Gardener (Creating A Welcoming & Enjoyable Outdoor Space In Plaistow)

Barnardo’s is committed to providing ‘Better Outcomes for More Children’. Our children’s services volunteers help the charity to deliver essential services in local communities, providing support to over 300,000 children, young people and their families. This role provides a great opportunity to join our fantastic children’s services and help make a real difference. Our **Barnardo’s Gardeners** support us to carry out general gardening duties and tidying of outdoor areas in our regulated settings, such as Children’s Centres and Nurseries. There may also be the opportunity to support in the delivery of outdoor learning activities with children and their parents/carers, such as Forest School and Worms and Wellies. We are looking for enthusiastic people to join our volunteer team, with a love of nature, the outdoors, and an interest in gardening. There is the opportunity to put your own stamp on our outdoor space and be a valuable part of our small, friendly, welcoming team based in Plaistow. Our office hosts many visitors and guests, including former Barnardo's children who were supported by our children's homes. Our aim is to make the grounds a welcoming and enjoyable outdoor space to spend time in. We are looking for volunteers who could spend 1 day a week/fortnight with us. We will provide suitable tools, materials, and support for volunteers throughout their time with us. Volunteering hours are flexible to suit the individual, however access to our grounds is only available on weekdays. No prior experience in a similar role is necessary.
Barnardo's protects, supports and nurtures the UK's most vulnerable children. Barnardo's helps bring out the best in children – no matter who they are or what they have been through. Our volunteers help make this happen.

• Tasks: Maintaining outdoor areas with an emphasis on safety for children and families.
  Maintaining any flower beds, planters, shrubs and vegetable patches as required.
  Assisting in the planning, preparation and delivery of outdoor gardening activities.
  Adhering to Barnardo's policies and procedures at all times, including Barnardo's: Safeguarding; Equality, Diversity and Inclusion; Health & Safety; Data Protection; Confidentiality; Recording policies and procedures.
  Participating fully in training and supervision.
  Volunteering within Barnardo's Basis and Values.

• Skills: Reliable, punctual and trustworthy.
  Approachable and welcoming.
  Interested in gardening.
  Being mindful when it comes to general safety and safe storage of resources.
  Good organisational skills.

• Benefits: Full induction and training.
  Other training opportunities relevant to the volunteer role.
  Regular supervision and support.
  Out of pocket expenses agreed in advance.
  Access to the Barnardo’s internal vacancy listing.
  Our volunteers tell us about lots of other benefits of volunteering including; experience of working with children, young people and families; experience for your CV; supporting your local community; meeting new people; increasing self-confidence; feeling like you are making a difference; improving your health and wellbeing; and a chance to contribute to a worthwhile children’s charity.

Disclaimer: We look to recruit a diverse range of volunteers. If your skills don't fit the role exactly, please do not let this put you off as we are able to be flexible with most of our roles. If you are unable to apply online through the link on this page, please contact the Barnardo's Volunteering Team on volunteering@barnardos.org.uk or call us on 0208 498 7320