Independent Visitor Volunteer Roles

The Independent Visitors programme will give every child and young person in care the offer of a regular befriender to provide consistent support, to listen to their thoughts and feelings, and to take part in a range of activities/trips together.

The Early Help Service is looking for volunteers who are passionate about supporting children in care, and can communicate effectively and confidently with young people.

This role involves:

• Attending an initial matching meeting with a young person
• Committing to 18 months of befriending with a child or young person
• Meeting a young person every 2-3 weeks
• Taking part in activities with a child or young person
• Acting in the best interests of a child or young person

Contract: Volunteer

Hours: Up to 4 hours per month

Could you befriend and support a child in care?

We are looking for volunteers for our Independent Visitors Project in Stockport!

About the Role

Independent Visitors are volunteers who befriend and spend time with a child or young person within Local Authority care. Our volunteers enjoy the challenge of building a lasting friendship and the children benefit greatly from a consistent, fun relationship with someone outside the care system.

This is a long-term, one to one commitment. Full training and on-going support will be given, and out of pocket expenses paid for mileage and activities.

About Coram

Coram is committed to improving the lives of the UK’s most vulnerable children and young people.

We support children and young people from birth to independence, creating a change that lasts a lifetime.

Coram is the UK’s oldest children’s charity founded by Thomas Coram in London helping vulnerable children and young people since 1739. Today, the Coram group helps more than one million children, young people, families and professionals every year by providing access to the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.

Coram Voice

Coram Voice is the leading specialist provider of advocacy and children’s rights services for children and young people in and on the edge of care. We support some of the most vulnerable children and young people in society, giving voice to the voiceless and reaching out to those who have missed out on the support they need. Join us as we work to transform the lives of children and young people by supporting them to uphold their rights of to actively participate in shaping their lives.

Coram Voice was established in 1975 and in 2013 joined the Coram group of charities which develops, delivers and promotes best practice in the support of children and young people. Coram’s vision is that every child has the best possible chance in life.

We have around 60 employed staff, 100 self-employed advocates and independent persons, and 70 volunteers deliver services to children and agencies throughout the country. Together they provide Coram Voice with a high degree of specialist expertise in the fields of advocacy, children’s rights, mental health, complaints, secure accommodation and experience of working with children in care, in custody, in need and those who have recently left care.

Every day we make a positive difference in the lives of children and young people in and on the edge of care across the UK. Our advocacy teams are based Nationwide and are made of up of experienced community advocates who work alongside our specialist advocates (who focus on direct work, supporting and developing good practice with young people who are homeless, 16+, or have a disability).

To immediately apply to become an Independent Visitor, please click on the ‘apply’ button below to complete the application form.

Please note this is a rolling recruitment, so please make your application now and we will arrange interviews with prospective candidates as soon as possible.

Please mark any questions as N/A if they seem irrelevant to the Independent Visitor role.

Coram Voice is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We actively encourage applicants from Asian, African, Caribbean and other minority ethnic backgrounds to join our teams. Whilst we have a diverse team we recognise we are a predominantly white workforce and are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from diverse communities in order to improve the services to the children and families we help.

We are committed to the safeguarding of children and where appropriate will require the successful applicant to undertake a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Registered Charity No.312278.

 Independent visitor/mentor needed in the Luton  area. Do you want to make a difference to a child or young person's life? Do you have 2 - 5 hours per month to spare? Are you 18+?

We require volunteers to mentor/befriend a child or young person in care.

Have fun, take a young people on outings and maybe share a hobby, sport or interest.  Offer support and a listening ear and be a positive influence in a young person's life and help build self-esteem and confidence.

We provide training and on going support and pay expenses to a set limit.

Please contact for more details

Independent Visitor Role Description
Purpose: To appoint a volunteer to visit, advise, and befriend a young person in the care of the Local Authority, providing contact with someone independent of their professional network.

Accountable to: Independent Visitors/Mentors and Peer Mentoring Coordinator

Main Tasks

• Visit a young person monthly and build a positive relationship as an adult friend.
• Encourage participation in activities for social, emotional, and educational development.
• Provide timely written reports on visits.
• Maintain contact with responsible adults for the young person.
• Ensure the young person’s views are heard.
• Ensure the young person knows their rights and is encouraged to participate in decisions.
• Promote the young person’s unique needs related to their race, culture, language, religion, disability, gender, or sexual orientation, challenging discrimination.
• Abide by the confidentiality policy and report any safeguarding concerns.
• Keep secure records of visits and significant events.
• Safely destroy documents once no longer part of the scheme.

RBKC Values and Behaviour

• Putting Communities First: Inclusive, quality service.
• Respect: Value personal experiences and a fair approach.
• Integrity: Open, honest, and responsible communication.
• Work Together: Collaborate for better community impact.

Personal Attributes, Skills, and Abilities
Attributes:

• Committed - Ideally, relationships should last at least two years.
• Resilient - Building trust takes time and patience.
• Consistent - Develop trust through consistency.

Skills:

• Sensitivity to young people's needs.
• Ability to build positive relationships.
• Initiative and time management.
• Ability to travel.

Equal Opportunities
Independent Visitors/Mentors are recruited from all ethnic and cultural backgrounds. We actively recruit male and female volunteers from all religious faiths and socio-economic backgrounds. Independent visitors/mentors with disabilities are also welcome to apply.

Volunteers are expected to adhere to RBKC’s policies on diversity, equal opportunities, and anti-discriminatory practice. Training provided includes equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practices to ensure that all Independent Visitors/Mentors are knowledgeable and can apply these in their role.

The Independent Visitor/Mentors Role is a valuable one, and if you choose to apply and are accepted onto the scheme, you could be a positive influence in a young person’s life.

Can you commit to volunteering for a minimum of 2 years? 

Do you have 2 to 4 hours spare a month? 

Do you live in South Gloucestershire?

Would you like to befriend a child or young person in care and make a long-term friendship with them? 

If yes, then volunteering for Reconstruct may suit you.

An Independent Visitor is an adult volunteer who befriends a young person in care and develops a long-term friendship with them. This often involves helping young people develop new interests, skills and hobbies or going on outings such as to the cinema, bowling or just a walk in the park.

You must be 21+, available for flexible working and able to commit to a minimum of 2 years. As a volunteer, you would spend about 2-4 hours every month with your allocated child.

Each volunteer is carefully matched with a child or young person in care in their local area who shares similar interests.

WHAT DO INDEPENDENT VISITORS DO?

• Visit a child monthly and becomes a trusted adult friend to them.
• Provide a consistent and reliable adult with a view to building a trusting and positive relationship with the child.
• Provide a child with the opportunity to try new activities and spend time with them away from their placement. This in turn can enhance progress and resilience of children, by building self-esteem, strengthening mental health, and opening new social relationships outside of the care system.

WHAT SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE DO YOU NEED?

• Interpersonal Skills – Ability to easily build rapport an identify with children and young people.
• Communication – Excellent communication skills, good report writing skills.
• Committed – Willing to commit to a child for at least one year and preferably two years.
• Role Model – A good role model for a child or young person who may have experienced difficult times during their childhood.
• DBS Check – We will carry out safer recruitment checks and you will be required to have an Enhanced DBS check.

Examples of activities can include:

• Sports
• Play football 
• Cinema
• Bowling
• Go to the library

You will be allocated a budget for each visit for your activity, and payment of your expenses, are paid so you are not out of pocket. These include, travel costs, and parking.

As part of the recruitment process, candidates will be required to attend necessary training for the role. Interviews will be arranged in due course thereafter.

 Independent visitor/mentor needed in the Witney  area. Do you want to make a difference to a child or young person's life? Do you have 2 - 5 hours per month to spare? Are you 18+?

We require volunteers to mentor/befriend a child or young person in care.

We are looking for a volunteer to work with a young boy with special needs, to have fun, take a young people on outings and maybe share a hobby, sport or interest.  Offer support and a listening ear and be a positive influence in a young person's life and help build self-esteem and confidence.

We provide training and on going support and pay expenses to a set limit.

We are looking for someone who can work with a young person who has complex needs and would really need a patient indiviual with a lot to give.

Please contact for more details

 Independent visitor/mentor needed. Do you want to make a difference to a child or young person's life? Do you have 2 - 5 hours per month to spare? Are you 18+?

We require volunteers to mentor/befriend a child or young person in care.

Have fun, take a young people on outings and maybe share a hobby, sport or interest.  Offer support and a listening ear and be a positive influence in a young person's life and help build self-esteem and confidence.

We provide training and on going support and pay expenses to a set limit.

Please contact for more details

Can you commit to volunteering for a minimum of 2 years? 

Do you have 2 to 4 hours spare a month? 

Do you live in Bristol?

Would you like to befriend a child or young person in care and make a long-term friendship with them? 

If yes, then volunteering for Reconstruct may suit you.

An Independent Visitor is an adult volunteer who befriends a young person in care and develops a long-term friendship with them. This often involves helping young people develop new interests, skills and hobbies or going on outings such as to the cinema, bowling or just a walk in the park.

You must be 21+, available for flexible working and able to commit to a minimum of 2 years. As a volunteer, you would spend about 2-4 hours every month with your allocated child.

Each volunteer is carefully matched with a child or young person in care in their local area who shares similar interests.

WHAT DO INDEPENDENT VISITORS DO?

• Visit a child monthly and becomes a trusted adult friend to them.
• Provide a consistent and reliable adult with a view to building a trusting and positive relationship with the child.
• Provide a child with the opportunity to try new activities and spend time with them away from their placement. This in turn can enhance progress and resilience of children, by building self-esteem, strengthening mental health, and opening new social relationships outside of the care system.

WHAT SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE DO YOU NEED?

• Interpersonal Skills – Ability to easily build rapport an identify with children and young people.
• Communication – Excellent communication skills, good report writing skills.
• Committed – Willing to commit to a child for at least one year and preferably two years.
• Role Model – A good role model for a child or young person who may have experienced difficult times during their childhood.
• DBS Check – We will carry out safer recruitment checks and you will be required to have an Enhanced DBS check.

Examples of activities can include:

• Sports
• Play football 
• Cinema
• Bowling
• Go to the library

You will be allocated a budget for each visit for your activity, and payment of your expenses, are paid so you are not out of pocket. These include, travel costs, and parking.

As part of the recruitment process, candidates will be required to attend necessary training for the role. Interviews will be arranged in due course thereafter.

Could you volunteer and make a difference to a young person in care?

An Independent Visitor is a positive adult role model who provides support and friendship to a young person in care.  You will enjoy fun activities together which will give the young person unforgettable memories and experiences.  Your consistent friendship will help the young person raise their aspirations, learn new skills, build self-esteem, confidence, and resilience.

“Acting as an IV makes me feel special, especially when the young person enjoys our activities.  It is extremely rewarding to see the pleasure that they get from our time together.” Volunteer IV

We are looking for fun, reliable, and enthusiastic volunteers from all different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences.  You do not need any formal qualifications to become a volunteer, but it is helpful if you have some knowledge and practical experience of involvement with children and young people. 

In particular we have one young boy who needs a patient, loyal individual to build a long lasting positive relationship with.  He likes being outside, partaking in messy or imaginative play, space, and crafts - big cardboard boxes are a favourite! For this young boy we are looking for a volunteer with experience of supporting young people with special educational needs and behavioural support  - If you think you could help, please get in touch.

Children and young people who are looked after need an adult who has time to spend with them, take them on activities and be someone they can talk to and trust.  You can fit your visits in around your own time and work commitments.  We only ask that you can commit to a few hours once per month for a minimum of 2 years. Activity and travel expenses are covered.

“It provides an opportunity for young people to try things they may not otherwise building confidence and aspirations.” Volunteer IV

As part of the recruitment process you will need to complete an application form, interview, enhanced DBS check, references and digital risk assessment. 

We offer a full support package including induction training, online mandatory training and one to one support by your IV Coordinator throughout your volunteer journey. 

If you’re interested in becoming an Independent Visitor, we’d love to hear from you. To find further information, please visit our website. 

Can you commit to volunteering for a minimum of 2 years? 

Do you have 2 to 4 hours spare a month? 

Do you live in Reading?

Would you like to befriend a child or young person in care and make a long-term friendship with them? 

If yes, then volunteering for Reconstruct may suit you.

An Independent Visitor is an adult volunteer who befriends a young person in care and develops a long-term friendship with them. This often involves helping young people develop new interests, skills and hobbies or going on outings such as to the cinema, bowling or just a walk in the park.

You must be 21+, available for flexible working and able to commit to a minimum of 2 years. As a volunteer, you would spend about 2-4 hours every month with your allocated child.

Each volunteer is carefully matched with a child or young person in care in their local area who shares similar interests.

WHAT DO INDEPENDENT VISITORS DO?

• Visit a child monthly and becomes a trusted adult friend to them.
• Provide a consistent and reliable adult with a view to building a trusting and positive relationship with the child.
• Provide a child with the opportunity to try new activities and spend time with them away from their placement. This in turn can enhance progress and resilience of children, by building self-esteem, strengthening mental health, and opening new social relationships outside of the care system.

WHAT SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE DO YOU NEED?

• Interpersonal Skills – Ability to easily build rapport an identify with children and young people.
• Communication – Excellent communication skills, good report writing skills.
• Committed – Willing to commit to a child for at least one year and preferably two years.
• Role Model – A good role model for a child or young person who may have experienced difficult times during their childhood.
• DBS Check – We will carry out safer recruitment checks and you will be required to have an Enhanced DBS check.

Examples of activities can include:

• Sports
• Play football 
• Cinema
• Bowling
• Go to the library

You will be allocated a budget for each visit for your activity, and payment of your expenses, are paid so you are not out of pocket. These include, travel costs, and parking.

As part of the recruitment process, candidates will be required to attend necessary training for the role. Interviews will be arranged in due course thereafter.

NYAS is the leading provider of advocacy and associated service across the UK. NYAS shares the opinion that every child or young person experiencing care should have the same chance to live happy, healthy and rewarding lives as their peers.

If you are looking for a rewarding role with an organisation that makes a difference to young people’s lives, we want to hear from you.

Could you volunteer and make a difference to a local young person in care?

An Independent Visitor is an adult volunteer who provides support and friendship to a young person in care. This involves establishing a long term supportive relationship where the young person will have the opportunity to develop their interests, learn new skills and build their self-esteem. We are looking to recruit volunteers to support young people who are under Local Authority care in Solihull.

You do not need any special qualifications, but we are looking for dedicated people of all ages who are comfortable with befriending and being a good role model for a child or young person who may have experienced difficult times during their childhood. We ask that you are able to commit to a few hours once per month for a minimum of 2 years.

This is a worthwhile opportunity where you will make a positive difference to the life of a vulnerable young person, become part of a leading national children's charity, gain valuable experience, meet new people and have fun!

An interview and selection process including an enhanced DBS check, references and a digital risk assessment are required for this role. Please have a look at the role description above, which explains more about the skills needed for this role and the activities involved.

To apply, please click on the apply button at the top of this page where you will be asked to upload a CV and complete a very short application form.

Benefits

This is a worthwhile opportunity where you will make a positive difference to the life of a vulnerable young person, become part of a leading national children's charity, gain valuable experience, meet new people and have fun!

Can you commit to volunteering for a minimum of 2 years? 

Do you have 2 to 4 hours spare a month? 

Do you live in Milton Keynes?

Would you like to befriend a child or young person in care and make a long-term friendship with them? 

If yes, then volunteering for Reconstruct may suit you.

An Independent Visitor is an adult volunteer who befriends a young person in care and develops a long-term friendship with them. This often involves helping young people develop new interests, skills and hobbies or going on outings such as to the cinema, bowling or just a walk in the park.

You must be 21+, available for flexible working and able to commit to a minimum of 2 years. As a volunteer, you would spend about 2-4 hours every month with your allocated child.

Each volunteer is carefully matched with a child or young person in care in their local area who shares similar interests.

WHAT DO INDEPENDENT VISITORS DO?

• Visit a child monthly and becomes a trusted adult friend to them.
• Provide a consistent and reliable adult with a view to building a trusting and positive relationship with the child.
• Provide a child with the opportunity to try new activities and spend time with them away from their placement. This in turn can enhance progress and resilience of children, by building self-esteem, strengthening mental health, and opening new social relationships outside of the care system.

WHAT SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE DO YOU NEED?

• Interpersonal Skills – Ability to easily build rapport an identify with children and young people.
• Communication – Excellent communication skills, good report writing skills.
• Committed – Willing to commit to a child for at least one year and preferably two years.
• Role Model – A good role model for a child or young person who may have experienced difficult times during their childhood.
• DBS Check – We will carry out safer recruitment checks and you will be required to have an Enhanced DBS check.

Examples of activities can include:

• Sports
• Play football 
• Cinema
• Bowling
• Go to the library

You will be allocated a budget for each visit for your activity, and payment of your expenses, are paid so you are not out of pocket. These include, travel costs, and parking.

As part of the recruitment process, candidates will be required to attend necessary training for the role. Interviews will be arranged in due course thereafter.

Can you commit to volunteering for a minimum of 2 years? 

Do you have 2 to 4 hours spare a month? 

Do you live in Gloucestershire?

Would you like to befriend a child or young person in care and make a long-term friendship with them? 

If yes, then volunteering for Reconstruct may suit you.

An Independent Visitor is a volunteer adult who forms a lasting friendship with a child or young person in care. They provide support by spending time together, helping them explore new interests, develop skills, and enjoy hobbies. This might include outings like trips to the cinema, bowling, or a walk in the park.

You must be 21 +, available with a flexible schedule usually weekends, and able to commit to at least 2 years. As a volunteer, you would spend around 2-4 hours each month with the child/young person with whom you are matched.

Commitment is important because a child or young people need a consistent and dependable adult in their lives to help build trust and form a positive relationship.

Each volunteer is carefully matched with a child or young person from their local area.  The matching process is really important to ensure that you and your young person get the most out of the visits.

WHAT DO INDEPENDENT VISITORS DO?

• Visit a child or young person every month, offering them a trusted and dependable adult friend.
• Build a consistent, positive relationship that helps foster trust and confidence.
• Spend quality time together, introducing new activities and experiences outside their placement.
• Support the child's growth by boosting self-esteem, strengthening mental health, and helping them build new social connections beyond the care system.

WHAT SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE DO YOU NEED?

· People Skills – Ability to build rapport easily and connect with children and young people.

· Communication – Excellent communication and written skills.

· Committed – Willing to commit to a child or young person for at least two years#

· Role Model – A positive role model for a child or young person

Examples of activities can include:

• Sports
• Play football. 
• Cinema
• Bowling
• Go to the library
• Take a nature walk or have a picnic in a nearby park.

You will receive a budget for each visit to cover activities, along with reimbursement of your expenses. This will include travel and parking, ensuring you are never out of pocket.

As part of the recruitment process, candidates will need to attend an interview and complete the necessary training for the role. We will conduct safer recruitment checks, which will include an Enhanced DBS check.

To find out more visit Volunteer with us - Reconstruct UK

NYAS is the leading provider of advocacy and associated service across the UK. NYAS shares the opinion that every child or young person experiencing care should have the same chance to live happy, healthy and rewarding lives as their peers.

If you are looking for a rewarding role with an organisation that makes a difference to young people’s lives, we want to hear from you.

Could you volunteer and make a difference to a local young person in care?

An Independent Visitor is an adult volunteer who provides support and friendship to a young person in care. This involves establishing a long term supportive relationship where the young person will have the opportunity to develop their interests, learn new skills and build their self-esteem. We are looking to recruit volunteers to support young people who are under Local Authority care in Hereforshire.

You do not need any special qualifications, but we are looking for dedicated people of all ages who are comfortable with befriending and being a good role model for a child or young person who may have experienced difficult times during their childhood. We ask that you are able to commit to a few hours once per month for a minimum of 2 years.

This is a worthwhile opportunity where you will make a positive difference to the life of a vulnerable young person, become part of a leading national children's charity, gain valuable experience, meet new people and have fun!

An interview and selection process including an enhanced DBS check, references and a digital risk assessment are required for this role. Please have a look at the role description above, which explains more about the skills needed for this role and the activities involved.

To apply, please click on the apply button where you will be asked to upload a CV and complete a very short application form.

Benefits

This is a worthwhile opportunity where you will make a positive difference to the life of a vulnerable young person, become part of a leading national children's charity, gain valuable experience, meet new people and have fun!