Overview
About Franklyn Hospital
Belvedere is an acute assessment & treatment ward for older people with mental health needs.
Main Purpose
We are looking for a volunteer with experience in working within a public or private garden, or within the horticultural industry. A keen interest and knowledge in domestic gardening is a bonus. 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 welcome to visit by prior arrangement before you submit an application. All tools and safety equipment will be provided. The Trust accepts no responsibility for loss or damage if you bring your own.
Additional information
You must be 18 or over. Days/times are negotiable. To complete all relevant checks before commencing the role including references and DBS. All volunteers are required to complete the Trusts Induction, mandatory and statutory training and relevant refreshers thereafter, along with any other relevant training that is required for the role. An opportunity to participate in CPD & Career development activities where appropriate. To adhere to the data protection and confidentiality agreement. Reimbursement of travel expenses (subject to our policy).
Key duties / Responsibilities
* To sensitize and encourage service users to participate confidently in the gardening activities offered.
* To maintain areas of the garden and encourage 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.
* Be willing to support older people with mental health needs.
* Work with minimum supervision; demonstrate reliability, maturity and discretion.
* General garden maintenance experience and an interest/knowledge in domestic gardening.
* Experience of working with gardening hand tools.
* Good interpersonal and communication skills; a genuine interest in people and interaction with patients.
* Maintain a positive, non-judgemental attitude and respect confidentiality.
* Know boundaries and seek information/support from ward staff when required.
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 welcomes varied and unique contributions from volunteers. We are passionate about promoting good mental health and wellbeing and aim to deliver high quality services that are safe and focused on people’s recovery. We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do.
Our values
We recruit individuals who demonstrate behaviours that underpin our core values: commitment to quality of care, improving lives, respect, dignity & compassion. We strive to be an inclusive employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010.
Details
Date posted: 12 September 2025
Pay scheme: Other
Salary: Depending on experience
Contract: Voluntary
Duration: 1 day
Working pattern: Flexible working
Reference number: C9369-25-0580-2
Job locations
Franklyn Hospital, Franklyn Drive, Exeter, Devon, EX2 9HS
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