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.

🌟 Forest Volunteer Awards 2025 – Celebrating Local Heroes 🌟 This year, we’re shining a spotlight on the incredible individuals, groups, and organisations who go the extra mile to make the Forest of Dean a better place. Whether they’re quietly making a difference or leading bold community change, we want to hear their stories. THE CATEGORIES: 🏆 Volunteer of the Year – People's Champion This is your chance to celebrate an unsung hero. Someone who consistently goes above and beyond to support others, uplift their community, or inspire through their own journey. Their dedication may have transformed lives—or even kept vital services running. We're looking for someone who: Shows exceptional dedication and commitment to their volunteer role Has made a significant positive impact on individuals or the wider community Demonstrates reliability, compassion, and selflessness May have overcome personal challenges while helping others Goes above and beyond to support those in need ✨ This is the only award chosen by public vote! Once finalists are announced, the community will decide who takes home the title. 🌱 Young Volunteer of the Year (21 & under) Recognising a young person who's making a big impact. Whether they've overcome personal challenges or shown outstanding commitment to helping others, this award celebrates young volunteers —in schools, clubs, or community projects. We're looking for a young person who: Demonstrates exceptional commitment to volunteering despite their age Serves as a role model and inspiration to other young people Shows maturity, leadership, and dedication beyond their years May have overcome personal obstacles while helping others Actively contributes to making their school, club, or community better Examples might include: peer mentoring, fundraising champions, environmental activists, community event organisers, or young carers who also volunteer. 🤝 Grassroots Group of the Year For small, volunteer-led groups making a big difference. From lunch clubs to sports teams, support circles to hobby groups—if your local group is powered by passion and community spirit, we want to celebrate it. We're looking for groups that: Are entirely or predominantly volunteer-run Demonstrate strong community impact despite limited resources Show innovation, creativity, and resilience in their approach Foster genuine connections and belonging among members Address local needs or bring people together around shared interests Operate with transparency, inclusivity, and community spirit Examples might include: village halls committees, friendship groups, local history societies, craft circles, walking groups, or neighbourhood support networks. 🏢 Community Organisation Award Recognising larger charities, CICs, CIOs, or teams of staff and volunteers making a meaningful impact in the Forest of Dean. We celebrate organisations that: Make a real difference by creating positive, lasting change in the local community Join forces with other local groups and partners to work together effectively Stay open and accountable while encouraging active community participation Keep evolving to meet new challenges and the changing needs of the community Use resources wisely to bring the greatest possible benefits to those who need them Stay true to the mission and focus on what matters most to the Forest of Dean Champion volunteering by effectively recruiting, supporting, and valuing volunteers This award highlights established organisations with formal structures, paid staff, and a commitment to fostering and sustaining volunteer contributions. 🏢💚 Business in the Community Award Celebrating local businesses that give back. Whether through employee volunteering, project sponsorship, or hands-on community support, this award recognises businesses that are making a real social impact. We're looking for businesses that: Go beyond profit to actively contribute to community wellbeing Encourage and support employee volunteering during work time Provide meaningful sponsorship, donations, or in-kind support Partner with local charities and community groups Operate with environmental and social responsibility Demonstrate genuine, long-term commitment to the Forest of Dean Examples might include: businesses offering apprenticeships to local youth, companies supporting community events, employers giving staff volunteer days, or businesses donating skills, space, or resources. ♿ Accessibility & Inclusion Award (sponsored by FoD Dementia Action Alliance) This award celebrates organisations or groups that are actively working to break down barriers and create welcoming, inclusive spaces. It's not about being perfect—it's about showing commitment to accessibility, equity, and belonging for all. We're looking for organisations that: Actively work to remove physical, social, or communication barriers Demonstrate understanding of diverse needs including disability, age, culture, and background Show ongoing commitment to improving accessibility and inclusion Provide training, support, or resources to become more inclusive Create environments where everyone feels valued and able to participate Take practical steps to accommodate different needs and abilities This could include: dementia-inclusive initiatives, wheelchair accessible improvements, sensory-friendly adaptations, multilingual support, or programmes specifically designed to welcome marginalised groups. 🌍 Community Climate Action Award (sponsored by Forest of Dean Climate Action Partnership) F or individuals or VCSE groups leading the way in environmental action. From community gardens and repair cafés to sustainable transport and flood resilience—if you're helping the Forest adapt and thrive in a changing climate, we want to hear from you. We're looking for nominees who: Take practical action to address climate change or environmental challenges Inspire and educate others about sustainable living Develop innovative solutions to local environmental issues Build community resilience to the impact of the changing climate Create lasting positive environmental change in the Forest of Dean Examples might include: renewable energy projects, sustainable food initiatives, active travel promotion, waste reduction campaigns, or climate adaptation projects. NOMINATIONS NOW CLOSED FAQs Who can nominate? Anyone can nominate! Whether you are an individual local resident, part of a community group or from a local government organisation. How can I nominate? It’s easy – just fill in our nomination form here or if you would prefer a paper copy you can request one via communications@fvaf.org.uk or 01594 822073. What information do I need to provide? Please provide plenty of detail about what the nominee has achieved and as much information as possible about them and their unique contribution. If you have any, please provide good quality photographs. Make sure that you have permission from anyone else in the photograph so that we can use it for media and promotional activities unless you tell us not to. Should I tell the person or organisation I am nominating them or keep it a surprise? Ideally it would be good to let them know once you have decided to nominate, just so that they are aware and happy for their story to be shared. We want to celebrate and shout about the wonderful work of volunteers which would include promotion via social media, on our website and to local press. How will it be judged? All nominations will be carefully considered by a panel of judges. This panel will be made up of a mix of unbiased and independent judges including; members of staff from FVAF, a FVAF trustee, and representatives from local councils, businesses and media. For more information or if you have any questions, email communications@fvaf.org.uk or call 01594 822073 .

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

சக்கரங்களுடன் நடப்பது: அடிக்கடி கேட்கப்படும் கேள்விகள் 'டிராம்பர்' என்றால் என்ன? டிராம்பர் என்பது அனைத்து நிலப்பரப்புகளிலும் இயங்கும் மின்சார இயக்கம் வாகனம் ஆகும். இது 4mph வரை கட்டுப்படுத்தப்பட்ட வேகத்தைக் கொண்டுள்ளது, இது பைக்கில் நடப்பவர்கள் அல்லது சிறு குழந்தைகளுடன் செல்வதற்கு ஏற்றது. டிராம்பர்களின் முழு விவரக்குறிப்பு இருக்கலாம் இங்கே கிடைத்தது . இந்த சேவையை யார் பயன்படுத்தலாம்? சக்கரங்களுடன் நடப்பது 14 வயதுக்கு மேற்பட்டவர்களுக்கும், 25 வயதுக்குக் குறைவான எடையுள்ளவர்களுக்கும், தற்காலிக அல்லது நிரந்தரமான இயக்கம் சிரமங்களால் நடப்பதில் சிரமம் இருக்கும். நான் எந்த வழிகளில் இதைப் பயன்படுத்தலாம்? ஃபாரெஸ்ட் ஹாலிடேஸ் மற்றும் சிரில் ஹார்ட் ஆர்போரேட்டம், மல்லார்ட்ஸ் பைக் மற்றும் தி ஸ்பீச் ஹவுஸிலிருந்து ஃபேமிலி சைக்கிள் டிரெயிலின் சில பகுதிகளிலிருந்து சைமண்ட்ஸ் யாட் ராக் மற்றும் சைமண்ட்ஸ் யாட்டில் உள்ள வை ஆற்றுக்குச் செல்லும் வழிகள் உள்ளன. பணியமர்த்தும்போது பாதைகளின் வரைபடம் வழங்கப்படும். வாடகைக்கு எப்போது கிடைக்கும்? டிராம்பர் வாரத்தில் 9:00 - 5:00 7 நாட்களுக்கு வாடகைக்குக் கிடைக்கும் (குளிர்காலத்தில் மணிநேரம் குறைவாக இருக்கலாம், மாலைக்கு முன் திரும்புவதை உறுதிசெய்யலாம்). நான் எப்படி ஒன்றை முன்பதிவு செய்யலாம்? ஏமாற்றத்தைத் தவிர்க்க, உங்கள் டிராம்பரை நாளுக்கு முன்பே முன்பதிவு செய்யவும். முன்பதிவு செய்ய டிராம்பர் தளங்களை நேரடியாக தொடர்பு கொள்ளவும். வன விடுமுறைக்கு 01594 837165 என்ற எண்ணிற்கு அழைக்கவும் பேச்சு இல்லத்திற்கு 01594 822607 என்ற எண்ணிற்கு அழைக்கவும் ஒரு டிராம்பர் வேலைக்கு எவ்வளவு செலவாகும்? டிராம்பர் ஒரு மணி நேரத்திற்கு வெறும் £2.50 செலவாகும். முதல் முறை பயனர்களுக்கு, கிராமப்புற மொபிலிட்டிக்கு ஆண்டு உறுப்பினர் கட்டணம் £10 அல்லது இரண்டு வார டேஸ்டர் அமர்வுக்கு £2.50. இவற்றில் ஒன்றை நான் இதற்கு முன் பயன்படுத்தவில்லை என்றால் என்ன செய்வது? வருத்தப்பட வேண்டாம்! அவை மிகவும் எளிமையானவை மற்றும் செயல்பட பாதுகாப்பானவை, மேலும் ஒவ்வொரு பயனருக்கும் எங்கள் அற்புதமான பாதைகளைச் சமாளிப்பதற்கு அவர்கள் பாதுகாப்பாகவும் வசதியாகவும் உணர்கிறார்கள் என்பதை உறுதிப்படுத்த முழுத் தூண்டல் வழங்கப்படும். எனக்கு கூடுதல் உதவி தேவைப்பட்டால் என்ன செய்வது? பாதைகளில் அனைவரும் உடன் வருமாறு கேட்டுக்கொள்கிறோம், எனவே நீங்கள் எப்போதும் உங்களுடன் இருப்பீர்கள். நீங்கள் ஒரு டிராம்பரை முயற்சி செய்ய விரும்பினால், ஒருவரை பணியமர்த்துவதற்கு முன், ஏற்பாடு செய்ய எங்கள் மையங்களில் ஒன்றை அழைக்கவும். நான் ஏன் கிராமப்புற இயக்கத்தில் உறுப்பினராக வேண்டும்? டிராம்பர்களை வழங்குவதற்கு கிராமப்புற மொபிலிட்டி பொறுப்பாகும், அதனால்தான் அவை மலிவு விலையில் வழங்கப்படுகின்றன. டிராம்பரை ஹோஸ்ட் செய்யும் ஒவ்வொரு தளமும் பாதுகாப்பான மற்றும் எளிதில் அணுகக்கூடிய வழியில் செயல்படுவதை உறுதிசெய்யவும் அவர்கள் வேலை செய்கிறார்கள். தென்மேற்கில் உள்ள பல கிராமப்புற மொபிலிட்டி தளங்களில் டிராம்பர்களில் ஏதேனும் ஒன்றைப் பயன்படுத்த இந்த உறுப்பினர் உங்களுக்கு உதவும். மேலும் தகவலுக்கு, கிராமப்புற மொபிலிட்டி இணையதளத்தைப் பார்க்கவும். பணியமர்த்துவதற்கு முன் நீங்கள் உறுப்பினர் படிவங்களை மையத்தில் பூர்த்தி செய்யலாம். இந்த திட்டத்திற்கு நான் உதவ முடியுமா? வாக்கிங் வித் வீல்ஸ் எங்கள் சேவையை மேம்படுத்த தன்னார்வலர்களை நம்பியிருக்கிறது. எங்கள் சேவையைப் பற்றி பரப்புவதற்கு உதவ நீங்கள் ஆர்வமாக இருந்தால், அல்லது வேறு வழியில் உதவ விரும்பினால், 01594 822073 என்ற எண்ணை அழைக்கவும் அல்லது walkingwithwheels@fvaf.org.uk என்ற மின்னஞ்சல் முகவரிக்கு அழைக்கவும். முழு பயிற்சியும் ஆதரவும் வழங்கப்படும். நான் முன்பதிவை ரத்து செய்ய வேண்டும் என்றால் என்ன செய்வது? ரத்துசெய்தல் குறித்த அறிவிப்பை குறைந்தது 24 மணிநேரத்திற்கு வழங்குமாறு கேட்டுக்கொள்கிறோம், இதன் மூலம் டிராம்பரை வேறொரு பயனருக்கு நாங்கள் பணியமர்த்த முடியும். ரத்துசெய்ய, நீங்கள் முன்பதிவு செய்த தளத்தைத் தொடர்பு கொள்ளவும் 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

NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN! CLOSING DATE: MIDNIGHT SUNDAY 20 JULY 2025 Nomination Form 2025 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 Accessibility & 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

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.

தன்னார்வத் தொண்டு ஃபாரஸ்ட் ஆஃப் டீனுக்கான தன்னார்வ மையமாக, தன்னார்வலர்களைச் சேர்ப்பதற்கும் நிர்வகிப்பதற்கும் உங்களுக்கு உதவ நாங்கள் இங்கு இருக்கிறோம் எங்கள் புதிய தன்னார்வத் தொண்டு விவரங்கள் நிரப்பப்பட்ட சிறு புத்தகம் உள்ளூர் தன்னார்வத் தொண்டு வாய்ப்புகள் இப்போது இல்லை பதிவிறக்கம் செய்ய கிளிக் செய்யவும் தன்னார்வ மையமாக டீன் காடு தன்னார்வத் தொண்டு செய்ய ஆர்வமுள்ள எவருக்கும் நாங்கள் அடிக்கடி தொடர்பு கொள்ள வேண்டிய முதல் புள்ளியாக இருக்கிறோம். கடந்த ஆண்டு, 100,000 மணிநேர மதிப்புள்ள தன்னார்வத் தொண்டுகளுக்கு ஆதரவளிப்பதில் பெருமிதம் கொள்கிறோம்! FVAF ஆனது தன்னார்வத் தொண்டர்களை ஆதரிப்பதில் எங்களின் நெறிமுறைகளைப் பகிர்ந்து கொள்ளும் நிறுவனங்களின் பரந்த அளவிலான தன்னார்வ வாய்ப்புகளை விளம்பரப்படுத்துகிறது மற்றும் விளம்பரப்படுத்துகிறது ஏன் தன்னார்வலர்? தன்னார்வத் தொண்டு உங்களுக்கு தனித்தனியாக மட்டுமல்ல, உங்கள் சமூகத்திற்கும் நாங்கள் வாழும் உலகிற்கும் பல பெரிய நன்மைகளைக் கொண்டுள்ளது. உங்கள் CVயை மேம்படுத்தவும், புதிய நபர்களைச் சந்திக்கவும், உங்கள் திறமைகளை நன்றாகப் பயன்படுத்தவும், புதிதாக ஒன்றைக் கற்றுக்கொள்ளவும், ஆர்வத்தைத் தொடரவும், அனுபவத்தை வழங்கவும் அல்லது மாற்றத்தை ஏற்படுத்தவும் விரும்பினால், உங்களுக்கான வாய்ப்பைப் பெற நாங்கள் உத்தரவாதம் அளிக்கிறோம்! பின்வரும் வழிகளில் இந்த வாய்ப்புகளைப் பற்றி நீங்கள் அறியலாம்: வாய்ப்புகளைத் தேடுங்கள் Do-it.org 01594 822073 என்ற எண்ணில் எங்களை அழைக்கவும் மூலம் தொடர்பு கொள்ளவும் மின்னஞ்சல் FVAF திங்கள் - வெள்ளி 9:00 - 1:00 ( திசைகள் ) இல் எங்களைப் பார்க்க வாருங்கள் நீங்கள் ஒரு பெரிய குழுவின் ஒரு பகுதியாக தன்னார்வத் தொண்டு செய்ய விரும்பினால், உதாரணமாக கார்ப்பரேட் தன்னார்வத் தொண்டுகளின் ஒரு பகுதியாக, தேர்வு செய்வதற்கான பரந்த வாய்ப்புகளும் எங்களிடம் உள்ளன. 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 As a one-stop-shop for all things volunteering, we can help you find, and keep, the perfect volunteer: தன்னார்வத் தொண்டு செய்யும் அனைத்து விஷயங்களுக்கும் ஒரு நிறுத்தக் கடையாக, மதிப்புமிக்க தன்னார்வத் தொண்டர்களை ஆட்சேர்ப்பு செய்வதற்கும் தக்கவைத்துக்கொள்வதற்கும் சிறந்த வாய்ப்பை உங்களுக்கு வழங்க நாங்கள் பலதரப்பட்ட முறையைப் பயன்படுத்துகிறோம். இதில் பின்வருவன அடங்கும்: Do-it.org இல் உங்கள் வாய்ப்புகளை விளம்பரப்படுத்துதல் எங்களிடம் குறிப்பிடப்படும் பொது உறுப்பினர்களுக்கு அல்லது எங்கள் டிராப்-இன் செயல்பாடு மூலம் உங்கள் வாய்ப்புகளை விளம்பரப்படுத்துதல். எங்கள் Facebook மற்றும் Twitter பக்கங்களில் உங்கள் வாய்ப்புகளை விளம்பரப்படுத்துதல் தன்னார்வத்தை ஆதரிக்கும் உள்ளூர் சேவைகளுக்கு உங்கள் வாய்ப்புகளை ஊக்குவித்தல் எ.கா. வேலை மையம், LearnDirect மற்றும் 2GetherTrust வருடத்திற்கு 30 நிகழ்வுகளில் உங்கள் வாய்ப்புகளை விளம்பரப்படுத்துதல் முதலாளி ஆதரவு தன்னார்வத் தொண்டு வழங்கும் உள்ளூர் வணிகங்களுக்கு உங்கள் வாய்ப்புகளை அனுப்புதல் பள்ளிகள், கல்லூரிகள் மற்றும் பல்கலைக்கழகங்களுக்கு பொருத்தமான வாய்ப்புகளை ஊக்குவித்தல் 1,000 பேருக்கு மேல் உள்ள எங்களின் தன்னார்வ தரவுத்தளத்தில் உங்கள் வாய்ப்புகளை விநியோகித்தல் நோ யுவர் பேட்ச் உட்பட பல்வேறு நெட்வொர்க்குகளுக்கு உங்கள் வாய்ப்புகளை விளம்பரப்படுத்துதல் 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)

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.

Our team transforms Local Spaces during Volunteers Week 2025 We rolled up our sleeves this week and got stuck in with some fantastic Employer Supported Volunteering (ESV) as part of Volunteers Week 2025! We got out about in the local community to two fantastic local community groups: Team Paint Squad grabbed their brushes and got stuck in with smiles on their faces (and paint on their clothes!) to transform the Forest Fighting Fit studio with a fresh coat of paint - brightening up their space, recovery room, and bathrooms. Team Green Fingers headed down to Steam Mills to work their magic at the community garden for Cinderford Grows. Armed with gloves, tools, and plenty of enthusiasm, our team tackled overgrown areas, cleared stubborn weeds, and gave the pathway a beautiful fresh layer of wood chippings. Deb Cook, FVAF's Volunteering Manager said: "We all had a blast and were reminded that volunteering can be both rewarding and great fun!" A huge thank you to Forest Fighting Fit and Cinderford Grows for welcoming us with open arms.

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

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

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