Volunteer Independent Visitor
- Volunteer Independent Visitor
- Houghton Le Spring
- National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS)
Becoming an Independent Visitor can be very rewarding for you and life
changing for a young person in care, being a consistent and supportive
person in their life, helping them learn to trust, have fun and grow.
An Independent Visitor is a volunteer who
befriends and develops a long-term friendship
with a young person in care.
This can involve 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.
The volunteers are called ‘Independent Visitors’ because they are a truly
‘independent’ person outside the care system giving the young person
continuity, which is something not always possible with changing carers and
social workers.
Department
You will be a lone worker taking a young person out for a fun activity once a month in their local area.
Responsibilities
Every young person in care has different
needs but is carefully matched so that
they have some common interests
with the Independent Visitor.
Young people who want an Independent Visitor may be facing difficulties and situations you may not be familiar with which is why you will receive regular one to one support from your local NYAS Co-ordinator. You will also be reimbursed for out of pocket expenses. This includes activities undertaken with your young person and an allowance for travel expenses.
Knowledge & Skills
No specific formal qualifications are required. You need to be over 18
Training will be provided.
All we ask is that you are open minded, patient, responsible and have a good sense of humour with the ability to relate well to young people and have a genuine interest in their well-being.
Personal Qualities
All we ask is that you are open minded, patient, responsible and have a good sense of humour with the ability to relate well to young people and have a genuine interest in their well-being.
General Requirements
All we ask that you are willing to commit to a few hours once a month for a
minimum of two years and be a consistent and trusted friend in a young
person’s life.
As part of the recruitment process you will have an enhanced DBS check, Digital Risk Assessment check and provide two references (professional and character)
Apply
Please complete the form below to register your interest in the opportunity.