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Volunteer Gardener

Eight Bells for Mental Health

One of our activities is running a gardening club where we adopt raised beds to plant and maintain throughout the year.

The main objective of this volunteer role is to run the gardening club, providing guidance, advice and support to our members to plant and maintain the various raised bed locations.

Raised beds are situated at Shaw House and Thatcham Discovery Centre with a third in the Town Centre.

We want to plant and grow produce that we can use as ingredients for the meals provided at the drop-in centre. We also would like our members to use the surplus in their own homes to help provide nutritious meals for themselves and their families.

We also want our beds to look attractive and support local wildlife and pollinators. Previously our town centre beds have received certificates as part of Newbury in Bloom.

Tasks and Activities

To provide a supportive and engaging environment to reduce loneliness and improve confidence whilst supporting mental well-being through group gardening activities.

You will:
  • Plan with members the planting of the raised beds
  • Choose and purchase the required seeds and plants needed (paid for through grant funding)
  • Provide guidance on maintaining and looking after the plants and raised beds.
  • Arrange a watering rota
  • Share gardening knowledge to build members' confidence. 
  • work with the coordinators to ensure the success of the gardening group
  • be an ambassador for the charity in the wider community
  • flag any concerns or issues regarding members that you feel are outside your remit.
  • undertake and engage in any appropriate training that will support you in the role.

Directions

We have one site in central Newbury, one at Shaw House and one at Thatcham Discovery Centre. Expenses will be covered for travel to the 3 sites.

Drop in centre location: Friends Meeting House, 1 Highfield Avenue, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 5DS. Highfield Avenue is behind the former bus station opposite the Kennet Centre (now a new development)

Office is based in Broadway House, The Broadway, Newbury, RG14 1BA

About Eight Bells for Mental Health

Eight Bells for Mental Health provides support for up to 100 people living across West Berkshire whose lives are affected by mental health issues. We strive to offer a safe, supportive and welcoming environment at our Drop-In Centre which is based in Newbury. Our friendly social sessions are open every Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 10am to 4pm and include a variety of well-being activities. Hot lunches are on offer most days. Members enjoy a variety of day trips out and have a beautiful garden area to enjoy.

There is an increasing demand for advocacy support. We also work alongside several other local charities and community groups.

What skills do I need?

We want people with the right attitude and qualities. We are looking for someone who has the ability to empathise with people who have experienced mental health issues. We need volunteers who can adopt common sense and a practical approach.

Essential skills:
  • A good knowledge of plants and their care
  • Physically able to to help members carry tools and plants 
  • Encourage members to do the planting, sowing, weeding etc,
  • Good communication skills
  • The ability to motivate people. 
Volunteers will:
  • be reliable
  • be kind and caring 
  • have a general awareness of mental health issues 
  • have good listening skills
  • have good communication skills and the ability to engage with people.
  • have a non-judgemental approach 
  • have the ability to respect confidentiality
  • be flexible 
  • work with members to build their confidence.
  • be prepared to 'muck in'
Other useful attributes for our volunteers to have are: 
  • Commitment
  • Patience
  • Confidence
  • Honesty
  • Approachability
  • Calmness
  • Realism

When is this role available?

Morning Afternoon Evening
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Details

On a weekday, times to be agreed

Where does this role take place?

Friends Meeting House
1 Highfield Avenue
Newbury
Berkshire
RG14 5DS

View on Google Maps →

Shaw House
Church Road
Newbury
Berkshire
RG14 2DR

View on Google Maps →

Nature Discovery Centre
Muddy Lane
Lower Way
Thatcham
Berkshire
RG19 3FU

View on Google Maps →

Register your interest
  • Ideal for people interested in
  • Education
  • Environment
  • Mental Health
  • Ideal for people who like
  • Gardening
  • Supporting Others
  • Teaching and Training
  • Details
  • Accessibility
  • DBS check required
  • Equal opportunities policy
  • Expenses reimbursed
  • Suitable for under 18s
  • Training provided
    In house training relevant to role
  • Volunteer induction
  • Volunteers covered by insurance
  • Application Process
  • Informal Discussion

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