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 Programme Manager Teresa Allewell Finance & Operations Manager Catherine Best Communications & Fundraising Manager Cathy Griffiths Development Manager Deb Cook Volunteering Manager Connor Grimshaw Facilities Manager Cherry Potter-Irwin Finance & Administration Officer Fliss Simister Youth Association Manager Lisa Robertson Youth Development Officer Katy Virgo Youth Development Officer Courtney Middleton Project Coordinator Lauren Greening Youth Development Project Manager Jodie Atkins Youth Support Worker Alex Digby Digital & Community Hubs Facilitator Melanie Benn Community Builder Teresa Rose Community Connectors' Facilitator Natasha Nelson Forest Food Network Coordinator Simon Price MY Networks Project Manager Miranda Thomason Peer Development Facilitator Pete Harper Peer Development Facilitator 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. Penny Hulbert Chair of Trustees Sid Phelps Vice Chair of Trustees Jonathan Gault Trustee - Treasurer Simon Murray Trustee Diana Martin Trustee Roger Deeks Trustee Bob Rhodes Trustee Sue Pritchard Trustee Louise Penny Trustee Vicky Head Trustee Christopher Walker Trustee Interested in becoming a FVAF Trustee? To find out more contact 01594 822 073 or contact@fvaf.org.uk

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!

The podcast kit is also available for hire to voluntary community groups. For more information on The Community Action Pod and ways to get involved contact the Host Melanie Benn on melanie@fvaf.org.uk or 01594 822073. Produced by Forest Voluntary Action Forum Funded by the Barnwood Trust Digital Inclusion Fund

Our publications Forest Compass Edition 2 FVAF Annual Report 2022/23 FVAF Annual Report 2021/22 Insights into the Experience of commissioning for small VCSE organisations in the Forest of Dean By Chris Brown My Networks publications My Networks Scoping Project Report, Oct 2022 by Simon Price Supporting documents: Mental Health Scoping Project – Survey Results Co-production – How we facilitated My Networks Scoping Report Useful community publications The Digital Divides Report and Recommendations By Digital Divides Steering Group Learnings from the Forest By Forest of Dean Climate Action Partnership (FODCAP), Holding The Space, Thirty Percy, and CCRI.

Current Opportunities Many local organisations, across the Forest of Dean, are currently looking for trustees with a variety of skills & experience: LYDNEY DIAL-A-RIDE Lydney Dial-a-Ride is a friendly door-to-door transport service for those people who do not have their own transport and are unable to use public transport. They operate a fleet of fully accessible minibuses capable of carrying wheelchair passengers and other seated passengers. Trustee role: They are looking for people who have HR experience, managing a small to medium organisation or wishing to make a difference in their local community. The Trustees meet every other month and keep in regular contact via email and telephone. Chat louise@lydneydialaride.co.uk | 01594 843809 EARLYBIRDS PLAYGROUP Earlybirds Playgroup are a local charity-based playgroup offering education for early years children from 2 to 4 years old. Established in January 1999, it is the aim of the committee and staff to keep it running successfully for many more years. Located in Cinderford in the Forest of Dean, all members of staff are qualified to a high level and have many years of experience of working within young children; they attend regular safeguarding, first aid and continuing professional development training which allows them to support each child in their development and well-being. Trustee role: Currently that have a committee with 7 trustees but are looking to expand and would welcome anyone with IT skills, finance, marketing, or legal along with anyone with an interest in early years education. Chat earlybirdschair@yahoo.com or 07553215307 ST BRIAVELS ASSEMBLY ROOMS The St Briavels Assembly Rooms are a village hall built for the benefit of the parishioners of St Briavels, Hewelsfield and Brockweir. The Rooms consist of a main hall with stage, a bar/cafe area a commercial kitchen, a meeting room/office and a walled courtyard. Activities at the Rooms include lettings to local groups and private individuals, a regular tearoom, events with a bar, a produce market and a 100 Club lottery. Trustees meet about every 6 weeks, or about 8 times a year. The Trustees, who are not remunerated, also volunteer as much as they can and are supported by a team of community volunteers who help to deliver the key services. Trustee role: Looking for Trustees who can contribute knowledge, expertise and volunteer time especially in the following areas: Event management: co-ordinating the creation and delivery of an annual programme of events Minutes Secretary: taking minutes at Trustee meetings. Chat sbar.helpers@gmail.com LOVE DRYBROOK TRUST The Love Drybrook Trust raises money through trading at the Shop on the Cross in the centre of Drybrook. This is a charity shop run by enthusiastic volunteers and selling mainly to local people. They also offer a small coffee and chat area within the shop. Money raised is distributed primarily once a year and when specific requests are received - these may be from individuals and families or community groups. Trustee role: They would value new trustees who could bring experience to any aspects of what they do and who are keen to support the local community. The trust has firm Christian foundations and seeks to share that faith practically by supporting local people, especially the most vulnerable, in a variety of ways. Chat Revd. Clare Edwards, 01594 726318 revclareedwards@gmail.com HOPE SUPPORT SERVICES About: Hope Support Services is a charity providing support to Children and Young People experiencing a health crisis within their family or with someone who is significant to them. Based in Ross-on-Wye but cover all of Herefordshire with in person support, and provide online support nationally. Trustee role: They are looking for a talented, passionate individual to join the board as their new Finance Trustee. Chat Find our more HERE FOREST SENSORY SERVICES Forest Sensory Services is a small friendly charity, who provides support to those with sensory impairment (sight and hearing). They promote and encourage clients to remain as independent as possible with their impairments. FSS depend on volunteers to support the services they provide. Trustee role: FSS are interested in hearing from anyone interested in support their activities. Chat Support@forestsensoryservices.org FOREST OF DEAN CHILDREN’S OPPORTUNITY CENTRE The Forest of Dean Children’s Opportunity Centre was set up as a registered charity in 1982. The aim of the centre is for all children regardless of any special need or disability to play and learn alongside each other in a safe and stimulating environment. The Centre provides an informal meeting place for parents and those professionals involved in the care of the children who have diverse and complex special needs. Trustee role: The centre is looking to recruit up to two new trustees following recent retirements and a review of skills needed on the board. They are particularly looking for an individual with accounting skills to take on the role of treasurer, someone with legal expertise, ideally but not essentially in the field of charity law, and someone with broad general business experience. They would also welcome new parent trustees. Chat sue_burrows@hotmail.com or 01594 544174 CANDI Established in 1995 to improve conditions of life in Cinderford and the surrounding area, CANDI has particularly been committed to increasing the opportunities, to raising their aspirations and providing drop-ins for young people aged 11 to 17 in Cinderford and Drybrook. CANDI is now extending the scope of its work to reach out to community groups of all ages, setting up its own groups and working in partnership with other charities in the Forest of Dean. Trustee role: CANDI is seeking trustees generally but also with specialist skills in the following areas: IT, legal, publicity, HR, fundraising, premises management Chat Company Secretary - cosec@candi.email **NEW CHARITY**MINDFULVISION MindfulVision offers employment opportunities and training for Blind, Severely Sight Impaired (SSI), Visually Impaired (VI) and disabled people. Trustee role: this new charity is looking for people who can help create a more inclusive society where blind and disabled people can participate fully and equally in the workforce. Chat guy.woodland@mindfulvision.org

Freiwilligenarbeit Als Freiwilligenzentrum für den Forest of Dean sind wir hier, um Ihnen bei der Rekrutierung und Verwaltung von Freiwilligen zu helfen Unser neues Ehrenamt Broschüre gefüllt mit Details der Freiwilligenarbeit vor Ort Chancen ist jetzt raus KLICKEN SIE HIER ZUM HERUNTERLADEN Oder holen Sie sich ein Exemplar in Ihrer örtlichen Bibliothek oder im Community Hub Als Freiwilligenzentrum für die Wald des Dekans Wir sind oft die erste Anlaufstelle für alle, die sich für ehrenamtliches Engagement interessieren. Letztes Jahr waren wir stolz darauf, über 100.000 Stunden Freiwilligenarbeit in der Region zu unterstützen! Die FVAF fördert und bewirbt eine breite Palette von Freiwilligenarbeitsmöglichkeiten von Organisationen, die unser Ethos bei der Unterstützung von Freiwilligen teilen und die vielen Gründe anerkennen, warum Menschen sich für Freiwilligenarbeit entscheiden. Warum ehrenamtlich? Freiwilligenarbeit hat eine Reihe enormer Vorteile, nicht nur für Sie persönlich, sondern auch für Ihre Gemeinschaft und die Welt, in der wir leben. Wenn Sie Ihren Lebenslauf verbessern, neue Leute kennenlernen, Ihre Fähigkeiten einsetzen, etwas Neues lernen, einem Interesse nachgehen, Erfahrung bieten oder einfach etwas bewegen möchten, haben wir garantiert eine Gelegenheit für Sie! Sie können sich auf folgenden Wegen über diese Möglichkeiten informieren: Suchmöglichkeiten unter Mach es.org Rufen Sie uns an unter 01594 822073 Nehmen Sie Kontakt auf über Email Besuchen Sie uns im FVAF Mo - Fr 9:00 - 1:00 Uhr ( Wegbeschreibung ) Wenn Sie sich in einer großen Gruppe engagieren möchten, zum Beispiel im Rahmen von Corporate Volunteering, dann haben wir ebenfalls eine große Auswahl an Möglichkeiten. 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: Als One-Stop-Shop für alle Belange des Ehrenamts nutzen wir eine facettenreiche Methodik, um Ihnen die bestmögliche Chance zu geben, wertvolle Freiwillige zu rekrutieren und zu halten. Dies beinhaltet Folgendes: Bewerben Sie Ihre Möglichkeiten auf Do-it.org Bewerben Ihrer Möglichkeiten gegenüber Mitgliedern der Öffentlichkeit, die an uns oder über unsere Drop-in-Funktion verwiesen wurden. Bewerben Sie Ihre Möglichkeiten auf unseren Facebook- und Twitter-Seiten Werben Sie für Ihre Möglichkeiten bei lokalen Diensten, die Freiwilligenarbeit unterstützen, z. Jobcenter, LearnDirect und 2GetherTrust Bewerben Sie Ihre Möglichkeiten auf über 30 Veranstaltungen pro Jahr Senden Sie Ihre Möglichkeiten an lokale Unternehmen, die arbeitgeberunterstützte Freiwilligenarbeit anbieten Förderung relevanter Möglichkeiten für Schulen, Hochschulen und Universitäten Verteilen Sie Ihre Möglichkeiten an unsere Freiwilligendatenbank mit über 1.000 Personen Werbung für Ihre Möglichkeiten in einer Vielzahl von Netzwerken, einschließlich Know Your Patch 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)

NOMINATIONS NOW CLOSED! Award categories The FVAF Volunteer Awards 2024 will recognise and celebrate the amazing efforts of volunteers and organisations in the Forest of Dean. We want to hear about all those heroes have demonstrated exceptional and outstanding support to the local community over the past 12 months. THIS YEAR WE HAVE 6 CATEGORIES: Your Volunteer of the Year – Peoples’ Champion This is an unsung hero who has gone above and beyond for their community or has an inspiring story. We’re looking for volunteers who give their time and input to provide valuable services to communities in the Forest of Dean. Perhaps without these volunteers’ significant contribution, organisations might not be able to sustain the work they do OR maybe they have brought transformative change to other people or their own personal story by volunteering. PLUS The winner of this award will be decided by you! Once we have shortlisted the nominees, we will be asking you to vote for who you think most deserves to be crowned Volunteer of the Year 2024. Young Volunteer of the Year 16yrs & under Young Volunteer of the Year 17 – 21yrs Split into two age ranges, this category recognises a young person who has shown a real commitment to their volunteering and/or overcome serious problems and made a positive difference in their own life or other peoples’.  It will celebrate the work carried out by young people who give up their time to help their community; in school, at youth clubs or a voluntary organisation. Grassroots Award for Voluntary Group of the Year Celebrate and honour those small grassroots organisations who are making a real difference in the community. These inspirational groups, run entirely by dedicated volunteers, will have had a positive impact on the people living in the Forest of Dean. We want to hear stories of lunch clubs, sports clubs, social and hobby groups, support groups, or any local group who are completely reliant on the tireless efforts of volunteers to help make a big difference to either in a small local area or in the wider community. Community Organisation Award This award recognises the outstanding contribution of larger organisations in the Forest of Dean who have made significant impact through delivering community projects, and/or positive change in the district. These could be any community or voluntary sector organisation including Charities, community organisations such as CIC’s or CIO’s, or larger groups who have a mix of staff and volunteers. ESV - Business in the Community Award This award is a chance to acknowledge the positive social impact local businesses have had in the local community. It recognises those organisations who have proactively committed to supporting and encouraging their workforce to volunteer for one-off projects or regular time to work with local charities or community projects. Or businesses who have actively supported the community in other ways. FoD Dementia Action Alliance Accessibility & Inclusion Award We are looking to recognise groups who are making admirable efforts towards being welcoming and inclusive to all. This award is not to reward perfection. We want to celebrate a commitment to enhancing accessibility and removing barriers. This might be by making physical improvements and considerations, creating clear and accessible communications, or building volunteering projects/programmes that help people to make a difference to their local community, regardless of the challenges they face, their age, ability, gender, sexual orientation, race, faith, or religion. 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.

Freiwilligenarbeit Als Freiwilligenzentrum für den Forest of Dean sind wir hier, um Ihnen bei der Rekrutierung und Verwaltung von Freiwilligen zu helfen Unser neues Ehrenamt Broschüre gefüllt mit Details der Freiwilligenarbeit vor Ort Chancen ist jetzt raus KLICKEN SIE HIER ZUM HERUNTERLADEN Oder holen Sie sich ein Exemplar in Ihrer örtlichen Bibliothek oder im Community Hub Als Freiwilligenzentrum für die Wald des Dekans Wir sind oft die erste Anlaufstelle für alle, die sich für ehrenamtliches Engagement interessieren. Letztes Jahr waren wir stolz darauf, über 100.000 Stunden Freiwilligenarbeit in der Region zu unterstützen! Die FVAF fördert und bewirbt eine breite Palette von Freiwilligenarbeitsmöglichkeiten von Organisationen, die unser Ethos bei der Unterstützung von Freiwilligen teilen und die vielen Gründe anerkennen, warum Menschen sich für Freiwilligenarbeit entscheiden. Warum ehrenamtlich? Freiwilligenarbeit hat eine Reihe enormer Vorteile, nicht nur für Sie persönlich, sondern auch für Ihre Gemeinschaft und die Welt, in der wir leben. Wenn Sie Ihren Lebenslauf verbessern, neue Leute kennenlernen, Ihre Fähigkeiten einsetzen, etwas Neues lernen, einem Interesse nachgehen, Erfahrung bieten oder einfach etwas bewegen möchten, haben wir garantiert eine Gelegenheit für Sie! Sie können sich auf folgenden Wegen über diese Möglichkeiten informieren: Suchmöglichkeiten unter Mach es.org Rufen Sie uns an unter 01594 822073 Nehmen Sie Kontakt auf über Email Besuchen Sie uns im FVAF Mo - Fr 9:00 - 1:00 Uhr ( Wegbeschreibung ) Wenn Sie sich in einer großen Gruppe engagieren möchten, zum Beispiel im Rahmen von Corporate Volunteering, dann haben wir ebenfalls eine große Auswahl an Möglichkeiten. 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 Als One-Stop-Shop für alle Belange des Ehrenamts nutzen wir eine facettenreiche Methodik, um Ihnen die bestmögliche Chance zu geben, wertvolle Freiwillige zu rekrutieren und zu halten. Dies beinhaltet Folgendes: Bewerben Sie Ihre Möglichkeiten auf Do-it.org Bewerben Ihrer Möglichkeiten gegenüber Mitgliedern der Öffentlichkeit, die an uns oder über unsere Drop-in-Funktion verwiesen wurden. Bewerben Sie Ihre Möglichkeiten auf unseren Facebook- und Twitter-Seiten Werben Sie für Ihre Möglichkeiten bei lokalen Diensten, die Freiwilligenarbeit unterstützen, z. Jobcenter, LearnDirect und 2GetherTrust Bewerben Sie Ihre Möglichkeiten auf über 30 Veranstaltungen pro Jahr Senden Sie Ihre Möglichkeiten an lokale Unternehmen, die arbeitgeberunterstützte Freiwilligenarbeit anbieten Förderung relevanter Möglichkeiten für Schulen, Hochschulen und Universitäten Verteilen Sie Ihre Möglichkeiten an unsere Freiwilligendatenbank mit über 1.000 Personen Werbung für Ihre Möglichkeiten in einer Vielzahl von Netzwerken, einschließlich Know Your Patch 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)

Join our roadshow! Volunteer Week 2024 3-8 June We’re hitting the road again this year to celebrate Volunteers’ Week 2024! Volunteers' Week is an annual celebration of the contribution millions of people make, across the UK, through volunteering in their communities. In the first week of June (3-8), we will be taking our community engagement vehicle out and about across the Forest of Dean, promoting and celebrating all things volunteering. If you’re a local group or organisation who needs volunteers and would like the opportunity to promote what you do to the local community, we’re inviting you to join us. From 10am -2pm we will be in: Wednesday 5 June LYDNEY - Taurus Crafts, The Old Park Park, Aylburton, Lydney GL15 6BU Thursday 6 June CINDERFORD - Ow Bist - Forest Community Space, Dockham Road GL14 2AN Friday 7 June COLEFORD - The Clocktower, Market Place GL16 8AW Saturday 8 June NEWENT - Newent Market Hall, Broad Street If you’d like to join us, please let us know by 31 May. BOOK YOUR PLACE **PLUS pop along and pick up the latest editions of our popular publications ‘Volunteering in the Forest of Dean’ and ‘Forest Compass’. Can’t make it? We’re happy to take along any flyers/leaflets/poster/giveaways to promote your group or organisation – just drop them into the FVAF office at Ow Bist - Forest Community Centre, Dockham Road, Cinderford GL14 2AN (located in the Tesco carpark) by 4pm Friday 31 May.

Waldkompass Forest Compass ist ein physisches und Online-Verzeichnis, das viele der regelmäßigen Aktivitäten, Selbsthilfegruppen und Clubs auflistet, die im gesamten Forest of Dean verfügbar sind. Der Wald beherbergt Hunderte von sozialen und Aktivitätsgruppen aller Art, von Babygruppen über Mittagsclubs, Männerschuppen bis hin zu Gedächtniscafés. Viele sind kostenlos oder sehr kostengünstig zu besuchen und werden von Freiwilligen oder gemeinnützigen Gruppen durchgeführt. Leider sind sich viele Menschen, die von solchen Gruppen profitieren könnten, der erstaunlichen Möglichkeiten vor ihrer Haustür nicht bewusst. Wenn Sie eine ehrenamtlich geführte Aktivität, einen Club oder eine Selbsthilfegruppe im Forest of Dean betreiben, werben Sie KOSTENLOS sowohl im physischen Verzeichnis von Forest Compass als auch hier im Online-Verzeichnis, indem Sie das unten stehende Formular ausfüllen. Download OTHER USEFUL DIRECTORIES: YourCircle Check out a local directory to help you find your way around care and support and connect with people, places and activities in Gloucestershire

TRUSTEES' WEEK 2022 - Showcasing & celebrating trustees Next week (7 – 11 November) we will be taking part in a national celebration of charity trustees as part of Trustees’ Week 2022 . Ever wondered what a trustee does? Maybe you’d like to take on a trustee role but don’t know where to start. Across the week we will try and answers your questions by looking at what a trustee is, the benefits of taking on a trustee role and showcasing the fantastic impact it can have to local people and communities. Follow us on Facebook for daily tips and info and check our website for updates and links to useful resources. Are you recruiting trustees? Tell us! If you are an organisation of community group looking for trustees – this is the perfect opportunity to recruit! To advertise your trustee opportunities just send the info to communications@fvaf.org.uk by 5pm Thursday 10 November

Summer Holiday Activities & Food We’ve teamed up with Gloucestershire Cou nty Counci l and arranged a packed timetable of FREE fun! The HAF programme is open to all school aged children, who live in the Forest of Dean, and who qualify for free school meals. If funding allows, s ometimes activities are extended and offered to all children and young people across Gloucestershire through the Holiday Activities Programme (HAP). There's something for eve ryone - we've got sports clubs, cooking, crafts, play sessions an d so much more... You need to be registered to book | All sessions mus t be pre bo oke d REGISTER HERE For information or support with the HAF Spring programme contact: HAFParentEnquiries@gloucestershire.gov.uk or ring the HAF helpline on 01452 427960. BOOKING NOW OPEN! CHECK OUT THE TIMETABLE **PLEASE NOTE: You can only book 4 activities at a time - please wait 24 hours before you book again** For more information visit the Gloucestershire County Council website here