At a Glance
- Tasks: Support weekly allotment groups and engage in creative activities with participants.
- Company: Waythrough, a leading provider of mental health and substance use support.
- Benefits: Training, personal development, travel reimbursement, and discounts from various schemes.
- Other info: Join a diverse team and enjoy opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Passion for helping others and willingness to learn about gardening.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 31200 £ per year.
Location: Woodcock Court, Gillingham
Timings: 8 Hours per week.
About Waythrough
Waythrough provides specialist support across mental health, alcohol, drugs and related areas. We deliver high-quality, evidence-based services designed around the real needs of the people we serve. Every year, we support around 125,000 people through over 250 services - and it's all made possible by our 3,500 brilliant staff and volunteers.
Make a real difference in your community
Are you passionate about helping others live safer, healthier, more independent lives? Join our team at Waythrough and support people facing challenges around mental health, substance use, housing or domestic abuse. This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to build meaningful relationships and create lasting change.
Reach Drug and Alcohol Service is the commissioned community drug and alcohol provision for Dorset. It provides a range of support, interventions and treatments for adults and young people wanting to make positive changes to their drug and/or alcohol use, as well as supporting family members and running campaigns and events that raise awareness of addiction and celebrate recovery in the community. Reach is delivered in partnership between Waythrough, Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership and Essential Drug and Alcohol Services. This role is based with the adults service.
The role:
Activity Support Volunteers will support with the running of a weekly allotment group and different projects within the North Dorset team. This is an active volunteer role that will include a range of gardening related tasks but may also include creative activities and group co-facilitation across the North Team within REACH. You will be a friendly, welcoming face to people who join the activities.
Tasks may include:
- Help with setting up and packing away before and after each session
- Providing support and guidance on all things allotment and gardening related; including what to plant when and how to look after the growing plants
- Suggesting how to cook the produce and sharing potential recipes
- Producing charts or information leaflets as required to educate and guide people we support about organic growing from soil to plate.
- (co)Facilitate the sessions, ensuring activities are safe and risk assessed as appropriate
- Report any concerns, including safeguarding related, that may arise in the group
- Support people attending the group to develop their own skills and interests
- Promote the activities on offer with the people we support, through posters, presentations and conversations
What We Offer
- Discounts from various schemes
- Training and personal development
- A chance to make a real difference in people’s lives
- Free induction and role-specific training
- Support from experienced staff and regular supervision
- Opportunities to meet new people and develop your confidence
- Reimbursement for travel and agreed expenses
- Valuable experience that can support your personal or career development
Inclusion and accessibility
Waythrough is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, especially those with lived experience of the issues we support. We have signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme - all applicants are welcome, and adjustments can be made to enable fair participation.
Activities Volunteer in Gillingham employer: Recovery Focus
Recovery Focus is an excellent employer that prioritises the well-being of its staff and the communities they serve. With a supportive work culture, employees enjoy generous benefits such as 27 days of annual leave, pension contributions, and access to a 24/7 online GP, all while making a meaningful impact in the lives of families in Enfield. The company also fosters professional growth, providing opportunities for training and development in the health and social care sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Activities Volunteer in Gillingham
✨Connect with Local Charities
Get in touch with local charities and community centres — they're often looking for volunteers in social work. This not only gets your foot in the door but also helps you build that all-important network in the social work community.
✨Show Up at Community Events
Attend community events, workshops, or local forums focused on social issues. It's a great way to meet people who are already working in social work and can offer insights, advice, or even opportunities at organisations like Recovery Focus.
✨Leverage Online Platforms
Check out platforms like VolunteerMatch or local Facebook groups dedicated to volunteering. Many organisations post their volunteer needs there, and it’s a prime way to connect with those who share your passion for social work.
✨Speak Directly to Organisations
Don’t shy away from approaching organisations you admire, like Recovery Focus. Pop in for a chat or drop them an email expressing your interest in volunteering — sometimes, it’s the direct approach that stands out!
We think you need these skills to ace Activities Volunteer in Gillingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:When writing your application, share your enthusiasm for social work. Talk about why you want to volunteer in this field and any personal experiences that have motivated you. It's all about demonstrating your genuine commitment to helping others, as we all know that passion can make a huge difference.
Highlight Relevant Skills and Experiences:Make sure to showcase any relevant skills or experiences you have, like working with vulnerable populations or strong communication abilities. Mention your ability to handle challenging situations and your empathy—these are key traits in social work, and they should shine through in your application.
Explain Your Availability:Since this is a volunteer role, be transparent about when you can commit. Whether you’re available for a few hours a week or more flexible, let them know your schedule. This helps Recovery Focus understand how you might fit into their needs and ensures you’re on the same page from the get-go.
Reflection on Learning Opportunities:In your application, reflect on what you’re hoping to learn from this volunteer experience. Discuss your desire to gain hands-on insight into social work, develop your skills, or understand the community better. This is a great way to show that you’re not just looking to give, but you’re also eager to grow, and that’s something we value at StudySmarter.
How to prepare for a job interview at Recovery Focus
✨Showcase Your Compassion
For a social work volunteer role, it's all about demonstrating your empathy and understanding. Be ready to share personal stories or experiences where you’ve helped others or made a positive impact. This can show Recovery Focus how you relate to different communities.
✨Know the Key Issues
Familiarise yourself with the current social issues relevant to the community Recovery Focus serves. Whether it’s homelessness, mental health, or child welfare, understanding these challenges will not only impress during the interview but can also help you articulate how you can contribute to solutions.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario Questions
Social work often involves handling real-life situations. Expect questions that present you with hypothetical scenarios, asking how you would respond. Practising your answers to these can help us articulate our thought processes and decision-making skills effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Willingness to Learn
As a volunteer, showcasing your eagerness to gain experience is crucial. Mention instances where you've actively sought out learning opportunities, whether through previous roles, workshops or courses related to social work. This highlights your commitment and readiness to grow with Recovery Focus.
