At Sydenham Garden we offer two taught courses on Practical Organic Gardening accredited by the Open College Network (OCN), to people who are interested in learning more about gardening through teaching and hands-on learning which can lead to further training to begin a career in horticulture.
We are keen to recruit volunteers with experience in gardening to support our learners on this course.
You would need to have 3 hours to spare on a Thursday, lots of enthusiasm and a willingness to help people learn more about gardening organically.
Role Description
This role has two main aspects, to assist session leaders and to support and motivate our learners with their learning.
Our volunteers help with setting up, preparing for and resource our sessions and participate in giving feedback on learning when sessions end. They are active and essential parts of our team, offering insights to the learning from their own experiences and helping the learners to record their thinking and ideas in their workbooks.
Our sessions encourage learners to talk openly about their health and progress, and our volunteers are critical to creating this atmosphere of care and respect.
There may be occasional opportunities to work with the groups in other locations away from the main site, such as visits to other gardens etc.
Our volunteers also assist with open days at Sydenham Garden, fairs and other special events on and off-site
We are looking for people with the following abilities:
- Great communication skills. You will need to be the sort of person who wants to communicate, enjoys meeting people and has an understanding that it takes time to get to know someone.
- You will be able to talk openly with learners about their health and progress.
- Demonstrate a high level of sensitivity and an awareness to the individual needs of the learners.
- Be patient in the delivery of activities, always having the time to listen to and support individuals during the session.
- Be non-judgemental, open and accepting.
- You will have a cheerful and enthusiastic approach to helping learners with their activities.
- It is desirable that you have knowledge of health issues, mental health and physical disabilities in particular.
- Ability to work as part of a team is a key aspect of the role
- Be reliable with good punctuality and attendance
- Be willing to listen and learn from your experiences
- Good gardening knowledge is desirable
What we can offer you.
- Experience of working in a friendly and supportive highly respected community organization.
- Experience of working with and meeting new people.
- Great snacks.
- Access to our beautiful garden.
- Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) checks (previously CRB checks).
- Training and education in horticulture and supporting people with mental health difficulties.
- Leadership and motivation skills.
- Skills development in social and therapeutic horticulture.
- News and updates about activities within the sector.
Many of our volunteers go on to employment in the horticulture sector.
Location
Sydenham Garden, 28a Wynell Road, London SE23 2LW
Contact:
Vashti Henry, Community Activities & Volunteer Lead
Email: vashti@sydenhamgarden.org.uk
How to apply:
Is this the role for you? Complete our online Application and Equality & Diversity Monitoring form.
