Համայնք շինարարների բացվող հանգույցներ The drop-in hub provides support to create, inspire and build stronger communities together Բացվող կենտրոնը աջակցություն է տրամադրում միասին ավելի ուժեղ համայնքներ ստեղծելու, ոգեշնչելու և կառուցելու համար Յուրաքանչյուր բացվող հանգույց առաջարկում է մի շարք աջակցություն, խորհուրդներ և ուղղորդումներ տեղի բնակիչների համար: Օրինակ; աջակցություն և ստորագրությունների տեղադրում տեղական ծառայություններին, կապել և տեղադրել նորը համայնքային խմբերը, որոնք օգնում են մարդկանց մոտենալ աշխատանքին կամ հետագա կրթությանը, օգնում են մուտք գործել թվային աշխարհ և աջակցություն՝ կյանքի կոչելու ձեր գաղափարները համայնքի համար: Մենք կարող ենք օգնություն առաջարկել՝ Կամավորական հնարավորություններ Աշխատունակության աջակցություն Տեղական գործունեության խմբեր և ակումբներ ՏՏ և թվային աջակցություն Տեղական իրադարձությունների մասին տեղեկատվություն Ստորագրությունների տեղադրում տեղական ծառայությունների համար 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.

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

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.

Անտառային կողմնացույց Forest Compass-ը ֆիզիկական և առցանց գրացուցակ է, որը թվարկում է կանոնավոր միջոցառումներից շատերը, օժանդակ խմբերը և ակումբները, որոնք հասանելի են Դինի անտառում: Անտառը տուն է հարյուրավոր սոցիալական և ակտիվ խմբերի բոլոր տեսակի՝ մանկական խմբերից, լանչ ակումբներից, տղամարդկանց տնակներից մինչև հիշողության սրճարաններ: Շատերն անվճար կամ շատ ցածր գնով են կամավորների կամ շահույթ չհետապնդող խմբերի մասնակցությունը և ղեկավարումը: Ցավոք սրտի, շատ մարդիկ, ովքեր կարող էին օգուտ քաղել նման խմբերից, տեղյակ չեն իրենց շեմին առկա զարմանալի հնարավորությունների մասին: Եթե դուք ղեկավարում եք կամավորական գործունեություն, ակումբ կամ աջակցող խումբ Դինի անտառում, գովազդեք Forest Compass ֆիզիկական գրացուցակում և առցանց գրացուցակում այստեղ՝ ԱՆՎՃԱՐ՝ լրացնելով ստորև բերված ձևը: Download OTHER USEFUL DIRECTORIES: YourCircle Check out a local directory to help you find your way around care and support and connect with people, places and activities in Gloucestershire

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

Summer Holiday Activities & Food We’ve teamed up with Gloucestershire Cou nty Counci l and arranged a packed timetable of FREE fun! The HAF programme is open to all school aged children, who live in the Forest of Dean, and who qualify for free school meals. If funding allows, s ometimes activities are extended and offered to all children and young people across Gloucestershire through the Holiday Activities Programme (HAP). There's something for eve ryone - we've got sports clubs, cooking, crafts, play sessions an d so much more... You need to be registered to book | All sessions mus t be pre bo oke d REGISTER HERE For information or support with the HAF Spring programme contact: HAFParentEnquiries@gloucestershire.gov.uk or ring the HAF helpline on 01452 427960. BOOKING NOW OPEN! CHECK OUT THE TIMETABLE **PLEASE NOTE: You can only book 4 activities at a time - please wait 24 hours before you book again** For more information visit the Gloucestershire County Council website here

Mycelium My Networks Mental Health Project Mycelium - Forest Mental Health Project Structure The Forest Community of Practice Forest of Dean Mental Health Locality Partnership Recovery and Wellbeing Café The Resources Hub & Library The Forest Community of Practice Monthly face-to-face learning collaborative, reflective practice & peer supervision. 2nd Tuesday each month. The Forest Community of Practice is for individuals working and volunteering with members of our community where support for mental health is a significant part of their role. This has been set up in response to the My Networks Scoping Project. Many local social care practitioners stated that they wished to receive ongoing support to develop reflective practice, link with others and build skills that would help them to become more confident responding to mental distress, particularly with the increasing complexities that they were coming across in their roles. The C of P will be supported by clinicians, professionals and lived experience practitioners from the VCS & NHS who have been involved in the Community Mental Health Transformation programme. It will provide an opportunity for collaborative learning, peer supervision and professional development. We hope a community of Forest mental health practitioners will emerge from these sessions. If you, or a mental health champion from your team, are interested and able to join us, please get in touch. Please get in touch if you have any questions or want the most current information about scheduling details - simon@fvaf.org.uk or text 07394 945046 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. Recovery & Wellbeing Café “A Community Created Curriculum of Curious Conversations” Weekly Face-to-Face Discussions & Recovery Educational Sessions Each Wednesday (Term Time) at Café 16 in Coleford from 6-8pm. “A safe space to create who you are, not be told what to think.” Join conversations with a diverse range of people with professional & lived experience of different subjects, local people who have gained understandings about the impact current concerns have upon mental health, recovery and wellbeing. We are building a supportive space where, as critical friends, we can learn together and support each other with our individual understandings. All curious & compassionate folk welcome. Recovery & Wellbeing Café - Current Programme The Resource Hub, Research Room & Lived Experience 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

Volunteer of the Year 2023 T he People's Champion VOTING OPEN! Time to choose your champion... We recently asked you to nominate a local volunteer who has gone above and beyond for their community over the past 12 months, and/or has an inspiring story. We had some cracking nominations, and it was an extremely hard task to narrow it down BUT after much deliberation, our panel of community experts have shortlisted 7 community heroes. Vote for your favourite by selecting ONE of the following volunteers: Chris Brain Melanie Getgood Jando Greco Edna Husbands Barbara Jenkins Albert Weager Dave Young VOTING CLOSES: 10PM SUNDAY, 17 SEPTEMBER VOTE Thanks for voting! Check out the profiles of the shortlisted nominees below: Chris Brain Chairman & Coach of Broadwell Youth Football Club For the past 15 years Chris has dedicated a huge amount of his time, energy and passion into grassroots sports. A constant supporter and instrumental in the ongoing success of Broadwell Football Club, Chris has served as the Chairman of the club and more recently 2 and half years as the First Team Manager. The pinnacle of his successful coaching term came last year when Chris led his side to Les James Cup victory. Going out on a high, Chris has just retired and deserves recognition for his dedication and commitment which has provided the opportunity for 100’s of children to play football and helped to create the thriving community football club Broadwell FC has become. Melanie Getgood Chairperson at Friends of Worcester Walk Melanie has been the inspirational driving force of Friends of Worcester Walk (FoWW). Her steadfast commitment to Worcester Walk has seen it develop into a unique richly diverse habitat in the Forest of Dean. Melainie goes the extra mile to share the experience of being in nature, through events with school groups, volunteers, and local people. With her generous inclusive way, she has built a solid and diverse group of volunteers for FoWW and ensures that everyone is welcome, and their work appreciated. Melanie’s community work doesn’t end there! She is also a co-opted member of the Environmental Committee of Coleford Town Council, helps run a local Morris Dancing group, has organised clean ups in the Coleford Cemetery, King George Playing Field and Bells Field. Melanie works tirelessly for community but is always friendly, approachable, kind and generous with her time and with everyone she meets. Jando Greco Volunteer helper at St Stephen's Church Cinderford Jando is a fantastic example of the impact volunteering can have for the community, and in growing as a person. For the past twelve years, Jando has supported St Stephen’s Church through his involvement with many projects, services, events and prayer groups. Jando is often found setting up and tidying after events or keeping the church tidy midweek between services. He helps with the Fairtrade Stall and Fairtrade Friday coffee afternoons, and is a leader at Messy Church. Usually the first to put his hand up to help, like many volunteers, much of what Jando does is 'behind the scenes' and unseen. But that doesn't bother him at all, he just loves volunteering his time, feeling part of a community and growing his skills as well as sharing his talents with others. His nominator said that: “We so appreciate him, he is such a thoughtful, caring person and will do anything for anyone – Jando is so worthy of receiving this award and would love for him to be recognised for his service!” Edna Husbands Lydcare Community Transport Co-ordinator at Lydcare An essential member of the team, Edna is responsible for organising Lydcare Community Transport Service. A complex and demanding role, on average Edna deals with over 120 calls from people who request transport and with drivers to arrange journeys. Edna's role requires a massive commitment both in time and energy and requires a high degree of patience and diplomacy dealing with last minute medical appointments, cancellations and reschedules. Thanks to her tireless work over 4,000 journeys are completed every year, helping over 2,700 people get to hospital, medical appointments and social events which due the lack of public transport would be impossible. Lydcare was the only community transport service running through the pandemic and this was down to Edna's determination and commitment to ensure patients, particularly those who usually received home visits, were able to get to important medical appointments. Edna also works as a voluntary driver and is an outstanding volunteer working for the benefit of those in need within the community. Barbara Jenkins Organiser of the ‘Over Sixties Group’ Berryhill Memorial Institute AKA ‘The Hut’ It would be hard to find a volunteer in the Forest with a longer commitment to volunteering in the community than Barbara! For over 50 years, Barbara has been the lead organiser of the ‘Over Sixties Group’ at the ‘The Hut’ Berryhill Memorial Institute. This popular group has been providing social activities to help combat isolation for the older community for decades. Collecting community memories for a recent memory capsule, created as part of The Hut’s centenary celebrations, revealed that Barbara had been quietly managing this group since 1971. But Barbara’s involvement with The Hut goes even further back to her childhood when her father was resident caretaker, and her mother was involved in organising activities. A wonderful and unique example of generations getting involved with the community to make it a better place, Barbara is an inspiration to us all and shows no sign of slowing down. Albert Weager Community representative & advocate for better healthcare in FoD A more committed and dedicated community representative than Albert would be hard to find! For over a decade Albert has tirelessly advocated for better health provision in the Forest of Dean. With an incredibly long service on the FoD Health Forum, in 2014 he was appointed chair and has been instrumental in ensuring that everyone is listened to and given the opportunity to ask questions. At a county level, Albert chairs the People and Communities Reference Group for Urgent and Emergency Care and is the community representative on the Urgent and Emergency Care, Patient Flow Clinical Programme Group. Not stopping there, Albert is also represents local people on the Ageing Well Care Programme Board and has been the patient representative on the Blood Transfusion Committee for over ten years. Everything Albert does is as a volunteer and we must congratulate him on his drive and passion. Dave Young Volunteer driver, cook, outreach at Forest Sensory Services & Samaritans Over the past 2 years Dave has dedicated more and more of his time volunteering and going above and beyond to support other people. Starting as a volunteer driver for Forest Sensory Services (FFS), Dave now volunteers with FSS 3 times a week and even dons his chef hat and cooks up a delicious feast, twice a month, for the service’s clients. A fantastic supporter of all the work that FSS does, Dave plays an active role in outreach sessions to make visually impaired people aware of the support services offered and he also helps with fundraising. Along with his face-to-face volunteering, Dave volunteers with the Samaritans answering the phone a couple of times a week offering emotional support . Plus promoting Samaritans with outreach in the community. His nominator said: “Dave is an inspiring person and an amazing volunteer who does so much for other people.” Find our more about the Forest Volunteers Awards here:

Community ideas wanted for ‘Our Forest’ £3m lottery bid An opportunity for people and community organisations to discuss project ideas for Our Forest's planned National Lottery Heritage Fund Bid. BOOK TICKETS: Saturday 13th April, Lydney Town Hall - 1pm - 4pm BOOK TICKET: Sunday 14th April, Mitcheldean Community Centre - 1pm - 4pm We’re excited to announce that we are leading on preparing a new £3million bid to the National Heritage Lottery Fund (NLHF). Called ‘Our Forest’ this new community-driven project will focus on the heritage of the Forest of Dean To prepare for this bid, we are asking local people, community groups and organisations to have their say at two community events we are hosting this weekend. Taking place at 1pm-4:30pm on Saturday (13 April) at Lydney Town Hall and 1pm-4:30pm on Sunday (14 April) at Mitcheldean Community Centre , these events are open for anyone to attend, to share and discuss ideas for potential heritage projects, partnerships and collaborations that could be included in the bid for funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF). Deb Cook, our Volunteering Manager at FVAF said “Heritage is what you think is important and should be preserved. It could be about improving access to landscapes, historical sites, or collections; cultural activity or traditions; stories and celebrations as well as more traditional ideas of heritage. It can be anything from the past or even present that you value and want to pass on to future generations. She added: “We’re asking the community to come along to one of these events to be part of the conversation and tell us what they think is important to include in the ‘Our Forest’ project.” Building upon the legacy of the Foresters' Forest Landscape Partnership programme, ‘Our Forest’ will focus on involving diverse people, grass-roots organisations, and the voluntary community sector, with projects that involve young people, older people, hardly reached groups, as well as focusing on mental health and wellbeing.

Volunteer of the Year 2024 The People's Champion VOTING OPEN! Time to choose your champion... We recently asked you to nominate a local volunteer who has gone above and beyond for their community over the past 12 months, and/or has an inspiring story. We had some cracking nominations, and it was an extremely hard task to narrow it down BUT after much deliberation, our panel of community experts have shortlisted 6 community heroes. Vote for your favourite by selecting ONE of the following volunteers: Liz Bell Pete Harper Elaine Quirk Lisa Robertson Sarah Wootton Emily Worrall VOTING CLOSES: MIDNIGHT MONDAY, 9 SEPTEMBER VOTE Thanks for voting! Check out the profiles of the shortlisted nominees below: Liz Bell Orchard Trust Site volunteer and Trustee Liz Bell has been a cornerstone of the Orchard Trust since she began volunteering at the Stowfield site in 2021. Her dedication and passion quickly became evident, leading her to take on the role of Trustee in 2022. Liz’s contributions extend far beyond her weekly volunteering; she has played a pivotal role in shaping the site and enhancing its value to the community. As a volunteer, Liz has taken charge of maintaining the sensory garden, apple tree circle, and general site upkeep. After spending time immersed in the environment, she began offering innovative ideas to improve it, always with the visitors' experience in mind. One of her most notable achievements was serving as the Volunteer Project Manager for the wildlife area. Liz not only designed and wrote the proposal for this project but also worked closely with the Stowfield site manager to ensure it was delivered on time and within budget—all in her own free time. Liz’s vision and hard work has helped to create a lasting community asset that is accessible and enjoyable for people of all ages, especially those who often face barriers to engaging with nature. Pete Harper Mycelium Mental Health Project Volunteer Pete Harper is the quiet force behind the success of the Mycelium Mental Health Project, a volunteer whose impact is felt far beyond the boundaries of the project itself. Described by his nominator as "one of the most humble and knowledgeable people I have ever met," Pete’s dedication and passion for mutual aid have been instrumental in establishing and nurturing Mycelium. Pete’s extraordinary commitment is matched by his generosity. He has been a steadfast supporter, working tirelessly to ensure the project's success. His influence extends beyond Mycelium, as he has become a vital advocate for our community’s mental health. Pete Harper is not just an extraordinary volunteer; he is a true champion for mental health, whose quiet strength and unwavering commitment continue to uplift and inspire all those around him. His work with Mycelium has created a lasting impact, ensuring that the most vulnerable in our community have a voice and a compassionate ally. Elaine Quirk Volunteer helper for Gloucestershire Carers Hub Elaine Quirk is the heart and soul of the Gloucestershire Carers Hub, where she serves as a Carer Welcomer at Bickys Carer Café in Coleford and Candi in Cinderford. With her gentle and kind demeanour, Elaine ensures that every unpaid carer who walks through the door feels truly welcomed and supported. Elaine has a remarkable ability to make people feel valued. Carers who attend the sessions she hosts often leave with a renewed sense of being heard, respected, and encouraged to share their experiences. Her presence has significantly increased footfall at Bickys during quieter times and helped Candi engage with new clients, extending the reach of the Carers Hub in meaningful ways. Elaine’s work goes beyond welcoming carers—it’s about creating a supportive space where they can find comfort and community. Her dedication to helping others has made a lasting difference in the lives of many, and her warm presence is an essential part of the Carers Hub’s success. Lisa Robertson Ruardean Youth Leader For nearly 20 years, Lisa Robertson has been the heart and soul of Ruardean Youth Club, dedicating countless hours of her free time to creating a safe, fun, and supportive environment for youth people aged 11-18. Under Lisa’s guidance, the Youth Club has become a vital resource for the community, offering a wide range of activities, advice, and information to help teenagers navigate their challenges. Lisa’s impact on the lives of hundreds of children and young people in Ruardean is immeasurable. She is known for her selfless dedication, always going above and beyond to ensure that the Youth Club not only thrives but also continues to meet the evolving needs of the community and every young person who walks through the door. Her contributions extend far beyond the Youth Club. Lisa also played a key role in organising the annual Ruardean Carnival and most recently, Lisa has spearheaded the creation of the Ruardean Community Orchard. Lisa’s tireless efforts and deep commitment to her community make her an extraordinary volunteer and a true inspiration. Her work has left a lasting legacy in Ruardean, enriching the lives of countless young people and helping to build a stronger, more connected community. Sarah Wootton Chair of the Committee - Brockweir Village Shop & Café As the Chair of the Committee for Brockweir Village Shop & Café, Sarah Wootton has been a pillar of strength and leadership for her community. When a devastating fire struck the shop in June 2023, Sarah immediately took charge, and with the help of the amazing committee and employees, Ferne and Kris, coordinated efforts to ensure the swift and successful rebuilding of this vital community hub. Sarah's dedication has been unwavering—she handled complex negotiations with the insurance company and loss adjustor, navigated the flood of daily emails, and provided steadfast support to the shop's staff and volunteers. Her commitment didn’t end with reopening the shop; she has continued to offer guidance and encouragement to everyone involved, helping them navigate the challenges that followed the fire. Sarah's efforts have ensured that even in the face of adversity, the shop, which serves as a cornerstone of the village is not just a place to shop—it’s a lifeline for locals and visitors alike. Emily Worrall Volunteer fundraiser at Great Oaks Hospice Emily Worrall is an invaluable member of the fundraising team at Great Oaks Hospice, bringing energy, enthusiasm, and a contagious positivity to everything she does. With her bright smile and can-do attitude, Emily ensures that the Hospice’s events are well-publicised, tirelessly delivering and posting event posters across all the Forest. Her dedication doesn’t stop there—Emily is always on hand at events, whether it’s setting up, taking down, or even getting the party started with her infectious dance moves at discos. Emily’s journey is truly inspiring. Despite facing learning difficulties, she has worked hard to live independently, and her contributions to the team go far beyond her tasks. Emily is more than just a volunteer; she is a cherished member of the Great Oaks Hospice family. Find our more about the Forest Volunteers Awards here: