This Is an Outline of What Your Role with the Society May Involve. You Will Have the Opportunity

Gardener

This is an outline of what your role with the Society may involve. You will have the opportunity to discuss this in more detail at your meeting with Joanne O'Neill.

Where, when and how often?
The role is flexible but depending on the property concerned the role is likely to require several hours a month, according to local need and your availability. Additional time is likely in the summer months.
The Limes, Day Support Service for people with young onset Dementia
How does the role make a difference?
It is important that our gardens and surrounding areas are maintained to a good standard. It helps to project a positive, professional and welcoming image to service users, visitors, volunteers and staff. Gardens enable people with dementia to be outside and experience the positive effects of nature. It helps to make Alzheimer’s Society an attractive and relaxed environment.
What will I be doing?
• Tending the garden(s) - bushes, plants and flowers, weeding, pruning, digging, planting, watering, brushing/clearing pathways and driveways
• Cutting grass lawns where appropriate for the location and time of year
• Disposing of cuttings and other items according to local procedures, including local authority recycling rules
• Using all gardening equipment and safety equipment as directed and according to instructions, including circuit breakers and other safety devices
• Paying close attention to health and safety responsibilities at all times and reporting health and safety issues and causes for concern immediately
• Reporting equipment defects so that repairs can be carried out (do not repair items yourself without having reported the issue and assessed the relevant solution)
• Offering guidance and supervision in the maintenance of the garden and the purchase of equipment, plants and seeds
• Recognising that a range of policies will be relevant to this role, in particular health and safety including regular risk assessments.
This role may involve, with your agreement, supporting service users within a garden environment. If so, all aspects of service delivery systems, processes, training and safeguarding will take place.
Is this role for me?
The role may be suitable if you:
• Have a good working knowledge of caring for a garden and/or allotment
• Have a good working knowledge of tending to plants and vegetables
• Enjoy being outdoors and have the fitness and mobility required for this type of role
• Have an ability to volunteer within service boundaries
• Are punctual and reliable
• Are keen to provide a high standard of service
• Are comfortable following policies, procedures and guidance
• Are prepared to undergo an induction into the role and attend necessary training and similar learning activities to help you in your role
• Know about, or are willing to learn about, undertaking risk assessments
• Know about, or are willing to learn about, dementia and its impact on people
• Have an understanding of, and commitment to, confidentiality
• Have a commitment to team work with volunteers and staff from a variety of backgrounds
• Are committed to inclusion, treating people from all backgrounds with dignity.
What do I have to do before I can start?
Volunteer registration form, meeting, two references, initial induction and learning. If you will be supporting service users, a criminal record check will also be required.
How will I be supported during my volunteering?
You will be supported by a locally specified manager. You will also receive one-to-one and/or group based support. Agreed out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed, such as travel. Further details may be noted below.
Responsible to/local support:
Joann O'Neill - Day Support Manager
What’s in it for me?
You will be helping to ensure our gardens are safe and attractive for all to enjoy
You will be able to use your existing gardening skills and interests to the benefit of your local community
You will meet new people / Our Values
Always informed by the needs and experiences of people affected by dementia, we:
• are inclusive, making sure that we reach out to and involve people from every group and community
• challenge ourselves and others to question the status quo, be pioneering, and embrace change
• aspire to excellence in everything we do
• always act with integrity and treat everyone with respect, dignity and fairness
• enable others to make a meaningful contribution and realise their potential.
I’m keen to find out more – what should I do now?
Please reply as indicated in the covering letter, as explained by the person you spoke to, or as indicated below.
Joanne O'Neill, Day Support Manager, The Limes, Kingswood Foundation Estate, Britannia Road, Kingswood, Bristol BS15 8DB
Tel: 0117 9613651 Email:
Not quite what you were looking for? See alzheimers.org.uk/volunteers for more options or call 0845 504 9300 (call charges vary).

Page 1 of 2Last updated:December 2013