The Conservation Volunteers – Wellbeing Comes Naturally Case Study

Further to a meeting with The Conservation Volunteers (TCV), I was able to give feedback on a

number of issues to help develop a new health and wellbeing project called Wellbeing Comes

Naturally.

The new programme includes a number of free environmental conservation activities in and around

Aylesbury. The activities will provide a framework through which individuals can decide to take on a

range of new challenges and experiences, with the added benefit that the work carried out will also

improve local green spaces in and around Aylesbury, benefitting both other people and biodiversity.

Vulnerable adults and those suffering from mental distress are positively encouraged to take part.

Activities are varied and can include tree, bulb and/or wildflower planting, scrub clearing, litter

picking, pond work and much more. For those willing and able, there is plenty of scope to become

more involved. A number of roles and responsibilities have been identified that participants can take

part in. For example organising refreshments during activities, doing tool and health & safety talks at

the start of the session, helping to promote the activities, supporting new members of the group and

assisting in the organisation of activities. Community Impact Bucks support has helped to make these

new activities possible.

There is also a budget in place for a number of social events. Maybe a coffee morning, a trip to the

cinema or a walk with pub lunch. Again, the group members will be encouraged to take part in the

decision process and organisation of these events.

All sessions are led by a knowledgeable leader. However, as they are not care workers, the

importance of everybody’s health and safety was highlighted and suggested that support workers

accompany participants wherever necessary.

I was able to advise on barriers volunteers may face such as lack of transport, lack of suitable

footwear/clothing, suitable times of day, application to include details of health issues and support

worker if applicable and the attendance of the support worker if necessary. Therefore, transport is

supplied with an accessible pick-up location in central Aylesbury to collect and return volunteers,

suitable footwear is supplied, the time for activities set at 1-4pm which is more achievable for many,

especially those on medication for instance.

Monique Van Assouw – Community Project Manager at TCV, “Community Impact Bucks has been of

great help in getting volunteers for the new project The Conservation Volunteers are currently

running in Aylesbury. Helen Cavill had already referred two supported volunteers to our office in

Aylesbury. When she learned about our Wellbeing Comes Naturally in Aylesbury Vale project, she did

not hesitate to provide me with good advice as well as with volunteers interested in joining in with

the practical conservation activities. Her ongoing help has been pivotal in the project and very much

appreciated!”

Tree planting at Haydon Hill Open Space Left to right: Mohammed (support worker), Chris (supported volunteer), Richard Dickson (Director of

the Buckinghamshire Community Foundation), Pablo (supported volunteer), Ben (supported Volunteer) and Miranda.