Key tasks
* To sensibly encourage service users to participate confidently in the gardening activities offered.
* To maintain areas of the garden and to encourage some of our patients to get involved in gardening activities appropriate to their needs and ability.
* To carry out a range of general gardening duties including, but not limited to:
* Weeding, dead heading, hoeing, planting, pruning, grass cutting and watering
* Clearing pathways and keeping the garden area tidy
* Basic plant and soil knowledge
* Basic plant identification
* An interest in supporting older people with mental health needs
* Be able to work with minimum supervision
* Emotionally mature
* Reliable and trustworthy
* General garden maintenance experience
* An interest and knowledge in domestic gardening
* Experience of working with gardening hand tools
* You will need good interpersonal and communication skills and a genuine interest in people as you will interact with patients.
* Having a positive outlook and being non-judgemental is essential as you will be working with people who are unwell.
* Confidentiality is of utmost importance and we ask volunteers to be part of the team and be discreet and reliable.
* It is important for volunteers to know their boundaries and seek further information and support from ward staff if required.
Belvedere is an acute assessment & treatment ward for older people with mental health needs.
Main Purpose
We are looking for someone with experience in working within a public or private garden, or within the horticultural industry. If you have a keen interest and knowledge in domestic gardening, that's a bonus. Additionally, knowledge of working with gardening hand tools is essential. This volunteer role would be particularly suitable for someone with a solid background in horticulture. This is a regular commitment as we want to build up a group of volunteers who will come to love and care for the garden over the longer term.
You are more than welcome to visit by prior arrangement before you submit an application. All tools and safety equipment will be provided. Whilst you are welcome to bring your own, the Trust accepts no responsibility for loss or damage.
About Devon Partnership Trust
We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. The Trust recognises the important role volunteers play in complementing the work of our staff and we welcome the varied and unique contributions volunteers make to patients, carers, the public, and staff at the Trust. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery. We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do.
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