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

پہیوں کے ساتھ چلنا: اکثر پوچھے جانے والے سوالات 'Tramper' کیا ہے؟ ٹرامپر ایک آل ٹیرین برقی طاقت سے چلنے والی نقل و حرکت والی گاڑی ہے۔ اس کی رفتار 4 میل فی گھنٹہ تک محدود ہے جو کہ پیدل چلنے والوں یا بائیک پر چھوٹے بچوں کے ساتھ جانے کے لیے بہترین ہے۔ Trampers کی مکمل تفصیلات ہو سکتی ہے یہاں پایا . کون اس سروس کو استعمال کر سکتا ہے؟ پہیوں کے ساتھ چلنا 14 سال سے زیادہ عمر کے اور 25 پتھر سے کم وزن والے ہر فرد کے لیے کھلا ہے جسے عارضی یا مستقل نقل و حرکت کی مشکلات کی وجہ سے چلنے میں دشواری ہوتی ہے۔ میں اسے کن راستوں پر استعمال کر سکتا ہوں؟ دستیاب راستوں میں Symond's Yat Rock اور Symond's Yat سے Forest Holidays اور Cyril Hart Arboretum، Mallards Pike اور The Speech House سے فیملی سائیکل ٹریل کے کچھ حصے شامل ہیں۔ بھرتی کے وقت راستوں کے نقشے فراہم کیے جائیں گے۔ یہ کرایہ پر کب دستیاب ہے؟ ٹرامپر ہفتے میں 7 دن 9:00 - 5:00 کرایہ پر دستیاب ہے (شام سے پہلے واپسی کو یقینی بنانے کے لیے موسم سرما میں گھنٹے کم ہوسکتے ہیں)۔ میں کیسے بک کر سکتا ہوں؟ مایوسی سے بچنے کے لیے، براہِ کرم دن سے پہلے اپنے ٹرامپر کو پہلے سے بک کریں۔ براہ کرم بکنگ کے لیے براہ راست ٹریپر سائٹس سے رابطہ کریں۔ جنگل کی تعطیلات کے لیے 01594 837165 پر کال کریں۔ سپیچ ہاؤس کے لیے 01594 822607 پر کال کریں۔ ٹرامپر کی خدمات حاصل کرنے میں کتنا خرچ آتا ہے؟ ٹرامپر کی قیمت صرف £2.50 فی گھنٹہ ہے۔ پہلی بار استعمال کرنے والوں کے لیے کنٹری سائیڈ موبیلٹی کے لیے £10 یا دو ہفتے کے ٹیسٹر سیشن کے لیے £2.50 کی سالانہ ممبرشپ فیس بھی ہے۔ کیا ہوگا اگر میں نے پہلے کبھی ان میں سے ایک استعمال نہیں کیا ہے؟ پریشانی کی بات نہیں! یہ کام کرنے کے لیے بہت آسان اور محفوظ ہیں اور ہر صارف کو مکمل انڈکشن دیا جائے گا تاکہ یہ یقینی بنایا جا سکے کہ وہ ہمارے حیرت انگیز ٹریلز سے نمٹنے کے لیے محفوظ اور آرام دہ محسوس کرتے ہیں۔ اگر مجھے اضافی مدد کی ضرورت ہو تو کیا ہوگا؟ ہم آپ سے گزارش کرتے ہیں کہ ٹریلز پر ہر ایک کے ساتھ ہو تاکہ آپ کے ساتھ ہمیشہ کوئی نہ کوئی ہو۔ اگر آپ ٹرامپر کو آزمانا چاہتے ہیں، کسی کو ملازمت دینے سے پہلے، براہ کرم بندوبست کرنے کے لیے ہمارے کسی سینٹر کو کال کریں۔ مجھے کنٹری سائیڈ موبلٹی کا ممبر کیوں بننا ہے؟ دیہی علاقوں کی نقل و حرکت ٹرامپرز فراہم کرنے کی ذمہ دار ہے اور اسی وجہ سے انہیں اتنی سستی قیمت پر پیش کیا جاتا ہے۔ وہ اس بات کو یقینی بنانے کے لیے بھی کام کرتے ہیں کہ ہر وہ سائٹ جو ٹرامپر کی میزبانی کرتی ہے اسے محفوظ اور آسانی سے قابل رسائی طریقے سے کرتی ہے۔ یہ رکنیت آپ کو ساؤتھ ویسٹ میں دیہی علاقوں کی نقل و حرکت کی سائٹس پر کسی بھی ٹرامپرز کو استعمال کرنے کے قابل بنائے گی۔ مزید معلومات کے لیے براہ کرم دیہی علاقوں کی نقل و حرکت کی ویب سائٹ دیکھیں۔ آپ بھرتی کرنے سے پہلے مرکز میں رکنیت کے فارم مکمل کر سکتے ہیں۔ کیا میں اس پروجیکٹ میں مدد کر سکتا ہوں؟ پہیوں کے ساتھ چلنا ہماری سروس کو فروغ دینے کے لیے رضاکاروں پر انحصار کرتا ہے۔ اگر آپ ہماری سروس کے بارے میں بات پھیلانے میں مدد کرنے میں دلچسپی رکھتے ہیں، یا کسی اور طریقے سے مدد کرنا چاہتے ہیں، تو براہ کرم 01594 822073 پر کال کریں یا walkingwithwheels@fvaf.org.uk پر ای میل کریں۔ مکمل تربیت اور مدد فراہم کی جائے گی۔ اگر مجھے بکنگ منسوخ کرنے کی ضرورت ہو تو کیا ہوگا؟ ہم آپ سے مطالبہ کرتے ہیں کہ آپ کم از کم 24 گھنٹے کی منسوخی کا نوٹس دیں تاکہ ہم ٹرامپر کو کسی دوسرے صارف کے پاس رکھ سکیں۔ منسوخ کرنے کے لیے براہ کرم اس سائٹ سے رابطہ کریں جس کے ساتھ آپ نے بک کیا ہے۔ 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

NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN! CLOSING DATE: MIDNIGHT SUNDAY 20 JULY 2025 Nomination Form 2025 Please select in which category you would like to nominate the individual or group. Your Volunteer of the Year Young Volunteer of the Year 21yrs & under Community Organisation of the Year Grassroots Award - Voluntary Group of the Year ESV Business in the Community Award FoD Dementia Action Alliance Accessibility & Inclusion Award FoDCAP Community Climate Action Award Name of the volunteer/group being nominated: Name of the organisation or group linked to the nominee (for individual nominees only) Volunteer role or role of group Contact details for nominee (email and telephone) If you are providing personal contact details, do you have permission to share this person's information? If not, no problem—we will use the general contact details of the group or organisation associated with the nominee instead. Yes No Reason for nomination - please provide a brief description which outlines why you think this individual or group stands out. What makes them special and worthy of being celebrated? Your name Your email address Are you happy for us to keep your contact details for the purpose of this nomination only? Yes No Submit

The podcast kit is also available for hire to voluntary community groups. For more information on The Community Action Pod and ways to get involved contact the Host Melanie Benn on melanie@fvaf.org.uk or 01594 822073. Produced by Forest Voluntary Action Forum Funded by the Barnwood Trust Digital Inclusion Fund

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

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.

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

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

کمیونٹی بلڈرز ڈراپ ان ہبز The drop-in hub provides support to create, inspire and build stronger communities together ڈراپ ان ہب ایک ساتھ مل کر مضبوط کمیونٹیز بنانے، حوصلہ افزائی کرنے اور ان کی تعمیر میں مدد فراہم کرتا ہے۔ ہر ڈراپ ان ہب مقامی باشندوں کے لیے مختلف قسم کی مدد، مشورہ اور رہنمائی پیش کرتا ہے۔ مثال کے طور پر؛ مقامی خدمات کو سپورٹ اور سائن پوسٹنگ، لنک کرنا اور نیا ترتیب دینا کمیونٹی گروپس، لوگوں کو روزگار یا مزید تعلیم کے قریب جانے میں مدد کرتے ہیں، ڈیجیٹل دنیا تک رسائی میں مدد کرتے ہیں اور کمیونٹی کے لیے آپ کے خیالات کو زندہ کرنے میں مدد کرتے ہیں۔ ہم مدد کی پیشکش کر سکتے ہیں: رضاکارانہ مواقع ملازمت کی حمایت مقامی سرگرمی گروپس اور کلب آئی ٹی اور ڈیجیٹل سپورٹ مقامی واقعہ کی معلومات مقامی خدمات پر سائن پوسٹنگ 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.

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

Photo: L to R County Cllr Ray Donaghue, Chris Brown (FVAF CEO) & Reuben Brown, Tom Cousins, Cinderford Town Mayor Roger Sterry & Cllr Sid Phelps Local Councillors Celebrate New Community Mural Marking FVAF's 30th Anniversary Striking artwork brings together decades of Forest of Dean community action Local councillors visited Cinderford earlier this month to view a vibrant new community mural celebrating the Forest of Dean's heritage of grassroots activism and marking Forest Voluntary Action Forum's 30th anniversary. Councillors from Cinderford Town Council and County Councillor Ray Donaghue toured the large-scale artwork, which was made possible through funding from Gloucestershire County Council's Build Back Better Fund. A Community-Led Design The mural emerged from summer workshops where local residents shared stories, memories, and perspectives spanning decades of community action. Local artist Tom Cousins transformed these diverse voices into a unified artwork capturing the enduring spirit of volunteerism that defines the area. The design bridges past and present, from early 20th century Friendly Society Banners to today's environmental campaigns. It showcases grassroots volunteer-led groups, community choirs and music festivals, local food networks, sports clubs, and community-owned shops and pubs. References to the area as the "land between two rivers" ground the celebration in the Forest of Dean's distinctive landscape and character. Catherine Best, Communications & Fundraising Manager at FVAF, said: "This mural wasn't just about improving the look of our new community building – it's about celebrating who we are as a community and the pride we have in our local heritage. Every time you look at it, you see something different. We've had a fantastic response from local people stopping to take a look, taking pictures and discussing what they see and what it means to them. We hope it will serve as both a reminder of the rich heritage of community action in our past and an inspiration for the future." Part of a Wider Transformation The mural is part of FVAF's transformation of the former doctor's surgery into a welcoming, inclusive community space for everyone in Cinderford and the wider district. For over 30 years, FVAF has helped local people turn ideas into action through resources, guidance, and networking opportunities. The organisation works with over 800 community groups annually to make the Forest of Dean an even better place to live. For more information, contact communications@fvaf.org.uk or 01594 822073.