Independent Visiting

An Independent Visitor is a volunteer who gives some of their time each month to support and befriend a child or young person in care who has little to no contact with their birth family or where it is considered to be in the child’s best interests.

As an Independent Visitor, you will meet with a child or young person once a month to go out for social visits, share hobbies and interests and try new activities. You will befriend, mentor and provide continuity in the life of a child in care and above all, have fun together!

Ideally you would visit the child or young person once a month, initially for a couple of hours which could be built up as the friendship develops to a time that suits both yourself and the child or young person. We ask that anyone interested in the opportunity is able to commit to at least two years.

All volunteers will attend a training session to cover all aspects of the role and ascertain suitability for the role. You’ll then have access for support from the Independent Visitor Coordinator as needed and quarterly support groups.

To make sure all volunteers are suitable for the role they will be expected to undergo an interview, reference checks, training and an enhanced check with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS, formerly CRB).

The ability to drive is desirable, but not essential, some Independent Visitors are able to undertake the role using public transport. However, as some children live in remote areas and visits take place in community areas of interest ability to drive will make it easier to find a matched child.

Volunteers are provided with a small monthly budget to cover the cost of activities and travel expenses.

No formal education is needed but some personal qualities are essential for the role such as aged over 21, an active interest in the welfare of children and flexibility and resilience. Above anything else the volunteer must be committed to visiting the young person once a month and be reliable.