Independent Visitor - Volunteering opportunities directory

As a volunteer independent visitor you will support a young person living in care.

An independent visitor meets the young person every 3 or 4 weeks and takes them out for 2 to 4 hours to engage in a positive activity and have some fun.

You can attend childcare reviews and speak to professionals in the young person’s life if the young person wants you to.

The 1989 Childrens Act states that every child in care that has little or no contact with birth parents has a least 1 person independent of the authority who they can contact directly about personal problems or concerns they might have, the 2008 Children and Young Peoples Act states that all young people in care have a right to an Independent Visitor.

The function of an Independent Visitor is to be a long-term positive role model, in a perfect world this would be a life -ong relationship providing continuity, however at this point we're asking for a commitment of 2 years.

The Independent Visitor and young person will meet up initially once a week for a period of 6 weeks, and then once a month. The main aim is to have fun and give the young person time to talk to someone outside of the care system if they want to The Independent Visitor will receive an allowance to take part in a positive activity and travel expenses will be paid.

• a chance to use and develop your own skills whilst gaining experience of working with children and young people
• there will be access to initial and ongoing training
• an opportunity to meet new people, learn new skills, improve confidence and self esteem

• Alison Cammiss - Volunteer Manager for Children and Young People
• Telephone: 07901 813436
• Email: alison.cammiss@york.gov.uk

Also see

• Current volunteering opportunities
• People and communities
• Volunteering with City of York Council