welcoming & vibrant community hub - for hire To date we have transformed the building's exterior with wooden cladding, resprayed windows and doors, and a new sign. Inside, we have created of a flexible training and events space , along with permanent office space for support agencies and community organisations. Thanks to funding from Cinderford Town Council, Ow Bist now features a Changing Places toilet to ensure accessibility for the entire community. Since taking on the 25 year lease of the former Dockham Road GP surgery, we have been working at a pace to create a welcoming and vibrant community hub that offers wrap-around support and improves access to community services. The whole team loved the space you have at Ow Bist, but also really valued the partnership approach. Hirer at Ow Bist What to find out more? Interested in hiring the space? Contact us at contact@fvaf.org.uk or 01594 822073

Bendruomenės jungčių forumas – žinokite savo pataisų tinklą Supporting Strong and Thriving Communities with Know Your Patch Stiprių ir klestinčių bendruomenių palaikymas naudojant „Know Your Patch“. „Know Your Patch“ bendruomenės jungčių forumo (CCF) dalis sujungia savanorių ir bendruomenės sektorių, įstatymų nustatytas tarnybas ir vietos gyventojus taip, kad sukurtų geresnius darbo būdus. „Dean Forest of Dean Know Your Patch“ tinklas yra skirtas sujungti savanorių ir bendruomenės sektorių, įstatymų nustatytas tarnybas ir vietos gyventojus tokiu būdu, kuris sukurtų geresnius darbo būdus, kurie galiausiai sustiprintų mūsų bendruomenes. Šis „bendruomenės pasiūlymas“ yra ypač svarbus siekiant užkirsti kelią sveikatos poreikių didėjimui arba jį atitolinti. Kas ketvirtį organizuojame renginius visame Dekano miške, kur kviečiame suinteresuotąsias šalis prisijungti prie diskusijos apie tai, kas svarbu jų bendruomenei ir kaip paslaugos ir savanoriško sektoriaus grupės gali padėti tai paremti. Kiekvienas Know Your Patch renginys yra NEMOKAMAS ir atviras visiems, kurie nori dalyvauti pokalbyje. Jei norite dalyvauti, skambinkite 01594 822073 arba el. paštu help4groups@fvaf.org.uk . Mes taip pat reguliariai siunčiame el. laiškus ir naujienas mūsų Know Your Patch tinklui apie tai, kas vyksta Deano miške. Jei norite prisijungti prie šio tinklo, užsiprenumeruokite čia . Dėka finansavimo iš Glosteršyro grafystės taryba , Know Your Patch, taip pat galima rasti kiekviename kitame Glosteršyro rajone. Jei norite sužinoti daugiau apie tai, apsilankykite čia . Štai keletas tyrimų, kurie pabrėžia mūsų mąstymą: "Mes visi turime atlikti tam tikrą vaidmenį, padėdami asmenims ir bendruomenėms plėtoti socialinį kapitalą. Vis labiau pripažįstama, kad nors nepalankioje padėtyje esančios socialinės grupės ir bendruomenės turi įvairių sudėtingų ir tarpusavyje susijusių poreikių, jos taip pat turi socialinio ir bendruomeninio lygio vertybių. kurie gali padėti pagerinti sveikatą ir sustiprinti atsparumą sveikatos problemoms“ (The Kings Fund, 2018 m.) „Tų, kurie turi tinkamus socialinius santykius, išgyvenamumas buvo 50 procentų didesnis, palyginti su asmenimis, kurių socialiniai santykiai prasti“ (Holt-Lunstad ir kt., 2010). „Įrodyta, kad socialiniai tinklai yra tokie pat galingi mirtingumo prognozės, kaip įprastas gyvenimo būdas ir klinikinė rizika, pvz., saikingas rūkymas, per didelis alkoholio vartojimas, nutukimas ir didelis cholesterolio kiekis bei kraujospūdis“ (Pantell ir kt., 2013; Holt-Lunstad ir kt., 2010). . „Socialinė parama yra ypač svarbi didinant atsparumą ir skatinant atsigavimą po ligos“ (Pevalin ir Rose, 2003) „Dėl socialinių tinklų ir paramos stokos tampa sunkiau savarankiškai reguliuoti elgesį ir ilgainiui ugdyti valios jėgą bei atsparumą, o tai lemia nesveiką elgesį“ (Cacioppo ir Patrick 2009). „Bendruomenės dalyvavimas sumažina izoliaciją, atskirtį ir vienatvę“ (Farrell ir Bryant, 2009; Sevigny ir kt., 2010; Ryan-Collins ir kt., 2008) „Stiprus socialinis kapitalas padidina galimybes išvengti gyvenimo būdo rizikos, pavyzdžiui, rūkymo“ (Folland 2008; Brown ir kt., 2006)

Our publications Forest Compass Edition 3 Volunteering in the Forest of Dean 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.

Savanoriška veikla Kaip dekano miško savanorių centras esame čia, kad padėtume jums įdarbinti ir valdyti savanorius Mūsų nauja savanorystė knygelė užpildyta smulkmenomis vietos savanorystės galimybių jau nebeliko SPAUSKITE, KAD ATSISIŲSTI Arba pasiimkite kopiją vietinėje bibliotekoje arba bendruomenės centre Kaip Savanorių centras Deano miškas mes dažnai esame pirmasis kontaktinis asmuo visiems, kurie domisi savanoriška veikla. Praėjusiais metais didžiavomės galėdami paremti daugiau nei 100 000 valandų savanoriškos veiklos šioje vietovėje! FVAF reklamuoja ir reklamuoja įvairias savanoriškos veiklos galimybes iš organizacijų, kurios remiasi savanoriais ir atpažįsta daugybę priežasčių, kodėl žmonės pasirenka savanoriauti. Kodėl Savanoris? Savanoriška veikla turi daug naudos ne tik jums asmeniškai, bet ir jūsų bendruomenei bei pasauliui, kuriame gyvename. Jei norite patobulinti savo CV, susipažinti su naujais žmonėmis, panaudoti savo įgūdžius, išmokti ko nors naujo, domintis, pasiūlyti patirties ar tiesiog pakeisti, mes garantuotai turėsime jums galimybę! Apie šias galimybes galite sužinoti šiais būdais: Paieškos galimybės adresu Do-it.org Skambinkite mums 01594 822073 Susisiekite per paštu Ateikite pas mus į FVAF I - Pen 9:00 - 1:00 ( kryptys ) Jei norite savanoriauti kaip didelės grupės dalis, pavyzdžiui, kaip įmonės savanorystės dalis, mes taip pat turime daugybę galimybių rinktis. 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 Kaip „vieno langelio“ principas, skirtas visiems savanorystės dalykams, naudojame įvairiapusę metodiką, kad suteiktume jums geriausią įmanomą galimybę įdarbinti ir išlaikyti vertingus savanorius. Tai apima: Reklamuokite savo galimybes Do-it.org Reklamuoti savo galimybes visuomenės nariams, kuriuos mums nurodė arba per mūsų įtraukimo funkciją. Reklamuokite savo galimybes mūsų Facebook ir Twitter puslapiuose Reklamuoti savo galimybes vietinėms tarnyboms, kurios remia savanorystę, pvz. Darbo centras, LearnDirect ir 2GetherTrust Reklamuokite savo galimybes daugiau nei 30 renginių per metus Siųskite savo galimybes vietinėms įmonėms, kurios siūlo darbdavių remiamą savanorystę Atitinkamų galimybių skatinimas mokykloms, kolegijose ir universitetuose Jūsų galimybių platinimas mūsų savanorių duomenų bazėje, kurioje yra daugiau nei 1000 žmonių Savo galimybių reklamavimas įvairiuose tinkluose, įskaitant 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)

Are you a voluntary group? Need support? READ MORE Frequently visited pages: COMMUNITY HUBS VOLUNTEER ADVICE FOREST YOUTH ASSOCIATION Kas yra FVAF? FVAF reiškia Forest Voluntary Action Forum. Siūlome paramą vietos piliečiams, bendruomenės grupėms ir veiklai, kad jie galėtų daryti tai, kas jiems svarbiausia. Tai apima: pagalba ir plėtros patarimai mokymas informacija tinklo susitikimai palengvinantis atstovavimą savanorių verbavimas savanorių įdarbinimas ir parama Taip pat vykdome daug projektų su vietos bendruomene ir jai, pavyzdžiui, jaunimo asociacija „Forest of Dean“, „Šventinės veiklos kampanijos“, „Miško jaunimo muzikos tinklas“, „GEM projektas“, „Miško kompaso katalogas“, „Pasivaikščiojimas su ratais“ ir daugelis kitų. Išsamią informaciją rasite mūsų puslapyje Projektai. „Kuriame stipresnes bendruomenes Dino miškas“ Sužinoti daugiau JOIN OUR MAILING LIST Get the latest community news and check out exciting volunteering opportunity in or around the Forest of Dean... Eikite į „Facebook“. Useful publications: FREE directory of the many volunteering opportunities available locally... DOWNLOAD Mūsų partneriai We work with so many amazing and supportive partners. Find out more here... How to contact us Forest Voluntary Action Forum Ow Bist Forest Community Space Dockham Road Cinderford , Glos. GL14 2AN Email us: contact@fvaf.org.uk Tel: 01594 822073 Copyright © 2021 Forest Voluntary Action Forum. All Rights Reserved. Forest Voluntary Action Forum is a charity (1141126) and company limited by guarantee (07557852) registered in England and Wales. The registered address is The Belle Vue Centre, Cinderford, Glos, GL14 2AB. Forest Voluntary Action Forum proudly receives financial support from the Forest of Dean District Council .

Volunteer of the Year 2023 T he 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 7 community heroes. Vote for your favourite by selecting ONE of the following volunteers: Chris Brain Melanie Getgood Jando Greco Edna Husbands Barbara Jenkins Albert Weager Dave Young VOTING CLOSES: 10PM SUNDAY, 17 SEPTEMBER VOTE Thanks for voting! Check out the profiles of the shortlisted nominees below: Chris Brain Chairman & Coach of Broadwell Youth Football Club For the past 15 years Chris has dedicated a huge amount of his time, energy and passion into grassroots sports. A constant supporter and instrumental in the ongoing success of Broadwell Football Club, Chris has served as the Chairman of the club and more recently 2 and half years as the First Team Manager. The pinnacle of his successful coaching term came last year when Chris led his side to Les James Cup victory. Going out on a high, Chris has just retired and deserves recognition for his dedication and commitment which has provided the opportunity for 100’s of children to play football and helped to create the thriving community football club Broadwell FC has become. Melanie Getgood Chairperson at Friends of Worcester Walk Melanie has been the inspirational driving force of Friends of Worcester Walk (FoWW). Her steadfast commitment to Worcester Walk has seen it develop into a unique richly diverse habitat in the Forest of Dean. Melainie goes the extra mile to share the experience of being in nature, through events with school groups, volunteers, and local people. With her generous inclusive way, she has built a solid and diverse group of volunteers for FoWW and ensures that everyone is welcome, and their work appreciated. Melanie’s community work doesn’t end there! She is also a co-opted member of the Environmental Committee of Coleford Town Council, helps run a local Morris Dancing group, has organised clean ups in the Coleford Cemetery, King George Playing Field and Bells Field. Melanie works tirelessly for community but is always friendly, approachable, kind and generous with her time and with everyone she meets. Jando Greco Volunteer helper at St Stephen's Church Cinderford Jando is a fantastic example of the impact volunteering can have for the community, and in growing as a person. For the past twelve years, Jando has supported St Stephen’s Church through his involvement with many projects, services, events and prayer groups. Jando is often found setting up and tidying after events or keeping the church tidy midweek between services. He helps with the Fairtrade Stall and Fairtrade Friday coffee afternoons, and is a leader at Messy Church. Usually the first to put his hand up to help, like many volunteers, much of what Jando does is 'behind the scenes' and unseen. But that doesn't bother him at all, he just loves volunteering his time, feeling part of a community and growing his skills as well as sharing his talents with others. His nominator said that: “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 and would love for him to be recognised for his service!” Edna Husbands Lydcare Community Transport Co-ordinator at Lydcare An essential member of the team, Edna is responsible for organising Lydcare Community Transport Service. A complex and demanding role, on average Edna deals with over 120 calls from people who request transport and with drivers to arrange journeys. Edna's role requires a massive commitment both in time and energy and requires a high degree of patience and diplomacy dealing with last minute medical appointments, cancellations and reschedules. Thanks to her tireless work over 4,000 journeys are completed every year, helping over 2,700 people get to hospital, medical appointments and social events which due the lack of public transport would be impossible. Lydcare was the only community transport service running through the pandemic and this was down to Edna's determination and commitment to ensure patients, particularly those who usually received home visits, were able to get to important medical appointments. Edna also works as a voluntary driver and is an outstanding volunteer working for the benefit of those in need within the community. Barbara Jenkins Organiser of the ‘Over Sixties Group’ Berryhill Memorial Institute AKA ‘The Hut’ It would be hard to find a volunteer in the Forest with a longer commitment to volunteering in the community than Barbara! For over 50 years, Barbara has been the lead organiser of the ‘Over Sixties Group’ at the ‘The Hut’ Berryhill Memorial Institute. This popular group has been providing social activities to help combat isolation for the older community for decades. Collecting community memories for a recent memory capsule, created as part of The Hut’s centenary celebrations, revealed that Barbara had been quietly managing this group since 1971. But Barbara’s involvement with The Hut goes even further back to her childhood when her father was resident caretaker, and her mother was involved in organising activities. A wonderful and unique example of generations getting involved with the community to make it a better place, Barbara is an inspiration to us all and shows no sign of slowing down. Albert Weager Community representative & advocate for better healthcare in FoD A more committed and dedicated community representative than Albert would be hard to find! For over a decade Albert has tirelessly advocated for better health provision in the Forest of Dean. With an incredibly long service on the FoD Health Forum, in 2014 he was appointed chair and has been instrumental in ensuring that everyone is listened to and given the opportunity to ask questions. At a county level, Albert chairs the People and Communities Reference Group for Urgent and Emergency Care and is the community representative on the Urgent and Emergency Care, Patient Flow Clinical Programme Group. Not stopping there, Albert is also represents local people on the Ageing Well Care Programme Board and has been the patient representative on the Blood Transfusion Committee for over ten years. Everything Albert does is as a volunteer and we must congratulate him on his drive and passion. Dave Young Volunteer driver, cook, outreach at Forest Sensory Services & Samaritans Over the past 2 years Dave has dedicated more and more of his time volunteering and going above and beyond to support other people. Starting as a volunteer driver for Forest Sensory Services (FFS), Dave now volunteers with FSS 3 times a week and even dons his chef hat and cooks up a delicious feast, twice a month, for the service’s clients. A fantastic supporter of all the work that FSS does, Dave plays an active role in outreach sessions to make visually impaired people aware of the support services offered and he also helps with fundraising. Along with his face-to-face volunteering, Dave volunteers with the Samaritans answering the phone a couple of times a week offering emotional support . Plus promoting Samaritans with outreach in the community. His nominator said: “Dave is an inspiring person and an amazing volunteer who does so much for other people.” Find our more about the Forest Volunteers Awards here:

Vaikščiojimas su ratukais Naudokite vieną iš visureigiai mobilūs paspirtukai, kad kartu su šeima ir draugais pasiektumėte gražius miško takus, nepaisant jūsų gebėjimo vaikščioti. The Dino miškas yra pripažintas pėsčiųjų ir dviračių centras, jį gerai aptarnauja takai ir kitos paviršinės prieigos. Tačiau žmonėms, turintiems fizinę negalią, prastos sveikatos, jutimo sutrikimų ar kitų slopinančių būklių, gali prireikti tam tikros pagalbos, specializuoto vertimo ar kitų tinkamų priemonių, kad jie galėtų mėgautis privalumais, kuriuos kiti laiko savaime suprantamu dalyku. Tai Miškininkų miškas Paveldo loterijos finansuojamas projektas, dirbama kartu su Mobilumas kaime suteikia galimybę daugiau žmonių patekti į Dekano mišką. „Walking with Wheels“ siūlo universalius paspirtukus (vadinamus „Trampers“), kuriuos galima išsinuomoti iš „Forest Holidays at Christchurch“ ir „Speech House“ viešbučio. „Trampers“ yra iš anksto suplanuotiems maršrutams, iš kurių atsiveria vaizdai į Symonds Yat, Biblins, Cyril Hart medelyną ir Mallards Pike ežerą. Jei norite daugiau sužinoti apie ėjimą su ratais, skambinkite 01594 822073 arba susisiekite su mumis el . Dažnai užduodami klausimai Kas yra "tramperis"? Kas gali naudotis šia paslauga? Kokiais maršrutais galiu juo naudotis? Kada galima išsinuomoti? Kaip galiu užsisakyti vieną? Kiek kainuoja išsinuomoti Tramperį? Ką daryti, jei niekada anksčiau nenaudojau nė vieno iš jų? Ką daryti, jei man reikia papildomos pagalbos? Kodėl aš turiu tapti „Countryside Mobility“ nariu? Ar galiu padėti įgyvendinant šį projektą? Ką daryti, jei man reikia atšaukti užsakymą? Frequently Asked Questions

Miškininkų miškas Miškininkų miško savanoris Apsilankykite miškininkų miško svetainėje Užsisakykite Miškininkų miško naujienlaiškį Mes esame a Nacionalinis loterijos paveldo fondas Kraštovaizdžio partnerystės programa, sudaryta iš partnerių organizacijų ir vietinių bendruomenių grupių Dekano miške. Mūsų tikslas – didinti žinomumą ir dalyvavimą užstatytu, gamtos ir kultūros paveldu, kuris daro mūsų mišką ypatingu. Yra daug dalykų, kuriuos reikia pamatyti, nuveikti, tyrinėti ir įsitraukti, todėl tikimės, kad ateisite ir prisijungsite prie įvairių veiklų, savanoriškos veiklos galimybių ir renginių. Norėdami gauti daugiau informacijos, apsilankykite mūsų specialioje svetainėje www.forestersforest.uk . Trumpai tariant, Miškininkų miškų programa paremta penkiomis temomis: mūsų gamtos tvirtovė, miško tyrinėjimas, praeities atskleidimas, miško šventimas, ateities užtikrinimas. Kiekviena iš šių temų turi daugybę projektų, kurie atskleidžia, dalijasi ir švenčia mūsų paveldą. Yra daugybė galimybių susipažinti su mūsų išskirtiniu mišku ir jį saugoti, todėl tikimės, kad atvyksite ir prisijungsite prie mūsų! Susipažinkite su kai kuriais mūsų savanoriais Atvejo analizė Davidas Chaloneris Davidas savanoriauja projekte „The Foresters' Forest Conservation Grazing“, kuriam vadovauja Glosteršyras... Skaityti daugiau Atvejo analizė Gwynneth Weaver Turėjau fantastiškos patirties su Miškininkų miško archeologijos projektu. Kasinėjimai turi... Skaityti daugiau Atvejo analizė Keithas Walkeris Dalyvavimas nedidelėje savanorių komandoje, kuriai pavesta išsaugoti Scarr Bandstand ir suteikti platformą... Skaityti daugiau

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

FVAF Community Celebration & AGM 2023 FRIDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2024 | 11AM - 2PM Ow Bis - Forest Community Space, Dockham Road GL14 2AN We are inviting the whole community to join us in celebrating the work FVAF has done over the last 12 months for, and with communities across the Forest of Dean PLUS it’s our 30th anniversary this year and we’re ready to celebrate! Refreshments and a delicious buffet lunch will be provided. Places are limited - please book your ticket ASAP READ THE AGM NOTICE BELOW: BOOK YOUR TICKET

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.

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.