Volunteer Hub
Independent Visitor Volunteer
Organisation Details
Coram Voice
Sub theme: 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: Are you a fun, reliable and enthusiastic person looking for a rewarding volunteering opportunity that fits around your other commitments? Coram Voice are looking for volunteers from all different cultures, backgrounds and experiences who have a genuine interest in making a difference to the lives of children and young people in care.
For some children in care, most adults in their lives are social workers or other paid professionals. An independent visitor is an adult who meets with a child or young person who is in care to do a fun activity together. This helps the young person to do what they enjoy and provides them with a positive adult role model. The consistent friendship helps the young person to build self-esteem, confidence and resilience.
As an Independent Visitor (or IV) you'll be carefully matched with a young person who you will meet with once a month, we look to match you with a young person who shares common interests with you. You will decide with your young person what to do, but this could include going for a walk, to the cinema, bowling, playing sports, going to a restaurant or doing some crafts.
All volunteers will be given training, have access to ongoing support and will be paid some expenses for travel and activity costs. Volunteers must be 18+ and will be subject to an enhanced police check. Please be aware, this is a long term commitment where you and the young person benefit from forming a genuine relationship.
For some children in care, most adults in their lives are social workers or other paid professionals. An independent visitor is an adult who meets with a child or young person who is in care to do a fun activity together. This helps the young person to do what they enjoy and provides them with a positive adult role model. The consistent friendship helps the young person to build self-esteem, confidence and resilience.
As an Independent Visitor (or IV) you'll be carefully matched with a young person who you will meet with once a month, we look to match you with a young person who shares common interests with you. You will decide with your young person what to do, but this could include going for a walk, to the cinema, bowling, playing sports, going to a restaurant or doing some crafts.
All volunteers will be given training, have access to ongoing support and will be paid some expenses for travel and activity costs. Volunteers must be 18+ and will be subject to an enhanced police check. Please be aware, this is a long term commitment where you and the young person benefit from forming a genuine relationship.
Skills / qualities associated with the role: Oral Communication Skills, Practical 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: Around3 per month
Location: