LionMouth Community Interest Company
Our Story
Established in 2012, LionMouth CIC was founded on the belief that every individual deserves a nurturing environment where they can thrive. We provide a supportive space for adults with learning disabilities through horticulture, arts, and nature-based programs, fostering growth and connection in a tranquil, artisanal setting.
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What is LionMouth
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LionMouth Rural Centre is a non profit community organisation (CIC) which promotes wellbeing of the vulnerable in our community through the provision of meaningful, practical and creative activities.
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LionMouth Rural Centre sits in seven acres of land bounded by the river Deerness to the South and the Deerness Valley Walkway to the North.
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The mixed woodland hides deer, otters, badgers, foxes, kingfishers, owls, buzzards and a wide variety of interesting wildlife.
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There are walkways through the woods, as well as links to many established walking and cycling routes.
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We have an ancient meadow upon which our bees start their pollen collecting journeys, and a wild meadow down by the river which we can be used for events, camping, and outdoor workshops.
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On our top terraces we have a plant nursery that sells hardy perennials, herbs and shrubs all propagated on site within our fully functioning horticultural unit, overseen by our RHS qualified staff.
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This is complimented by the Rainforest Cafe that offers up home made cakes and scones and other healthier refreshments.
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We have a large, well equipped Art room and a separate pottery unit and our workshop is where old unwanted pieces of wood get upcycled into funky furniture, 'useful' things and art work.
Our Dedicated Team
We are a passionate collective of professionals and volunteers dedicated to providing a nurturing environment where every individual can thrive through horticulture, arts, and nature-based programs.
Brigid Press
Manager
Sharon Bartle
Project Manager
Louise Witherspoon
Client SupportÂ
Sarah Cooke
Client SupportÂ
Christina Rees
Client Support
Sylvia Veitch
Managing Director
Volunteers
Our working definition of a Volunteer as opposed to a referred service user is:
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​ 'Someone who can be given a task, can carry out that task unaided and assist other people (either volunteer or service user) in completing the task. '
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We are committed to equality and diversity regardless of age, race, nationality, religion, sexuality, disability or gender. If you have some skills that would benefit the Centre and are interested in a Volunteer placement with us, you will be asked to come in for a tour of the site and complete an application form. We will also ask you to complete a DBS form (even if you have one in the current position that you are in) as we do have vulnerable adults on site.
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Once appointed, you will undergo an induction process supported by a member of staff to cover the aims, policies and procedures. You will also be provided with a job description and an agreement. Training is ongoing and primarily informal, arising from day to day experiences and encounters.Â
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LionMouth, wishing to avoid exposing volunteers to risks to their health and safety, adheres to the principles outlined in its Health and Safety statement. A copy of all policies and procedures, including the Health and Safety Policy, are available to volunteers and held in the manager’s office. We also safeguard the interests of our volunteers with Public Liability Insurance.
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Please note that Volunteering places are limited so there may be periods where it is necessary to implement a waiting list.
Corporate Social Volunteering
Does your company have time to give one days work volunteering at LionMouth Rural Centre? It's great for team building and helps us out at the same time. We have had voluntary days given by Northumbrian Water, Durham University (Research department, Student Support, the students themselves, Modern languages and Finance Department), IKEA, and The DWP.
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Tasks have included spiling (willow weaving) along the salmon pass, digging over the vegetable terraces, sorting out our woodworking workshop, pricking out summer bedding, bracken and Himalayan balsam bashing, staining and repairing outdoor furniture and lots lots more. All abilities accommodated and teams can be catered for as well.
