Description

Volunteering as a garden buddy within the Ninewells Community Garden can involve a number of activities. In general the role will involve:

• Assisting with the regular (weekly) volunteer sessions, by providing support to the sessional facilitator.
• Supporting and encouraging other volunteers who require extra assistance by working alongside them. This may mean assisting with practical tasks, and/or creating a friendly environment through listening and conversing.
• Assisting in the practical aspects of garden maintenance and development by working independently as required. For example outside of regular facilitated sessions.
• Being a friendly face and welcoming people coming to participate in or visit the garden.
• Working cooperatively with other volunteers, visitors and residents from the neighbouring communities.
• Communicating with the facilitator and/or board of trustees about needs or concerns to ensure a safe, accessible and enjoyable environment.
• Being familiar with and following defined health and safety protocols to enable safe working with tools and equipment to allow for safe gardening practice.
• Assisting with household duties (washing, cleaning etc.) in the Leaf Room to ensure a healthy and safe indoor environment.
• Attending regular garden planning meetings.
• Supporting the greater objectives of the community garden and be an ambassador of the garden.

We offer additional opportunities to share your skills, interests and ideas such as landscaping, planning and design; specific horticultural expertise; wildlife and nature surveys; other supporting skills such as administration, marketing, art & design, events, education etc. Please speak to the garden facilitators about these opportunities.

Organisation aims and objectives

Ninewells Community Garden aims to promote physical activity and good health through community gardening; in an environment where horticulture supports wellbeing, therapy and rehabilitation. The garden is open for visitors every day and we work with a wide range of volunteers and partner organisations to offer sessions throughout the week for gardeners of all abilities.

Availability

Restrictions

Experience required: • An enthusiasm for community gardening would be expected. • A willingness to work and contribute to a wider team of volunteers is essential. • A patient, non-judgemental and friendly approach is a necessity. • A willingness to follow basic gardening directions along with an ability to communicate them to others is required. • A enthusiasm to work in all weather conditions is advantageous.
Travel details: Ninewells Community Garden
Minimum age: 18

Support

Expenses paid: Yes
Expenses details: We do not routinely reimburse travel expenses but may be able to dependent on individual need.
Taster available: Yes
Taster details: Potential volunteers are welcome to attend a facilitated session to see how the garden works and to determine whether the role is right for them.
Training details: • An initial induction will be given to all new volunteers. • Additional training and support is available depending on need. • It is expected that volunteers will identify any support needs required. • We offer regular volunteer meetings to provide an opportunity to give feedback and contribute ideas.
Support: Named Contact For Volunteer,
Wheelchair Access/Disabled Access Toilet