Digswell Nurseries
Digswell Nurseries offer a supportive working environment and training to people with a wide range of special needs, including people with physical and learning disabilities, people with mental health problems, long-term unemployed, ex-offenders and people who have suffered brain injuries.
We form a chief part of the Leisure, Education and Occupational Service provision by the charity operating in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire. Originally the horticultural nursery was owned by Welwyn Hatfield Council, supplying bedding plants, shrubs and trees for Welwyn Hatfield district.
Contracts, still in place in Welwyn and Hatfield Council allow the work of the students to be seen throughout the community, with Digswell being the main supplier of bedding plants for the parks and gardens in the area. In addition, Digswell enjoys sales to the general public, and is open six days a week.
Our Aims
To deliver training and support in a safe and enjoyable environment of high standards, and where people accessing the service can derive a high level of satisfaction from their work and training.
To provide opportunities for people to acquire the independent living and social skills to enable them to play as active a part in the community in which they live as they wish.
To enable each person using the service to achieve as high a level of personal fulfilment as possible.
To provide a high quality service based on the needs and wishes of each individual with particular emphasis on promoting independence and encouraging choice.
Criteria for volunteers at Digswell
We are looking for people who are flexible and able to work on a weekly basis on a set day and hours agreed with the manager to meet the needs of the service.
The role of the volunteer within this service will be expected to be accessible, approachable and comfortable working alongside vulnerable people.
You must have an interest in the outdoors and able to work in a busy nursery environment and someone who is self motivated.
You will be expected to support individuals that use our service and work alongside existing members of the team to ensure effective running of the nursery.
You must have good communication skills and be able to work unsupervised and also be expected to uphold the charity’s philosophy, values and principles.
Main duties of volunteering
In the day to day activities of the nurseries you will be expected to ensure a welcoming atmosphere prevails within the nurseries at all times and comply with the charity’s policies and procedures.
In consultation with individuals or their advocate, provide appropriate holistic approach support and opportunities to assist each person to make choices within activities, which will lead to an independent, satisfying and fulfilling life.
Assist to ensure a stimulating and innovative environment is maintained in accordance with fulfilment of the services aims and objectives.
Participate fully in the development of service by sharing information, ideas, knowledge and skills with the service manager and staff.
To assist with the delivery of customer service to the general public within our retail sales area and coffee shop.
To participate, through ideas and practice, in developing community links with the nurseries,
To work alongside our partners in the delivery of an educational work based environment.
Ensure all incidents, untoward occurrences, losses and complaints are reported immediately to the service manager.
Be aware of all security aspects of the building, staff and people who use the services.
To be aware of your responsibilities under the charity’s health and safety policy taking all possible steps to ensure a safe working environment, reporting all incidents or potential hazards.
Ensure all people are treated with respect, compassion, hospitality, justice and trust in the course of volunteering.
Maintain confidentiality at all times, in the course of volunteer work.
Further Information
If you require any further information you may contact Sue Beard, Service Manager on 01707 334076 or Maxine Norris, Human Resources Manager on 01707 671097.