Mind In Somerset was formed from the merger of Mind in Taunton and West Somerset and South Somerset Mind. We are a mental health charity providing services and support to anyone affected by mental ...
Gardening Group Volunteer
Practical details
Volunteering • Organisation role
Contact person
Volunteer Recruitment
Provided
Requirements
#125210
Scan me or visit www.sparkachange.org.uk/o/Mind-In-Somerset/opportunities/Gardening-Group-Volunteer/125210 to join
The Vanessa Gardening Group Volunteer will support the Project Coordinator in the delivery of weekly group sessions.
Vanessa Gardening Group Volunteer – Mind in Somerset
Location: Yeovil
Time Commitment: Weekly on Tuesdays, 11am–1pm
Reports to: Donna Wadelton / Faye Shorley
Purpose of the Role
The Vanessa Gardening Group Volunteer will support the Project Coordinator in the delivery of weekly group sessions. The role involves helping to create a welcoming, safe and inclusive environment where people experiencing mental health difficulties can take part in creative, nature-inspired and gardening activities at their own pace.
The volunteer will encourage participation, provide practical support and companionship, and help service users feel valued, listened to and included within the group.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the Project Coordinator with the preparation, running and tidying up of weekly gardening and creative activities.
- Welcome service users to the group and help create a friendly, relaxed and inclusive atmosphere.
- Encourage and motivate service users to participate in activities, while respecting individual choices and boundaries.
- Provide friendly, non-judgemental support and companionship to people attending the group.
- Listen to service users and respond with patience, empathy and understanding.
- Encourage conversation and positive social interaction within the group.
- Support individuals who may be anxious, isolated or lacking confidence to engage at a level that feels comfortable for them.
- Assist with a range of gardening activities, such as planting, sowing, watering, weeding, maintaining plants and preparing growing areas.
- Support creative and nature-based activities, adapting tasks where appropriate to meet different abilities, interests and levels of confidence.
- Help ensure activities are accessible, enjoyable and safe for everyone attending.
- Work alongside the Project Coordinator and other volunteers as part of a supportive team.
- Follow guidance and instructions provided by the Project Coordinator and adhere to Mind in Somerset policies and procedures.
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries when supporting service users.
- Be alert to any concerns about a service user's wellbeing and report these promptly to the Project Coordinator rather than attempting to manage concerns independently.
- Maintain confidentiality and respect the privacy and dignity of all service users.
- Help with setting up and clearing away equipment, materials and activity areas.
Skills, Experience and Qualities
We are looking for someone who is:
- Patient, friendly and approachable.
- Compassionate, empathetic and non-judgemental.
- A good listener who is comfortable talking to people from a range of backgrounds.
- Interested in gardening, nature, creativity or outdoor activities.
- Comfortable working with people who may experience mental health difficulties.
- Able to encourage and support others without putting pressure on them.
- Reliable and able to commit to the agreed weekly sessions.
- Respectful of confidentiality and professional boundaries.
- Able to work collaboratively as part of a team.
- Willing to learn and develop their understanding of mental health and wellbeing.
- Flexible and able to adapt activities to suit different needs and circumstances.
Previous gardening experience is not essential. Enthusiasm, willingness to learn and the ability to treat people with respect and compassion are more important.
Training and Support
- Full induction and role-specific training will be provided.
- Ongoing support and regular supervision will be available.
- Guidance will be provided by the Project Coordinator and wider team.
- Volunteers will have opportunities to access further training and development.
- Volunteers will be supported to understand relevant safeguarding, confidentiality, health and safety and mental health awareness procedures.
- Volunteers will have the opportunity to discuss any concerns, experiences or support needs through supervision.
Safeguarding and Boundaries
As the role involves supporting people who may be vulnerable, the volunteer will be expected to:
- Follow Mind in Somerset's safeguarding policies and procedures.
- Maintain appropriate boundaries with service users at all times.
- Respect confidentiality and only share information where required in line with organisational policies and safeguarding procedures.
- Report concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a service user to the appropriate member of staff.
- Avoid providing counselling, clinical advice or specialist mental health support unless appropriately qualified and authorised to do so.
- Work within the agreed responsibilities of the volunteer role and seek guidance whenever unsure.
Health and Safety
- Follow relevant health and safety guidance when undertaking gardening and creative activities.
- Use gardening tools and equipment safely and appropriately.
- Follow instructions regarding manual handling, outdoor working and the use of materials or equipment.
- Report accidents, hazards, damaged equipment or other health and safety concerns to the Project Coordinator.
- Help maintain a clean, safe and accessible activity environment.
- Take reasonable care of personal safety and the safety of service users and other volunteers.
Benefits of Volunteering
Volunteering in the Vanessa Gardening Group provides an opportunity to:
- Make a meaningful difference to people's lives and wellbeing.
- Support people to build confidence, social connections and a sense of belonging.
- Gain valuable experience of working alongside people with lived experience of mental health difficulties.
- Develop communication, listening and interpersonal skills.
- Gain experience in facilitating community, gardening and creative activities.
- Be part of a supportive, friendly and compassionate team.
- Develop knowledge and awareness of mental health and wellbeing.
- Access training and personal development opportunities.
Additional Information
- Volunteers will be required to complete a DBS check and engage in Safer Recruitment Checks.
- Travel expenses will be available in accordance with Mind in Somerset's volunteer expenses policy.
- Volunteers are expected to comply with relevant Mind in Somerset policies, procedures and codes of conduct.
Related to
About Mind In Somerset
Mind In Somerset was formed from the merger of Mind in Taunton and West Somerset and South Somerset Mind. We are a mental health charity providing services and support to anyone affected by mental illness, improving their quality of life and wellbeing.
See more opportunities by Mind In Somerset