Ow Bist Community Kitchen Opportunity! COME & FIND OUT MORE! 2pm-4pm | Monday 14 Sept READ MORE Frequently visited pages: COMMUNITY HUBS VOLUNTEER ADVICE YOUTH SUPPORT Was ist FVAF? FVAF steht für Freiwilliges Aktionsforum Wald. Wir bieten lokalen Bürgern, Gemeindegruppen und Aktivitäten Unterstützung, um die Dinge zu tun, die ihnen am wichtigsten sind. Dies beinhaltet Folgendes: Unterstützung und Entwicklungsberatung Ausbildung Information Netzwerktreffen Vertretung erleichtern Freiwillige Rekrutierung Freiwilligenvermittlung und -unterstützung Wir führen auch viele Projekte mit und für die lokale Gemeinde durch, wie die Forest of Dean Youth Association, Holiday Activity Campaigns, The Forest Youth Music Network, The GEM Project, The Forest Compass Directory, Walking with Wheels und viele mehr. Auf unserer Projektseite finden Sie alle Details. „Stärkere Gemeinschaften aufbauen in der Wald von Dean" Finde mehr heraus JOIN OUR MAILING LIST Get the latest community news and check out exciting volunteering opportunity in or around the Forest of Dean... Gehe zu Facebook Useful publications: FREE directory of the many volunteering opportunities available locally... DOWNLOAD Unsere Partner 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 2AQ 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

Our Team. Our head office is based in Cinderford but everyday you will meet members of the FVAF team out and about supporting the community and building strong partnerships with other local organisations and groups... Chris Brown Chief Executive Officer Nick Penny Head of Operations Deb Cook Head of Development Catherine Best Communications & Fundraising Manager Teresa Allewell Finance Manager Cherry Potter-Irwin Finance & Administration Officer Fliss Simister Youth Team Manager Lisa Robertson Youth Development Officer Katy Virgo Youth Development Officer Courtney Middleton Project Coordinator Jodie Atkins Youth Support Worker Adam Lambert Youth Projects Manager Krissie Carter Neighbourhood Connector Mark Evans Neighbourhood Connector Alex Digby Community Team Manager Melanie Benn Community Builder Teresa Rose Community Connectors' Facilitator Pete Harper Community Connector Flora Croysdale Digital Inclusion Community Builder Piers Cardiff Forest of Dean Climate Action Partnership Coordinator Becky Moorcroft Forest of Dean Climate Action Partnership Coordinator Meet our trustees. We have a highly skilled board of trustees who meet regularly to monitor, challenge and guide what FVAF does now, and in the future. Bob Rhodes Chair of Trustees Josh Bond Vice Chair of Trustees Jonathan Gault Trustee - Treasurer Patricia Le Rolland Trustee Sid Phelps Trustee Diana Martin Trustee Rob Toomer Trustee Roger Deeks Trustee Interested in becoming a FVAF Trustee? Talk to us! Contact Chris is ceo@fvaf.org.uk 01594 822073

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

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

Lydney Link up soundbite Lydney Link Up 00:00 / 04:01 Lydney Link Up Julie at the Lydney Habour 00:00 / 01:17 Conversation with Vilnis Lydney Link Up 00:00 / 02:17 Lydney Link Up Mia's experience 00:00 / 01:49

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.

Freiwilligenarbeit Als Freiwilligenzentrum für den Forest of Dean sind wir hier, um Ihnen bei der Rekrutierung und Verwaltung von Freiwilligen zu helfen Unser neues Ehrenamt Broschüre gefüllt mit Details der Freiwilligenarbeit vor Ort Chancen ist jetzt raus KLICKEN SIE HIER ZUM HERUNTERLADEN Als Freiwilligenzentrum für die Wald des Dekans Wir sind oft die erste Anlaufstelle für alle, die sich für ehrenamtliches Engagement interessieren. Letztes Jahr waren wir stolz darauf, über 100.000 Stunden Freiwilligenarbeit in der Region zu unterstützen! Die FVAF fördert und bewirbt eine breite Palette von Freiwilligenarbeitsmöglichkeiten von Organisationen, die unser Ethos bei der Unterstützung von Freiwilligen teilen und die vielen Gründe anerkennen, warum Menschen sich für Freiwilligenarbeit entscheiden. Warum ehrenamtlich? Freiwilligenarbeit hat eine Reihe enormer Vorteile, nicht nur für Sie persönlich, sondern auch für Ihre Gemeinschaft und die Welt, in der wir leben. Wenn Sie Ihren Lebenslauf verbessern, neue Leute kennenlernen, Ihre Fähigkeiten einsetzen, etwas Neues lernen, einem Interesse nachgehen, Erfahrung bieten oder einfach etwas bewegen möchten, haben wir garantiert eine Gelegenheit für Sie! Sie können sich auf folgenden Wegen über diese Möglichkeiten informieren: Suchmöglichkeiten unter Mach es.org Rufen Sie uns an unter 01594 822073 Nehmen Sie Kontakt auf über Email Besuchen Sie uns im FVAF Mo - Fr 9:00 - 1:00 Uhr ( Wegbeschreibung ) Wenn Sie sich in einer großen Gruppe engagieren möchten, zum Beispiel im Rahmen von Corporate Volunteering, dann haben wir ebenfalls eine große Auswahl an Möglichkeiten. 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: Als One-Stop-Shop für alle Belange des Ehrenamts nutzen wir eine facettenreiche Methodik, um Ihnen die bestmögliche Chance zu geben, wertvolle Freiwillige zu rekrutieren und zu halten. Dies beinhaltet Folgendes: Bewerben Sie Ihre Möglichkeiten auf Do-it.org Bewerben Ihrer Möglichkeiten gegenüber Mitgliedern der Öffentlichkeit, die an uns oder über unsere Drop-in-Funktion verwiesen wurden. Bewerben Sie Ihre Möglichkeiten auf unseren Facebook- und Twitter-Seiten Werben Sie für Ihre Möglichkeiten bei lokalen Diensten, die Freiwilligenarbeit unterstützen, z. Jobcenter, LearnDirect und 2GetherTrust Bewerben Sie Ihre Möglichkeiten auf über 30 Veranstaltungen pro Jahr Senden Sie Ihre Möglichkeiten an lokale Unternehmen, die arbeitgeberunterstützte Freiwilligenarbeit anbieten Förderung relevanter Möglichkeiten für Schulen, Hochschulen und Universitäten Verteilen Sie Ihre Möglichkeiten an unsere Freiwilligendatenbank mit über 1.000 Personen Werbung für Ihre Möglichkeiten in einer Vielzahl von Netzwerken, einschließlich 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)

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

Community Builders Drop-in-Hubs The drop-in hub provides support to create, inspire and build stronger communities together Der Drop-in-Hub bietet Unterstützung, um gemeinsam stärkere Gemeinschaften zu schaffen, zu inspirieren und aufzubauen Jeder Drop-in-Hub bietet eine Vielzahl von Unterstützung, Beratung und Anleitung für die Anwohner. Zum Beispiel; Unterstützung und Ausschilderung lokaler Dienste, verlinken und neu einrichten Community-Gruppen, die Menschen dabei unterstützen, einer Beschäftigung oder Weiterbildung näher zu kommen, den Zugang zur digitalen Welt zu erleichtern und Ihre Ideen für die Community zum Leben zu erwecken. Wir können Hilfe anbieten bei: Freiwilligenarbeitsmöglichkeiten Unterstützung bei der Beschäftigungsfähigkeit Lokale Aktivitätsgruppen und Clubs IT & digitale Unterstützung Informationen zu lokalen Veranstaltungen Beschilderung zu lokalen Diensten 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.

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.

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

Über FVAF Über FVAF Unsere Geschichte Wir sind der Voluntary Service Council und das Volunteer Center for the Forest of Dean. Wir unterstützen viele der Hunderte von Freiwilligen- und Gemeindeorganisationen im Distrikt, die wiederum besser in der Lage sind, ihre Arbeit in und für die lokale Gemeinde zu leisten. Seit unserer Gründung im Jahr 1994 haben wir uns einen guten Ruf für die Förderung, Unterstützung und Verbesserung von Gemeinschaftsaktionen im gesamten Forest of Dean erarbeitet. Wir glauben, dass wir es den Bürgern durch gemeinschaftsgeführte Ansätze ermöglichen, die Fähigkeiten, die Widerstandsfähigkeit und das soziale Kapital zu entwickeln, um ein glücklicheres und besser vernetztes Leben zu führen. Bürodienste Mitarbeiter und Treuhänder Richtlinien Barrierefreiheit und Nachhaltigkeit