Want to make a difference?
‘Sow and Grow’ is a weekly gardening group for patients and carers which promotes a feeling of purpose and a sense of achievement, through tending, cultivating and harvesting plants. Our purpose built raised bedding area allows patients to connect with nature in a relaxing and accessible environment helping to improve general health and well-being with gentle exercise, fresh air and creativity. The group is also used as a safe space where patients can connect and develop friendships or chat about any concerns they may have with a trained nurse.
Where: Martlets Hospice, Wayfield Avenue, Hove, BN3 7LW
When: Every Thursday 10.30am-1.30pm
Usual minimum commitment: Three hours per week OR fortnight for a 6 month period from 12th April to 27th Sept 2018. Our preference is a weekly commitment but if you have the skills we are looking for, we would be interested in you volunteering on a fortnightly basis
What you’ll be doing:
- Greeting Day Service users and assisting with mobility
- Helping to set up gardening equipment
- Working with the group lead to coordinate gardening activities
- Chatting to attendees and updating the group lead as appropriate
- Serving refreshments during the break
- Helping to clear up at the end of the session
- Watering the flower beds
What’s in it for you:
- Opportunity to be part of a friendly group
- Making a positive difference to patients and carers by helping them to feel at home and enjoy the sessions
- Introduction to basic horticultural skills – or if you are a gardener, a chance to share your knowledge with the group (gardening knowledge is not essential to this role)
- Support and supervision in your role
- Chance to enjoy the fresh air and the Martlets garden
Your skills and abilities:
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Empathetic nature and an understanding of palliative care (although some training can be given)
- Friendly and approachable
- Happy to get involved in gardening tasks (some lifting and moving will be required)
- Good sense of humour
Expectations:
- To attend fortnightly sessions ideally for the duration of the project (6 months)
- Wear appropriate outdoor clothing
- To maintain confidentiality in accordance with Martlets guidelines
- To attend a Martlets Welcome Day
- To attend a half day training session on palliative care
Contact: People Services Team
Email: peopleservices@martlets.org.uk
Tel: 01273 718788
