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

🌟 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 .

فارسٹ یوتھ ایسوسی ایشن فارسٹ آف ڈین یوتھ ایسوسی ایشن یہاں نوجوانوں اور یوتھ کلبوں، گروپوں یا تنظیموں کو مدد اور مدد کی پیشکش کرنے کے لیے موجود ہے۔ نئے دوست بناو اپنی کمیونٹی میں شامل ہوں۔ دلچسپی کا پیچھا کریں۔ کچھ نیا کرنے کی کوشش کریں۔ نئی مہارتیں سیکھیں۔ رضاکار ایک بہتر دنیا بنائیں رضاکارانہ نوجوانوں اور بالغوں دونوں کے لیے رضاکارانہ خدمات کے بہت سے مواقع موجود ہیں۔ اگر آپ ایک نوجوان ہیں جو اپنے فارغ وقت میں رضاکارانہ کام کی تلاش میں ہیں، مزید مہارتیں حاصل کرنے کے لیے یا اپنے DofE پروگرام کے حصے کے طور پر، براہ کرم ہمیں کال کریں یا ملاحظہ کریں۔ https://do-it.org/ اسی طرح، اگر آپ ایک بالغ ہیں جن کے پاس مہارت اور علم ہے یا آپ فارسٹ آف ڈین کے اندر کسی نوجوان تنظیم کو سپورٹ کرنا چاہتے ہیں، تو براہ کرم رابطہ کریں کیونکہ بہت سی تنظیمیں ہیں جو آپ کی حمایت کی تعریف کریں گی۔ آپ کے کلب/تنظیم کے لیے وابستہ رکنیت جب آپ فارسٹ آف ڈین یوتھ ایسوسی ایشن سے وابستہ ہوں گے تو آپ ہماری خدمات کی مکمل رینج کے حقدار ہوں گے، جو کہ آپ جیسی تنظیم کو چلانے کے تمام پہلوؤں میں مشورہ اور مدد فراہم کرتی ہے۔ ہم سرگرمیوں کا ایک کیلنڈر بھی چلاتے ہیں جس میں آپ کے رضاکار اور نوجوان معمولی معاوضے پر حصہ لے سکتے ہیں۔ فوائد کی مکمل تفصیلات کے لیے یا اپنے کلب کو رجسٹر کرنے کے لیے درج ذیل لنکس پر کلک کریں۔ کلبوں کے لیے یوتھ ایسوسی ایشن کی رکنیت کے فوائد یوتھ ایسوسی ایشن ممبرشپ فارم برائے کلب مزید معلومات کے لیے تفصیلات سے رابطہ کریں۔ اگر آپ ہمارے کسی پروجیکٹ یا ایونٹ کے بارے میں مزید جاننا چاہتے ہیں یا اس میں شامل ہونے کا طریقہ چاہتے ہیں، تو براہ کرم ہماری یوتھ ایسوسی ایشن ڈویلپمنٹ آفیسر، الیتھیا بمپسٹیڈ سے رابطہ کریں۔ 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 مالی مدد فارسٹ آف ڈین یوتھ ایسوسی ایشن کو فخر کے ساتھ سنڈر فورڈ اور کولفورڈ ٹاؤن کونسلز سے مالی تعاون حاصل ہے۔ اگر آپ کی پیرش یا ٹاؤن کونسل فارسٹ آف ڈین یوتھ ایسوسی ایشن کے بارے میں مزید جاننا چاہتے ہیں یا آپ ہماری مدد کیسے کر سکتے ہیں، تو براہ کرم ای میل کے ذریعے رابطہ کریں۔ FodYouthAssociation@fvaf.org.uk

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

کمیونٹی بلڈرز ڈراپ ان ہبز The drop-in hub provides support to create, inspire and build stronger communities together ڈراپ ان ہب ایک ساتھ مل کر مضبوط کمیونٹیز بنانے، حوصلہ افزائی کرنے اور ان کی تعمیر میں مدد فراہم کرتا ہے۔ ہر ڈراپ ان ہب مقامی باشندوں کے لیے مختلف قسم کی مدد، مشورہ اور رہنمائی پیش کرتا ہے۔ مثال کے طور پر؛ مقامی خدمات کو سپورٹ اور سائن پوسٹنگ، لنک کرنا اور نیا ترتیب دینا کمیونٹی گروپس، لوگوں کو روزگار یا مزید تعلیم کے قریب جانے میں مدد کرتے ہیں، ڈیجیٹل دنیا تک رسائی میں مدد کرتے ہیں اور کمیونٹی کے لیے آپ کے خیالات کو زندہ کرنے میں مدد کرتے ہیں۔ ہم مدد کی پیشکش کر سکتے ہیں: رضاکارانہ مواقع ملازمت کی حمایت مقامی سرگرمی گروپس اور کلب آئی ٹی اور ڈیجیٹل سپورٹ مقامی واقعہ کی معلومات مقامی خدمات پر سائن پوسٹنگ For dates, times and locations for up coming FVAF Community Drop-in Hubs, contact Alex on community@fvaf.org.uk or call the FVAF office on 01594 822073.

Help us create a mural celebrating the Forest of Dean's tradition of community action ! We're creating a mural to celebrate our incredible heritage of community action, mutual support, and resilience! From our mining traditions to welcoming Ukrainian families, from river fishing to friendly societies – we want to hear all the stories that matter. The finished mural will be painted on the side of Ow Bist - Forest Community Space, Dockham Road, Cinderford, creating a lasting tribute to our community's story. We've held two drop-in workshops, led by local artist Tom Cousins, where we invited the community to come along and share their amazing stories and ideas about what makes our area special. Couldn't Make It to the Workshops? We Still Want to Hear From You! We've created the below online survey – so you can still contribute your memories, stories, and ideas for the mural. Whether you've lived here all your life or recently made this place home, your perspective is valuable. What We're Looking For Personal stories that capture the spirit of our community Memories of local traditions, places, or events Examples of how neighbours have supported each other What makes you proud to be part of this community Ideas for images or symbols that represent our shared heritage Share your thoughts and ideas below: Your Forest of Dean Stories Your name (optional) How long have you lived in/been connected to the Forest of Dean area? 1. What does community spirit mean to you in the Forest of Dean? 2. Which of these themes resonate most with your experience of our area? (Tick all that apply) Food & Resources (traditional land use, fishing, growing food, sharing resources) Landscape & Environment (rivers, mining heritage, how place shapes community) Arts & Culture (music, festivals, creative traditions) Community Action (mutual aid, rights movements, defending our heritage) Settlers & Diversity (different communities who've made this area home) 3. What's a story, memory, or tradition from the Forest of Dean that you think should be celebrated in the mural? 4. Are there particular people, groups, or movements (historical or recent) that represent the community spirit of our area to you? 5. What would you like visitors and future generations to understand about the Forest of Dean community? Would you be interested in helping with the mural painting in August? Yes - I'd love to help paint! No, but I support the project Email details (if you'd like updates) Submit

Mycelium My Networks Mental Health Project Mycelium - Forest Mental Health Project Structure The Forest Community of Practice Forest of Dean Mental Health Locality Partnership Recovery and Wellbeing Café The Resources Hub & Library The Forest Community of Practice Monthly face-to-face learning collaborative, reflective practice & peer supervision. 2nd Tuesday each month. The Forest Community of Practice is for individuals working and volunteering with members of our community where support for mental health is a significant part of their role. This has been set up in response to the My Networks Scoping Project. Many local social care practitioners stated that they wished to receive ongoing support to develop reflective practice, link with others and build skills that would help them to become more confident responding to mental distress, particularly with the increasing complexities that they were coming across in their roles. The C of P will be supported by clinicians, professionals and lived experience practitioners from the VCS & NHS who have been involved in the Community Mental Health Transformation programme. It will provide an opportunity for collaborative learning, peer supervision and professional development. We hope a community of Forest mental health practitioners will emerge from these sessions. If you, or a mental health champion from your team, are interested and able to join us, please get in touch. Please get in touch if you have any questions or want the most current information about scheduling details - simon@fvaf.org.uk or text 07394 945046 Forest of Dean Mental Health Locality Partnership The Locality Partnership offers VCS and faith-based organisations the opportunity to meet with other professionals and voluntary groups who are supporting people with their mental health in the Forest of Dean. The Partnership is a collective of social care practitioners who are working towards a community response to the My Networks scoping project findings. By coming together, we hope to keep abreast of developments, begin partnership projects or create collaborative opportunities that can address what is needed for better mental health in the Forest of Dean. We are now an integral part of the wider Forest Know Your Patch network. Regular online meetings as well as live, in-person events are held where topics and projects are discussed and highlighted. As well as this, the FKYP works closely with other statutory organisations offering a platform to disseminate up-to-date information about services available in the community. 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. Recovery & Wellbeing Café - Current Programme The Resource Hub, Research Room & Lived Experience 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

COMING SOON! Universal Youth Services We’re thrilled to announce our new partnership to bring Open Access Universal Youth Services to Gloucester and the Forest of Dean! Together with Gloucestershire Gateway Trust and The Venture Community Hub (TVCH), we’ve joined forces to make a real difference in the lives of young people. Guided by GGT, in the Forest of Dean FVAF will be leading on supporting a wide range of services for young people aged 11 to 19 (or up to 25 for those with special educational needs and disabilities). Our youth services will be available to everyone, focusing on the needs of the local community to create a more connected, supported, and engaging youth sector. Stay tuned for more updates and get ready to be part of something amazing! FIND OUT MORE ABOUT... Gloucestershire Gateway Trust The Venture Community Hub

YOUTH CLUBS & ACTIVITIES TUESDAY Blakeney Youth Club | 6pm-8pm Cinderford Rd, Blakeney GL15 4AE Open Access youth group for local young people ORGANISATION: Blakeney YC and FVAF Forest Youth Project | 4:30pm-8pm (alternate Tuesdays) The Main Place, Old Station Way, Coleford GL16 8RH LGBTQ+ young people 10-16yrs ORGANISATION: Wye River Festival and FVAF THURSDAY Forest Young Mums | 10am-12pm Hilltop Children & Family Centre, Latimer Road, Cinderford GL14 2QA Targeted support for young mums under 21 ORGANISATION: FVAF in partnership with NHS Coleford Youth Hub (Juniors) | 4pm-6pm The Main Place, Old Station Way, Coleford GL16 8RH Open Access youth group for Years 5 & 6 (Every Thursday) ORGANISATION: FVAF in partnership with Coleford Town Council Coleford Youth Hub (Seniors) | 6:30pm-8:30pm The Main Place, Old Station Way, Coleford GL16 8RH Open Access youth group for Years 7 & 8 (Last Thursday of month) ORGANISATION: FVAF in partnership with Coleford Town Council FRIDAY Mitcheldean Youth Hub | 4pm-8pm The Playing Fields, Mitcheldean GL17 0BQ Open Access Year 7+ ORGANISATION: FVAF in partnership Mitcheldean Parish Council OTHER ACTIVITIES Beezee Families| 4pm-6:30pm The Main Place, Old Station Way, Coleford GL16 8RH Healthy families 8 week programme (by referral; please contact FVAF for rolling start dates) ORGANISATION: BeeZee Maximus and FVAF Work It Out | TBC The Main Place, Old Station Way, Coleford GL16 8RH Targeted support for young people not in education, training and employment ORGANISATION: FVAF Youth Support Team ASTON | 6pm-8pm The Main Place, Old Station Way, Coleford GL16 8RH Targeted ASB and crime prevention (by referral; please contact FVAF for dates) ORGANISATION: PCSO’s and FVAF To find out more contact hi.ya@fvaf.org.uk or 01594 822073

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

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

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