Forest Fighting Fit CIO – Diversity & Inclusion Award

Forest Fighting Fit CIO is a charity that places accessibility, equity, and belonging at the heart of everything it does. The organisation works actively and intentionally to remove physical, social, and emotional barriers, ensuring that people of all ages, abilities, backgrounds, and health conditions can participate safely and confidently.

A defining strength of Forest Fighting Fit is its commitment to supporting people affected by cancer. The charity delivers gentle, adaptable activity sessions designed specifically for individuals undergoing treatment, recovering from it, or living with long‑term effects. These sessions help people rebuild strength, manage fatigue, improve mobility, and regain confidence in a supportive, stigma‑free environment. This work is delivered in partnership with NHS Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board, ensuring programmes are aligned with clinical guidance, personalised to individual needs, and accessible to those who may otherwise be isolated from physical activity. This collaboration demonstrates genuine health partnership working and a deep understanding of diverse needs.

Forest Fighting Fit also takes practical, ongoing steps to improve inclusion across the organisation. This includes sensory‑friendly adaptations for children with additional needs, accessible class formats for older adults, clear communication for people with anxiety or neurodivergence, and a commitment to keeping sessions affordable for families facing financial hardship. Volunteers receive guidance and support to ensure sessions remain welcoming, safe, and inclusive for everyone.

The charity’s environment is intentionally designed so that every person feels valued, respected, and able to participate—whether they are a child stepping into their first martial arts class, an adult rebuilding confidence after cancer treatment, or an older person seeking balance and mobility support. Forest Fighting Fit listens, adapts, and evolves continuously, demonstrating a long‑term commitment to inclusive practice.

Forest Fighting Fit CIO stands out because it does not treat inclusion as a box‑ticking exercise. It is a lived value, embedded in daily practice, shaped by community voices, and strengthened through partnership with the NHS and local organisations. This is an organisation that breaks down barriers, champions dignity, and ensures that everyone—without exception—has a place to belong.