Last year we asked our community what would help make Railway Gardens more welcoming and accessible for everyone. Two of the key things we learned were that local people would like:
A. to see the site open more often
B: more help to find things around the site, find out what’s on, or get involved.
While the Green Squirrel team have been working to make sure the site is open as much as possible, we have limited hours and while we’re on site we’re often in meetings or leading events. So we came up with a plan: we’ve transformed the previous staff office into a lush, cosy space, The Welcome Cabin, and we’re inviting you to join our new volunteer ‘Meet and Greet’ team who will be based there.
What is the Meet and Greet team?
If you love chatting with people and you’re looking for a relaxed role then this could be the perfect opportunity for you! We’re looking for Meet & Greet volunteers to be on site during opening times to help visitors feel welcome, answer their questions, show them around if they wish and offer more information. The site can get busy but it isn’t always – during quiet times it’s a good opportunity to catch up on a book or potter in the community garden! Our lovely new, heated Welcome Cabin includes a sofa, computer, a tea/coffee station (and biscuits of course) and other amenities to ensure your comfort.
What can you expect from this role?
As a Meet and Greet volunteer you will:
- Be supported to use your people skills to ensure everyone feels welcome, helping to build a more caring community.
- Build your communication and customer service skills.
- Learn about the day to day workings of a varied community project.
- Signpost visitors around the physical site and also onto suitable local events and activities.
- Help visitors get involved – everything from signing up new volunteers to taking room booking enquiries or accepting donations.
- Help with some simple ‘pottering’ jobs that keep the site safe and beautiful – such as watering or litter picking.
- Be part of a friendly, welcoming team.
- Get a snazzy Railway Gardens T-shirt!
Volunteering at Railway Gardens is a lot of fun, and we love to celebrate our volunteers! This picture is from last year’s summer social where we learned Greek dancing, enjoyed a curry, and played games with Fiery Jacks Circus.
There are always opportunities to put your skills into practice, whatever you love doing. We’re really pleased to say that 100% of our volunteers say they would recommend volunteerting with us to others.
Are there opportunities to learn more, or take on more responsibility?
Absolutely! If you are able and interested, then there will be optional opportunities to broaden your responsibilities into the following (all training provided):
- Giving hire tours & inductions, helping to bring in income for the project
- Help with computer based admin such as social media, research, designing posters, or answering emails.
- Take part in a range of training in transferable skills, from Health and Safety and Fire Marshall training to safeguarding, dementia awareness, and more.
Once you have completed an agreed number of sessions with us, and completed your induction and any training required, we’ll also be happy to provide a reference to help with job applications.
What skills do you need for this role?
We’re looking for people who:
- Enjoy chatting to people and feel able to offer a friendly welcome
- Have a conversational level of English – you do not need perfect language skills!
- Would enjoy helping visitors find the information that they need.
- Are happy working with other volunteers in pairs or threes.
- Can commit to a two hour slot, ideally weekly but at least once per month.
Optional skills. We also welcome you getting in touch if…
- You speak an additional language
- You feel comfortable carrying out simple computer based admin tasks
- You have experience with buddying, befriending, or supporting others to thrive in their role.
You do not need a DBS/ Criminal Record check for this role.
How to apply to join the Meet and Greet team
If you have any questions before applying please email Julia on julia@greensquirrel.co.uk or call 07704 605197 for a chat.
There are two ways to apply:
Option 1: Click here to apply online. You’ll be asked a few simple questions about yourself and why you’re applying for the role.
Option 2: Pop in and pick up a paper form or click here to download a printable form.
In either case, application for the ‘launch’ team will be open until December 8th (there will be another round of recruitment in 2025) and we’ll be in touch to let you know if your application has been successful, and to ask you to choose a date for your induction in January. We’re aiming for everyone to start their Meet and Greet shifts at the start of February 2025.
