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

Get Help To Unlock Your Community’s Potential! Forest of Dean District Council has just launched Community Grants 2025 to 2026 . This one-off funding is open to not-for-profit voluntary and community groups in the Forest of Dean to help build stronger, more cohesive communities. To help you fill in the application form we’ve teamed up with Gloucestershire Rural Community Counci l to offer drop-in sessions or bookable slots across the Forest: 18 March 2025 | Sedbury Village Hall & Sedbury Space Drop-in: 10am - 11am Bookable slots: 11am - 12pm 26 March 2025 | FODDC Offices, Coleford Bookable slots: 1pm - 3:30pm 7 April 2025 | Sixteen Community Café, Coleford Drop-in: 11am - 1pm 10 April 2025 | Newent Memorial Hall Bookable slots: 11am - 12pm Drop-in: 12:30pm - 1:30pm 28 April 2025 | The Victoria Centre, Victoria Road, Lydney Bookable slots: 10am - 12:30pm Drop-in: 2pm - 4pm 1 May 2025 | Ow Bist - Forest Community Space, Cinderford Bookable slots: 11am - 12pm Drop-in: 12pm - 1pm Learn more about the FoDDC Community Grants and download the application documents HERE For more information or to book your slot, contact us at volunteer@fvaf.org.uk or 01594 822073.

EVENTS CALENDAR Check out the latest hip happenings in the Forest!

Hodanje sa točkovima Koristite jedan od Skuteri za mobilnost na svim terenima za pristup prekrasnim šumskim stazama sa svojom porodicom i prijateljima, bez obzira na vaše sposobnosti hodanja. The Forest of Dean je priznat centar za šetnju i vožnju biciklom i dobro je opslužen stazama i drugim površinskim pristupima. Za osobe sa tjelesnim invaliditetom, lošim zdravljem, senzornim oštećenjem ili nekim drugim inhibirajućim stanjem, međutim, može postojati potreba za nekom stručnom pomoći, specijalizovanim tumačenjem ili drugim odgovarajućim medijima kako bi im se omogućilo da uživaju u pogodnostima koje drugi uzimaju zdravo za gotovo. Ovo Šumarska šuma Projekat finansiran od Heritage Lottery, radeći zajedno sa Countryside Mobility pruža mogućnosti za više ljudi da pristupe Dekanskoj šumi. Walking with Wheels nudi skutere za kretanje po svim terenima (zvane Trampers) za iznajmljivanje iz Forest Holidays u Christchurchu i hotela Speech House. Trampersi su dostupni za unaprijed mapirane rute koje pružaju pogled na Symonds Yat, Biblins, Arboretum Cyril Hart i jezero Mallards Pike, da spomenemo samo neke. Ako želite saznati više o Hodanju s točkovima, pozovite 01594 822073 ili kontaktirajte nas putem emaila . Često Postavljena Pitanja Šta je 'Tramper'? Ko može koristiti ovu uslugu? Na kojim rutama ga mogu koristiti? Kada je moguće unajmiti? Kako mogu rezervirati? Koliko košta unajmiti Trampera? Šta ako nikada ranije nisam koristio jedan od ovih? Šta ako mi treba dodatna pomoć? Zašto moram postati član Countryside Mobility? Mogu li pomoći s ovim projektom? Šta ako trebam otkazati rezervaciju? Frequently Asked Questions

Recovery & Wellbeing Café

Peer Development

Forest of Dean Mental Health Locality Partnership

Digitalne inovacije Opšte je poznato da se ljudi širom Šume Dean osjećaju digitalno isključenima. FVAF, radeći u partnerstvu sa Vijećem okruga Gloucestershire, Digital Unite i IT školama u Africi, naporno rade na razbijanju ovih barijera. Kroz obuku grupe digitalnih šampiona i vođenje brojnih 'pop-up' digitalnih sesija u Dekanskoj šumi, nadamo se da ćete moći podržati one koji bi željeli poboljšati svoje digitalne vještine, bilo da je to učenje kako napraviti video pozive voljenim osobama, plaćajte račune na mreži, šaljite e-poštu ili pohađajte virtuelne časove. Pored 'pop-up' centara za obuku, uskoro ćemo instalirati digitalni paket za obuku u zgradi naše zajednice u Cinderfordu. Takođe ćemo raditi sa GRCC-om i lokalnim seoskim vijećnicama kako bismo poboljšali njihovu digitalnu infrastrukturu kako bi se omogućila bolja povezanost u ruralnim zajednicama. Ako ste zainteresovani da postanete Digitalni šampion i podržite druge, kontaktirajte Nicka Pennyja putem e-pošte na Projects@fvaf.org.uk IT škole Afrika Digital Champions GRCC

SUMMER HAF - HOLIDAY, ACTIVITIES & FOOD WEEK 1 - 1 to 4 August MONDAY PROSTARS KIDS CLUB CAMP (4-12yrs) Dene Magna Secondary School, Picklenash Junior School, Dean Academy Secondary School PROGRESSIVE SPORTS ACTIVE CAMPS (4-13yrs) St Whites Primary School, Cinderford SWIM PASS (4-16 yrs) Freedom Leisure, Cinderford LITTLE LEARNERS CRAFTS, MESSY PLAY AND MORE Foxglove Gardens, Coleford WILDINGS HOLIDAY CLUB (5-12yrs) Noxon Farm Permaculture, Lydney REKINDLE YOUTH HOLIDAY HANG OUT (13-16yrs) Kensley Sheds, Cinderford, Coleford Recreation BOOK HERE Click to book WEDNESDAY PROSTARS KIDS CLUB CAMP (4-12yrs) Dene Magna Secondary School, Picklenash Junior School, Dean Academy Secondary School PROGRESSIVE SPORTS ACTIVE CAMPS (4-13yrs) St Whites Primary School, Cinderford SWIM PASS (4-16 yrs) Freedom Leisure, Cinderford LITTLE LEARNERS CRAFTS, MESSY PLAY AND MORE Foxglove Gardens, Coleford WILDINGS HOLIDAY CLUB (5-12yrs) Noxon Farm Permaculture, Lydney REKINDLE YOUTH HOLIDAY HANG OUT (13-16yrs) Kensley Sheds, Cinderford, Coleford Recreation BOOK HERE Click to book TUESDAY PROSTARS KIDS CLUB CAMP (4-12yrs) Dene Magna Secondary School, Picklenash Junior School, Dean Academy Secondary School PROGRESSIVE SPORTS ACTIVE CAMPS (4-13yrs) St Whites Primary School, Cinderford SWIM PASS (4-16 yrs) Freedom Leisure, Cinderford NEWENT INITIATIVE ACTIVITY SESSIONS (9-16 yrs) Chillout Zone, Newent LITTLE LEARNERS CRAFTS, MESSY PLAY AND MORE Foxglove Gardens, Coleford WILDINGS HOLIDAY CLUB (5-12yrs) Noxon Farm Permaculture, Lydney REKINDLE YOUTH HOLIDAY HANG OUT (13-16yrs) Kensley Sheds, Cinderford, Coleford Recreation BOOK HERE Click to book THURSDAY PROSTARS KIDS CLUB CAMP (4-12yrs) Dene Magna Secondary School, Picklenash Junior School, Dean Academy Secondary School PROGRESSIVE SPORTS ACTIVE CAMPS (4-13yrs) St Whites Primary School, Cinderford SWIM PASS (4-16 yrs) Freedom Leisure, Cinderford ARCHERY King George V Field, Coleford LITTLE LEARNERS CRAFTS, MESSY PLAY AND MORE Foxglove Gardens, Coleford WILDINGS HOLIDAY CLUB (5-12yrs) Noxon Farm Permaculture, Lydney REKINDLE YOUTH HOLIDAY HANG OUT (13-16yrs) Kensley Sheds, Cinderford, Coleford Recreation BOOK HERE Click to book FRIDAY PROSTARS KIDS CLUB CAMP (4-12yrs) Dene Magna Secondary School, Picklenash Junior School, Dean Academy Secondary School PROGRESSIVE SPORTS ACTIVE CAMPS (4-13yrs) St Whites Primary School, Cinderford SPORTILY ADVENTURE DAY Christian Adventure Centre, Lydney ARCHERY King George V Field, Coleford WILDINGS HOLIDAY CLUB (5-12yrs) Noxon Farm Permaculture, Lydney REKINDLE YOUTH HOLIDAY HANG OUT (13-16yrs) Kensley Sheds, Cinderford, Coleford Recreation BOOK HERE Click to book For more information visit the Gloucestershire County Council website here

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„Izgradnja jačih zajednica u Dekanova šuma" Šta je FVAF? FVAF je skraćenica od Forest Voluntary Action Forum. Nudimo podršku lokalnim građanima, grupama u zajednici i aktivnostima da rade stvari koje su im najvažnije. Ovo uključuje sljedeće: podrška i razvojni savjeti obuku informacije umrežavanje sastanaka olakšavanje predstavljanja regrutovanje volontera volonterski angažman i podrška Također vodimo mnoge projekte sa i za lokalnu zajednicu, kao što su Udruženje mladih Šuma dekana, Kampanje prazničnih aktivnosti, The Forest Youth Music Network, The GEM Project, The Forest Compass Directory, Hod with Wheels i mnogi drugi. Pogledajte našu stranicu Projekti za sve detalje. Saznati više Hop onboard the DigiBus! FREE 1-2-1 training Coming to a town near you…the DigiBus will be stopping at locations across the Forest during June and July with trainers on hand to help you improve your digital skills. FIND OUT MORE NOVI direktorij volontiranja Još lakše volontirati u Dekanskoj šumi? U FVAF-u smo izradili potpuno novu knjižicu pod nazivom Volontiranje u Forest of Dean. Ovo je besplatni imenik nekih od mnogih mogućnosti volontiranja dostupnih na lokalnom nivou. Uskoro će biti štampane kopije vaš lokalni Biblioteka ili Centar zajednice ili kliknite ispod da preuzmete a digitalna kopija. Preuzimanje knjižice o volontiranju Pronađite svoj najbliži Drop-in Hub SADA OTVOREN Svratišta za izgradnju zajednice Uđite i razgovarajte licem u lice sa graditeljem zajednice. Svaki drop-in centar nudi raznovrsnu podršku, savjete i smjernice za lokalno stanovništvo. Na primjer; podrška i označavanje lokalnim uslugama, povezivanje i uspostavljanje novih grupa u zajednici, podrška ljudima da se približe zaposlenju ili daljem obrazovanju, pomoć u pristupu digitalnom svijetu i podrška za oživotvorenje vaših ideja za zajednicu. Forest of Dean Udruženje mladih Udruženje mladih Forest of Dean podržava mlade mlađe od 25 godina da postanu proaktivni građani i lideri svojih života. Također podržavamo grupe i organizacije u zajednici širom Forest of Dean kako bi unaprijedili sjajan posao koji već rade kroz otkrivanje lokalnih vještina i sredstava, bilo da se radi o ljudima, mjestima ili finansiranju. Tim ima širok spektar vještina i iskustva u radu s mladima i našim šumskim zajednicama, tako da se možemo prilagoditi i reagirati na većinu projekata ili upita vezanih za mlade. Kao rezultat toga, Udruženje mladih uključuje se u širok spektar projekata, kao i pružanje putokaza za podršku i usluge. Saznati više Volonteer Support Ako želite volontirati u Dekanskoj šumi, imamo izbor trenutnih mogućnosti za vas. Ako ste grupa u zajednici koja želi neku volontersku podršku, možemo promovirati vaš konkurs za volontiranje za vas. Ako vam je potrebna pomoć i savjet o radu sa volonterima, javite se Search Volunteer Opportunites Pratite nas na Facebooku Naše najnovije vijesti i događaje redovno objavljujemo na Facebooku. Za najnovije informacije pratite našu Facebook stranicu Idite na Facebook Naši partneri