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

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.

Community Connectors' Forum - உங்கள் பேட்ச் நெட்வொர்க்கை அறிந்து கொள்ளுங்கள் Supporting Strong and Thriving Communities with Know Your Patch உங்கள் பேட்சை அறிந்துகொள்வதன் மூலம் வலுவான மற்றும் செழிப்பான சமூகங்களை ஆதரித்தல் Community Connectors Forum (CCF) இன் உங்கள் பேட்ச் பகுதியைத் தெரிந்து கொள்ளுங்கள், தன்னார்வ மற்றும் சமூகத் துறை, சட்டப்பூர்வ சேவைகள் மற்றும் உள்ளூர் குடியிருப்பாளர்களை ஒரு சிறந்த வேலை வழிகளை உருவாக்கும் வகையில் இணைக்கிறது. ஃபாரஸ்ட் ஆஃப் டீன் நோ யுவர் பேட்ச் நெட்வொர்க், தன்னார்வ மற்றும் சமூகத் துறை, சட்டப்பூர்வ சேவைகள் மற்றும் உள்ளூர் குடியிருப்பாளர்களை இணைக்கும் வகையில் வடிவமைக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது, இது எங்கள் சமூகங்களை வலுப்படுத்தும் சிறந்த வழிகளை உருவாக்கும். சுகாதாரத் தேவைகள் அதிகரிப்பதைத் தடுக்க அல்லது தாமதப்படுத்துவதில் இந்த 'சமூகச் சலுகை' மிகவும் முக்கியமானது. ஃபாரஸ்ட் ஆஃப் டீன் முழுவதும் நாங்கள் காலாண்டு நிகழ்வுகளை நடத்துகிறோம், இதில் பங்குதாரர்கள் தங்கள் சமூகத்தில் என்ன முக்கியமானவை மற்றும் சேவைகள் மற்றும் தன்னார்வத் துறை குழுக்கள் இதற்கு எவ்வாறு உதவலாம் என்பது பற்றிய விவாதத்தில் சேருமாறு அழைக்கிறோம். ஒவ்வொரு நோ யுவர் பேட்ச் நிகழ்வும் இலவசம் மற்றும் உரையாடலின் ஒரு பகுதியாக இருக்க விரும்பும் எவருக்கும் திறந்திருக்கும். நீங்கள் கலந்து கொள்ள விரும்பினால், 01594 822073 என்ற எண்ணில் அழைக்கவும் அல்லது help4groups@fvaf.org.uk என்ற மின்னஞ்சல் முகவரியில் அழைக்கவும். ஃபாரஸ்ட் ஆஃப் டீனில் என்ன நடக்கிறது என்பது குறித்த எங்கள் நோ யுவர் பேட்ச் நெட்வொர்க்கிற்கு வழக்கமான மின்னஞ்சல்கள் மற்றும் புதுப்பிப்புகளையும் நாங்கள் அனுப்புகிறோம். நீங்கள் இந்த நெட்வொர்க்கில் சேர விரும்பினால், தயவுசெய்து குழுசேரவும் இங்கே . இருந்து நிதியுதவி செய்ததற்கு நன்றி Gloucestershire கவுண்டி கவுன்சில் , Know Your Patch Gloucestershire இல் உள்ள ஒவ்வொரு மாவட்டத்திலும் கிடைக்கிறது. இவற்றைப் பற்றி மேலும் அறிய விரும்பினால், தயவுசெய்து பார்வையிடவும் இங்கே . எங்கள் சிந்தனையை அடிக்கோடிட்டுக் காட்டும் சில ஆய்வுகள் இங்கே: "சமூக மூலதனத்தை உருவாக்க தனிநபர்கள் மற்றும் சமூகங்களுக்கு உதவுவதில் நாம் அனைவரும் பங்கு வகிக்கிறோம். பின்தங்கிய சமூகக் குழுக்கள் மற்றும் சமூகங்கள் சிக்கலான மற்றும் ஒன்றோடொன்று தொடர்புடைய தேவைகளைக் கொண்டிருந்தாலும், சமூக மற்றும் சமூக மட்டத்தில் சொத்துக்களும் உள்ளன என்ற அங்கீகாரம் அதிகரித்து வருகிறது. அது ஆரோக்கியத்தை மேம்படுத்தவும், உடல்நலப் பிரச்சினைகளுக்குப் பின்னடைவை வலுப்படுத்தவும் உதவும்" (தி கிங்ஸ் ஃபண்ட், 2018) "மோசமான சமூக உறவுகளைக் கொண்ட தனிநபர்களுடன் ஒப்பிடும்போது போதுமான சமூக உறவுகளைக் கொண்டவர்கள் 50 சதவிகிதம் உயிர்வாழும் விகிதத்தைக் கொண்டிருந்தனர்" (Holt-Lunstad et al 2010) "பொதுவான வாழ்க்கை முறை மற்றும் மிதமான புகைபிடித்தல், அதிகப்படியான மது அருந்துதல், உடல் பருமன் மற்றும் அதிக கொழுப்பு மற்றும் இரத்த அழுத்தம் போன்ற மருத்துவ அபாயங்கள் போன்ற இறப்பு விகிதத்தை சமூக வலைப்பின்னல்கள் சக்திவாய்ந்த முன்கணிப்பாளர்களாகக் காட்டுகின்றன" (Pantell et al 2013; Holt-Lunstad et al, 2010) . "எதிர்ப்புத் திறனை அதிகரிப்பதற்கும் நோயிலிருந்து மீள்வதற்கும் சமூக ஆதரவு மிகவும் முக்கியமானது" (பெவலின் மற்றும் ரோஸ், 2003) "சமூக வலைப்பின்னல்கள் மற்றும் ஆதரவின் பற்றாக்குறை நடத்தை சுய-கட்டுப்படுத்துதல் மற்றும் காலப்போக்கில் மன உறுதி மற்றும் பின்னடைவை உருவாக்குவது கடினமாக்குகிறது, இது ஆரோக்கியமற்ற நடத்தைகளில் ஈடுபடுவதற்கு வழிவகுக்கிறது" (கேசியோப்போ மற்றும் பேட்ரிக் 2009). "சமூகப் பங்கேற்பு தனிமைப்படுத்தல், விலக்குதல் மற்றும் தனிமையைக் குறைக்கிறது" (ஃபாரல் மற்றும் பிரையன்ட் 2009; செவிக்னி மற்றும் பலர் 2010; ரியான்-காலின்ஸ் மற்றும் பலர் 2008) "வலுவான சமூக மூலதனம் புகைபிடித்தல் போன்ற வாழ்க்கை முறை அபாயங்களைத் தவிர்ப்பதற்கான வாய்ப்புகளை மேம்படுத்துகிறது" (ஃபோலண்ட் 2008; பிரவுன் மற்றும் பலர், 2006)

Mycelium My Networks Mental Health Project Mycelium - Forest Mental Health Project Structure The Forest Community of Practice Forest of Dean Mental Health Locality Partnership Recovery and Wellbeing Café The Resources Hub & Library The Forest Community of Practice Monthly face-to-face learning collaborative, reflective practice & peer supervision. 2nd Tuesday each month. The Forest Community of Practice is for individuals working and volunteering with members of our community where support for mental health is a significant part of their role. This has been set up in response to the My Networks Scoping Project. Many local social care practitioners stated that they wished to receive ongoing support to develop reflective practice, link with others and build skills that would help them to become more confident responding to mental distress, particularly with the increasing complexities that they were coming across in their roles. The C of P will be supported by clinicians, professionals and lived experience practitioners from the VCS & NHS who have been involved in the Community Mental Health Transformation programme. It will provide an opportunity for collaborative learning, peer supervision and professional development. We hope a community of Forest mental health practitioners will emerge from these sessions. If you, or a mental health champion from your team, are interested and able to join us, please get in touch. Please get in touch if you have any questions or want the most current information about scheduling details - simon@fvaf.org.uk or text 07394 945046 Forest of Dean Mental Health Locality Partnership The Locality Partnership offers VCS and faith-based organisations the opportunity to meet with other professionals and voluntary groups who are supporting people with their mental health in the Forest of Dean. The Partnership is a collective of social care practitioners who are working towards a community response to the My Networks scoping project findings. By coming together, we hope to keep abreast of developments, begin partnership projects or create collaborative opportunities that can address what is needed for better mental health in the Forest of Dean. We are now an integral part of the wider Forest Know Your Patch network. Regular online meetings as well as live, in-person events are held where topics and projects are discussed and highlighted. As well as this, the FKYP works closely with other statutory organisations offering a platform to disseminate up-to-date information about services available in the community. Recovery & Wellbeing Café “A Community Created Curriculum of Curious Conversations” Weekly Face-to-Face Discussions & Recovery Educational Sessions Each Wednesday (Term Time) at Café 16 in Coleford from 6-8pm. “A safe space to create who you are, not be told what to think.” Join conversations with a diverse range of people with professional & lived experience of different subjects, local people who have gained understandings about the impact current concerns have upon mental health, recovery and wellbeing. We are building a supportive space where, as critical friends, we can learn together and support each other with our individual understandings. All curious & compassionate folk welcome. Recovery & Wellbeing Café - Current Programme The Resource Hub, Research Room & Lived Experience Library Leaflets & literature on wellness, recovery, self-help & coping with mental distress. The group office, based above the Library at The Main Place in Coleford, is available for members to use as a safe and confidential space. We keep material that may be of use to members – and we are happy for people to provide us with leaflets that they would like shared. To read the My Networks Scoping Project Report please visit: www.fvaf.org.uk/publications

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

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

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.

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

FVAF பற்றி FVAF பற்றி நமது கதை நாங்கள் தன்னார்வ சேவை கவுன்சில் மற்றும் டீன் வனத்திற்கான தன்னார்வ மையம். மாவட்டத்தில் உள்ள நூற்றுக்கணக்கான தன்னார்வ மற்றும் சமூக அமைப்புகளுக்கு நாங்கள் உதவிகளை வழங்குகிறோம் 1994 இல் உருவாக்கப்பட்டதிலிருந்து, டீன் காடு முழுவதும் சமூக நடவடிக்கைகளை ஊக்குவிப்பது, தழுவுவது மற்றும் மேம்படுத்துவதற்கான நற்பெயரை நாங்கள் உருவாக்கியுள்ளோம். சமூகம்-தலைமையிலான அணுகுமுறைகள் மூலம், மகிழ்ச்சியான, சிறந்த இணைக்கப்பட்ட வாழ்க்கையை வாழ்வதற்கான திறன்கள், பின்னடைவு மற்றும் சமூக மூலதனத்தை வளர்க்க குடிமக்களுக்கு உதவுகிறோம் என்று நாங்கள் நம்புகிறோம். அலுவலக சேவைகள் ஊழியர்கள் மற்றும் அறங்காவலர்கள் கொள்கைகள் அணுகல் மற்றும் நிலைத்தன்மை

FVAF இன் உறுப்பினராகுங்கள் FVAF இல் உறுப்பினராகி, தன்னார்வ மற்றும் சமூகத் துறைக்கு ஒரு முக்கிய ஆதரவு சேவையைத் தொடர்ந்து வழங்க எங்களுக்கு உதவுகிறீர்கள். டீன் காடு . FVAF, மாவட்டம், மாவட்டம் மற்றும் தேசிய அளவில் பொருத்தமான இடங்களில் தன்னார்வ மற்றும் சமூக நடவடிக்கைகளுக்கு வக்கீலாக செயல்படுகிறது, மேலும் அதிக உறுப்பினர்களை நாங்கள் பிரதிநிதித்துவப்படுத்தினால், எங்கள் குரல் வலுவாக இருக்கும். எனவே, ஃபாரஸ்ட் ஆஃப் டீனில் உள்ள தன்னார்வ மற்றும் சமூகத் துறையைப் பாதிக்கும் விஷயங்கள் மற்றும் ஒரு அமைப்பாக நாம் எதைச் சாதிக்க விரும்புகிறோம் என்பது குறித்து உறுப்பினர்களிடம் ஆலோசிக்கப்படுகிறது. ஒரு உறுப்பினராக, எங்கள் அலுவலக சேவைகளுக்கான அணுகல், குறைக்கப்பட்ட அச்சிடுதல் மற்றும் நகலெடுக்கும் கட்டணங்கள், உங்கள் குழுவிற்கான தன்னார்வ காலியிடங்களை மேம்படுத்துதல் மற்றும் பல்வேறு அலுவலக உபகரணங்களின் இலவச வாடகை ஆகியவற்றை நீங்கள் அனுபவிப்பீர்கள். இதில் அடங்கும்: காட்சி பலகைகள் கேட்கும் வளையம் டிஜிட்டல் புரொஜெக்டர் மற்றும் திரை PA அமைப்பு விளக்கப்படங்களை புரட்டவும் நீண்ட மடிப்பு மேசை வெந்நீர் கேட்டரிங் கலசம் Gazebo (£5 நன்கொடை தேவை) நீங்கள் FVAF உறுப்பினராக விரும்பினால், வலதுபுறத்தில் உள்ள FVAF இல் சேரவும் பொத்தானைக் கிளிக் செய்து படிவத்தைப் பூர்த்தி செய்யவும். மேலதிக விபரங்களுக்கு 01594 822073 என்ற இலக்கத்திற்கு அழைக்கவும் எங்களின் அனைத்து ஆதரவு சேவைகளையும் அணுக FVAF இன் உறுப்பினராக இருப்பது இலவசம் FVAF இல் சேரவும்

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.

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: