Волонтерство Як волонтерський центр Лісу Діна, ми тут, щоб допомогти вам залучити та керувати волонтерами Наше нове волонтерство буклет, наповнений деталями місцевого волонтерства можливості зараз вичерпані НАТИСНІТЬ, ДЛЯ ЗАВАНТАЖЕННЯ Як повідомляє Волонтерський центр ім Ліс Діна ми часто є першою контактною особою для всіх, хто цікавиться волонтерством. Минулого року ми пишалися тим, що підтримали понад 100 000 годин волонтерства в цьому районі! FVAF заохочує та рекламує широкий спектр можливостей волонтерства від організацій, які поділяють наш дух підтримки волонтерів і визнають широкий спектр причин, чому люди вибирають волонтерську діяльність. Чому волонтер? Волонтерство має ряд величезних переваг не тільки для вас окремо, але і для вашої спільноти та світу, в якому ми живемо. Якщо ви хочете покращити своє резюме, познайомитися з новими людьми, використати свої навички, навчитися чомусь новому, зацікавитися, запропонувати досвід чи просто змінити ситуацію, ми гарантовано матимемо для вас можливість! Дізнатися про ці можливості можна наступними способами: Можливості пошуку на Do-it.org Зателефонуйте нам за номером 01594 822073 Зв'яжіться через електронна пошта Заходьте до нас у FVAF пн-пт з 9:00 до 1:00 ( Маршрут ) Якщо ви хочете стати волонтером у складі великої групи, наприклад, у рамках корпоративного волонтерства, у нас також є широкий спектр можливостей на вибір. 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: Як єдиний центр для всього волонтерства, ми використовуємо багатогранну методологію, щоб дати вам найкращі шанси залучити та утримати цінних волонтерів. Це включає в себе наступне: Реклама ваших можливостей на Do-it.org Просування ваших можливостей представникам громадськості, які звернулися до нас, або через нашу функцію. Рекламуйте свої можливості на наших сторінках у Facebook та Twitter Просування ваших можливостей місцевим службам, які підтримують волонтерство, наприклад. Центр зайнятості, LearnDirect та 2GetherTrust Реклама ваших можливостей на понад 30 подіях на рік Надсилайте свої можливості місцевим підприємствам, які пропонують волонтерство за підтримки роботодавців Просування відповідних можливостей для шкіл, коледжів та університетів Розповсюдження ваших можливостей у нашій базі даних волонтерів, яка налічує понад 1000 людей Просування ваших можливостей у різноманітних мережах, включаючи Know Your Patch 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)

Our Team. Our head office is based in Cinderford but everyday you will meet members of the FVAF team out and about supporting the community and building strong partnerships with other local organisations and groups... Chris Brown Chief Executive Officer Nick Penny Head of Operations Deb Cook Head of Development Catherine Best Communications & Fundraising Manager Teresa Allewell Finance Manager Cherry Potter-Irwin Finance & Administration Officer Fliss Simister Youth Team Manager Lisa Robertson Youth Development Officer Katy Virgo Youth Development Officer Courtney Middleton Project Coordinator Jodie Atkins Youth Support Worker Adam Lambert Youth Projects Manager Krissie Carter Neighbourhood Connector Mark Evans Neighbourhood Connector Alex Digby Community Team Manager Melanie Benn Community Builder Teresa Rose Community Connectors' Facilitator Pete Harper Community Connector Flora Croysdale Digital Inclusion Community Builder Piers Cardiff Forest of Dean Climate Action Partnership Coordinator Becky Moorcroft Forest of Dean Climate Action Partnership Coordinator Meet our trustees. We have a highly skilled board of trustees who meet regularly to monitor, challenge and guide what FVAF does now, and in the future. Bob Rhodes Chair of Trustees Josh Bond Vice Chair of Trustees Jonathan Gault Trustee - Treasurer Patricia Le Rolland Trustee Sid Phelps Trustee Diana Martin Trustee Rob Toomer Trustee Roger Deeks Trustee Interested in becoming a FVAF Trustee? Talk to us! Contact Chris is ceo@fvaf.org.uk 01594 822073

Forest of Dean Digital Partnership FUNDED BY THE BARNWOOD TRUST A collaborative community partnership project, led by FVAF. This district-wide partnership, the first of its kind, was created to break down the barriers people face in relation to digital inclusion and unlock the many assets available within our communities and the digital world.   Forest of Dean Digital Partnership - Final Evaluation September 2024 Report - Download Forest of Dean Digital Partnership - Final Evaluation September 2024: APPENDICES APPENDIX 1: Forest of Dean Digital Partnership Application APPENDIX 2: Insight into Set up and Delivery of Local Digital Inclusion Pilot Projects APPENDIX 3: Healthwatch Gloucestershire - Access to digital technologies APPENDIX 4: Partner Claim Form APPENDIX 5: Instructions for filling in Partner’s claim form APPENDIX 6: Promo flier - Invitation to get involved APPENDIX 7: EOI Process Map APPENDIX 8: EOI Document A template APPENDIX 9: EOI Document B template APPENDIX 10: EOI scoring sheet APPENDIX 11:Forest of Dean Community Choir EOI Document 1 APPENDIX 12: Forest of Dean Community Choir EOI Document 2 APPENDIX 13: Virtual Sight Loss EOI Document 1 APPENDIX 14: Virtual Sight Loss EOI Document 2 APPENDIX 15: CVT EOI Document 1 APPENDIX 16: CVT EOI Document 2 APPENDIX 17: Outdoors, Indoors EOI Document 1 APPENDIX 18: Outdoors, Indoors EOI Document 2 APPENDIX 19: Forest Pathways EOI Document 1 APPENDIX 20: Forest Pathways EOI Document 2 APPENDIX 21: Project Engage EOI Document 1 APPENDIX 22: Project Engage EOI Document 2 APPENDIX 23: Forest of Dean Hybrid Choir Final Evaluation APPENDIX 24: CVT - Digital Inclusion Workshop Final Evaluation APPENDIX 25: Outdoors, Indoors Final Evaluation APPENDIX 26: Forest Pathways Final Evaluation APPENDIX 27: Forest Pathways Executive Summary APPENDIX 28: Reflection Session Presentation APPENDIX 29: Journey Reflection OTHER PROJECT PUBLICATIONS: EASY READ BOOKLET - How to use the computer and software EASY READ BOOKLET - Staying Safe Online

🌟 Forest Volunteer Awards 2026 – 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. ♿ Diversity & 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 HAVE NOW CLOSED FOR 2026! See last year's winners 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 .

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

Role: Youth Projects Manager Salary: £30,000 – £37,000 (subject to experience) Hours: up to 37.5 hours per week, Monday–Friday (some evenings/weekends may be required) Contract: Permanent Location: Forest of Dean District (Cinderford) Are you passionate about empowering young people and the communities that support them? FVAF are looking for a Youth Projects Manager to lead our group support and capacity building work, strengthening youth and community provision right across the Forest of Dean. JOB DESCRIPTION: Youth Projects Manager FVAF JOB APPLICATION FORM HOW TO APPLY Please read the above full job description and download the application form. Please note CVs will not be accepted. Application deadline: Sunday 5th July, midnight For an informal discussion about the role, please contact fliss@fvaf.org.uk Send completed application forms to Fliss Simister at fliss@fvaf.org.uk

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.

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

Лісова молодіжна асоціація Молодіжна асоціація Forest of Dean пропонує допомогу та підтримку молоді та молодіжним клубам, групам чи організаціям. Завести нових друзів Приєднуйтесь до своєї спільноти Переслідуйте інтерес Спробуйте щось нове Отримайте нові навички Волонтер Зробіть світ кращим Волонтерство Є багато можливостей для волонтерства як для молоді, так і для дорослих. Якщо ви молода людина, яка шукає волонтерської роботи у вільний час, щоб отримати більше навичок або як частина вашої програми DofE, зателефонуйте нам або відвідайте https://do-it.org/ Так само, якщо ви доросла людина, яка має навички та знання, або бажаєте підтримати молодіжну організацію в Лісі Діна, будь ласка, зв’яжіться з нами, оскільки є багато організацій, які вдячні б за вашу підтримку. Партнерське членство для вашого клубу/організації Приєднавшись до Молодіжної асоціації Forest of Dean, ви матимете право на весь спектр наших послуг, які пропонують поради та підтримку в усіх аспектах управління такою організацією, як ваша. Ми також ведемо календар заходів, у яких ваші волонтери та молодь можуть брати участь за символічну плату. Щоб отримати повну інформацію про переваги або зареєструвати свій клуб, натисніть на наступні посилання Переваги членства молодіжної асоціації для клубів Форма членства в клубах молодіжної асоціації Контактні дані для отримання додаткової інформації Якщо ви хочете дізнатися більше про будь-який з наших проектів чи заходів або як взяти участь, будь ласка, зв’яжіться з нашим спеціалістом з розвитку молодіжних асоціацій, Алетеєю Бампстед на 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 Фінансова підтримка Молодіжна асоціація Forest of Dean з гордістю отримує фінансову підтримку від міських рад Сіндерфорда та Колфорда. Якщо ваша парафіяльна чи міська рада хоче дізнатися більше про молодіжну асоціацію Forest of Dean або як ви можете підтримати нас, будь ласка, зв’яжіться з нами електронною поштою FodYouthAssociation@fvaf.org.uk

Role:Place Partnership Lead – Building Connections Salary: £36,000 – £45,000 (pro rata for part-time/job share) Hours: Up to 37.5 hours per week (job share or part-time hours considered) Contract: Fixed Term until 31st August 2029 with extension dependent on funding and performance Location: Cinderford and Mitcheldean, with travel across the wider Forest of Dean Do you build trust easily, love bringing people together, and want to help shape stronger, more connected communities in the Forest of Dean? We're looking for a passionate and proactive Place Partnership Lead to help local organisations, community buildings, volunteers and residents in Cinderford and Mitcheldean come together to collaborate, connect, and thrive. The Role Build and maintain positive relationships with community buildings, resident groups, parish councils, VCSE organisations and statutory partners across Cinderford and Mitcheldean. Convene and facilitate place-based partnership meetings, forums and collaborative networks. Support community buildings to develop governance, leadership and community engagement, helping them move towards a community-owned Hub model. Work alongside residents and volunteers to ensure local people shape plans, activities and decisions, particularly those experiencing loneliness or isolation. Support the design, promotion and administration of Community Chest funding, helping local groups develop ideas and applications. Capture learning and share examples of good practice across the Forest of Dean and wider partnership networks. Who We're Looking For Experience of partnership development, community development, community engagement or stakeholder management. A proven ability to build productive relationships across multiple sectors and communities. Confidence facilitating meetings, groups, networks or collaborative projects. Strong communication, interpersonal and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities. An understanding of loneliness and social isolation, and of co-production or asset-based community development approaches. A collaborative, empowering and community-centred approach, and a genuine commitment to inclusion and equity. JOB DESCRIPTION: Place Partnership Lead – Building Connections FVAF JOB APPLICATION FORM HOW TO APPLY Please read the above full job description and download the application form. Please note CVs will not be accepted. Email completed application forms to Chris Brown at ceo@fvaf.org.uk Application deadline: Wednesday 26th August Interview date: Wednesday 9th September For an informal discussion about this role contact Chris Brown at ceo@fvaf.org.uk .

Лісовий компас Forest Compass — це фізичний та онлайн-довідник із переліком багатьох регулярних заходів, груп підтримки та клубів, доступних у Лісі Дін. Ліс є домом для сотень громадських та різноманітних груп, від дитячих груп, через обідні клуби, чоловічі сараї до кафе пам’яті. Багато з них є безкоштовними або дуже дешевими для відвідування та керування ними волонтерами або некомерційними групами. На жаль, багато людей, які могли б отримати користь від таких груп, не знають про чудові можливості, які відкриваються перед ними. Якщо ви керуєте волонтерською діяльністю, клуб або групу підтримки в Forest of Dean розмістіть рекламу як у фізичному каталозі Forest Compass, так і в онлайн-каталозі тут, БЕЗКОШТОВНО, заповнивши форму нижче. 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