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Gardening Group Support Volunteer

Working closely with our member of staff / tutor, this role will complement and support the service delivery of our weekly Gardening Group in Epsom.

This group provides a safe non-judgemental environment for people to engage with nature through growing things and have an opportunity to mix and talk with others at the same time. The volunteering role supports the facilitator in all activities, welcoming attendees, checking in with each of them to see that they are OK and supporting them throughout their time at the group.

This role isn’t particularly demanding, however good people skills, common sense and the ability to get alongside others in a relaxed setting is something we look for. The volunteer role also includes a small amount of time either side of the group meeting to set up and pack away. Due to the nature of our work, this role would suit someone wanting a more medium to long term involvement. Some clients may have communication and confidence difficulties due to a number of health-related issues.

Key Points:

Weekly or fortnightly involvement

Tuesdays 1:15 to 3:15pm (1:30pm to 3pm service)

Epsom (Brickfield Centre)

Medium to long term involvement (9-12 months plus)

Some experience welcome but not essential

What we ask you to do:

Support the tutor / facilitator to deliver the planned activity each week (e.g. seeding, sowing, planting, pruning, clearing etc)

Help set up, pack away any equipment and refreshments

Provide individual practical support to attendees

Support and assist staff / facilitator with any difficulty that may arise

Respect the need for personal & professional boundaries with clients

Report any safeguarding concerns to staff in a timely manner to ensure clients are able to access the support they need (safeguarding training will be provided)

Please Note:

You do not need to have any previous volunteer experience to volunteer for this role although the ability to get on with people and communicate well with others is key.

Contact:

Matthew Plumridge on 07432 510493 or email: matthew@maryfrancestrust.org.uk, if you are interested in this role.


Time

Tuesdays 1:15 to 3:15pm (1:30pm to 3pm service)

Location

Epsom (Brickfield Centre)

Megan

Delivery and Strategy Lead: Co-Production and Community Engagement (Leatherhead)

Portrait of Megan, Co-Production Lead, MFT

Megan joined MFT in January 2025 and looks after the development of our strategic priority for MFT to live and breathe co-production. She also facilitates our Advisory Group, and champions those with lived experience of mental health challenges to improve the way mental health support is developed, reviewed, and delivered.

Megan first learnt about co-production as a Lived Experience Advisor with the Independent Mental Health Network based at Surrey Coalition of Disabled People, contributing her own lived experience to mental health projects in Surrey and North East Hampshire after graduating university.

She has since worked on a range of development projects for Surrey’s mental health and wellbeing support, immersing community engagement and lived experience into research and decision-making. Additionally, she is an alumna for The King’s Fund after completing their Advanced Organisational Development Practitioner programme.

To maintain her wellbeing, Megan is an avid reader, journals, and practices Yoga.