Independent Visitor

Barnardo’s is committed to providing ‘Better Outcomes for More Children’. Our children’s services volunteers help the charity to deliver essential services in local communities, providing support to over 300,000 children, young people and their families. This role provides a great opportunity to join our fantastic children’s services and help make a real difference. Our **Independent Visitors** provide a vital support to young people who are in the care of Wirral Local Authority. They develop a long-term friendship with a young person and share fun and motivational experiences together. As an Independent Visitor you will help young people develop new interests, skills and hobbies or go on outings such as to the cinema, bowling or just a walk in the park. Each volunteer is carefully matched with a child or young person in their local area who shares similar interests. As all contact takes place outside school and college hours, Independent Visitors need to be available to volunteer in late afternoons, evenings or at weekends. In addition, some children and young people may live outside the Wirral area during their time in care and Independent Visitors can be asked to travel. However, driving is not essential for the role and out-of-pocket expenses will be provided. Many of the children and young people we support have experienced trauma, struggle to build relationships and have additional behavioural and emotional needs. Volunteers will receive training to introduce them to these issues, how they can play a role in keeping children and young people safe, and the positive outcomes their support can bring. A member of staff will also support Independent Visitors through the volunteer journey and provide on-going support. Independent Visitors are outside the care system and provide young people with continuity, which is something not always possible with changing carers and social workers. We are therefore looking for people from all ages, backgrounds and walks of life to commit a minimum of 18 months (preferably longer) to working with a young person in this role.
Barnardo's protects, supports and nurtures the UK's most vulnerable children. Barnardo's helps bring out the best in children - no matter who they are or what they have been through. Our volunteers help make this happen.- Tasks: Enabling a child or young person who is ‘looked after’ by the local authority, to have contact with someone independent of Social Services.
- Visiting, advising and befriending a ‘looked after’ child or young person placed in residential care or a foster home on a monthly basis.
- Building an enduring trusting relationship over time by being a positive role model and participating in a range of activities with the child or young person to develop their emotional wellbeing, skills and interests.
- Supporting young people preparing to leave care to build the skills and confidence to live independently.
- Supporting health activities to foster better emotional health and wellbeing.
- Adhering to Barnardo's policies and procedures at all times, including Barnardo's: Safeguarding; Equality, Diversity and Inclusion; Health & Safety; Data Protection; Confidentiality; Recording policies and procedures.
- Participating fully in training and supervision.
- Volunteering within Barnardo's Basis and Values.- Skills: Reliable, punctual and trustworthy.
- Approachable and welcoming.
- Friendly and enthusiastic with a sense of fun.
- The ability to act as a positive role model.
- Passion, enthusiasm, compassion, understanding and having an open minded approach.
- Preferably being a full driving licence holder with access to a car.- Benefits: Full induction and training.
- Other training opportunities relevant to the volunteer role.
- Regular supervision and support.
- Out of pocket expenses agreed in advance.
- Access to the Barnardo’s internal vacancy listing.
- Our volunteers tell us about lots of other benefits of volunteering including; experience of working with children, young people and families; experience for your CV; supporting your local community; meeting new people; increasing self-confidence; feeling like you are making a difference; improving your health and wellbeing; and a chance to contribute to a worthwhile children’s charity.