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 currently prioritising and keen to hear from volunteers based in or near Croydon and Kent, where we currently have the greatest need for young people to support.
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 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'[email protected]
Job Type: Volunteer
Application question(s):
- Can you meet the minimum commitments required for the role?
1.) Be flexible for visits at the weekend once per month to do activities with a young person?
2.) Able to commit to a minimum of 2 years supporting a young person from when you are first matched?
- What is your motivation for becoming an Independent Visitor?
- Although, not, essential it would be useful to know if you any knowledge (or ideas) about what needs children and young people in care might have?
- Although, not essential, it would be useful to know if you have any previous experience of volunteering/working with young people?
- Do you have any criminal convictions?
(Work in this area is covered by the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exception) (Amendment) Order 1986. You are therefore required to disclose details of all convictions, including those which might otherwise be deemed to be spent. Providing false information, or failure to disclose any conviction, could result in dismissal if recruited.)
- Tell us of any allegations of misconduct, abuse or disciplinary action in your paid or unpaid work. All disclosures are held in strict confidence and will not necessarily prevent you from volunteering. Have you ever had any allegations of misconduct or abuse made against you? *
Work Location: On the road
