Garden Volunteer

Role Description

What is a Gardener Volunteer?

The Gardener volunteers will help support Iona to ensure that the gardens remain engaging, sensory and a wonderful space for our Group Participants to enjoy all year round.

We are looking for an enthusiastic volunteer gardener who loves gardening, wildlife, the outdoors and enjoys being with and around people.

The Gardener Volunteer will help maintain the garden making sure it is safe and well presented at all times and will regularly meet and be fully supported by Iona to discuss key focus area and gardening tasks for the week.

 

What does it involve?

• Volunteering for 2 x consecutive hours a week between Monday to Thursday.
• Sometimes getting a little bit muddy!!
• Having fun digging, planting, watering, weeding, tidying, sweeping paths, cleaning, and other seasonal tasks.
• Sharing and learning knowledge with group participants about gardening.
• Working alongside other volunteers and welcoming group participants.
• You will need to adhere to H&S, Safeguarding, Confidentiality and other related policies whilst promoting St Anthony’s equality principles, ethos and values at all times

 

What is a Garden Buddy Volunteer?

The Garden Buddy volunteers will welcome project participants to the garden to ensure their time spent is enjoyable supported and safe.

We are looking for an enthusiastic Garden Buddy who loves gardening, wildlife, the outdoors and enjoys being with and supporting people.

 

What does it involve?

• Volunteering for 5 x hours per week between Monday to Thursday.
• Welcoming group participants and taking an interest in their development.
• Having fun and helping the gardener in the preparation and delivery of individual and group activities around the garden
• Supporting group participants in activities which may include crafts, washing pots, watering plants, planting and sowing seeds.
• Sharing and learning knowledge with group participants.
• You will need to adhere to H&S, Safeguarding, Confidentiality and other related policies whilst promoting St Anthony’s equality principles, ethos and values at all times.

 

And in return… here are just a few benefits

• Become part of a friendly and dedicated garden team.
• Get to know new people and provide support and help to the wider community.
• Learn new skills and help support personal development.
• Help stay active and engaged.
• Gain valuable work experience and working with different groups.

 

The role will suit people who…

• Some experience of gardening would be an advantage but not essential.
• Have a keen interest in gardening, plants, nature and the community.
• Have an enjoyment of working outdoors.
• Are interested in developing skills and knowledge of gardening.
• Are committed and reliable.
• Are creative, passionate and can engage with a wider range of people.
• Can adhere to safe working practices and equality principles.

About

We have secured funding from the Kellett Fund to run a pilot “Garden Project’ and as such we are developing the garden space in the Presbytery of the local parish of St Anthony of Padua RC church which forms the grounds of St Anthony Of Padua Community Association on Welbeck Road, Walker.

The Garden at St. Anthony’s of Padua Community Association is being developed as a garden for isolated, older people who may have physical and emotional needs. The garden will be a place of safety where people can build their self-esteem and confidence. They can socialise, take part in garden related activities, do gentle exercise and be creative. This will help people develop a meaningful routine which will combat loneliness and improve their wellbeing.

The project lead, Iona Heaton is a qualified and experienced Gardener. She is passionate about the therapeutic benefits of engaging with the outdoors. Prior to becoming a Gardener Iona worked with people in keyworker and caring roles for 18 years.

The garden has recently been redesigned and professionally landscaped with accessible paving, patio and raised beds. The garden will be shaped by the people who come to it with your support. You and the participants will make the garden a beautiful and active space for people to be in.

With your help we’ll make this a beautiful and active space for people to be in.