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.

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. 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 .

Help us create a mural celebrating the Forest of Dean's tradition of community action ! We're creating a mural to celebrate our incredible heritage of community action, mutual support, and resilience! From our mining traditions to welcoming Ukrainian families, from river fishing to friendly societies – we want to hear all the stories that matter. The finished mural will be painted on the side of Ow Bist - Forest Community Space, Dockham Road, Cinderford, creating a lasting tribute to our community's story. We've held two drop-in workshops, led by local artist Tom Cousins, where we invited the community to come along and share their amazing stories and ideas about what makes our area special. Couldn't Make It to the Workshops? We Still Want to Hear From You! We've created the below online survey – so you can still contribute your memories, stories, and ideas for the mural. Whether you've lived here all your life or recently made this place home, your perspective is valuable. What We're Looking For Personal stories that capture the spirit of our community Memories of local traditions, places, or events Examples of how neighbours have supported each other What makes you proud to be part of this community Ideas for images or symbols that represent our shared heritage Share your thoughts and ideas below: Your Forest of Dean Stories Your name (optional) How long have you lived in/been connected to the Forest of Dean area? 1. What does community spirit mean to you in the Forest of Dean? 2. Which of these themes resonate most with your experience of our area? (Tick all that apply) Food & Resources (traditional land use, fishing, growing food, sharing resources) Landscape & Environment (rivers, mining heritage, how place shapes community) Arts & Culture (music, festivals, creative traditions) Community Action (mutual aid, rights movements, defending our heritage) Settlers & Diversity (different communities who've made this area home) 3. What's a story, memory, or tradition from the Forest of Dean that you think should be celebrated in the mural? 4. Are there particular people, groups, or movements (historical or recent) that represent the community spirit of our area to you? 5. What would you like visitors and future generations to understand about the Forest of Dean community? Would you be interested in helping with the mural painting in August? Yes - I'd love to help paint! No, but I support the project Email details (if you'd like updates) Submit

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

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

YOUTH CLUBS & ACTIVITIES

Доступні центри для створення спільноти The drop-in hub provides support to create, inspire and build stronger communities together Доступний центр надає підтримку, щоб разом створювати, надихати та будувати сильніші спільноти Кожен центр надає різноманітну підтримку, поради та рекомендації для місцевих жителів. Наприклад; підтримка та розміщення підписів до місцевих служб, підключення та налаштування нового громадські групи, які допомагають людям наблизитися до працевлаштування чи подальшої освіти, допомагають отримати доступ до цифрового світу та підтримують втілення ваших ідей для спільноти. Ми можемо запропонувати допомогу з: Можливості волонтерства Підтримка працевлаштування Місцеві гуртки та клуби ІТ та цифрова підтримка Інформація про місцеві події Розміщення підписів до місцевих служб For dates, times and locations for up coming FVAF Community Drop-in Hubs, contact Alex on community@fvaf.org.uk or call the FVAF office on 01594 822073.

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

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.