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Real Life Options - Falkirk
- VO104437
Real Life Options – supporting people with learning disabilities, autism and age-related needs to have a strong voice and a real choice in the way they live their lives. At Real Life Options we champion the everyday choices of the people we support. Our volunteers are vital in supporting this aim, helping to provide greater control to the people we support through community, activity or driver volunteering.
Do you enjoy being outdoors and want to make a real difference in people’s lives? We’re looking for kind, enthusiastic volunteers to help care for our garden — a space where people with learning disabilities can relax, learn new skills and connect with nature. You don’t need to be an expert gardener — just someone who’s happy to get stuck in, lend a hand, and share a smile. Whether you’re an experienced grower or just starting out, this is a wonderful opportunity to help our garden thrive.
As a Volunteer Gardener, you’ll help to:
- Plant, water, weed, prune and care for flowers, vegetables and shrubs.
- Help maintain paths, raised beds and garden structures.
- Compost and recycle garden waste sustainably.
Our garden is more than just a green space — it’s a place where people can build confidence, learn new skills, and feel part of their community. By volunteering, you’ll help create a nurturing environment where everyone can flourish, feel proud of their achievements and enjoy the wellbeing benefits of time spent outdoors. Your contribution helps people with learning disabilities connect with nature, express themselves creatively, and feel valued for what they bring to the group.
Volunteering in the garden offers:
- A chance to meet new people and be part of a friendly, supportive team.
- A chance to connect with nature and enjoy gentle physical activity – great for your own wellbeing.
- Learning opportunities in gardening, sustainability and teamwork.
- The joy of seeing your efforts bloom and benefit others.
- The satisfaction of knowing your time and skills directly help the people we support.
Experience required
You don’t need previous gardening experience — just patience, reliability and a positive attitude. An interest in gardening and a willingness to learn together are what matter most. Volunteers must be happy to chat with residents with learning disabilities.
Travel details
Glasgow Road, Longcroft, Falkirk, FK4 1QY.
Parking is available. Accessible via public transport - several buses pass along Glasgow Road.
Travel expenses
All reasonable travel expenses are reimbursed via an online staff & volunteer portal.
Mileage rate is 35p per mile, taken from the volunteers home postcode to the service address in Falkirk and return journey.
Public transport tickets are reimbursed at full value on receipt of tickets uploaded to the portal.
Support
Training details
Induction - with volunteer co-ordinator initially to introduce our volunteer programme, then with the manager of the service at our Longcroft Care Home. Introduction to the service, around the home and gardens, the role in more detail.
Training - all volunteers are registered on our in-house training platform and there is an expectation for volunteers to complete several mandatory modules relevant to the role.
Support - all volunteers have two named contacts - the volunteer co-ordinator and the service manager. The volunteer co-ordinator will undertake weekly check-ins for the first month and then the service manager will undertake supervision check-ins every 8 weeks.
Restrictions
Minimum age: 16
PVG required.
Availability
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Frequency & commitment
The role is flexible. 1-2hrs per week over the winter months. 2-3hrs per week over the summer months.
Volunteers (aged 16-25) taking part in this opportunity are eligible to claim Saltire Awards hours for their activity.
Find out more
Please fill out this form to register your interest in the opportunity Volunteer Gardener with Real Life Options - Falkirk
Your email address and phone number will only be used by the organisation/TSI you are contacting to discuss in more detail the opportunity you are enquiring about.
Your details and message will be sent to:
Hannah Mounsey, Real Life Options - Falkirk
Hannah Mounsey, Real Life Options - Falkirk
Email address: [email protected]
A copy will be sent to the organisation that supports volunteering in Falkirk:
Contact name: General Enquiries
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 01324692000
Thank you for registering your interest in Volunteer Gardener with Real Life Options - Falkirk.
Real Life Options - Falkirk and Real Life Options - Falkirkhave both been sent your details and message, they will respond to you at the email address you provided.
Something has gone wrong, please let us know about this issue at [email protected] quoting reference #VO104437.