Volunteer Opportunities

Purpose of role

An independent Visitor is a responsible adult volunteer who acts as a positive role model to a young person looked after by a local authority. The young person has little or no contact with their parents. The IV will meet once a month with the young person to strive to be a positive influence in their life by celebrating success, encouraging them to express any concerns and influencing them to join activities that meet their hobbies and interests needs. The visit may involve just a friendly ear or it could be than you support them to gain access to the relevant education/health paths, access to physical / social activities, or taking them to the cinema, to a sporting activity or for a walk.

Key tasks

Visit a young person on a monthly basis
Befriend a young person establishing a relationship of trust and support
Remain independent from professionals and to promote the young person’s progression in terms of social, emotional, educational, religious and cultural needs
Encourage the young person to take up activities that fit in the young person’s hobbies and interests
Listen to a young person’s worries or concerns and signpost to the relevant agencies for further support