Independent Visitors is a statutory service that must be offered to children in care. An Independent Visitor is an adult volunteer that will be matched to a child or young person to befriend, met up monthly and do fun activities. This is an important role and allows the child or young person to build a relationship with a positive adult, therefore this is a long term commitment to the child or young person.
Volunteers are matched based on interests, likes and activities they want to explore. Some young people may like to go out for a meal, others the cinema, exploring the great outdoors or visiting the local park.
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.
• 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.
This is a community based role and the volunteer will be working to a local authority (Durham/Newcastle/Northumberland/Gateshead/South Tyneside/Sunderland)
Full training provided
Support from a coordinator
Team meetings
DBS
Expenses paid for travel (bus tickets) and there is an activity budget
Full training provided and additional training for personal development / interest.
Supportive charity that has been delivering services for 140 years.
Nepacs has a long standing history for working with volunteers.
Minimum aged 18 years
Commitment for 12 months
Wonderful opportunity to support a child or young person in care
Enhanced DBS essential
Recognition of Quality Volunteer Experience
