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

NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN! CLOSING DATE: MIDNIGHT SUNDAY 19 JULY 2026 Nomination Form 2026 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 Diversity & 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 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 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 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

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

Role: Caretaker Salary: £20,000 – £24,800 (depending on experience) Hours: 30 hours per week, Mon–Fri, 7:30am–2pm (some evenings/weekends may be required) Contract: Permanent contract Location: Ow Bist Forest Community Space, Cinderford Do you take pride in keeping spaces safe, well-maintained, and welcoming? Do you care about your community and want your work to make a real difference in the Forest of Dean We're looking for a passionate and proactive Caretaker to be the heartbeat of Ow Bist Forest Community Space — a vibrant hub where local organisations, community groups, and people come together to collaborate, connect, and thrive. The Role This is a hands-on, varied role. As our Caretaker, you'll be the person who makes sure everything runs smoothly. You'll be responsible for: Day-to-day facilities management, building security, and opening/closing procedures Proactive maintenance, minor repairs, and contractor management Leading health and safety compliance, risk assessments, and staff training Overseeing cleaning staff and eco-friendly supplies Supporting FVAF's sustainability goals — monitoring utilities, promoting recycling, and championing green practices Managing room set-ups for events and building users Operating and maintaining the FVAF Community Engagement Vehicle Building great relationships with tenants, colleagues, and community partners JOB DESCRIPTION: Caretaker 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. Applications will be considered as they are received. For an informal discussion about the role, please contact projects@fvaf.org.uk

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

Recovery & Wellbeing Café “A Community Created Curriculum of Curious Conversations” Weekly Face-to-Face Discussions & Recovery Educational Sessions Each Wednesday (Term Time) at Café 16 in Coleford from 6-8pm. “A safe space to create who you are, not be told what to think.” Join conversations with a diverse range of people with professional & lived experience of different subjects, local people who have gained understandings about the impact current concerns have upon mental health, recovery and wellbeing. We are building a supportive space where, as critical friends, we can learn together and support each other with our individual understandings. All curious & compassionate folk welcome.

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 .

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

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

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