FVAF பற்றி நமது கதை நாங்கள் தன்னார்வ சேவை கவுன்சில் மற்றும் டீன் வனத்திற்கான தன்னார்வ மையம். மாவட்டத்தில் உள்ள நூற்றுக்கணக்கான தன்னார்வ மற்றும் சமூக அமைப்புகளுக்கு நாங்கள் உதவிகளை வழங்குகிறோம் 1994 இல் உருவாக்கப்பட்டதிலிருந்து, டீன் காடு முழுவதும் சமூக நடவடிக்கைகளை ஊக்குவிப்பது, தழுவுவது மற்றும் மேம்படுத்துவதற்கான நற்பெயரை நாங்கள் உருவாக்கியுள்ளோம். சமூகம்-தலைமையிலான அணுகுமுறைகள் மூலம், மகிழ்ச்சியான, சிறந்த இணைக்கப்பட்ட வாழ்க்கையை வாழ்வதற்கான திறன்கள், பின்னடைவு மற்றும் சமூக மூலதனத்தை வளர்க்க குடிமக்களுக்கு உதவுகிறோம் என்று நாங்கள் நம்புகிறோம். அலுவலக சேவைகள் ஊழியர்கள் மற்றும் அறங்காவலர்கள் கொள்கைகள் அணுகல் மற்றும் நிலைத்தன்மை

Volunteer Heroes Crowned! The community turned out in force on Wednesday 7 September to see local volunteers crowned at a glittering awards celebration evening we held at the AccXel Training Centre in Cinderford. We created the Forest Volunteer Awards to recognise and celebrate the amazing efforts of local volunteers in the Forest of Dean. Earlier this Summer, we asked local people to nominate those volunteer heroes who have demonstrated exceptional and outstanding support to the local community over the past 12 months. The response was amazing and we received hundreds of nominations. An expert panel had the tough task of shortlisting the nominations and picking the winners. However, one category - Volunteer of the Year – Peoples’ Champion – was decided by a public vote with almost 900 votes cast. The winners were crowned at a special evening, held at the stunning conference space at the impressive AccXel Training Centre, which was provided for free to FVAF by local construction company the KW Bell Group, who were the main sponsors of the event. Volunteer of the Year went to Les Cockle, volunteer fundraiser at Great Oaks Hospice whilst Forest of Dean Host Ukrainians and Ukraine Community Hub jointly picked up the Community Voluntary Group of the Year. Young volunteers were celebrated with Keira Stone, volunteer at disability group, Together We Can crowed under 16 years old Young Volunteer of the Year, whilst in the 17 – 25 years old category, Chloe Whatley and Jordan Terrel were rewarded for their tireless hard work volunteering at the Sea Cadets in Lydney. Lisa Tootell was crowned Outstanding New Volunteer of the Year for her amazing impact for the Girl Guides in the Forest of Dean and Hips Social were recognised for supporting the local community and investing in improving the local area. The winners were presented with an award, a framed certificate and £100 Amazon voucher, kindly provided by sponsors the KW Bell Group. Deb Cook, Volunteering Manager at FVAF said “So much of what happens within our community is because of people who give their time and energy for free. We think that recognising the amazing efforts of volunteers and organisations is incredibly important which is why we have been so pleased by the reaction of the local people who have supported these awards by nominating and voting.” Deb added, “It has been an incredible evening and we are so lucky and proud of the strength of the amazing voluntary sector we have in the Forest.” Master of Ceremony for the Forest Volunteer Awards was Kate Clark, BBC Radio Gloucestershire presenter who kept the guests entertained with her expert hosting skills. Award winners were announced by guest presenter; Roger Deeks (FVAF Trustee), Nicola Bird and Yvonne Bell (KW Bell and main sponsor), Sue Middleton (Verderer of the Forest of Dean), Andy Lewis MBE (PT2 Para triathlete), Neill Ricketts (Founder of Versarien and chair the Forest of Dean Economic Partnership). The celebration evening was made possible thanks to generous sponsorship for the following local organisations: KW Bell Group and AccXel Training Centre – main sponsors Hot Tubs Rock Versarien The Midcounties Co- Operative FOREST VOLUNTEER AWARD WINNERS: Volunteer of the Year – Peoples’ Champion WINNER: Les Cockle – Great Oaks Hospice Highly Commended: Hannah McGowan (FOD Hosts of Ukrainians Support Group), Martin Elsmore (The Golden Triangle Club), Steve Gregory (FVAF / Walking with Wheels) and Mark Jones (Community First Responder SWASFT) Community Voluntary Group of the Year WINNER: FOD Hosts of Ukrainians Support Group and Ukraine Community Hub Highly Commended: Together We Can, Newnham Archery Club, Dean Radio, The Friends of Longhope Church and The Rewild Project Outstanding New Volunteer WINNER: Lisa Tootell – Girlguiding FOD South Division Highly Commended: Sarah Maxfield – Berry Hill Memorial Institute Young Volunteer of the Year 16yrs & under WINNER: Keira Stone – Together We Can Highly Commended: Toby Niblett – Lydney Youth Hub Young Volunteer of the Year 17 – 25yrs JOINT WINNERS: Jordan Terrell and Chloe Whatley – FOD Sea Cadets Community Impact Award WINNER: HIPs Social Highly Commended: Recycle Shop CIC Newent and Wilde Earth Journeys

FVAF Community Celebration & AGM 2023 FRIDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2024 | 11AM - 2PM Ow Bis - Forest Community Space, Dockham Road GL14 2AN We are inviting the whole community to join us in celebrating the work FVAF has done over the last 12 months for, and with communities across the Forest of Dean PLUS it’s our 30th anniversary this year and we’re ready to celebrate! Refreshments and a delicious buffet lunch will be provided. Places are limited - please book your ticket ASAP READ THE AGM NOTICE BELOW: BOOK YOUR TICKET

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

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.

Get top tips to ‘Live for Less’ at community drop-in event! 2pm - 5pm Wednesday 22 March| Lydney Town Hall GL15 5DY Come along to our FREE drop-in event for top tips and advice to help you with the rising cost of living. From 2pm to 5pm you will get the chance to visit over 25 information stalls and speak face-to-face with experts who can offer help with food support, reducing bills, energy saving, searching for a job and benefits and money advice. PLUS we’ve got some fantastic interactive demos featuring cooking with Dean Forest Kitchen, grow your own tips from Adult Education Gloucestershire and upcycling skills with Newent Upcycling. In addition, AEG will also be giving a taste of the other sessions that they offer . Chris Brown, our CEO at said “With the cost of living constantly on the rise we are seeing first-hand the strain and impact this is having on the day-to-day lives of local people. This drop-in event will offer tips and advice and help everyone discover sustainable ways to cut their bills and save money.” ‘Living for Less’ is a free community drop-in event with a wide range of organisations signed up to attend including Forest of Dean District Council, Citizens Advice Bureau, Severn Wye Energy Agency, DWP, Homestart, Wlydwood, Two Rivers Housing and many other local community and support groups. Full list of organisations attending: Forest of Dean District Council - community, health, benefits and housing teams SevernWye Energy Agency Citizens Advice Bureau Department For Work and Pensions – Benefits and employment team Newent Upcycling Dean Forest Kitchen Friends of Forest Waterways Christians Against Poverty Wyldwood Crossroads Care Gloucestershire Carers Healthwatch Gloucestershire Adult Education Gloucestershire FRED – Forest Read Easy Deal Charlie's in the Forest Lydney Hub Gloucestershire Community Rail Two Rivers Housing Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue Mothers in Mind/Homestart Lydney Exchange Gloucestershire Nightstop Great Oaks Hospice Managing Memory GOPA - Gloucestershire Older Persons' Association Dementia Action Alliance - DDA CCP – Caring for Communities and People For more information contact contact@fvaf.org.uk or 01594 822073.

Community Connectors' Forum - உங்கள் பேட்ச் நெட்வொர்க்கை அறிந்து கொள்ளுங்கள் Supporting Strong and Thriving Communities with Know Your Patch உங்கள் பேட்சை அறிந்துகொள்வதன் மூலம் வலுவான மற்றும் செழிப்பான சமூகங்களை ஆதரித்தல் Community Connectors Forum (CCF) இன் உங்கள் பேட்ச் பகுதியைத் தெரிந்து கொள்ளுங்கள், தன்னார்வ மற்றும் சமூகத் துறை, சட்டப்பூர்வ சேவைகள் மற்றும் உள்ளூர் குடியிருப்பாளர்களை ஒரு சிறந்த வேலை வழிகளை உருவாக்கும் வகையில் இணைக்கிறது. ஃபாரஸ்ட் ஆஃப் டீன் நோ யுவர் பேட்ச் நெட்வொர்க், தன்னார்வ மற்றும் சமூகத் துறை, சட்டப்பூர்வ சேவைகள் மற்றும் உள்ளூர் குடியிருப்பாளர்களை இணைக்கும் வகையில் வடிவமைக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது, இது எங்கள் சமூகங்களை வலுப்படுத்தும் சிறந்த வழிகளை உருவாக்கும். சுகாதாரத் தேவைகள் அதிகரிப்பதைத் தடுக்க அல்லது தாமதப்படுத்துவதில் இந்த 'சமூகச் சலுகை' மிகவும் முக்கியமானது. ஃபாரஸ்ட் ஆஃப் டீன் முழுவதும் நாங்கள் காலாண்டு நிகழ்வுகளை நடத்துகிறோம், இதில் பங்குதாரர்கள் தங்கள் சமூகத்தில் என்ன முக்கியமானவை மற்றும் சேவைகள் மற்றும் தன்னார்வத் துறை குழுக்கள் இதற்கு எவ்வாறு உதவலாம் என்பது பற்றிய விவாதத்தில் சேருமாறு அழைக்கிறோம். ஒவ்வொரு நோ யுவர் பேட்ச் நிகழ்வும் இலவசம் மற்றும் உரையாடலின் ஒரு பகுதியாக இருக்க விரும்பும் எவருக்கும் திறந்திருக்கும். நீங்கள் கலந்து கொள்ள விரும்பினால், 01594 822073 என்ற எண்ணில் அழைக்கவும் அல்லது help4groups@fvaf.org.uk என்ற மின்னஞ்சல் முகவரியில் அழைக்கவும். ஃபாரஸ்ட் ஆஃப் டீனில் என்ன நடக்கிறது என்பது குறித்த எங்கள் நோ யுவர் பேட்ச் நெட்வொர்க்கிற்கு வழக்கமான மின்னஞ்சல்கள் மற்றும் புதுப்பிப்புகளையும் நாங்கள் அனுப்புகிறோம். நீங்கள் இந்த நெட்வொர்க்கில் சேர விரும்பினால், தயவுசெய்து குழுசேரவும் இங்கே . இருந்து நிதியுதவி செய்ததற்கு நன்றி Gloucestershire கவுண்டி கவுன்சில் , Know Your Patch Gloucestershire இல் உள்ள ஒவ்வொரு மாவட்டத்திலும் கிடைக்கிறது. இவற்றைப் பற்றி மேலும் அறிய விரும்பினால், தயவுசெய்து பார்வையிடவும் இங்கே . எங்கள் சிந்தனையை அடிக்கோடிட்டுக் காட்டும் சில ஆய்வுகள் இங்கே: "சமூக மூலதனத்தை உருவாக்க தனிநபர்கள் மற்றும் சமூகங்களுக்கு உதவுவதில் நாம் அனைவரும் பங்கு வகிக்கிறோம். பின்தங்கிய சமூகக் குழுக்கள் மற்றும் சமூகங்கள் சிக்கலான மற்றும் ஒன்றோடொன்று தொடர்புடைய தேவைகளைக் கொண்டிருந்தாலும், சமூக மற்றும் சமூக மட்டத்தில் சொத்துக்களும் உள்ளன என்ற அங்கீகாரம் அதிகரித்து வருகிறது. அது ஆரோக்கியத்தை மேம்படுத்தவும், உடல்நலப் பிரச்சினைகளுக்குப் பின்னடைவை வலுப்படுத்தவும் உதவும்" (தி கிங்ஸ் ஃபண்ட், 2018) "மோசமான சமூக உறவுகளைக் கொண்ட தனிநபர்களுடன் ஒப்பிடும்போது போதுமான சமூக உறவுகளைக் கொண்டவர்கள் 50 சதவிகிதம் உயிர்வாழும் விகிதத்தைக் கொண்டிருந்தனர்" (Holt-Lunstad et al 2010) "பொதுவான வாழ்க்கை முறை மற்றும் மிதமான புகைபிடித்தல், அதிகப்படியான மது அருந்துதல், உடல் பருமன் மற்றும் அதிக கொழுப்பு மற்றும் இரத்த அழுத்தம் போன்ற மருத்துவ அபாயங்கள் போன்ற இறப்பு விகிதத்தை சமூக வலைப்பின்னல்கள் சக்திவாய்ந்த முன்கணிப்பாளர்களாகக் காட்டுகின்றன" (Pantell et al 2013; Holt-Lunstad et al, 2010) . "எதிர்ப்புத் திறனை அதிகரிப்பதற்கும் நோயிலிருந்து மீள்வதற்கும் சமூக ஆதரவு மிகவும் முக்கியமானது" (பெவலின் மற்றும் ரோஸ், 2003) "சமூக வலைப்பின்னல்கள் மற்றும் ஆதரவின் பற்றாக்குறை நடத்தை சுய-கட்டுப்படுத்துதல் மற்றும் காலப்போக்கில் மன உறுதி மற்றும் பின்னடைவை உருவாக்குவது கடினமாக்குகிறது, இது ஆரோக்கியமற்ற நடத்தைகளில் ஈடுபடுவதற்கு வழிவகுக்கிறது" (கேசியோப்போ மற்றும் பேட்ரிக் 2009). "சமூகப் பங்கேற்பு தனிமைப்படுத்தல், விலக்குதல் மற்றும் தனிமையைக் குறைக்கிறது" (ஃபாரல் மற்றும் பிரையன்ட் 2009; செவிக்னி மற்றும் பலர் 2010; ரியான்-காலின்ஸ் மற்றும் பலர் 2008) "வலுவான சமூக மூலதனம் புகைபிடித்தல் போன்ற வாழ்க்கை முறை அபாயங்களைத் தவிர்ப்பதற்கான வாய்ப்புகளை மேம்படுத்துகிறது" (ஃபோலண்ட் 2008; பிரவுன் மற்றும் பலர், 2006) Spring/Summer Programme 2025 Welcome back to the Spring/Summer 2025 sessions in the Forest Know Your Patch network. We continue with the mixture of shorter sessions (from 10-11am) and longer sessions (from 10am until noon) - providing the opportunity for a more in-depth look at topics. The latter also provide a platform for attendees to share information about their work and current developments and partnerships. We have included a live event in Cinderford, in the heart of the Forest, at the end of May, and look forward to meeting as many of you as possible at that networking event. 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. PROGRAMME 2025 Late Spring/Early Summer April 29th – 10-11am: Health in the Forest - Rethink/Great Oaks Hospice May 13th – 10-11am: Forest Food Network May 27th (tbc) IN-PERSON: Forest Digital Forest Showcase with Alex Digby June 10th – 10-11am Partnership Development - Integrated Care Board - Community Catalysts & Physical Health Self-Management June 24th – 10 - 11am: Join us for a “Virtual Cuppa” – And Help to Shape Know Your Patch in the Future July 8th – 10am - 12noon: Family Hubs in the Forest July 22nd – 10 - 11am : Holiday Provision for Children & Families All meetings are online via MS TEAMS except 27th May - further details about this event will be sent in due course.

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 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.

The podcast kit is also available for hire to voluntary community groups. For more information on The Community Action Pod and ways to get involved contact the Host Melanie Benn on melanie@fvaf.org.uk or 01594 822073. Produced by Forest Voluntary Action Forum Funded by the Barnwood Trust Digital Inclusion Fund

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 crown our community heroes! The community turned out in force on Tuesday 3 October to see local volunteers crowned at our glittering Forest Volunteers Awards 2023 celebration at the AccXel Training Centre in Cinderford. READ THE NOMINEE PROFILES IN THE AWARDS PROGRAMME We created the Forest Volunteer Awards to recognise and celebrate the amazing efforts of local volunteers in the Forest of Dean and earlier this Summer, we asked you to nominate those volunteer heroes who have demonstrated exceptional and outstanding support to the local community over the past 12 months. We had an amazing response and received hundreds of nominations. Our expert community panel had the tough task of shortlisting the nominations and picking the winners. However,one category - Volunteer of the Year – Peoples’ Champion – was decided by a public vote withalmost 1,400 votes cast. The winners were crowned at a special evening, held at the stunning conference space at the impressive AccXel Training Centre, which was provided for free to FVAF by local construction company the KW Bell Group, who were the main sponsors of the event. Jando Greco, volunteer at St Stephens Church in Cinderford was crowned Volunteer of the Year – the People’s Champion following a public vote. A volunteer of over 12 years his nominator said: “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.” Young volunteers were celebrated with Ebony Powell, volunteer and fundraiser at Forest of Dean Dog Rescue crowned under 16 years old Young Volunteer of the Year for her caring and dedicated commitment caring for the rescue dogs, whilst in the 17 – 25 years old category, Daisy Hoole rewarded for her tireless hard work volunteering at C.A.N.D.I Youth Space. In the groups section, The George in Newnham was recognised as the New Voluntary Group of the Year for reopening the former café as a vibrant community space. Next up, was Sedbury Space who picked up the Grassroots Voluntary Group award in recognition of the fantastic efforts of the community to create a thriving, inclusive, welcoming hub. Fire safety education organisation SkillZONE was awarded the Community Organisation award for their responsive work with young people in the Forest, and a team of volunteers from EDF Energy picked up the Business in the Community Award for helping out at Camphill Village Trust in Lydney. Forest of Dean Dementia Action Alliance (FDDAA) sponsored the launch of a new Inclusion Award, with Cinderford Bowls Club scooping the top spot for making changes to the game and their grounds to make bowls accessible for everyone to enjoy. Our Volunteering Manager Deb Cook said “So much of what happens within our community is because of people who give their time and energy for free. We think that recognising the amazing efforts of volunteers and organisations is incredibly important which is why we have been so pleased by the reaction of the local people who have supported these awards by nominating and voting.” Deb added, “It has been an incredible evening and we are so lucky and proud of the strength of the amazing voluntary sector we have in the Forest.” Master of Ceremony for the Forest Volunteer Awards was Steve Knibbs, BBC Points West reporter who kept the guests entertained with his expert hosting skills. Award winners were announced by guest presenters; Mark Topping( Leader of Forest of Dean District Council), Emma Snell (Go Volunteer Glos), Penny Hulbert (FVAF Chair of Trustees), Jonathan Lane (Cabinet Member for Economy at FODDC), Kirsty Downie (John Lewis Partnership & Waitrose - Monmouth), and Andrea Harman (Ecophon). The celebration evening was made possible thanks to generous sponsorship for the following local organisations: KW Bell Group and AccXel Training Centre – main sponsors Ecophon Simplicity in Business Steve Gooch Estate Agents Waitrose & Partners (Monmouth Store) FOREST VOLUNTEER AWARD WINNERS 2023: Volunteer of the Year – Peoples’ Champion WINNER: Jando Greco – St Stephens Church, Cinderford Highly Commended: Chris Brain (Broadwell Football Club), Melanie Getgood (Friends of Worcester Walk), Edna Husbands (Lydcare Community Transport), Barbara Jenkins (Over 60’s Group at Berryhill Memorial Hut), Albert Weager (community representative & advocate for better healthcare) and Dave Young (Forest Sensory Services and Samaritans). New Voluntary Group of the Year WINNER: The George, Newnham Highly Commended: Lydney Army Cadets Young Volunteer of the Year 16yrs & under WINNER: Ebony Powell – Forest of Dean Dog Rescue Highly Commended: Evie Harris - community volunteer and Teens in Crisis fundraiser Young Volunteer of the Year 17 – 25yrs WINNER: Daisy Hoole – C.A.N.D.I Youth Space Highly Commended: Leanne Hendrix – Coleford Youth Club Grassroots Voluntary Group of the Year WINNER: Sedbury Space Highly Commended: Forest Community Shed Community Organisation of the Year WINNER: SkillZone Highly Commended: Forest of Dean District Scouts Business in the Community Award WINNER: EDF Energy Highly Commended: The Rising Sun Community Pub FoD Dementia Action Alliance Inclusion Award WINNER: Cinderford Bowls Club Highly Commended: Artspace Cinderford END For media enquires contact communications@fvaf.org.uk or 01594 822073.

Current Opportunities Many local organisations, across the Forest of Dean, are currently looking for trustees with a variety of skills & experience: LYDNEY DIAL-A-RIDE Lydney Dial-a-Ride is a friendly door-to-door transport service for those people who do not have their own transport and are unable to use public transport. They operate a fleet of fully accessible minibuses capable of carrying wheelchair passengers and other seated passengers. Trustee role: They are looking for people who have HR experience, managing a small to medium organisation or wishing to make a difference in their local community. The Trustees meet every other month and keep in regular contact via email and telephone. Chat louise@lydneydialaride.co.uk | 01594 843809 EARLYBIRDS PLAYGROUP Earlybirds Playgroup are a local charity-based playgroup offering education for early years children from 2 to 4 years old. Established in January 1999, it is the aim of the committee and staff to keep it running successfully for many more years. Located in Cinderford in the Forest of Dean, all members of staff are qualified to a high level and have many years of experience of working within young children; they attend regular safeguarding, first aid and continuing professional development training which allows them to support each child in their development and well-being. Trustee role: Currently that have a committee with 7 trustees but are looking to expand and would welcome anyone with IT skills, finance, marketing, or legal along with anyone with an interest in early years education. Chat earlybirdschair@yahoo.com or 07553215307 ST BRIAVELS ASSEMBLY ROOMS The St Briavels Assembly Rooms are a village hall built for the benefit of the parishioners of St Briavels, Hewelsfield and Brockweir. The Rooms consist of a main hall with stage, a bar/cafe area a commercial kitchen, a meeting room/office and a walled courtyard. Activities at the Rooms include lettings to local groups and private individuals, a regular tearoom, events with a bar, a produce market and a 100 Club lottery. Trustees meet about every 6 weeks, or about 8 times a year. The Trustees, who are not remunerated, also volunteer as much as they can and are supported by a team of community volunteers who help to deliver the key services. Trustee role: Looking for Trustees who can contribute knowledge, expertise and volunteer time especially in the following areas: Event management: co-ordinating the creation and delivery of an annual programme of events Minutes Secretary: taking minutes at Trustee meetings. Chat sbar.helpers@gmail.com LOVE DRYBROOK TRUST The Love Drybrook Trust raises money through trading at the Shop on the Cross in the centre of Drybrook. This is a charity shop run by enthusiastic volunteers and selling mainly to local people. They also offer a small coffee and chat area within the shop. Money raised is distributed primarily once a year and when specific requests are received - these may be from individuals and families or community groups. Trustee role: They would value new trustees who could bring experience to any aspects of what they do and who are keen to support the local community. The trust has firm Christian foundations and seeks to share that faith practically by supporting local people, especially the most vulnerable, in a variety of ways. Chat Revd. Clare Edwards, 01594 726318 revclareedwards@gmail.com HOPE SUPPORT SERVICES About: Hope Support Services is a charity providing support to Children and Young People experiencing a health crisis within their family or with someone who is significant to them. Based in Ross-on-Wye but cover all of Herefordshire with in person support, and provide online support nationally. Trustee role: They are looking for a talented, passionate individual to join the board as their new Finance Trustee. Chat Find our more HERE FOREST SENSORY SERVICES Forest Sensory Services is a small friendly charity, who provides support to those with sensory impairment (sight and hearing). They promote and encourage clients to remain as independent as possible with their impairments. FSS depend on volunteers to support the services they provide. Trustee role: FSS are interested in hearing from anyone interested in support their activities. Chat Support@forestsensoryservices.org FOREST OF DEAN CHILDREN’S OPPORTUNITY CENTRE The Forest of Dean Children’s Opportunity Centre was set up as a registered charity in 1982. The aim of the centre is for all children regardless of any special need or disability to play and learn alongside each other in a safe and stimulating environment. The Centre provides an informal meeting place for parents and those professionals involved in the care of the children who have diverse and complex special needs. Trustee role: The centre is looking to recruit up to two new trustees following recent retirements and a review of skills needed on the board. They are particularly looking for an individual with accounting skills to take on the role of treasurer, someone with legal expertise, ideally but not essentially in the field of charity law, and someone with broad general business experience. They would also welcome new parent trustees. Chat sue_burrows@hotmail.com or 01594 544174 CANDI Established in 1995 to improve conditions of life in Cinderford and the surrounding area, CANDI has particularly been committed to increasing the opportunities, to raising their aspirations and providing drop-ins for young people aged 11 to 17 in Cinderford and Drybrook. CANDI is now extending the scope of its work to reach out to community groups of all ages, setting up its own groups and working in partnership with other charities in the Forest of Dean. Trustee role: CANDI is seeking trustees generally but also with specialist skills in the following areas: IT, legal, publicity, HR, fundraising, premises management Chat Company Secretary - cosec@candi.email **NEW CHARITY**MINDFULVISION MindfulVision offers employment opportunities and training for Blind, Severely Sight Impaired (SSI), Visually Impaired (VI) and disabled people. Trustee role: this new charity is looking for people who can help create a more inclusive society where blind and disabled people can participate fully and equally in the workforce. Chat guy.woodland@mindfulvision.org