Volunteer Gardener ( Selly Oak )

Have you got green fingers?  Do you enjoy working outdoors?

We’re looking for volunteer gardeners to join our gardening team at Acorns in Birmingham, Selly Oak, helping us to maintain our beautifully landscaped hospice gardens.  

Volunteers are vital in supporting our gardening work to ensure our gardens remain cared for and nurtured throughout the year. These special places enable our families to spend precious time together, providing opportunities for laughter, fun, peace and reflection  

What you’ll be doing

• Assisting with the general maintenance and upkeep of the gardens
• Completing a variety of gardening tasks such as planting, weeding, mowing, and watering
• Keep our gardens looking beautiful by regular sweeping and general tidying tasks

How much time will it take 

• Volunteers are encouraged to volunteer on a weekly basis and we hope volunteers will stay with us for at least one year.
• Initially, we are looking for volunteers who can support between 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM on Mondays and/or Thursdays. However, this may change in the future.
• Gardening volunteers are part of our hospice Gardening Teams and typically work together on the same day, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.
• All hospice volunteers must complete our online basic training, which takes approximately 1–2 hours.
• Gardening volunteers will be provided with additional appropriate training, to ensure they are familiar with our gardening equipment and processes and will receive ongoing support in their role.
• Volunteers are required to complete an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) Check, which we will pay for and process..

Am I right for the role? 

You must: 

• Enjoy working outdoors and hands-on gardening tasks
• Be friendly, welcoming, and reliable
• Have good communication skills
• Be comfortable to volunteer in a hospice setting with children who may have multiple and complex disabilities and may be receiving end-of-life care
• Feel confident asking for advice and support when needed
• Be willing to learn about the importance of confidentiality, boundaries, and safeguarding within Acorns
• Undertake any additional training required for the role

All equipment is provided.  No previous gardening experience is required as ongoing guidance will be given.

Why volunteer at Acorns

• Make a difference to the work we do and help to improve the lives of children with life limiting or life threatening conditions
• Enable our children and their families to enjoy activities together or individually and make memories
• Connect with like-minded people and make new friends
• Enhance your CV by learning new skills and gaining valuable experience
• We’ll give you a reference for future work or volunteering
• We offer discounts at our retail shops
• Invites to social events and participation if our volunteer recognition schemes and awards
• Access to our free online training to support and develop your volunteering
• Travel expenses available

About Acorns

A parent never imagines their child will be diagnosed with a life limiting or life threatening condition. But when the unimaginable happens, Acorns steps in, helping families cope at every stage of their child’s life and beyond, whenever and wherever they need it.