Get outside and volunteer
Communities 1st is looking for volunteers to join our existing team of friendly gardeners to provide light gardening tasks for vulnerable members of the community.
What is Blooming Marvellous?
This gardening scheme was set up to help support local residents over the age of 65, have a disability or chronic health condition, or receive government benefits and need a hand to maintain their gardens. Our team of volunteers works together to fulfill the clients' requests and often exceed their expectations.
That's why we named the project to reflect the commitment, dedication, and the friendships our team have forged; we think that our volunteers are Blooming Marvellous!
If you'd like to join this wonderful team, get active outdoors and enjoy a healthy past-time while giving back to your local community, click the link below.
Whether you’re looking to give back, develop new skills, or be part of a supportive and rewarding initiative, volunteering with us is a fantastic way to make an impact.
Why volunteer?
Our volunteers have enjoyed working with us. They say the gardening scheme is rewarding and sociable. There are many reasons to volunteer, including:
- A positive volunteering environment as part of the friendly Communities 1st team
- Flexible hours to suit you and our clients' needs
- Appropriate training provided, including in equality and diversity and customer service
- Clear directions on the task and information the client has provided
- Feedback from the client on the work you have done
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
With your consent, we will also promote the work you have done on our social media platforms, website and newsletters, to highlight how you are helping the community. We will ask for photos showing before and after, or something you have accomplished that you are proud of.
What tasks will I do?
Blooming Marvellous volunteers help to maintain outdoor spaces with duties including but not limited to:
- Border tidying
- Digging
- Gate and fence fixing (within reason)
- Hedge-trimming
- Jet-washing
- Lawn mowing
- Planting and pruning
- Strimming
- Weeding and weed-killer preparation
- And general tidy-ups
Where will I volunteer?
The Blooming Marvellous scheme caters to residents of Hertsmere, St Albans and Welwyn Hatfield.
The project in Welwyn Hatfield is part-funded by the UK Government.
Benefits for volunteers
- Getting active outdoors contributes to a healthy lifestyle
- Improve your mental health by spending time with our friendly team
- Build your confidence by meeting new people
- Opportunity to gain practical and interpersonal skills
- Interested in learning to make planters or bird boxes? We have connections with Hatfield Men's Shed who can provide learning support.
- Initial training and further support if requested
- References provided after completing a number of sessions
Who we're looking for
- Volunteers aged 16+ (or accompanied by a parent or guardian if under 16)
- Good mobility and strength for completing practical tasks
- Friendly, caring individuals with a passion for helping others
- Respect, consideration, appreciation and care of clients and their gardens
- Reliability - communicate with the team and Communities 1st, let us know of any changes which may affect your ability to volunteer
No formal qualifications are required to volunteer with us, but this role would be ideal for a keen gardener or someone interested in learning more about the outdoors.
Requirements
- References
- Enhanced DBS clearance (due to working with vulnerable adults)
Other ways to help
If you're interested in the scheme but due to time or capacity, you cannot volunteer as a gardener, don't worry. There is another way you can help:
- We welcome donations of seeds and bulbs to plant in clients' gardens to help brighten their days. Everyone should be able to have a Blooming Marvellous garden!
If you have a donation to share, please get in touch with the Blooming Marvellous team on 01727 649980 or email handy@communities1st.org.uk. Thank you!
Contact us
If you have a few hours to spare and enjoy being outdoors and helping others, please call us on 01727 949950 or email volunteer@communities1st.org.uk or click the link below.
Our telephone lines are open on weekdays from 9am - 4:30pm.
Let's be Blooming Marvellous together!