Independent Visitor

Independent Visitor

Organisation role · 2–6 hrs/month
Littleport, Cambridgeshire, England, United Kingdom
Youth workAdvice & MentoringBefriendingSupport work
WellbeingChildren & youth
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Cambridgeshire county council
#89417
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Contact person

Sarah-Jane BedfordAsk Sarah-Jane a question

Summary

Can you provide Befriending support and consistency to a young person in care, once a month for a few hours?

Detailed description

Cambridgeshire County Council are looking for volunteers to become an Independent Visitor and establish a good quality, long-term relationship with a young person in care.


Children and young people in care can lack a consistent relationship with an adult and miss out on the experiences and opportunities this can offer them. As an Independent Visitor you will meet with them once a month, for a couple of hours, take them out in the community, have fun and be a good role model. A set amount for activities and mileage is reimbursed.


The visits can take place at the young person’s home or out in the community, based on the needs of the young person, and can involve anything from a walk around the park, bowling, going to a restaurant or an outing to the cinema. Any activity undertaken should be child led but you will be matched with a young person who shares similar interests.


Volunteers are supported through regular supervision and on-going training. No experience is necessary, just the willingness to pledge a few hours a month at the weekend or an evening to one young person.

The service is looking for anyone over 21 who feels they have the time and commitment available to become an Independent Visitor.

 

You should be able to commit for two years, thereby providing the young person with long-term consistency, and be able to spare at least 2-6 hours per month.


Before you can become an Independent Visitor Cambridgeshire County Council undertake interviews, references, and checks, including an enhanced DBS (criminal records) check.


You will need to complete a training programme, involving safeguarding training and will be provided with on-going support and supervision. 


Skills.

  • Two year commitment
  • Sense of humour
  • Patience
  • Understanding
  • Non-Judgemental
  • Reliable


WHAT WE WILL PROVIDE TO VOLUNTEERS

💸 Reimbursement of costs

🤝 Extra support and training


*You will need to complete an official application form with the service to apply.

What we will provide to volunteers

💸 Reimbursement of costs🤝 Extra support

Getting there

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About Cambridgeshire county council

The aim of the Independent Visitor is to undertake monthly visits to a young person in care. Young people in care have often experienced trauma and lack a consistent adult relationship in their life. The IV is someone who may be the one constant adult in their life.

The IV role is unique and aims to help the young person develop a positive 1:1, long lasting friendship with a trusted adult outside of the care system. Someone who isn’t paid to be there for them.