We crown our community heroes! The community turned out in force on Tuesday 3 October to see local volunteers crowned at our glittering Forest Volunteers Awards 2023 celebration at the AccXel Training Centre in Cinderford. READ THE NOMINEE PROFILES IN THE AWARDS PROGRAMME We created the Forest Volunteer Awards to recognise and celebrate the amazing efforts of local volunteers in the Forest of Dean and earlier this Summer, we asked you to nominate those volunteer heroes who have demonstrated exceptional and outstanding support to the local community over the past 12 months. We had an amazing response and received hundreds of nominations. Our expert community 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 withalmost 1,400 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. Jando Greco, volunteer at St Stephens Church in Cinderford was crowned Volunteer of the Year – the People’s Champion following a public vote. A volunteer of over 12 years his nominator said: “We so appreciate him, he is such a thoughtful, caring person and will do anything for anyone – Jando is so worthy of receiving this award.” Young volunteers were celebrated with Ebony Powell, volunteer and fundraiser at Forest of Dean Dog Rescue crowned under 16 years old Young Volunteer of the Year for her caring and dedicated commitment caring for the rescue dogs, whilst in the 17 – 25 years old category, Daisy Hoole rewarded for her tireless hard work volunteering at C.A.N.D.I Youth Space. In the groups section, The George in Newnham was recognised as the New Voluntary Group of the Year for reopening the former café as a vibrant community space. Next up, was Sedbury Space who picked up the Grassroots Voluntary Group award in recognition of the fantastic efforts of the community to create a thriving, inclusive, welcoming hub. Fire safety education organisation SkillZONE was awarded the Community Organisation award for their responsive work with young people in the Forest, and a team of volunteers from EDF Energy picked up the Business in the Community Award for helping out at Camphill Village Trust in Lydney. Forest of Dean Dementia Action Alliance (FDDAA) sponsored the launch of a new Inclusion Award, with Cinderford Bowls Club scooping the top spot for making changes to the game and their grounds to make bowls accessible for everyone to enjoy. Our Volunteering Manager Deb Cook 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 Steve Knibbs, BBC Points West reporter who kept the guests entertained with his expert hosting skills. Award winners were announced by guest presenters; Mark Topping( Leader of Forest of Dean District Council), Emma Snell (Go Volunteer Glos), Penny Hulbert (FVAF Chair of Trustees), Jonathan Lane (Cabinet Member for Economy at FODDC), Kirsty Downie (John Lewis Partnership & Waitrose - Monmouth), and Andrea Harman (Ecophon). The celebration evening was made possible thanks to generous sponsorship for the following local organisations: KW Bell Group and AccXel Training Centre – main sponsors Ecophon Simplicity in Business Steve Gooch Estate Agents Waitrose & Partners (Monmouth Store) FOREST VOLUNTEER AWARD WINNERS 2023: Volunteer of the Year – Peoples’ Champion WINNER: Jando Greco – St Stephens Church, Cinderford Highly Commended: Chris Brain (Broadwell Football Club), Melanie Getgood (Friends of Worcester Walk), Edna Husbands (Lydcare Community Transport), Barbara Jenkins (Over 60’s Group at Berryhill Memorial Hut), Albert Weager (community representative & advocate for better healthcare) and Dave Young (Forest Sensory Services and Samaritans). New Voluntary Group of the Year WINNER: The George, Newnham Highly Commended: Lydney Army Cadets Young Volunteer of the Year 16yrs & under WINNER: Ebony Powell – Forest of Dean Dog Rescue Highly Commended: Evie Harris - community volunteer and Teens in Crisis fundraiser Young Volunteer of the Year 17 – 25yrs WINNER: Daisy Hoole – C.A.N.D.I Youth Space Highly Commended: Leanne Hendrix – Coleford Youth Club Grassroots Voluntary Group of the Year WINNER: Sedbury Space Highly Commended: Forest Community Shed Community Organisation of the Year WINNER: SkillZone Highly Commended: Forest of Dean District Scouts Business in the Community Award WINNER: EDF Energy Highly Commended: The Rising Sun Community Pub FoD Dementia Action Alliance Inclusion Award WINNER: Cinderford Bowls Club Highly Commended: Artspace Cinderford END For media enquires contact communications@fvaf.org.uk or 01594 822073.

Resource Hub/Library Leaflets & literature on wellness, recovery, self-help & coping with mental distress. The group office, based above the Library at The Main Place in Coleford, is available for members to use as a safe and confidential space. We keep material that may be of use to members – and we are happy for people to provide us with leaflets that they would like shared. To read the My Networks Scoping Project Report please visit: www.fvaf.org.uk/publications

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)

Our Green Impact Our Statement of Intent At a time of ongoing critical assessment as to how the resources of the world are being employed in economic and social activity, it is essential that all involved with Forest Voluntary Action Forum (FVAF) have a clear understanding as to how its work can impact on the environment. We accept responsibility for our actions and commit to working towards reducing any harmful effects it may have on the environment. It is also understood that, as a leader in the Forest of Dean voluntary and community sector, we have a responsibility to manifest best practice. We will use, as its guiding principles - in order of priority – the need to: REPAIR RE-USE REDUCE RECYCLE Our policy describes how FVAF will implement practices that will minimalize the impact of its work on the environment. FVAF ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY 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 Gold Award from the GEM NUS-Green Impact challenge GEM NUS Green Imapct Gold Award Certificate NUS Green Imapct Community Award Certificate In our first year taking part in the GEM NUS Green Impact Challenge , we were delighted to achieve a Gold Award. This UN award winning programme is designed to support and challenge organisations to look at the way they work and ensure that the practices they follow are as environmentally and socially sustainable as possible. The challenge was set as part of the *GEM Project’s partnership and our joint commitment to living sustainably and minimising our impact on the environment. Working together as a team, we shared ideas and encouraged lifestyle changes in the following areas: use of water and energy travel – work and personal recycling reducing and dealing with waste upcycling, freecycling unused goods using sustainable products encouraging biodiversity Other creative ideas from the team included making bird feeders from broken tree branches, a homemade recipe for a cleaning product, donations to local charity shops. * The Going the Extra Mile Project (GEM) is an employability and social inclusion project supporting the most disadvantaged communities and individuals furthest from the labour market to find or get closer to employment. It is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and European Social Fund as part of a national programme Building Better Opportunities.

社区连接器论坛 - 了解您的补丁网络 Supporting Strong and Thriving Communities with Know Your Patch 通过了解您的补丁支持强大而繁荣的社区 社区连接器论坛 (CCF) 的“了解您的补丁”部分以创造更好的工作方式的方式连接志愿和社区部门、法定服务和当地居民。 院长森林知道你的补丁网络旨在以一种创造更好的工作方式，最终加强我们的社区的方式连接志愿和社区部门、法定服务和当地居民。这种“社区服务”对于预防或延缓健康需求的升级尤为重要。 我们在迪恩森林举办季度活动，我们邀请利益相关者参与讨论，讨论他们社区中的重要事项以及服务和志愿部门团体如何帮助支持这一点。每个“了解您的补丁”活动都是免费的，并且对任何想要参与对话的人开放。如果您想参加，请致电 01594 822073 或发送电子邮件至 help4groups@fvaf.org.uk 。 我们还定期向我们的 Know Your Patch Network 发送电子邮件和更新，了解迪恩森林中正在发生的事情。如果你想加入这个网络，请订阅 在这里 。 感谢来自 格洛斯特郡议会 , Know Your Patch 也可在格洛斯特郡的每个其他区使用。如果您想了解更多关于这些的信息，请访问 在这里 。 以下是一些强调我们想法的研究： “我们都可以在帮助个人和社区发展社会资本方面发挥作用。人们越来越认识到，尽管弱势社会群体和社区有一系列复杂且相互关联的需求，但他们在社会和社区层面也有资产这有助于改善健康，增强对健康问题的适应能力”（国王基金，2018 年） “与社会关系不佳的人相比，那些拥有适当社会关系的人的存活率要高出 50%”（Holt-Lunstad 等人，2010 年） “社交网络已被证明与常见的生活方式和临床风险（如适度吸烟、过度饮酒、肥胖和高胆固醇和血压）一样是死亡率的有力预测因素”（Pantell 等人，2013 年；Holt-Lunstad 等人，2010 年） . “社会支持对于增强复原力和促进疾病康复尤为重要”（Pevalin 和 Rose，2003 年） “缺乏社交网络和支持使得随着时间的推移自我调节行为和建立意志力和复原力变得更加困难，导致参与不健康的行为”（Cacioppo 和 Patrick 2009）。 “社区参与减少了孤立、排斥和孤独”（Farrell 和 Bryant 2009；Sevigny 等人 2010；Ryan-Collins 等人 2008） “强大的社会资本可以提高避免吸烟等生活方式风险的机会”（Folland 2008；Brown 等人，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.

FVAF Appoints Nick Penny as Head of Operations FVAF is delighted to announce the appointment of Nick Penny to the newly created role of Head of Operations, effective 1 January 2026. Nick brings over five years of dedicated service to FVAF, where he has been instrumental in driving delivery of various community projects as Programme Manager. His promotion recognises his outstanding contribution to the organisation and his deep understanding of FVAF's community-rooted approach. In his new role, Nick will provide strategic leadership across FVAF's operational teams, programmes, and internal systems. He will oversee frontline delivery, ensure operational excellence, and lead the organisation's people-management functions. Reporting directly to the CEO, Nick will be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, guiding FVAF's continued growth and impact. The Head of Operations role has been established to strengthen FVAF's infrastructure and ensure the organisation's delivery remains aligned with its TRIBE (Trust, Relational, Innovation, Bravery, Equity) values and Theory of Change. Chris Brown, FVAF CEO said: "Nick lives and breathes community. He is a fantastic role model within the organisation and his commitment to the Forest of Dean and FVAF is infectious. I am delighted that Nick will be taking this next step in his journey with us and am excited to see what we’ll achieve together”. Nick Penny said: “I am really excited by the opportunities that this new role brings for both my own personal development and the continued growth of the Charity. I am extremely grateful to our Board of Trustees for their support of Chris and the leadership team with this investment in developing our organisation. It is fantastic to wake up in the morning knowing that my role, and those of my colleagues, contribute so successfully to making a positive impact across our Forest of Dean community." 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 Activity Campaigns, The Forest Youth Music Network, The Gloucestershire Digi Partnership, 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 Rd, Cinderford, Glos. GL14 2AN.

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 或在您当地的图书馆或社区中心领取一份副本 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 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 As a one-stop-shop for all things volunteering, we can help you find, and keep, the perfect volunteer: 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)

LATEST FVAF NEWS Two brilliant people, two exciting new roles! We’re really pleased to share some good news. As part of a strategic restructure, we’ve created two new senior roles – and we’re delighted that both have been filled by people already at the heart of our organisation. These appointments recognise the talent, experience and deep community knowledge within our own team, and reflect our commitment to growing strong leadership from within. Deb Cook – Head of Development After more than a decade with FVAF, Deb’s promotion feels like a natural next step. She has played a huge role in building relationships, championing co-design, and helping turn bold ideas and community stories into meaningful change. As Head of Development, Deb will lead our development strategy – strengthening partnerships, supporting innovation, amplifying community voices, and helping us test and grow new approaches that align with our Theory of Change. Chris Brown, CEO at FVAF said: “After 11 years with FVAF championing volunteering and community groups, I could not be more thrilled to see Deb moving into this exciting new role within the organisation. Deb will bring fresh ideas, energy, and passion to drive innovation in our communities and help grow all the things which make the Forest of Dean such a brilliant place.” Alex Digby – Community Manager We’re equally pleased to announce Alex’s move into the newly created role of Community Manager. Alex will lead our Community Team, supporting projects that put local people in the driving seat, build strong connections, and unlock the skills and assets already present across the Forest of Dean. This role sits right at the heart of our commitment to community-led action and advocacy. “It has been fantastic to watch and support Alex’s growth in our organisation over the last few years, and I am delighted that he has secured this exciting promotion. Alex is a role model for strengths-based working, and he has excelled at building strong relationships across the county in his role as Digital Projects Manager. I am confident that Alex will provide strong leadership to our Community team and look forward to supporting his continued growth with FVAF.” said Nick Penny, Head of Operations at FVAF. Both of these appointments reflect our belief in investing in people and recognising internal talent. They will play a key role in shaping FVAF’s future and deepening our impact across the Forest of Dean. We couldn’t be prouder to see Deb and Alex step into these roles. 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 Youth Support Service, Holiday Activity and Food Programme, The Gloucestershire Digi Partnership, The Forest Compass Directory, Walking with Wheels Head office - Forest Voluntary Action Forum, Ow Bist – Forest Community Space, Dockham Rd, Cinderford , Glos. GL14 2AN.

带轮子走路 使用其中一种 无论您的步行能力如何，全地形机动踏板车都可以与您的家人和朋友一起进入美丽的森林小径。 这 院长之森 是公认的步行和骑自行车中心，并有小径和其他地面通道。 然而，对于身体残疾、健康状况不佳、感觉障碍或其他一些抑制条件的人，可能需要一些动力援助、专业解释或其他适当的媒体，以使他们能够享受其他人认为理所当然的好处。 这 护林员的森林 遗产彩票资助项目，与 农村交通 为更多人提供进入院长森林的机会。 Walk with Wheels 提供全地形机动踏板车（称为 Trampers），供 Christchurch 的 Forest Holidays 和 Speech House Hotel 租用。 Trampers 可用于预先绘制好的路线，这些路线可以欣赏到 Symonds Yat、Biblins、Cyril Hart Arboretum 和 Mallards Pike Lake 的美景，仅举几例。 如果您想了解更多关于带轮步行的信息，请致电 01594 822073 或 通过电子邮件联系我们 。 经常问的问题 什么是“流浪者”？ 谁可以使用这项服务？ 我可以在哪些路线上使用它？ 什么时候可以租？ 我怎样才能预订一个？ 雇用一个流浪者需要多少钱？ 如果我以前从未使用过其中之一怎么办？ 如果我需要额外的帮助怎么办？ 为什么我必须成为 Countryside Mobility 的会员？ 我可以帮助这个项目吗？ 如果我需要取消预订怎么办？ Frequently Asked Questions

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

Photo: L to R County Cllr Ray Donaghue, Chris Brown (FVAF CEO) & Reuben Brown, Tom Cousins, Cinderford Town Mayor Roger Sterry & Cllr Sid Phelps Local Councillors Celebrate New Community Mural Marking FVAF's 30th Anniversary Striking artwork brings together decades of Forest of Dean community action Local councillors visited Cinderford earlier this month to view a vibrant new community mural celebrating the Forest of Dean's heritage of grassroots activism and marking Forest Voluntary Action Forum's 30th anniversary. Councillors from Cinderford Town Council and County Councillor Ray Donaghue toured the large-scale artwork, which was made possible through funding from Gloucestershire County Council's Build Back Better Fund. A Community-Led Design The mural emerged from summer workshops where local residents shared stories, memories, and perspectives spanning decades of community action. Local artist Tom Cousins transformed these diverse voices into a unified artwork capturing the enduring spirit of volunteerism that defines the area. The design bridges past and present, from early 20th century Friendly Society Banners to today's environmental campaigns. It showcases grassroots volunteer-led groups, community choirs and music festivals, local food networks, sports clubs, and community-owned shops and pubs. References to the area as the "land between two rivers" ground the celebration in the Forest of Dean's distinctive landscape and character. Catherine Best, Communications & Fundraising Manager at FVAF, said: "This mural wasn't just about improving the look of our new community building – it's about celebrating who we are as a community and the pride we have in our local heritage. Every time you look at it, you see something different. We've had a fantastic response from local people stopping to take a look, taking pictures and discussing what they see and what it means to them. We hope it will serve as both a reminder of the rich heritage of community action in our past and an inspiration for the future." Part of a Wider Transformation The mural is part of FVAF's transformation of the former doctor's surgery into a welcoming, inclusive community space for everyone in Cinderford and the wider district. For over 30 years, FVAF has helped local people turn ideas into action through resources, guidance, and networking opportunities. The organisation works with over 800 community groups annually to make the Forest of Dean an even better place to live. For more information, contact communications@fvaf.org.uk or 01594 822073.