Volunteer Activity Assistant - Gardening Support

NHS; Exeter; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization is seeking a Volunteer Activity Assistant to support gardening sessions and maintain the gardens at Franklyn Hospital. This role requires a keen interest in gardening, the ability to work with patients, and a commitment to volunteer regularly. There will be opportunities to contribute positively to patients' well-being in a rewarding environment.

Benefits

Reimbursement of travel expenses

Training opportunities

Gaining experience in mental health support

Qualifications

• Must be 18 or over.
• Experience in gardening or horticulture is beneficial.
• Willingness to commit regularly as a volunteer.

Responsibilities

• Support gardening sessions with patients.
• Maintain the gardens at Franklyn Hospital.
• Work alongside staff and service users.

Skills

Basic knowledge of gardening

Interpersonal skills

Ability to work with minimum supervision

Reliable and trustworthy

Experience with gardening hand tools

Job description

Volunteer Activity Assistant - Gardening Support

Belvedere is an acute assessment & treatment ward forolder people with mental health needs.

Main Purpose

We arelooking for someone with experience in working within a public or privategarden, or within the horticultural industry. If you have a keen interest andknowledge in domestic gardening, that's a bonus. Additionally, knowledge ofworking with gardening hand tools is essential. This volunteer role would beparticularly suitable for someone with a solid background in horticulture.

This is a regular commitment as we want to build up a groupof volunteers who will come to love and care for the garden over the longerterm

You are more than welcome to visit by prior arrangementbegfore you submit an application

All tools and safety equipment will be provided. Whilst youare welcome to bring your own, the Trust accept no responsibility for loss ordamage.

Additional information

You must be 18 or over

Days/times are negotiable

To complete all relevant checks before commencing the roleincluding references and DBS

All volunteers are required to complete the TrustsInduction, mandatory and statutory training and relevant refreshers thereafter,along with any other relevant training that is required for the role. Anopportunity to participate in CPD & Career development activities whereappropriate

To adhere to the data protection and confidentialityagreement

Reimbursement of travel expenses (subject to our policy)

Main duties of the job

Key tasks

• To sensitively encourage service users to participate confidentlyin the gardening activities offered.
• Tomaintain areas of the garden and to encourage some of our patients to get involvedin gardening activities appropriate to their needs and ability
• Tocarry out a range of general gardening duties including, but not limited to:
• Weeding, Dead heading, Hoeing, Planting,Pruning, Grass cutting and Watering
• Clearing pathways and keep the gardenarea tidy
• Basic plant and soil knowledge
• Basic plant identification
• A desire to support older people with mental healthneeds
• Be able to work with minimum supervision
• Emotionally mature
• Reliable and trustworthy
• An interestand knowledge in domestic gardening
• Experienceof working with gardening hand tools
• Youwill need good interpersonal and communication skills and a genuine interest inpeople as you will interact with patients.
• Havinga positive outlook and being non-judgemental is essential as you will beworking with people who are unwell.
• Confidentialityis upmost and we ask volunteers to be part of the team and be discreet andreliable.
• Itis important for volunteers to know their boundaries and seek furtherinformation and support from ward staff if required.

About us

We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally.

The Trust recognises the important rolevolunteers play in complementing the work of our staff and we welcome thevaried and unique contributions volunteers make to patients, carers, thepublic, and staff at the Trust.

We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.

We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do

Our values

We not only recruit based on qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010.

Job responsibilities

Main Purpose

To support gardening sessions with some of our patients (supported by OT) and to maintain the general upkeep of our gardens

To contribute towards the maintenance and upkeep of the Gardens at Franklyn Hospital

This is a regular commitment as we want to build up a group of volunteers who will come to love and care for the garden over the longer term

To work alongsidecolleagues and service users during the day

To be aware of healthand safety and contribute to the maintenance of a safe working environment.

Person Specification

Experience

• People who are happy volunteering outside in all the different weather conditions.
• Basic knowledge /interest in gardening, horticulture
• Manual handling experience (not essential)
• Commitment to the ethos and values of DPT
• Adaptability, flexibility and creativity
• Good interpersonal skills and experience of working in a team

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.