We start the new year remembering a very special ceremony that took place last summer when FVAF set out to recognise some of Forest’s unsung heroes – our volunteers.

Deb Cook, our Volunteering Manager, explains what goes into creating the awards and why we do it while Melanie gets to meet and congratulate some of our worthy winners on that night.

Special thanks go to the AccXel Centre for providing us with such a superb space.

Shine a spotlight on an incredible individual or group whose tireless efforts enhance lives, uplift communities, and create meaningful change. Do so today by nominating them for a Gloucestershire Volunteer award!

Nominations close on 28th February 2025

https://www.govolunteerglos.org/gloucestershire-volunteer-awards

Contact: support@govolunteerglos.org
Tel: 01242 858944

These episodes are created with a love of grassroots, community action at the heart of them. We showcase inspiring stories from people who have made their ideas come to life.

Melanie@fvaf.org.uk community@fvaf.org.uk

TELL YOUR STORY music by Ikson//Release #46 – ‘Still’ https://on.soundcloud.com/uLJ4QG1dgSkwE5JRG

These episodes are created with a love of grassroots, community action at the heart of them. We showcase inspiring stories from people who have made their ideas come to life.

As we near the end of the year, please gather round for a chat with Jim Bell, the Development Director at Artspace. We’ll be listening to some of the music gathered from St Stephens Church and their annual Christmas Tree Festival. They play host to a special community choir taking part.

We look back at some of the themes from our earlier episodes and pay homage to the power of singing together, using a digital format to help make it happen.

Art Space - https://artspacecinderford.org/

Mindsong - https://www.mindsong.org.uk/

News Media Articles:

Choir Singing improves Health and Happiness:

https://www.ox.ac.uk/research/choir-singing-improves-health-happiness-%E2%80%93-and-perfect-icebreaker

Music contribution from:

The Forest of Dean Community Choir and Forest Sensory Services Choir

https://artspacecinderford.org/wellbeing-choir/

https://www.forestsensoryservices.org/

TELL YOUR STORY music by Ikson//Release #46 – ‘Still’ https://on.soundcloud.com/uLJ4QG1dgSkwE5JRG

These episodes are created with a love of grassroots, community action at the heart of them. We showcase inspiring stories from people who have made their ideas come to life.

Melanie@fvaf.org.uk community@fvaf.org.uk

These episodes are created with a love of grassroots, community action at the heart of them. We showcase inspiring stories from people who have made their ideas come to life.

Please join us for part 2 of our special extended episode on Dementia where we speak with Andy Morgan-Watts, co-founder of The Forest of Dean Dementia Action Alliance.

Andy shares something of his personal experience of caring for his wife. His passion for volunteering with Dementia Action Alliance, and the importance of spreading awareness to help build inclusive communities

For more information on some of the help and activities that are available, please see the links below:

• https://www.crossroadsglos.org.uk/dementia-action-alliance/
• https://www.justgiving.com/page/julie-kingston-1716358950881?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0Sy6K7agVtCmMzxV31EJjFjv-gfb_2fx95msztURhENYK1FWIA-o6_D1k_aem_428vPZ0sSHTo4CUVa3FwSg
• https://sheppardhouse.co.uk
• https://www.gaylemerchantnutrition.co.uk/
• https://foodforthebrain.org/the-cognitive-function-test/
• https://www.brainhealthprogramme.com/
• https://gloucestershirecarershub.co.uk/
• https://www.fdean.gov.uk/communities-health-and-leisure/community-health-and-wellbeing/dementia-awareness/

Helplines:

Gloucestershire Support After Suicide Service (GSASS) 07483 375 516 Email: glossupportaftersuicide@rethink.org

Samaritans 116 123 (24 hours, free to call) www.samaritans.org

SANE: Mental Health Helpline 0300 304 7000 (7 days a week 4.30pm–10.30pm) www.sane.org.uk MIND 0300 123 3393 (Mon–Fri 9am–6pm) www.mind.org.uk

Melanie@fvaf.org.uk community@fvaf.org.uk

Music contribution comes from TELL YOUR STORY by Ikson//Release #46 – ‘Still’ https://on.soundcloud.com/uL4QG1dgSKwE5JRG

These episodes are created with a love of grassroots, community action at the heart of them. We showcase inspiring stories from people who have made their ideas come to life.