Tell us what training would help your organisation We're exploring how best to support the training needs of voluntary and community groups across the Forest of Dean. This might include hosting training ourselves, bringing in external trainers, or connecting you with existing resources and courses. Please complete this brief survey to let us know what would be most valuable for you. Your feedback will shape the support we're able to offer. Organisation Name: Your Role: Email Training Topics Which of the following topics would be most valuable for your organisation? (Please tick all that apply and add any others) Funding & Fundraising Marketing & PR Digital Skills/Using Technology Financial Procedures & Management Governance & Trustees Finding & Recruiting Volunteers Volunteer Management & Retention Embedding Climate Action Neurodiversity, Mental Health & Inclusion Safeguarding First Aid Health & Safety Food Hygiene Other Let us know your TOP 3 training needs: When Which days work best for you? (Tick all that apply) Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Preferred times: (Tick all that apply) Morning (9am-12pm) Afternoon (1pm-5pm) Evening (6pm-8pm) Where How would you prefer to attend training? (Tick all that apply) In-person only Online only Hybrid (option to attend either way) No preference If in-person: Forest of Dean only Willing to travel How Which learning formats work best for you? (Tick all that apply) Workshops (group sessions) Online webinars/courses One-to-one support/mentoring Drop-in sessions Self-paced resources Peer learning/networking groups 5. Additional Information Are there any barriers that prevent you from accessing training? (e.g., cost, time, childcare, accessibility needs) Any other comments or suggestions? Submit

عضو FVAF شوید با عضویت در FVAF به ما کمک می کنید تا به ارائه خدمات حمایتی حیاتی به بخش داوطلبانه و اجتماعی در ادامه دهیم. جنگل دین FVAF به عنوان یک مدافع برای اقدامات داوطلبانه و اجتماعی در صورت لزوم در سطح منطقه، شهرستان و ملی عمل می کند، و هر چه تعداد اعضای بیشتری را نمایندگی کنیم، صدای ما قوی تر می شود. بنابراین، اعضا در مورد موضوعاتی که بر بخش داوطلبانه و اجتماعی در Forest of Dean تأثیر میگذارد و هدف ما بهعنوان یک سازمان برای دستیابی به آن، مشورت میشود. به عنوان یک عضو، از دسترسی به خدمات دفتر ما، کاهش نرخ چاپ و کپی، ارتقای جای خالی داوطلبان برای گروه خود و اجاره رایگان طیف وسیعی از تجهیزات اداری لذت خواهید برد. این شامل: تابلوهای نمایش حلقه شنوایی پروژکتور و صفحه نمایش دیجیتال سیستم PA نمودارهای تلنگر میز تاشو بلند کوزه آب گرم پذیرایی Gazebo (کمک مالی 5 پوندی لازم است) اگر مایلید عضو FVAF شوید، روی دکمه Join FVAF در سمت راست کلیک کنید و فرم را تکمیل کنید. برای اطلاعات بیشتر با شماره 01594 822073 تماس بگیرید عضویت در FVAF برای دسترسی به تمام خدمات پشتیبانی ما رایگان است به FVAF بپیوندید

داوطلب شدن ما به عنوان مرکز داوطلب برای Forest of Dean اینجا هستیم تا به شما در استخدام و مدیریت داوطلبان کمک کنیم. داوطلبانه جدید ما جزوه پر از جزئیات داوطلبانه محلی فرصت ها در حال حاضر تمام شده است برای دانلود کلیک کنید به عنوان مرکز داوطلب برای جنگل دین ما اغلب اولین نقطه تماس برای هر کسی هستیم که علاقه مند به کار داوطلبانه است. سال گذشته ما مفتخر بودیم که بیش از 100000 ساعت از داوطلبی در این منطقه را پشتیبانی می کنیم! FVAF طیف وسیعی از فرصتهای داوطلبانه را از سوی سازمانهایی که اخلاق ما را در حمایت از داوطلبان و تشخیص طیف وسیعی از دلایلی که مردم برای داوطلب شدن انتخاب میکنند، به اشتراک میگذارند، تبلیغ و تبلیغ میکند. چرا داوطلب؟ داوطلبانه مزایای زیادی دارد، نه تنها برای شما به صورت فردی، بلکه برای جامعه شما و جهانی که در آن زندگی می کنیم. اگر میخواهید رزومه خود را ارتقا دهید، با افراد جدید ملاقات کنید، از مهارتهای خود به خوبی استفاده کنید، چیز جدیدی یاد بگیرید، علاقهای را دنبال کنید، تجربه ارائه دهید یا به سادگی تغییر ایجاد کنید، مطمئناً فرصتی برای شما خواهیم داشت! از راه های زیر می توانید از این فرصت ها مطلع شوید: جستجوی فرصت ها در Do-it.org با ما با شماره 01594 822073 تماس بگیرید از طریق تماس بگیرید پست الکترونیک از دوشنبه - جمعه از ساعت 9:00 تا 1:00 در FVAF از ما دیدن کنید ( مسیرها ) اگر به دنبال داوطلب شدن به عنوان بخشی از یک گروه بزرگ هستید، به عنوان مثال به عنوان بخشی از داوطلبانه شرکتی، پس ما نیز مجموعه وسیعی از فرصت ها را برای انتخاب داریم. 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: بهعنوان فروشگاهی یکجا برای همه چیزهای داوطلبانه، ما از روششناسی چند وجهی استفاده میکنیم تا بهترین شانس ممکن را برای جذب و حفظ داوطلبان ارزشمند به شما بدهیم. این شامل موارد زیر است: فرصت های خود را در Do-it.org تبلیغ کنید ارتقای فرصت های خود برای اعضای عمومی که به ما یا از طریق عملکرد کشویی ما مراجعه می کنند. فرصت های خود را در صفحات فیس بوک و توییتر ما تبلیغ کنید ارتقای فرصت های خود برای خدمات محلی که از داوطلبانه حمایت می کنند، به عنوان مثال. مرکز کار، LearnDirect و 2GetherTrust فرصت های خود را در بیش از 30 رویداد در سال تبلیغ کنید ارسال فرصت های خود به مشاغل محلی که داوطلبانه با پشتیبانی کارفرما را ارائه می دهند ارتقای فرصت های مرتبط به مدارس، کالج ها و دانشگاه ها توزیع فرصت های شما در پایگاه داده داوطلبانه ما با بیش از 1000 نفر ارتقای فرصت های خود به شبکه های مختلف، از جمله 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)

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.

FOREST VOLUNTEER AWARDS IT'S VOTING TIME! The PUBLIC VOTE is now OPEN for Volunteer of the Year 2025 - The People's Champion! VOTING CLOSES: MIDNIGHT WEDNESDAY 27 AUGUST 2025 We had so many fantastic nominations, with every one a worthy winner BUT after much deliberation our judging panel shortlisted the following local volunteers: VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE Carol Austin – Sedbury Space Laura Dovey – Taurus Crafts Annie George – Forest Exchange Ian Gower – CANDI, Mitcheldean Youth Club, Scarr Bandstand Glynis Halling – The Victoria Centre, Lydney Dial-a-Ride, Dr Charley's Lunch Club Julie Holder – Packed with Love Submit Find out why these amazing volunteers were nominated below: CAROL AUSTIN Sedbury Space Carol leads one of the Forest's busiest community groups at Sedbury Space, welcoming 30+ members weekly with exceptional care and dedication. LAURA DOVEY Taurus Crafts For an incredible twenty years, Laura has been the welcoming face of Taurus Crafts in Lydney, greeting every customer with genuine warmth and enthusiasm ANNIE GEORGE Forest Exchange Annie is the organisational powerhouse behind Forest Exchange (formerly Lydney Exchange), working tirelessly to help as many people as possible through this vital community resource.. Her personal touch makes all the difference – she ensures every member receives a birthday card and personally checks on anyone who's been absent for two weeks. Carol's generous spirit extends beyond her volunteer duties as she steps in to cover extra sessions, ensures no one feels excluded, and has a remarkable gift for helping shy members feel included without them even realising it. Her warm, energetic presence and unwavering commitment to helping others makes her an exceptional volunteer who truly goes above and beyond. Working across both the gift shop and Zero Waste shop, Laura's reliability and attention to detail shine through in everything she does – from pricing and checking invoices to ensuring packing materials are properly recycled. Her outstanding customer service skills and diligent approach make her a joy to work with, while her caring, helpful nature brings smiles to everyone she meets. Laura's two decades of unwavering commitment exemplifies the very best in community volunteering. Her incredible work ethic is evident whether she's moving heavy boxes, washing donated clothes, implementing efficient labelling systems, or lifting spirits with her amazing sense of humour. Over the past two and a half years, Annie has played a crucial role in the Exchange's remarkable growth from strength to strength. Though she's moving away to be closer to family, her unique approach to helping individuals and her invaluable contributions have left a lasting impact on the Forest community. IAN GOWER Mitcheldean Youth Club, CANDI, Scarr Bandstand Ian's volunteer work spans multiple organisations, making him a true Forest community champion through his support at CANDI, Mitcheldean Youth Hub, Scarr Bandstand, and the Forest of Dean History Society. GLYNIS HALLING The Victoria Centre, Lydney Dial-a-Ride, Dr Charley's Lunch Club For over 25 years, Glynis has been the driving force behind vital community services, serving as chief organiser and fundraiser for the Victoria Centre and previously Lydney Dial-a-Ride. JULIE HOLDER Packed with Love Julie is the inspirational driving force behind Packed with Love, a remarkable not-for-profit initiative that packs 180 backpacks for children in emergency care. Drawing on his engineering background with Rolls Royce, Ian creates engaging STEM workshops and provides maths tutoring that makes learning both fun and educational for young people. His understanding, kind, and caring approach toward young people, combined with his wealth of knowledge, makes him an exceptional mentor. Ian's dedication to his community is evident in how nothing is ever too much trouble, and his willingness to go out of his way to support the young people and various groups he serves. Her exceptional admin skills, creative vision, and ongoing dedication have been essential to these organisations' success. Glynis also volunteered for 13 years at Dr Charley's lunch club in Coleford, serving as Treasurer and later taking leadership after founder Dora Matthews passed away. Her commitment to community service has touched countless lives across the Forest, providing the "essential oil for the wheels" of much-valued services that bring people together and support those in need. Her tireless dedication encompasses every aspect of the operation – organising jumble sales and book sales, seeking donations, storing items in her own home, purchasing necessary supplies, coordinating the packing process, and ensuring distribution reaches those who need it most. Julie's work directly impacts vulnerable children during some of their most difficult moments, providing them with essential items and a tangible reminder that their community cares. Her selfless commitment transforms donations into hope for children facing uncertain times.

داوطلب شدن ما به عنوان مرکز داوطلب برای Forest of Dean اینجا هستیم تا به شما در استخدام و مدیریت داوطلبان کمک کنیم. داوطلبانه جدید ما جزوه پر از جزئیات داوطلبانه محلی فرصت ها در حال حاضر تمام شده است برای دانلود کلیک کنید یا از کتابخانه محلی یا مرکز انجمن خود یک نسخه بردارید به عنوان مرکز داوطلب برای جنگل دین ما اغلب اولین نقطه تماس برای هر کسی هستیم که علاقه مند به کار داوطلبانه است. سال گذشته ما مفتخر بودیم که بیش از 100000 ساعت از داوطلبی در این منطقه را پشتیبانی می کنیم! FVAF طیف وسیعی از فرصتهای داوطلبانه را از سوی سازمانهایی که اخلاق ما را در حمایت از داوطلبان و تشخیص طیف وسیعی از دلایلی که مردم برای داوطلب شدن انتخاب میکنند، به اشتراک میگذارند، تبلیغ و تبلیغ میکند. چرا داوطلب؟ داوطلبانه مزایای زیادی دارد، نه تنها برای شما به صورت فردی، بلکه برای جامعه شما و جهانی که در آن زندگی می کنیم. اگر میخواهید رزومه خود را ارتقا دهید، با افراد جدید ملاقات کنید، از مهارتهای خود به خوبی استفاده کنید، چیز جدیدی یاد بگیرید، علاقهای را دنبال کنید، تجربه ارائه دهید یا به سادگی تغییر ایجاد کنید، مطمئناً فرصتی برای شما خواهیم داشت! از راه های زیر می توانید از این فرصت ها مطلع شوید: جستجوی فرصت ها در Do-it.org با ما با شماره 01594 822073 تماس بگیرید از طریق تماس بگیرید پست الکترونیک از دوشنبه - جمعه از ساعت 9:00 تا 1:00 در FVAF از ما دیدن کنید ( مسیرها ) اگر به دنبال داوطلب شدن به عنوان بخشی از یک گروه بزرگ هستید، به عنوان مثال به عنوان بخشی از داوطلبانه شرکتی، پس ما نیز مجموعه وسیعی از فرصت ها را برای انتخاب داریم. 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 بهعنوان فروشگاهی یکجا برای همه چیزهای داوطلبانه، ما از روششناسی چند وجهی استفاده میکنیم تا بهترین شانس ممکن را برای جذب و حفظ داوطلبان ارزشمند به شما بدهیم. این شامل موارد زیر است: فرصت های خود را در Do-it.org تبلیغ کنید ارتقای فرصت های خود برای اعضای عمومی که به ما یا از طریق عملکرد کشویی ما مراجعه می کنند. فرصت های خود را در صفحات فیس بوک و توییتر ما تبلیغ کنید ارتقای فرصت های خود برای خدمات محلی که از داوطلبانه حمایت می کنند، به عنوان مثال. مرکز کار، LearnDirect و 2GetherTrust فرصت های خود را در بیش از 30 رویداد در سال تبلیغ کنید ارسال فرصت های خود به مشاغل محلی که داوطلبانه با پشتیبانی کارفرما را ارائه می دهند ارتقای فرصت های مرتبط به مدارس، کالج ها و دانشگاه ها توزیع فرصت های شما در پایگاه داده داوطلبانه ما با بیش از 1000 نفر ارتقای فرصت های خود به شبکه های مختلف، از جمله Know Your Patch As a one-stop-shop for all things volunteering, we can help you find, and keep, the perfect volunteer: 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)

COMING SOON! Universal Youth Services We’re thrilled to announce our new partnership to bring Open Access Universal Youth Services to Gloucester and the Forest of Dean! Together with Gloucestershire Gateway Trust and The Venture Community Hub (TVCH), we’ve joined forces to make a real difference in the lives of young people. Guided by GGT, in the Forest of Dean FVAF will be leading on supporting a wide range of services for young people aged 11 to 19 (or up to 25 for those with special educational needs and disabilities). Our youth services will be available to everyone, focusing on the needs of the local community to create a more connected, supported, and engaging youth sector. Stay tuned for more updates and get ready to be part of something amazing! FIND OUT MORE ABOUT... Gloucestershire Gateway Trust The Venture Community Hub

Our publications Forest Compass Edition 3 Volunteering in the Forest of Dean 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 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.

Employment Skills Support Ready to take your next steps towards further education, volunteering or work? Go along to your nearest Community Hub for 121 conversations with our friendly Community Builders. They can help: Explore what matters to you Develop your CV Signposting to education, training and employment Consider volunteering opportunities Increase your confidence for online searches, applications, interviews Take up opportunities to get involved in your local community For more information please contact: community@fvaf.org.uk or 01594 822073

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

راه رفتن با چرخ از یکی از اسکوترهای حرکتی تمام زمینی برای دسترسی به مسیرهای زیبای جنگل با خانواده و دوستان خود، بدون توجه به توانایی شما در راه رفتن. در جنگل دین یک مرکز شناختهشده برای پیادهروی و دوچرخهسواری است و مسیرها و سایر دسترسیهای سطحی به خوبی از آن استفاده میشود. برای افراد دارای ناتوانی جسمی، سلامت ضعیف، اختلال حسی یا برخی از شرایط بازدارنده دیگر ممکن است نیاز به کمک های قدرتمند، تفسیر تخصصی یا سایر رسانه های مناسب وجود داشته باشد تا آنها را قادر سازد از مزایایی بهره مند شوند که دیگران آن را بدیهی می دانند. این جنگل جنگلبانان پروژه بخت آزمایی Heritage Funded، همکاری با تحرک روستایی فرصت هایی را برای افراد بیشتری برای دسترسی به Forest of Dean فراهم می کند. Walking with Wheels اسکوترهای حرکتی همه جانبه (به نام ترامپر) را برای کرایه از Forest Holidays در کرایست چرچ و هتل Speech House ارائه می دهد. Trampers برای مسیرهای از پیش نقشهبرداری شده در دسترس است که مناظر Symonds Yat، Biblins، Cyril Hart Arboretum و Mallards Pike Lake را میتوان نام برد. اگر می خواهید در مورد راه رفتن با چرخ بیشتر بدانید، لطفا با شماره 01594 822073 تماس بگیرید یا از طریق ایمیل با ما تماس بگیرید . سوالات متداول ترامپر چیست؟ چه کسی می تواند از این سرویس استفاده کند؟ در چه مسیرهایی می توانم از آن استفاده کنم؟ چه زمانی امکان استخدام وجود دارد؟ چگونه می توانم یکی را رزرو کنم؟ هزینه استخدام ترامپر چقدر است؟ اگر قبلاً از یکی از اینها استفاده نکرده باشم چه می شود؟ اگر به کمک اضافی نیاز داشته باشم چه می شود؟ چرا باید عضو Countryside Mobility شوم؟ آیا می توانم در این پروژه کمک کنم؟ اگر نیاز به لغو رزرو داشته باشم چه می شود؟ Frequently Asked Questions

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.