DARTFORD GIVING
By Kate Hargreaves
This month I’m writing about a role which allows you to see the direct impact of your time spent – through engaging in various fun activities with a vulnerable child living in care, you will see their confidence grow and your relationship develop.
Independent Visitor “What is it?” This role is essentially being a “buddy” to a young person (aged 4-25) living in a residential care home or with a foster carer and involves visiting them on a monthly basis to enjoy a fun and motivational activity together – be that developing new skills or interests, or doing something you both enjoy, whether that’s a trip to the cinema, trying new food, going trampolining or just a walk in the park. During recent lockdowns, this has more commonly become a video call while watching the same movie on Netflix! Councils outsource the Independent Visitor service to various organisations, but here I will write about the process with Barnardo’s (the children’s charity), which covers some London and Kent areas.
with a young person with similar interests, so you will likely get to do activities you enjoy while supporting a young person and developing their emotional wellbeing and skills. For many young people living in the care system, you may be the only adult in their life who is not paid to be there, which puts you in a unique position and means you can build a stronger bond. A big part of the role is providing the young person with someone else to talk to, should they want to do so.
children’s charity. “How much time do I need for it?” The visits are monthly and typically last a few hours, depending on what activity you’re doing, and take place outside of school hours, so you need to be available for evening or weekend visits. You will be expected to keep in touch with the young person between visits, maybe with a weekly call or text, depending on their age. A key part of the Independent Visitor role is to provide continuity in the young person’s life, which is something not always possible with changing carers and social workers, so a minimum two year commitment is requested. “Are there any requirements?” The ideal Independent Visitor is reliable, trustworthy, friendly and enthusiastic, acts as a positive role model and has an open-minded approach. A DBS check will be carried out as you will be spending time one-to-one with a vulnerable young person.
“Anything else I need to know?” Unlike all other adults in the young person’s life, you will not be told anything about their background or why they are in care; it will be for them to decide how much to share with you. There will be a monthly budget for activities agreed in advance, so you will not be out of “What would I get out of it?” As pocket for your visits. well as building an enduring trusting relationship with a young person, “This sounds great, how do I get you will be given training and regular involved?” Go to www.ivnetwork. supervisions to ensure that you are org.uk to find out more about the well-equipped to discuss issues they independent visitor role or email may face and understand how you can ivnetwork@barnardos.org.uk to play a role in keeping young people get involved through Barnardo’s. safe. There are lots of other benefits of If you have any questions, feel free to “Would I enjoy it?” This can be volunteering including experience for email kate@dartfordliving.com. As a really fun and rewarding role. your CV, increasing self-confidence, always, happy volunteering! Barnardo’s will try to match you and a chance to contribute to a great
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