Volunteer gardener sought to support homelessness service for young people in Camberwell

The Salvation Army’s residential centre for young people experiencing homelessness, Springfield Lodge Lifehouse in Camberwell, is looking for a gardening volunteer.  

Residents and staff are keen to find someone who can help to prepare a site for growing vegetables and then tend it regularly, around one day a week. The volunteer would ideally be able to engage with residents to share a love of the garden and demonstrate their gardening skills and passion.   

The hope is that person would get involved in all aspects of the allotment according to the season from sowing and weeding to pruning and harvesting, involving the young people who live at the Lifehouse in their green-fingered work.   

Springfield Lodge Camberwell provides accommodation for 40 young people aged between 16 – 21 years and is more than a hostel, helping residents to improve their self-esteem and employment prospects.  It offers training, education, a life skills programme and volunteering opportunities all aimed at independence and self-worth.   

Says Rosanna Amour, Skills Development Worker: “We’ve got a lovely large garden at Springfield Lodge which we use for all sorts of activities including BBQs and community events and we’d love to get our allotment garden established this year. We’re looking for a gardening volunteer who doesn’t mind getting their hands dirty, someone who can share their love of gardening with our residents.”   

To find out more, or to apply, contact Rosanna Amour by email: rosanna.amour@salvationarmy.org.uk