Independent Visitor

Overview of the role:

Each local authority children’s services department has to have an Independent Visitors service for children and young people in the ‘care system’. These are children and young people that are currently being ‘looked after’ and includes placements with foster families and children’s homes.

Independent Visitors (IV) volunteers would be matched to a child and or young person based on likes, interests and activities they want to get involved in, some IV would be best suited to younger children and other with teenagers or young adults.

IV can only visit or be matched to one child/young person, so the relationship becomes unique and exclusive.

Role Description:

As an IV you will be matched with a child/ young person based on location, ages, interests and likes. For example some children/young people may like to go out for a meal, others the cinema, exploring the great outdoors or visiting the local park. The possibilities are endless and we have a small budget for each visit to cover activities. Its essential activities and visits are planned with the child or young person, and that they have a voice.

Ideally volunteers will meet with their child or young person every 3 to 4 weeks and commit to a relationship for at least 12 months.

Feedback after a session must be provided to the Coordinator and any safeguarding concerns highlighted immediately in accordance to the Nepacs Safeguarding Policy.

Main tasks include:

• To plan activities on a budget with a child or young person
• To take a child or young person on visits, activities every 3 to 4 weeks
• To be a listening ear but also provide an opportunity to have fun or do something special
• Administration tasks in relation to the visit session, including logging the session with the Coordinator

Community – current contract areas are Newcastle, Northumberland, Gateshead, South Tyneside, Sunderland and Durham. 

Please download an application form from our website www.nepacs.co.uk/info/volunteering or contact: volunteering@nepacs.co.uk , or ring us on 0191 375 7278. 

Skills

• Ability to relate to children and young people
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to work with empathy
• Some understanding of early years / childhood trauma
• Excellent literacy and ability to keep records