Volunteer applications are now open.
We are a volunteer-led organisation with an amazing team of volunteers coming from a variety of backgrounds across East and West Sussex ranging in age from 18 to 80. The strength of Living Vital comes from creating a space that allows our volunteers to share skills, knowledge and ideas along with the experiencing a connection, purpose and integration with all beings.
We have achieved a lot so far and this could not have been done without the hard work and support of our many volunteers. As the scope of our projects continue to shift and grow there continues to be many ways to support our work. Here is a short summary of what being a valued volunteer of Living Vital could include.
“I love learning more and more with such an inspiring team. It’s a project that creatively inspires and creates a place of sanctuary for both plants and people. After working with other refugee charities, I’ve learned that outdoor spaces (like this) are invaluable for a sense of belonging and community” – Sophie
What would you be doing?
Activities are dependant on a variety of factors including, the weather, season and any ongoing larger projects but some of the things you might expect to be involved in are:
- Tending to the food garden
- Weeding and caring for the plants
- Growing plants – sowing seeds, transplanting and propagating
- Compost management
- Tending to the wildlife pond and food forest garden
- Woodwork – making different items for the garden
- General garden maintenance and activities dependant on the season
You don’t require any previous experience as our friendly and welcoming session leaders will always be on hand to give you explanations and guidance at all times.
When do sessions run?
General volunteering sessions run:
- every Tuesday (10-2pm) and,
- every other Saturday (10-2 pm)
You are welcome to come for part, or the whole day and there is no requirement for you to attend every week (although obviously if you’d like join us regularly we’d love to have you).
During the winter months, volunteer sessions naturally reduce and be less frequent with the jobs will becoming more maintenance based.
Sessions with Voice in Excile
Throughout the year we host groups from Voices in Exile refugee project in Brighton & Hove.
These session predominately focus around cooking plant-based dishes together while allowing participants an opportunity to meet members of the local community, practise their English and share their culinary and horticultural skills.
What will you gain from your experience with us?
- The chance to learn about food growing, from seed sowing to harvesting and everything in between
- Plant-based cooking with our groups from Voices in Exile
- You’ll be part of a community group that is supporting the refugee community in Brighton & Hove
- You’ll get the opportunity to be creative by getting involved with designing the garden if you wish, but no pressure
- The opportunity to be outside in beautiful surroundings and work in nature – the best gym ever!
- Meet lots of new people
- Attend an induction that will include health and safety training
Final things to know
- Please note that while we recognise the therapeutic benefits of working in nature, we do not offer any kind of direct therapeutic service to our volunteers or participants, but we will offer basic training as when it may be required working alongside our participants
- Unfortunately, we do not have funding to cover transport costs currently
- The garden can only currently be accessed by foot over uneven terrain from the car park/bus stop – it is unfortunately not yet suitable for those using mobility aids, but this is something we are looking at changing in the future to make our garden as accessible as possible