At a Glance
- Tasks: Help maintain a vibrant garden for children and families at Brian Jackson House.
- Company: Fresh Futures, a charity supporting vulnerable children and young people since 1974.
- Benefits: Gain gardening experience, receive training, and enjoy social events with fellow volunteers.
- Other info: Flexible commitment of four hours a month, with travel expenses reimbursed.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact in your community while enjoying the outdoors.
- Qualifications: Basic gardening knowledge and ability to work independently.
Established in 1974, Fresh Futures is a regional charity that supports vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people, and their families, within Kirklees and surrounding areas.
Service Gardening Volunteer
Key Contact: Maintenance Team
Commitment: A minimum of four hours per month *subject to weather conditions*
Training: Induction training and online safeguarding course
DBS: Not required
References: 2x character references are required
Location: Brian Jackson House
Role Purpose: To maintain the garden space at Brian Jackson House so it is safe and suitable for use by service users of family time and stay and play.
Tasks:
- Biweekly attendance to maintain the garden *subject to weather conditions*
- Maintenance of the garden to include weeding, watering, pruning, topping up bird feeders, clearing away debris.
- Keep tool shed organised and tools in good condition following use.
- Liaise with maintenance team with regular check ins.
Welcomed Experience and Qualities: Gardening volunteers should have a basic knowledge of gardening and plants. They should be competent to work independently and with gardening tools unsupervised. Volunteers should be able to commit to attending once a fortnight to carry out their duties.
Support for Volunteers:
- Basic training and introduction are provided.
- Regular support from our team via phone calls and emails.
- Travel expenses are reimbursed.
- Invites to social events throughout the year.
Volunteer Expectations: As a Volunteer Friend, we expect you:
- To carry out your volunteering responsibilities to the best of your ability, letting us know if you need any help.
- To commit to volunteering as a Gardening Volunteer for a minimum of 6 months or longer.
- To work with good due diligence when handling gardening tools.
- To commit to attending once a fortnight, for at least an hour *subject to weather conditions*
- To be reliable and punctual; if unable to attend, contact us with as much notice as possible.
- To respect confidentiality and maintain impartiality.
- To treat people with respect, being fair, honest, and considerate.
- To respect our policies and procedures as shared with you at Induction and in the Volunteer Handbook.
- To reply to our communications with good time or let us know if you will be unable to answer calls/emails for a significant period.
- To accept responsibility for your actions.
- Not to smoke, drink alcohol or use illegal drugs while volunteering or prior to volunteering.
- Observe all health and safety measures put in place for your safety and the safety of others.
In return you can expect us:
- To provide you with a supportive and rewarding volunteering experience.
- To provide the tools and PPE needed to carry out your role.
- To deliver volunteer induction and training to enable you to carry out your role.
- To let you know if we are making any changes and involve you as much as possible in decisions which affect you.
- To support you as much as possible in your volunteering goals.
- To recognise and thank you for your valuable contribution to the organisation.
If you are interested in this role, please complete the application form plus any additional role specific forms found at the top of this page, and return it to aimee.webb@freshfutures.org.uk before the closing date.
Volunteer Gardener in Huddersfield employer: Fresh Futures group
Fresh Futures is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and rewarding volunteering experience for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable children and families in Kirklees. With opportunities for personal growth through training and regular support from our dedicated team, volunteers can enjoy a sense of community while contributing to the maintenance of a safe and welcoming garden space at Brian Jackson House. Join us in making a difference while enjoying social events and having your travel expenses reimbursed.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Gardener in Huddersfield
✨Dive into Local Gardening Guilds
Local gardening clubs and horticultural societies are goldmines for volunteer opportunities. Get involved with these communities—they often look for hands-on help with their projects and events. Plus, it’s a great way to meet like-minded folks who can share advice and even help you land that next gig!
✨Join Environmental and Conservation Events
Networking at environmental fairs or conservation events can be super beneficial. These gatherings not only highlight the importance of horticulture but also bring together potential volunteers and organisations looking for extra hands. You'll get the chance to make connections that could lead to future volunteering opportunities.
✨Put Yourself Out There Online
Social media can be a fantastic tool for finding volunteer roles in horticulture. Use platforms like Instagram or Facebook to follow local farms or community gardens, and keep an eye on their posts for open volunteer slots. Engage with their content and don’t hesitate to reach out directly!
✨Check Out Local Farms and Botanical Gardens
Don't shy away from just knocking on the door of a local farm or botanical garden. Many places are always looking for volunteers, especially during planting or harvesting seasons. Drop by, chat with the staff, and express your enthusiasm—this can often lead to opportunities that aren't even advertised!
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Gardener in Huddersfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Green Thumb:In the horticulture world, it’s all about your passion for plants! Highlight any relevant experience you have with gardening, landscaping, or even plant care in your CV. If you’ve grown your own veggies or flowers, mention that too – it shows initiative and love for the craft!
Demonstrate Your Team Spirit:Volunteering in horticulture often involves working closely with teams. In your cover letter, share examples of times you’ve collaborated effectively with others in community gardening projects or any volunteer work, emphasising how you can contribute to a positive team dynamic.
Tailor Your Application to Fresh Futures group:Each place has its own vibe. Do a bit of research on Fresh Futures group and mention specific aspects of their work that excite you in your cover letter. This shows that you care and are genuinely interested in their mission!
Documents and Certification Matter:If you have any certifications related to horticulture, such as first aid training or specific gardening techniques, mention these in your CV. Even if you don’t have formal qualifications, informal courses or workshops can be a plus – it shows your willingness to learn and grow!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fresh Futures group
✨Show Your Green Thumb
Since you're diving into horticulture, it's important to demonstrate your hands-on experience. Bring along any pictures or a portfolio showcasing your own gardening projects, community work, or even just those beautiful plants you’ve taken care of. That passion for plants could really make you stand out at Fresh Futures group!
✨Brush Up on Botany Basics
Be prepared for some basic lingo in botany or plant care during the interview. Expect questions about plant types, growth conditions, or pest control methods. Showing that you’ve got the foundational knowledge could help us see your potential and genuine interest in the horticulture field!
✨Emphasise Your Volunteer Spirit
As this is a volunteer role, make sure to highlight any previous volunteer experience or community work you've done. Show your enthusiasm for contributing to Fresh Futures group's mission and how you're excited to learn and grow with them. Your willingness to help out and work alongside others is a big plus!
✨Ask About Current Projects
A great way to show your interest in the organisation is to ask about their ongoing or upcoming projects. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but can also give you an insight into how you might fit into their goals. Plus, it will help us see how you can actively contribute to the team at Fresh Futures group.
