Volunteer opportunity to support friendly social and therapeutic gardening group for older folk

The Thyme Together project is a friendly social group for seniors over 65, with a focus on activities that enhance health and wellbeing in a natural garden environment. It is an inclusive group which incorporates many aspects of therapeutic horticulture and is comprised of attendees who face a range of issues, from limited mobility, sensory impairment, to cognitive issues, and feelings of social isolation. We are looking for more volunteers who would enjoy assisting and supporting this group and encouraging social interaction.

The volunteers are essential to the running of this group, as this allows the senior attendees to have the support that they need. Activities range from sitting down tasks for those with limited mobility, e.g. potting on, and weeding/planting in the raised beds, often from a chair, to more active jobs, such as hoeing, for those without mobility issues. It is a friendly, gentle paced gardening session which includes growing vegetables, flowers, fruit, outings, chat, tea and of course cake.

There will be a maximum of 10 clients attending this session, which is led by our qualified horticultural therapist. We hope to have 1 volunteer supporting 2 or 3 clients.

The Five a Day site is in the village of Englefield opposite the Englefield Garden Centre. The main village road is off the A340 heading from the A4 to Pangbourne, about a kilometre from the A4 roundabout. Alternatively, you can travel by train to Theale station and walk for 2.5 kilometres.

About Five A Day Garden

Five a Day Garden is a registered charity with a focus on horticultural therapy. We are situated in the tranquil hamlet of Englefield, approximately seven miles west of Reading, Berkshire north of Theale.

Volunteers look after the garden where we grow flowers, fruit and vegetables which are sold locally. Five a Day Garden runs a variety of one off workshops, courses and projects throughout the year. This productive and beautiful garden provides a perfect environment for school children, adult learners and older people to take part in organised educational sessions. In addition we offer popular workshops such as wreath making, offer corporate team building days, activities for after school clubs and talks to local groups.

We are strongly committed to working with the local community. We want to promote the benefits of community and outdoor education, and help people of all ages and abilities to achieve their potential in a relaxed and creative environment.

The site is a particularly beautiful and quiet spot. Everyone who visits feels the benefits of this place whether you're a child from an urban area, a stressed corporate employee or a volunteer.

What skills do I need?

We would welcome enquiries from all who are interested in this volunteering opportunity. It is a fantastic way to give something back to the community, by supporting older people outside in nature. An interest in older folk, nature and gardening is all that is required. No prior knowledge or experience required.

When is this role available?

	Morning	Afternoon	Evening
Monday
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Thursday
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Saturday
Sunday

Details

Time commitment: We are looking for volunteers for two sessions. The time commitment is 2 hours per session and the sessions run on Thursdays from 10am-12pm or 1pm - 3pm. You don't need to volunteer for both but can choose either one.

Where does this role take place?