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An Independent Visitor (IV) is a volunteer who visits and befriends a child or young person living in care. Children and young people in care have often experienced trauma and a lack of consistent adult relationships. The IV may be the one constant adult they have in their life. The unique role of an IV enables children and young people to have at least one consistent, trusting relationship that is built over time. The IV will endeavour to become and remain a stable adult in the child’s life who doesn’t change when placements or social workers change and will at all times stay child focused. Independent Visitors take an interest into the lives, hopes and concerns of a child or young person, and are there to listen and most of all have fun. Here are some things that you may do with the child or young person you are matched with: Cinema Sporting activities Museums/exhibitions Theatre Zoo Theme parks/fun fairs Go out for dinner Sight seeing in different places
Work with children and young people Understanding of confidentiality. Non-judgemental.
Children and young people report that the role can make a huge difference to their lives; it improves confidence, they feel valued and they get to create happy memories with their IV.
Once a month visits Requires a minimum commitment of 2 years
