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Location: Stepney City Farm, Stepney Way, London, E1 3DG
When: Tuesdays or Thursdays (or both) 12:30pm–16:30pm
Type: Voluntary (unpaid – expenses reimbursed if applicable)
Supervised by: Lois Donegal – Community Programme Manager
Join our friendly Greencare group, supporting adults with learning disabilities, mental health challenges, or physical disabilities to connect with nature through gardening, growing, and animal care.
Guided by eco-therapeutic principles, the group brings people together to care for plants, animals, and each other. Participants spend time outdoors, connect with nature, and build confidence and wellbeing in a relaxed, friendly environment.
Sessions take place twice a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays), and each is facilitated by two experienced staff members. We have a large group in total of over 60 members, however most sessions we have an attendance of between 10-25 people.
Structure of the sessions:
You will arrive at 12:30 and support with set up and welcoming the group. We start at 13:00PM with a round circle where we decide what everyone will be doing. Each session we tend to have multiple activities on offer that are adjusted to the various physical abilities in the group. For example, seated tea bag making, seated plant potting with some members of the ground fetching soil etc. and other members of the group might be weeding or doing an animal job with the support of the farm manager.
We aim to have a volunteer and or the Community Programme Manager with each group, so everyone is supported. We do meditation at 14:45pm which Is followed by a tea/coffee break before the group feeds the animals and then we end the session.
As a Volunteer Greencare Assistant, you’ll help set up and tidy away activities, support group members during the sessions, and bring encouragement, patience, and good humour to the day. The role can be emotionally demanding at times, so we’re looking for someone with empathy, strong boundaries, and a calm, supportive presence.
You’ll be part of a small, experienced team with staff on site at all times. No specific gardening or animal care experience is needed – just a willingness to get involved outdoors and learn as you go.
In return, you’ll gain practical experience, new skills, and the satisfaction of making a real difference in a unique, nature-based community setting.
How to Apply
If you’re interested in this voluntary opportunity, please email Lois Donegal the Community Programme Manager with a short note about why you’d like to get involved and attach your CV. You will be contacted back and asked to an informal interview at the farm and or a video call.
Email: lois@stepneycityfarm.org
Phone: 020 7790 8204
We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community.
If you have a disability or any accessibility needs, we will do our best to make adjustments so that you can take part fully in this role. Please let us know what support would help you.
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