Blackburn with Darwen - Neighbourhoods and Learning

Community Volunteer Gardener

Volunteer Gardeners can be a vital ‘helping hand’ for many people who are struggling to maintain their garden for a whole variety of reasons, sometimes health-related.  Volunteer support may be short-term (e.g. if someone is recovering from an illness or operation) or an on-going need.  Our volunteers make a real difference to someone’s life – even if just a smile and a chat!

The time commitment of our Volunteer Gardeners is flexible, depending on what suits our volunteers and the people we help and the weather!

Volunteers are reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses – our mileage allowance is in line with HMRC recommended amounts.

We are aiming to have a number of Volunteer Gardeners spread throughout Blackburn with Darwen.

This role requires an enhanced DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service – formerly criminal records bureau check) and 2 satisfactory character references.

TASKS:

• On receipt of activity from the Volunteer Co-ordinator, the volunteer will contact client to introduce them self and make all necessary arrangements to visit (to find out more about gardening activity and to agree frequency / timing of support).
• The volunteer is required to report the outcome of the activity to the Volunteer Co-ordinator (in line with local Service Policy). 
• It is important for volunteers to advise the Volunteer Co-ordinator if they feel a client is not eligible for the Service.
• Volunteers can claim out-of-pocket expenses in line with Service Volunteer Expenses Policy
• Volunteers must Log volunteering hours (in line with local Service Policy - on-line system available).

• Volunteers must notify the Volunteer Co-ordinator of any times when they are unavailable to attend their usual commitment, e.g. holiday, personal commitment.  

  REQUIRED QUALITIES:

   

• Be interested in gardening and being outdoors; physical fitness.
• Have good listening and communication skills.
• Be caring, empathic, sensitive, patience and tactful.
• Reliable, honest and punctual.
• Non-judgemental.
• Understanding of confidentiality.
• Be able to work alone and as part of a volunteer team attending meetings when required.
• Have a willingness to learn.
• Flexibility.
• Be able to positively promote the role & service.

• Knowledge of the local community would be an advantage.

  TRAINING:

• Induction training
• Ongoing supervision with Volunteer Co-ordinator key contact (frequency to be agreed, depending on type and hours of volunteer activity / volunteer experience, skills and background.
• Ongoing training based on needs identified through supervision; peer volunteer meetings.