціація «Ліс Діна», кампанії святкової діяльності, The Forest Youth Music Network, The GEM Project, The Forest Compass Directory, Walking with Wheels та багато інших. Перегляньте нашу сторінку Проекти для отримання повної інформації. «Створення сильніших спільнот у Ліс Діна" Дізнатися більше JOIN OUR MAILING LIST Get the latest community news and check out exciting volunteering opportunity in or around the Forest of Dean... Перейдіть до Facebook Useful publications: FREE directory of the many volunteering opportunities available locally... DOWNLOAD Наші партнери We work with so many amazing and supportive partners. Find out more here... How to contact us Forest Voluntary Action Forum Ow Bist Forest Community Space Dockham Road Cinderford , Glos. GL14 2AQ Email us: contact@fvaf.org.uk Tel: 01594 822073 Copyright © 2021 Forest Voluntary Action Forum. All Rights Reserved. Forest Voluntary Action Forum is a charity (1141126) and company limited by guarantee (07557852) registered in England and Wales. The registered address is The Belle Vue Centre, Cinderford, Glos, GL14 2AB. 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

Role:Place Partnership Lead – Building Connections Salary: £36,000 – £45,000 (pro rata for part-time/job share) Hours: Up to 37.5 hours per week (job share or part-time hours considered) Contract: Fixed Term until 31st August 2029 with extension dependent on funding and performance Location: Cinderford and Mitcheldean, with travel across the wider Forest of Dean Do you build trust easily, love bringing people together, and want to help shape stronger, more connected communities in the Forest of Dean? We're looking for a passionate and proactive Place Partnership Lead to help local organisations, community buildings, volunteers and residents in Cinderford and Mitcheldean come together to collaborate, connect, and thrive. The Role Build and maintain positive relationships with community buildings, resident groups, parish councils, VCSE organisations and statutory partners across Cinderford and Mitcheldean. Convene and facilitate place-based partnership meetings, forums and collaborative networks. Support community buildings to develop governance, leadership and community engagement, helping them move towards a community-owned Hub model. Work alongside residents and volunteers to ensure local people shape plans, activities and decisions, particularly those experiencing loneliness or isolation. Support the design, promotion and administration of Community Chest funding, helping local groups develop ideas and applications. Capture learning and share examples of good practice across the Forest of Dean and wider partnership networks. Who We're Looking For Experience of partnership development, community development, community engagement or stakeholder management. A proven ability to build productive relationships across multiple sectors and communities. Confidence facilitating meetings, groups, networks or collaborative projects. Strong communication, interpersonal and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities. An understanding of loneliness and social isolation, and of co-production or asset-based community development approaches. A collaborative, empowering and community-centred approach, and a genuine commitment to inclusion and equity. JOB DESCRIPTION: Place Partnership Lead – Building Connections FVAF JOB APPLICATION FORM HOW TO APPLY Please read the above full job description and download the application form. Please note CVs will not be accepted. Email completed application forms to Chris Brown at ceo@fvaf.org.uk Application deadline: Wednesday 26th August Interview date: Wednesday 9th September For an informal discussion about this role contact Chris Brown at ceo@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!

Лісова молодіжна асоціація Молодіжна асоціація Forest of Dean пропонує допомогу та підтримку молоді та молодіжним клубам, групам чи організаціям. Завести нових друзів Приєднуйтесь до своєї спільноти Переслідуйте інтерес Спробуйте щось нове Отримайте нові навички Волонтер Зробіть світ кращим Волонтерство Є багато можливостей для волонтерства як для молоді, так і для дорослих. Якщо ви молода людина, яка шукає волонтерської роботи у вільний час, щоб отримати більше навичок або як частина вашої програми DofE, зателефонуйте нам або відвідайте https://do-it.org/ Так само, якщо ви доросла людина, яка має навички та знання, або бажаєте підтримати молодіжну організацію в Лісі Діна, будь ласка, зв’яжіться з нами, оскільки є багато організацій, які вдячні б за вашу підтримку. Партнерське членство для вашого клубу/організації Приєднавшись до Молодіжної асоціації Forest of Dean, ви матимете право на весь спектр наших послуг, які пропонують поради та підтримку в усіх аспектах управління такою організацією, як ваша. Ми також ведемо календар заходів, у яких ваші волонтери та молодь можуть брати участь за символічну плату. Щоб отримати повну інформацію про переваги або зареєструвати свій клуб, натисніть на наступні посилання Переваги членства молодіжної асоціації для клубів Форма членства в клубах молодіжної асоціації Контактні дані для отримання додаткової інформації Якщо ви хочете дізнатися більше про будь-який з наших проектів чи заходів або як взяти участь, будь ласка, зв’яжіться з нашим спеціалістом з розвитку молодіжних асоціацій, Алетеєю Бампстед на 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 Фінансова підтримка Молодіжна асоціація Forest of Dean з гордістю отримує фінансову підтримку від міських рад Сіндерфорда та Колфорда. Якщо ваша парафіяльна чи міська рада хоче дізнатися більше про молодіжну асоціацію Forest of Dean або як ви можете підтримати нас, будь ласка, зв’яжіться з нами електронною поштою FodYouthAssociation@fvaf.org.uk

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

Recovery & Wellbeing Café “A Community Created Curriculum of Curious Conversations” Weekly Face-to-Face Discussions & Recovery Educational Sessions Each Wednesday (Term Time) at Café 16 in Coleford from 6-8pm. “A safe space to create who you are, not be told what to think.” Join conversations with a diverse range of people with professional & lived experience of different subjects, local people who have gained understandings about the impact current concerns have upon mental health, recovery and wellbeing. We are building a supportive space where, as critical friends, we can learn together and support each other with our individual understandings. All curious & compassionate folk welcome.

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

FVAF Community Celebration & AGM 2023 FRIDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2024 | 11AM - 2PM Ow Bis - Forest Community Space, Dockham Road GL14 2AN We are inviting the whole community to join us in celebrating the work FVAF has done over the last 12 months for, and with communities across the Forest of Dean PLUS it’s our 30th anniversary this year and we’re ready to celebrate! Refreshments and a delicious buffet lunch will be provided. Places are limited - please book your ticket ASAP READ THE AGM NOTICE BELOW: BOOK YOUR TICKET

FOREST VOLUNTEER AWARDS IT'S VOTING TIME! The PUBLIC VOTE is now OPEN for Volunteer of the Year 2026 - The People's Champion! VOTING CLOSES: MIDNIGHT THURSDAY 27 AUGUST 2026 We had so many fantastic nominations, with every one a worthy winner BUT after much deliberation our judging panel shortlisted the following local volunteers: VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE Julie Abolins - CANDI Lewis Chapman – Brody’s Trust Alice Hogge – Wye Valley Music Anne Lamacraft – Forest of Dean Baby Bank Jane Osborne – Tiny Spikes Hedgehog Rescue Claire Smeeth – Drybrook Rugby Club & Forest Health Forum Submit Find out why these amazing volunteers were nominated below: JULIE ABOLINS CANDI Julie gives to the community unconditionally, supporting everyone who walks through CANDI's (Cinderford Area Neighbourhood Development Initiative) doors. LEWIS CHAPMAN Brody's Trust Lewis is a volunteer trustee at Brody's Trust who goes above and beyond, helping manage projects across renovation, maintenance, IT, governance and more. ALICE HOGGE Wye Valley Music Alice is the driving force behind Wye Valley Music in Mind project and a dedicated Music for Memories Ambassador, creating opportunities for people living with dementia to experience the joy and connection music brings. She has helped set up a multitude of groups — coffee mornings, lunch clubs, mental health support, children's groups, safe spaces and homework clubs — reaching every corner of the community. She was the driving force behind the weekly Women's Space, a welcoming environment for women who have experienced domestic abuse to share experiences and meet new people. She exudes empathy, understanding and commitment in everything she does, while also supporting her team of volunteers. Julie truly deserves recognition for her immeasurable contribution to CANDI and the wider community. Despite being involved with multiple businesses full-time in Bristol, he travels up at least once a week and most weekends to work in the hub — running cables, breaking down walls, painting, and chasing contractors. He had no prior links to Brody's Trust; he simply heard the story and jumped in. Quiet and unseeking of recognition, Lewis's practical skills and unwavering dedication have been vital to developing the charity's facilities and supporting its growth. Her personal lived experience of dementia gives her a unique ability to connect with individuals and families, focusing on the person rather than the condition. Through performances and community sessions across St Briavels and beyond, Alice has built welcoming, inclusive spaces where people with dementia, carers and families can come together with dignity and respect. Her warmth and leadership have inspired a strong, committed volunteer team. ANNE LAMACRAFT Forest of Dean Baby Bank Anne is a force of nature whose compassion and drive inspire everyone around her. She consistently goes above and beyond for the families the Forest of Dean Baby Bank supports. JANE OSBORNE Tiny Spikes Hedgehog Rescue For a species fighting for survival, Jane Osborne is a lifeline. She set up Tiny Spikes Hedgehog Rescue in Lydney, drawing on expertise gained volunteering at another rescue before striking out on her own. CLAIRE SMEETH Drybrook Rugby Club & Forest Health Forum Claire is a longstanding and committed member of the committee at Drybrook Rugby Club, giving her time and energy generously to the club's success. Stepping in without being asked whenever volunteers are away or unwell, Anne is brilliant at taking initiative and simply getting things done, filling gaps quietly and reliably. Her commitment has made a real difference to the organisation, and the Forest of Dean Baby Bank has benefited enormously from having her on board. Anne's dedication and can-do spirit make her a truly deserving nominee for this award. It's a demanding role — long hours, personal sacrifice, and total dedication to the spiky bundles in her care. Her rescue filled a vital gap, as there hadn't been one in this part of the Forest of Dean for around seven years. Jane saves local residents a long journey with a sick hedgehog, and her selfless commitment to wildlife welfare makes her a wonderful nominee. She has also served tirelessly as volunteer secretary for the Forest Health Forum, acting as a valuable sounding board for its committee. Claire's steady support has been especially important through the Forum's recent transition, helping keep it running and representative for people across the Forest of Dean. Her dual commitment across two very different community organisations reflects a genuine dedication to service that thoroughly deserves recognition.

We crown our community heroes! The community turned out in force on Tuesday 3 October to see local volunteers crowned at our glittering Forest Volunteers Awards 2023 celebration at the AccXel Training Centre in Cinderford. READ THE NOMINEE PROFILES IN THE AWARDS PROGRAMME We created the Forest Volunteer Awards to recognise and celebrate the amazing efforts of local volunteers in the Forest of Dean and earlier this Summer, we asked you to nominate those volunteer heroes who have demonstrated exceptional and outstanding support to the local community over the past 12 months. We had an amazing response and received hundreds of nominations. Our expert community 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 withalmost 1,400 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. Jando Greco, volunteer at St Stephens Church in Cinderford was crowned Volunteer of the Year – the People’s Champion following a public vote. A volunteer of over 12 years his nominator said: “We so appreciate him, he is such a thoughtful, caring person and will do anything for anyone – Jando is so worthy of receiving this award.” Young volunteers were celebrated with Ebony Powell, volunteer and fundraiser at Forest of Dean Dog Rescue crowned under 16 years old Young Volunteer of the Year for her caring and dedicated commitment caring for the rescue dogs, whilst in the 17 – 25 years old category, Daisy Hoole rewarded for her tireless hard work volunteering at C.A.N.D.I Youth Space. In the groups section, The George in Newnham was recognised as the New Voluntary Group of the Year for reopening the former café as a vibrant community space. Next up, was Sedbury Space who picked up the Grassroots Voluntary Group award in recognition of the fantastic efforts of the community to create a thriving, inclusive, welcoming hub. Fire safety education organisation SkillZONE was awarded the Community Organisation award for their responsive work with young people in the Forest, and a team of volunteers from EDF Energy picked up the Business in the Community Award for helping out at Camphill Village Trust in Lydney. Forest of Dean Dementia Action Alliance (FDDAA) sponsored the launch of a new Inclusion Award, with Cinderford Bowls Club scooping the top spot for making changes to the game and their grounds to make bowls accessible for everyone to enjoy. Our Volunteering Manager Deb Cook 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 Steve Knibbs, BBC Points West reporter who kept the guests entertained with his expert hosting skills. Award winners were announced by guest presenters; Mark Topping( Leader of Forest of Dean District Council), Emma Snell (Go Volunteer Glos), Penny Hulbert (FVAF Chair of Trustees), Jonathan Lane (Cabinet Member for Economy at FODDC), Kirsty Downie (John Lewis Partnership & Waitrose - Monmouth), and Andrea Harman (Ecophon). The celebration evening was made possible thanks to generous sponsorship for the following local organisations: KW Bell Group and AccXel Training Centre – main sponsors Ecophon Simplicity in Business Steve Gooch Estate Agents Waitrose & Partners (Monmouth Store) FOREST VOLUNTEER AWARD WINNERS 2023: Volunteer of the Year – Peoples’ Champion WINNER: Jando Greco – St Stephens Church, Cinderford Highly Commended: Chris Brain (Broadwell Football Club), Melanie Getgood (Friends of Worcester Walk), Edna Husbands (Lydcare Community Transport), Barbara Jenkins (Over 60’s Group at Berryhill Memorial Hut), Albert Weager (community representative & advocate for better healthcare) and Dave Young (Forest Sensory Services and Samaritans). New Voluntary Group of the Year WINNER: The George, Newnham Highly Commended: Lydney Army Cadets Young Volunteer of the Year 16yrs & under WINNER: Ebony Powell – Forest of Dean Dog Rescue Highly Commended: Evie Harris - community volunteer and Teens in Crisis fundraiser Young Volunteer of the Year 17 – 25yrs WINNER: Daisy Hoole – C.A.N.D.I Youth Space Highly Commended: Leanne Hendrix – Coleford Youth Club Grassroots Voluntary Group of the Year WINNER: Sedbury Space Highly Commended: Forest Community Shed Community Organisation of the Year WINNER: SkillZone Highly Commended: Forest of Dean District Scouts Business in the Community Award WINNER: EDF Energy Highly Commended: The Rising Sun Community Pub FoD Dementia Action Alliance Inclusion Award WINNER: Cinderford Bowls Club Highly Commended: Artspace Cinderford END For media enquires contact communications@fvaf.org.uk or 01594 822073.

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