Role Description:
As well as welcoming visitors to our beautiful gardens we also run events and activities on site which we hope only further add to the visitor experience. These can range from family activities and trails through to outdoor theatre productions and evening talks.
During the school half term holidays (February, May and October) we traditionally offer activities which encourage the whole family to get involved. Past events have included decorating wooden fairy doors, creating a miniature garden and weaving a natural willow birdfeeder!
Although the activities will be designed by the Furzey Team, the role of the activity volunteer will be to assist with the day-to-day running of the activity during half term week; helping to set up the event as planned, monitor resources, engage with families and offer hands on support where needed.
Who are we looking for?
Friendly, cheerful and dynamic, this role requires someone who really enjoys engaging with the general public of all ages. You must be prepared to get stuck in and embrace the activity, making it an enjoyable and memorable experience for all those who participate. Working as part of our small and happy team, this role would ideally suit someone of an organised nature, who is confident using their own initiative and happy to follow instruction as required.
No previous experience is necessary as we will ensure you are given all the support and training required to make sure your volunteering experience is always positive one. We just ask that you are reliable and bring bags of enthusiasm!
In all our roles, we strongly encourage our volunteers to enthusiastically promote the work of Minstead Trust, of which Furzey Gardens plays a key role, and to embrace our vision of an all-inclusive society.
Availability:
During half term week, the family activity usually runs Monday – Friday, 10am – 3:30pm although volunteers can often opt to help for a morning or afternoon session only if they are unable to help for a whole day. We would usually ask volunteers to arrive a little earlier in the morning to help set up and stay a little later in the afternoon to help clear away and set up for the following day.
About Minstead Trust:
Minstead Trust is a charity based in the New Forest and Portsmouth which offers a range of Supported Living, Residential Care, Day Opportunities, Community Programmes and Social Enterprises (including Furzey Gardens) to adults with learning disabilities. Supporting them, and their families, we provide opportunities which encourage the people we support to develop greater independence. We do this though improved health and well-being, the developing of life skills and increasing employability.
About Furzey Gardens:
Today, Furzey Gardens is a haven of peace and tranquillity. Run as a social enterprise it is part of the Minstead Trust family which supports over 200 people with learning disabilities. Horticulture is known to offer real benefits through outdoor physical and therapeutic activity, providing important work and social skills and an opportunity for meaningful activity. Each week, Head Gardener Pete White leads a team of approximately 30 people with learning disabilities and 20 volunteers, who all work hard to maintain the Gardens and bring on plants in the nursery.
Read more about the Furzey Gardens story here:
If you would like more information please contact Ruth Farrell, Volunteer co-ordinator:
Ruth.Farrell@minsteadtrust.org.uk
07810 580872 / 023 8081 2297 (Main reception at Minstead Lodge)
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