At a Glance
- Tasks: Help pot plants, prune, weed, and clear garden rubbish while engaging with residents.
- Company: Abbeyfield & Wesley supports older people through housing and community initiatives.
- Benefits: Gain valuable skills, make new friends, and contribute to local biodiversity.
- Why this job: Make a difference in the lives of older people while enjoying the outdoors and gardening.
- Qualifications: A passion for gardening and a couple of hours a week to spare.
- Other info: Join our 'Breath of Fresh Air' initiative and enjoy social interactions with residents.
Volunteer Now has partnered with Be Collective to bring a dedicated online platform for volunteering to Northern Ireland. The platform supports volunteers through the volunteering process and helps connect more people with a wider range of opportunities. There are lots of great features to Be Collective like messaging, making a profile, and being able to compile all your experiences, training and roles as well as the skills gained within a social CV. You can search and apply for volunteer roles below. If you can’t find anything you like at the moment – register now, then check back soon – new opportunities are added all the time!
Tasks and responsibilities:
- Potting up and refreshing containers, in consultation with residents and staff
- Light pruning, dead heading and weeding
- Lifting and clearing any garden rubbish
- Understanding and empathy with older people
Skills and experience gained:
- Biodiversity Audit
- Communication Skills
- Gardening/Grounds Maintenance
Causes supported:
- Environment
- Older People
Abbeyfield & Wesley is a member of the Abbeyfield movement, a national charity dedicated to providing housing and support for older people. We believe in the importance of making time for older people, and our volunteers play a vital role in doing just that. We’re looking for someone who loves gardening and has a couple of hours a week to spare to help keep our gardens looking lovely for our residents. We also want to use our gardens and outdoor spaces to play our part - being pollinator friendly and contributing to the biodiversity of the local area.
For this role, ideally you would:
- Be a green-fingered person who wants to share their love of gardening with older people
- Be someone reasonably fit and active
As we know the benefits that “green activity” has on well-being and health, we are always keen for our residents to be involved as they are able - even “armchair gardening”. As part of our "Breath of Fresh Air" initiative, our volunteers will therefore also be happy to spend time chatting and sometimes including them in gardening tasks as the occasion arises.
Volunteer Gardener - Lurgan employer: Volunteer Now
Contact Detail:
Volunteer Now Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Gardener - Lurgan
✨Tip Number 1
Show your passion for gardening! When you connect with the organisation, share your personal experiences and stories about gardening. This will help demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with the community! Attend local gardening events or volunteer meet-ups to network with others who share your interests. This can help you learn more about the role and make valuable connections.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with the needs of older people. Understanding their preferences and how gardening can benefit their well-being will show that you are empathetic and ready to contribute positively.
✨Tip Number 4
Be proactive in your approach! If you see any opportunities to enhance the garden or engage residents, mention these ideas when you reach out. This shows initiative and a genuine desire to improve their environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Gardener - Lurgan
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read through the job description carefully to understand the tasks and responsibilities of a Volunteer Gardener. Highlight your passion for gardening and your willingness to engage with older people in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects relevant experience, especially any gardening or volunteering roles you've had in the past. Emphasise skills like communication and empathy, which are crucial for this position.
Craft a Personal Statement: Write a personal statement that showcases your love for gardening and your desire to contribute to the well-being of older people. Share any personal experiences that relate to the role and express why you want to volunteer.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, double-check your application for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application shows attention to detail and professionalism, which can make a positive impression.
How to prepare for a job interview at Volunteer Now
✨Show Your Passion for Gardening
Make sure to express your love for gardening during the interview. Share any personal experiences or projects you've worked on, as this will demonstrate your genuine interest and commitment to the role.
✨Highlight Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be working with older people, it's essential to showcase your communication skills. Be prepared to discuss how you can engage with residents, listen to their needs, and create a friendly atmosphere in the garden.
✨Demonstrate Empathy and Understanding
The role requires understanding and empathy towards older individuals. Think of examples where you've shown patience and care in previous experiences, whether in volunteering or personal life, and be ready to share these stories.
✨Discuss Your Physical Fitness
As the role involves physical tasks like lifting and clearing garden rubbish, it's important to convey your fitness level. Be honest about your capabilities and mention any relevant activities that keep you active and healthy.