"Pagbuo ng Mas Matibay na Komunidad sa ang kagubatan ng Dean" Ano ang FVAF? Ang FVAF ay kumakatawan sa Forest Voluntary Action Forum. Nag-aalok kami ng suporta sa mga lokal na mamamayan, mga grupo ng komunidad at mga aktibidad upang gawin ang mga bagay na pinakamahalaga sa kanila. Kabilang dito ang mga sumusunod: ​ suporta at payo sa pag-unlad pagsasanay impormasyon mga pagpupulong sa networking nagpapadali sa representasyon boluntaryong pangangalap paglalagay ng boluntaryo at suporta ​ Nagpapatakbo din kami ng maraming proyekto kasama at para sa lokal na komunidad, tulad ng Forest of Dean Youth Association, Holiday Activity Campaigns, The Forest Youth Music Network, The GEM Project, The Forest Compass Directory, Walking with Wheels at marami pa. Tingnan ang aming pahina ng Mga Proyekto para sa buong detalye. ​ Alamin ang higit pa 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 BAGONG Direktoryo ng Pagboluntaryo Mas madaling mag-volunteer sa Forest of Dean? Sa FVAF nakagawa kami ng bagong booklet na tinatawag na Volunteering in the Kagubatan ng Dean. Ito ay isang libreng direktoryo ng ilan sa maraming mga pagkakataon sa pagboboluntaryo na magagamit sa lokal. Malapit nang pumasok ang mga hard copy iyong lokal Library o Community Hub o mag-click sa ibaba para mag-download ng a digital na kopya. Pag-download ng Booklet ng Volunteering Hanapin ang iyong pinakamalapit na Drop-in Hub BUKAS NA Mga Drop-in Hub ng Gusali ng Komunidad Mag-pop in at makipag-chat nang harapan sa isang tagabuo ng komunidad. Ang bawat drop-in hub ay nag-aalok ng iba't ibang suporta, payo at gabay para sa mga lokal na residente. Halimbawa; suporta at signposting sa mga lokal na serbisyo, pag-uugnay at pag-set up ng mga bagong grupo ng komunidad, pagsuporta sa mga tao na mas mapalapit sa trabaho o karagdagang edukasyon, tumulong sa pag-access sa digital na mundo at suporta upang maisabuhay ang iyong mga ideya para sa komunidad. Kagubatan ng Dean Samahan ng Kabataan Ang Forest of Dean Youth Association ay sumusuporta sa mga kabataang wala pang 25 taong gulang upang maging pro-aktibong mga mamamayan at mga pinuno ng kanilang sariling buhay. Sinusuportahan din namin ang mga grupo at organisasyon ng komunidad sa buong Forest of Dean upang pahusayin ang mahusay na gawaing ginagawa na nila sa pamamagitan ng pag-unlock sa mga lokal na kasanayan at asset, maging sila ay mga tao, lugar o pagpopondo. Ang koponan ay may malawak na iba't ibang mga kasanayan at karanasan sa pakikipagtulungan sa mga kabataan at sa ating mga komunidad sa Forest, upang maaari tayong umangkop at tumugon sa karamihan ng mga proyekto o katanungan na may kaugnayan sa kabataan. Bilang resulta, ang Youth Association ay nakikilahok sa isang malawak na iba't ibang mga proyekto pati na rin ang pag-aalok ng signposting sa suporta at mga serbisyo. Alamin ang Higit Pa Volunteer Support Kung gusto mong Mag-volunteer sa loob ng Forest of Dean mayroon kaming pagpipilian ng mga kasalukuyang pagkakataon para sa iyo. ​ Kung ikaw ay isang grupo ng komunidad na gusto ng ilang boluntaryong suporta maaari naming isulong ang iyong boluntaryong bakante para sa iyo. Kung kailangan mo ng tulong at payo sa pakikipagtulungan sa Mga Volunteer mangyaring makipag-ugnayan Search Volunteer Opportunites Sundan kami sa Facebook Regular kaming nagpo-post ng aming pinakabagong mga balita at kaganapan sa Facebook. Para sa pinakabagong impormasyon mangyaring sundan ang aming pahina sa Facebook Pumunta sa Facebook Ang aming mga Kasosyo

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

Volunteer Heroes Crowned! The community turned out in force on Wednesday 7 September to see local volunteers crowned at a glittering awards celebration evening we held at the AccXel Training Centre in Cinderford. ​ We created the Forest Volunteer Awards to recognise and celebrate the amazing efforts of local volunteers in the Forest of Dean. Earlier this Summer, we asked local people to nominate those volunteer heroes who have demonstrated exceptional and outstanding support to the local community over the past 12 months. The response was amazing and we received hundreds of nominations. An expert panel had the tough task of shortlisting the nominations and picking the winners. However, one category - Volunteer of the Year – Peoples’ Champion – was decided by a public vote with almost 900 votes cast. The winners were crowned at a special evening, held at the stunning conference space at the impressive AccXel Training Centre, which was provided for free to FVAF by local construction company the KW Bell Group, who were the main sponsors of the event. Volunteer of the Year went to Les Cockle, volunteer fundraiser at Great Oaks Hospice whilst Forest of Dean Host Ukrainians and Ukraine Community Hub jointly picked up the Community Voluntary Group of the Year. Young volunteers were celebrated with Keira Stone, volunteer at disability group, Together We Can crowed under 16 years old Young Volunteer of the Year, whilst in the 17 – 25 years old category, Chloe Whatley and Jordan Terrel were rewarded for their tireless hard work volunteering at the Sea Cadets in Lydney. Lisa Tootell was crowned Outstanding New Volunteer of the Year for her amazing impact for the Girl Guides in the Forest of Dean and Hips Social were recognised for supporting the local community and investing in improving the local area. The winners were presented with an award, a framed certificate and £100 Amazon voucher, kindly provided by sponsors the KW Bell Group. Deb Cook, Volunteering Manager at FVAF said “So much of what happens within our community is because of people who give their time and energy for free. We think that recognising the amazing efforts of volunteers and organisations is incredibly important which is why we have been so pleased by the reaction of the local people who have supported these awards by nominating and voting.” Deb added, “It has been an incredible evening and we are so lucky and proud of the strength of the amazing voluntary sector we have in the Forest.” Master of Ceremony for the Forest Volunteer Awards was Kate Clark, BBC Radio Gloucestershire presenter who kept the guests entertained with her expert hosting skills. Award winners were announced by guest presenter; Roger Deeks (FVAF Trustee), Nicola Bird and Yvonne Bell (KW Bell and main sponsor), Sue Middleton (Verderer of the Forest of Dean), Andy Lewis MBE (PT2 Para triathlete), Neill Ricketts (Founder of Versarien and chair the Forest of Dean Economic Partnership). The celebration evening was made possible thanks to generous sponsorship for the following local organisations: KW Bell Group and AccXel Training Centre – main sponsors Hot Tubs Rock Versarien The Midcounties Co- Operative FOREST VOLUNTEER AWARD WINNERS: Volunteer of the Year – Peoples’ Champion WINNER: Les Cockle – Great Oaks Hospice Highly Commended: Hannah McGowan (FOD Hosts of Ukrainians Support Group), Martin Elsmore (The Golden Triangle Club), Steve Gregory (FVAF / Walking with Wheels) and Mark Jones (Community First Responder SWASFT) Community Voluntary Group of the Year WINNER: FOD Hosts of Ukrainians Support Group and Ukraine Community Hub Highly Commended: Together We Can, Newnham Archery Club, Dean Radio, The Friends of Longhope Church and The Rewild Project Outstanding New Volunteer WINNER: Lisa Tootell – Girlguiding FOD South Division Highly Commended: Sarah Maxfield – Berry Hill Memorial Institute Young Volunteer of the Year 16yrs & under WINNER: Keira Stone – Together We Can Highly Commended: Toby Niblett – Lydney Youth Hub Young Volunteer of the Year 17 – 25yrs JOINT WINNERS: Jordan Terrell and Chloe Whatley – FOD Sea Cadets Community Impact Award WINNER: HIPs Social Highly Commended: Recycle Shop CIC Newent and Wilde Earth Journeys

Work for us We are passionate about nurturing talented, compassionate, community minded team players. Join our friendly and supportive team! We don't have any vacancies right now but check back soon! Trouble downloading the documents? Contact communications@fvaf.org.uk or 01594 822073

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

Community Engagement - NHS assets and services We are currently carrying out community engagement work in the Forest of Dean seeking information about the use of NHS assets and services. We would very much appreciate it if you could help provide information as part of this exercise. ​ We hope you will be able to provide answers to a few questions in a survey that should only take a few minutes to complete. Community Engagement Survey: Surgery Managers First name Last name Email Job title Organisation/Group Continue

Community Engagement - NHS assets and services We are currently carrying out community engagement work in the Forest of Dean seeking information about the use of NHS assets and services. We would very much appreciate it if you could help provide information as part of this exercise. ​ We hope you will be able to provide answers to a few questions in a survey that should only take a few minutes to complete. Community Engagement Survey: Parish Councils First name Last name Email Job title Organisation/Group Continue

FVAF TRAINING SURVEY

Pag-aaral ng Kaso: David Chaloner Ang pag-aalaga sa mga ligaw na kabayo sa Forest of Dean ay nakatulong sa boluntaryong si David Chaloner na manatiling aktibo, matuto tungkol sa konserbasyon at gumawa ng tunay na pagbabago sa kanyang lokal na tanawin. Nagboluntaryo si David sa The Foresters' Forest Conservation Grazing project, sa pangunguna ng Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust. Ipinakilala ng proyekto ang mga lugar ng wild pony at mga baka na nagpapastol sa Kagubatan upang mapabuti ang tirahan para sa mas malawak na hanay ng mga halaman at wildlife. Si David ay bahagi ng isang pangkat ng mga sinanay na Conservation Grazing volunteer na tumutulong sa mga kawani ng Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust na suriin ang mga hayop na nagpapastol. Sa pagsasalita tungkol sa kanyang background sa mga kabayo, sinabi ni David: "Nagretiro ako nang maaga dahil sa mga problema sa aking balanse at paningin. Lumipat ako sa Spain kung saan natuto akong sumakay sa kabayo at namulat ako sa unang pagkakataon tungkol sa mga kabayo at kung gaano ako kasaya sa paligid nila. Ang isang nakakatawang bagay ay ang aking kondisyon ay nagiging imposible para sa akin na sumakay ng bisikleta ngunit ang pagsakay sa mga kabayo ay tila gumagana nang maayos, kaya ang mga nilalang na ito ay kumakatawan sa isang bagay na napakaespesyal sa akin. Nang bumalik si David sa Forest of Dean, mabilis na naging mahalagang bahagi ng kanyang buhay ang pagboboluntaryo. "Nang lumipat kami pabalik sa UK, kalaunan ay nadala kami sa Forest of Dean dahil parang napakagandang lugar," sabi niya. "Naging sobrang abala ako sa lahat ng uri ng pagboboluntaryo mula noong lumipat ako dito. Malaki ang kahulugan sa akin ng pagboluntaryo, pinapanatili akong abala, aktibo at nagbibigay ng istraktura at patuloy na interes.” Ang proyekto ng Conservation Grazing ay nangangahulugan na sa unang pagkakataon, maaaring pagsamahin ni David ang pagboboluntaryo at mga kabayo. Sinabi niya: "Hindi ko alam ang Foresters' Forest hanggang sa magsisimula na ang proyekto ng Conservation Grazing at nangangailangan ng mga boluntaryo sa pag-check ng stock. Dahil bagay talaga sa akin ang mga kabayo, nang makita ko ang mga karatula sa Edgehills na nagsasabing darating ang Exmoor Ponies, nag-chomping ako para tumulong!" Sa pagsasalita tungkol sa kanyang karanasan sa proyekto, sinabi ni David: "Ang pagiging isang Stock Checker ay may kasamang ilang tunay na pakikipagsapalaran sa Edgehills. Nagkaroon kami ng ilang mahusay na kasiyahan at mga laro habang hinihikayat ang mga kabayo na lumipat mula sa isang reserba patungo sa isa pa, lalo na kapag ito ay maputik! Bilang mga boluntaryo, nakikipag-usap kami sa mga lokal na tao tungkol sa mga basura at hindi pagpapakain sa mga kabayo, at sa palagay ko ay nakatulong ito sa pagpapataas ng kamalayan sa mga taong regular na naglalakad sa lugar.” Ang pagkilala sa mga ponies ng Forest ay isang espesyal na bahagi ng proyekto para kay David. "Ang pagiging kasama ng mga hayop at pag-aalaga sa kanila ay ang highlight para sa akin," sabi niya. "Gustung-gusto ko ito sa tag-araw kapag maaari kang makapasok sa gitna nila at kung tumayo ka nang matagal, maaari silang lumapit at bigyan ka ng isang nuzzle. Ito ay isang maingat na balanse na kailangan naming makamit bilang mga boluntaryo, dahil kailangan namin ang mga kabayong makaramdam ng relaks sa amin upang masuri namin sila, ngunit gusto namin silang manatiling ligaw at panatilihin ang kanilang distansya mula sa mga miyembro ng publiko. Nakilala namin silang mabuti at may mga palayaw para sa ilan sa mga tunay na karakter.” Hindi lang ang mga ponies ang nagpapa-abala kay David. "Ang pagboluntaryo ay nagdulot ng isang panlipunang elemento na hindi ko inaasahan," paliwanag niya. “Ang mga regular na pagbisita sa site ay mahalaga at karaniwan nang makipagkita sa iba pang miyembro ng volunteer team sa mga panahong ito. Nagkaroon ako ng ilang mabubuting kaibigan, at pakiramdam ko ay ganap na nakaugnay sa proyekto, lalo na sa pamamagitan ng aming mga pangkat ng Stock Checkers WhatsApp na napakadaling tool para sa pakikipag-ugnayan bilang isang team. "Nararamdaman ko na ginagampanan ko ang isang mahalagang tungkulin, at nilinaw ng mga pinuno ng proyekto na talagang pinahahalagahan ang aming paglahok sa boluntaryo. Ang tungkulin ay isang tunay na pananagutan at pangako, kaya napakagandang pakiramdam na pinahahalagahan ko ang aking ginagawa.” Ang Conservation Grazing project ponies ay gumagawa ng isang mahalagang trabaho para sa kalikasan, kumakain ng mga halaman na nangingibabaw tulad ng bramble at gorse, at yurakan ang bracken. Isa itong natural na paraan ng pamamahala sa lupa para umunlad ang mas malawak na hanay ng mga hayop at halaman, kabilang ang mga ibon, reptilya at insekto. Napansin na ni David ang pagkakaiba sa Kagubatan mula nang magsimula bilang isang boluntaryo. "Natutunan ko ang maraming bagay sa pamamagitan ng aking pakikilahok sa proyekto," sabi niya. Ang mga hayop ang aking pangunahing interes noong nagsimula ako, ngunit ang aking kamalayan sa mga isyu sa konserbasyon ay lumaki nang husto. "Nakakatuwa na makita ang mga epektong nangyayari. Naobserbahan ko ang banayad na paglilinis ng lupa, iba't ibang uri ng hayop ang mas kitang-kita. Unti-unti akong nakakita ng mas maraming adders at mas maraming iba't ibang mga ibon sa Edgehills. “Buong puso kong tinatangkilik ang aking tungkulin bilang isang Stock Checker. Pakiramdam ko ay nag-aambag ako sa pag-aalaga sa Forest of Dean sa maliit na paraan, at umaasa akong patuloy na suportahan ang Conservation Grazing Project hangga't kaya ko." Magboluntaryo sa Foresters' Forest Bisitahin ang Foresters' Forest Website Mag-sign up para sa newsletter ng Foresters' Forest

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

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

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