Gardening volunteer - Beccles Hospital

Gardening volunteers provide support for the upkeep and maintenance of the Minsmere Garden at Beccles Community Hospital. Volunteers’ responsibilities will vary by season but could include watering, light pruning, weeding, deadheading and clearing fallen leaves. Volunteers may also engage with patients and families using the garden whilst they are working in the space

Shifts are available 7 days a week (subject to availability). Regular but short sessions may be most beneficial for tasks such as keeping the garden watered during dry spells. Suggested time commitment would be once a week for approximately 1-2hrs

Key Responsibilities

•     Watering

•     Weeding

•     Light pruning

•     Deadheading flowers

•     Monitoring and protecting bee habitats

•     Clearing fallen leaves and composting organic matter

•     Protecting plants from frost with mulch or coverings

•     Engaging with patients who are sat in the garden area

What skills or experience do I need?

• A friendly and approachable manner.
• Willingness to treat all patients, staff etc with politeness, dignity and respect and offer a non-judgemental attitude.
• The ability to follow instructions and guidance from staff and complete tasks.
• To inspire trust and confidence by being reliable and punctual.
• Commitment to undertaking training required for the role
• No professional gardening experience is required for this role, but an interest in and basic understanding of gardening would be needed

The Minsmere Garden is home to a protected colony of bees. Therefore individuals with a known bee allergy cannot be accepted as volunteers for this particular role

Safer Recruitment

All Voluntary Norfolk volunteers are required to have a conversation with a member of staff, an ID check and provide two references from non-family members before they start to volunteer.

You will need to complete a Standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check for this role. You are not required to pay for this service.

Training

All Voluntary Norfolk volunteers must complete some training before they can start to volunteer. This will involve an in-person induction session. The training takes around 4 hours and will be held at Hamilton House, Battery Green Rd, Lowestoft NR32 1DE.

Expenses information

You can claim travel expenses or car parking costs associated with the volunteering role. The current mileage rate for motor vehicle journeys is 45p per mile and you can claim up to 20 miles per volunteering session