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

Forest of Dean Digital Partnership FUNDED BY THE BARNWOOD TRUST A collaborative community partnership project, led by FVAF. This district-wide partnership, the first of its kind, was created to break down the barriers people face in relation to digital inclusion and unlock the many assets available within our communities and the digital world.   Forest of Dean Digital Partnership - Final Evaluation September 2024 Report - Download Forest of Dean Digital Partnership - Final Evaluation September 2024: APPENDICES APPENDIX 1: Forest of Dean Digital Partnership Application APPENDIX 2: Insight into Set up and Delivery of Local Digital Inclusion Pilot Projects APPENDIX 3: Healthwatch Gloucestershire - Access to digital technologies APPENDIX 4: Partner Claim Form APPENDIX 5: Instructions for filling in Partner’s claim form APPENDIX 6: Promo flier - Invitation to get involved APPENDIX 7: EOI Process Map APPENDIX 8: EOI Document A template APPENDIX 9: EOI Document B template APPENDIX 10: EOI scoring sheet APPENDIX 11:Forest of Dean Community Choir EOI Document 1 APPENDIX 12: Forest of Dean Community Choir EOI Document 2 APPENDIX 13: Virtual Sight Loss EOI Document 1 APPENDIX 14: Virtual Sight Loss EOI Document 2 APPENDIX 15: CVT EOI Document 1 APPENDIX 16: CVT EOI Document 2 APPENDIX 17: Outdoors, Indoors EOI Document 1 APPENDIX 18: Outdoors, Indoors EOI Document 2 APPENDIX 19: Forest Pathways EOI Document 1 APPENDIX 20: Forest Pathways EOI Document 2 APPENDIX 21: Project Engage EOI Document 1 APPENDIX 22: Project Engage EOI Document 2 APPENDIX 23: Forest of Dean Hybrid Choir Final Evaluation APPENDIX 24: CVT - Digital Inclusion Workshop Final Evaluation APPENDIX 25: Outdoors, Indoors Final Evaluation APPENDIX 26: Forest Pathways Final Evaluation APPENDIX 27: Forest Pathways Executive Summary APPENDIX 28: Reflection Session Presentation APPENDIX 29: Journey Reflection OTHER PROJECT PUBLICATIONS: EASY READ BOOKLET - How to use the computer and software EASY READ BOOKLET - Staying Safe Online

Gwirfoddoli Fel canolfan Wirfoddoli Fforest y Ddena rydym yma i'ch helpu i recriwtio a rheoli gwirfoddolwyr Ein Gwirfoddoli newydd llyfryn yn llawn o fanylion o wirfoddoli lleol mae cyfleoedd ar gael nawr CLICIWCH I LAWRLWYTHO Fel y Ganolfan Gwirfoddoli ar gyfer y Fforest y Ddena ni yw'r pwynt cyswllt cyntaf yn aml i unrhyw un sydd â diddordeb mewn gwirfoddoli. Y llynedd roeddem yn falch o gefnogi gwerth dros 100,000 o oriau o wirfoddoli yn yr ardal! Mae FVAF yn hyrwyddo ac yn hysbysebu ystod eang o gyfleoedd gwirfoddoli gan sefydliadau sy'n rhannu ein hethos o ran cefnogi gwirfoddolwyr a chydnabod yr amrywiaeth eang o resymau pam mae pobl yn dewis gwirfoddoli. Pam Gwirfoddoli? Mae gan wirfoddoli nifer o fanteision enfawr, nid yn unig i chi yn unigol, ond i'ch cymuned a'r byd yr ydym yn byw ynddo. Os hoffech chi gyfoethogi'ch CV, cyfarfod â phobl newydd, defnyddio'ch sgiliau'n dda, dysgu rhywbeth newydd, dilyn diddordeb, cynnig profiad neu wneud gwahaniaeth, rydyn ni'n sicr o gael cyfle i chi! Gallwch gael gwybodaeth am y cyfleoedd hyn yn y ffyrdd canlynol: Chwiliwch am gyfleoedd yn Do-it.org Ffoniwch ni ar 01594 822073 Cysylltwch drwy ebost Dewch i ymweld â ni yn FVAF Llun - Gwener 9:00 - 1:00 ( Cyfarwyddiadau ) Os ydych yn dymuno gwirfoddoli fel rhan o grŵp mawr, er enghraifft fel rhan o wirfoddoli corfforaethol, yna mae gennym hefyd amrywiaeth eang o gyfleoedd i ddewis ohonynt. Get the latest volunteer opportunities - direct to your mailbox! Sign up to receive our regular email Volunteer Newsletter: SIGN UP HELP FOR GROUPS - recruiting & managing volunteers As a one-stop-shop for all things volunteering, we can help you find, and keep, the perfect volunteer: Fel siop-un-stop ar gyfer popeth sy'n ymwneud â gwirfoddoli, rydym yn defnyddio methodoleg amlochrog i roi'r cyfle gorau posibl i chi recriwtio a chadw gwirfoddolwyr gwerthfawr. Mae hyn yn cynnwys y canlynol: Hysbysebu eich cyfleoedd ar Do-it.org Hyrwyddo eich cyfleoedd i aelodau o'r cyhoedd a gyfeiriwyd atom neu drwy ein swyddogaeth galw heibio. Hysbysebu eich cyfleoedd ar ein tudalennau Facebook a Twitter Hyrwyddo eich cyfleoedd i wasanaethau lleol sy'n cefnogi gwirfoddoli e.e. Canolfan Gwaith, LearnDirect a 2GetherTrust Hysbysebu eich cyfleoedd mewn dros 30 o ddigwyddiadau'r flwyddyn Anfon eich cyfleoedd i fusnesau lleol sy'n cynnig gwirfoddoli gyda chymorth cyflogwr Hyrwyddo cyfleoedd perthnasol i Ysgolion, Colegau a Phrifysgolion Dosbarthu eich cyfleoedd i'n cronfa ddata gwirfoddolwyr o dros 1,000 o bobl Hyrwyddo eich cyfleoedd i amrywiaeth o rwydweithiau, gan gynnwys Know Your Patch Get in touch - call us on 01594 822073, via email or visit us at FVAF, Ow Bist - Forest Community Space, Dockham Road, Cinderford GL14 2AN (Mon - Fri 9am - 4pm)

Cerdded gydag Olwynion Defnyddiwch un o'r sgwteri symudedd pob tir i gael mynediad i lwybrau prydferth y Goedwig gyda’ch teulu a’ch ffrindiau, waeth beth fo’ch gallu i gerdded. Yr Fforest y Ddena yn ganolfan gydnabyddedig ar gyfer cerdded a beicio ac yn cael ei gwasanaethu'n dda gan lwybrau a mynediad arall ag arwyneb. Fodd bynnag, ar gyfer pobl ag anabledd corfforol, iechyd gwael, nam ar y synhwyrau neu gyflwr llesteiriol arall, efallai y bydd angen rhywfaint o gymorth pŵer, dehongliad arbenigol neu gyfryngau priodol eraill i'w galluogi i fwynhau'r buddion y mae eraill yn eu cymryd yn ganiataol. hwn Coedwigwyr Prosiect a Ariennir gan Gronfa Dreftadaeth y Loteri, yn cydweithio â Symudedd Cefn Gwlad yn darparu cyfleoedd i fwy o bobl gael mynediad i Fforest y Ddena. Mae Walking with Wheels yn darparu sgwteri symudedd pob tir (o’r enw Trampers) i’w llogi o Forest Holidays yn Christchurch, a Gwesty’r Speech House. Mae'r Trampers ar gael ar gyfer llwybrau wedi'u mapio ymlaen llaw sy'n cynnwys golygfeydd Symonds Yat, y Biblins, Arboretum Cyril Hart a Llyn Hwyaid Pike i enwi dim ond rhai. Os hoffech chi ddysgu mwy am Gerdded gydag Olwynion, ffoniwch 01594 822073 neu cysylltwch â ni trwy e-bost . Cwestiynau Cyffredin Beth yw 'Tramper'? Pwy all ddefnyddio'r gwasanaeth hwn? Ar ba lwybrau y gallaf ei ddefnyddio? Pryd mae ar gael i'w logi? Sut gallaf archebu un? Faint mae'n ei gostio i logi Tramper? Beth os nad ydw i erioed wedi defnyddio un o'r rhain o'r blaen? Beth os bydd angen help ychwanegol arnaf? Pam fod yn rhaid i mi ddod yn aelod o Countryside Mobility? A allaf helpu gyda'r prosiect hwn? Beth os bydd angen i mi ganslo archeb? Frequently Asked Questions

🌟 Forest Volunteer Awards 2026 – 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. ♿ Diversity & 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. NOMINATION HERE! CLOSING DATE: MIDNIGHT SUNDAY 19 JULY 2026 See last year's winners here 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 team transforms Local Spaces during Volunteers Week 2025 We rolled up our sleeves this week and got stuck in with some fantastic Employer Supported Volunteering (ESV) as part of Volunteers Week 2025! We got out about in the local community to two fantastic local community groups: Team Paint Squad grabbed their brushes and got stuck in with smiles on their faces (and paint on their clothes!) to transform the Forest Fighting Fit studio with a fresh coat of paint - brightening up their space, recovery room, and bathrooms. Team Green Fingers headed down to Steam Mills to work their magic at the community garden for Cinderford Grows. Armed with gloves, tools, and plenty of enthusiasm, our team tackled overgrown areas, cleared stubborn weeds, and gave the pathway a beautiful fresh layer of wood chippings. Deb Cook, FVAF's Volunteering Manager said: "We all had a blast and were reminded that volunteering can be both rewarding and great fun!" A huge thank you to Forest Fighting Fit and Cinderford Grows for welcoming us with open arms.

CELEBRATING OUR AMAZING VOLUNTEERS! This National Volunteers Week (1st-7th June), we're hitting the road with our special roadshow across the Forest of Dean to say a massive THANK YOU to all our incredible volunteers! Join us at 4 fantastic locations throughout the first week of June as we celebrate the heart and soul of our community - YOU, our volunteers! At each stop, we'll be: ✨ Celebrating local volunteering heroes ✨ Giving away special thank you gifts for every volunteer we meet! 📅 First week of June 📍 4 locations across the Forest of Dean: Stop 1 – Coleford 9.30am - 11:30am, Monday 1st June at Café Sixteen, Bank Street, Coleford. Stop 2 – Newent 1:30pm - 3:30pm, Wednesday 3rd June at Newent Chillout Stop 3 – Lydney 10am – 12pm, Thursday 4th June at River Children and Family Centre Stop 4 – Cinderford 3:30pm – 6pm, Thursday 4th June at Ow Bist - Forest Community Space + **PARTY TIME!!** Official unveiling of the Ow Bist Community Mural. Contact volunteer@fvaf.org.uk for more information.

NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN! CLOSING DATE: MIDNIGHT SUNDAY 19 JULY 2026 Nomination Form 2026 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 Diversity & 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

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

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