Volunteer Gardener

Job Advert The power of an outside space to lift the spirit is not something to be underestimated. If you have a garden yourself you will know the joy that comes from spending a little time enjoying it. Breathing in the sweet scents of summer. Enjoying nature's rich tapestry of colour. Warming your body and soul in the sunshine. Does any of this sound familiar? Could you spare some time to allow people with a learning disability to access this? Then this might just be the perfect opportunity for you. Our service in Waterlooville is looking for a volunteer (or two) to help out in the garden. Could you spruce it up a little? Make it a more suitable place for the people we support to spend time? This could include:

• Mowing the lawn
• Weeding the flowerbeds
• Planting a few plants
• Trimming the bushes
• Adjusting the flowerpots

...or whatever else you think might suit the space. We are happy for you to spread your creative gardening wings! You may like to refer to the pictures in the role description for an idea of what the space is like. Some of the benefits of enjoying the outdoors are:

• Improve your mood
• Reduce stress
• Keep active
• Maintain independence
• Improve mental health

Sound good? In this role you will not only help those with a learning disability to reap these benefits, but also experience them yourself! How often you could commit is completely up to you. Love the idea of getting stuck in every week? Great! Maybe you can only spare a little time to run the lawnmower around the garden every month or two? Also great! This is a role that could suit almost any commitment level.
This role would easily suit more than one volunteer, so could be a great opportunity to volunteer with a friend. Please click on the Role Profile tab at the bottom of this page for more information about the role. You can apply by either:

• Applying online by clicking "Apply". You will need to register before filling out the online application.

or

• Downloading an application form by clicking on "Additional Information". Complete the short form and email it to dominic.mellor@mencap.org.uk

Need any help? Have any questions? Please do not hesitate to get in touch with Dominic Mellor at dominic.mellor@mencap.org.uk and he will be happy to chat with you about the role. All enquiries welcome! Benefits

• Know that you are having a positive impact in the lives of people with a learning disability.
• Enjoy an active outdoors volunteer role
• Induction to the service and volunteer role
• A settling in period to make sure this is the right role for you
• To feel fully supported in your role
• Agreed out-of-pocket expenses reimbursed (e.g. travel and activity costs)
• The opportunity to meet new people and be part of a diverse team
• The opportunity to learn new skills
• To feel appreciated and valued for my contribution

About Mencap

1.5 million people in the UK have a learning disability.

We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, while having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.