Befriending (Independent Visitor Volunteer)

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