The Secret Garden - Heritage Volunteer

Where: Activities are mainly based at St Fagans National Museum of History with some visits to Glamorgan Archives and other local museums.

When:  Fortnightly on Tuesdays 10.30-12.30 and other ad-hoc days

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.

The Secret Garden is a horticulture and history project based at St Fagans National Museum of History. Innovate Trust are supporting adults with additional needs to research the history of Ysgubor Fawr cottage, its garden, its past inhabitants and its role in the wider Plymouth Estate. Project participants will be creating accessible learning resources to teach others about the garden’s history. They will also plan an exhibition to display their findings at the end of the project.

We’re looking for volunteers who would like to work alongside people with learning disabilities, supporting them to research and present the history of The Secret Garden. The role is perfect for someone who’s creative, interested in history and enjoys meeting new people. We also have opportunities for volunteers to support the horticulture side of the project, supporting individuals to maintain and develop the garden on site – please see other opportunity.

The role:

• Ideally you will commit to attending the fortnightly sessions.
• The Project Officer will set tasks for the session so it doesn’t matter if you don’t have much previous experience.
• You’ll take part in research tasks alongside people with learning disabilities, supporting and encouraging them as you go.
• There will be additional, ad-hoc one-off sessions which you can choose to join if you wish.
• 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 be active participants in heritage.
• To help build the skills, confidence and wellbeing of people with learning disabilities.
• 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 help develop valuable heritage resources.

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 Heritage Fund.

Thanks to National Lottery Players.