Allotment Volunteer

Volunteer Role Description

Allotment Volunteer

About Cup-O-T:

Cup-O-T: Wellness and Therapy Services provides accessible, creative, evidence based mental health support and training to empower communities, young people and families.

Cup-O-T offers outdoor-based occupational therapy programmes as well as family and community sessions. The programmes empower young people aged 7-25 and families, who face complex and difficult challenges in their lives. We focus on the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of our young people working with them to make lasting changes to their lives and helping them play a positive role in their communities. Our sessions are for young people at risk of exclusion, becoming NEET and those with trauma, SEND and SEMH difficulties. 

Our therapy groups are designed and led by qualified Occupational Therapists who also have training and experience working in outdoor and woodland environments. You will be helping to maintain our new allotment area in our woodland where groups take place.

About the role:

Working alongside our staff team and volunteers, you will support the upkeep and development of our woodland allotment space. The allotment is being developed by young people attending our Campfire Community occupational therapy group.

You will help create a safe, welcoming and productive environment where young people can connect with nature, learn new skills and support their mental wellbeing.

This would suit someone with a background in having their own allotment.

Main duties:

• Support general allotment maintenance (weeding, watering, planting and harvesting)
• Help prepare the space ahead of sessions where required
• Assist with seasonal planting plans and basic garden organisation
• Maintain tools and equipment safely and appropriately
• Support composting and environmentally sustainable practices
• To ensure the site and all maintenance related work undertaken is compliant with relevant H&S requirements and legislation
• Adhere to our client confidentiality and safeguarding policies

When and where?

• Hours will vary depending on season
• Woodland on the outskirts of Wymondham
• Approximately 2–4 hours per week
• Some independent working, with regular check-ins from the team

Skills / experience needed: 

• An interest in gardening, food growing or outdoor work
• Ability to work independently and use initiative
• Reliability and consistency
• Basic understanding of health and safety in outdoor spaces
• Ability to carry out the physical tasks required
• Ability to use power tools safely 
• Good communication skills
• Experience of working with young people (desirable but not essential)

Safeguarding:

• To adhere to the Safeguarding Policy and Procedures.
• To report any safeguarding incidents or concerns immediately to your Designated Safeguarding Officer or Lead Designated Safeguarding Officer.
• To complete any Safeguarding Awareness training as required. 
• This role requires an enhanced DBS check and ongoing membership of the Update Service