At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a community gardening team and support volunteers in maintaining vibrant planters.
- Company: Join Bloomin' Longton, a friendly community-focused gardening initiative.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, meet new people, and contribute to local beautification.
- Other info: Flexible volunteering hours with opportunities for skill development and community events.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact in your community while enjoying the outdoors.
- Qualifications: Confident amateur gardener with a passion for teamwork and community support.
The predicted salary is between 24960 - 25989 £ per year.
Area of interest: Outdoors or Active Roles, Heritage, Culture, and Arts Based Roles, Supporting Adults
Number of Volunteers required: 1
Help keep Longton blooming while supporting a friendly community gardening team. Bloomin' Longton, a sub-group of Longton Community Partnership, is looking for a confident amateur gardener to support our volunteers in caring for the town’s colourful community planters. You might be a keen home gardener with the enthusiasm and people skills to help others feel welcome and involved. Based in the heart of Longton Town Centre, you’ll be helping a volunteer team maintain up to 18 large council-owned planters located around The Strand, Commerce Street, and Market Street. The planting schemes are designed by a horticulturist to provide colour and interest throughout the year.
What You'll Be Doing
- Supporting and encouraging volunteers during weekly gardening sessions.
- Helping maintain community planters through:
- Weeding
- Deadheading
- Replanting
- Watering
- Assisting volunteers to work together as a positive and supportive team.
- Supporting activities at our Greenhouse growing base in Longton town centre.
- Helping create a welcoming and enjoyable volunteering environment.
About the Team
Volunteer groups usually consist of 4–8 people. Volunteers are adults of all ages. Occasional visiting children may attend with a parent or grandparent. Sessions currently take place on Fridays from 10am–12pm. We hope to expand to two sessions per week in the future. A typical session involves around 1–1.5 hours of gardening, followed by refreshments at our Greenhouse Centre in the Longton Exchange Shopping Centre (ST3 2JA). We pride ourselves on being a friendly, welcoming group. We regularly receive positive comments from local residents and visitors about the work we do, making the effort especially rewarding.
Looking Ahead
- Organise visits to local allotments and gardens
- Develop gardening knowledge and skills as a group
- Prepare for Longton's Flower Festival in 2028, which will celebrate the town's Town of Culture bid, regardless of the outcome
Who We're Looking For
- A confident amateur or home gardener
- Someone who enjoys working with people and helping others feel at ease
- Friendly, patient, and encouraging
- Happy working outdoors as part of a community team
- Enthusiastic about gardening and community improvement
About Bloomin' Longton
Bloomin' Longton is part of the Longton Community Partnership and is supported through community funding and fundraising activities throughout the year. Together, we are helping contribute to the ongoing regeneration of Longton Town Centre and creating attractive spaces for residents, businesses, and visitors to enjoy.
Volunteer Support Lead in Longton employer: Vast Services: Investing in communities
Honeycomb Charitable Services Ltd is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture where volunteers can truly make a difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals in Stoke-on-Trent. With opportunities for personal growth and skill development, our volunteers not only contribute to the community but also build meaningful connections with others who share their passion for helping those in need.
Contact Details:
Vast Services: Investing in communities Recruitment Team
