If you, or someone you know, is interested in finding out more about Cherry Tree Nursery, you are welcome to call in informally to see if attending might be of interest. Our criteria, referral form, and basic rules for volunteers can be found in the Downloads Section below. If you believe you, or the person you wish to refer, fulfils our criteria, then the next stage is to complete the referral form as fully as possible and ring the nursery to make an appointment for an informal interview with staff and a tour of the site with a current volunteer.
Any organisation can make a referral, as long as sufficient information is provided. You may ask your GP, job centre, counsellor, volunteer bureau, landlady etc to refer you if you have no keyworker. Due to having a limited number of places available, we prioritise people who have no support from other mental health services. If appropriate, following your interview, you will be told how long you may have to wait for a place.
When the possibility of a place arises, you will be offered a trial day to see if you are still interested in attending. Volunteers normally start work for one or two days per week, but can, by agreement, increase their time here gradually if they wish. The working day is 9 am to 4 pm with two half hour teabreaks, and an hour for lunch.
Hot and cold drinks are supplied, but you will need to bring your own food. Reasonable travel costs are refunded to people attending for work. We will endeavour to help you to find the area of work within the nursery that you find most enjoyable and rewarding. People tend to find a role here quite quickly!
For information on other ways to help, and on becoming a Friend of Cherry Tree, see the Get Involved section.
The working day
The nursery is open to the public from 8 am, so people who prefer to arrive earlier may do so, and have a hot drink before work starts around 9.00. Special arrangements can be made if you need to arrive later, for reasons such as childcare, picking up a daily prescription, or travel difficulties. You do not need to wait until 9.30 to use your bus pass, as fares are refunded.
A member of staff will explain what you are going to do that day, and other volunteers will work with and help you if you wish. You will find the community very friendly and welcoming, remembering how nervous they were when they first started.
There are quiet places to sit, or to work, if you prefer to be on your own, and there are shops within easy walking distance. It is important to sign in and out when you enter and leave the site, so we know everyone is OK.
There are toilets with hot and cold running water, a shower and a washing machine. Working gloves and boots are provided. There are good bus links, storage for bicycles and a car park.
‘As you walk down the gravel path leading towards the misty dews that hover over the much loved and appreciated grounds of Cherry Tree Nursery, you feel a great release of pressure in your head, no more turmoil’
|
