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! CURRENT VACANCIES We're not looking for anyone right now but check back soon! Trouble downloading the documents? Contact communications@fvaf.org.uk or 01594 822073

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.

VOTE HERE! Frequently visited pages: COMMUNITY HUBS VOLUNTEER ADVICE FOREST YOUTH ASSOCIATION 什么是 FVAF？ FVAF 代表森林自愿行动论坛。我们为当地公民、社区团体和活动提供支持，帮助他们做对他们最重要的事情。这包括以下内容： 支持和发展建议 训练 信息 网络会议 促进代表 志愿者招募 志愿者安置和支持 我们还与当地社区合作并为当地社区开展许多项目，例如院长森林青年协会、假日活动活动、森林青年音乐网络、GEM 项目、森林指南针目录、带轮子行走等等。查看我们的项目页面了解完整详情。 “在中国建立更强大的社区 迪恩森林” 了解更多 JOIN OUR MAILING LIST Get the latest community news and check out exciting volunteering opportunity in or around the Forest of Dean... 去脸书 Useful publications: FREE directory of the many volunteering opportunities available locally... DOWNLOAD 我们的同伴 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.

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可能会更改这些使用条款，恕不另行通知您将来使用或我们添加的其他功能。对这些条款和条件的此类更改将在此处发布到 FVAF 的网站以供您随时查看。 本协议中使用的定义 为了确保阅读本协议的每个人都理解每个不同部分中使用的核心概念，在我们开始之前有必要就某些定义达成一致。 这些如下。 当我们说“协议”或“条款”或“使用条款”时，我们当然指的是本文中持有或链接到的信息，这些信息构成了我们关系的基础，并概述了您在使用我们的网站时的责任。 当我们说“入站内容”时，我们指的是由未受雇于或不隶属于 FVAF 的第三方提供的任何内容。 这包括但不限于我们与您（或任何其他社区成员）的任何互动；例如，当您对图片发表评论、提交您自己的图片、发布到群组或活动页面、创建活动或群组页面、修改您的个人资料、发布到朋友墙或发布到您自己的墙时. “社区内容”、“社区服务”、“会员区”或对需要您登录的我们网站区域的任何其他此类引用是指所有内容，包括但不限于语言、数据、信息、图像或其他数字媒体由我们或 FVAF 用户社区的其他成员出现或已在我们的网站上发布。 “FVAF 社区”是指本网站上可访问的任何内容。 “敏感信息”、“个人信息”、“个人身份信息”或“服务用户数据”是指在您决定在我们这里创建帐户时我们可能从您那里收集的任何信息。 这可能包括但不限于：您的姓名、联系方式、就业数据、健康信息、驾驶执照号码、国民保险号码或向您提供这些服务所需的任何其他类似识别信息。 “第三方”是指与 FVAF 没有直接雇佣关系或关联的任何个人或公司，“第三方服务”可能包括由我们用来向您提供服务或被使用的其他人或公司提供给我们的产品和专业服务与 FVAF 产品或服务结合使用。 您的行为准则 FVAF 社区的核心是由像您这样的人组成，他们关心在迪恩森林及其周边地区进一步开展志愿服务。我们向这个社区提供服务的条件是其成员的行为方式支持我们的目标并鼓励和支持其他成员。 您同意不将 FVAF 网站、FVAF 社区或我们服务的任何其他部分用于此预期用途以外的任何用途。 您进一步同意，您生成的任何内容，包括您上传的图像或您留下的评论，都将遵守有关入站内容的一套严格的最佳实践，并且不得使用粗俗、辱骂或其他攻击性语言。 我们保留将任何入站内容视为不可接受的唯一权利。 FVAF 社区旨在进行公开讨论和讨论。 因此，您不得使用我们的服务披露或索取任何其他人的私人或个人身份信息。 如果您在未经他人同意的情况下在此处发布有关他人的个人身份信息，则您因此同意对可能在删除之前从我们的网站获取的任何第三方使用此数据承担全部责任。 您不得出售、出租、租赁、转让、再许可、分发、传输、广播、商业利用、授予担保权益或以其他方式转让 FVAF 社区或其中包含的任何内容的任何权利。 您不得披露第三方可能认为敏感的任何专有信息。您不得在与我们或其他 FVAF 社区成员的任何互动中使用威胁、骚扰或诽谤性语言。 您不得提出欺诈或欺骗性、虚假或误导性声明，不得使用粗俗、淫秽、不雅或非法的语言或发布相同的材料或内容。 未经他人同意和适当认证，您不得使用我们的服务分发他人的知识产权。 您不得收集或以其他方式收集有关其他 FVAF 社区用户的信息。 取消权 如果您违反或被怀疑违反本协议中规定的任何条款，我们可能会立即暂停或取消您的帐户。 为了使我们的社区成为一个友好、欢迎访问的地方，我们可能会在没有通知的情况下立即暂停此类暂停，并在通知或通知您的帐户发布的不可接受的内容后立即生效。 如果您认为这是错误的，请通过以下方式通知我们： 联系@fvaf.org.uk 。 您可以通过访问社区页面的“我的个人资料”部分来取消您的帐户、从我们的在线数据库中删除您的数据和/或请求下载与您的帐户相关联并由我们持有的所有数据。 其他业务 FVAF 及其子公司以外的各方可能会帮助提供本协议中列出的服务。此外，为了您的方便，我们可能会提供关联公司和某些其他企业网站的链接。我们不负责检查或评估，也不保证任何这些企业或个人的产品或其网站的内容。我们不保证任何第三方网站或服务的可用性。 FVAF 不对所有这些以及任何其他第三方的行为、产品和内容承担任何责任或义务。您应该仔细查看他们的隐私声明和其他使用条件。 但是，我们承诺将真诚地努力只与我们认为认真对待客户隐私的公司打交道，并尽最大努力确保我们所有的附属公司和/或上游供应商负责任地行事并遵守任何和所有法规以及共同管理我们业务的立法。 许可证和站点访问 FVAF 授予您访问和个人使用本网站的有限许可，除非经 FVAF 明确同意，否则不得下载（页面缓存除外）或修改本网站或其任何部分。本许可不包括对本网站或其内容的任何转售或商业使用；任何产品列表、描述或价格的任何收集和使用；本网站或其内容的任何衍生使用；为其他商家的利益下载或复制账户信息；或任何使用数据挖掘、机器人或类似的数据收集和提取工具。未经 FVAF 明确书面同意，不得出于任何商业目的复制、复制、复制、出售、转售、访问或以其他方式利用本网站或本网站的任何部分。您不得使用框架或使用框架技术来附上 FVAF 的任何商标、徽标或其他专有信息（包括图像、文本、页面布局或表格）。和我们的关联公司未经明确同意。未经 FVAF 明确书面同意，您不得使用任何使用 FVAF. 名称或商标的元标记或任何其他“隐藏文本”。任何未经授权的使用都会终止 FVAF 授予的许可或许可。您被授予有限的、可撤销的和非排他性的创建指向 FVAF 主页的超链接的权利。只要该链接不以虚假、误导、贬损或其他冒犯性的方式描述 FVAF、其关联公司或其产品或服务。 保证和责任限制的一般免责声明 Fvaf.org.uk 及其部分、部分和服务由 FVAF 在“原样”和“可用”的基础上提供。 FVAF 对本网站的运营或本网站包含的信息、内容、材料或产品不作任何明示或暗示的陈述或保证。您明确同意您使用本网站的风险由您自行承担。在适用法律允许的最大范围内，FVAF 否认所有明示或暗示的保证，包括但不限于对适销性和特定用途适用性的暗示保证。由于互联网的固有性质，FVAF 不保证本网站、其服务器或从 FVAF 发送的电子邮件没有病毒或其他有害成分。 FVAF 不对因使用本网站而引起的任何形式的损害负责，包括但不限于直接、间接、偶然、惩罚性和后果性损害。 适用法律 通过访问 FVAF 网站或使用其服务，您同意英格兰和威尔士的法律（不考虑法律冲突原则）将管辖这些使用条款以及您与 FVAF 或其关联公司之间可能出现的任何类型的争议. 争议 任何与您访问 fvaf.org.uk 或其任何部分、部分或服务有关的任何争议均应提交保密仲裁，除非您以任何方式侵犯或威胁要侵犯 FVAF 的知识产权, FVAF 可以在任何英国法院寻求禁令或其他适当的救济。本协议项下的任何仲裁均不得与涉及受本协议约束的任何其他方的仲裁合并，无论是通过集体仲裁程序还是其他方式。 站点策略、修改和可分割性 请查看本网站上发布的所有政策和条款。这些政策也适用于您对 FVAF 提供的所有服务的访问。我们保留随时更改我们的网站、政策和所有相关条款的权利。如果这些条件中的任何一个被视为无效、无效或因任何原因无法执行，则该条件应被视为可分割的，并且不应影响任何剩余条件的有效性和可执行性。 电子通讯 当您访问 fvaf.org.uk 或向我们发送电子邮件时，您正在与我们进行电子通信，并且您同意以电子方式接收我们的通信。我们将通过电子邮件或在本网站上发布通知与您沟通。您同意我们以电子方式提供给您的所有协议、通知、披露和其他通信均满足此类通信为书面形式的任何法律要求。 隐私政策 您的电子邮件地址用于向您发送您请求的信息。 FVAF 绝不会将我们的电子邮件列表出售、出租或借给外部公司：没有垃圾邮件。 我们保留在外发电子邮件中包含付费广告以支持这些服务的权利，但我们绝不会只向您发送广告，也绝不会向任何广告商提供您的姓名或电子邮件地址。 您可以随时将自己从您订阅的列表中删除。只需前往 邮件列表退订页面 ，输入您的电子邮件地址，然后单击“提交”按钮。 FVAF 绝不会通过电子邮件向您索取个人或财务详情。 版权投诉 FVAF 及其附属公司尊重他人的知识产权。如果您认为您的作品以构成侵犯版权的方式被复制， 联系我们 与您的投诉。 投诉政策 投诉政策的目的是：- 提高 FVAF 提供的服务质量 改善我们与服务用户的关系 鼓励 FVAF 工作人员的最佳实践 FVAF 力求为处理所有正式投诉提供一致、积极和公平的流程，无论这些投诉是否合理。 FVAF 承诺以结构化的方式及时处理所有投诉。 FVAF 还承诺确保，如果投诉得到支持，投诉的结果将构成改进所提供服务的过程的基础，并且这将是一个监控和评估的过程。 处理投诉的标准和程序 收到的所有正式投诉（通过电话或亲自口头或通过信函、电子邮件或短信）将在三个工作日内得到确认，并详细说明将要做什么、谁在处理投诉以及多久可以给出正式答复如果超过十个工作日， 将在 10 个工作日内给出完整的书面答复，包括必要时提出的补救措施， 调查投诉的任何进展将立即传达给投诉人， 所有投诉都将得到公正、礼貌和有效的处理， 任何无法由内部工作人员完全处理的投诉将提交给 FVAF 主席，该主席将根据上述标准的精神酌情处理该问题， 首先，所有投诉将由经理处理，如果投诉涉及他们的工作或行为，则由主席或其指定的副手处理 所有正式投诉，包括产生的任何行动，都将在 FVAF 受托人的例会上报告

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

社区建设者投递中心 The drop-in hub provides support to create, inspire and build stronger communities together 插入式中心为共同创建、激发和建立更强大的社区提供支持 每个临时中心都为当地居民提供各种支持、建议和指导。例如;支持和签署本地服务， 链接和设置新的 社区团体，支持人们更接近就业或继续教育，帮助访问数字世界并支持将您对社区的想法变为现实。 我们可以提供帮助： 志愿服务机会 就业支持 当地活动团体和俱乐部 IT和数字支持 当地活动信息 将签名张贴到本地服务 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.

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

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

志愿服务 作为院长森林的志愿者中心，我们在这里帮助您招募和管理志愿者 我们的新志愿服务 充满细节的小册子 当地志愿服务 现在机会已经出来了 点击下载 作为志愿者中心 院长之森 我们通常是任何对志愿服务感兴趣的人的第一联系人。去年，我们很自豪能够在该地区支持超过 100,000 小时的志愿服务！ FVAF 推广和宣传各种组织的志愿服务机会，这些组织与我们一样支持志愿者并认识到人们选择志愿服务的广泛原因。 为什么是志愿者？ 志愿服务有许多巨大的好处，不仅对您个人，而且对您的社区和我们生活的世界都有好处。 如果您想提高您的简历、结识新朋友、充分利用您的技能、学习新事物、追求兴趣、提供经验或只是想有所作为，我们保证为您提供机会！ 您可以通过以下方式了解这些机会： 搜索机会 Do-it.org 致电我们 01594 822073 联系方式 电子邮件 周一至周五 9:00 - 1:00 来 FVAF 拜访我们（方向 ） 如果您希望成为大型团体的一员，例如作为企业志愿服务的一部分，那么我们也有很多机会可供选择。 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: 作为所有志愿服务的一站式商店，我们使用多方面的方法为您提供招募和留住有价值志愿者的最佳机会。 这包括以下内容： 在 Do-it.org 上宣传您的机会 向我们推荐的公众或通过我们的投递功能宣传您的机会。 在我们的 Facebook 和 Twitter 页面上宣传您的机会 向支持志愿服务的当地服务机构宣传您的机会，例如。就业中心、LearnDirect 和 2GetherTrust 每年在 30 多个活动中宣传您的机会 将您的机会发送给提供雇主支持的志愿服务的当地企业 向学校、学院和大学推广相关机会 将您的机会分发到我们超过 1,000 人的志愿者数据库 将您的机会推广到各种网络，包括了解您的补丁 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)

Youth Support in the Forest of Dean Forest Youth Association Here to offer help and support to young people and youth clubs, groups or organisations. Discover more Local Youth Clubs Check out the timetable of regular youth clubs and events What's on offer NEW! Universal Youth Services We’ve joined forces Gloucestershire Gateway Trust and The Venture Community Hub, to make a real difference in the lives of young people Discover more

🌟 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 .

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.