Our Green Impact Our Statement of Intent At a time of ongoing critical assessment as to how the resources of the world are being employed in economic and social activity, it is essential that all involved with Forest Voluntary Action Forum (FVAF) have a clear understanding as to how its work can impact on the environment. We accept responsibility for our actions and commit to working towards reducing any harmful effects it may have on the environment. It is also understood that, as a leader in the Forest of Dean voluntary and community sector, we have a responsibility to manifest best practice. We will use, as its guiding principles - in order of priority – the need to: REPAIR RE-USE REDUCE RECYCLE Our policy describes how FVAF will implement practices that will minimalize the impact of its work on the environment. FVAF ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY 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 Gold Award from the GEM NUS-Green Impact challenge GEM NUS Green Imapct Gold Award Certificate NUS Green Imapct Community Award Certificate In our first year taking part in the GEM NUS Green Impact Challenge , we were delighted to achieve a Gold Award. This UN award winning programme is designed to support and challenge organisations to look at the way they work and ensure that the practices they follow are as environmentally and socially sustainable as possible. The challenge was set as part of the *GEM Project’s partnership and our joint commitment to living sustainably and minimising our impact on the environment. Working together as a team, we shared ideas and encouraged lifestyle changes in the following areas: use of water and energy travel – work and personal recycling reducing and dealing with waste upcycling, freecycling unused goods using sustainable products encouraging biodiversity Other creative ideas from the team included making bird feeders from broken tree branches, a homemade recipe for a cleaning product, donations to local charity shops. * The Going the Extra Mile Project (GEM) is an employability and social inclusion project supporting the most disadvantaged communities and individuals furthest from the labour market to find or get closer to employment. It is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and European Social Fund as part of a national programme Building Better Opportunities.

Chodzenie z kołami: często zadawane pytania Co to jest „Tramper”? Tramper to terenowy pojazd z napędem elektrycznym. Ma ograniczoną prędkość do 4 mil na godzinę, co jest idealne dla towarzyszących spacerowiczów lub małych dzieci na rowerach. Pełna specyfikacja Trampersów może być: znaleźć tutaj . Kto może korzystać z tej usługi? Walking with Wheels jest dostępny dla każdego, kto ukończył 14 lat i waży mniej niż 25 kamieni, który ma trudności z chodzeniem z powodu tymczasowych lub stałych trudności z poruszaniem się. Na jakich trasach mogę z niego korzystać? Dostępne trasy obejmują Symond's Yat Rock i do rzeki Wye w Symond's Yat z Forest Holidays i Cyril Hart Arboretum, Mallards Pike i część rodzinnego szlaku rowerowego z The Speech House. Mapy tras zostaną dostarczone przy zatrudnieniu. Kiedy można go wynająć? Tramper jest dostępny do wynajęcia w godzinach 9:00 - 5:00 7 dni w tygodniu (w zimie godziny mogą być krótsze, aby zapewnić powrót przed zmierzchem). Jak mogę zarezerwować? Prosimy o wcześniejszą rezerwację swojego Trampera przed dniem, aby uniknąć rozczarowania. Aby dokonać rezerwacji, skontaktuj się bezpośrednio ze stronami tramperów. W przypadku święta lasu zadzwoń pod numer 01594 837165 Zadzwoń do Domu Przemówień pod numer 01594 822607 Ile kosztuje wynajęcie Trampera? Tramper kosztuje tylko 2,50 funta za godzinę. Dla początkujących użytkowników obowiązuje również roczna opłata członkowska w wysokości 10 GBP na Countryside Mobility lub 2,50 GBP za dwutygodniową sesję testową. A jeśli nigdy wcześniej nie korzystałem z żadnego z nich? Nie martwić się! Są bardzo proste i bezpieczne w obsłudze, a każdy użytkownik otrzyma pełne wprowadzenie, aby upewnić się, że czuje się bezpiecznie i komfortowo podczas pokonywania naszych niesamowitych szlaków. A jeśli potrzebuję dodatkowej pomocy? Prosimy o towarzyszenie wszystkim na szlakach, dzięki czemu zawsze będziecie mieć kogoś przy sobie. Jeśli chcesz wypróbować Trampera, zanim go zatrudnisz, zadzwoń do jednego z naszych ośrodków w celu umówienia się. Dlaczego muszę zostać członkiem programu Mobilność na wsi? Za dostarczanie Trampersów odpowiada Countryside Mobility i dlatego są one oferowane w tak przystępnej cenie. Pracują również nad tym, aby każda witryna hostująca Tramper robiła to w bezpieczny i łatwo dostępny sposób. Członkostwo to umożliwi również korzystanie z dowolnego Trampersa w wielu ośrodkach Countryside Mobility na południowym zachodzie. Aby uzyskać więcej informacji, odwiedź stronę internetową Mobilność na wsi . Możesz wypełnić formularze członkowskie w centrum przed zatrudnieniem. Czy mogę pomóc w tym projekcie? Walking with Wheels polega na wolontariuszach, którzy promują naszą usługę. Jeśli jesteś zainteresowany pomocą w rozpowszechnianiu informacji o naszych usługach lub chciałbyś pomóc w inny sposób, zadzwoń pod numer 01594 822073 lub wyślij e-mail na adres walkingwithwheels@fvaf.org.uk . Zapewnione zostanie pełne szkolenie i wsparcie. Co jeśli muszę anulować rezerwację? Prosimy o powiadomienie o anulowaniu z co najmniej 24-godzinnym wyprzedzeniem, abyśmy mogli wynająć Trapera innemu użytkownikowi. Aby anulować, skontaktuj się z witryną, w której dokonałeś rezerwacji What is a Tramper Who can use this service What routes can I use it on When is it available to hire How can I book one How much does it cost What if I've never used one of these before What if I need additional help Why do I have to become a member of CM Can I help wit this project What if I need to cancel a booking

READ MORE NOMINATE NOW! Frequently visited pages: COMMUNITY HUBS VOLUNTEER ADVICE YOUTH SUPPORT Co to jest FVAF? FVAF to skrót od Forest Voluntary Action Forum. Oferujemy wsparcie lokalnym mieszkańcom, grupom społecznym i działaniom w zakresie robienia rzeczy, które są dla nich najważniejsze. Obejmuje to: wsparcie i doradztwo rozwojowe szkolenie Informacja spotkania networkingowe ułatwienie reprezentacji rekrutacja wolontariuszy pośrednictwo i wsparcie wolontariuszy Prowadzimy również wiele projektów zi dla społeczności lokalnej, takich jak Stowarzyszenie Młodzieży Las Dziekana, Kampanie Aktywności Świątecznej, Leśna Sieć Muzyczna Młodzieży, Projekt GEM, Katalog Kompasów Leśnych, Chodzenie na Kołach i wiele innych. Sprawdź naszą stronę Projekty, aby uzyskać szczegółowe informacje. „Budowanie silniejszych społeczności w Las Dziekana” Dowiedz się więcej JOIN OUR MAILING LIST Get the latest community news and check out exciting volunteering opportunity in or around the Forest of Dean... Idź na Facebooka Useful publications: FREE directory of the many volunteering opportunities available locally... DOWNLOAD Nasi partnerzy We work with so many amazing and supportive partners. Find out more here... How to contact us Forest Voluntary Action Forum Ow Bist Forest Community Space Dockham Road Cinderford , Glos. GL14 2AN Email us: contact@fvaf.org.uk Tel: 01594 822073 Copyright © 2021 Forest Voluntary Action Forum. All Rights Reserved. Forest Voluntary Action Forum is a charity (1141126) and company limited by guarantee (07557852) registered in England and Wales. The registered address is The Belle Vue Centre, Cinderford, Glos, GL14 2AB. Travelling in the Forest of Dean Forest Of Dean Climate Action Partnership has created a handy interactive guide to travelling in the Forest of Dean. DOWNLOAD HERE

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

What we do We support many community-led projects shaped with, and for local people: Employment and skills support Holiday Activity and Food Programme Community Builders Forest of Dean Youth Association Walking with Wheels Know Your Patch Forest Compass

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

leśny kompas Forest Compass to fizyczny i internetowy katalog zawierający wiele regularnych zajęć, grup wsparcia i klubów dostępnych w całym Forest of Dean. Las jest domem dla setek grup społecznych i aktywności wszelkiego rodzaju, od grup dziecięcych, przez kluby lunchowe, szopy dla mężczyzn po kawiarnie pamięci. Wiele z nich jest bezpłatnych lub bardzo tanich, jeśli chodzi o uczestnictwo i jest prowadzone przez wolontariuszy lub grupy non-profit. Niestety wiele osób, które mogłyby skorzystać z takich grup, nie zdaje sobie sprawy z niesamowitych możliwości, jakie stoją przed ich drzwiami. Jeśli prowadzisz działalność wolontariuszy, klub lub grupę wsparcia w Forest of Dean, ogłaszaj się w katalogu fizycznym Forest Compass oraz w katalogu online tutaj, ZA DARMO, wypełniając poniższy formularz. 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

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.

Youth Support in the Forest of Dean FVAF Youth Team Here to offer help and support to young people and youth clubs, groups or organisations. Discover more Local Youth Clubs Check out the timetable of regular youth clubs and events What's on offer NEW! Universal Youth Services We’ve joined forces Gloucestershire Gateway Trust and The Venture Community Hub, to make a real difference in the lives of young people Discover more

Our publications Forest Compass Edition 3 Volunteering in the Forest of Dean FVAF Annual Report 2024/25 FVAF Annual Accounts 2024/25 FVAF Annual Report 2023/24 FVAF Annual Report 2022/23 FVAF Annual Report 2021/22 Insights into the Experience of commissioning for small VCSE organisations in the Forest of Dean By Chris Brown My Networks publications My Networks Scoping Project Report, Oct 2022 by Simon Price Supporting documents: Mental Health Scoping Project – Survey Results Co-production – How we facilitated My Networks Scoping Report The Forest of Dean Mycelium Mental Health Project A report from the Undergrowth by Simon Price, Anwen Jenkins, Pete Harper, Miranda Thomason and Teresa Rose Useful community publications The Digital Divides Report and Recommendations By Digital Divides Steering Group Learnings from the Forest By Forest of Dean Climate Action Partnership (FODCAP), Holding The Space, Thirty Percy, and CCRI.

NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN! CLOSING DATE: MIDNIGHT SUNDAY 19 JULY 2026 Nomination Form 2026 Please select in which category you would like to nominate the individual or group. Your Volunteer of the Year Young Volunteer of the Year 21yrs & under Community Organisation of the Year Grassroots Award - Voluntary Group of the Year ESV Business in the Community Award FoD Dementia Action Alliance Diversity & Inclusion Award FoDCAP Community Climate Action Award Name of the volunteer/group being nominated: Name of the organisation or group linked to the nominee (for individual nominees only) Volunteer role or role of group Contact details for nominee (email and telephone) If you are providing personal contact details, do you have permission to share this person's information? If not, no problem—we will use the general contact details of the group or organisation associated with the nominee instead. Yes No Reason for nomination - please provide a brief description which outlines why you think this individual or group stands out. What makes them special and worthy of being celebrated? Your name Your email address Are you happy for us to keep your contact details for the purpose of this nomination only? Yes No Submit