Volunteer opportunity to support friendly social and therapeutic gardening group for older folk

Volunteer opportunity to support friendly social and therapeutic gardening group for older folk

Posted for Five A Day Garden

Posted by Volunteer Centre West Berkshire

Register your interest

You will be redirected to the Volunteer Centre West Berkshire website to express your interest.

The Thyme Together project is a friendly social group for seniors over 65, with a focus on activities that enhance health and wellbeing in a natural garden environment. It is an inclusive group which incorporates many aspects of therapeutic horticulture and is comprised of attendees who face a range of issues, from limited mobility, sensory impairment, to cognitive issues, and feelings of social isolation. We are looking for more volunteers who would enjoy assisting and supporting this group and encouraging social interaction.

The volunteers are essential to the running of this group, as this allows the senior attendees to have the support that they need. Activities range from sitting down tasks for those with limited mobility, e.g. potting on, and weeding/planting in the raised beds, often from a chair, to more active jobs, such as hoeing, for those without mobility issues. It is a friendly, gentle paced gardening session which includes growing vegetables, flowers, fruit, outings, chat, tea and of course cake.

There will be a maximum of 10 clients attending this session, which is led by our qualified horticultural therapist. We hope to have 1 volunteer supporting 2 or 3 clients.

The Five a Day site is in the village of Englefield opposite the Englefield Garden Centre. The main village road is off the A340 heading from the A4 to Pangbourne, about a kilometre from the A4 roundabout. Alternatively, you can travel by train to Theale station and walk for 2.5 kilometres.

What skills do I need?

We would welcome enquiries from all who are interested in this volunteering opportunity. It is a fantastic way to give something back to the community, by supporting older people outside in nature. An interest in older folk, nature and gardening is all that is required. No prior knowledge or experience required.