Independent Visitor - Volunteer Opportunity
Posted 1 day ago by Southwark Council
Negotiable
Undetermined
Undetermined
London, England, United Kingdom
Summary: The role of Independent Visitor involves volunteering as a mentor and friend to children and young people in care, providing consistent support through monthly visits. Volunteers are expected to engage in fun activities and build a stable, long-term relationship over at least two years. This position is particularly aimed at individuals located in or near London and Kent. The role is crucial in offering emotional support to young people facing instability in their lives.
Key Responsibilities:
- Meet with a young person once a month for activities such as cinema, bowling, or park visits.
- Suggest age-appropriate outings based on the young person's interests.
- Maintain contact between visits with weekly calls or messages if desired.
- Occasionally participate in group events.
- Create meaningful and lasting memories with the young person.
Key Skills:
- Caring and approachable demeanor.
- Patience, empathy, and consistency.
- Good listening skills.
- Commitment to visiting once a month for at least two years.
- Willingness to complete training and safeguarding checks.
Salary (Rate): undetermined
City: London
Country: United Kingdom
Working Arrangements: undetermined
IR35 Status: undetermined
Seniority Level: undetermined
Industry: Other
Be a hero to a young person in care! Are you looking for a meaningful, long-term volunteering role where you can make a positive difference in a young person’s life? If yes, we have the perfect opportunity for you! We’re seeking compassionate, reliable adults to become Independent Visitors - volunteer mentors and trusted friends to children and young people in care.
What is an Independent Visitor? An Independent Visitor (IV) is a volunteer befriender and mentor who visits a young person in care once a month, usually on weekends, to enjoy fun, supportive activities together. As an IV, you’ll be a consistent, caring adult outside their professional network - someone who chooses to be there, just for them. This is a long-term role, and we ask volunteers to commit to at least two years to help build a strong, stable relationship. We’re especially keen to hear from volunteers based in or near London and Kent, where many of our young people live.
Why it matters Young people in care often face instability and frequent change. Having a consistent adult who listens, encourages and simply spends time with them can be life changing. “My IV is the one person who’s always there for me. They make me feel like I matter.” Young Person in Care.
Who can volunteer? You Don’t Need Previous Experience - Just The Right Values And Commitment. We’re Looking For Caring People Who Are Friendly and approachable Patient, empathetic and consistent A good listener Committed to visiting once a month for at least two years Willing to complete training and safeguarding checks We particularly welcome applications from male volunteers and individuals from Black, Asian and other underrepresented communities.
What will you be doing? As An Independent Visitor, You’ll Meet your young person once a month for activities like going to the cinema, bowling, exploring parks or just having a chat Suggest age-appropriate outings based on their interests Keep in touch between visits with a weekly call or message (if they’d like) Occasionally join in on group events Create meaningful, lasting memories Please note that all travel and activity expenses will be covered.
Training & ongoing support Before You Start, We’ll Provide Full initial training Ongoing support and one-to-one supervision Access to additional training through Southwark’s volunteer resources
Contact information For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Sav D’Souza via email at Sav.D'Souza@southwark.gov.uk
Recruitment timeline Applications reviewed on an ongoing basis. Interviews: To be confirmed. The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Ready to make a difference? If you’re looking for a rewarding, long-term volunteering opportunity where you can support a young person one to one and help them thrive, we’d love to receive an application from you today!