🌟 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. NOMINATE HERE! 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 .

Help us create a mural celebrating the Forest of Dean's tradition of community action ! We're creating a mural to celebrate our incredible heritage of community action, mutual support, and resilience! From our mining traditions to welcoming Ukrainian families, from river fishing to friendly societies – we want to hear all the stories that matter. The finished mural will be painted on the side of Ow Bist - Forest Community Space, Dockham Road, Cinderford, creating a lasting tribute to our community's story. Join us at our drop-in workshops, led by local artist Tom Cousins, to share what makes our community special: Wednesday 23 July, 1:30-4pm - River Children & Family Centre, Naas Ln, Lydney GL15 5AU Thursday 24 July, 12pm-4pm - Ow Bist Forest Community Space, Dockham Rd, Cinderford GL14 2AN Can't make it? Share your thoughts and ideas below: Your Forest of Dean Stories Your name (optional) How long have you lived in/been connected to the Forest of Dean area? 1. What does community spirit mean to you in the Forest of Dean? 2. Which of these themes resonate most with your experience of our area? (Tick all that apply) Food & Resources (traditional land use, fishing, growing food, sharing resources) Landscape & Environment (rivers, mining heritage, how place shapes community) Arts & Culture (music, festivals, creative traditions) Community Action (mutual aid, rights movements, defending our heritage) Settlers & Diversity (different communities who've made this area home) 3. What's a story, memory, or tradition from the Forest of Dean that you think should be celebrated in the mural? 4. Are there particular people, groups, or movements (historical or recent) that represent the community spirit of our area to you? 5. What would you like visitors and future generations to understand about the Forest of Dean community? Would you be interested in helping with the mural painting in August? Yes - I'd love to help paint! No, but I support the project Email details (if you'd like updates) Submit

GET INVOLVED Frequently visited pages: COMMUNITY HUBS VOLUNTEER ADVICE FOREST YOUTH ASSOCIATION Çfarë është FVAF? FVAF do të thotë Forumi i Veprimit Vullnetar i Pyjeve. Ne ofrojmë mbështetje për qytetarët lokalë, grupet e komunitetit dhe aktivitetet për të bërë gjërat që kanë më shumë rëndësi për ta. Kjo përfshin sa vijon: këshilla për mbështetje dhe zhvillim trajnimi informacion takimet e rrjetit lehtësimin e përfaqësimit rekrutimi i vullnetarëve vendosja dhe mbështetja e vullnetarëve Ne gjithashtu drejtojmë shumë projekte me dhe për komunitetin lokal, si Shoqata Rinore e Pyllit të Deanit, Fushatat e Aktiviteteve të Pushimeve, Rrjeti Muzikor i Rinisë së Pyjeve, Projekti GEM, Drejtoria e Busullës së Pyjeve, Ecja me rrota dhe shumë të tjera. Shikoni faqen tonë të Projekteve për detaje të plota. "Ndërtimi i komuniteteve më të forta në Pylli i Deanit" Zbulo me shume JOIN OUR MAILING LIST Get the latest community news and check out exciting volunteering opportunity in or around the Forest of Dean... Shkoni në Facebook Useful publications: FREE directory of the many volunteering opportunities available locally... DOWNLOAD Partnerët tanë 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.

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

Busulla e pyllit Forest Compass është një drejtori fizike dhe online që liston shumë nga aktivitetet e rregullta, grupet mbështetëse dhe klubet e disponueshme në të gjithë Forest of Dean. Pylli është shtëpia e qindra grupeve shoqërore dhe aktiviteti të të gjitha llojeve, nga grupet e foshnjave, përmes klubeve të drekës, kasolleve për burra e deri te kafenetë e kujtesës. Shumë prej tyre janë falas ose me kosto shumë të ulët për të ndjekur dhe drejtuar nga vullnetarë ose grupe jofitimprurëse. Mjerisht shumë njerëz që mund të përfitojnë nga grupe të tilla nuk janë në dijeni të mundësive të mahnitshme në pragun e tyre. Nëse drejtoni një aktivitet drejtues vullnetar, klub ose grup mbështetës në Forest of Dean, reklamojeni si në drejtorinë fizike të Forest Compass ashtu edhe në direktorinë online këtu, FALAS duke plotësuar formularin e mëposhtëm. 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 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

Shoqata e Rinisë Pyjore Shoqata Rinore Forest of Dean është këtu për të ofruar ndihmë dhe mbështetje për të rinjtë dhe klubet, grupet ose organizatat rinore. Bëni miq të rinj Përfshihuni në komunitetin tuaj Ndiqni një interes Provoni diçka të re Mësoni aftësi të reja Vullnetar Bëni një botë më të mirë Vullnetarizmi Ka shumë mundësi vullnetare si për të rinjtë ashtu edhe për të rriturit. Nëse jeni një i ri që kërkoni punë vullnetare për të bërë në kohën tuaj të lirë, për të fituar më shumë aftësi ose si pjesë e programit tuaj DofE, ju lutemi na telefononi ose na vizitoni https://do-it.org/ Në mënyrë të ngjashme, nëse jeni një i rritur që ka aftësi dhe njohuri ose dëshironi të mbështesni një organizatë rinore brenda Pyllit të Deanit, ju lutemi kontaktoni pasi ka shumë organizata që do ta vlerësonin mbështetjen tuaj. Anëtarësimi i lidhur për Klubin / Organizatën tuaj Kur anëtarësoheni në Shoqatën Rinore të Forest of Dean, do të keni të drejtën për gamën tonë të plotë të shërbimeve, e cila ofron këshilla dhe mbështetje në të gjitha aspektet e drejtimit të një organizate si e juaja. Ne gjithashtu drejtojmë një kalendar aktivitetesh në të cilat vullnetarët dhe të rinjtë tuaj mund të marrin pjesë me një tarifë nominale. Për detaje të plota të përfitimeve ose për të regjistruar klubin tuaj, klikoni në lidhjet e mëposhtme Përfitimet e anëtarësimit të Shoqatës Rinore për Klubet Formulari i Anëtarësimit të Shoqatës Rinore për Klube Detajet e Kontaktit Për Më shumë Informacion Nëse dëshironi të dini më shumë për ndonjë nga projektet ose ngjarjet tona ose si të përfshiheni, ju lutemi kontaktoni me Zyrtaren tonë për Zhvillimin e Shoqatës Rinore, Alethea Bumpstead në FodYouthAssociation@fvaf.org.uk For More Information If you would like to know about any of our projects or events or how to get involved, please get in touch with us at hi.ya @fvaf.org.uk Mbeshtetje financiare Forest of Dean Youth Association me krenari merr mbështetje financiare nga këshillat e qytetit të Cinderford dhe Coleford. Nëse këshilli juaj i famullisë ose qytetit dëshiron të dijë më shumë rreth Forest of Dean Youth Association ose se si mund të na mbështesni, ju lutemi kontaktoni duke dërguar email FodYouthAssociation@fvaf.org.uk

Vullnetarizmi Si qendër vullnetare për Pyllin e Deanit, ne jemi këtu për t'ju ndihmuar të rekrutoni dhe menaxhoni vullnetarë Vullnetarizmi ynë i ri broshurë e mbushur me detaje të vullnetarizmit lokal mundësitë janë jashtë tani KLIKONI PËR TË SHKARKONI Ose merrni një kopje në bibliotekën tuaj lokale ose në Qendrën e Komunitetit Si Qendra Vullnetare për Pylli i Dekanit ne jemi shpesh pika e parë e kontaktit për këdo që është i interesuar për vullnetarizëm. Vitin e kaluar ne ishim krenarë që mbështetëm mbi 100,000 orë vullnetarizëm në zonë! FVAF promovon dhe reklamon një gamë të gjerë mundësish vullnetarizmi nga organizata që ndajnë etikën tonë në mbështetjen e vullnetarëve dhe njohjen e një gamë të gjerë arsyesh pse njerëzit zgjedhin të dalin vullnetarë. Pse vullnetar? Vullnetarizmi ka një sërë përfitimesh të mëdha, jo vetëm për ju individualisht, por për komunitetin tuaj dhe botën ku jetojmë. Nëse dëshironi të përmirësoni CV-në tuaj, të takoni njerëz të rinj, të përdorni aftësitë tuaja në përdorim të mirë, të mësoni diçka të re, të ndiqni një interes, të ofroni përvojë ose thjesht të bëni një ndryshim, ne jemi të garantuar që të kemi një mundësi për ju! Ju mund të mësoni për këto mundësi në mënyrat e mëposhtme: Kërko mundësitë në Do-it.org Na telefononi në 01594 822073 Kontaktoni nëpërmjet email Na vizitoni në FVAF Hënë - Prem 9:00 - 1:00 ( Udhëzime ) Nëse po kërkoni të dilni vullnetar si pjesë e një grupi të madh, për shembull si pjesë e vullnetarizmit të korporatës, atëherë ne kemi gjithashtu një gamë të gjerë mundësish për të zgjedhur. 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 Si një qendër e vetme për të gjitha gjërat vullnetare, ne përdorim një metodologji shumëplanëshe për t'ju dhënë mundësinë më të mirë të mundshme për të rekrutuar dhe mbajtur vullnetarë të vlefshëm. Kjo përfshin sa vijon: Reklamimi i mundësive tuaja në Do-it.org Promovimi i mundësive tuaja për anëtarët e publikut të referuar tek ne ose nëpërmjet funksionit tonë të hyrjes. Reklamimi i mundësive tuaja në faqet tona në Facebook dhe Twitter Promovimi i mundësive tuaja për shërbimet lokale që mbështesin vullnetarizmin p.sh. Qendra e Punës, LearnDirect dhe 2GetherTrust Reklamimi i mundësive tuaja në mbi 30 ngjarje në vit Dërgimi i mundësive tuaja te bizneset lokale që ofrojnë vullnetarizëm të mbështetur nga punëdhënësi Promovimi i mundësive përkatëse në shkolla, kolegje dhe universitete Shpërndarja e mundësive tuaja në bazën tonë të të dhënave vullnetare me mbi 1000 njerëz Promovimi i mundësive tuaja në një sërë rrjetesh, duke përfshirë 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)

Join our roadshow! Volunteer Week 2024 3-8 June We’re hitting the road again this year to celebrate Volunteers’ Week 2024! Volunteers' Week is an annual celebration of the contribution millions of people make, across the UK, through volunteering in their communities. In the first week of June (3-8), we will be taking our community engagement vehicle out and about across the Forest of Dean, promoting and celebrating all things volunteering. If you’re a local group or organisation who needs volunteers and would like the opportunity to promote what you do to the local community, we’re inviting you to join us. From 10am -2pm we will be in: Wednesday 5 June LYDNEY - Taurus Crafts, The Old Park Park, Aylburton, Lydney GL15 6BU Thursday 6 June CINDERFORD - Ow Bist - Forest Community Space, Dockham Road GL14 2AN Friday 7 June COLEFORD - The Clocktower, Market Place GL16 8AW Saturday 8 June NEWENT - Newent Market Hall, Broad Street If you’d like to join us, please let us know by 31 May. BOOK YOUR PLACE **PLUS pop along and pick up the latest editions of our popular publications ‘Volunteering in the Forest of Dean’ and ‘Forest Compass’. Can’t make it? We’re happy to take along any flyers/leaflets/poster/giveaways to promote your group or organisation – just drop them into the FVAF office at Ow Bist - Forest Community Centre, Dockham Road, Cinderford GL14 2AN (located in the Tesco carpark) by 4pm Friday 31 May.

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. The whole team loved the space you have at Ow Bist, but also really valued the partnership approach. Hirer at Ow Bist What to find out more? Interested in hiring the space? Contact us at contact@fvaf.org.uk or 01594 822073

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.

Bëhuni anëtar i FVAF Duke u bërë anëtar i FVAF-it, ju na ndihmoni të vazhdojmë të ofrojmë një shërbim mbështetës jetik për sektorin vullnetar dhe komunitar në Pylli i Dekanit . FVAF vepron si një avokat për veprime vullnetare dhe komunitare aty ku është e përshtatshme në nivel rrethi, qarku dhe kombëtar, dhe sa më shumë anëtarë të përfaqësojmë, aq më i fortë është zëri ynë. Prandaj, anëtarët konsultohen për çështjet që ndikojnë në sektorin vullnetar dhe komunitar në Pyllin e Dekanit dhe atë që ne synojmë të arrijmë si organizatë. Si anëtar, do të gëzoni akses në shërbimet tona të zyrës, tarifa të reduktuara të printimit dhe kopjimit, promovimin e vendeve të lira të punës vullnetare për grupin tuaj dhe marrjen me qira pa pagesë të një sërë pajisjesh zyre. Kjo perfshin: Afisho tabelat Lak i dëgjimit Projektor dixhital dhe ekran Sistemi PA Flip Charts Tavolinë e gjatë e palosshme Urnë e furnizimit me ujë të nxehtë Gazebo (kërkohet donacion 5 £) Nëse dëshironi të bëheni anëtar i FVAF-it, ju lutemi klikoni në butonin Join FVAF në të djathtë dhe plotësoni formularin. Për detaje të mëtejshme telefononi në 01594 822073 Është FALAS të bëhesh anëtar i FVAF për të hyrë në të gjitha shërbimet tona mbështetëse Bashkohuni me FVAF