Location: Exeter, EX2 9HS
Salary: Negotiable
Date posted: 25th July 2025
Closing date: 8th August 2025
Volunteer Activity Assistant - Gardening Support
Job Description:
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.
Contact information:
Early Career and Volunteer Coordinator
Pauline Champion
