Enable job alerts via email!
Volunteer Horticulture Support
Devon Partnership NHS Trust
Exeter
On-site
GBP 10,000 - 40,000
Full time
Generate a tailored resume in minutes
Land an interview and earn more. Learn more
Job summary
Join a leading healthcare organization as a volunteer in a therapeutic gardening project, supporting individuals' recovery and well-being through outdoor activities. This role involves working alongside Occupational Therapists and service users, fostering social inclusion and engagement in a nurturing environment. Ideal candidates should have an interest in gardening, enjoy the outdoors, and possess good communication skills.
Benefits
Qualifications
- Interest or basic knowledge in gardening/horticulture.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Reliable and open to learning.
Responsibilities
- Support practical gardening tasks under supervision.
- Assist the OT team and service users in gardening activities.
- Promote a safe, inclusive, recovery-focused environment.
Skills
Education
Job description
Location: Exeter, EX2 5AF
Salary: Negotiable
Date posted: 6th June 2025
Closing date: 10th July 2025
Days/Times:Ideally Wednesday mornings to support the gardening group, but flexible depending on availability.
Main Purpose:Support the creation and upkeep of a healing garden as part of the NHS Culture of Care Programme and Quality Improvement (QI) initiative. Working with the Occupational Therapy (OT) team, the volunteer will help maintain a therapeutic outdoor space to enhance recovery and wellbeing for service users.
About the Cedars:Coombehaven Ward is a mixed-gender, locked unit offering a secure environment for mental health assessments and tailored treatment. The enclosed garden is a key therapeutic space aiding recovery.
About the Project:The Healing Garden is a new green space developed through the Culture of Care Programme. Led by Rebecca from the OT team, it aims to provide a calming, inclusive environment. The volunteer will support the gardening group, promoting meaningful activity and social inclusion.
About the NHS Culture of Care Programme:A national initiative to transform inpatient services by prioritising safety, dignity, and inclusion. It includes 12 core commitments, such as:
- Ensuring patients feel safe, valued, and included
- Promoting equity and trauma-informed care
- Involving patients in decisions and daily activities
- Designing environments that support recovery
Key Tasks:
- Support practical gardening tasks under supervision in the ward garden
- Assist the OT team and service users in planning and delivering gardening activities
- Take part in planting, weeding, watering, and general maintenance
- Help co-facilitate weekly sessions and encourage engagement
- Share ideas to develop the garden space
- Promote a safe, inclusive, recovery-focused environment
Ideal Candidate:
- Interest or basic knowledge in gardening/horticulture
- Enjoys working outdoors in all weather
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Team player with sensitivity to mental health needs
- Reliable and open to learning
Additional Info:
- Must be 18+
- Subject to references and DBS check
- Completion of Trust induction, mandatory/statutory training, and refreshers required
- Log weekly hours via Better Impact system
- Maintain regular contact with line manager and report concerns
- Follow health and safety procedures
- Travel expenses reimbursed (policy applies)
- References available after 6 months
- Voluntary role with no employment relationship implied
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. 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. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.
Contribute to planning of daily activities and creatingtasks linked to peoples individual goals
To participate inpractical tasks around the nursery, allotment and orchard e.g. filling potswith compost, pricking out, potting on, dead-heading, watering and generalplant husbandry
Contribute todevelopment of horticulture at New Leaf
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.
- 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
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.
job faster
Follow us
