One Planet

Where: Activities can be based anywhere in the South Wales area with a focus on Cardiff, the Vale of Glamorgan and RCT. There will also be options to volunteer on some online activities.

When: Varied - sessions will most likely run in blocs per theme. Activities typically take place Monday-Friday during the daytime.

This opportunity is provided by Innovate Trust, a Welsh charity which supports people with learning disabilities to lead fulfilled lives at home and in the community.

One Planet is a climate action project which encourages people with learning disabilities to learn about climate change and teaches them how to take climate action in their homes and in the community.

We are looking for volunteers to support adults with learning disabilities to take part in sustainability themed activities. Project activities fall under 4 different themes:

1. Learning practical skills to live more sustainably and reduce waste:  eg simple sewing skills, basic carpentry, upcycling, basic repairs using glue guns…
   • Volunteers will support project participants by attending these practical skills sessions, offering hand on hand support if needed.
   • Volunteers will work alongside project participants, repeating instructions and giving encouragement.
   • If you have your own sustainable skill that you would like to share then you are more than welcome to lead your own session and Innovate Trust will provide the room, support and materials required.
2. Low carbon gardening: eg planting drought resistant plants, planting trees and hedges, building bug hotels, planting to reduce flooding…
   • Volunteers will support project participants to take part in gardening sessions, offering hand on hand support if needed.
   • Volunteers will carry out gardening work alongside project participants, offering reminders and encouragement where needed.
   • Volunteers can lead their own gardening sessions if they wish, with the support of the Project Officer.
3. Sustainable travel: eg teaching adults with learning disabilities about more sustainable forms of transport, group train and bus travel, walking bus activities, cycling sessions…
   • Volunteers will attend sustainable travel sessions alongside project participants and support them to engage in these activities, providing reassurance and encouragement where needed.
   • Volunteers will support the Project Officer by helping to manage the group and keep participants together during any group travel activities.
   • Volunteers will help to manage walking bus activities by covering the rear of the group and ensuring that participants stay together.
4. Community climate action: eg environmental conservation work in the community, planting trees, planting to reduce flooding…
   • Volunteers will attend community climate action activities and support project participants to take part, offering hand on hand support to use tools if required.
   • Volunteers will carry out conservation tasks alongside participants, providing support, encouragement and reminders where needed.
   • Volunteers will support the Project Officer by helping to manage and supervise the group.

The role:

• You can choose which theme(s) you would like to sign up to.
• The role is flexible, Innovate Trust will work with volunteers to set sessions and make sure that this fits in with their other commitments.
• You will support and encourage adults with learning disabilities to take part in climate action sessions, helping them to learn new skills and take positive climate action.
• The Project Officer or project partners will set tasks so it doesn’t matter how much previous experience you have.
• Alternatively, if you have a relevant skill that you wish to teach then the Project Officer will support you to plan and deliver your own sustainable skill session(s).
• Comprehensive training will be provided and you’ll be well supported by Innovate Trust who will always have a staff member present.

Aims:

• To help people with learning disabilities to learn practical skills.
• To teach people with learning disabilities about climate action, the circular economy and waste reduction.
• To challenge the public’s expectations and assumptions about people with learning disabilities, particularly their ability to make a valuable contribution to the community.
• To promote climate action.

Application process:

1. Complete SVC’s Volunteer Application Form

2. DBS check and suitable references required

3. Attend volunteer training with Innovate Trust

This project is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund’s Sustainable Steps Programme.