Role: Digital & Community Projects Manager Salary: £30,000 – £36,000 (subject to experience) Hours: 30–37.5 hours per week, Monday–Friday (some evenings/weekends may be required) Flexible and part-time/job share arrangements considered Contract: Initial 18-month contract (extension subject to funding and performance) Location: Ow Bist Forest Community Space, Cinderford Do you believe that everyone deserves to be connected? Are you passionate about the power of communities to shape their own futures? FVAF is looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Digital & Community Projects Manager to join our growing team in the heart of the Forest of Dean. This is a genuinely exciting opportunity to lead meaningful, place-based work that makes a real difference — helping people and communities thrive through digital inclusion, local partnerships, and strengths-based engagement. ROLE PROFILE: Digital & Community Projects Manager 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: 5pm Wednesday 24th June Interview dates: w/c 6th July For an informal discussion about the role, please contact community@fvaf.org.uk Send completed application forms to Alex Digby at community@fvaf.org.uk

Current job vacancies at FVAF Work for us. We are passionate about nurturing talented, compassionate, community minded team players. Join our friendly and supportive team! Role: Digital & Community Projects Manager Salary: £30,000 – £36,000 (subject to experience) Hours: 30–37.5 hours per week, Monday–Friday APPLY HERE Application deadline: 5pm Wednesday 24th June Role:Youth Projects Manager Salary: £30,000 – £37,000 (subject to experience) Hours: up to 37.5 hours per week, Monday–Friday APPLY HERE Application deadline: midnight Sunday 5th July Trouble downloading the documents? Contact communications@fvaf.org.uk or 01594 822073

Role: Youth Projects Manager Salary: £30,000 – £37,000 (subject to experience) Hours: up to 37.5 hours per week, Monday–Friday (some evenings/weekends may be required) Contract: Permanent Location: Forest of Dean District (Cinderford) Are you passionate about empowering young people and the communities that support them? FVAF are looking for a Youth Projects Manager to lead our group support and capacity building work, strengthening youth and community provision right across the Forest of Dean. JOB DESCRIPTION: Youth Projects Manager 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: Sunday 5th July, midnight For an informal discussion about the role, please contact fliss@fvaf.org.uk Send completed application forms to Alex Digby at community@fvaf.org.uk

YOUTH CLUBS & ACTIVITIES

Our partners We work with, and are supported by so many fantastic organisations. The projects and services we deliver in partnership with others, and the funding we receive makes it possible for us to support voluntary activity and community action in the Forest of Dean. These are just some of the organisations we currently work closely with:

Resource Hub/Library Leaflets & literature on wellness, recovery, self-help & coping with mental distress. The group office, based above the Library at The Main Place in Coleford, is available for members to use as a safe and confidential space. We keep material that may be of use to members – and we are happy for people to provide us with leaflets that they would like shared. To read the My Networks Scoping Project Report please visit: www.fvaf.org.uk/publications

KEEPING PEOPLE SAFE Young people who are moving towards adulthood have the right to make informed choices about how they connect to their local community. This can involve risk, for guidance read: Building Connections: One minute guide to Risk Assessment

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

Форум коннекторів спільноти - Знай свою мережу виправлення Supporting Strong and Thriving Communities with Know Your Patch Підтримуйте сильні та процвітаючі спільноти за допомогою програми Know Your Patch Частина «Знай свій патч» Форуму спільнотних коннекторів (CCF) об’єднує волонтерський та громадський сектор, статутні служби та місцевих жителів у спосіб, який створює кращі способи роботи. Мережа «Знай свій патч» «Ліс Діна» розроблена для того, щоб об’єднати волонтерський та громадський сектор, законні служби та місцевих жителів таким чином, щоб створити кращі способи роботи, що зрештою зміцнить наші громади. Ця «пропозиція громади» є особливо важливою для запобігання або відстрочення ескалації медичних потреб. Ми щокварталу проводимо заходи в Лісі Діна, де ми запрошуємо зацікавлених сторін приєднатися до обговорення того, що важливо в їхній громаді та як служби та групи добровільного сектору можуть допомогти цьому підтримати. Кожна подія Know Your Patch БЕЗКОШТОВНА і відкрита для всіх, хто хоче бути частиною бесіди. Якщо ви бажаєте взяти участь, зателефонуйте за номером 01594 822073 або електронною поштою help4groups@fvaf.org.uk . Ми також регулярно надсилаємо електронні листи та оновлюємо інформацію про те, що відбувається в Лісі Діна. Якщо ви хочете приєднатися до цієї мережі, підпишіться тут . Завдяки фінансуванню від Рада графства Глостершир , «Знай свій патч» також доступний у кожному іншому окрузі графства Глостершир. Якщо ви хочете дізнатися більше про них, відвідайте тут . Ось деякі з досліджень, які підкреслюють наше мислення: «Ми всі маємо відігравати певну роль у допомозі особам і громадам у розвитку соціального капіталу. Зростає визнання того, що, незважаючи на те, що у неблагополучних соціальних групах і спільнотах є ряд складних і взаємопов’язаних потреб, вони також мають активи на соціальному та громадському рівні. які можуть допомогти покращити здоров’я та зміцнити стійкість до проблем зі здоров’ям» (The Kings Fund, 2018) «Ті, хто мав адекватні соціальні стосунки, мали на 50 відсотків більший рівень виживання в порівнянні з особами з поганими соціальними стосунками» (Holt-Lunstad et al 2010). «Показано, що соціальні мережі є такими ж потужними провісниками смертності, як і звичайний спосіб життя та клінічні ризики, такі як помірне куріння, надмірне вживання алкоголю, ожиріння, високий рівень холестерину та кров’яного тиску» (Pantell et al 2013; Holt-Lunstad et al, 2010) . «Соціальна підтримка особливо важлива для підвищення стійкості та сприяння одужанню після хвороби» (Певалін і Роуз, 2003) «Відсутність соціальних мереж і підтримки ускладнює саморегулювання поведінки та формування сили волі та стійкості з часом, що призводить до нездорової поведінки» (Cacioppo and Patrick 2009). «Участь у спільноті зменшує ізоляцію, відчуження та самотність» (Farrell and Bryant 2009; Sevigny et al 2010; Ryan-Collins et al 2008) «Сильний соціальний капітал покращує шанси уникнути ризиків, пов’язаних із способом життя, наприклад, курінням» (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.

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

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

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!