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.

We are looking for a volunteer to join us to help prepare easy prep lunches for the participants such as sandwiches, soups and salads. Experience in food prep is desired.

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The Volunteer will be required to:

·       Complete the volunteer recruitment process including an informal interview, two references, a DBS check and volunteer agreement.

·       Complete  the Volunteer Induction and Mandatory Training Session including online learning at home.

·       Complete  a role specific local induction on the first day of volunteering with their team and staff in charge.

·       Complete Safeguarding training and any relevant training for the role as identified by the Volunteer Coordinator and Team Manager

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ROLE:

 

·       Preparing easy prep lunches for the participants such as sandwiches, soups and salads

·       Supporting staff at mealtimes

·       Washing-up

·       Working alongside staff to create shopping list for lunches

·       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

 

•      Excellent people skills and ability to communicate with a diverse range of people
• ·     Interest in dementia or willingness to learn
• ·     Experience in preparing food and organizational skills around cooking
• ·     Excellent communication and people skills
• ·     Empathy and listening skills
• ·     Commitment to self-development
• ·     Willingness and commitment to undertake further training and development
• ·     Commitment to the role
• ·     Honesty
• ·     Enthusiasm
• ·     Team Work