Sobre a FVAF Sobre a FVAF Nossa história Somos o Conselho de Serviço Voluntário e Centro de Voluntariado para a Floresta de Dean. Prestamos assistência a muitas das centenas de organizações voluntárias e comunitárias do Distrito que, por sua vez, estão mais aptas a realizar o seu trabalho na e para a comunidade local. Desde a nossa formação em 1994, desenvolvemos uma reputação de incentivar, abraçar e aprimorar a ação comunitária em toda a Floresta de Dean. Acreditamos que, por meio de abordagens lideradas pela comunidade, permitimos que os cidadãos desenvolvam habilidades, resiliência e capital social para viver vidas mais felizes e melhor conectadas. Serviços de escritório Funcionários e Fiduciários Políticas Acessibilidade e Sustentabilidade

Employment Skills Support Ready to take your next steps towards further education, volunteering or work? Go along to your nearest Community Hub for 121 conversations with our friendly Community Builders. They can help: Explore what matters to you Develop your CV Signposting to education, training and employment Consider volunteering opportunities Increase your confidence for online searches, applications, interviews Take up opportunities to get involved in your local community For more information please contact: community@fvaf.org.uk or 01594 822073

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

FVAF COMMUNITY CELEBRATION & AGM 2024 BOOK HERE Frequently visited pages: COMMUNITY HUBS VOLUNTEER ADVICE FOREST YOUTH ASSOCIATION O que é FVAF? FVAF significa Fórum de Ação Voluntária Florestal. Oferecemos apoio aos cidadãos locais, grupos comunitários e atividades para fazer as coisas que mais importam para eles. Isso inclui o seguinte: assessoria de suporte e desenvolvimento Treinamento em formação reuniões de networking facilitando a representação recrutamento voluntário colocação e apoio de voluntários Também executamos muitos projetos com e para a comunidade local, como a Forest of Dean Youth Association, Holiday Activity Campaigns, The Forest Youth Music Network, The GEM Project, The Forest Compass Directory, Walking with Wheels e muito mais. Confira nossa página de Projetos para detalhes completos. "Construindo Comunidades Mais Fortes em a Floresta de Dean" Descubra mais JOIN OUR MAILING LIST Get the latest community news and check out exciting volunteering opportunity in or around the Forest of Dean... Vá para o Facebook Useful publications: FREE directory of the many volunteering opportunities available locally... DOWNLOAD Nossos parceiros 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 .

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

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

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:

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.

Torne-se um membro da FAV Ao se tornar um membro da FVAF, você nos ajuda a continuar a fornecer um serviço de apoio vital ao setor voluntário e comunitário no Floresta de Dean . A FVAF atua como defensora de ações voluntárias e comunitárias, quando apropriado, em nível distrital, municipal e nacional, e quanto mais membros representarmos, mais forte será nossa voz. Os membros são, portanto, consultados sobre assuntos que impactam o setor voluntário e comunitário na Floresta de Dean e o que pretendemos alcançar como organização. Como membro, você terá acesso aos nossos serviços de escritório, taxas reduzidas de impressão e cópia, promoção de vagas voluntárias para seu grupo e aluguel gratuito de diversos equipamentos de escritório. Isso inclui: Expositores Loop Auditivo Projetor digital e tela Sistema PA Flip-charts Mesa dobrável longa urna de água quente Gazebo (doação de £ 5 necessária) Se você deseja se tornar um membro da FVAF, clique no botão Join FVAF à direita e preencha o formulário. Para mais detalhes ligue 01594 822073 É GRATUITO tornar-se membro da FVAF para acessar todos os nossos serviços de suporte Junte-se à FVAF

"Construindo Comunidades Mais Fortes em a Floresta de Dean" O que é FVAF? FVAF significa Fórum de Ação Voluntária Florestal. Oferecemos apoio aos cidadãos locais, grupos comunitários e atividades para fazer as coisas que mais importam para eles. Isso inclui o seguinte: assessoria de suporte e desenvolvimento Treinamento em formação reuniões de networking facilitando a representação recrutamento voluntário colocação e apoio de voluntários Também executamos muitos projetos com e para a comunidade local, como a Forest of Dean Youth Association, Holiday Activity Campaigns, The Forest Youth Music Network, The GEM Project, The Forest Compass Directory, Walking with Wheels e muito mais. Confira nossa página de Projetos para detalhes completos. Descubra mais 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 NOVO Diretório de Voluntariado Ainda mais fácil ser voluntário na Floresta de Dean? Na FVAF produzimos uma cartilha novinha chamada Voluntariado na Floresta de Dean. Este é um diretório gratuito de algumas das muitas oportunidades de voluntariado disponíveis localmente. As cópias impressas estarão em breve em seu local Library ou Community Hub ou clique abaixo para baixar um cópia digital. Download do Livreto de Voluntariado Encontre o Hub Drop-in mais próximo AGORA ABERTO Hubs drop-in de construção de comunidade Entre e converse cara a cara com um construtor de comunidade. Cada hub drop-in oferece uma variedade de suporte, aconselhamento e orientação para os residentes locais. Por exemplo; apoio e sinalização de serviços locais, vinculação e criação de novos grupos comunitários, apoio às pessoas para se aproximarem do emprego ou educação adicional, ajuda no acesso ao mundo digital e apoio para dar vida às suas ideias para a comunidade. Floresta de Dean Associação Juvenil A Forest of Dean Youth Association apoia jovens com menos de 25 anos para se tornarem cidadãos pró-ativos e líderes de suas próprias vidas. Também apoiamos grupos e organizações comunitárias em toda a Forest of Dean para aprimorar o excelente trabalho que eles já estão fazendo por meio do desbloqueio de habilidades e ativos locais, sejam pessoas, lugares ou financiamento. A equipe tem uma ampla variedade de habilidades e experiência de trabalho com jovens e nossas comunidades florestais, para que possamos nos adaptar e reagir à maioria dos projetos ou consultas relacionadas aos jovens. Como resultado, a Associação Juvenil se envolve em uma ampla variedade de projetos, além de oferecer sinalização de apoio e serviços. Descubra mais Apoio Voluntário Se você gostaria de ser voluntário na Floresta de Dean, temos uma seleção de oportunidades atuais para você. Se você faz parte de um grupo comunitário que gostaria de algum apoio voluntário, podemos promover sua vaga de voluntariado para você. Se você precisar de ajuda e conselhos sobre como trabalhar com voluntários, entre em contato Search Volunteer Opportunites Nos siga no Facebook Publicamos nossas últimas notícias e eventos regularmente no Facebook. Para informações mais atualizadas, siga nossa página no Facebook Vá para o Facebook Nossos parceiros

Sobre a FVAF Nossa história Somos o Conselho de Serviço Voluntário e Centro de Voluntariado para a Floresta de Dean. Prestamos assistência a muitas das centenas de organizações voluntárias e comunitárias do Distrito que, por sua vez, estão mais aptas a realizar o seu trabalho na e para a comunidade local. Desde a nossa formação em 1994, desenvolvemos uma reputação de incentivar, abraçar e aprimorar a ação comunitária em toda a Floresta de Dean. Acreditamos que, por meio de abordagens lideradas pela comunidade, permitimos que os cidadãos desenvolvam habilidades, resiliência e capital social para viver vidas mais felizes e melhor conectadas. Serviços de escritório Funcionários e Fiduciários Políticas Acessibilidade e Sustentabilidade