Organiclea Buddy Scheme 2015
Organiclea is looking for volunteer support gardeners at Hawkwood Community Plant Nursery to ‘buddy’ other volunteers who have higher support needs.
In it’s third year, Organiclea’s Buddy Scheme trains volunteers to support others to participate in volunteering at Hawkwood Community Plant Nursery. This year buddies will be offered the opportunity to gain an AQA accreditation in supporting volunteers as well as getting practical experience supporting others.
Organiclea is growing people as well as plants and we are able to welcome a diversity of volunteers because of the support given by volunteer buddies. We support volunteers with learning and physical difficulties, language barriers and ill mental health. We value our diverse community, and recognise that volunteering here can bring enormous benefits.
Through structured training sessions and practical experience, the Buddy Scheme will explore:
- ways to create an inclusive atmosphere
- how to make practical activities accessible
- boundaries and safeguarding
- permaculture and people care
- how working in nature and in community can bring therapeutic benefits.
This is a 3 month accredited training scheme. By completing 8 weeks of training sessions followed by a further 4 weeks of practical volunteering experience, buddies will achieve an AQA unit award.
After the training there are opportunities for buddies to gain more practical experience through continued volunteering at Hawkwood or sessional work on Organiclea’s outreach sites.
The buddy scheme will take place on Wednesdays 9.30am-5pm (lunch provided).
Start date: 20/05/15
End date: 5/08/15
In order to achieve accreditation buddies are expected to attend 10 out of the 12 weeks training.
No previous experience required to join this training scheme – just an enthusiasm for working with people, and an interest in sustainable food systems.
To join or for more information
Contact Jo Clarke , jo@organiclea.org.uk or 020 8524 4994.
To apply you will be asked to fill in an application form, including a criminal record disclosure.
