Role/Aim: - ninewellsgarden.files.wordpress.com · Web viewVolunteers of all walks of life are welcome to participate in this project. We welcome an array of skills. We obviously

Ninewells Community Garden

Volunteer Gardener

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Ninewells Community GardenOverview of the Project

The Ninewells Community Garden is located within the Arboretum Woodland at Ninewells Hospital. The initial vision for this garden was to create an outdoor environment to benefit patients, visitors, staff and the local community. The garden, and its wider woodland Arboretum provide a pleasant green space for patients’ rehabilitation, walking or relaxing.

The mission of the Ninewells Community Garden is to promote physical activity and good health through community gardening in an environment where horticulture supports wellbeing and can also support therapy and rehabilitation. Within this mission, we strive to provide an inclusive environment where our volunteers can share and learn more about the benefits of gardening. Our aims include:

1. Encourage participation by a wide range of people of all ages and abilities in garden-related activities that are creative, sociable, educational, healthy and/or enjoyable.

2. To provide a comfortable environment that provides opportunities for quiet reflection.

3. Encourage awareness and appreciation of sound environmental principles and practices that protect and promote biological diversity and the retention of wildlife.

4. To provide a safe, accessible, and inclusive environment for gardening activities which encourage unity, identity, community spirit and partnerships.

5. To offer opportunities for education, training and work experience in garden related information and activities for people of all abilities and also to provide a forum for the sharing of knowledge and skills.

6. To promote awareness of the benefits of gardening, growing food, and related outdoor activities.

7. To help promote equal opportunities without discrimination of gender, disability, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, political, religious and other beliefs.

8. Be economically sustainable in the long term.

Volunteers of all walks of life are welcome to participate in this project. We welcome an array of skills. We obviously would like gardening skills, but welcome other skills as well as those who would like to learn more about gardening.

If you would like to know more, please contact our garden facilitator, Sarah Griffiths at [email protected]

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Volunteer Role Description Volunteer Gardener

Role/Aim:To participate in the activities of the Ninewells Community Garden towards its mission to promote health and wellbeing through community gardening in an environment where horticulture supports wellbeing and can also support therapy and rehabilitation. The garden group welcomes volunteers of all ages, skills and abilities in garden related activities that are creative, sociable, educational, healthy and/or enjoyable.

Core Duties:The following core duties would be expected of every volunteer: Assist in practical aspects of developing and maintaining the garden. General gardening maintenance tasks such as weeding, tidying the grounds,

watering, and/or pruning. Be a friendly host to welcome people coming to participate in or visit the

garden. Work cooperatively with the community, volunteers and neighbouring

community. Communicate with facilitator and/or Steering Committee about needs and/or

concerns required to ensure safe, accessible and enjoyable work Work safely with tools and follow defined health and safety protocol(s), as

needed, for safe gardening practice Attend garden team meetings as required

Other Skills & DutiesPlease let the project coordinator know which additional skills or duties you would like to offer to the garden.1. Provide heavier gardening work, such as digging and landscape work.2. Provide horticulture special expertise (please let us know which expertise)3. Provide health and social skills to offer assist and work alongside volunteers

and service users as needed to participate and learn in the garden.4. Other supporting skills such as administrative, PR, art & design, event

organizing, etc. (please let us know which other skills).

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Volunteer Role SpecificationVolunteer Gardener

Skills & Experience:You are not expected to be an expert, or even experienced gardener or to be leading the physical work. 1. Enthusiastic about gardening and landscaping.2. Ability to work effectively as a member of a team and contribute to the task.3. Patient, friendly approach4. Non-judgemental attitude towards people5. Willing to work outdoors in all weather conditions, which may range from

hot & humid to cold & rainy.

Requirements:1. Completion of volunteer application form2. Meeting with Garden staff to discuss practical role information.3. Willing to undertake on-going training relevant to the role4. Adhere to the Garden’s policies and procedures5. Adhere to the NHS Give Respect, Get Respect for Dignity at Work policy

adopted by the garden.

Training & Induction:Completion of Gardening Volunteer induction. Training and educational support will be available as needed. It is expected that volunteers will assist in identifying educational and support needs.

Frequency & Commitment:Exact times to be arranged to suit volunteers and garden needs. It is expected that core volunteers would provide a minimum of 3 hours help each week and be prepared to commit for a minimum of 6 months.

ApplicationIf you would like to volunteer with us, please contact our facilitator Sarah, for an application at [email protected]

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