Photo shows a boat shaped shelter overlooking a pond with viewing platform to watch the fish

Availability Details

We are flexible and appreciate any time you can offer. We are happy to discuss this more in depth with you.

We ask for a full day commitment for the cafe role 11.00-4.30

The garden is currently open Monday to Saturday from 12.30-4.30pm to the public. Volunteers are given tasks throughout the whole year, even though the garden is closed to the public in winter.

Venue Address

Whinnies Community Garden
Sunniside
Gateshead
NE165LG
United Kingdom

54.924748857069, -1.6734373065176

Areas covered
Accessibility support

Accessibility Support Details

We welcome everyone whether you are able bodied, disabled or have learning difficulties to come along and be part of our team. 
Other information

Details

We are unable to cover travel expenses

There is limited parking next to the garden

Have you ever wondered what it is like to step foot into a magical garden? Now you don’t have to!

The whinnies is a vibrant and magical community garden full of fun and excitement, but also peace and tranquillity. Our community can come and enjoy the beautiful surroundings, meet with friends, join in with our many groups, or even come and enjoy tea and cake In our lovely café. 

We are open 6 days a week to all residents of our village, surrounding areas and beyond, where people can visit to enjoy a cuppa and cake whilst relaxing in our beautiful garden.

To keep the magic alive we are looking for people to volunteer and be part of our friendly team. Volunteering here is more than helping out, you’ll make new friends, learn new skills and be giving back to the community.

We are looking for volunteers in the following areas

  • cafe volunteering (full days 11.00-4.30)
  • Gardening volunteers
  • Maintenance volunteers

Whether you are experienced in gardening,  DIY, cafe tasks or you want to learn new skills that you can apply within the role and outside of the role we would love to hear from you!

We would be delighted to share our knowledge and we are here to help you along the way teaching you all you need to know

You will have a designated person you will report to and can go to for advice or guidance.

We are all volunteers here and ensure we are supporting each other.

We look forward to welcoming you to our team!

Skills needed

Be on time, reliable and ready to go
Be kind and friendly to everyone – staff, volunteers and visitors. We are all in this together!
Safety first – know what to do in case of an emergency.
Stick to the rules – our policies and procedures are there to keep everybody safe
General repair knowledge and DIY skills (but this isn’t essential as we can teach you and depends on the role)
general gardening knowledge (but this isn't essential as we can teach you what you need to know and depends on the role)
for our cafe role you need to be confident handling and counting money, making light bites to eat, cleaning and tidying, serving customers

Benefits for the Volunteer

A warm welcome.
The chance to learn and develop fresh skills and experiences.
Joining a friendly and dedicated team.
We see and appreciate the difference you make – recognition and gratitude are part of the deal. You’re a valued part of the team!
Meeting a diverse range of people, making connections and forging new friendships.
Personal satisfaction that you have contributed to the garden for all to enjoy.
Valuable work experience to boost your CV
Protective clothing and tools are provided.
Free teas, coffee and soup
Half price discount in our cafe

Register your interest
Your details will be passed onto the organisation offering this volunteer opportunity so that they can contact you directly with more information. Anonymised information will be kept for monitoring purposes.