Voluntary Care Centre | Gardening Scheme

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Annual Report 2010

Investing In Volunteers

Gardening Scheme

Our Gardening scheme runs from the beginning of March until the end of October and assists service users in the Forest Hill, Sydenham and some surrounding areas.

We match volunteers with regular service users for general gardening maintenance. Tasks might include; pruning, weeding, mowing a lawn, trimming a hedge or planting seeds, plants or bulbs.

Whilst it is useful for the volunteer to have some basic gardening knowledge, it is not essential as the service users can often offer some guidance.

Each service user receives a morning or afternoon visit for approximately two to three hours once a fortnight to help with agreed tasks.

Ideally volunteers will be able to commit to one session each week. No gardening equipment is needed as this is provided by the VCC or the service user.

If you would like to find out more then you can view our task description below or email sarah@voluntarycarecentre.co.uk.

Task Description

What does being a garden helper involve?
You will be asked to visit service users and work on a specific task that they have requested fortnightly assistance with. For example, weeding a border, mowing a lawn, planting flowers, pruning, or trimming a hedge.

What else might a visit include?
You will need to be able to get along with a wide variety of people and be able to take instruction from the service user if you are not an experienced gardener. You may need to use your car (if you have one) in order to take gardening equipment with you.

You will also be expected to attend VCC support sessions for all volunteers (held 3-4 times each year).

How long will I have to commit to?
Being a garden helper involves being available for our gardening season, which runs from early March until mid October, although a three month commitment is acceptable.

How frequently will I be expected to help?
One morning or afternoon a week is required. However, we are able to accept fortnightly assistance if your availability is limited.

Who will I help?
Service users are usually referred to the centre by Social and Health services, friends, neighbours and sometimes the service users themselves. Service users come from all different walks of life and are facing a wide range of issues. To receive our help service users must live within the Forest Hill & Sydenham areas, be physically unable to complete tasks themselves and unable to pay for assistance.

How are we introduced?
During the probationary period (six weeks) volunteers are given a photocopy of a letter we send out to service users detailing the time and day of their regular visits and the task to be completed on that day. You will be expected to take this letter with you as proof of your identity. After six weeks you will be given an identity card. The Organiser will phone both the volunteer and the service user after the visit to see how the visit went.

Do I need gardening experience?
Gardening experience is not essential. The requirement for gardening helpers is an interest in gardening and a willingness to learn.

Do I need gardening equipment?
No. Equipment is either supplied by the Voluntary Care Centre or the service user.

The Organiser is here to support you in your voluntary work and therefore welcomes feedback whether it is about any concerns you may have or just keeping up to date on your progress.

VOLUNTEER’S RESPONSIBILITIES

As a garden helper for the Voluntary Care Centre, you will be expected to;

Take gardening instructions from service users or ask their advice.
Be able to communicate clearly and effectively.
Respect others’ views.
Inform the organiser of any concerns that arise.
Be punctual: if you are unable to keep an appointment, you must inform the service user or the centre in good time (48 hours in advance when possible).
Inform the Organiser of any unattended appointments or extra requests made by the service user. (changes need to be known by the Voluntary Care Centre for monitoring and insurance purposes)
Attend all relevant training and support sessions.
Agree to abide by the Equal Opportunities Policy of the Voluntary Care Centre.
Maintain confidentiality at all times.
Comply with VCC’s risk assessment guidelines.

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Voluntary Care Centre Trustees/Management List 2009

Investing In Volunteers Award

VCC at the make a difference awards

Thursday 4th March saw the first Make a Difference Award ceremony (held by Lewisham Council in partnership with Volunteer Centre Lewisham) which celebrates the contribution that volunteers make to the borough of Lewisham.

Sponsored walk update & abseil

Due to restricted resources at the VCC, we will not be holding a walk again this year.

However, we do have five people raising money for the VCC by participating in a Sponsored Abseil on Sunday 4th July. The abseil will be down the side of Kings College Tower.

Fundraising quiz night

On Friday 26th March, ten teams competed to be VCC quiz champions. Participants paid £5 each to enter and contributed generously to our raffles.

VCC Referrers day

On Wednesday March 10th, the VCC held their annual Referrer's Day. This is an opportunity for us to spread the word about the work of the VCC and ensure that other organisations have the right information about what we do.

March - volunteer support session

On the afternoon of Wednesday 24th March, police support community officer Daryl Angus came to talk to volunteers about many of the issues concerning local people in the Perry Vale Ward of Lewisham.

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