🌟 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 .

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

Obair dheonach Mar an t-ionad d’Oibrithe Deonacha le haghaidh Foraoise an Déin táimid anseo chun cabhrú leat oibrithe deonacha a earcú agus a bhainistiú Ár Obair Dheonach nua leabhrán líonta le sonraí den obair dheonach áitiúil deiseanna amach anois Cliceáil le híoslódáil Nó bailigh cóip ag do leabharlann áitiúil nó Mol Pobail Mar Ionad na nOibrithe Deonacha do na Foraois an Déin go minic is muid an chéad phointe teagmhála d’aon duine ar spéis leo obair dheonach. Anuraidh bhí bród orainn tacú le luach breis agus 100,000 uair an chloig d’obair dheonach sa cheantar! Déanann FVAF raon leathan deiseanna saorálaíochta a chur chun cinn agus a fhógairt ó eagraíochtaí a roinneann ár n-éiteas maidir le tacú le hoibrithe deonacha agus a aithníonn an raon leathan cúiseanna a roghnaíonn daoine obair dheonach a dhéanamh. Cén Fáth Oibrí Deonach? Tá roinnt buntáistí ollmhóra ag baint le hobair dheonach, ní hamháin duitse i do dhuine aonair, ach do do phobal agus don domhan ina mairimid. Más mian leat cur le do CV, bualadh le daoine nua, úsáid mhaith a bhaint as do chuid scileanna, rud éigin nua a fhoghlaim, spéis a shaothrú, taithí a thairiscint nó difríocht a dhéanamh, táimid cinnte go mbeidh deis againn duit! Is féidir leat eolas a fháil faoi na deiseanna seo ar na bealaí seo a leanas: Cuardaigh deiseanna ag Déan-é.org Glaoigh orainn ar 01594 822073 Téigh i dteagmháil tríd ríomhphost Tar ar cuairt chugainn ag FVAF Luan - Aoine 9:00 - 1:00 ( Treoracha ) Má tá tú ag iarraidh obair dheonach a dhéanamh mar chuid de ghrúpa mór, mar shampla mar chuid den obair dheonach chorparáideach, tá raon leathan deiseanna againn freisin le roghnú astu. 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 Mar ionad ilfhreastail do gach rud a bhaineann le hobair dheonach, bainimid úsáid as modheolaíocht ilghnéitheach chun an seans is fearr a thabhairt duit chun oibrithe deonacha luachmhara a earcú agus a choinneáil. Áirítear leis seo na nithe seo a leanas: Do dheiseanna a fhógairt ar Do-it.org Do dheiseanna a chur chun cinn do bhaill den phobal a chuirtear ar aghaidh chugainn nó tríd ár bhfeidhm buail isteach. Do dheiseanna a fhógairt ar ár leathanaigh Facebook agus Twitter Do dheiseanna a chur chun cinn do sheirbhísí áitiúla a thacaíonn le hobair dheonach m.sh. Job Centre, LearnDirect agus 2GetherTrust Do dheiseanna a fhógairt ag níos mó ná 30 imeacht in aghaidh na bliana Do dheiseanna a sheoladh chuig gnólachtaí áitiúla a thairgeann obair dheonach arna thacú ag fostóirí Deiseanna ábhartha a chur chun cinn i Scoileanna, Coláistí agus Ollscoileanna Do dheiseanna a dháileadh ar ár mbunachar sonraí oibrithe deonacha de bhreis is 1,000 duine Do dheiseanna a chur chun cinn chuig líonraí éagsúla, Know Your Patch san áireamh 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)

Siúl le Rothaí Bain úsáid as ceann de na scútair soghluaisteachta uile-tír-raon chun rochtain a fháil ar na cosáin áille Foraoise le do theaghlach agus lena chairde, beag beann ar do chumas siúlóide. Tá an Foraois an Déin Is ionad aitheanta é le haghaidh siúlóide agus rothaíochta agus déantar freastal maith air ag cosáin agus rochtain eile le dromchla. I gcás daoine le míchumas coirp, le drochshláinte, le lagú céadfach nó le riocht coisctheach éigin eile d’fhéadfadh go mbeadh gá le cúnamh cumhachtaithe, sainléirmhíniú nó meáin chuí eile le cur ar a gcumas sult a bhaint as na tairbhí a ghlacann daoine eile go talamh slán. seo Foraoise na bhForas Tionscadal maoinithe ag an gCrannchur Oidhreachta, ag obair i gcomhar le Soghluaisteacht faoin Tuath cuireann sé deiseanna ar fáil do níos mó daoine rochtain a fháil ar Fhoraois an Déin. Soláthraíonn Walking with Wheels scútair soghluaisteachta uile-tír-raon (ar a dtugtar Trampers) ar cíos ó Forest Holidays ag Christchurch, agus an Speech House Hotel. Tá na Trampers ar fáil do bhealaí réamh-mapáilte a chuimsíonn radharcanna Symonds Yat, na Biblíní, Crannlann Cyril Hart agus Loch Mallards Pike gan ach cuid acu a lua. Más mian leat níos mó a fhoghlaim faoi Ag siúl le Rothaí, cuir glaoch ar 01594 822073 nó déan teagmháil linn trí ríomhphost . Ceisteanna Coitianta Cad is ‘Tramper’ ann? Cé atá in ann an tseirbhís seo a úsáid? Cad iad na bealaí ar féidir liom é a úsáid? Cathain a bheidh sé ar fáil ar cíos? Conas is féidir liom ceann a chur in áirithe? Cé mhéad a chosnaíonn sé Tramper a fhostú? Cad a tharlóidh murar úsáid mé ceann acu seo riamh? Cad a tharlóidh má theastaíonn cabhair bhreise uaim? Cén fáth a gcaithfidh mé bheith i mo bhall de Countryside Mobility? An féidir liom cabhrú leis an tionscadal seo? Cad a tharlóidh más gá dom áirithint a chur ar ceal? Frequently Asked Questions

Forest of Dean Mental Health Locality Partnership The Locality Partnership offers VCS and faith-based organisations the opportunity to meet with other professionals and voluntary groups who are supporting people with their mental health in the Forest of Dean. The Partnership is a collective of social care practitioners who are working towards a community response to the My Networks scoping project findings. By coming together, we hope to keep abreast of developments, begin partnership projects or create collaborative opportunities that can address what is needed for better mental health in the Forest of Dean. We are now an integral part of the wider Forest Know Your Patch network. Regular online meetings as well as live, in-person events are held where topics and projects are discussed and highlighted. As well as this, the FKYP works closely with other statutory organisations offering a platform to disseminate up-to-date information about services available in the community.

Fóram na Nascóirí Pobail - Bíodh do Líonra Paiste ar eolas agat Supporting Strong and Thriving Communities with Know Your Patch Ag Tacú le Pobail Láidre Rathúla agus Bíodh Fios agat ar do Phaiste Nascann cuid Know Your Patch den Fhóram um Chónascairí Pobail (CCF) an Earnáil Deonach agus Pobail, Seirbhísí Reachtúla agus cónaitheoirí áitiúla ar bhealach a chruthaíonn bealaí oibre níos fearr. Tá Líonra Know Your Patch i bhForaois na Déan deartha chun an Earnáil Deonach agus Pobail, Seirbhísí Reachtúla agus cónaitheoirí áitiúla a nascadh ar bhealach a chruthaíonn bealaí oibre níos fearr a neartaíonn ár bpobail sa deireadh. Tá an ‘tairiscint phobail’ seo thar a bheith tábhachtach chun géarú riachtanas sláinte a chosc nó a mhoilliú. Déanaimid óstáil ar imeachtaí ráithiúla ar fud Foraoise an Déin áit a dtugaimid cuireadh do pháirtithe leasmhara a bheith páirteach sa phlé ar cad atá tábhachtach ina bpobal agus conas is féidir le seirbhísí agus grúpaí earnála deonacha cabhrú leis seo. Tá gach imeacht Know Your Patch SAOR IN AISCE agus oscailte d’aon duine atá ag iarraidh a bheith mar chuid den chomhrá. Más mian leat a bheith i láthair cuir glaoch ar 01594 822073 nó seol ríomhphost chuig help4groups@fvaf.org.uk . Seolaimid ríomhphoist agus nuashonruithe rialta chuig ár Líonra Know Your Patch maidir lena bhfuil ar siúl i bhForaois an Déan. Más mian leat a bheith páirteach sa líonra seo, liostáil le do thoil anseo . Buíochas le maoiniú ó Comhairle Contae Gloucestershire , Tá Know Your Patch ar fáil freisin i ngach ceantar eile i Gloucestershire. Más mian leat tuilleadh a fháil amach fúthu seo tabhair cuairt le do thoil anseo . Seo cuid den taighde a chuireann béim ar ár smaointeoireacht: "Tá ról againn go léir maidir le cabhrú le daoine aonair agus le pobail caipiteal sóisialta a fhorbairt. Tá aitheantas ag dul i méid, cé go bhfuil raon de riachtanais chasta agus idirghaolmhara ag grúpaí sóisialta agus pobail faoi mhíbhuntáiste, go bhfuil sócmhainní acu freisin ar an leibhéal sóisialta agus pobail. ar féidir leo cabhrú le sláinte a fheabhsú, agus athléimneacht i leith fadhbanna sláinte a neartú" (The Kings Fund, 2018) "Bhí ráta marthanais 50 faoin gcéad níos airde acu siúd a raibh caidreamh sóisialta leordhóthanach acu i gcomparáid le daoine aonair a raibh droch-chaidreamh sóisialta acu" (Holt-Lunstad et al 2010) "Tá sé léirithe go bhfuil líonraí sóisialta chomh cumhachtach mar thuaróirí mortlaíochta agus atá gnáthrioscaí stíl mhaireachtála agus cliniciúla cosúil le caitheamh tobac measartha, ólachán iomarcach alcóil, murtall agus colaistéaról ard agus brú fola" (Pantell et al 2013; Holt-Lunstad et al, 2010) . "Tá tacaíocht shóisialta thar a bheith tábhachtach chun athléimneacht a mhéadú agus chun téarnamh ó bhreoiteacht a chur chun cinn" (Pevalin agus Rose, 2003) “Cuidíonn easpa líonraí sóisialta agus tacaíochta é níos deacra iompar féin-rialú agus tiomnacht agus athléimneacht a thógáil thar am, as a dtiocfaidh rannpháirtíocht in iompraíochtaí míshláintiúla” (Cacioppo agus Patrick 2009). "Laghdaíonn Rannpháirtíocht an Phobail aonrú, eisiamh agus uaigneas" (Farrell agus Bryant 2009; Sevigny et al 2010; Ryan-Collins et al 2008) "Feabhsaíonn caipiteal sóisialta láidir an seans go seachnófar rioscaí stíl mhaireachtála amhail caitheamh tobac" (Folland 2008; Brown et al, 2006) Autumn Programme 2025 September 2nd (Short) Thriving Communities The TC grant was launched in August. Come along and find out more about it and hear about the work that has been funded through the scheme. 16th (Short) Digital Inclusion Strategy – Stakeholder Engagement with GCC This session will be led by those involved in the Digital Inclusion Project in Gloucestershire. 30th (Short) Health in the Forest A focus on health-related matters and support that is available in our locality. October 14th (In-person) Spotlight on Cinderford This meeting will take the form of a walk around the town visiting some of the projects that are being led by FKYP members and partners. We will meet at Ow Bist Forest Community Space and follow a route round Cinderford. 28th (Short) FODCAP Update Come along and hear about developments and updates on project in the Forest. November 11th (Short) Community Support Showcasing the work of several community groups who work for the benefit of the Forest Community. 25th (Long) Health in the Forest Another session where we will focus on health-related matters and support that is available in our locality. Please note The meeting on October 14th will be in-person and an opportunity for all those attending to network. All other meetings are online on MS Teams. The invitation will be sent out at the beginning of the season and then the link will be added to the regular reminder email – together with meeting notes from the previous session and the Agenda for the meeting If you would like to deliver a presentation at a forthcoming meeting or there is a topic that you would like to be addressed, please contact Teresa Rose, FKYP Facilitator at fodkyp@fvaf.org.uk to discuss this further. We look forward to seeing you in the forthcoming weeks.

Maidir le FVAF Ár scéal Is sinne an Chomhairle um Sheirbhís Deonach agus an Lárionad Deonach um Fhoraois an Déin. Cuirimid cúnamh ar fáil do go leor de na céadta eagraíochtaí deonacha agus pobail sa Cheantar atá in ann a gcuid oibre a sheachadadh níos fearr sa phobal áitiúil agus ar a son. Ó bunaíodh muid i 1994 tá cáil bainte amach againn as gníomh pobail a spreagadh, a chuimsiú agus a fheabhsú ar fud Foraoise an Déin. Creidimid, trí chur chuige atá faoi stiúir an phobail, go gcuirimid ar chumas na saoránach scileanna, athléimneacht agus caipiteal sóisialta a fhorbairt chun saolta níos sona agus nasctha níos fearr a chaitheamh. Seirbhísí Oifige Foireann agus Iontaobhaithe Polasaithe Inrochtaineacht agus Inbhuanaitheacht

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

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

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.

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

Moil Buail Isteach na dTógálaithe Pobail The drop-in hub provides support to create, inspire and build stronger communities together Soláthraíonn an mol buail isteach tacaíocht chun pobail níos láidre a chruthú, a spreagadh agus a thógáil le chéile Cuireann gach mol buail isteach raon tacaíochta, comhairle agus treorach ar fáil do chónaitheoirí áitiúla. Mar shampla; tacaíocht agus comharthaíocht chuig seirbhísí áitiúla, ag nascadh agus ag bunú nua grúpaí pobail, ag tacú le daoine teacht níos gaire don fhostaíocht nó don bhreisoideachas, cabhrú le rochtain a fháil ar an saol digiteach agus tacaíocht chun do chuid smaointe don phobal a thabhairt ar an saol. Is féidir linn cabhrú le: Deiseanna obair dheonach Tacaíocht infhostaitheachta Grúpaí gníomhaíochta agus clubanna áitiúla Tacaíocht TF & dhigiteach Eolas imeacht áitiúil Comharthaíocht chuig seirbhísí áitiúla 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.