Volunteer Gardeners Volunteer Roles

Do you love gardening and making a difference in your community? If so, you might be the perfect fit for our Volunteer Gardener role!

As a Volunteer Gardener, you will help maintain and beautify our Hospice gardens, where we provide palliative care and support for children with life-shortening conditions. Gardening is not only a rewarding hobby, but also a therapeutic activity that can bring joy and comfort to those who need it the most. Join our team of compassionate and dedicated volunteers today, and help us create a green oasis for our hospice community.

Considerations:

Minimum age requirement: 18

Due to the nature of the activities and current projects, we are looking for volunteers with skills, in depth knowledge and experience in gardening, either as a profession or as a hobby. 

Our Garden volunteers help out on a Monday, Wednesday and/or Friday each week

Occasional weekend volunteering

Occasional attendance fundraising events for tools and plants (optional)

About us

Tŷ Hafan is a leading Welsh children's charity, with our hospice and headquarters based in Sully, Vale of Glamorgan.

We provide comfort, care and fun to children with life-shortening conditions, whilst supporting their families and helping them to make a short life, a full life; creating precious memories and helping them to make the most of the time they have together.

Tracy Jones, Director of Family Wellbeing and Outreach Services for Tŷ Hafan, said: “When families are told that their child’s life is going to be short, their whole world changes. It changes again when they realise they must consider end of life care, and again, when they finally lose their child.

“Tŷ Hafan is there to provide endless support to families from the moment their world changes.

“We can’t give a family more time, but Tŷ Hafan can make sure those families who find themselves facing a nightmare such as those faced by families in our care, have the time and the support they need.”

As a volunteer, you could be involved in various activities depending on your preferences, skills and experience, these include:

• General garden maintenance

• Keeping grounds clean, tidy and presentable

• Project work such as our forest project

• Using small gardening tools or larger equipment such as a leaf blower

• Other ad-hoc tasks as and when required seasonally

We are looking for volunteers with:

• Gardening experience, either as a profession or a hobby

• A passion for gardening and a willingness to share skills and knowledge

• A friendly and approachable personality

• A good team player who can also confidently work independently

• A sound knowledge of health and safety, with respect for yourself, others and the environment

• A sincere understanding of the sensitive nature of volunteering in a Hospice setting

Here's what you can expect from our training program:

• A comprehensive introduction to our organization and your role

• Health and safety training including manual handling and fire safety

• A friendly and supportive facilities and volunteering team to assist you with any queries or concerns

The benefits of becoming a Gardening Volunteer

• It's a great way to connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors

• You can learn new skills, such as composting and pruning

• You can make a positive impact on your community by helping to maintain and beautify public green spaces

• Gardening can improve your physical and mental healthy by reducing stress, boosting mood and providing exercise

• You can meet new people who share your passion for gardening and the environment

• You can have fun while doing something meaningful and rewarding

Are you ready to join us as a volunteer?

We will ask you to fill in a simple volunteer application form and provide us with the details of two referees. A Basic DBS check is required for this role. Tŷ Hafan will cover the costs of any background checks and we will contact you with details on completing a DBS, once your application is successful.

We can't wait to welcome you to the team!

This role is purely voluntary and this arrangement is not meant to be a legally binding one or an employment contract.

Providing care and support is something we are only able to do because of the kindness and commitment of our wonderful staff, supporters and volunteers.

Our Volunteer Gardener Role requires you to visit the gardens of disabled people and perform basic gardening tasks e.g mowing a lawn, weeding, pruning, bagging up garden waste, and tidying up the garden to improve accessibility.

Volunteer Benefits

• Satisfaction from providing practical help to someone who needs it;
• Flexible time commitment: we will work around your daytime availability;
• References were appropriate; 
• Improving skills, including gardening, transferable to the workplace;
• Out-of-pocket expenses (including safety equipment) reimbursed. 

MHA is the largest charity care provider for older people in the UK. Our mission is to inspire the best care and wellbeing at every stage of later life. At Lawnfield House Care Home we provide residential dementia care for 41 residents

As a Volunteer Gardener, you’ll help us make the most of the outdoor space at our home for the enjoyment of our residents. You’ll help with small gardening tasks that may vary each week and depending on the season. You’ll also have opportunities to support residents to access the garden and enjoy light gardening tasks such as potting plants.

Main tasks and responsibilities: 

Main tasks include but not limited to:

• Lawn mowing
• Tidying flower beds
• Weeding
• Planting
• Pruning
• Raking leaves

You must:

• Comply with health and safety legislation and be familiar with and to adhere MHA’s Health and Safety Policies. This includes being aware of manual handling hazards and following manual handling and other risk assessments.
• Liaise with the person who supports you before undertaking tasks that haven’t been agreed in advance.
• Inform your named contact if there are any changes in your circumstances that affect your ability to continue with volunteering.

Benefits for you:

• Help improve the quality of life for older people
• Support your community
• Keep socially active
• Be part of a friendly team
• Promote your physical and mental wellbeing

Skills and qualities needed:

• Some gardening knowledge and skills, although this can be basic
• Have a passion for gardening
• Patience, empathy and understanding of the needs of older people
• Good communication and people skills
• Enthusiasm
• Reliable and punctual
• Clear sense of personal boundaries and ability to maintain confidentiality
• A willingness to engage with training and development

Training, support, and requirements:

• You need to be aged 18 or over
• A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and two character references are required
• We will provide you with a full induction for the role
• Training on safeguarding, health and safety and other training relevant to the role
• Ongoing support from a named contact

Times and Commitment:

• Days and times are flexible between Monday-Friday- 8am-6pm. Minimum of two hours a week.
• We ask you to be able to commit on a regular basis for a minimum of six months

Location: Coverdale Road, Willesden, London, NW2 4DJ

*Please note- we can only accept applications from UK residents*

MHA The Wilderness is a 7 acre heritage garden attached to MHA Hall Grange Care home in Croydon, London. The garden has been recently reclaimed and conserved. Our aim is to make it a peaceful haven for MHA Hall Grange residents, visitors, staff and local communities. As a Volunteer Gardener you will help our Head Gardener and other volunteers with the general upkeep of The Wilderness. 

Main activities:

• You’ll be working with a small friendly team throughout The Wilderness garden to help with the general upkeep.
• You’ll do tasks such as; watering, weeding, stimming, cutting and propagating
• You’ll keep the grounds accessible for all with ongoing maintenance and clear areas for access throughout the seasons
• You’ll be familiar with and to adhere MHA’s Health and Safety Policies and policies relating to your volunteering role.

The Benefits for you:

• Boost Confidence
• Keep socially active
• Give back to the residents and the community
• Keep Fit and healthy
• Gain experience to add to your CV
• Develop skills and knowledge of trees and plants

Desirable Qualities:

We need our volunteers to be:

• At least 16 years old
• Enthusiastic 
• Able to set time aside for activity regularly
• A good team player

What training and support will be provided:

• We will provide you with a full induction for the role
• Training on safeguarding, health and safety and other training and updating of skills and knowledge relevant to the role as appropriate
• Ongoing support from a named contact
• Out of pocket expenses in accordance with MHA’s Expenses Policy

Times and Commitment

• Tuesdays and/or Wednesdays from 10am-1pm. We could also arrange alterative days based on your availability with prior agreement with the Head Gardener.
• We ask you to be able to commit on a regular basis
• We ask that you make a minimum of six months commitment to this role

* Please note- we can only accept applications for volunteers who live in the UK

Role Title: Gardener

Where: Sunderland Hope Bank View, Dene Street, Silksworth, Sunderland, SR3 1EB

When/commitment: Flexible

Purpose of the opportunity: To help maintain the garden for the residents to enjoy.

About the opportunity:

• Do you want to improve the lives of older people?
• Do you love gardening?
• Do you have a couple of hours a week to spare?

This role involves maintaining and tending to the garden for the residents to enjoy. This may involve trimming hedges, weeding, cutting the lawn and helping with whatever is needed.

About Abbeyfield:

Abbeyfield is a national charity dedicated to the care and support of older people. Our vision is ‘making time for older people’ and we see volunteers as crucial in helping us achieve this. For more information, please visit our website.

Experience and/or skills:  

For this role, ideally you would:

• Be a green-fingered person who wants to share their love of gardening with older people
• Be someone reasonably fit and active

We ask all our volunteers to:

• Be reliable and have the ability to relate well to others
• Have a warm, friendly, adaptable, caring approach
• Be open-minded and tolerant of different lifestyle and values
• Be able to work within personal and organisational boundaries

Practical considerations:

• We will reimburse you with any agreed appropriate expenses  
• Provide you with any training you need to carry out your role
• You'll be supported by our small, friendly house team
• You’ll have lots of fun and get to spend time with our inspirational residents

How volunteering with Abbeyfield will make a difference to you:

This is an opportunity for you to spend time doing something you enjoy while knowing you are making a real difference to the lives of older people.

Interested?

Please get in touch!

Age restrictions - 16+

Marie Curie is dedicated to providing a welcoming environment for our patients and their families. We’re looking for volunteers to help us ensure hospice gardens and grounds are kept tidy and look beautiful with attractive flowers, tree and shrubs.

Your role will include some of, but is not restricted to, the following tasks:

• Potting up and planting, depending on the season
• Sweeping, watering, weeding, pruning and remove dead heads
• Lifting and clearing garden rubbish
• Cutting grass
• Help with other related tasks when necessary

In the online application we only need your basic information (name, address, phone number and email address), an emergency contact, 2 references, and a parental consent form if you are under 18. 

About Us

Every day of your life matters – from the first to the last. When you volunteer for Marie Curie, you understand that better than ever. We’re a passionate, committed and diverse team of more than 4,400 staff and  6,500 volunteers, here for people living with any terminal illness, and their families. We offer expert care, guidance and support, to help them get the most from the time they have left. 

Marie Curie is committed to its values, which underpin our work.  We take stringent steps to ensure that the people who join our organisation through employment or volunteering, are suitable for their roles and are committed to safeguarding all our people from harm. This includes our staff, volunteers and all those who use or come into contact with our services. We are dedicated to creating not just a safe place to work but also a supportive and rewarding one.

Marie Curie is committed to a world where everyone can thrive and fulfil their potential. We are devoted to the social justice imperatives and organisational benefits of full diversity, inclusion and equity in the workplace, and are a Stonewall champion. We actively encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, perspectives and lived experiences.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early.

Volunteer your time at Hestia to make our gardens a beautiful place for adults and children to enjoy all year through! Are you green fingered and have a passion for gardens and outdoor spaces?

At Hestia we have gardens and outdoor spaces which require your support to bring these back to life by keeping them maintained. We are recruiting for volunteers to motivate and inspire staff and people living in our services to get involved in gardening.

What you will be doing

• Inspire and motivate staff and people in the services to get involved in maintaining and growing the garden
• To provide tips on how to maintain and grow the garden - sowing seeds, planting bulbs, taking cuttings
• Provide basic maintenance such as cutting the grass, emptying bins, managing weed control and leaf raking
• Lead in planting and nurturing new trees, flowers, and various plants
• Provide best practice on how to use the correct gardening tools
• Inspire people in our services and staff to maintain a clean garden
• Advise staff on the costs of plants and garden necessities

The skills you need

• A basic knowledge/ experience of plant care and use of gardening tools7
• Calm and patient approach
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

Volunteer your time at Hestia to make our gardens a beautiful place for our service users to enjoy all year through! Are you green fingered and have a passion for gardens and outdoor spaces?

At Hestia we have gardens and outdoor spaces which require your support to bring these back to life by keeping them maintained. We are recruiting for volunteers to motivate and inspire staff and people living in our services to get involved in gardening.

What you will be doing

• Inspire and motivate staff and people in the services to get involved in maintaining and growing the garden
• To provide tips on how to maintain and grow the garden - sowing seeds, planting bulbs, taking cuttings
• Provide basic maintenance such as cutting the grass, emptying bins, managing weed control and leaf raking
• Lead in planting and nurturing new trees, flowers, and various plants
• Provide best practice on how to use the correct gardening tools
• Inspire people in our services and staff to maintain a clean garden
• Advise staff on the costs of plants and garden necessities

The skills you need

• A basic knowledge/ experience of plant care and use of gardening tools7
• Calm and patient approach
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun 

Volunteer your time at Hestia to make our gardens a beautiful place for adults and children to enjoy all year through! Are you green fingered and have a passion for gardens and outdoor spaces?

At Hestia we have gardens and outdoor spaces which require your support to bring these back to life by keeping them maintained.

We are recruiting for volunteers to motivate and inspire staff and people living in our services to get involved in gardening.

Engaging in gardening has shown to have both immediate and long-term effects on mental health. Gardening for several hours has been known to reduce depression, stress and anxiety.

What you will be doing:

• Inspire and motivate staff and people in the services to get involved in maintaining and growing the garden
• To provide tips on how to maintain and grow the garden - sowing seeds, planting bulbs, taking cuttings
• Provide basic maintenance such as cutting the grass, emptying bins, managing weed control and leaf raking
• Lead in planting and nurturing new trees, flowers, and various plants
• Provide best practice on how to use the correct gardening tools
• Inspire people in our services and staff to maintain a clean garden
• Advise staff on the costs of plants and garden necessities

The skills you need:

• A basic knowledge/ experience of plant care and use of gardening tools
• Calm and patient approach
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation

What's in it for you:

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications.
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

Come join our volunteering team to help change the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in society. Ranked 2023 Q3 by Best Companies as the 6th best charity to work for in the UK, Medaille Trust is one of the UK’s leading charities in the fight against modern slavery. Our innovative model is based on three principles: Prevent, Protect and Pursue.  We are one of the UK’s largest providers of survivor services, with ten safehouses and six outreach hubs, staffed round the clock by specialist staff, working with more than 600 men, women and dependent children each year.  We work to raise awareness in the UK and to provide preventive work in source countries. Our Pursue work helps survivors to engage with police and within the legal  system to seek justice and to secure convictions against their perpetrators.

We are looking for a volunteer to help support us with gardening and working alongside our service users to support them with all things gardening related. Tasks will include:

•Trimming hedges and bushes

•Weeding, planting and watering plants

•General vegetable patch maintenance

•Sharing knowledge of plant, flower and food cultivation with service users.

•Offering a safe and comfortable experience for all service users, showing awareness of service users’ varying physical and mental well-being needs.

Our volunteers come from all walks of life and have a wide range of experience and motivations. Whatever your reason for deciding to volunteer, we want to make sure you enjoy your time with us and know just how much we value your support.

This role requires maturity, and an ability to engage with female adults in a trauma informed way, while working alongside staff members to deliver the activities in line with agreed procedures and systems.

Volunteers need to:

•Be at least 18 years old

•Be female as this role is restricted for females under the Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010

•Be able to get to the venue which is based in Thanet

•Have experience or qualifications in gardening, cultivation, harvesting of plants.

•Be able to regularly commit on a weekly basic

•Be willing to have an enhanced DBS check

•Have knowledge and understanding of human trafficking issues or willingness to learn

•Have knowledge and understanding of mental health conditions or willingness to learn

•Have an understanding of the importance of professional boundaries in the role

•Have the ability to maintain confidentiality

For full details and how to apply our website and complete an application form. 

Trustees - Field Studies Council

Thank you for your interest in being a charity trustee at Field Studies Council. We champion field studies in and beyond educational curricula. We encourage curiosity for the natural world. We practice and promote sustainability.

The Organisation:
We are an environmental education charity, best known for providing residential and day field trips for those studying biology and geography. But our mission is to create outstanding opportunities for everyone to learn about nature. 

We have welcomed over 3.7 million visitors since we opened our first centre in 1946. In 2023 123,000 or so learners visited our centres: most were aged 25 and below and were in school or university groups. We (the Charity and its trading subsidiary) employ 325 or so people and in an accounting context have annual turnover in the range £15m to £20m.

The Role:
Who are we looking for?

You will bring diversity of thought and outlook, as well as new perspectives to the organisation.  You will improve board decision making and outcomes for an increasing range of members of the public, especially children and young people.

To find out more about us, the role description and person specification please download the Candidate Information Pack. 

Person Specification:
You may have had limited opportunity to explore nature, and you might be new to outdoor learning. And not every Trustee needs to be an academic, ecologist or environmentalist or have charity trustee, company director or equivalent experience. We are in particular looking for individuals who are able to bring their skills and expertise in the following areas:

•  Hospitality and tourism
•  The delivery of inner city projects for young people
•  Strategic management and development of a property portfolio

How to Apply:
If you are interested in applying for this role, please ensure you provide:

•  An up to date CV detailing your relevant experience and including the details of two referees (who will not be contacted without your prior consent).
•  A supporting statement addressing the criteria in the person specification and your motivations for applying.

If you have any difficulty uploading your application or if you would like to have an informal and confidential discussion about the role, alternatively please contact Melissa Baxter. 

Closing date for applications: Monday 4th March 2024
Interviews with Field Studies Council: Week commencing 18th March 2024

We are committed to promoting equality, valuing diversity and working inclusively across our organisation and to reflect this are keen to have a more diverse Board. Field Studies Council is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.