At a Glance
- Tasks: Help residents grow their gardening skills and support their recovery journey.
- Company: Waythrough, a supportive organisation focused on mental health and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Training, personal development, travel reimbursement, and the chance to meet new people.
- Other info: Flexible hours with a maximum of 15 hours per week.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while enjoying the outdoors.
- Qualifications: Hands-on gardening knowledge and a caring attitude towards others.
Location: Pendle, Bowling Green Lane, Buntingford
Maximum 15 hours per week
About the Role
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. Pendle is a short‑term mental health recovery house for Hertfordshire residents experiencing a crisis. As a Gardening Volunteer, you will help develop and run gardening activity sessions that support residents in their recovery journey by encouraging participation in outdoor, hands‑on activities that promote wellbeing, routine, and social interaction.
Responsibilities
- Teach basic gardening skills in an inclusive and accessible way.
- Support residents with hands‑on activities such as planting, weeding, composting and harvesting.
- Help plan and deliver seasonal gardening sessions (e.g. spring planting, autumn tidy‑up).
- Maintain the garden space to ensure it remains safe, welcoming and vibrant – including watering, pruning and general tidying.
- Assist with the development of themed areas such as herb gardens, raised beds, and flower or vegetable plots.
- Accompany residents to visits to garden centres or community green spaces.
- Encourage teamwork, creativity and shared ownership of the garden.
Skills & Qualities
- Hands‑on gardening knowledge and enthusiasm for helping others grow their skills.
- Good communication skills.
- Attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and report on progress.
- A caring, understanding and non‑judgmental approach towards people with lived experience of mental health services.
- Confidence in contacting people by email or phone.
- Reliability and good time‑keeping.
- Ability to work as part of a team, on own initiative and to instruction.
- Genuine interest in Waythrough’s mission and vision.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality, professional boundaries, adhere to Waythrough policies and media guidelines, engage in supervision and complete relevant training (safeguarding, boundaries, cyber‑security, DEIB and health & safety).
What We Offer
- Discounts from various schemes.
- Training and personal development.
- Free induction and role‑specific training.
- Support from experienced staff and regular supervision.
- Opportunities to meet new people and develop confidence.
- Reimbursement for travel and agreed expenses.
- Valuable experience that supports personal or career development.
- Inclusion and accessibility support.
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and have signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme.
Equal Opportunities
Waythrough is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, especially those with lived experience of the issues we support.
Adjustment and Support
If you need adjustments or support to apply, please email recruitmentteam@waythrough.org.uk.
Volunteer Gardener employer: Recovery Focus
Waythrough is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing and development of its volunteers, offering a supportive work culture where individuals can make a meaningful impact in the lives of residents at Pendle. With opportunities for personal growth through training and supervision, as well as a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, volunteering here not only enhances your gardening skills but also fosters a sense of community and purpose.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Gardener
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Waythrough and their mission. When you understand their values, you can tailor your conversations to show how your passion for gardening aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or past volunteers on social media or community forums. They can give you insider tips on what to expect and how to shine during your interactions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for hands-on demonstrations! Since this role is all about teaching gardening skills, think of ways to showcase your knowledge practically. Maybe even bring along a few gardening tools to show your enthusiasm!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and making a difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Gardener
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Gardening:Let us see your enthusiasm for gardening in your application! Share any personal experiences or projects that highlight your hands-on gardening skills and how they can benefit our residents.
Highlight Your Communication Skills:Since you'll be working closely with residents, it's important to showcase your good communication skills. Mention any relevant experiences where you've successfully engaged with others, especially in a supportive or teaching role.
Demonstrate Your Caring Nature:We value a caring and understanding approach, so make sure to convey your empathy in your application. Share examples of how you've supported others, particularly those facing challenges, to show you're a great fit for our mission.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don't miss out on any important updates about the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Recovery Focus
✨Know Your Gardening Basics
Brush up on your gardening knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss basic skills like planting, weeding, and composting. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you connect with the role.
✨Show Your Caring Side
Since this role involves working with individuals experiencing mental health challenges, be prepared to share examples of how you've supported others in the past. Highlight your understanding and non-judgmental approach.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Talk about your experience working in teams and how you encourage collaboration. Mention any specific instances where you helped foster teamwork in a previous role or project.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions about the gardening sessions and how they fit into the residents' recovery journeys. This shows your genuine interest in Waythrough’s mission and helps you understand the role better.
