Volunteering within DWMA will ideally increase opportunities for social inclusion in local communities, aid Mental Wellbeing stability and improve employability.
The purpose of the role is to work and maintain a sizeable allotment of 3 plots, both growing produce for your own benefit and that of our Home Group Customers. Working collaboratively with other Agencies that support our Customers, and with attendees and Volunteers from many different backgrounds and levels of experience, the role is designed to facilitate persons with low level mental health needs to enjoy the environment, learn about gardening and growing your own produce, encouraging and protecting local wildlife and sharing outdoor activities with a happy and motivated team.
You'll be supporting a mixed group of individuals, from those with no mental health issues or learning disabilities to those with low level mental health needs or learning disabilities requiring a little more support.
You will take part in all the allotment activities which will include physical work, planting, sowing, harvesting, building and maintaining sheds and poly tunnels, creating ponds and wildlife habitats, flower beds etc. You'll be using all the tools required and supporting others to use gardening tools safely and fully participate in the gardening activities. If you love gardening , wildlife and helping others, being outdoors - although there is a covered are and shed present already for bad weather - then this is the role for you. You may be working with one person or several on any given day and most often at least one member of Staff will be on hand. We also have Volunteer led days which you can be more involved in, bringing forward your own suggestions and ideas and arranging activities, although as one of our Volunteers these are welcome at any time.
You will need to be patient and understanding, friendly and capable of dealing with any issues which may arise.
You should have a basic working knowledge of gardening equipment but training will be provided, there's no need to be an expert gardener, just a willingness to muck in and share the activities with the Group. Preferably outgoing and able to communicate well with persons of all ages and ability. You must be over 18 and if you have a driving licence then that would be a bonus.
We have a large allotment at Ferryhill, open on Tuesdays 10.30-12.30pm, Wednesdays 1.30-4.00pm and Fridays 12-4.30 (Volunteer led session).
We also have an allotment at Horden, open on Mondays 11.30-3.00pm, Wednesdays 9.30-12.30pm.
We have an allotment at Consett - Coming soon.
These hours can change on occasion, and with additional Volunteers we may be able to extend the available hours.
You will receive a full induction and introduction to the site. Training in use of tools and any other training which may be required to operate safely on site will be available e.g. basic manual handling, health & safety, COSHH, First Aid, dependent on the role and responsibility level you decide to take up.
All Volunteers are offered to complete our Home Achievement Programme (HAP) training to support your Volunteering in 3 straightforward bite size training modules. You'll have a designated HAP Lead who can advise or support you as required, there is no time limit for the HAP modules but we do prefer that the training is done as soon as possible as part of your Volunteer support package.
Any out of pocket expenses are payable and how these are reimbursed and for what purpose will be discussed on application.
- Free training.
- Add to your work experience, CV and increase your skillset
- Support for your own physical and mental wellbeing if required.
- Staff support
- Out of pocket expenses.
- Learn new skills
- Meet like minded people
- Being outdoors in a healthy, friendly environment
- Opportunities to access Home Group Apprenticeship scheme.
Volunteer your time as and when you are able. There is no end date and you can do as much or as little as you wish!
We would ask that, if you have advised us you will be attending to Volunteer on any given day, that you do let us know in advance if you are unable to attend.
You will need to complete a separate referral form on application.
