Volunteer Digby Court - Volunteer Gardener - Bourne

Job content

Every home at the Trust has a garden for our residents to enjoy. Many of our residents spent many happy hours tending to the garden, tinkering in the shed or growing veg. As every gardener knows, it’s a hobby that can bring a great sense of satisfaction but also, sometimes, sore muscles. Our volunteer Gardeners are the people who make the residents gardens their own when they can no longer dig and plant themselves. Our Gardeners have a passion for seeing things grow. Most of our gardeners enjoy involving people, getting them involved in planting seeds and agreeing which plants go where. Some of our gardeners just enjoy the satisfaction of knowing they’ve created a space people can relax in and enjoy. Our Gardeners are part of the Home Team. As gardening can be an activity and a maintenance role, Gardeners are involved with both the Activity Co-ordinator and the Handy Person. Our Gardeners understand that gardening at home and gardening in a care environment are different and they are extra mindful of the health and safety risks we need to watch out for. They also recognise that the gardens are not their own and check in before they act. Nobody wants to move a plant out of the sight of someone it means the world to. This role is flexible and will depend on you and the need we have at the time. There are peak seasons so you’ll probably do more in during those busy times but there is something to be done all year round. You’ll build up relationships with people and the Home Team so ideally, we’d like a regular, longer term commitment of a couple of hours a week. Days and times are flexible; talk to us and we’ll see what suits us both What you will be doing Keeping the garden looking great all year round by weeding, dead heading and planting Keeping patio areas and paths clear of leaves Supporting the home with gardening projects and planting residents’ choice of plants Possibly supporting people to help them keep up their interest in the garden Possibly helping people who can’t leave their rooms to create a mini garden inside

If you know your delphinium from your daffodil you could blossom in this role. If you are passionate about growing things and have some knowledge of plants that’s all you need; you don’t need to have a garden of your own. Some Gardeners run their own gardening groups or support people one to one to plant their ideal plot. We’ll support you if you have an idea but we’re also equally happy for another pair of enthusiastic hands. You’ll be self-motivated and willing to work independently at times You’ll be an enthusiastic gardener with some experience of growing a great garden You’ll be aware of health and safety issues surrounding tools, hoses, slip and trip hazards etc. You’ll be ideally interested in older people and helping them to keep gardening

Minimum age - 14+ Full Induction including Dementia Friends Session Role Specific Training Experience in care setting for your CV. We offer references for our volunteers. We reimburse out of pocket expenses. And nothing beats the feeling you’ll get seeing someone smile because you have created a garden full of the flowers they love. We will do a DBS check but a criminal record won’t necessarily mean you can’t volunteer.