Volunteer Hub
Independent Visitor
Organisation Details
Coram Voice
Sub theme: Asylum Seekers and Refugees, Children, Youth Work and Young People
Stellify Award: This opportunity is part of 'Make a Difference'
Organisation Description: Coram Voice is a leading children’s rights organisation. We champion the rights of children. We get young voices heard in decisions that matter to them and work to improve the lives of children in care, care leavers and others who depend upon the help of the state. We do this because we believe in a society which recognises and willingly accepts its responsibilities to children and young people, where the inequalities and discrimination they currently face have been eradicated, where they are fully engaged in all decisions made about their lives and where their views, needs and feelings are at the core of those decisions.
Becoming an Independent Visitor means giving a little time and energy to developing a long term rewarding friendship with a child or young person between the ages of 8-25. Volunteers enjoy the challenge of building a lasting relationship with the child and the children benefit greatly from a consistent and fun relationship with someone from outside the care system. Activities depend on the age and interests of the child and could include walking round a park, bike riding, visiting museums, sports of even just sitting having a chat. This is a long-term, one to one, rewarding opportunity that will be extremely beneficial for children who are care experienced.
Volunteers are offered full training, ongoing support from our coordinators and out of pocket expenses for mileage and activities paid. Applicants are welcomed from all backgrounds. We carefully match our young people to the Independent Visitor to ensure a good, meaningful relationship can be achieved, by listening to the voice of the child and the hopes of the volunteer.
Becoming an Independent Visitor means giving a little time and energy to developing a long term rewarding friendship with a child or young person between the ages of 8-25. Volunteers enjoy the challenge of building a lasting relationship with the child and the children benefit greatly from a consistent and fun relationship with someone from outside the care system. Activities depend on the age and interests of the child and could include walking round a park, bike riding, visiting museums, sports of even just sitting having a chat. This is a long-term, one to one, rewarding opportunity that will be extremely beneficial for children who are care experienced.
Volunteers are offered full training, ongoing support from our coordinators and out of pocket expenses for mileage and activities paid. Applicants are welcomed from all backgrounds. We carefully match our young people to the Independent Visitor to ensure a good, meaningful relationship can be achieved, by listening to the voice of the child and the hopes of the volunteer.
Description of role: Make a lasting difference in a young person’s life.
An Independent Visitor (IV) is a responsible adult volunteer who befriends and supports a child or young person looked after by the local authority—especially those with little or no contact with their parents or guardians. Many of these young people live in foster homes, children’s homes, or independently, and would benefit greatly from the consistent, caring presence of an IV.
What does an IV do?
- Visits regularly to build a trusting, long-term friendship
- Offers emotional support encouragement, and a listening ear
- Provides advice and guidance where appropriate
- Helps the young person feel valued and heard
This is a unique and rewarding role that can have a profound impact on a young person’s confidence, wellbeing, and future.
Ideal qualities:
- Kind, patient, and reliable
- Good listener and communicator
- Able to commit to regular visits (typically once a month)
- Passionate about supporting young people
Training and ongoing support are provided. If you’re ready to be a positive influence in a young person’s life, we’d love to hear from you.
An Independent Visitor (IV) is a responsible adult volunteer who befriends and supports a child or young person looked after by the local authority—especially those with little or no contact with their parents or guardians. Many of these young people live in foster homes, children’s homes, or independently, and would benefit greatly from the consistent, caring presence of an IV.
What does an IV do?
- Visits regularly to build a trusting, long-term friendship
- Offers emotional support encouragement, and a listening ear
- Provides advice and guidance where appropriate
- Helps the young person feel valued and heard
This is a unique and rewarding role that can have a profound impact on a young person’s confidence, wellbeing, and future.
Ideal qualities:
- Kind, patient, and reliable
- Good listener and communicator
- Able to commit to regular visits (typically once a month)
- Passionate about supporting young people
Training and ongoing support are provided. If you’re ready to be a positive influence in a young person’s life, we’d love to hear from you.
Skills / qualities associated with the role: Creative Skills, Oral Communication Skills
Are volunteer expenses available?: Yes
Duration of role: Ongoing / Long term
Opportunity times: Monday Morning, Monday Afternoon, Monday Evening, Tuesday Morning, Tuesday Afternoon, Tuesday Evening, Wednesday Morning, Wednesday Afternoon, Wednesday Evening, Thursday Morning, Thursday Afternoon, Thursday Evening, Friday Morning, Friday Afternoon, Friday Evening, Saturday Morning, Saturday Afternoon, Saturday Evening, Sunday Morning, Sunday Afternoon, Sunday Evening
DBS required: On
Can reasonable adjustments be made regarding additional needs?: Yes
Is this organisation part of the Sports Volunteering Scheme (SVS)?: No
Minimum hours commitment: 3/4 hours a month
Location: