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Independent visitors are volunteers who befriend and support children and young people who are looked after by the local authority. All looked after children should, by law, be offered the chance to have an independent visitor. Independent Visitors (IVs) meet once or twice a month with a young person to do fun activities together out in the community in Croydon/South London. This might be a trip to the cinema or bowling, a day out in London or just a coffee and a chat. IVs receive ongoing support from a dedicated volunteer coordinator, full training, travel and activity expenses paid for both the young person and volunteer. Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are welcome. We are particularly keen to recruit male volunteers and people from BAME communities. You do not need any specific qualifications, experience or background to be an independent visitor. .You do need to be able to demonstrate to us that you have the aptitude and personal qualities to relate appropriately to a young person and offer them support as an independent visitor.
active Listening, communication skills, non judgmental, patient, kind and empathetic, organisation skills, creative, interpersonal skills
Becoming an Independent Visitor is an opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of young people in care by providing them with reliability, consistency and offering them a listening ear. Building a positive relationship with a young person, based on trust as very rewarding. You also get to have fun and try different activities in the process! You will gain a better understanding of the care system and be fully trained as well as receive ongoing support from a dedicated coordinator. Travel and activity expenses are reimbursed for both you and the young person.
Regular role (weekly, fortnightly, monthly)
