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- Tasks: Help maintain beautiful gardens for patients and families to enjoy and reflect.
- Company: Cornwall Hospice, a caring charity supporting those with terminal illnesses.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, training, and support while making a difference.
- Other info: Flexible hours, training provided, and a chance to connect with the community.
- Why this job: Be part of a compassionate team and enhance the well-being of others through gardening.
- Qualifications: Enthusiasm for gardening and a friendly, sensitive approach to others.
Cornwall Hospice is a 24/7 Cornish healthcare charity that provides specialist support for people with terminal illnesses. Our clinical teams support in and out patients and their families at Mount Edgcumbe Hospice in St Austell, St Julia’s Hospice in Hayle and in Cornwall’s hospitals, care homes and in the community. Most patients come into our units because they are having a difficult time with particular symptoms or because of the overall impact of their illness. Volunteers are integral to the care offered at the hospice. They bring a breadth of experience, skill and ability to all areas of hospice care.
As a Hospice Gardening Volunteer you’ll be part of a team that strives to maintain our hospice gardens to an excellent standard. The garden is enjoyed and used by our patients and their families for recreation and contemplation purposes, to help spiritual and mental well-being, and as a place to sit and reflect whatever the season.
Gardening maintenance tasks may vary on a weekly or seasonal basis and could include:
- Soil cultivation, digging, forking and mulching.
- Watering, raking, weeding, de‑heading, edging and pruning.
- Bed preparation, planting and pots maintenance.
- Keeping the tool shed clean and tidy and ensuring all gardening equipment is kept secure.
- Keeping the gardens and footpaths clear and free from litter.
- Leaving the garden tidy after working in it by gathering up any cuttings or pruning material and taking to the designated area.
Flexible between the hours of 8.00am and 4.00pm Monday to Friday. Whether you can offer 2 or 3 hours preferably weekly or fortnightly, liaising with the Head of Maintenance about the tasks required. As a Hospice Gardening Volunteer you will be asked to attend any meetings or training where appropriate.
Volunteer skills and qualities
- Enthusiastic and enjoy gardening.
- Knowledgeable about basic gardening skills e.g. pruning, weeding, planting etc.
- Knowledgeable about the use of gardening tools and techniques.
- Sensitive to the needs of those affected by life‑limiting illnesses.
- Courteous, friendly and approachable.
- Able to work effectively in a team or alone.
- Good understanding of confidentiality.
- Sense of humour.
- Commitment to the ethos of Cornwall Hospice.
Induction and Training
All new Hospice Gardening Volunteers are asked to attend an induction session which covers topics including the code of conduct, health and safety, confidentiality, fire evacuation procedures, infection prevention and control measures as well as other relevant Hospice information. Volunteers will be asked to complete some mandatory training to keep up to date with organisational and legal regulation changes. We hope each volunteer maintains regular contact with the Volunteer Services team, and takes responsibility for communication regarding their role and responsibilities.
What you can expect from Cornwall Hospice
- To be valued and respected.
- To receive appropriate induction and training.
- To have adequate support and supervision.
- To have a safe working environment.
- To be reimbursed for reasonable out of pocket expenses.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and references
As you’ll be volunteering at our hospices, this position is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check at Standard Level.
Hospice gardening volunteer employer: CORNWALL HOSPICE CARE
Contact Detail:
CORNWALL HOSPICE CARE Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Hospice gardening volunteer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Cornwall Hospice vibe! Spend some time visiting the gardens or chatting with current volunteers. This will help you understand the atmosphere and show your genuine interest when you apply.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your gardening skills! When you get the chance, share your past gardening experiences or any projects you've worked on. It’s all about demonstrating your enthusiasm and knowledge in a way that connects with the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Reach out to the Volunteer Services team with any questions or to express your eagerness to join. This shows initiative and helps you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it’s super easy and straightforward, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Hospice gardening volunteer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Gardening: Let us know why you love gardening! Share your experiences and what gardening means to you. This will help us see your enthusiasm and commitment to making our hospice gardens a beautiful space for patients and their families.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Make sure to mention any gardening skills you have, like pruning or planting. If you've used gardening tools before, give us the details! We want to know how your skills can contribute to our team.
Be Personable and Approachable: Since you'll be working in a sensitive environment, it's important to convey your friendly nature. Use a warm tone in your application to show that you're someone who can connect with patients and their families.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important information about the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at CORNWALL HOSPICE CARE
✨Know Your Gardening Basics
Brush up on your gardening skills before the interview. Be ready to discuss your experience with tasks like pruning, weeding, and planting. Showing that you have a solid understanding of these basics will demonstrate your enthusiasm and suitability for the role.
✨Understand the Hospice Environment
Familiarise yourself with the ethos of Cornwall Hospice and the importance of creating a peaceful environment for patients and their families. Being able to articulate why this role matters and how gardening contributes to mental well-being will impress the interviewers.
✨Show Your Sensitivity
Since you'll be working in a sensitive environment, it's crucial to convey your understanding of the needs of those affected by life-limiting illnesses. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your empathy and ability to connect with people in challenging situations.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the types of gardening tasks you might be involved in or how the team collaborates. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand what to expect as a volunteer.