We are looking for volunteers to help us to maintain our award winning grounds and to help create an outstanding, therapeutic environment for the benefit of our patients, visitors, staff and volunteers. Five acres are lovingly cared for by a hugely dedicated team of volunteers which you could become a part of. Plentiful borders surround the lawns with lots of areas for patients and visitors to relax along the accessible pathways. As the first part of the Hospice that all visitors coming to us see, it is vitally important that our grounds are maintained to a high standard to give that welcoming and calming first impression.
• Gardening tasks include planting, pruning, weeding, watering, mulching, cutting back, potting and composting. Further training required to use cutting machines, blowers, strimmer’s.
• As well as lighter gardening duties, there may be a need for some heavier duties such as digging, lifting and carrying.
• To provide an environment in which respect and consideration are shown to all.
• Comply with Health and Safety requirements: ensure tools are safe and used appropriately, be aware of fire precautions, ensure tools cleaned and areas left safe and secure at end of day
• Help to keep the Greenhouse, Summerhouses and garden furniture presentable and safe by cleaning and painting as required.
This role will suit people who are…
• Reliable and flexible
• Tactful and diplomatic
• Good communicators
• Friendly with a good sense of humour
• Able to work alone with minimal supervision and as part of a team
• In good physical health
• Able to maintain confidentiality
It is also essential that you can demonstrate our values of Compassion, Respect, Integrity, Professionalism, Choice and Reputation. They define who we are and what we do as a high quality care provider and high quality place to volunteer.
Ideally you should have:
• An interest in gardening
• Knowledge of basic gardening including planting (desirable but not essential)
• An awareness of health & safety issues in the outdoors and in the use of gardening equipment
Mornings Mon - Fri at St Cuthbert's Hospice, Park House Road, Durham, DH1 3QF.
We value our volunteers and want your experience to be both positive and fulfilling. We offer a comprehensive induction programme and any appropriate instruction, guidance or training to assist you in your volunteer role. We ask that any essential training is completed either prior to you starting with us or within three months of starting. You will have an opportunity to learn new skills, build social networks, share experiences and skills and be recognised for the contribution you make.
Any agreed out of pocket expenses that are incurred when carrying out your volunteer role will be reimbursed.
What you could gain:
• The opportunity to use your skills to complement our work
• The chance to meet new people and make new friends
• The chance to be part of an enthusiastic team at the heart of our local community
• The opportunity to gain gardening experience with a dedicated team of volunteers
This opportunity will give you the knowledge that you are helping to make every day count for people affected by life-limiting illness.
Recognition of Quality Volunteer Experience
