Compassionate Gardener

As part of our vision for excellence in palliative care, St Columba’s Hospice supports people in the community who have a life limiting illness. Many of them are keen gardeners who get a lot of pleasure from their gardens. Sadly, due to their illness, it’s not always possible for them to upkeep their gardens in the way they would wish to.

We are looking for green fingered volunteers who would like to spend a morning or afternoon volunteering in a garden, helping to keep it tidy and maintain an attractive space for people to enjoy.

Hospice staff and volunteers are expected to reflect our Hospice Values in the way they carry out their roles, and in their interactions with each other and with patients, family members and any other visitors.

Our Values are: Care and Compassion, Respect, Trust and Partnership.

What will I be doing/involved in?

A meeting between the volunteer, the client and a member of the staff team will take place before any work on the garden commences and a plan of action will be agreed upon.

You will be doing general garden maintenance in a private garden; weeding, mowing the lawn, some planting, cutting back, etc. No big projects, just small things that keep the garden tidy and attractive.

You may use substances for disease and pest control, fertilisers and plant food, weed and moss control or lawn feed and seed. This would be agreed with the client.

What do I need to have?

You need to have some knowledge of gardening and feel confident working on your own or with the client. You will need to bring your own tools to use in the garden.

Time commitment and duration

One morning / afternoon twice a month. The role will be reviewed on a yearly basis.

Where will I be based?

St. Columba’s Hospice, 15 Boswall Road, Edinburgh and the garden of the person we assign you to.

Who will be supporting me?

Compassionate Neighbours lead, Maggie Young and the Compassionate Neighbours team.

Who else will support me?

The Volunteer Services Manager, Julie Golding, the Head Gardener at St Columba’s and other staff as required.

Recruitment checks

• Interview with Volunteer Services Manager and Compassionate Neighbours lead/ Head Gardener
• Application Form
• Two references
• PVG Disclosure

Learning & Development

• Manual Handling training
• Team / role induction and training including Garden Safety and 2 shadow sessions working with the St Columba’s gardening team
• Team meetings (if/as necessary)

Additional Information

· The Compassionate Neighbour team, Hospice Chaplains and key team leads from St Columba’s Hospice are always available to support volunteers

· Compassionate Neighbours may claim reasonable travelling expenses for transport to and from their community setting with prior approval.

· St Columba’s Hospice provides complimentary tea and coffee to all Compassionate Neighbours, volunteers, staff, patients and families as part of the hospitality strategy.

Go to our Volunteer page to find out more about volunteering at the Hospice.

#J-18808-Ljbffr