GARDENING LEAVE AT THE ROYAL HOSPITAL CHELSEA.
Requirements for Horticultural Therapist being sought for the above.
Gardening Leave is a charity which provides Horticultural Therapy for ex-Service personnel, in walled gardens.
The pilot project in Ayrshire has been researched by Jacqueline Atkinson, Professor of Mental Health Policy at Glasgow University and Anna Baker Cresswell, Gardening Leave’s founder has been asked to set up another Gardening Leave project, this time at the Royal Hospital Chelsea (RHC), home of the Chelsea Pensioners. (See the Executive Summary of the research on our website).
The criteria for attendance at the RHC project is that you must have served in H.M Armed Forces i.e. Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, Merchant Navy or Territorial Army (TA).
Referrals to the RHC project will be from multiple agencies which will include the Sir Oswald Stoll Foundation, Veterans Aid and Combat Stress. All referrals will be assessed by 3 CPNs who all have TA experience.
An area of garden within the grounds of the Royal Hospital has been earmarked for Gardening Leave’s use and there are 3 modern greenhouses on that site which we will also have use of and will share with the Head Gardener and his team.
Horticulturally, our task will be to grow bulbs and cut flowers for the many functions which are hosted by the RHC throughout the year, thus helping to reduce their flower bill. Although ‘our’ garden is not huge and veg growing space is limited, herbs, tomatoes and other container grown veg are all possibilities. This is ground-breaking stuff in a very high profile setting, with very vulnerable people (they would shoot me if they knew I had said that…!).
The successful HT will need patience, flexibility and large doses of sense of humour.
I am hoping to start in the Spring of 2010 and am currently building a list of ‘interested parties’ for the job of Horticultural Therapist.
If you are interested, or know anyone who would be, please contact me either on 01292 521 444 during office hours (the wonderful Evelyn our Administrator) or info@gardeningleave.org.
As soon as we have a start date and salary details worked out, I will let you know. Planned closing date for applications is Friday 12th February, 2010.
Anna Baker Cresswell.
Chief Executive,
Gardening Leave.
24th December, 2009.
Horticultural Therapist
Full Time - 40 hours per week
Gardening Leave is a Charity supporting people who have served in H.M. Armed Forces.
We are currently seeking a Horticultural Therapist who will be based at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
This role offers a suitably qualified candidate exciting opportunities to shape new roles in this rewarding organisation.
Job Purpose
Day to day management of the garden and poppy collection as a horticultural therapy environment, providing over 50 therapeutic sessions per week for veterans. The Horticultural Therapist will be responsible for all therapeutic work at the site, progress reporting and liaison with the main referral agency, also for annual planning of indoor and outdoor gardening, and overseeing the work of a small group of volunteers, including their training.
The post holder will report to the Chief Executive and will work with the Gardening Leave staff team across Scotland, England and Wales attending meetings/training at other sites from time to time.
Key Responsibilities
- Responsible for all therapeutic work on site, you will assess individuals’ needs and implement and report on appropriate work programmes.
- Maintain records of all therapeutic work undertaken at the Royal Hospital Chelsea site.
- Liaise, report and maintain regular contact with the main referral agency for veterans for the Royal Hospital Chelsea site.
- Within the framework of Gardening Leave’s annual planning and budgeting, prepare an annual garden/poppy collection plan and budget for the Royal Hospital Chelsea site and monitor it’s progress.
- Arrange supplies and contracts relating to the Royal Hospital Chelsea site as contained in the annual budget
- Provide support and supervision for Gardening Leave volunteers at Royal Hospital Chelsea.
- Reporting to the Chief Executive you will be involved in local publicity and public relations to promote and develop the work of Gardening Leave.
Essential Criteria
Relevant experience of working as a qualified Horticultural Therapist or in a related health/social care professional discipline
Experience of leading, organising and running a project including planning, managing people, resources and budgeting.
Knowledge and experience of outdoor gardening
Excellent inter-personal communication and project management skills
IT literate specifically with Microsoft Office
Self motivated and able to work as part of a geographically spread team
Desirable Criteria
Knowledge of the impact of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in the military context
Knowledge and experience of indoor gardening
Experience of working with volunteers
A Disclosure Check will be required for this position.
The role will involve travel and a current driving licence is desirable.
If interested please submit a covering letter stating what you can bring to this role, together with your CV to: PO Box 95, Alnwick, Northumberland. NE66 9AU
Closing Date:
Interview Date:
