VOLUNTEERS across the Forest of Dean are set to be recognised and celebrated during a special roadshow taking place throughout National Volunteers Week next month.

Forest Voluntary Action Forum (FVAF) will visit four towns during the first week of June to thank volunteers and highlight the work carried out by community organisations across the district.

The roadshow will begin in Coleford on Monday, June 1, with an event taking place from 9.30am until 11.30am at Café Sixteen on Bank Street.

FVAF will then head to Newent on Wednesday, June 3, for a gathering at Newent Chillout between 1.30pm and 3.30pm.

The final day of the roadshow will see two separate events take place on Thursday, June 4.

The first will be held at River Children and Family Centre in Lydney from 10am until 12pm before celebrations move to Ow Bist, Forest Community Space in Cinderford from 3.30pm until 6pm.

The Cinderford stop will also include the official unveiling of the Ow Bist Community Mural as part of the celebrations.

According to FVAF, the focus of the roadshow will be “thanking and celebrating volunteers” while also encouraging more people to consider volunteering opportunities within their communities.

Volunteers attending the events will be offered free giveaways alongside tea and cake, while local groups and organisations will also be invited to attend and showcase the work they carry out across the Forest.

FVAF said the roadshow would provide a chance for volunteers and community organisations to connect with one another and share experiences from across the district.

The organisation described the events as an opportunity to celebrate the “heart and soul” of communities throughout the Forest of Dean.

Coleford Town Council has also backed the roadshow and encouraged residents involved in volunteering to attend whichever event is most convenient for them.

The council said the events were always “loads of fun” and offered a chance for local people to meet others making a difference in their communities.

Representatives from voluntary groups and organisations are also being encouraged to attend the roadshow, with FVAF offering opportunities for groups to display information about their services and activities.

Groups wanting to book a stall at one of the events have been asked to contact FVAF directly ahead of the celebrations.

National Volunteers Week runs from Sunday, June 1, until Saturday, June 7, and recognises the contribution volunteers make to communities across the country.

FVAF has encouraged anybody already volunteering, or residents considering getting involved for the first time, to come along and speak to organisations during the week.

Organisers hope the events will not only recognise existing volunteers but also inspire more people to support projects, charities and community groups across the Forest of Dean in future months.

The roadshow will feature a range of organisations working in areas including youth support, family services, wellbeing, community activities and local outreach projects.

Residents attending the events will also be able to learn more about the variety of volunteering roles across towns and villages across the district.