Community Garden and Support Volunteer

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE:

To facilitate gardening sessions while empowering our members (service users) as they help to shape and grow produce and plants, in the community garden. An interest in mental health and having good listening and communication skills is needed for this role. 

A willingness to learn, or knowledge of gardening and horticulture skills, is needed.

Mental health staff and our project workers are always on hand at each shift. 

Please note that this is a support role, you will be directly supporting people who are living with ill mental health. We have great structure and support for volunteers who wish to engage in this role. You will report to your team’s staff directly and will be following their instructions during your shift, as you help our members.

The Volunteer will be required to:

• Complete the recruitment process including two references and a DBS check
• Provide day to day direction and support for members of the Growing Together community garden project
  
• Support the delivery of activities, especially with practical tasks
• Report issues, concerns and successes to project staff
• Work with the team to improve outcomes and wellbeing for project members and the broader community

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ROLE:

• To provide support and direction to members ( service users)  as required, feeding back to staff relevant information relating to issues, concerns and successes with members
• To volunteer closely with and report to the Growing Together Team on allocated days
• To support members in horticultural activities
• To provide horticultural knowledge as required
• To take part in appropriate training and development activities
• To notify the team if you are unable to attend your regular session
• Ensure Health and Safety regulations are adhered to in line with Trust Links Health and Safety policy
• Ensure Safeguarding requirements are met in line with Trust Links Safeguarding policy and escalate concerns about the wellbeing of service users to appropriate staff members
• Maintain confidentiality
• Raise any issues affecting members with appropriate staff member
• Feedback to staff relevant information relating to members’ progress and independence

What skills do I need?

• Basic knowledge of gardening
  
• Excellent communication and people skills
• Empathy and listening skills
• Commitment to self-development
• Willingness and commitment to undertake further training and development
• Commitment to the role
• Responsiveness
• Realism
• Honesty
• Enthusiasm
• Team Work

Interests

• Disability
• Environment
• Mental Health
• Substance Misuse and Addiction
• Wildlife and Animals

Activities

• Gardening
• Practical Skills
• Supporting People and Befriending