Nature Buddy Walking Volunteer
Volunteer Nature Buddies support the transition of socially isolated members of the community from our NHS-partnered 1-1 Nature Walks project, towards confidence with people and mobility outside.
If you love the outdoors, care about people and have some time to give, you might be a great Nature Buddy.
Onsite
Volunteer Role
Make an Impact In:
Develop & Use Your Skills:
Opportunity Snapshot
Commitment
Weekends, Weekdays, Flexible
Format
Onsite
Eligibility
Age -
Your Role in Creating Change
Detail Role Description
Role title : Volunteer Nature Buddy
Role location: London Boroughs of Hounslow and Richmond
Responsible to: Volunteer Coordinator, Gabby Spencer
Summary of Role: With supportive training and induction, Nature Buddies are matched with members of the local community at risk of isolation, who may not currently spend time outdoors. Nature Buddies support their buddy to develop confidence, mobility, awareness and hope through visiting local natural environments. The activities and green spaces visited will be chosen between the Nature Buddy and the supported individual; you decide together what is most helpful, convenient and enjoyable. A Nature Buddy is someone who believes in the benefits of health and wellbeing, outdoor learning, and environmental stewardship.
Time Commitment: 1 hour weekly for periods of 6-8 weeks at a time (more if possible). We love to work long-term with volunteers, so we provide solid support and training to make this a no-brainer for you.
Skills and Qualifications: No special qualifications or experience needed. Volunteers should be understanding, patient, empathetic and enthusiastic about the benefits of outdoor environments.
We will provide a Disclosure & Barring Service screening which must be clear.
Training and Support: You will be given induction training into the various aspects of the work.
This will include 3 group sessions and a handbook to keep track of what you're learning. You will receive ongoing training, guidance as well as peer support at volunteer meetings. You'll work closely with our Let's Go! team who are there to help you and the participants. Nature Buddies are a local network of similarly-motivated people who help each other too!
Reimbursement and Expenses: It is important to us to reduce barriers to volunteering. We reimburse out-of-pocket expenses to our volunteers: • Reasonable transport expenses • Light refreshments
Benefits to the Volunteer:
A fantastic personal learning and development opportunity. Rewarding activity directly helping people at risk of isolation to engage with outdoor spaces and make new friends. Make a difference to someone who needs your support and wants to be part of this exciting innovative programme. Ideal opportunity to gain experience in social care and environmental sectors. Regular access to enjoying time outdoors in company, visiting the amazing nature in our boroughs. Join a small friendly team and develop your skills.
Accessibility and Inclusivity: If you have specific physical or other access needs that you would like to discuss with us, we welcome conversation to ensure you can benefit from this role.
Application Procedure: Initial meeting, Attend training, DBS check, Induction.
Contact Details: Volunteer Coordinator [email protected] or Director Frances Bennett [email protected]
What to Expect After Applying
Email me with you number and we can arrange an initial chat, followed by an organised zoom meeting. [email protected]
About Lets Go Outside and Learn CIC - Nature Buddies
Promoting access to outdoors for all members of the community.
Nature Buddies inspire and support local people at risk of isolation, to reconnect with the outdoor and local green spaces. This volunteer opportunity looks to develop members of the community with the confidence and mobility to spend more time outdoors to improve their mental and physical health. The activities and green spaces visited, will be chosen between the Nature Buddy, Leader and the supported individual; you decide together what is most helpful, convenient and enjoyable. A Nature Buddy is someone who believes in the benefits of health and wellbeing, outdoor learning and environmental stewardship.
Time commitment:
1 hour weekly for periods of 6-8 weeks at a time. This particular project runs until April/May, however there are many other projects in the Let's Go Outside and Learn catalogue. We love to work long-term with volunteers, so we provide solid support, online and in-person training, as well as regular support and guidance from us, to make this a no-brainer for you.
What skills do you need?
No special qualifications or background in horticulture needed.
Volunteers should be:
Understanding, Patient, Empathetic and have a love for Nature.
Benefits:
A fantastic personal learning and development opportunity. Rewarding activity directly improving the lives of people in the community. Volunteers will have expenses covered for some travel and refreshments if taken with clients. This is an ideal role to gain experience for your CV in the social care and environmental sectors, broadening your skills, and creating a pathway for potential new career avenues. Regular access to enjoying time outdoors in the company, and creating new friends within the team. You will be given induction training, online and in-person, this will be carried out through 3 sessions and a handbook for you to keep track of what you are learning. You will recieve on-going support and guidance as well as peer support at volunteer meetings. You'll work closely with the Let's Go team, who are there to help you and the participants.
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