Independent Visitor

An Independent Visitor is an adult volunteer who befriends a young person in care and develops a long-term friendship with them. This often involves helping young people develop new interests, skills and hobbies or going on outings such as to the cinema, bowling or just a walk in the park.

• You must be 21+
• Be to commit to a minimum of 2 years.
• Be available to spend time approx. 2-4 hours every month with your allocated child (this is usually on weekends).

Each volunteer is carefully matched with a child or young person in care in their local area who shares similar interests.

BEFRIEND: Visit a child on a regular basis, once a month, to befriend them.

ADVISE: Provide Looked After Children with someone to talk to who is independent of the local authority.

SUPPORT: Provide a consistent and reliable adult with a view to building a trusting and positive relationship with the child.

DEVELOP: Provide a child with the opportunity to try new activities and spend time away from their placement.

What skills and experience do you need?

• Interpersonal Skills – Ability to easily build rapport an identify with children and young people
• Communication – Excellent communication skills, good report writing skills
• Committed – Willing to commit to a child for at least one year and preferably two years
• Role Model – A good role model for a child or young person who may have experienced difficult times during their childhood
• DBS Check – We will carry out safer recruitment checks and you will be required to have an Enhanced DBS check

Remuneration

We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our team as an Independent Visitor. Full training and support will be given, and expenses reimbursed.

Other benefits of the role include:

• Make a lasting difference to the life of a child or young person
• Share fun activities and creative hobbies with a young person
• Be a positive role model
• Develop a long term trusting relationship
• Gain experience of working with a young person in care
• Excellent training, support and being part of an ethical and caring organisation