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

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.

Two brilliant people, two exciting new roles! READ MORE Frequently visited pages: COMMUNITY HUBS VOLUNTEER ADVICE YOUTH SUPPORT Wat is FVAF? FVAF staan vir Forest Voluntary Action Forum. Ons bied ondersteuning aan plaaslike burgers, gemeenskapsgroepe en aktiwiteite om die dinge te doen wat vir hulle die meeste saak maak. Dit sluit die volgende in: ondersteuning en ontwikkelingsadvies opleiding inligting netwerkvergaderings verteenwoordiging te fasiliteer vrywillige werwing vrywilliger plasing en ondersteuning Ons bedryf ook baie projekte saam met en vir die plaaslike gemeenskap, soos die Forest of Dean Jeugvereniging, Vakansie-aktiwiteitsveldtogte, The Forest Youth Music Network, The GEM Project, The Forest Compass Directory, Walking with Wheels en vele meer. Kyk na ons Projekte-bladsy vir volledige besonderhede. "Bou sterker gemeenskappe in die Bos van Dean" Vind meer uit JOIN OUR MAILING LIST Get the latest community news and check out exciting volunteering opportunity in or around the Forest of Dean... Gaan na Facebook Useful publications: FREE directory of the many volunteering opportunities available locally... DOWNLOAD Ons Vennote 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 2AN 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

YOUTH CLUBS & ACTIVITIES

Our publications Forest Compass Edition 3 Volunteering in the Forest of Dean FVAF Annual Report 2024/25 FVAF Annual Accounts 2024/25 FVAF Annual Report 2023/24 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.

Boskompas Forest Compass is 'n fisiese en aanlyn gids wat baie van die gereelde aktiwiteite, ondersteuningsgroepe en klubs wat regdeur die Forest of Dean beskikbaar is, bevat. Die Bos is die tuiste van honderde sosiale en aktiwiteitsgroepe van alle soorte van babagroepe, deur middageteklubs, manskure tot geheuekafees. Baie is gratis of baie goedkoop om by te woon en te bestuur deur vrywilligers of nie-winsgroepe. Ongelukkig is baie mense wat by sulke groepe kan baat, onbewus van die wonderlike geleenthede op hul voorstoep. As jy 'n vrywillige hoofaktiwiteit, klub of ondersteuningsgroep in die Forest of Dean bestuur, adverteer in beide die Forest Compass fisiese gids en in die aanlyn gids hier, GRATIS deur die vorm hieronder te voltooi. 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

Beleide Klik op die skakels hieronder om ons beleide te sien: Privacy Policy Community Service of Use Terms Complaints Policy Privaatheidsbeleid Wanneer jy deur die FVAF-webwerf blaai of aan ons aanlyndienste deelneem, sal ons sekere data van jou moet insamel om vir jou die beste aanlyn ervaring te bied. Watter inligting versamel ons? Ons samel inligting van jou in wanneer jy op die webwerf registreer, reageer op 'n opname of kommunikasie soos e-pos of deelneem aan ander webwerfkenmerke. U kan ons webwerf anoniem besoek, maar sommige funksies sal vereis dat u 'n rekening by ons registreer. Wanneer ons registreer, kan ons jou vra vir persoonlike identifiseerbare inligting, soos jou naam, e-posadres, posadres, telefoonnommer of ander sulke inligting. Of jy nou anoniem blaai of by ons geregistreer is, ons gebruik "koekies" om jou ervaring te verbeter en inligting oor besoekers en besoeke aan ons webwerwe in te samel. Verwys asseblief na die "Gebruik ons 'koekies'?" afdeling hieronder vir inligting oor koekies en hoe ons dit gebruik. Hoe gebruik ons jou inligting? Ons kan die inligting wat ons van jou insamel gebruik wanneer jy registreer, aan ons gemeenskapskenmerke deelneem, op 'n opname of bemarkingskommunikasie van ons reageer, op die webwerf blaai of sekere ander werfkenmerke op die volgende maniere gebruik: Om jou werfervaring te verpersoonlik en om ons toe te laat om die tipe inhoud en produkaanbiedinge te lewer waarin jy die meeste belangstel. Om ons in staat te stel om u beter van diens te wees deur op u kliëntediensversoeke te reageer. Om jou transaksies vinnig te verwerk. Om deel te neem aan 'n promosie, opname of ander werfkenmerk. As jy ingeteken het om ons e-pos nuusbrief te ontvang, kan ons jou periodieke e-posse stuur. As jy nie meer promosie-e-pos van ons wil ontvang nie, verwys asseblief na die "Hoe kan jy inligting wat jy aan ons verskaf het onttrek, verwyder of wysig?" afdeling hieronder. As jy nie ingeteken het om e-pos nuusbriewe te ontvang nie, sal jy nie hierdie e-posse ontvang nie. Besoekers wat registreer of deelneem aan ander werfkenmerke soos bemarkingsprogramme en 'slegs lede'-inhoud sal 'n keuse gegee word of hulle op ons e-poslys wil wees en e-poskommunikasie van ons wil ontvang. Hoe beskerm ons besoekersinligting? Ons implementeer 'n verskeidenheid sekuriteitsmaatreëls om die veiligheid van jou persoonlike inligting te handhaaf. Jou persoonlike inligting is vervat agter beveiligde netwerke en is slegs toeganklik vir 'n beperkte aantal persone wat spesiale toegangsregte tot sulke stelsels het. Van enige sodanige persoon sal vereis word om al hierdie inligting vertroulik te hou. Ons bied die gebruik van 'n veilige bediener oor die hele werf, om te verseker dat enige data wat jy op die werf invoer, op 'n veilige, geënkripteerde wyse aan ons oorgedra word. Alle sensitiewe/persoonlike/kredietinligting wat jy verskaf, word deur Secure Socket Layer (SSL)-tegnologie oorgedra en dan geïnkripteer in ons databasisse om slegs toegang te verkry soos hierbo genoem. Gebruik ons "koekies"? Ja. Koekies is klein lêers wat 'n werf of sy diensverskaffer na jou rekenaar se hardeskyf oordra deur jou webblaaier (indien jy dit toelaat) wat die werf of diensverskaffer se stelsels in staat stel om jou blaaier te herken en sekere inligting vas te vang en te onthou. Ons gebruik byvoorbeeld koekies om ons te help om die items in jou inkopiemandjie te onthou en te verwerk. Hulle word ook gebruik om ons te help om jou voorkeure te verstaan op grond van vorige of huidige werfaktiwiteit, wat ons in staat stel om jou van verbeterde dienste te voorsien. Ons gebruik ook webkoekies om ons te help om saamgestelde data oor werfverkeer en werfinteraksie saam te stel sodat ons in die toekoms beter werfervarings en -nutsmiddels kan bied. Ons kan met derdeparty-diensverskaffers kontrakteer om ons te help om ons werfbesoekers beter te verstaan. Hierdie diensverskaffers word nie toegelaat om die inligting wat namens ons ingesamel is te gebruik nie, behalwe om ons te help om ons besigheid te bedryf en te verbeter. Jy kan kies om jou rekenaar te laat waarsku elke keer as 'n koekie gestuur word, of jy kan kies om alle koekies af te skakel. Jy doen dit deur jou blaaierinstellings. Elke blaaier is 'n bietjie anders, so kyk na jou blaaier Hulp-kieslys om die korrekte manier te leer om jou koekies te wysig. As jy webkoekies afskakel, sal jy nie toegang hê tot baie kenmerke wat jou werfervaring doeltreffender maak nie en sommige van ons dienste sal nie behoorlik funksioneer nie. Maak ons die inligting wat ons insamel bekend aan buitepartye? Ons verkoop nie, verhandel of dra andersins jou persoonlik identifiseerbare inligting aan buitepartye oor nie, tensy ons vooraf kennisgewing aan jou verskaf, behalwe soos hieronder beskryf. Die term "buitepartye" sluit nie die Forest of Dean-distriksraad in nie. Dit sluit ook nie webwerfgasheervennote en ander partye in wat ons help om ons webwerf te bedryf, ons besigheid te bedryf of jou te bedien nie, solank daardie partye instem om hierdie inligting vertroulik te hou. Ons kan ook jou inligting vrystel wanneer ons glo dat vrystelling gepas is om aan die wet te voldoen, ons webwerfbeleide af te dwing, of ons of ander se regte, eiendom of veiligheid te beskerm. Nie-persoonlik identifiseerbare besoekersinligting kan egter aan ander partye verskaf word vir bemarking, advertensies of ander gebruike. Hierdie inligting is ten volle geanonimiseer en kan nie na u as 'n individuele datadiensgebruiker opgespoor of herlei word nie. Hoe kan jy inligting wat jy aan ons verskaf het onttrek, verwyder of wysig? Om van ons e-poslys uit te teken, gebruik asseblief hierdie skakel om uit te teken . Neem asseblief kennis dat u as gevolg van e-posproduksieskedules enige e-posse wat reeds in produksie is, kan ontvang. Om al jou aanlyn rekeninginligting van ons databasis uit te vee, meld aan by die "My Profiel"-afdeling van ons werf en volg die instruksies om jou data van ons stelsels af te laai en/of te verwyder. Neem asseblief kennis dat ons inligting oor 'n individuele deelname kan onderhou om daardie deelname te bedien en vir rekordhouding. Derdeparty skakels In 'n poging om jou van verhoogde waarde te voorsien, kan ons derdeparty-skakels op ons webwerf insluit. Hierdie gekoppelde werwe het aparte en onafhanklike privaatheidsbeleide. Ons het dus geen verantwoordelikheid of aanspreeklikheid vir die inhoud en aktiwiteite van hierdie gekoppelde werwe nie. Nietemin poog ons om die integriteit van ons webwerf te beskerm en verwelkom enige terugvoer oor hierdie gekoppelde werwe (insluitend as 'n spesifieke skakel nie werk nie). Veranderinge aan ons beleid As ons besluit om ons privaatheidsbeleid te verander, sal ons daardie veranderinge op hierdie bladsy plaas. Beleidsveranderinge sal slegs van toepassing wees op inligting wat na die datum van die verandering ingesamel is. Hierdie beleid is laas op 1 September 2019 gewysig. Vrae en terugvoer Ons verwelkom jou vrae, opmerkings en bekommernisse oor privaatheid. Stuur asseblief vir ons enige en alle terugvoer met betrekking tot privaatheid, of enige ander kwessie. Slegs aanlynbeleid Hierdie aanlyn privaatheidsbeleid is slegs van toepassing op inligting wat deur ons webwerf ingesamel word en nie op inligting wat vanlyn ingesamel is nie. Bepalings en voorwaardes Besoek gerus ook ons Bepalings en voorwaardes afdeling wat die gebruik, vrywarings en beperkings van aanspreeklikheid bepaal wat die gebruik van ons webwerf beheer. Jou toestemming Deur die FVAF-webwerf te gebruik, stem jy in tot ons privaatheidsbeleid en ons gebruik van jou data soos hierin beskryf. Indien u besluit dat u nie meer u toestemming wil gee dat ons u persoonlik identifiseerbare data vir aanlyndoeleindes gebruik nie, dien asseblief 'n datasubjektoegangversoek in deur hierdie skakel te besoek: https://fvaf.org.uk/gdpr. Gemeenskapsdienste Gebruiksbepalings FVAF en sy affiliasies of toewysers verskaf fvaf.org.uk en enige verwante dele, afdelings of dienste aan jou onderhewig aan die sekere voorwaardes (die Gebruiksbepalings of TOU). Hierdie voorwaardes is in plek om te help verseker dat jy 'n positiewe ervaring het om ons webwerf te besoek en aan ons gemeenskapsdienste deel te neem. Hierdie bepalings help ook om al ons lede te beskerm, sowel as ons welwillendheid en reputasie. Hulle is so belangrik dat ons jou nie kan toelaat om ons webwerf te gebruik tensy jy instem om hierdie voorwaardes te aanvaar nie. Lees hulle asseblief aandagtig deur. Daarbenewens, wanneer jy enige huidige of toekomstige deel, afdeling of diens van fvaf.org.uk gebruik, sal jy ook onderhewig wees aan die riglyne en voorwaardes van toepassing op sodanige diens of besigheid. Formaat van hierdie ooreenkoms Hierdie gebruiksvoorwaardes is van toepassing op al jou interaksies en deelnames op FVAF-webwerf, wie se geregistreerde adres Forest Voluntary Action Forum, The Belle Vue Centre, Cinderford, Glos, GL14 2AB (FVAF) is. 'n Aanvaarding van hierdie bepalings is implisiet by jou besoek aan ons webwerf en die daaropvolgende opsionele skepping van 'n rekening daarin. Ons behou die reg voor om hierdie kontrak te beëindig in die geval dat ons nie in staat is of onwillig is om voort te gaan met die verskaffing van pasgemaakte gemeenskapsdienste op ons webwerf nie of as daar gevind word dat u hierdie bepalings wesenlik oortree. Hierdie kontrak is onderhewig aan jou reg van kansellasie (sien hieronder) te eniger tyd, vir enige doel. FVAF kan hierdie gebruiksvoorwaardes verander sonder kennisgewing aan jou met betrekking tot toekomstige gebruik deur jou of bykomende kenmerke wat deur ons bygevoeg is. Sulke veranderinge aan hierdie bepalings en voorwaardes sal enige tyd hier op FVAF se webwerf geplaas word vir u hersiening. Definisies wat in hierdie Ooreenkoms gebruik word Om seker te maak dat almal wat hierdie ooreenkoms lees die kernbegrippe verstaan wat in elk van die verskillende dele gebruik word, is sekere definisies nodig om ooreen te stem voordat ons begin. Dit is soos volg. Wanneer ons sê 'Ooreenkomst' of 'Bepalings' of 'TOU', bedoel ons natuurlik die inligting wat in hierdie artikel gehou of gekoppel word, wat die basis vorm van ons verhouding en jou verantwoordelikhede uiteensit wanneer jy ons webwerf gebruik. Wanneer ons 'inkomende inhoud' sê, bedoel ons enige inhoud wat verskaf word deur 'n derde party wat nie in diens is of andersins met FVAF geaffilieer is nie. Dit sluit in, maar is nie beperk tot enige interaksie wat ons met jou (of enige ander lid van die gemeenskap) het nie; soos wanneer jy 'n opmerking op 'n foto los, 'n foto van jou eie indien, na 'n groep of gebeurtenisbladsy plaas, 'n geleentheid of groepbladsy skep, jou profiel verander, op 'n vriendemuur plaas of 'n plasing op jou eie muur maak . 'Gemeenskapsinhoud', 'Gemeenskapsdienste', Ledegebiede' of enige ander sodanige verwysing na die areas van ons webwerf wat vereis dat jy aanmeld, beteken alle inhoud, insluitend sonder beperking, taal, data, inligting, beelde of ander digitale media wat verskyn of is op ons webwerf gepubliseer, hetsy deur ons of deur ander lede van die FVAF-gemeenskap van gebruikers. 'FVAF Gemeenskap' verwys na enige inhoud wat op hierdie webwerf toeganklik is. 'Sensitiewe inligting', 'Persoonlike inligting', 'Persoonlik identifiseerbare inligting' of 'Diensgebruikerdata' verwys na enige inligting wat ons van jou kan insamel wanneer jy besluit om 'n rekening by ons te skep. Dit kan insluit, maar nie beperk word nie tot: jou naam, kontakbesonderhede, indiensnemingsdata, gesondheidsinligting, rybewysnommer, nasionale versekeringsnommer of enige ander soortgelyke identifiserende inligting wat nodig is om hierdie dienste aan jou te verskaf. 'Derdeparty' beteken enige persoon of maatskappy wat nie direk in diens of geaffilieer is met FVAF nie en 'Derdepartydienste' kan produkte en professionele dienste insluit wat aan ons verskaf word deur ander mense of maatskappye wat ons gebruik om ons dienste aan jou te verskaf of wat gebruik word in samewerking met FVAF produkte of dienste. Jou gedragskode Die kern van die FVAF-gemeenskap bestaan uit mense soos jy, wat omgee om vrywilligersdienste in en om die Forest of Dean te bevorder. Ons verskaf dienste aan hierdie gemeenskap op voorwaarde dat sy lede hulself op 'n wyse gedra wat ons doelwitte ondersteun en ander lede aanmoedig en ondersteun. Jy stem in om nie die FVAF-webwerf, die FVAF-gemeenskap of enige ander deel van ons dienste vir enigiets anders as hierdie beoogde gebruik te gebruik nie. Jy stem verder in dat enige inhoud wat jy genereer, insluitend beelde wat jy oplaai of opmerkings wat jy laat, sal voldoen aan 'n streng stel beste praktyke met betrekking tot inkomende inhoud en nie vuil, beledigende of andersins aggressiewe taal sal gebruik nie. Ons behou die alleenreg voor om enige inkomende inhoud as onaanvaarbaar te beskou. Die FVAF-gemeenskap is bedoel vir openbare diskoers en bespreking. Jy mag dus nie enigiemand anders se private of persoonlik identifiseerbare inligting openbaar maak of versoek deur ons dienste te gebruik nie. Sou jy persoonlik identifiseerbare inligting hier plaas oor 'n ander persoon sonder hul toestemming, stem jy daarmee in om alleen verantwoordelik te wees vir die gebruik van hierdie data deur enige derde partye wat dit van ons webwerf af kan haal voordat dit verwyder word. Jy word nie toegelaat om enige reg in die FVAF-gemeenskap of op enige inhoud daarin vervat te verkoop, verhuur, verhuur, toewys, sublisensieer, versprei, versend, uitsaai, kommersieel ontgin, toe te staan 'n sekuriteitsbelang in of andersins oor te dra nie. Jy word nie toegelaat om enige eiendomsinligting wat 'n derde party as sensitief ag, bekend te maak nie. Jy mag nie dreigende, teisterende of lasterlike taal gebruik in enige van jou interaksies met ons of ander FVAF-gemeenskapslede nie. Jy mag nie bedrieglike of bedrieglike, valse of misleidende bewerings maak of vulgêre, onwelvoeglike, onwelvoeglike of onwettige taal gebruik of materiaal of inhoud daarvan plaas nie. Jy mag nie ons dienste gebruik om enigiemand anders se intellektuele eiendom te versprei sonder hul toestemming en sonder behoorlike akkreditasie nie. Jy mag nie inligting oor ander FVAF Gemeenskap gebruiker of gebruikers insamel of andersins insamel nie. Regte van kansellasie Ons kan u rekening onmiddellik opskort of kanselleer indien u enige van die bepalings wat in hierdie ooreenkoms uiteengesit word, oortree of vermoed word dat u dit oortree. Om ons gemeenskap 'n vriendelike, verwelkomende plek te hou om te besoek, kan ons so 'n skorsing sonder kennisgewing wees en effektief onmiddellik na kennisgewing of kennisgewing van onaanvaarbare inhoud wat deur jou rekening geplaas is. As jy voel dit is foutief, stel ons asseblief in kennis by: contact@fvaf.org.uk . Jy kan jou rekening kanselleer, jou data uit ons aanlyn databasisse uitvee en/of 'n aflaai versoek van alle data wat met jou rekening geassosieer word en deur ons gehou word deur die 'My Profiel'-afdeling van die gemeenskapsbladsye te besoek. Ander Besigheid Ander partye as FVAF en sy filiale kan help om die dienste te verskaf wat in hierdie ooreenkoms gelys word. Daarbenewens kan ons skakels verskaf na die webwerwe van geaffilieerde maatskappye en sekere ander besighede vir jou gerief. Ons is nie verantwoordelik vir die ondersoek of evaluering nie, en ons waarborg nie die aanbiedinge van enige van hierdie besighede of individue of die inhoud van hul webwerwe nie. Ons waarborg nie beskikbaarheid van enige derdeparty-webwerwe of -dienste nie. FVAF aanvaar geen verantwoordelikheid of aanspreeklikheid vir die optrede, produk en inhoud van al hierdie en enige ander derde partye nie. U moet hul privaatheidstellings en ander gebruiksvoorwaardes noukeurig hersien. Ons belowe egter om 'n goeie trou poging aan te wend om slegs met maatskappye te handel wat ons voel die privaatheid van hul kliënte ernstig opneem en ons bes doen om te verseker dat al ons affiliasies en/of stroomopverskaffers verantwoordelik praktiseer en voldoen aan enige en alle regulasies en wetgewing wat ons besigheid saam beheer. Lisensie en werftoegang FVAF verleen aan jou 'n beperkte lisensie om toegang te verkry tot en persoonlike gebruik van hierdie webwerf te maak en om nie af te laai (behalwe bladsy caching) of dit, of enige gedeelte daarvan, te wysig nie, behalwe met die uitdruklike toestemming van FVAF. Hierdie lisensie sluit geen herverkoop of kommersiële gebruik van hierdie webwerf of die inhoud daarvan in nie; enige versameling en gebruik van enige produklyste, beskrywings of pryse; enige afgeleide gebruik van hierdie webwerf of die inhoud daarvan; enige aflaai of kopiëring van rekeninginligting tot voordeel van 'n ander handelaar; of enige gebruik van data-ontginning, robotte, of soortgelyke data-insamelings- en onttrekkingsinstrumente. Hierdie webwerf of enige gedeelte van hierdie webwerf mag nie gereproduseer, gedupliseer, gekopieer, verkoop, herverkoop, besoek of andersins vir enige kommersiële doel uitgebuit word sonder uitdruklike skriftelike toestemming van FVAF nie. Jy mag nie raamtegnieke raam of gebruik om enige handelsmerk, logo of ander eiendomsinligting (insluitend beelde, teks, bladsyuitleg of vorm) van FVAF in te sluit nie. en ons affiliasies sonder uitdruklike toestemming. Jy mag geen metamerkers of enige ander "versteekte teks" gebruik wat FVAF. se naam of handelsmerke gebruik sonder die uitdruklike skriftelike toestemming van FVAF nie. Enige ongemagtigde gebruik beëindig die toestemming of lisensie wat deur FVAF verleen is. Jy word 'n beperkte, herroepbare en nie-eksklusiewe reg verleen om 'n hiperskakel na die tuisblad van FVAF te skep. solank die skakel nie FVAF, sy affiliasies, of hul produkte of dienste in 'n valse, misleidende, neerhalende of andersins aanstootlike aangeleentheid uitbeeld nie. Algemene vrywaring van waarborge en beperking van aanspreeklikheid Fvaf.org.uk en sy afdelings, onderdele en dienste word deur FVAF verskaf op 'n "soos dit is" en "soos beskikbaar" basis. FVAF maak geen voorstellings of waarborge van enige aard, uitdruklik of geïmpliseer, met betrekking tot die werking van hierdie webwerf of die inligting, inhoud, materiaal of produkte wat op hierdie webwerf ingesluit is nie. U stem uitdruklik in dat u gebruik van hierdie webwerf op u eie risiko is. In die volle mate wat deur toepaslike wetgewing toelaatbaar is, verwerp FVAF alle waarborge, uitdruklik of geïmpliseer, insluitend, maar nie beperk nie tot, geïmpliseerde waarborge van verhandelbaarheid en geskiktheid vir 'n spesifieke doel. As gevolg van die inherente aard van die internet, waarborg FVAF nie dat hierdie webwerf, sy bedieners of e-pos wat vanaf FVAF gestuur word, vry is van virusse of ander skadelike komponente nie. FVAF sal nie aanspreeklik wees vir enige skade van enige aard wat voortspruit uit die gebruik van hierdie webwerf nie, insluitend, maar nie beperk nie tot direkte, indirekte, toevallige, bestraffende en gevolglike skade. Toepaslike wetgewing Deur die FVAF-webwerf te besoek of die dienste daarvan te gebruik, stem jy in dat die wette van Engeland en Wallis, sonder inagneming van beginsels van botsing van wette, hierdie gebruiksbepalings en enige dispuut van enige aard wat tussen jou en FVAF of sy affiliasies mag ontstaan, sal beheer. . Dispute Enige dispuut wat op enige manier verband hou met jou besoek aan fvaf.org.uk of enige van sy dele, afdelings of dienste sal aan vertroulike arbitrasie voorgelê word, behalwe dat, in die mate wat jy op enige wyse FVAF se intellektuele eiendomsregte geskend of gedreig het om te skend. , kan FVAF bevel of ander toepaslike regshulp in enige Britse hof soek. Geen arbitrasie ingevolge hierdie Ooreenkoms sal by 'n arbitrasie gevoeg word wat enige ander party onderhewig aan hierdie Ooreenkoms betrek nie, hetsy deur klasarbitrasieverrigtinge of andersins. Werfbeleide, wysiging en skeibaarheid Hersien asseblief alle beleide en bepalings wat op hierdie webwerf geplaas is. Hierdie beleide beheer ook jou besoek aan alle dienste wat deur FVAF verskaf word. Ons behou die reg voor om enige tyd veranderinge aan ons webwerf, beleide en alle verwante bepalings aan te bring. Indien enige van hierdie voorwaardes as ongeldig, nietig of om enige rede onafdwingbaar geag word, sal daardie voorwaarde as skeibaar geag word en sal dit nie die geldigheid en afdwingbaarheid van enige oorblywende voorwaardes beïnvloed nie. Elektroniese kommunikasie Wanneer jy fvaf.org.uk besoek of e-posse aan ons stuur, kommunikeer jy elektronies met ons en stem jy in om kommunikasie elektronies van ons af te ontvang. Ons sal met jou kommunikeer per e-pos of deur kennisgewings op hierdie webwerf te plaas. Jy stem in dat alle ooreenkomste, kennisgewings, openbaarmakings en ander kommunikasie wat ons elektronies aan jou verskaf, voldoen aan enige wetlike vereiste dat sodanige kommunikasie skriftelik moet wees. Privaatheidsbeleid Jou e-posadres word gebruik om vir jou inligting te stuur wat jy versoek het. FVAF sal nooit ons e-poslyste aan buitefirmas verkoop, verhuur of leen nie: Geen strooipos nie. Ons behou die reg voor om betaalde advertensies in uitgaande e-pos in te sluit om hierdie dienste te ondersteun, maar ons sal nooit net vir jou advertensies stuur nie en ons sal nooit jou naam of e-posadres aan enige adverteerders verskaf nie. Jy kan jouself altyd verwyder van 'n lys waarop jy ingeteken het. Gaan eenvoudig na die poslyste afteken bladsy , voer jou e-posadres in en klik op die “stuur”-knoppie. FVAF SAL NOOIT PERSOONLIKE OF FINANSIËLE BESONDERHEDE VIA E-POS VAN JOU VERSOEK NIE. Kopiereg Klagtes FVAF en sy affiliasies respekteer die intellektuele eiendom van ander. As jy glo dat jou werk gekopieer is op 'n manier wat kopieregskending daarstel, Kontak Ons met jou klagte. Klagtesbeleid Die doel van die klagtebeleid is:- Om die kwaliteit van die dienste wat FVAF verskaf, te verbeter Om ons verhoudings met ons diensgebruikers te verbeter Om beste praktyk deur die FVAF-personeel aan te moedig FVAF poog om 'n konsekwente, positiewe en regverdige proses te verskaf vir die hantering van alle formele klagtes, ongeag of dit geregverdig is of nie. FVAF onderneem om alle klagtes stiptelik en op 'n gestruktureerde wyse te hanteer. FVAF onderneem ook om te verseker dat die uitkoms van 'n klagte, indien die klagte gehandhaaf word, die basis sal vorm van 'n proses om die diens gelewer te verbeter en dat dit 'n gemonitorde en geëvalueerde proses sal wees. Standaarde en prosedures vir die hantering van klagtes Alle formele klagtes wat ontvang word (mondeling per telefoon of persoonlik of per brief, e-pos of teks) sal binne drie werksdae erken word met besonderhede van wat gedoen gaan word, wie die klagte hanteer en hoe lank voordat 'n formele antwoord gegee kan word indien langer as tien werksdae, 'n Volledige skriftelike antwoord, insluitend voorgestelde regstellende stappe indien nodig, sal binne 10 werksdae gegee word, Enige vordering met die ondersoek van die klagte moet onmiddellik aan die klaer gekommunikeer word, Alle klagtes moet onpartydig, hoflik en doeltreffend hanteer word, Enige klagte wat nie volledig deur die interne personeel hanteer kan word nie, moet verwys word na die voorsitter van FVAF wat die saak sal hanteer soos toepaslik maar binne die gees van die standaarde hierbo uiteengesit, In die eerste instansie moet alle klagtes deur die Bestuurder hanteer word of, indien die klagte oor hul werk of optrede is, deur die Voorsitter of hul aangewese adjunk Alle formele klagtes, insluitend enige aksies wat ontstaan, moet by hul gereelde vergaderings aan die FVAF-trustees gerapporteer word

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: Caretaker Salary: £20,000- £24,800 (depending on experience) Hours: 30 hours per week, Monday–Friday 7:30am – 2pm Contract: Permanent Location: Ow Bist Forest Community Space, Cinderford Do you take pride in keeping spaces safe, well-maintained, and welcoming? Do you care about your community and want your work to make a real difference in the Forest of Dean We’re looking for a passionate and proactive Caretaker to be the heartbeat of Ow Bist Forest Community Space. This is a hands-on, varied role. As our Caretaker, you'll be the person who makes sure everything runs smoothly. ROLE PROFILE: CARETAKER 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. Deadline: Applications will be considered as they are received Send completed application forms to Nick Penny at nick@fvaf.org.uk Trouble downloading the documents? Contact communications@fvaf.org.uk or 01594 822073

The Digital Hubs Project Tackling digital exclusion across Gloucestershire The Digital Hubs Project is a new innovative approach, developed by Forest Voluntary Action Forum and GCC Adult Transformation Team, to tackle digital exclusion across Gloucestershire by offering free, accessible, tailored support to individuals. Starting out in October 2021, we have played the as role as county wide facilitator of the project in partnership with GCC’s Adult Transformation Team. Whilst being facilitator’s, we act as the Forest of Dean lead district provider, offering FREE 1:1 digital support across safe and trusted Community Drop-in Hubs. Coleford – Sixteen Community Cafe Sedbury – Sedbury Space Cinderford - Ow Bist - Forest Community Space Staunton – The Swan Community Hub Newent – The Chill Out Zone What does Digital Hubs aim to address? Motivation Not everyone sees why using the internet could be relevant and helpful A Digital Hub can demonstrate the huge benefits Confidence Some people fear online crime, lack trust or don’t know where to start online A Digital Hub can increase confidence via trusted relationships  Skills Not everyone has the ability to use the internet and online services A digital Hub can provide 1:1 training Access Not everyone has the ability to connect to the internet and go online A Digital Hub can provide access to free equipment and internet Since starting the journey of Gloucestershire Digital Hubs Project, awareness and recognition of the project has grown and is now recognised as essential community-based approach to tackling digital exclusion across Gloucestershire. Notability, the project was highlighted in the Report of the Director of Public health 2022/23 - No Person is an island: Social connections in Gloucestershire, which also included video cased study of the project. You can also  download the PDF version (PDF, 5.2 MB)  of Director of Public health 2022/23 For more information about the project visit the Digital Hub website HERE To find out more, dates, times and locations for upcoming FVAF Community Digital Drop-in Hubs, contact Alex on community@fvaf.org.uk  or 01594 822073.

We Celebrate our Outstanding Volunteers! Winners crowned at annual Forest Volunteer Awards event... The Forest of Dean's most dedicated volunteers took centre stage this week at our annual Forest Volunteer Awards, held on Tuesday 2 September at the AccXel Construction School in Cinderford! People's Champion Takes Top Honours Ian Gower claimed the evening's most coveted award – Volunteer of the Year (People's Champion) – following a public vote that attracted over 3,500 participants. Ian's tireless work spans multiple organisations including CANDI, Mitcheldean Youth Club, and Scarr Bandstand, where he inspires young people through STEM education, drawing on his engineering background with Rolls Royce. Community Groups Recognised for Vital Work Several local organisations received recognition for their outstanding community contributions. The Salvation Army Community Hub in Coleford won Community Organisation of the Year for providing comprehensive support services including food assistance and domestic violence support. The Sharing Kitchen in Newent claimed the Grassroots Voluntary Group award, having transformed from a winter soup kitchen into a thriving community hub since launching in November 2024. Meanwhile, Music for Memories received the FoD Dementia Action Alliance Accessibility & Inclusion Award for positively impacting nearly 200 lives through personalised music therapy. We Rewarded Resilience Brockweir Village Shop and Café earned our ESV Business in the Community Award, demonstrating remarkable resilience after rebuilding following devastating fire damage in 2023. Volunteers worked tirelessly through an 18-month reconstruction to reopen the vital community facility. We Recognised Environmental Action Our newly introduced Community Climate Action Award went to the Save the Wye Campaign, recognising the group's creative activism in bringing national attention to the environmental crisis facing the River Wye. We Celebrated Future Leaders and Lifetime Achievement Our ceremony highlighted emerging community leaders, with Moss Thornton taking home our Young Volunteer of the Year honours for outstanding work as a Youth Expert and Youth Worker with Gloucestershire Health and Care Trust and Forest Pulse. Albert Weager received our Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 for his decades of community service as a representative and advocate for improved healthcare in the Forest of Dean. Celebrating Community Spirit "So much of what happens within our community is because of people who give their time and energy for free," said Deb Cook, Volunteering Manager at FVAF. "We're so proud to host this event and make a massive fuss about the incredible work that goes on in groups and organisations large and small. The work carried out by these volunteers is absolutely crucial to so many." Hosted by Steve Knibbs (BBC News Presenter) and Les Love (Dean Radio), our award winners were announced by guest presenters; Simon Murray (Vice chair, trustee of FVAF and chair of the Forest of Dean branch of CPRE), Cllr Jackie Dale, Cabinet Member for Thriving Communities FoDDC, Piers Cardiff (new Co-ordinator of FoDCAP), Tyler Josh Carpenter (volunteer at SARA (Severn Area Rescue Association) AND winner of last year’s Forest Young Volunteer of the Year), Dame Janet Trotter (DBE CVO), Nick Penny (FVAF Programme Manager). The celebration evening was made possible through generous sponsorship from local organisations, KW Bell Group and AccXel Construction Centre , Cinderhill Farm , Float in the Forest , Forest of Dean Climate Action Partnership (FODCAP) , Forest of Dean District Council , Mid Counties Co-operative and Pedalabikeaway . We received hundreds of nominations following their summer call for submissions, with an expert panel handling the challenging task of shortlisting candidates across all categories. FOREST VOLUNTEER AWARD WINNERS 2025: Volunteer of the Year – Peoples’ Champion WINNER: Ian Gower: CANDI, Mitcheldean Youth Club, Scarr Bandstand Highly Commended: Carol Austin: Sedbury Space Laura Dovey: Taurus Crafts Annie George: Forest Exchange Glynis Halling: The Victoria Centre, Lydney Dial-a-Ride, Dr Charley's Lunch Club Julie Holder: Packed with Love Young Volunteer of the Year 21yrs & under WINNER: Moss Thornton: Youth Expert and Youth Worker with Gloucestershire Health and Care Trust and Forest Pulse Highly Commended: Chloe Watts - Her Game Too and Bristol Rovers Women Ambassador Community Organisation of the Year WINNER: Salvation Army Community Hub Highly Commended: Forest of Dean Writers Collection Project and Dean Green Team Grassroots Group of the Year WINNER: The Sharing Kitchen Highly Commended: Cinderford Town FC (Youth Team)  Forest Wombles Business in the Community Award WINNER: Brockweir Village Shop & Cafe Highly Commended: Dean Forest Food Hub FoD Dementia Action Alliance Accessibility & Inclusion Award WINNER: Music for Memories Highly Commended: Skillzone – Preparation for Adulthood Community Climate Action Award (sponsored by FoDCAP) WINNER: Save the Wye Campaign Highly Commended: Yorkley Village Garden Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 – Albert Weager - community representative and advocate for better healthcare in the Forest of Dean For media enquires contact communications@fvaf.org.uk or 01594 822073. END - Notes to editor: Established in 1994, Forest Voluntary Action Forum (FVAF) is the Voluntary Service Council and Volunteer Centre for the Forest of Dean The charity offers support to local citizens, community groups and activities including support and development advice, training, networking meetings, facilitating representation, volunteer recruitment, volunteer placement and support In addition, FVAF delivers projects with and for the local community, including Forest of Dean Youth Association, Holiday, Activities and Food Programme, The Forest Compass Directory, Walking with Wheels FVAF receives some financial support from the Forest of Dean District Council and funds activities through external funding opportunities Head office - Forest Voluntary Action Forum, Ow Bist – Forest Community Space, Dockham Road, Cinderford , Glos. GL14 2AN.

🌟 Forest Volunteer Awards 2025 – Celebrating Local Heroes 🌟 This year, we’re shining a spotlight on the incredible individuals, groups, and organisations who go the extra mile to make the Forest of Dean a better place. Whether they’re quietly making a difference or leading bold community change, we want to hear their stories. THE CATEGORIES: 🏆 Volunteer of the Year – People's Champion This is your chance to celebrate an unsung hero. Someone who consistently goes above and beyond to support others, uplift their community, or inspire through their own journey. Their dedication may have transformed lives—or even kept vital services running. We're looking for someone who: Shows exceptional dedication and commitment to their volunteer role Has made a significant positive impact on individuals or the wider community Demonstrates reliability, compassion, and selflessness May have overcome personal challenges while helping others Goes above and beyond to support those in need ✨ This is the only award chosen by public vote! Once finalists are announced, the community will decide who takes home the title. 🌱 Young Volunteer of the Year (21 & under) Recognising a young person who's making a big impact. Whether they've overcome personal challenges or shown outstanding commitment to helping others, this award celebrates young volunteers —in schools, clubs, or community projects. We're looking for a young person who: Demonstrates exceptional commitment to volunteering despite their age Serves as a role model and inspiration to other young people Shows maturity, leadership, and dedication beyond their years May have overcome personal obstacles while helping others Actively contributes to making their school, club, or community better Examples might include: peer mentoring, fundraising champions, environmental activists, community event organisers, or young carers who also volunteer. 🤝 Grassroots Group of the Year For small, volunteer-led groups making a big difference. From lunch clubs to sports teams, support circles to hobby groups—if your local group is powered by passion and community spirit, we want to celebrate it. We're looking for groups that: Are entirely or predominantly volunteer-run Demonstrate strong community impact despite limited resources Show innovation, creativity, and resilience in their approach Foster genuine connections and belonging among members Address local needs or bring people together around shared interests Operate with transparency, inclusivity, and community spirit Examples might include: village halls committees, friendship groups, local history societies, craft circles, walking groups, or neighbourhood support networks. 🏢 Community Organisation Award Recognising larger charities, CICs, CIOs, or teams of staff and volunteers making a meaningful impact in the Forest of Dean. We celebrate organisations that: Make a real difference by creating positive, lasting change in the local community Join forces with other local groups and partners to work together effectively Stay open and accountable while encouraging active community participation Keep evolving to meet new challenges and the changing needs of the community Use resources wisely to bring the greatest possible benefits to those who need them Stay true to the mission and focus on what matters most to the Forest of Dean Champion volunteering by effectively recruiting, supporting, and valuing volunteers This award highlights established organisations with formal structures, paid staff, and a commitment to fostering and sustaining volunteer contributions. 🏢💚 Business in the Community Award Celebrating local businesses that give back. Whether through employee volunteering, project sponsorship, or hands-on community support, this award recognises businesses that are making a real social impact. We're looking for businesses that: Go beyond profit to actively contribute to community wellbeing Encourage and support employee volunteering during work time Provide meaningful sponsorship, donations, or in-kind support Partner with local charities and community groups Operate with environmental and social responsibility Demonstrate genuine, long-term commitment to the Forest of Dean Examples might include: businesses offering apprenticeships to local youth, companies supporting community events, employers giving staff volunteer days, or businesses donating skills, space, or resources. ♿ Accessibility & Inclusion Award (sponsored by FoD Dementia Action Alliance) This award celebrates organisations or groups that are actively working to break down barriers and create welcoming, inclusive spaces. It's not about being perfect—it's about showing commitment to accessibility, equity, and belonging for all. We're looking for organisations that: Actively work to remove physical, social, or communication barriers Demonstrate understanding of diverse needs including disability, age, culture, and background Show ongoing commitment to improving accessibility and inclusion Provide training, support, or resources to become more inclusive Create environments where everyone feels valued and able to participate Take practical steps to accommodate different needs and abilities This could include: dementia-inclusive initiatives, wheelchair accessible improvements, sensory-friendly adaptations, multilingual support, or programmes specifically designed to welcome marginalised groups. 🌍 Community Climate Action Award (sponsored by Forest of Dean Climate Action Partnership) F or individuals or VCSE groups leading the way in environmental action. From community gardens and repair cafés to sustainable transport and flood resilience—if you're helping the Forest adapt and thrive in a changing climate, we want to hear from you. We're looking for nominees who: Take practical action to address climate change or environmental challenges Inspire and educate others about sustainable living Develop innovative solutions to local environmental issues Build community resilience to the impact of the changing climate Create lasting positive environmental change in the Forest of Dean Examples might include: renewable energy projects, sustainable food initiatives, active travel promotion, waste reduction campaigns, or climate adaptation projects. NOMINATIONS NOW CLOSED FAQs Who can nominate? Anyone can nominate! Whether you are an individual local resident, part of a community group or from a local government organisation. How can I nominate? It’s easy – just fill in our nomination form here or if you would prefer a paper copy you can request one via communications@fvaf.org.uk or 01594 822073. What information do I need to provide? Please provide plenty of detail about what the nominee has achieved and as much information as possible about them and their unique contribution. If you have any, please provide good quality photographs. Make sure that you have permission from anyone else in the photograph so that we can use it for media and promotional activities unless you tell us not to. Should I tell the person or organisation I am nominating them or keep it a surprise? Ideally it would be good to let them know once you have decided to nominate, just so that they are aware and happy for their story to be shared. We want to celebrate and shout about the wonderful work of volunteers which would include promotion via social media, on our website and to local press. How will it be judged? All nominations will be carefully considered by a panel of judges. This panel will be made up of a mix of unbiased and independent judges including; members of staff from FVAF, a FVAF trustee, and representatives from local councils, businesses and media. For more information or if you have any questions, email communications@fvaf.org.uk or call 01594 822073 .

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.