At a Glance
- Tasks: Help create and maintain a therapeutic garden for residents while engaging in hands-on gardening activities.
- Company: Waythrough, a leading mental health and social support charity in England.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, training, and discounts while making a real difference.
- Other info: Enjoy a rewarding opportunity to make an impact while being outdoors.
- Why this job: Join us to connect with others and promote wellbeing through gardening.
- Qualifications: Interest in gardening and a friendly, patient attitude towards supporting others.
Waythrough was formed in 2024 following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship. Together, we’ve created one of the largest mental health and social support charities in England. Every year, we support around 125,000 people through nearly 200 services – and it’s all made possible by our 3,500 brilliant staff and volunteers.
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.
As a Gardening Volunteer at Croft House, you’ll play an important part in creating and maintaining a welcoming, therapeutic outdoor space for residents. Working alongside staff and residents, you’ll help care for the garden while supporting engaging, hands-on gardening activities. This role is about more than plants — it’s about connection, wellbeing and creating a shared space where residents can relax, learn new skills and enjoy being outdoors. Your ideas and enthusiasm will help shape seasonal projects and themed gardening sessions throughout the year.
Key Duties- Support the general upkeep of the garden (planting, watering, weeding, tidying and seasonal maintenance).
- Work alongside residents to co-create and deliver inclusive gardening sessions.
- Encourage and support residents to take part in hands-on gardening tasks.
- Help plan and contribute ideas for seasonal or themed activities (e.g. spring planting, sensory gardens, harvest projects).
- Promote a positive, safe and welcoming outdoor environment.
- Follow guidance from staff to ensure activities are safe and accessible for all.
We’re looking for someone who:
- Has an interest in gardening (experience is helpful but not essential).
- Is friendly, patient and enjoys working with people.
- Feels confident supporting others in practical, hands-on tasks.
- Is reliable and able to commit to agreed volunteering times.
- Brings creativity and enthusiasm to help make the garden an engaging space.
- Values inclusion, wellbeing and creating supportive environments.
This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference while enjoying time outdoors and sharing your passion for gardening.
What We OfferWe value the people who make a difference every day. Alongside meaningful work, you’ll enjoy:
- 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
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. If you need adjustments or support to apply, please email our recruitment team: recruitmentteam@waythrough.org.uk
How to applyIf you’re viewing this advert on an external platform such as Indeed, please click ‘Apply via company website’ to view the full job description and submit your application. Please note that while this role has a stated closing date, we reserve the right to close the advert early should we receive a high number of applications.
Closing date: 2026-03-03
Volunteer Gardener employer: Waythrough
Waythrough is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture, where volunteers can make a tangible impact in their communities. As a Gardening Volunteer at Croft House, you will not only enjoy the therapeutic benefits of working outdoors but also receive comprehensive training, personal development opportunities, and the chance to connect with like-minded individuals. Join us in creating a welcoming environment that promotes wellbeing and empowers residents to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Gardener
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Waythrough and understand their mission. When you chat with them, show your passion for mental health and community support. It’ll help you stand out!
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current volunteers or staff on social media. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have. This can give you insider info that could be super helpful during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your gardening skills! Even if you’re new to it, think of creative ideas you’d love to bring to the garden. Share these during your interview to show your enthusiasm and willingness to contribute.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to tailor your approach and make a great impression.
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Gardener
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Gardening:When you're writing your application, let us know why gardening matters to you! Share any personal experiences or projects you've been involved in. This will help us see your enthusiasm and commitment to creating a welcoming space.
Highlight Your People Skills:Since this role is all about connection and support, make sure to mention any experience you have working with others. Whether it's volunteering, teaching, or just helping out friends, we want to know how you can bring your friendly and patient nature to the team.
Be Creative with Your Ideas:We love fresh ideas! If you have thoughts on seasonal projects or themed gardening sessions, jot them down in your application. This shows us that you're not just interested in gardening but also in making it an engaging experience for everyone involved.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you'll find all the details you need to make your application shine!
How to prepare for a job interview at Waythrough
✨Know Your Gardening Basics
Brush up on some basic gardening knowledge before your interview. Even if you’re not an expert, showing that you have a genuine interest in plants and gardening will impress the interviewers. They want to see your enthusiasm for creating a therapeutic outdoor space!
✨Showcase Your People Skills
Since this role involves working closely with residents, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully interacted with others in the past. Highlight any experience you have in supporting or encouraging people, as this is key to making a positive impact in the garden.
✨Bring Creative Ideas
Think about some fun and engaging gardening activities you could suggest during the interview. Whether it’s themed planting sessions or sensory gardens, having a few ideas up your sleeve will show your creativity and commitment to making the garden a welcoming space.
✨Emphasise Reliability and Commitment
Make sure to communicate your reliability and willingness to commit to the volunteering schedule. The team at Waythrough values consistency, so sharing your availability and any previous commitments can help demonstrate that you’re serious about the role.
