Nature Connections Volunteer

Nature Connections volunteer role: to assist the Nature Based Wellbeing (NBW) team in facilitating and delivering a full programme of nature-based group activities and providing support to the participants accessing these groups. You will gain experience in developing nature-based group activities that enhance wellbeing, confidence and skills, and in managing group dynamics and maintaining the safety and comfort of individuals participating in peer-support groups. Please note: this is a peer-support, social role, not one that expects any professional counselling or therapy be undertaken.

The NBW programme will include a mix of longer-term peer-support groups to encourage participants to make connections to nature and to one another, alongside a diverse range of shortterm skills-based groups and courses that will change seasonally – the common thread in all our groups is a focus on nature connections. Types of activity will include – practical conservation, gardening and horticulture, creative or heritage crafts, ecology and citizen science.

Responsibilities of a Nature Connections Volunteer include:

Welcoming and integration - greeting group members, creating a friendly atmosphere, initiating conversations, welcoming new participants into the group

Safety and boundaries – upholding group agreements about behaviour/boundaries, ensuring equal participation, keeping groups on topic, and following safeguarding policies to report any concerns

Facilitation and development – supporting the facilitation of group activities across the NBW programme, working with the lead facilitator to develop and deliver engaging sessions that meet the needs of participants

Experience and feedback - supporting the group lead in capturing participant experience and feedback to meet the monitoring requirements of funders

Length of commitment: – 6-months (with possibility to extend)

Work days: 1-2 days per week (to cover activities running Monday to Thursday)

Skills and abilities needed for this role:

Interested in the benefits of nature connection to enhance wellbeing

Some experience of facilitating groups and group discussions would be beneficial but not essential

Good levels of communication skills, including active listening and empathy

Able to maintain professional boundaries and safeguard participants in line with St Nicks policies and processes

Friendly and approachable nature with the ability to get along with people from all backgrounds

Reliable and committed to attending scheduled sessions consistently

Able to use initiative

Benefits of the role:

Opportunity to gain experience in a Nature Based Wellbeing environment providing group activities

A chance to learn new skills and gain practical experience in group facilitation within an emerging sector

Regular supervision and ongoing support to help with personal development throughout the role to achieve personal goals

Opportunity to improve skills through on site and external training with other providers as well as in house training

Opportunity to gain experience making connections within the Voluntary and Community Sector in York

Experience working in a collaborative environment, being embedded in a team providing a key part of the Nature Based Wellbeing programme

References and help with job applications upon satisfactory completion of volunteering placement

Anna Perrett, Nature Based Wellbeing Manager

anna@stnicks.org.uk / 07926 072858

To apply: submit your CV and covering letter outlining your interest in the role and how your skills and abilities match the role description to the NBW Manager anna@stnicks.org.uk.