Key Volunteers

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Health and Wellbeing Volunteer Officer

Place: Kirkstall, Leeds

Why we need you:
Our Team delivers a range of activities, practical tasks and events with a Health and Wellbeing focus on the Hollybush Conservation Centre site and out in the community. We work with a range of people, all with different levels of skills and experience, and as a Volunteer Officer you’ll help everyone feel supported, included, and able to develop their potential. Our Volunteer Officers are a key part of the Health and Wellbeing team and are involved in: - Practical development and maintenance of the wildlife areas and horticultural areas at Hollybush Conservation Centre including food growing, habitat management and practical conservation. - The leadership of practical activities with a focus on the health and wellbeing of participants across Leeds including walking groups, bushcraft sessions, natural crafts and community gardening. As a Volunteer Officer you will be helping volunteers to engage with and improve their environment, learn about nature, food growing and conservation and enjoy healthier lifestyles. You will play an integral part in the smooth running of practical volunteering sessions and activities in Leeds. We’re looking for enthusiastic people with a passion for the environment, conservation and supporting others, who are looking to gain experience in the environmental sector or have skills or time they would like to share to make a difference to the environment and have a positive impact on people’s lives. It's a chance to do something very satisfying and worthwhile and have lots of fun with some great people!

Benefits to you:
Being a Volunteer Officer is a role with real responsibility, that might appeal to both people with experience to share, and those seeking to gain more. You will be supported by experienced staff into being able to run activities and lead groups independently, assist with public events and related activities. You will have the opportunity to develop you own leadership and project management skills, and as well as valuable practical experience with an organisation recognised for its quality by employers in the environmental field. At TCV Volunteer Officers have access to a huge range of training opportunities including First Aid, Health and Safety, Project Leadership, Safeguarding, Risk Assessment and practical courses and workshops specific to your role. All tools, materials and safety equipment will be provided. Many people who work in the Environmental and Health and Wellbeing Sectors have used a Volunteer Officer role as a stepping stone in their career. We can also provide you with useful job opportunity information, interview guidance and references. Opportunities are flexible and can fit around work or study commitments and the things you wish to get out of the experience, whether that’s getting more involved with your community or vocational experience to enhance your employability. You will be part of the lively and inclusive Hollybush community where we work together to give everyone the opportunity to grow.

What you need:
People volunteer with us for all sorts of reasons: you may have lots of skills that you are keen to share, or you might be looking for something worthwhile to do with your time, or you might be wanting to launch a career in the environment sector. No prior knowledge or experience is needed, just an interest in the environment, people and a willingness to learn. We are looking for committed and enthusiastic individuals who are keen to work with people to connect them with green spaces.

How much time:
To get the most out of this role we recommend a regular time commitment of a minimum of two days a week, Monday to Friday.

For further details please contact Áine Welsh (pronounced AWN-yuh) on 07801 686 040.

Email: a.welsh@tcv.co.uk

You will be supported in your role by experienced staff through regular meetings where issues can be resolved and guidance provided. You will have all reasonable expenses covered (foreign travel excepted) so will not be out of pocket through your volunteering. You will be insured and expected to comply with the policies and procedures of The Conservation Volunteers.

Where roles will be responsible for others, we need to check your references. When the role involves young people and vulnerable adults, we will need to ask for an Enhanced Disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau, Central Registered Body in Scotland or appropriate body in Northern Ireland.

Many people who work in the Environmental Sector have used a Volunteer Officer role as a stepping stone in their career.