Befriender/Peer supporter at Community Allotment
EcoLocal
We are looking for volunteers to help support participants at the community allotment, working alongside our staff.
Carshalton Community Allotment, situated in Westmead Allotment Site in Carshalton, is a thriving project engaging people in food growing, healthy eating and community activity. Open 2 mornings a week, the community allotment provides a range of activities including food growing, organic gardening, wildlife and biodiversity gardening, herb/fruit growing. We have an indoor space, outdoor rain shelter, two small polytunnels. There are raised beds on site for those less able to bend down. We are looking for volunteers to help support participants at the community allotment, working alongside our staff once our supported sessions restart post covid. Key Tasks - To work alongside participants so they feel able to participate and learn. This involves chatting to people while they work to help them to feel they are part of a friendly environment, gardening with people to help them achieve simple gardening tasks, encouraging people to take free fresh fruit and veg home, making sure participants take a break and making cups of tea etc with them - To support staff in keeping the community allotment running smoothly. For example, helping to put all the tools away at the end of the sessions. If you wanted, you could also assist with food growing, gardening or creative projects on the allotment depending on your interest and experience. If interested, please contact us directly: Tansy Honey, volunteering@ecolocal.org.uk or 020 8404 1522. Please quote you found out about the role through Volunteer Centre Sutton.
Gardening,Practical Work & DIY,Environmental,Support Work,Volunteer Management,Befriending, Buddying & Mentoring,General & Helping
Gardening, Managing People, Helpful & Caring, Listening Skills
We welcome applicants who enjoy supporting others, are interested in community projects, happy to work outdoors, good at communicating with people of all abilities and backgrounds, and who are friendly. Some people who attend our allotment sessions need more support than others either through learning difficulties or mild mental health problems. So you'd need to be patient and willing to spend time to communicate with people. While we hope you'll enjoy gardening, we don't expect you to be an expert in food growing or gardening as our staff will show you what needs doing. No formal qualifications needed.
Spending time outdoors. Fresh veg to take home. Enjoying a peaceful environment. Being part of a team and seeing results.
our supported gardening sessions run on Monday and Friday mornings
SM5
Carshalton Community Allotment, Westmead Allotment Site, Colston Avenue, Carshalton SM5
Short walk from Carshalton Station S3 bus stops right outside (except Sundays). Close to bus routes 157 and 127
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