Growing Together Levenshulme is a volunteer-led gardening project aimed at providing a therapeutic environment for asylum seekers, refugees and others in a similar situation. It provides a place to learn about growing food, engage with nature, socialise, and both give and receive support. The project attracts many regular participants.
The People Support volunteer role is a shared role alongside our existing team of Activity Facilitators and Session Support Facilitators. The purpose of the role is to provide informal support to participants during the sessions, and to facilitate the smooth running of the non-gardening aspects of these sessions.  Also, as a member of the wider caretakers team, to contribute to the general running of the project.
 
Our sessions currently run on:
Tuesdays 09:30 – 12:30 and 12:30 – 15:00
Fridays 09:00 – 12
We expect volunteers to commit to at least one session per week. 
Total time commitment: 3.5 hours per week
 
Roles and Responsibilities:

Welcoming new participants and completing registration forms
Being available during sessions for participants to discuss and address any issues/challenges they are facing 
Supporting participants to read, understand and respond to any correspondence  
Signposting and/or referral on to specialist agencies as required
Fostering a positive culture of support and community
Raising any safeguarding or support concerns with the wider People Support Team.
Ensuring the session runs smoothly and safely
Supporting with conflict management and resolution
Recording and distributing travel expenses to participants
Helping set up before sessions and tidy after
Monitoring the project phone
Shopping for lunch items
Attending monthly team meetings (currently on Zoom).
Attending training sessions as needed.

 
Person specification:
Essential

Experience of supporting others, whether as a support worker or volunteer, or for friends and family
Works well with people from a variety of backgrounds
Good people skills and an ability to listen to and support people who are under considerable stress
Emotional resilience 
Organised, a strong work ethic and sense of humour
Flexible and able to work in a changing environment
Commitment to working in an empowering way
Enjoys being outdoors (in all weathers!)
Willing to learn and undertake relevant training as needed
Able to commit to attending regularly on Tuesdays and/or Fridays, ideally for minimum of 1 year

Desirable

Lived experience of seeking asylum or experience of working with asylum seekers/refugees
Experience providing advice, advocacy, casework, or mental health support 
Understanding of the UK asylum system and asylum support, and knowledge of relevant local services (willingness to develop knowledge in this area is essential)

Expenses

We can reimburse reasonable volunteer travel expenses as needed

Support 
We have an induction process, training available and a friendly supportive team. 
Team debriefs are held at the end of each session.
We are happy to offer support for people to grow into the role.