Devon Partnership NHS Trust

Volunteer Activity Assistant - Gardening Support

The closing date is 08 August 2025

Job summary

About Franklyn Hospital

Belvedere is an acute assessment and treatment ward for older people with mental health needs- in most cases this is some form of dementia.

Main Purpose

To support gardening sessions with some of our patients (supported by OT) and to maintain the general upkeep of our gardens

To contribute towards the maintenance and upkeep of the Gardens at Franklyn Hospital

This is a regular commitment as we want to build up a group of volunteers who will come to love and care for the garden over the longer term

You are more than welcome to visit by prior arrangement begfore you submit an application

All tools and safety equipment will be provided. Whilst you are welcome to bring your own, the Trust accept no responsibility for loss or damage

Additional information

You must be 18 or over

Days/times are negotiable

To complete all relevant checks before commencing the role including references and DBS

All volunteers are required to complete the Trusts Induction, mandatory and statutory training and relevant refreshers thereafter, along with any other relevant training that is required for the role. An opportunity to participate in CPD & Career development activities where appropriate

To adhere to the data protection and confidentiality agreement

Reimbursement of travel expenses (subject to our policy)

Main duties of the job

Key tasks

To sensitively encourage service users to participate confidently in the gardening activities offered.
To maintain areas of the garden and to encourage some of our patients to get involved in gardening activities appropriate to their needs and ability
To carry out a range of general gardening duties including, but not limited to:
Weeding, Dead heading, Hoeing, Planting, Pruning, Grass cutting and Watering
Clearing pathways and keep the garden area tidy
Basic plant and soil knowledge
Basic plant identification
A desire to support older people with mental health needs
Be able to work with minimum supervision
Emotionally mature
Reliable and trustworthy
General garden maintenance experience
An interest and knowledge in domestic gardening
Experience of working with gardening hand tools
You will need good interpersonal and communication skills and a genuine interest in people as you will interact with patients.
Having a positive outlook and being non-judgemental is essential as you will be working with people who are unwell.
Confidentiality is upmost and we ask volunteers to be part of the team and be discreet and reliable.
It is important for volunteers to know their boundaries and seek further information and support from ward staff if required.

About us

About Devon Partnership Trust

We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally.

The Trust recognises the important role volunteers play in complementing the work of our staff and we welcome the varied and unique contributions volunteers make to patients, carers, the public, and staff at the Trust.

We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.

We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do

Our values

We not only recruit based on qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010.

Date posted

25 July 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

Depending on experience

Contract

Voluntary

Duration

1 days

Working pattern

Flexible working

Reference number

C9369-25-0580

Job locations

Franklyn hospital

Franklyn Drive

Exeter

Devon

EX2 9HS

Job description

Job responsibilities

Main Purpose

To support gardening sessions with some of our patients (supported by OT) and to maintain the general upkeep of our gardens

To contribute towards the maintenance and upkeep of the Gardens at Franklyn Hospital

This is a regular commitment as we want to build up a group of volunteers who will come to love and care for the garden over the longer term

To work alongside colleagues and service users during the day

To be aware of health and safety and contribute to the maintenance of a safe working environment.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Main Purpose

To support gardening sessions with some of our patients (supported by OT) and to maintain the general upkeep of our gardens

To contribute towards the maintenance and upkeep of the Gardens at Franklyn Hospital

This is a regular commitment as we want to build up a group of volunteers who will come to love and care for the garden over the longer term

To work alongside colleagues and service users during the day

To be aware of health and safety and contribute to the maintenance of a safe working environment.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

People who are happy volunteering outside in all the different weather conditions.
Basic knowledge /interest in gardening, horticulture
Manual handling experience (not essential)
Commitment to the ethos and values of DPT
Adaptability, flexibility and creativity
Good interpersonal skills and experience of working in a team

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

People who are happy volunteering outside in all the different weather conditions.
Basic knowledge /interest in gardening, horticulture
Manual handling experience (not essential)
Commitment to the ethos and values of DPT
Adaptability, flexibility and creativity
Good interpersonal skills and experience of working in a team

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.