Hammersmith Community Gardens Association (HCGA)
Hammersmith Community Gardens Association is a local environmental charity set up in 1984. We manage four community gardens in Hammersmith and Fulham. HCGA has a range of projects which include conservation training schemes, volunteer gardening sessions, health and wellbeing projects, environmental playschemes and environmental education in local schools. We assist local groups in the design,…
Description
We are looking for a volunteer to explore the impact of gardening on the community. This study will highlight the contributions of volunteers who dedicate their time to improving local green spaces and strengthening social ties through gardening initiatives. We aim to investigate how these efforts not only enhance the physical environment but also foster a deeper sense of community and well-being.
The aims are:
- Examine the role of gardening volunteers in enhancing public green spaces.
- Explore the ways in which gardening activities help strengthen social connections and community engagement.
- Understand the broader environmental and social benefits of volunteer gardening initiatives.
Duties
- Data Collection: Researchers will conduct surveys and interviews with community members, gardeners, and local stakeholders to gather both quantitative and qualitative data.
- Engagement with Schools and Youth Centres: Researchers will visit schools or youth centres involved in gardening activities to interact with staff and volunteers and gather insights on how these initiatives positively impact the local community, particularly in terms of youth engagement.
- Data Analysis: Volunteers will help analyse the gathered data to identify patterns and key findings.
Who will the volunteers be working with?
Primary supervision will be provided by Katie Shaw, who will be available for weekly meetings to monitor progress. Secondary supervision will vary depending on the focus group of the volunteers. The individuals overseeing each group will assist with daily supervision and support as needed.
Time commitment
Volunteer groups convene on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, each comprising distinct sets of participants. Researchers have the option to conduct a cross-group analysis or concentrate on a single group. Notably, the Friday group ventures to various locations, including schools and youth centres, making it particularly suitable for this project.
Application deadline