Therapeutic Gardener and Horticultural Lead

River Garden is set in a beautiful rural location in South Ayrshire where a more appropriate setting for recovery could not be imagined. Operating from a 48.5 acre site on the river Ayr, we are building a community dedicated to sustainable recovery from drugs and alcohol through our vibrant, innovative approach to the development of social enterprises to provide occupation and learning for our residents and to support the continued growth of our dreams.

We are looking for an experienced gardener to take the lead in developing horticultural activities, organise the implementation of the garden masterplan in conjunction with other team members, and organise and teach residents and volunteers in all aspects of horticulture.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Planning and organising daily gardening activities for residents to be supported in engaging with nature, producing vegetables and fruit to use in our kitchen and in the propagation of plants for our grounds and sale to the public et e.g. our Fayre events.
• Assisting/overseeing and supporting with estate maintenance.
• Planning and development of the gardens with other relevant parties (and advisors).
• Having demonstrable experience and ability to assess and plan for the reduction of risk in horticultural activities.
• Supporting Peer Workers in the planning of residents’ recovery journeys through horticultural activity.
• Joining/leading residents in presentations to local groups (Rotary, Church, Schools etc).  This is a key aspect of the promotional and de-stigmatising elements of the role. These presentations sometimes take place in the evening or at weekends.

Flexibility and a desire to positively support people in their recovery from drug and alcohol addiction is essential.  A demonstrable knowledge of the therapeutic benefits of horticulture to mental wellbeing and knowledge of the work of organisations such as THRIVE would be desirable. 

Awareness and Responsibility

• Awareness and understanding of the work and ethos of River Garden.
• To work cooperatively in line with the larger ideals and aspirations of River Garden Auchincruive.
• Maintain high standards and acting as a good role model for residents in recovery.
• Respect and work to the standards required under Health & Safety, Food Handling and Hygiene.
• Demonstrate patience, respect and openness in dealings with everyone.
• A demonstrable ability to multi task and work under the pressure and challenges of a demanding work environment.

Charity overview

River Garden’s approach is unique in Scotland and combines a “work orientated approach” through working in our various enterprises, backed up by specific, time tested input on recovery models of care, residents can grow over the 3-year residential journey into rounded people whose recovery and abstinence is sustainable and who feel pride in themselves as productive, engaged members of their various local communities.

Our first social enterprise “The Bothy Café” is firmly establishing itself as a “go to” place for the local community and the open access nature of our site has a significant de-stigmatising benefit for those in recovery. Our “fledgling” events management social enterprise fills us with excitement and our purpose-built River Garden woodworking enterprise is on the cusp of opening. We are committed to this being our “Year of the garden” where we, through our residents, volunteers and staff, strive to enhance the experience of visitors to our site and the gardens we have on the estate.

We have exciting plans for developing new social enterprises over the next few years. The challenge is significant and the rewards are immense. This is an exciting time for River Garden, with massive infrastructural change sponsored by The Social Inclusion Partnership and the Scottish Government. We look forward to increasing our resident numbers to 50+ over the next few years.

To find out more: check out our website at www.rivergarden.scot