CVA Nature Hub

Help create a welcoming outdoor program for people living with dementia and their carers.

The CVA Nature Hub is looking for supportive community volunteers to help deliver a dementia-inclusive outdoor program at Chigwell Community Garden and nearby natural areas. Volunteers will help people feel welcome, included and confident while taking part in gentle gardening, nature connection and conservation activities.

About the project

CVA Nature Hub supports people living with early-stage dementia and their carers to spend time outdoors, connect socially and participate in meaningful nature-based activities. Sessions are led by trained Conservation Volunteers Australia staff in partnership with Glenorchy City Council and the Venture Out Living Lab at the University of Tasmania.

Volunteer role

• Welcome participants and help create a calm, friendly environment.
• Support simple gardening, planting, propagation and bush care activities.
• Assist with setting up, packing down, morning tea and group activities.
• Participate alongside people living with dementia and their carers with patience, respect and encouragement.
• Help staff notice when participants may need a break, clearer instructions or extra support.

We are looking for volunteers who are

• Warm, reliable and respectful.
• Comfortable spending time outdoors in a garden or natural area.
• Good listeners who can communicate clearly and patiently.
• Willing to follow staff guidance and safety procedures.
• Open to learning about dementia-inclusive volunteering.

Training and support provided

All volunteers will receive guidance from CVA staff and dementia inclusivity training before supporting program sessions. You do not need previous dementia support or conservation experience to volunteer.

Time and location

The project will commence on October 5th, 2026. Sessions will run weekly at Chigwell Community Garden, 11 Karambi Street, Chigwell, with activities also taking place in nearby natural areas.

Participants will be there from 10am to 1pm. Volunteer hours will be 9:30am to 1:30pm to assist with set up and pack up.

To help maintain consistency for participants, ideally, we’re looking for supporting volunteers who can come every week.

Why volunteer?

• Support people living with dementia to stay connected with nature and community.
• Build inclusive volunteering skills in a supportive team environment.
• Contribute to a local project with practical environmental and social impact.
• Meet like-minded people and spend time outdoors.

Interested?

To express interest in volunteering, contact Renae Riviere at Conservation Volunteers Australia: [email protected]