Gardening Volunteer - Saint Francis Hospice

About us

Saint Francis Hospice specialises in providing care for any person, from any faith or cultural background, who have been diagnosed with a serious illness who are living in Havering, Brentwood, Barking and Dagenham, Redbridge or West Essex. Saint Francis Hospice offers experienced, compassionate advice and support.

Main tasks and responsibilities

• Support the Head Gardener and Groundsman, alongside the volunteer gardening team, in maintaining the hospice’s exceptional gardens and grounds.

• Contribute any relevant skills or experience previously discussed with the Head Gardener or Groundsman to help ensure the successful upkeep of the grounds.

• For volunteers without horticultural experience, assist with general gardening tasks as required.

• Work effectively as part of a team and confidently carry out certain tasks independently when needed.

What skills do I need?

Skills, attributes, experience and qualifications

• Helping with gardening tasks and the general upkeep of the gardens and grounds, including:

• Weeding patio areas, borders and planted areas;

•  ‘dead heading’ of plants, as required, under the supervision of the Head Gardener;

• ·runing shrubs and plants – following discussion with and as demonstrated by the Head Gardener;

• Propagating and nursery duties in the greenhouse;

• Grass cutting and leaf control – using hospice equipment, following training and under supervision;

•  Planting – garden areas, tubs, planters etc;

•  Assisting the maintenance team in the upkeep of the garden machinery and equipment by cleaning as required before storing away;

• Leaf clearing and care of the compost areas;

• Being a friendly face for patients, families and visitors to the garden and answering any questions they have, if able to do so; 
• Assisting visitors who are lost and need directing around the site;
• Helping the Support Services team with any planned developments of the garden and grounds; · Sweeping areas; · General tidying up of any rubbish found within        the gardens and grounds.

• To be physically able to carry out gardening tasks; 
• To be willing to assist in the garden in various weather conditions (within reason); 
  
• Good listening and communication skills.

When do I need to be available?

	Morning	Afternoon	Evening
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Details

3-4 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Where does this role take place?