Growing Together for Dementia is a therapeutic gardening project designed for people living with dementia and those who are awaiting a dementia diagnosis.

The project will be developed, with advice from Occupational Therapists, to offer gardening sessions tailored to the needs of people living with dementia. The project aims to improve mental health and wellbeing, provide meaningful stimulating activity, reduce social isolation, and form a supportive community.

We will also be offering monthly support sessions for families/carers.

The project will be delivered at a community garden on Sutton Road, Rochford, that offers a safe, accessible, walled garden, suitable for those living with dementia.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ROLE: 

·       Volunteering alongside project staff to support attendees in the garden by offering accessible gardening activities.

·       Supporting staff at mealtimes

·       Setting up and clearing up, helping with washing up

·       Working alongside staff to make sure we have enough supplies.

·       Notify staff if you are unable to attend your regular session

·       Ensure Health and Safety regulations are adhered to in line with Trust Links Health and Safety policy

·       Ensure Safeguarding requirements are met in line with Trust Links Safeguarding policy and escalate concerns about the wellbeing of service users to appropriate staff members

·       Maintain confidentiality

Volunteers will need

·     Excellent people skills and ability to communicate with a diverse range of people
·     Excellent listening skills
·     Love of gardening and willingness to learn
·     Experience in basic gardening tasks
·     Empathy
·     Commitment to self-development
·     Willingness and commitment to undertake further training and development
·     Commitment to the role
·     Good time keeping

·     Patience

·     Honesty
·     Enthusiasm
·     Team Work