Background
ASSIST supports destitute asylum seekers in practical ways, including the provision of accommodation for those who would otherwise be on the street, sofa-hopping or in ASSIST’s night shelter. ASSIST has recently opened a house for female destitute asylum seekers that offers accommodation for up to one year for four women. In cooperation with SAGE Greenfingers, a Sheffield charity that promotes well-being through horticultural activities, we are converting the garden of the women’s house into a small allotment. The allotment will enable residents, and other female ASSIST clients, to grow some of their own food and improve their mental and physical wellbeing. In the interests of starting this project quickly, the food growing
will start in containers. Once funds are secured we will install raised beds etc and continue the
development there.
Role purpose
To take the lead in supporting a small group of female asylum seekers and other volunteers to learn and develop basic skills to plant and grow vegetables, fruits and flowers at the ASSIST women’s house allotment. This role will both create a sustainable food source for the household
and promote engagement and collaboration of the women living in the ASSIST house as well as other volunteers.
Tasks
● Coordinate and participate in the joint developing and maintenance of the allotment together with ASSIST clients.
● Contribute to the physical maintenance and general organisation of the allotment.
● Organise and run weekly gardening sessions for service users to develop basic knowledge and skills about gardening, and provide practical advice and feedback.
● Maintain regular communications with all service users and ensure that everybody is involved,promote encouragement and support for them to have a go at growing fruit, vegetables and flowers.
● Interact with service users and help create a sociable and supportive outdoor space at the allotment.
● Work with and support a group of women, many of whom have experienced high levels of stress and mental / emotional hardships.
● Be a good listener for some of the clients who may have psycho-social difficulties related to events and experiences before and after their arrival in the UK. Liaise with ASSIST volunteer case workers in relation to the clients’ needs.
● Liaise with ASSIST’s accommodation worker on materials and resources needed for maintaining the garden.
● Undergo (at least) 6 weekly supervision with a designated Assist supervisor
What you need to begin the role
● Good level of spoken English
● Understanding and willingness to work and communicate with people from other cultural backgrounds, who may have limited knowledge of English
● Good team-working ability
● Basic knowledge and experience in planting, growing vegetables, fruit and flowers, however you do not need to be an expert or trained
● Sensitivity and –ideally- some experience in dealing with vulnerable people, including those who have experienced stress and trauma, migration, or other challenges to their wellbeing
● A non-judgemental and accepting attitude, good listening skills and willingness to learn from experience
● Reliability and punctuality and good attendance
● Some understanding of the importance of health & safety
● Knowledge of another language would be an advantage, but not essential
What you can learn
● Insights into the situation of asylum seekers in the UK, especially those who have been refused asylum
● Practices of growing and preparing foods of people from other cultural backgrounds
● Supervision skills, including motivating others and giving feedback
● Experience of working in a community organisation and its policies
● Supporting vulnerable people
● Skills in social and therapeutic horticulture
Time commitment: 1 afternoon (around 3 hours) per week on a weekday
Location: Firth Park, Sheffield
Supervision: The volunteer will initially be supported and trained by SAGE Greenfingers and later will be supported by ASSIST’s accommodation worker and volunteer coordinator.
Task profile – Allotment volunteer, March 2015