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

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.” Find out more about the awards here

Our Team. Our head office is based in Cinderford but everyday you will meet members of the FVAF team out and about supporting the community and building strong partnerships with other local organisations and groups... Chris Brown Chief Executive Officer Nick Penny Head of Operations Deb Cook Head of Development Catherine Best Communications & Fundraising Manager Teresa Allewell Finance Manager Cherry Potter-Irwin Finance & Administration Officer Fliss Simister Youth Team Manager Lisa Robertson Youth Development Officer Katy Virgo Youth Development Officer Courtney Middleton Project Coordinator Jodie Atkins Youth Support Worker Krissie Carter Neighbourhood Connector Mark Evans Neighbourhood Connector Alex Digby Community Team Manager Melanie Benn Community Builder Teresa Rose Community Connectors' Facilitator Pete Harper Community Connector Piers Cardiff Forest of Dean Climate Action Partnership Coordinator Becky Moorcroft Forest of Dean Climate Action Partnership Coordinator Meet our trustees. We have a highly skilled board of trustees who meet regularly to monitor, challenge and guide what FVAF does now, and in the future. Bob Rhodes Chair of Trustees Josh Bond Vice Chair of Trustees Jonathan Gault Trustee - Treasurer Patricia Le Rolland Trustee Sid Phelps Trustee Diana Martin Trustee Rob Toomer Trustee Roger Deeks Trustee Interested in becoming a FVAF Trustee? Talk to us! Contact Chris is ceo@fvaf.org.uk 01594 822073

Role: Caretaker Salary: £20,000 – £24,800 (depending on experience) Hours: 30 hours per week, Mon–Fri, 7:30am–2pm (some evenings/weekends may be required) Contract: Permanent contract Location: Ow Bist Forest Community Space, Cinderford Do you take pride in keeping spaces safe, well-maintained, and welcoming? Do you care about your community and want your work to make a real difference in the Forest of Dean We're looking for a passionate and proactive Caretaker to be the heartbeat of Ow Bist Forest Community Space — a vibrant hub where local organisations, community groups, and people come together to collaborate, connect, and thrive. The Role This is a hands-on, varied role. As our Caretaker, you'll be the person who makes sure everything runs smoothly. You'll be responsible for: Day-to-day facilities management, building security, and opening/closing procedures Proactive maintenance, minor repairs, and contractor management Leading health and safety compliance, risk assessments, and staff training Overseeing cleaning staff and eco-friendly supplies Supporting FVAF's sustainability goals — monitoring utilities, promoting recycling, and championing green practices Managing room set-ups for events and building users Operating and maintaining the FVAF Community Engagement Vehicle Building great relationships with tenants, colleagues, and community partners JOB DESCRIPTION: Caretaker FVAF JOB APPLICATION FORM HOW TO APPLY Please read the above full job description and download the application form. Please note CVs will not be accepted. Applications will be considered as they are received. For an informal discussion about the role, please contact projects@fvaf.org.uk

CELEBRATING OUR AMAZING VOLUNTEERS! This National Volunteers Week (1st-7th June), we're hitting the road with our special roadshow across the Forest of Dean to say a massive THANK YOU to all our incredible volunteers! Join us at 4 fantastic locations throughout the first week of June as we celebrate the heart and soul of our community - YOU, our volunteers! At each stop, we'll be: ✨ Celebrating local volunteering heroes ✨ Giving away special thank you gifts for every volunteer we meet! 📅 First week of June 📍 4 locations across the Forest of Dean: Stop 1 – Coleford 9.30am - 11:30am, Monday 1st June at Café Sixteen, Bank Street, Coleford. Stop 2 – Newent 1:30pm - 3:30pm, Wednesday 3rd June at Newent Chillout Stop 3 – Lydney 10am – 12pm, Thursday 4th June at River Children and Family Centre Stop 4 – Cinderford 3:30pm – 6pm, Thursday 4th June at Ow Bist - Forest Community Space + **PARTY TIME!!** Official unveiling of the Ow Bist Community Mural. Contact volunteer@fvaf.org.uk for more information.

The Digital Hubs Project Tackling digital exclusion across Gloucestershire The Digital Hubs Project is a new innovative approach, developed by Forest Voluntary Action Forum and GCC Adult Transformation Team, to tackle digital exclusion across Gloucestershire by offering free, accessible, tailored support to individuals. Starting out in October 2021, we have played the as role as county wide facilitator of the project in partnership with GCC’s Adult Transformation Team. Whilst being facilitator’s, we act as the Forest of Dean lead district provider, offering FREE 1:1 digital support across safe and trusted Community Drop-in Hubs. Coleford – Sixteen Community Cafe Sedbury – Sedbury Space Cinderford - Ow Bist - Forest Community Space Staunton – The Swan Community Hub Newent – The Chill Out Zone What does Digital Hubs aim to address? Motivation Not everyone sees why using the internet could be relevant and helpful A Digital Hub can demonstrate the huge benefits Confidence Some people fear online crime, lack trust or don’t know where to start online A Digital Hub can increase confidence via trusted relationships  Skills Not everyone has the ability to use the internet and online services A digital Hub can provide 1:1 training Access Not everyone has the ability to connect to the internet and go online A Digital Hub can provide access to free equipment and internet Since starting the journey of Gloucestershire Digital Hubs Project, awareness and recognition of the project has grown and is now recognised as essential community-based approach to tackling digital exclusion across Gloucestershire. Notability, the project was highlighted in the Report of the Director of Public health 2022/23 - No Person is an island: Social connections in Gloucestershire, which also included video cased study of the project. You can also  download the PDF version (PDF, 5.2 MB)  of Director of Public health 2022/23 For more information about the project visit the Digital Hub website HERE To find out more, dates, times and locations for upcoming FVAF Community Digital Drop-in Hubs, contact Alex on community@fvaf.org.uk  or 01594 822073.

Forest of Dean Mental Health Locality Partnership The Locality Partnership offers VCS and faith-based organisations the opportunity to meet with other professionals and voluntary groups who are supporting people with their mental health in the Forest of Dean. The Partnership is a collective of social care practitioners who are working towards a community response to the My Networks scoping project findings. By coming together, we hope to keep abreast of developments, begin partnership projects or create collaborative opportunities that can address what is needed for better mental health in the Forest of Dean. We are now an integral part of the wider Forest Know Your Patch network. Regular online meetings as well as live, in-person events are held where topics and projects are discussed and highlighted. As well as this, the FKYP works closely with other statutory organisations offering a platform to disseminate up-to-date information about services available in the community.

EVENTS CALENDAR Check out the latest hip happenings in the Forest!

关于 FVAF 我们的故事 我们是院长森林志愿服务委员会和志愿者中心。我们为该地区数百个志愿组织和社区组织中的许多组织提供帮助，这些组织反过来能够更好地在当地社区中开展工作并为当地社区开展工作。 自 1994 年成立以来，我们以鼓励、拥抱和加强整个院长森林的社区行动而享有盛誉。我们相信，通过以社区为主导的方法，我们使公民能够发展技能、复原力和社会资本，过上更快乐、更紧密联系的生活。 办公服务 工作人员和受托人 政策 可访问性和可持续性

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