Volunteers participate in a variety of activities on our allotment site, including gardening, cooking, chatting to group members and supporting art and craft activities.

We also have other opportunities such as:

• supporting project administration and publicity - for example, working on our website or leaflets
• attending local fairs –acting as ambassador for the project, giving information and raising awareness of our work. The fairs are usually on Saturdays so this is a good opportunity if you cannot volunteer in the week.

 If we can’t offer you a volunteering opportunity, we are happy to suggest other organisations that might interest you.

Why volunteer with SAGE Greenfingers?
We can offer you:

• Experience of supporting people with mental health issues. Previous volunteers have gone on to access paid work for other horticultural projects, advice work and mental health support.
• Physical activity and conversation in an enjoyable environment.
• A chance to make a real difference in people’s lives.
• A chance to make a positive contribution to the local community.
• The opportunity to have input into the development of our project.
• Training. In the past, this has included local organic gardening courses, WEA mental health courses, THRIVE horticultural therapy and mental health courses and first aid training.
• Occasional socials with staff and volunteers.

Your commitment to us
You need to be:

• available 11.45 - 2.15pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday.
• able to commit to at least 6 months. Group members benefit from building relationships with people they know will be reliable.
• interested in working with people with mental health issues. No specific qualifications are necessary but you will need to have an understanding approach to people and their diverse needs.
• willing to have a CRB check.

It also helps if you have:

• a good level of spoken English. An ability to speak other languages is useful, particularly French, Parsi or Urdu.
• experience of supporting people with mental health issues.
• knowledge of gardening.

We work with asylum seekers and refugees and we welcome applications from people with these backgrounds. You do not need a work permit or visa to volunteer with us

Our commitment to you
We believe volunteering should be a rich and rewarding experience for all concerned. To help you get the most from your time at SAGE, we provide support including:

• regular supervision sessions with the volunteer support worker, Janet.
• training (see ‘the benefits of volunteering with us’ for details).
• quarterly volunteer meetings, giving you a chance to learn more about the project and to meet other volunteers and discuss your experiences.
• travel and childcare expenses paid.
• lunch provided.

How to get involved

• Phone our office (274 3651) to make an appointment to come and see round the site and meet staff, members and other volunteers.
• If you decide you’d like to join us, complete an application form, giving 2 referees.
• We then undertake a CRB check and follow up on your references.
• Once this is complete you can then start to support us on a regular basis

What current volunteers have said: 
“I improved my English, I learnt about new plants, and at the same time, it was a good place to relax and enjoy nature…What I enjoy the most is exchanging thoughts with the group. I learned so many things I didn’t know, which I really appreciated.