The Digital Hubs Project Tackling digital exclusion across Gloucestershire The Digital Hubs Project is a new innovative approach, developed by Forest Voluntary Action Forum and GCC Adult Transformation Team, to tackle digital exclusion across Gloucestershire by offering free, accessible, tailored support to individuals. Starting out in October 2021, we have played the as role as county wide facilitator of the project in partnership with GCC’s Adult Transformation Team. Whilst being facilitator’s, we act as the Forest of Dean lead district provider, offering FREE 1:1 digital support across safe and trusted Community Drop-in Hubs. Coleford – Sixteen Community Cafe Sedbury – Sedbury Space Cinderford - Ow Bist - Forest Community Space Staunton – The Swan Community Hub Newent – The Chill Out Zone What does Digital Hubs aim to address? Motivation Not everyone sees why using the internet could be relevant and helpful A Digital Hub can demonstrate the huge benefits Confidence Some people fear online crime, lack trust or don’t know where to start online A Digital Hub can increase confidence via trusted relationships  Skills Not everyone has the ability to use the internet and online services A digital Hub can provide 1:1 training Access Not everyone has the ability to connect to the internet and go online A Digital Hub can provide access to free equipment and internet Since starting the journey of Gloucestershire Digital Hubs Project, awareness and recognition of the project has grown and is now recognised as essential community-based approach to tackling digital exclusion across Gloucestershire. Notability, the project was highlighted in the Report of the Director of Public health 2022/23 - No Person is an island: Social connections in Gloucestershire, which also included video cased study of the project. You can also  download the PDF version (PDF, 5.2 MB)  of Director of Public health 2022/23 For more information about the project visit the Digital Hub website HERE To find out more, dates, times and locations for upcoming FVAF Community Digital Drop-in Hubs, contact Alex on community@fvaf.org.uk  or 01594 822073.

Share Your Vision for the Forest of Dean – New Online Ways to Join the Conversation Have your say on the Forest's future – including potential UNESCO Biosphere designation. Residents across the Forest of Dean can now take part in shaping the area's future, from the comfort of their own home, with new online platforms that have just launched as part of a major community engagement project. Forest of Dean District Council has commissioned Wylderne to explore what the future could look like for this distinctive working Forest – including the possibility of UNESCO Biosphere designation – and everyone is invited to have their say. We've been supporting Wylderne with reaching the community and we're excited to launch 2 new digital opportunities to make it easier for everyone to contribute. Open to the whole community, residents can join facilitated video discussions in AI-Moderated Video Chat Rooms. A text-Based conversation platform is also being used to allow people to share thoughts and ideas through online discussion forums AI-Moderated Video Chat Room - sign up HERE Text Based conversation - take part HERE What's it all about? Our unique landscape has created a remarkable history and culture. But what will be the next chapter for this working Forest? What could a future look like that's rooted in our beautiful landscape and the stories that have forged our local identity? As part of these conversations, we'll also explore whether becoming a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve could help bring out the potential we know is here. A Biosphere is a place where communities learn how to protect biodiversity AND develop sustainably – finding local solutions to global challenges. But this is a genuine conversation about possibilities, not a done deal. We want to hear from YOU We're using an innovative approach that starts by asking what you value and treasure about the Forest. What stories make you proud? What are our strengths? What would you like to see in our future? Visit https://www.fdean.gov.uk/forest-of-dean-s-unesco-biosphere-bid or https://www.wylderne.com/ for more information. What is a UNESCO Biosphere? There are 759 Biosphere Reserves in 136 countries, with 7 already in the UK (including North Devon, Isle of Wight, and Dyfi in Wales). They're places for innovation – where communities work out how human beings and nature can live side by side so both can thrive. Cllr Chris McFarling, who represents Sedbury and St Briavels on Forest of Dean District Council, said: "A business as usual approach has seen continued declines in species, increased development, and increased pollution of our rivers. Becoming a Biosphere will tell the international community that there is something special and unique about the natural environment and the culture of the people of the Dean." Get involved Your insights will help shape a report that will be completed in early March 2026, feeding into the potential Biosphere application and helping guide our Forest's future direction. For more information: Visit: www.wylderne.com Contact: Paul Pivcevic, 07968 472317 or Catherine Best, communications@fvaf.org.uk

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 Association Manager Lisa Robertson Youth Development Officer Katy Virgo Youth Development Officer Courtney Middleton Project Coordinator Lauren Greening Youth Development Project Manager Jodie Atkins Youth Support Worker Krissie Carter Neighbourhood Connector Mark Evans Neighbourhood Connector Alex Digby Community Manager Melanie Benn Community Builder Teresa Rose Community Connectors' Facilitator Pete Harper Community Connector Natasha Nelson Working with Forest Food Network 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 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

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.

جنگل کمپاس Forest Compass ایک فزیکل اور آن لائن ڈائریکٹری ہے جس میں فارسٹ آف ڈین میں دستیاب بہت سی باقاعدہ سرگرمیوں، سپورٹ گروپس اور کلبوں کی فہرست ہے۔ جنگل میں بچوں کے گروپوں سے لے کر لنچ کلبوں، مردوں کے شیڈ سے لے کر میموری کیفے تک ہر قسم کے سینکڑوں سماجی اور سرگرمی گروپس کا گھر ہے۔ بہت سے لوگ مفت یا بہت کم لاگت میں شرکت کے لیے ہیں اور رضاکاروں کے ذریعے چلائے جاتے ہیں یا منافع بخش گروپوں کے لیے نہیں۔ افسوس کی بات ہے کہ بہت سے لوگ جو اس طرح کے گروپس سے فائدہ اٹھا سکتے ہیں وہ اپنی دہلیز پر موجود حیرت انگیز مواقع سے ناواقف ہیں۔ اگر آپ فاریسٹ آف ڈین میں رضاکارانہ قیادت کی سرگرمی، کلب یا سپورٹ گروپ چلاتے ہیں تو فاریسٹ کمپاس فزیکل ڈائرکٹری اور یہاں آن لائن ڈائرکٹری دونوں میں، نیچے دیئے گئے فارم کو مکمل کرکے مفت میں اشتہار دیں۔ 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

پہیوں کے ساتھ چلنا: اکثر پوچھے جانے والے سوالات 'Tramper' کیا ہے؟ ٹرامپر ایک آل ٹیرین برقی طاقت سے چلنے والی نقل و حرکت والی گاڑی ہے۔ اس کی رفتار 4 میل فی گھنٹہ تک محدود ہے جو کہ پیدل چلنے والوں یا بائیک پر چھوٹے بچوں کے ساتھ جانے کے لیے بہترین ہے۔ Trampers کی مکمل تفصیلات ہو سکتی ہے یہاں پایا . کون اس سروس کو استعمال کر سکتا ہے؟ پہیوں کے ساتھ چلنا 14 سال سے زیادہ عمر کے اور 25 پتھر سے کم وزن والے ہر فرد کے لیے کھلا ہے جسے عارضی یا مستقل نقل و حرکت کی مشکلات کی وجہ سے چلنے میں دشواری ہوتی ہے۔ میں اسے کن راستوں پر استعمال کر سکتا ہوں؟ دستیاب راستوں میں Symond's Yat Rock اور Symond's Yat سے Forest Holidays اور Cyril Hart Arboretum، Mallards Pike اور The Speech House سے فیملی سائیکل ٹریل کے کچھ حصے شامل ہیں۔ بھرتی کے وقت راستوں کے نقشے فراہم کیے جائیں گے۔ یہ کرایہ پر کب دستیاب ہے؟ ٹرامپر ہفتے میں 7 دن 9:00 - 5:00 کرایہ پر دستیاب ہے (شام سے پہلے واپسی کو یقینی بنانے کے لیے موسم سرما میں گھنٹے کم ہوسکتے ہیں)۔ میں کیسے بک کر سکتا ہوں؟ مایوسی سے بچنے کے لیے، براہِ کرم دن سے پہلے اپنے ٹرامپر کو پہلے سے بک کریں۔ براہ کرم بکنگ کے لیے براہ راست ٹریپر سائٹس سے رابطہ کریں۔ جنگل کی تعطیلات کے لیے 01594 837165 پر کال کریں۔ سپیچ ہاؤس کے لیے 01594 822607 پر کال کریں۔ ٹرامپر کی خدمات حاصل کرنے میں کتنا خرچ آتا ہے؟ ٹرامپر کی قیمت صرف £2.50 فی گھنٹہ ہے۔ پہلی بار استعمال کرنے والوں کے لیے کنٹری سائیڈ موبیلٹی کے لیے £10 یا دو ہفتے کے ٹیسٹر سیشن کے لیے £2.50 کی سالانہ ممبرشپ فیس بھی ہے۔ کیا ہوگا اگر میں نے پہلے کبھی ان میں سے ایک استعمال نہیں کیا ہے؟ پریشانی کی بات نہیں! یہ کام کرنے کے لیے بہت آسان اور محفوظ ہیں اور ہر صارف کو مکمل انڈکشن دیا جائے گا تاکہ یہ یقینی بنایا جا سکے کہ وہ ہمارے حیرت انگیز ٹریلز سے نمٹنے کے لیے محفوظ اور آرام دہ محسوس کرتے ہیں۔ اگر مجھے اضافی مدد کی ضرورت ہو تو کیا ہوگا؟ ہم آپ سے گزارش کرتے ہیں کہ ٹریلز پر ہر ایک کے ساتھ ہو تاکہ آپ کے ساتھ ہمیشہ کوئی نہ کوئی ہو۔ اگر آپ ٹرامپر کو آزمانا چاہتے ہیں، کسی کو ملازمت دینے سے پہلے، براہ کرم بندوبست کرنے کے لیے ہمارے کسی سینٹر کو کال کریں۔ مجھے کنٹری سائیڈ موبلٹی کا ممبر کیوں بننا ہے؟ دیہی علاقوں کی نقل و حرکت ٹرامپرز فراہم کرنے کی ذمہ دار ہے اور اسی وجہ سے انہیں اتنی سستی قیمت پر پیش کیا جاتا ہے۔ وہ اس بات کو یقینی بنانے کے لیے بھی کام کرتے ہیں کہ ہر وہ سائٹ جو ٹرامپر کی میزبانی کرتی ہے اسے محفوظ اور آسانی سے قابل رسائی طریقے سے کرتی ہے۔ یہ رکنیت آپ کو ساؤتھ ویسٹ میں دیہی علاقوں کی نقل و حرکت کی سائٹس پر کسی بھی ٹرامپرز کو استعمال کرنے کے قابل بنائے گی۔ مزید معلومات کے لیے براہ کرم دیہی علاقوں کی نقل و حرکت کی ویب سائٹ دیکھیں۔ آپ بھرتی کرنے سے پہلے مرکز میں رکنیت کے فارم مکمل کر سکتے ہیں۔ کیا میں اس پروجیکٹ میں مدد کر سکتا ہوں؟ پہیوں کے ساتھ چلنا ہماری سروس کو فروغ دینے کے لیے رضاکاروں پر انحصار کرتا ہے۔ اگر آپ ہماری سروس کے بارے میں بات پھیلانے میں مدد کرنے میں دلچسپی رکھتے ہیں، یا کسی اور طریقے سے مدد کرنا چاہتے ہیں، تو براہ کرم 01594 822073 پر کال کریں یا walkingwithwheels@fvaf.org.uk پر ای میل کریں۔ مکمل تربیت اور مدد فراہم کی جائے گی۔ اگر مجھے بکنگ منسوخ کرنے کی ضرورت ہو تو کیا ہوگا؟ ہم آپ سے مطالبہ کرتے ہیں کہ آپ کم از کم 24 گھنٹے کی منسوخی کا نوٹس دیں تاکہ ہم ٹرامپر کو کسی دوسرے صارف کے پاس رکھ سکیں۔ منسوخ کرنے کے لیے براہ کرم اس سائٹ سے رابطہ کریں جس کے ساتھ آپ نے بک کیا ہے۔ 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

Two brilliant people, two exciting new roles! READ MORE Frequently visited pages: COMMUNITY HUBS VOLUNTEER ADVICE YOUTH SUPPORT FVAF کیا ہے؟ ایف وی اے ایف کا مطلب ہے فارسٹ والنٹری ایکشن فورم۔ ہم مقامی شہریوں، کمیونٹی گروپس اور سرگرمیوں کو وہ کام کرنے کے لیے تعاون پیش کرتے ہیں جو ان کے لیے سب سے اہم ہیں۔ اس میں درج ذیل شامل ہیں: سپورٹ اور ڈویلپمنٹ مشورہ تربیت معلومات نیٹ ورکنگ میٹنگز نمائندگی کی سہولت رضاکاروں کی بھرتی رضاکارانہ جگہ کا تعین اور مدد ہم مقامی کمیونٹی کے ساتھ اور ان کے لیے بہت سے پروجیکٹ بھی چلاتے ہیں، جیسے کہ فارسٹ آف ڈین یوتھ ایسوسی ایشن، ہالیڈے ایکٹیویٹی کمپینز، دی فاریسٹ یوتھ میوزک نیٹ ورک، دی جی ای ایم پروجیکٹ، دی فاریسٹ کمپاس ڈائرکٹری، واکنگ ود وہیلز اور بہت کچھ۔ مکمل تفصیلات کے لیے ہمارا پروجیکٹ پیج دیکھیں۔ "میں مضبوط کمیونٹیز کی تعمیر ڈین کا جنگل" مزید تلاش کرو JOIN OUR MAILING LIST Get the latest community news and check out exciting volunteering opportunity in or around the Forest of Dean... فیس بک پر جائیں۔ Useful publications: FREE directory of the many volunteering opportunities available locally... DOWNLOAD ہمارے پارٹنرز We work with so many amazing and supportive partners. Find out more here... How to contact us Forest Voluntary Action Forum Ow Bist Forest Community Space Dockham Road Cinderford , Glos. GL14 2AN Email us: contact@fvaf.org.uk Tel: 01594 822073 Copyright © 2021 Forest Voluntary Action Forum. All Rights Reserved. Forest Voluntary Action Forum is a charity (1141126) and company limited by guarantee (07557852) registered in England and Wales. The registered address is The Belle Vue Centre, Cinderford, Glos, GL14 2AB. Travelling in the Forest of Dean Forest Of Dean Climate Action Partnership has created a handy interactive guide to travelling in the Forest of Dean. DOWNLOAD HERE

We Celebrate our Outstanding Volunteers! Winners crowned at annual Forest Volunteer Awards event... The Forest of Dean's most dedicated volunteers took centre stage this week at our annual Forest Volunteer Awards, held on Tuesday 2 September at the AccXel Construction School in Cinderford! People's Champion Takes Top Honours Ian Gower claimed the evening's most coveted award – Volunteer of the Year (People's Champion) – following a public vote that attracted over 3,500 participants. Ian's tireless work spans multiple organisations including CANDI, Mitcheldean Youth Club, and Scarr Bandstand, where he inspires young people through STEM education, drawing on his engineering background with Rolls Royce. Community Groups Recognised for Vital Work Several local organisations received recognition for their outstanding community contributions. The Salvation Army Community Hub in Coleford won Community Organisation of the Year for providing comprehensive support services including food assistance and domestic violence support. The Sharing Kitchen in Newent claimed the Grassroots Voluntary Group award, having transformed from a winter soup kitchen into a thriving community hub since launching in November 2024. Meanwhile, Music for Memories received the FoD Dementia Action Alliance Accessibility & Inclusion Award for positively impacting nearly 200 lives through personalised music therapy. We Rewarded Resilience Brockweir Village Shop and Café earned our ESV Business in the Community Award, demonstrating remarkable resilience after rebuilding following devastating fire damage in 2023. Volunteers worked tirelessly through an 18-month reconstruction to reopen the vital community facility. We Recognised Environmental Action Our newly introduced Community Climate Action Award went to the Save the Wye Campaign, recognising the group's creative activism in bringing national attention to the environmental crisis facing the River Wye. We Celebrated Future Leaders and Lifetime Achievement Our ceremony highlighted emerging community leaders, with Moss Thornton taking home our Young Volunteer of the Year honours for outstanding work as a Youth Expert and Youth Worker with Gloucestershire Health and Care Trust and Forest Pulse. Albert Weager received our Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 for his decades of community service as a representative and advocate for improved healthcare in the Forest of Dean. Celebrating Community Spirit "So much of what happens within our community is because of people who give their time and energy for free," said Deb Cook, Volunteering Manager at FVAF. "We're so proud to host this event and make a massive fuss about the incredible work that goes on in groups and organisations large and small. The work carried out by these volunteers is absolutely crucial to so many." Hosted by Steve Knibbs (BBC News Presenter) and Les Love (Dean Radio), our award winners were announced by guest presenters; Simon Murray (Vice chair, trustee of FVAF and chair of the Forest of Dean branch of CPRE), Cllr Jackie Dale, Cabinet Member for Thriving Communities FoDDC, Piers Cardiff (new Co-ordinator of FoDCAP), Tyler Josh Carpenter (volunteer at SARA (Severn Area Rescue Association) AND winner of last year’s Forest Young Volunteer of the Year), Dame Janet Trotter (DBE CVO), Nick Penny (FVAF Programme Manager). The celebration evening was made possible through generous sponsorship from local organisations, KW Bell Group and AccXel Construction Centre , Cinderhill Farm , Float in the Forest , Forest of Dean Climate Action Partnership (FODCAP) , Forest of Dean District Council , Mid Counties Co-operative and Pedalabikeaway . We received hundreds of nominations following their summer call for submissions, with an expert panel handling the challenging task of shortlisting candidates across all categories. FOREST VOLUNTEER AWARD WINNERS 2025: Volunteer of the Year – Peoples’ Champion WINNER: Ian Gower: CANDI, Mitcheldean Youth Club, Scarr Bandstand Highly Commended: Carol Austin: Sedbury Space Laura Dovey: Taurus Crafts Annie George: Forest Exchange Glynis Halling: The Victoria Centre, Lydney Dial-a-Ride, Dr Charley's Lunch Club Julie Holder: Packed with Love Young Volunteer of the Year 21yrs & under WINNER: Moss Thornton: Youth Expert and Youth Worker with Gloucestershire Health and Care Trust and Forest Pulse Highly Commended: Chloe Watts - Her Game Too and Bristol Rovers Women Ambassador Community Organisation of the Year WINNER: Salvation Army Community Hub Highly Commended: Forest of Dean Writers Collection Project and Dean Green Team Grassroots Group of the Year WINNER: The Sharing Kitchen Highly Commended: Cinderford Town FC (Youth Team)  Forest Wombles Business in the Community Award WINNER: Brockweir Village Shop & Cafe Highly Commended: Dean Forest Food Hub FoD Dementia Action Alliance Accessibility & Inclusion Award WINNER: Music for Memories Highly Commended: Skillzone – Preparation for Adulthood Community Climate Action Award (sponsored by FoDCAP) WINNER: Save the Wye Campaign Highly Commended: Yorkley Village Garden Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 – Albert Weager - community representative and advocate for better healthcare in the Forest of Dean For media enquires contact communications@fvaf.org.uk or 01594 822073. END - Notes to editor: Established in 1994, Forest Voluntary Action Forum (FVAF) is the Voluntary Service Council and Volunteer Centre for the Forest of Dean The charity offers support to local citizens, community groups and activities including support and development advice, training, networking meetings, facilitating representation, volunteer recruitment, volunteer placement and support In addition, FVAF delivers projects with and for the local community, including Forest of Dean Youth Association, Holiday, Activities and Food Programme, The Forest Compass Directory, Walking with Wheels FVAF receives some financial support from the Forest of Dean District Council and funds activities through external funding opportunities Head office - Forest Voluntary Action Forum, Ow Bist – Forest Community Space, Dockham Road, Cinderford , Glos. GL14 2AN.

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.