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► Brambles to Broccoli Volunteer

Ouseburn Farm is a community led project located in the Lower Ouseburn Valley, just a mile from Newcastle city centre.

Ouseburn Farm aims to:
-Provide an integrated setting where people with disabilities and the able-bodied can work together, in developing and running a farm project, which is of benefit to and widely used by the whole community.
-Develop agricultural, horticultural and environmental skills of vulnerable adults, volunteers and members of the public through the livestock, growing and environmental projects based at the Farm.
-Provide heritage, farm-based and environmental education for visiting school children and students.
-Provide an information point for visitors to the Ouseburn Valley.
-Demonstrate best practice in environmental construction and sustainability.

Recruitment and screening process for volunteers:
All interested students will contact the volunteer co-ordinator for a meeting before the application process.

CRB required: yes

Times you can volunteer (Morning, afternoon, evening): Monday-Sunday 9:30-4:30

Description of role:
This is an opportunity for people to gain new horticultural skills or improve existing ones in the settings of Ouseburn Farm, an allotment and Tyne Housing Association’s garden spaces as part of our Local Food Grant-funded project, Brambles to Broccoli. We provide training for referred individuals in all aspects of horticultural work. On a practical level, the role will include helping to look after our growing spaces and participating in horticultural activities like digging, harvesting, and horticultural planning. The role will involve working closely with the staff team, the project workers, people on work placement and other volunteers as well as our trainees.

Specific skills required:
-Ability to work on your own initiative is essential, though previous experience is not necessary, as volunteers will be instructed by experienced horticultural project workers. Interpersonal skills are also important.
Volunteers will be working with trainees with varying abilities, a willingness to go at a pace that suits everyone and an ability to communicate at all levels is vital. The role will provide a valuable opportunity for those wishing to gain experience of working with vulnerable adults, and of working in a formal horticultural environment.

Pre-placement requirements: (i.e. training (number of hours, specific times i.e. weekend), meeting with supervisor, references):
Initial meeting with supervisor for more information