We aim to offer ways for local people with drug and alcohol problems to become free from their dependence. We also want to reduce the problems that substance misuse causes to families, friendships, workplaces and communities in County Durham.
If you enjoy helping others to appreciate outside space, love making outdoor spaces beautiful, and find yourself happiest when you are in a garden then this might be the volunteer role for you.
We are looking for a Gardening Volunteer to lead on the outdoor space at Bishop Auckland for the enjoyment of clients and colleagues.
The role will be carried out at Bishop Auckland on a Friday.
If you are physically fit and appreciate being outside, watching things grow and getting your hands dirty, this might be the role for you.
If you enjoy helping people to flourish and find enjoyment in gardening, this role is about building our community garden to be a beautiful haven full of plants and shrubs, offering attractive places for birds, insects and butterflies to rest.
You will be working alongside our clients and friendly team, growing vegetables, flowers from seed or young plants, harvesting fruit from our apple and pear trees, and mowing the grass. You will also be digging over soil to plant potatoes and other root vegetables.
Getting involved in planning and designing various, gardening activities will be an exciting part of the role. We are planning a sensory garden linked in with a memory garden, with benches for people to sit and take time to enjoy the space. Scented plants with textures and harmonious colours will provide relaxing places for the team and clients to feel calm and increase their sense of well-being.
Tidying up, litter picking and sweeping leaves will be part of the activities as the seasons roll by.
All equipment will be provided.
As well as the practical elements of this role, volunteers will also have the opportunity to
• Act as role models for recovery
• Promote the benefits of treatment and recovery to new and potential service users
• Engage clients into the recovery hubs and the Recovery Academies (RAD)
• Inform clients of the recovery community
• Establish therapeutic relationships with clients
• Share own skills/experience/knowledge
Experience in gardening
Professionalism
Honest and committed
Good time keeping
Able to work as part of a team, on own initiative and to instruction
Calm natured
Excellent verbal communication skills
Non judgemental
Understanding and knowledge of harms of substance use
Aware of confidentiality and professional boundaries
An understanding of Humankind – information is available on our website and you can call a specific project to make enquires
A genuine interest in being part of the mission and vision of Humankind
Ability to maintain professional boundaries, adhere to Humankind policies, engage in supervision and complete relevant training
Able to volunteer in line with policies and guidance
Our workplace values are:
• Honest: we are open and realistic, building trusted relationships, in which we challenge, collaborate and change.
• Committed: we are passionate about being the best that we can be, and we do this by keeping people at the heart of everything that we do.
• Inventive: we are ambitious, drawing together skills and resources to innovate and adapt in determined pursuit of our mission.
Saddler House, Bishop Auckland, DL14 7BH
Fridays
This opportunity has a DBS requirement - Volunteer Basic.
Humankind is an equal opportunities employer
If you feel that you would fit with our values & ethos, are passionate about supporting people, but maybe don’t feel you have the experience required, talk to us about your transferrable skills. For the right people, we can provide development to help you to realise your potential.
We welcome applications regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, disability, or age. All applications will be considered solely on merit. If you require support with your application or would like to request a paper application, û on 01325 731 160, alternatively you can email us at people.recruitment@humankindcharity.org.uk
