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.
You will be a lone worker taking a young person out for a fun activity once a month in their local area.
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.
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.
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.
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)