KEEPING PEOPLE SAFE Young people who are moving towards adulthood have the right to make informed choices about how they connect to their local community. This can involve risk, for guidance read: Building Connections: One minute guide to Risk Assessment

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

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 FOREST EVENTS Community ideas wanted for ‘Our Forest’ £3m lottery bid An opportunity for people and community organisations to discuss project ideas for Our Forest's planned National Lottery Heritage Fund Bid. BOOK TICKETS: Saturday 13th April, Lydney Town Hall - 1pm - 4pm BOOK TICKET: Sunday 14th April, Mitcheldean Community Centre - 1pm - 4pm We’re excited to announce that we are leading on preparing a new £3million bid to the National Heritage Lottery Fund (NLHF). ​ Called ‘Our Forest’ this new community-driven project will focus on the heritage of the Forest of Dean To prepare for this bid, we are asking local people, community groups and organisations to have their say at two community events we are hosting this weekend. ​ Taking place at 1pm-4:30pm on Saturday (13 April) at Lydney Town Hall and 1pm-4:30pm on Sunday (14 April) at Mitcheldean Community Centre , these events are open for anyone to attend, to share and discuss ideas for potential heritage projects, partnerships and collaborations that could be included in the bid for funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF). ​ Deb Cook, our Volunteering Manager at FVAF said “Heritage is what you think is important and should be preserved. It could be about improving access to landscapes, historical sites, or collections; cultural activity or traditions; stories and celebrations as well as more traditional ideas of heritage. It can be anything from the past or even present that you value and want to pass on to future generations. ​ She added: “We’re asking the community to come along to one of these events to be part of the conversation and tell us what they think is important to include in the ‘Our Forest’ project.” ​ Building upon the legacy of the Foresters' Forest Landscape Partnership programme, ‘Our Forest’ will focus on involving diverse people, grass-roots organisations, and the voluntary community sector, with projects that involve young people, older people, hardly reached groups, as well as focusing on mental health and wellbeing.

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 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.

Our partners We work with, and are supported by so many fantastic organisations. ​ The projects and services we deliver in partnership with others, and the funding we receive makes it possible for us to support voluntary activity and community action in the Forest of Dean. ​ These are just some of the organisations we currently work closely with:

Gevallestudie: David Chaloner Die versorging van wilde ponies in die Forest of Dean het gehelp om die vrywilliger David Chaloner aktief te bly, van bewaring te leer en 'n werklike verskil aan sy plaaslike landskap te maak. David doen vrywilligers by The Foresters' Forest Conservation Grazing-projek, gelei deur Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust. Die projek het gebiede van wilde ponie- en beesteweiding in die Bos ingestel om habitat vir 'n groter verskeidenheid plante en wild te verbeter. David is deel van 'n span opgeleide Conservation Grazing-vrywilligers wat personeel van Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust help om na die weidende diere te kyk. Oor sy agtergrond met perde het David gesê: “Ek het vroeg afgetree weens probleme met my balans en visie. Ek het na Spanje verhuis waar ek leer perdry en vir die eerste keer bewus geword het van perde en hoeveel ek dit geniet het om rondom hulle te wees. ’n Snaakse ding is dat my toestand dit vir my onmoontlik maak om fiets te ry, maar dit lyk of perdry net goed werk, so hierdie wesens verteenwoordig iets baie spesiaal vir my.” Toe David teruggetrek het na die Forest of Dean, het vrywilligerswerk vinnig 'n belangrike deel van sy lewe geword. "Toe ons teruggetrek het na die Verenigde Koninkryk, was ons uiteindelik aangetrokke tot die Forest of Dean, want dit het net soos so 'n wonderlike plek gevoel," het hy gesê. “Ek het baie besig geraak met allerhande vrywilligerswerk sedert ek hierheen verhuis het. Vrywilligerswerk beteken vir my baie, dit hou my besig, aktief en verskaf struktuur en konstante belangstelling.” Die Conservation Grazing-projek het beteken dat David vir die eerste keer vrywilligerswerk en ponies kon kombineer. Hy het gesê: “Ek was nie bewus van Foresters' Forest totdat die Conservation Grazing-projek op die punt was om te begin nie en het vrywilligers vir veekontrole nodig gehad. Omdat perde regtig my ding is, toe ek die bordjies by Edgehills sien wat sê dat Exmoor Ponies kom, het ek aan die happie geknak om te help!” Oor sy ervaring met die projek het David gesê: “Om 'n voorraadkontroleerder te wees het 'n paar ware avonture by Edgehills behels. Ons het baie pret en speletjies gehad terwyl ons die ponies aangemoedig het om van een reservaat na die ander te beweeg, veral as dit modderig was! As vrywilligers praat ons met plaaslike mense oor rommel en om nie die ponies te voer nie, en ek dink dit het gehelp om mense bewus te maak van mense wat gereeld in die area stap.” Om die ponies van die Bos te leer ken was 'n spesiale deel van die projek vir David. "Om by die diere te wees en vir hulle te versorg, is vir my die hoogtepunt," het hy gesê. “Ek is mal daaroor in die somer wanneer jy tussen hulle kan inklim en as jy vir eeue stilstaan, kan hulle dalk opkom en jou ’n neus gee. Dit is 'n noukeurige balans wat ons as vrywilligers moes bereik, want ons het nodig dat die ponies saam met ons ontspanne voel sodat ons hulle kan kontroleer, maar ons wil hê hulle moet wild bly en hul afstand van lede van die publiek hou. Ons het hulle goed leer ken en het byname vir van die regte karakters.” Dit is nie net die ponies wat David besig hou nie. “Vrywilligerswerk het 'n sosiale element gebring wat ek nie verwag het nie,” verduidelik hy. “Gereelde besoeke aan die terrein is van kardinale belang en dit is nie ongewoon om tydens hierdie tyd ander lede van die vrywilligerspan te ontmoet nie. Ek het 'n paar goeie vriende gemaak en voel heeltemal in lus met die projek, veral deur ons Stock Checkers WhatsApp-groepe wat so 'n maklike hulpmiddel is om as 'n span te kommunikeer. “Ek voel wel dat ek 'n belangrike rol vervul, en die projekleiers het dit duidelik gemaak dat ons vrywillige betrokkenheid opreg waardeer word. Die rol is ’n werklike verantwoordelikheid en toewyding, so dit is wonderlik om gewaardeer te voel vir wat ek doen.” Die ponies van die Bewaringsweidingsprojek doen 'n belangrike werk vir die natuur, vreet plante wat oorheers soos braambos en vlinder, en vertrap varkens. Dit is 'n natuurlike manier om die grond te bestuur sodat 'n groter verskeidenheid diere en plante kan floreer, insluitend voëls, reptiele en insekte. David het reeds 'n verskil in die Bos opgemerk sedert hy as vrywilliger begin het. "Ek het baie geleer deur my betrokkenheid by die projek," het hy gesê. Die diere was my primêre belangstelling toe ek begin het, maar my bewustheid van die bewaringskwessies het geweldig gegroei. “Dit was fassinerend om die gevolge te sien gebeur. Ek het 'n sagte skoonmaak van die grond waargeneem, verskillende spesies is duideliker. Ek het geleidelik meer adders en 'n groter verskeidenheid voëls by Edgehills gesien. “Ek geniet my rol as 'n Aandeelkontroleerder heelhartig. Ek voel ek dra by tot die versorging van die Forest of Dean op 'n klein manier, en ek hoop om die Bewaringsweidingsprojek te ondersteun so lank as wat ek kan.” Werk vrywillig by Foresters' Forest Besoek Foresters' Forest Webwerf Teken in op Foresters' Forest-nuusbrief

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"Bou sterker gemeenskappe in die Bos van Dean" Wat is FVAF? FVAF staan vir Forest Voluntary Action Forum. Ons bied ondersteuning aan plaaslike burgers, gemeenskapsgroepe en aktiwiteite om die dinge te doen wat vir hulle die meeste saak maak. Dit sluit die volgende in: ​ ondersteuning en ontwikkelingsadvies opleiding inligting netwerkvergaderings verteenwoordiging te fasiliteer vrywillige werwing vrywilliger plasing en ondersteuning ​ Ons bedryf ook baie projekte saam met en vir die plaaslike gemeenskap, soos die Forest of Dean Jeugvereniging, Vakansie-aktiwiteitsveldtogte, The Forest Youth Music Network, The GEM Project, The Forest Compass Directory, Walking with Wheels en vele meer. Kyk na ons Projekte-bladsy vir volledige besonderhede. ​ Vind meer uit Hop onboard the DigiBus! FREE 1-2-1 training ​ Coming to a town near you…the DigiBus will be stopping at locations across the Forest during June and July with trainers on hand to help you improve your digital skills. FIND OUT MORE NUWE Vrywilligersgids Selfs makliker om as vrywilliger in die Forest of Dean te werk? By FVAF het ons 'n splinternuwe boekie genaamd Vrywilligerswerk in die vervaardig Bos van Dean. Hierdie is 'n gratis gids van sommige van die vele vrywilligersgeleenthede wat plaaslik beskikbaar is. Harde kopieë sal binnekort in wees jou plaaslike Biblioteek of Gemeenskapsentrum of klik hieronder om 'n digitale kopie. Vrywilligerswerk Boekie Laai af Vind jou naaste inloop-hub NOU OOP Gemeenskapsbou-inloophubs Loer in en gesels van aangesig tot aangesig met 'n gemeenskapsbouer. Elke inloer-spilpunt bied 'n verskeidenheid ondersteuning, advies en leiding vir plaaslike inwoners. Byvoorbeeld; ondersteuning en aanwysing van plaaslike dienste, skakel en stig van nuwe gemeenskapsgroepe, ondersteuning van mense om nader aan werk of verdere onderwys te kom, help om toegang tot die digitale wêreld te kry en ondersteuning om jou idees vir die gemeenskap tot lewe te bring. Bos van Dean Jeugvereniging Forest of Dean Jeugvereniging ondersteun jongmense onder die ouderdom van 25 om pro-aktiewe burgers en leiers van hul eie lewens te word. Ons ondersteun ook gemeenskapsgroepe en organisasies regoor die Forest of Dean om die wonderlike werk wat hulle reeds doen te verbeter deur die ontsluiting van plaaslike vaardighede en bates, of dit nou mense, plekke of befondsing is. Die span het 'n wye verskeidenheid vaardighede en ondervinding om met jongmense en ons Bosgemeenskappe te werk, so ons kan aanpas en reageer op die meeste jeugverwante projekte of navrae. Gevolglik raak die Jeugvereniging betrokke by 'n wye verskeidenheid projekte en bied aanwysings vir ondersteuning en dienste. Vind meer uit Vrywilliger Ondersteuning As jy wil vrywillig werk in die Forest of Dean, het ons 'n verskeidenheid huidige geleenthede vir jou. ​ As jy 'n gemeenskapsgroep is wat vrywillige ondersteuning wil hê, kan ons jou vrywilligersvakature vir jou bevorder. As jy hulp en raad nodig het oor die werk met Vrywilligers, kontak asseblief Search Volunteer Opportunites Volg ons op Facebook Ons plaas ons jongste nuus en gebeure gereeld op Facebook. Vir die mees onlangse inligting volg asseblief ons Facebook-blad Gaan na Facebook Ons Vennote

Volunteer of the Year 2024 The People's Champion VOTING OPEN! Time to choose your champion... We recently asked you to nominate a local volunteer who has gone above and beyond for their community over the past 12 months, and/or has an inspiring story. ​ We had some cracking nominations, and it was an extremely hard task to narrow it down BUT after much deliberation, our panel of community experts have shortlisted 6 community heroes. Vote for your favourite by selecting ONE of the following volunteers: Liz Bell Pete Harper Elaine Quirk Lisa Robertson Sarah Wootton Emily Worrall VOTING CLOSES: MIDNIGHT MONDAY, 9 SEPTEMBER VOTE Thanks for voting! Check out the profiles of the shortlisted nominees below: Liz Bell Orchard Trust Site volunteer and Trustee Liz Bell has been a cornerstone of the Orchard Trust since she began volunteering at the Stowfield site in 2021. Her dedication and passion quickly became evident, leading her to take on the role of Trustee in 2022. Liz’s contributions extend far beyond her weekly volunteering; she has played a pivotal role in shaping the site and enhancing its value to the community. As a volunteer, Liz has taken charge of maintaining the sensory garden, apple tree circle, and general site upkeep. After spending time immersed in the environment, she began offering innovative ideas to improve it, always with the visitors' experience in mind. One of her most notable achievements was serving as the Volunteer Project Manager for the wildlife area. Liz not only designed and wrote the proposal for this project but also worked closely with the Stowfield site manager to ensure it was delivered on time and within budget—all in her own free time. Liz’s vision and hard work has helped to create a lasting community asset that is accessible and enjoyable for people of all ages, especially those who often face barriers to engaging with nature. Pete Harper Mycelium Mental Health Project Volunteer Pete Harper is the quiet force behind the success of the Mycelium Mental Health Project, a volunteer whose impact is felt far beyond the boundaries of the project itself. Described by his nominator as "one of the most humble and knowledgeable people I have ever met," Pete’s dedication and passion for mutual aid have been instrumental in establishing and nurturing Mycelium. Pete’s extraordinary commitment is matched by his generosity. He has been a steadfast supporter, working tirelessly to ensure the project's success. His influence extends beyond Mycelium, as he has become a vital advocate for our community’s mental health. Pete Harper is not just an extraordinary volunteer; he is a true champion for mental health, whose quiet strength and unwavering commitment continue to uplift and inspire all those around him. His work with Mycelium has created a lasting impact, ensuring that the most vulnerable in our community have a voice and a compassionate ally. Elaine Quirk Volunteer helper for Gloucestershire Carers Hub Elaine Quirk is the heart and soul of the Gloucestershire Carers Hub, where she serves as a Carer Welcomer at Bickys Carer Café in Coleford and Candi in Cinderford. With her gentle and kind demeanour, Elaine ensures that every unpaid carer who walks through the door feels truly welcomed and supported. Elaine has a remarkable ability to make people feel valued. Carers who attend the sessions she hosts often leave with a renewed sense of being heard, respected, and encouraged to share their experiences. Her presence has significantly increased footfall at Bickys during quieter times and helped Candi engage with new clients, extending the reach of the Carers Hub in meaningful ways. Elaine’s work goes beyond welcoming carers—it’s about creating a supportive space where they can find comfort and community. Her dedication to helping others has made a lasting difference in the lives of many, and her warm presence is an essential part of the Carers Hub’s success. Lisa Robertson Ruardean Youth Leader For nearly 20 years, Lisa Robertson has been the heart and soul of Ruardean Youth Club, dedicating countless hours of her free time to creating a safe, fun, and supportive environment for youth people aged 11-18. Under Lisa’s guidance, the Youth Club has become a vital resource for the community, offering a wide range of activities, advice, and information to help teenagers navigate their challenges. Lisa’s impact on the lives of hundreds of children and young people in Ruardean is immeasurable. She is known for her selfless dedication, always going above and beyond to ensure that the Youth Club not only thrives but also continues to meet the evolving needs of the community and every young person who walks through the door. Her contributions extend far beyond the Youth Club. Lisa also played a key role in organising the annual Ruardean Carnival and most recently, Lisa has spearheaded the creation of the Ruardean Community Orchard. Lisa’s tireless efforts and deep commitment to her community make her an extraordinary volunteer and a true inspiration. Her work has left a lasting legacy in Ruardean, enriching the lives of countless young people and helping to build a stronger, more connected community. Sarah Wootton Chair of the Committee - Brockweir Village Shop & Café As the Chair of the Committee for Brockweir Village Shop & Café, Sarah Wootton has been a pillar of strength and leadership for her community. When a devastating fire struck the shop in June 2023, Sarah immediately took charge, and with the help of the amazing committee and employees, Ferne and Kris, coordinated efforts to ensure the swift and successful rebuilding of this vital community hub. Sarah's dedication has been unwavering—she handled complex negotiations with the insurance company and loss adjustor, navigated the flood of daily emails, and provided steadfast support to the shop's staff and volunteers. Her commitment didn’t end with reopening the shop; she has continued to offer guidance and encouragement to everyone involved, helping them navigate the challenges that followed the fire. Sarah's efforts have ensured that even in the face of adversity, the shop, which serves as a cornerstone of the village is not just a place to shop—it’s a lifeline for locals and visitors alike. Emily Worrall Volunteer fundraiser at Great Oaks Hospice Emily Worrall is an invaluable member of the fundraising team at Great Oaks Hospice, bringing energy, enthusiasm, and a contagious positivity to everything she does. With her bright smile and can-do attitude, Emily ensures that the Hospice’s events are well-publicised, tirelessly delivering and posting event posters across all the Forest. Her dedication doesn’t stop there—Emily is always on hand at events, whether it’s setting up, taking down, or even getting the party started with her infectious dance moves at discos. Emily’s journey is truly inspiring. Despite facing learning difficulties, she has worked hard to live independently, and her contributions to the team go far beyond her tasks. Emily is more than just a volunteer; she is a cherished member of the Great Oaks Hospice family. Find our more about the Forest Volunteers Awards here:

NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN! CLOSING DATE: MIDNIGHT SUNDAY 14 JULY 2024 Forest Volunteer Awards 2024 Nomination Form FOREST VOLUNTEER AWARDS 2024 Please select in which category you would like to nominate the individual or group. Your Volunteer of the Year Young Volunteer of the Year 16yrs & under Young Volunteer of the Year 17 – 21yrs Community Organisation of the Year Grassroots Award - Voluntary Group of the Year ESV Business in the Community Award FoD Dementia Action Alliance Accessibility & Inclusion Award Nominee details Name of the volunteer/group being nominated: Name of the organisation or group linked to the nominee (for individual nominees only) Volunteer role or role of group Contact details for nominee (email and telephone) Reason for nomination - please provide a brief description which outlines why you think this individual or group stands out. What makes them special and worthy of being celebrated? Your details Your name Your email address Your telephone number ​ Photographs – if you have any photographs please send them to communications@fvaf.org.uk Submit Thank you for taking the time nominate!