Volunteer Independent Visitor - Northampton

For many children and young people, living in foster care can be unsettling, especially when living in a different area away from birth family.  Having someone there, just for them, to go out and have fun with, and to know they are listened to and valued can make all the difference.

You could be that special person!

If you are passionate about wanting to help young people, you have around four hours to spare once a month, and ready to commit to volunteering with your allocated young person for a minimum of two years, this role could be right for you.

Our Derby Children’s Rights Service is looking for volunteers who have their own transport and live near to or within a short drive of Northampton Town.  They have a young person aged 15 who needs support finding their way in life; they are very creative, enjoy drawing, and love singing and listening to music.

Become an Independent Visitor

Often referred to as an IV, Independent Visitor is the official title given to volunteers who take looked-after children and young people out on activities, on a one-to-one basis, outside of their home.  The role is covered by ‘The Children Act’ (1989) which states a child or young person living in care should be offered an Independent Visitor, if it is deemed to be in their best interest.  The role requires the volunteer to be completely independent of the local authority, with the relationship and safeguarding of the pair being managed by a volunteer coordinator.

As an IV, you will decide with your young person what to do on each visit.  Activities could include going to the cinema, bowling, playing football, going to a restaurant, riding a bike, or walking in a park.  We will try and match you with a child you share common interests with.

Change Grow Live are looking for fun, reliable, and pro-active 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.  You do not need experience of working with children and young people, just an interest in their development and welfare.  Full training and support are provided.

Here’s a few examples of young people we have waiting for a volunteer in other areas:

• Amy (12) lives with an older carer; she would like a younger active Independent Visitor who can do sports with her
• Brad (13) lives in residential care with other young people and doesn’t have visits from anyone in his family; he would like an Independent Visitor to take him out and have fun, like the other young people
• Cassie (16) lives with carers in a new town, she doesn’t have any friends in the area yet. She would like an Independent Visitor to help with her confidence and going out in the local area, she loves hot chocolate and cake
• Danny (11) lives with foster carers and attends a special school; he would like an Independent Visitor to help him be more independent. He likes parks, aeroplanes, and animals
• Emma (9) lives with her foster carer in a very busy household; she would like an Independent Visitor to spend some time with her on her own trying different activities together

*All names have been changed

Requirements

Change Grow Live will provide initial mandatory volunteer training; usually virtual, and once fully registered as an IV will provide ongoing supervision and support.  Please ensure you have read the Role Description provided in the link.

Some key facts to remember:

• Volunteers need to be 18 years or older
• References need not be from employers; we accept character references from people who have known you for 2 years or more (no family members or partners)
• Volunteering mainly happens at weekends and outside of school hours as the young people are usually in education
• Volunteer and young person session expenses are reimbursed within the scope of the Independent Visitor role
• The role requires commitment of at least 24 months with one visit per month; this ensures stability for the Child or Young Person

See our videos below to find out more:

Independent Visitor 'Our Legal Right' Animation - YouTube

Change Grow Live - YP Independent Visitors - YouTube

Our values are to be compassionate, open, and bold.  If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.  Please click on the Apply button, fill out the online application form, and complete the Personal Statement section as fully as possible; tell us all about yourself; it forms part of the shortlisting process.