Join us for the FVAF Community Celebration & AGM 2026 - a day of festivities, important discussions, and community connection! We’ll start with our Annual General Meeting (AGM), then you’ll hear how FVAF has made a difference over the past year through our 4 Ps: People, Place, Planet and Prosperity, along with our plans for the year ahead. After the AGM, come and explore the Newent Showcase, a market of local community groups and organisations that make Newent special. It’s a great chance to meet the people behind them, find out what’s happening locally, and connect with other community members. Refreshments and a delicious buffet lunch, sourced from local delis and caterers, will be provided. EVERYONE WELCOME! DOORS OPEN AT 10AM FOR COFFEE & CATCH UP! Places are limited, so please book your ticket as soon as possible to secure your spot. BOOK HERE!

BOOK HERE! 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 2AQ 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

Current job vacancies at FVAF Work for us. We are passionate about nurturing talented, compassionate, community minded team players. Join our friendly and supportive team! We don't have any vacancies right now but check back soon! Trouble downloading the documents? Contact communications@fvaf.org.uk or 01594 822073

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 Rachel Adams Place Partnership Lead – Building Connections Victoria Wren Volunteering & Communications Officer Catherine Best Communications & Fundraising 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 Flora Croysdale Digital and Community Project Manager Teresa Rose Community Connectors' Facilitator Melanie Benn Community Builder 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

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.

Peer Development Developing the space between us to enable better Community Health and Wellbeing. Mycelium seeks to promote connectedness between people and encourage collaboration in service development in the Forest of Dean. Mycelium seeks to promote connectedness between people and encourage collaboration in service development in the Forest of Dean. We wish to do so to develop a counternarrative to ‘siloed working’ and the overbearing competitiveness between people, organisations and within emerging systems. We value both lived and professional experience equally and work from a horizontal, narrative informed, peer advocacy model with co-production and action research principles at its core. What do we do? We offer Peer Advocacy, Peer Mentoring & Peer Development for individuals, groups and organisations living or working in the Forest of Dean. For People from our Communities We work with individuals providing 1 to 1 support. Using peer advocacy and peer mentoring principles we can help you to develop a ‘recovery practice’ that enables you to get back up after a crisis, or travel safely through a difficult period in your life. We can help you: to understand and respond to social care needs or a health condition and can help you to cope with a situation that is causing you emotional distress. to find information, to build confidence as you begin to identify, navigate and try out the wellbeing and self-help resources that are available to you in your local community. if issues arise when trying to build yourself up again - we can be there and help you to learn about yourself, your world and your rights. to travel through the complexities of recovery from a health condition, from mental illness, trauma or addiction - to raise your voice about what is important to you as you do so. to access advice from the best expertise available and can then support you to understand, choose between and explore the options opened up for you by that advice. to access community groups and projects and help them in turn to become more confident, compassionate and efficient when supporting individuals experiencing mental health difficulties. Peer advocacy will work on up to three specific community advocacy issues at a time, but the Peer mentoring will be open access, an ‘in the background’ wrap around support that will attempt to respond to your unique circumstances and complex needs whilst still trying to link you in with the best expertise available to you. For Volunteers and Professionals “Project Support” - We work with individuals developing groups and organisations With consultancy, reflective practice and ongoing support we can help lived experience practitioners, peer support workers and staff with lived experience who are working in the VCS and local health and social care settings, to use their experiences of illness or mental distress in a way that is safe, effective and compassionate for both them and the people they are supporting. We can help: you to develop an idea, a workshop, a group or a project that has arisen from your own unique situation, lived experience or from the skills and awareness gained on your recovery journey. provide or link you in with training, information, supervision and a support structure around you to enable you to turn this awareness into a skill that can benefit others in your local community. projects, groups and organisations develop their co-production strategies and be a point of contact with transformed mental health services and the wider supports available. We can enable you to implement these strategies in a non ’tokenistic’ & authentic way. you to stay well and practice self-care whilst working and using your lived experience to help others who are going through health conditions or mental distres s. What does ‘Peer’ mean? “PEER … One that is of equal standing with another” The ‘Peer’ in Peer Advocacy, Peer Mentoring and Peer Development points to shared concerns and experiences. Peer support is when we come together with others who have been through or are recovering from something similar. It is about ‘mutuality’ - helping each other through conversations, activities and spending time together. It can help us not to feel so alone or unusual, to realise that there is a possibility of life beyond and outside of the condition, distress or situation encountered. Peer services connect people and create opportunities for ‘giving back’; they can help us to take notice of the skills and knowledge we have gained on our journeys while also creating opportunities to use these skills to build better services and communities for the future. Who are we? We are all local people with both professional and personal experience of disability, illness, mental distress and/or have been carers for people navigating social and health care systems. We are all individuals who have had extensive experience of managing our own recoveries from illness and mental distress and have learnt much from doing so. We all feel that talking to someone who has ‘been through’ and managed to successfully survive and navigate something similar in the past can be incredibly helpful to those who are feeling isolated with that condition, situation or circumstance in the present. Though we understand the importance of being supported by someone who understands from ‘lived experience’, we also recognise the importance of skill and learning. We know how important ongoing development is to help convert that learning into a constructive, safe and effective practice that enables others. We have all received extensive previous training and are committed to continued professional development alongside the “lived experience” knowledge that we draw upon. We have all benefitted from Peer Advocacy, Peer Support or Peer Mentoring ourselves and are passionate about its enormous benefits for good community mental health and wellbeing. We have all had extensive previous experience of co-production work, collaborative working, community development and promoting diverse voices. What have we done so far? Developing Action Research & our Narrative Model for locality-based peer development Over the past two years Mycelium has been drawing together people with experience, professionals and those passionate about community development, to overcome barriers to discussion and rally around shared concerns or stories. The aim of this has been to increase understanding about mental health illness and, most importantly, move towards improvement of the current situation for individuals, families and the Forest communities. We have developed a Resource Hub, Community-based Recovery Education Sessions and a Community of Practice group for those working with individuals with mental health challenges. We have facilitated extensive community-based action research to ascertain need and identify a network of allies. This has been published alongside papers on co-production and has all been fed into the Community Mental Health Transformation undertaken in Gloucestershire. Who are we for? We have supported the growth of community initiatives that allow everybody’s voices to be heard and we want change to continue to be driven by well-being and mutual aid. We are listening, learning and offering opportunities for all community members within the Forest and invite you to join us on this exciting journey. Anyone 16 + who is living or working in the Forest of Dean. Anyone who feels that they could benefit from support from individuals with experience of managing their own recovery from mental health difficulties, addiction, mental distress or a health condition. Anyone facing challenges in accessing the support that they want and need help to find information, understand their rights, build a support network or develop an advocacy plan of action to raise their voice or complain about the care they have received. Anyone with either diagnosed or undiagnosed conditions and people waiting on waiting lists for assessment. Our aim is to respect all perspectives and encourage action and improvement in the lives of all across our Forest communities. How do I find out more, get involved or access Mycelium support? For more information drop Simon Price (Project Manager and Mental Health Researcher) a message at Simon@fvaf.org.uk or call 07394 945046 to arrange a meet up and find out more about Mycelium Peer Development.

FVAF کے بارے میں FVAF کے بارے میں ہماری کہانی ہم رضاکارانہ خدمت کونسل اور ڈین کے جنگل کے لیے رضاکار مرکز ہیں۔ ہم ضلع میں سیکڑوں رضاکار اور کمیونٹی تنظیموں میں سے بہت سے لوگوں کو مدد فراہم کرتے ہیں جو بدلے میں مقامی کمیونٹی میں اور ان کے لیے اپنے کام کو بہتر طریقے سے پہنچانے کے قابل ہیں۔ 1994 میں تشکیل پانے کے بعد سے ہم نے پورے فارسٹ آف ڈین میں کمیونٹی کی کارروائیوں کی حوصلہ افزائی کرنے، اپنانے اور بڑھانے کے لیے ایک ساکھ تیار کی ہے۔ ہم یقین رکھتے ہیں کہ کمیونٹی کی قیادت میں طریقوں کے ذریعے ہم شہریوں کو ہنر، لچک اور سماجی سرمایہ کو فروغ دینے کے قابل بناتے ہیں تاکہ وہ خوش، بہتر منسلک زندگی گزار سکیں۔ دفتری خدمات عملہ اور ٹرسٹیز پالیسیاں رسائی اور پائیداری

Tell us what training would help your organisation We're exploring how best to support the training needs of voluntary and community groups across the Forest of Dean. This might include hosting training ourselves, bringing in external trainers, or connecting you with existing resources and courses. Please complete this brief survey to let us know what would be most valuable for you. Your feedback will shape the support we're able to offer. Organisation Name: Your Role: Email Training Topics Which of the following topics would be most valuable for your organisation? (Please tick all that apply and add any others) Funding & Fundraising Marketing & PR Digital Skills/Using Technology Financial Procedures & Management Governance & Trustees Finding & Recruiting Volunteers Volunteer Management & Retention Embedding Climate Action Neurodiversity, Mental Health & Inclusion Safeguarding First Aid Health & Safety Food Hygiene Other Let us know your TOP 3 training needs: When Which days work best for you? (Tick all that apply) Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Preferred times: (Tick all that apply) Morning (9am-12pm) Afternoon (1pm-5pm) Evening (6pm-8pm) Where How would you prefer to attend training? (Tick all that apply) In-person only Online only Hybrid (option to attend either way) No preference If in-person: Forest of Dean only Willing to travel How Which learning formats work best for you? (Tick all that apply) Workshops (group sessions) Online webinars/courses One-to-one support/mentoring Drop-in sessions Self-paced resources Peer learning/networking groups 5. Additional Information Are there any barriers that prevent you from accessing training? (e.g., cost, time, childcare, accessibility needs) Any other comments or suggestions? Submit

کمیونٹی کنیکٹرز فورم - اپنے پیچ نیٹ ورک کو جانیں۔ Supporting Strong and Thriving Communities with Know Your Patch اپنے پیچ کو جاننے کے ساتھ مضبوط اور فروغ پزیر کمیونٹیز کو سپورٹ کرنا کمیونٹی کنیکٹرز فورم (CCF) کا اپنا پیچ حصہ جانیں رضاکارانہ اور کمیونٹی سیکٹر، قانونی خدمات اور مقامی رہائشیوں کو اس طریقے سے جوڑتا ہے جس سے کام کرنے کے بہتر طریقے پیدا ہوتے ہیں۔ The Forest of Dean Know Your Patch Network کو رضاکارانہ اور کمیونٹی سیکٹر، قانونی خدمات اور مقامی رہائشیوں کو اس طرح سے جوڑنے کے لیے ڈیزائن کیا گیا ہے جو کام کرنے کے بہتر طریقے تخلیق کرتا ہے جو بالآخر ہماری کمیونٹیز کو مضبوط کرتا ہے۔ یہ 'کمیونٹی آفر' صحت کی ضروریات میں اضافے کو روکنے یا اس میں تاخیر کرنے کے لیے خاص طور پر اہم ہے۔ ہم پورے فارسٹ آف ڈین میں سہ ماہی تقریبات کی میزبانی کرتے ہیں جہاں ہم اسٹیک ہولڈرز کو اس بحث میں شامل ہونے کی دعوت دیتے ہیں کہ ان کی کمیونٹی میں کیا اہمیت ہے اور خدمات اور رضاکارانہ شعبے کے گروپ اس میں کس طرح مدد کر سکتے ہیں۔ ایوری نو یور پیچ ایونٹ مفت اور ہر اس شخص کے لیے کھلا ہے جو گفتگو کا حصہ بننا چاہتا ہے۔ اگر آپ شرکت کرنا چاہتے ہیں تو براہ کرم 01594 822073 پر کال کریں یا help4groups@fvaf.org.uk پر ای میل کریں۔ ڈین کے جنگل میں کیا ہو رہا ہے اس کے بارے میں ہم اپنے Know Your Patch Network کو باقاعدہ ای میلز اور اپ ڈیٹس بھی بھیجتے ہیں۔ اگر آپ اس نیٹ ورک میں شامل ہونا چاہتے ہیں، تو براہ کرم سبسکرائب کریں۔ یہاں سے فنڈنگ کا شکریہ Gloucestershire County Council ، Know Your Patch Gloucestershire کے ہر دوسرے ڈسٹرکٹ میں بھی دستیاب ہے۔ اگر آپ ان کے بارے میں مزید جاننا چاہتے ہیں تو براہ کرم ملاحظہ کریں۔ یہاں یہاں کچھ تحقیق ہے جو ہماری سوچ کو واضح کرتی ہے: "سماجی سرمائے کو تیار کرنے میں افراد اور برادریوں کی مدد کرنے میں ہم سب کا کردار ہے۔ اس بات کا اعتراف بڑھتا جا رہا ہے کہ اگرچہ پسماندہ سماجی گروہوں اور برادریوں کی پیچیدہ اور باہم متعلقہ ضروریات ہیں، لیکن ان کے پاس سماجی اور برادری کی سطح پر اثاثے بھی ہوتے ہیں۔ جو صحت کو بہتر بنانے اور صحت کے مسائل کے لیے لچک کو مضبوط بنانے میں مدد کر سکتا ہے" (دی کنگز فنڈ، 2018) "مناسب سماجی تعلقات رکھنے والوں کی بقا کی شرح کمزور سماجی تعلقات والے افراد کے مقابلے میں 50 فیصد زیادہ تھی" (Holt-Lunstad et al 2010) "سوشل نیٹ ورکس کو عام طرز زندگی اور طبی خطرات جیسے اعتدال پسند تمباکو نوشی، حد سے زیادہ شراب نوشی، موٹاپا اور ہائی کولیسٹرول اور بلڈ پریشر کی طرح موت کی شرح کے طاقتور پیش گو کے طور پر دکھایا گیا ہے" (Pantell et al 2013؛ Holt-Lunstad et al، 2010) . "سماجی مدد خاص طور پر لچک کو بڑھانے اور بیماری سے بحالی کو فروغ دینے میں اہم ہے" (پیولین اور روز، 2003) "سوشل نیٹ ورکس اور سپورٹ کی کمی رویے کو خود کو منظم کرنا اور وقت کے ساتھ ساتھ قوتِ ارادی اور لچک پیدا کرنا مشکل بناتی ہے، جس سے غیر صحت مندانہ رویوں میں مشغول ہو جاتے ہیں" (Cacioppo and Patrick 2009)۔ "کمیونٹی کی شرکت تنہائی، اخراج اور تنہائی کو کم کرتی ہے" (Farrell and Bryant 2009; Sevigny et al 2010; Ryan-Collins et al 2008) "مضبوط سماجی سرمایہ طرز زندگی کے خطرات جیسے سگریٹ نوشی سے بچنے کے امکانات کو بہتر بناتا ہے" (فولینڈ 2008؛ براؤن ایٹ ال، 2006) Autumn Programme 2025 September 2nd (Short) Thriving Communities The TC grant was launched in August. Come along and find out more about it and hear about the work that has been funded through the scheme. 16th (Short) Digital Inclusion Strategy – Stakeholder Engagement with GCC This session will be led by those involved in the Digital Inclusion Project in Gloucestershire. 30th (Short) Health in the Forest A focus on health-related matters and support that is available in our locality. October 14th (In-person) Spotlight on Cinderford This meeting will take the form of a walk around the town visiting some of the projects that are being led by FKYP members and partners. We will meet at Ow Bist Forest Community Space and follow a route round Cinderford. 28th (Short) FODCAP Update Come along and hear about developments and updates on project in the Forest. November 11th (Short) Community Support Showcasing the work of several community groups who work for the benefit of the Forest Community. 25th (Long) Health in the Forest Another session where we will focus on health-related matters and support that is available in our locality. Please note The meeting on October 14th will be in-person and an opportunity for all those attending to network. All other meetings are online on MS Teams. The invitation will be sent out at the beginning of the season and then the link will be added to the regular reminder email – together with meeting notes from the previous session and the Agenda for the meeting If you would like to deliver a presentation at a forthcoming meeting or there is a topic that you would like to be addressed, please contact Teresa Rose, FKYP Facilitator at fodkyp@fvaf.org.uk to discuss this further. We look forward to seeing you in the forthcoming weeks.

رضاکارانہ فارسٹ آف ڈین کے رضاکار مرکز کے طور پر ہم رضاکاروں کی بھرتی اور ان کا انتظام کرنے میں آپ کی مدد کرنے کے لیے حاضر ہیں۔ ہماری نئی رضاکارانہ خدمات تفصیلات سے بھرا ہوا کتابچہ مقامی رضاکارانہ طور پر مواقع اب باہر ہیں ڈاؤن لوڈ کرنے کے لیے کلک کریں۔ کے لئے رضاکارانہ مرکز کے طور پر ڈین کا جنگل رضاکارانہ طور پر کام کرنے میں دلچسپی رکھنے والے افراد کے لیے ہم اکثر رابطے کا پہلا مقام ہوتے ہیں۔ پچھلے سال ہمیں علاقے میں رضاکارانہ طور پر 100,000 گھنٹے سے زیادہ کی مدد کرنے پر فخر تھا! FVAF ان تنظیموں سے رضاکارانہ مواقع کی ایک وسیع رینج کو فروغ دیتا ہے اور اس کی تشہیر کرتا ہے جو رضاکاروں کی حمایت کرنے اور لوگوں کی رضاکارانہ خدمات کا انتخاب کرنے کی وجوہات کی وسیع اقسام کو تسلیم کرنے میں ہماری اخلاقیات کا اشتراک کرتے ہیں۔ رضاکار کیوں؟ رضاکارانہ خدمات کے بہت سے بڑے فوائد ہیں، نہ صرف آپ کے لیے انفرادی طور پر، بلکہ آپ کی کمیونٹی اور اس دنیا کے لیے جس میں ہم رہتے ہیں۔ اگر آپ اپنے CV کو بڑھانا چاہتے ہیں، نئے لوگوں سے ملنا چاہتے ہیں، اپنی صلاحیتوں کو اچھے استعمال میں لانا چاہتے ہیں، کچھ نیا سیکھنا چاہتے ہیں، دلچسپی لینا چاہتے ہیں، تجربہ پیش کرنا چاہتے ہیں یا صرف فرق کرنا چاہتے ہیں، تو ہم آپ کے لیے ایک موقع کی ضمانت دیتے ہیں! آپ ان مواقع کے بارے میں درج ذیل طریقوں سے جان سکتے ہیں۔ پر مواقع تلاش کریں۔ Do-it.org ہمیں 01594 822073 پر کال کریں۔ کے ذریعے رابطہ کریں۔ ای میل FVAF پیر سے جمعہ 9:00 - 1:00 بجے ( ہدایات ) پر ہم سے ملیں۔ اگر آپ کسی بڑے گروپ کے حصے کے طور پر رضاکارانہ طور پر کام کرنا چاہتے ہیں، مثال کے طور پر کارپوریٹ رضاکارانہ طور پر، تو ہمارے پاس انتخاب کرنے کے وسیع مواقع بھی ہیں۔ 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: رضاکارانہ طور پر تمام چیزوں کے لیے ایک اسٹاپ شاپ کے طور پر، ہم آپ کو قابل قدر رضاکاروں کی بھرتی اور برقرار رکھنے کا بہترین موقع فراہم کرنے کے لیے کثیر جہتی طریقہ کار استعمال کرتے ہیں۔ اس میں درج ذیل شامل ہیں: Do-it.org پر اپنے مواقع کی تشہیر کرنا آپ کے مواقع کی تشہیر عوام کے ممبران تک کرنا جو ہمیں حوالہ دیا گیا ہے یا ہمارے ڈراپ ان فنکشن کے ذریعے۔ ہمارے فیس بک اور ٹویٹر کے صفحات پر اپنے مواقع کی تشہیر کرنا اپنے مواقع کو مقامی خدمات میں فروغ دینا جو رضاکارانہ خدمات کو سپورٹ کرتی ہیں جیسے۔ جاب سینٹر، LearnDirect اور 2GetherTrust ہر سال 30 سے زیادہ تقریبات میں اپنے مواقع کی تشہیر کرنا اپنے مواقع کو مقامی کاروباروں کو بھیجنا جو آجر کے تعاون سے رضاکارانہ خدمات پیش کرتے ہیں۔ اسکولوں، کالجوں اور یونیورسٹیوں میں متعلقہ مواقع کو فروغ دینا آپ کے مواقع کو ہمارے 1,000 سے زیادہ لوگوں کے رضاکارانہ ڈیٹا بیس میں تقسیم کرنا آپ کے مواقع کو مختلف نیٹ ورکس پر فروغ دینا، بشمول آپ کے پیچ کو جانیں۔ 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)

Forest of Dean's Volunteers Take Centre Stage! The Forest of Dean's most dedicated volunteers were celebrated in style this week when we hosted our annual Forest Volunteer Awards at the AccXel Construction School in Cinderford. These awards recognise the individuals, groups and organisations who have gone above and beyond for their communities over the past 12 months. Eight awards were presented on the night, spanning everything from grassroots groups and local businesses to a public vote decided by nearly 3,000 community members. Brody's Trust wins Community Organisation Award Founded in memory of a much-loved boy, Brody's Trust took home the Community Organisation Award for its work building an inclusive, therapeutic space for families of children with additional needs, disabilities and complex medical conditions. In 2025 the charity secured the former Joys Green Primary School in Lydbrook, which it is transforming into a state-of-the-art Multi-Sensory Community Hub with the support of local volunteers and businesses. Cinderford Royal British Legion and The Orchard Trust were highly commended. FRED honoured for 15 years of literacy support The Grassroots Group of the Year award went to FRED (Forest Read Easy Deal), which has spent fifteen years providing free, confidential, one-to-one literacy support to adults across the Forest — entirely through volunteers. Around twenty coaches give roughly three hours a week each, helping local people build the confidence to read to their grandchildren, return to work and reconnect with their communities. Mons' Chatter and Mitcheldean Community Larder were highly commended. T he Ark Café named Business in the Community winner Newent's Ark Café scooped the ESV Business in the Community Award. What began as one mother's wish to give young children somewhere to play has grown into a lifeline for local families, complete with a sensory room, a "Pay It Forward" board ensuring no child goes without, and holiday lunchboxes for families who need extra support. Drew Property Law and The Den were highly commended. Cinderford Grows recognised for inclusive green spaces Cinderford Grows won the Diversity & Inclusion Award, sponsored by FoD Dementia Action Alliance, for creating two welcoming green spaces — The Garden at St John's and an orchard at Steam Mills. Set up after Covid to tackle loneliness and isolation, the group has since added wheelchair-accessible gates and pathways and warmly welcomed the local Romanian community. Forest Fighting Fit was highly commended. Soudley Village Hall takes Climate Action honours The Community Climate Action Award, sponsored by Forest of Dean Climate Action Partnership, went to Soudley Village Hall for retrofitting its building with an air source heat pump and solar panels — one of the first spaces of its kind in the area. Yorkley Mend and Repair Café, and Hartpury Orchard Centre and 99 Pines CIC, were highly commended. Young Volunteer of the Year: Abigail Rudge Sixteen-year-old Abigail Rudge was named Young Volunteer of the Year after helping raise over £20,000 for the Poppy Appeal in Lydney last year alone — more than £100,000 over five years — alongside her role organising Parkend Carnival's Queen's lorry. Adam Pritchard and Matylda Kozikowska were highly commended. Julie Abolins wins People's Choice The night's most personal award, Volunteer of the Year – People's Champion, is decided entirely by public vote. This year almost 3,000 votes were cast, with the honour going to Julie Abolins of CANDI, who has helped establish coffee mornings, lunch clubs, mental health support groups and the weekly Women's Space for survivors of domestic abuse. Also highly commended in this category: Lewis Chapman (Brody's Trust), Alice Hogge (Wye Valley Music, St Briavels), Anne Lamacraft (Forest of Dean Baby Bank), Jane Osborne (Tiny Spikes Hedgehog Rescue) and Claire Smeeth (Drybrook Rugby Club & Forest Health Forum). Lifetime Achievement: FOIST Collective The evening closed with the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented without competing nominees to a single standout recipient. FOIST Collective has kept grassroots and original live music alive in the Forest of Dean since 1989 — entirely run by volunteers. From its earliest gigs at the old Coleford Community Centre, including an early show from EMF, to today's regular nights at The Club in Newnham-on-Severn and its stage at Coleford Music Festival, FOIST has promoted more than 40 bands from Britain, America and Canada in the last four years alone, always keeping ticket prices low and passing proceeds straight to the artists. Deb Cook, Head of Development at FVAF, said: “So much of what happens in our community is made possible by people who freely give their time and energy. FVAF is proud to host this event and celebrate the incredible work taking place across groups and organisations of all sizes, as well as by countless individuals throughout the district. It is important that we shout about it, because the work of these organisations and volunteers is vital to so many people.” Hosted by Steve Knibbs (BBC News Presenter) and Les Love (Dean Radio), our award winners were announced by guest presenters; Bren McInerney (prominent community leader, volunteer, and health advocate), Miranda Thomason (VCSE Partnership & Prevention Manager, Gloucestershire County Council), Karl Ottomor (Supply Chain Director for Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I), Dr Matt Reed, (Head of Research (Strategy and Environment), University of Gloucestershire), Alison Walker, Director of Children and Family Centres & Youth Services, Gloucestershire Gateway Trust, Dame Janet Trotter (DBE CVO), Sid Phelps (Councillor at Forest of Dean District Council and FVAF Trustee). The celebration evening was made possible through generous sponsorship from local organisations, KW Bell Group and AccXel Construction Centre , Forest of Dean Climate Action Partnership (FODCAP) , Forest of Dean District Council , Gloucestershire Gateway Trust , Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I , Cinderhill Farm and Hips Coffee generously provided delicious food for the locally sourced buffet. Find out more about the awards here