Here is a suggested ‘script’ for you to go through with each new teen:

We need to run through some induction points with you as it’s your first session in the garden.

First and foremost, we want everyone to feel as comfortable as possible whilst they are here. This should feel like a safe space for you, so if you are ever concerned or worried about anything, please let one of the adult volunteers know.

We always have a list of gardening jobs for each session and we do creative projects as well. If you have ideas for things you would like to grow, or projects we could work on, please let us know.

• Volunteer Handbook
  • I know you will have received and read the Volunteer Handbook and signed the commitment form.  I am just going to run through a few specific things now…
• Safety
  • Everyone is responsible for looking out for each other and so if you see somebody doing something that isn’t safe – it is ok to let them know and ask them to stop. If you don’t feel comfortable doing that, please let one of the adult volunteers know. 
• Risks
  • If you find anything sharp in the garden e.g. broken glass, please do not handle it and let one of us know straight away so we can remove it.
• Allergies
  • If you are allergic to anything, please let us know. The garden has a no nut and no foods or drinks containing nuts policy so please do not bring anything that contains nuts with you.
• Lifting
  • Please use the wheelbarrows to move anything heavy and don’t over fill them and/or ask for help.  
• Soil
  • Soil is full of useful organisms for the garden but it can also contain harmful toxins. Therefore we all have to wear gloves when working with soil – please remember to bring these every week if you have your own. We have lots of pairs here though, so don’t worry if you don’t have your own or you forget to bring them with you.
• Plants
  • Please do not eat any plants without checking that it is safe to do so. If you eat any fruit, please make sure that you wash it and your hands first.
  • If there is anything that we are aware of that may be toxic, we will let you know.
• Tools
  • Please do not leave any tools lying around as they cause a potential trip /injury hazard. All tools will be put away at the end of each session. We are all responsible for tidying up. It’s a part of good gardening.
• Accident book
  • If you have any accident, whatever it is: a small cut from a thorn or a bump on the head, it needs to go in our accident book. Please let one of us know as soon as anything happens.
• First aid
  • At least one, but most likely both of the adult volunteers working with you are first aid-trained. So you are in safe hands.

• Phones
  • Being in the garden is a good opportunity to take a step away from your phone and really appreciate nature so we ask everyone to avoid looking at them as much as they can, so we all get the best out of the session.
• Photos
  • Please do not take any photos of anyone else in the garden. If you want to take a few photos so you can share what you have been doing with others after the session, that is fine but please keep this to a minimum.
  • We would really like to take some photos to show the sorts of activities we are doing for our social media and website content. We won’t take any pictures that can identify you, we would just take some photos of hands/ digging/ planting etc. We will ask you before we take any pictures. If that is ok with you. If you are not sure that is ok then it is fine to check at home with your parents/guardians or just say you’d rather we didn’t!
• Confidentiality and respect
  • Everyone comes here for their own personal reasons. Please bear this in mind and please do not share who else is here unless you get their permission first. Please treat everyone with respect whilst in the garden.
• Breaks
  • Make sure you take breaks as you need for the loo, to take a drink, have a snack, or sit down if you’re feeling tired.
  • The loo is on right hand side just after the clinic reception desk. Please just remember to pop your mask back on when you go inside.
• Time out
  • If at any point you are feeling like you need some time out please just let one of us know and don’t leave the garden. You don’t have to say anything more than you need a break and you’re welcome to find a quiet spot to take a breather. We might ask you if you want to chat but if you’d rather be left alone, that is absolutely fine.
• Lanyards/ Emergency contacts
  • Everyone has a lanyard which we all need to wear throughout the session – so we all know who each other is. Your emergency contact details will be kept in the back of this. These are all stored in a locked drawer in the reception of the clinic – so please remember to give yours to one of us before you leave and we’ll make sure it goes in there and it’s ready for you to collect when you return to the garden.