Independent Visitor for Looked After Children (Befriender for Young People in Care)

Young people who are in care and live in foster care or residential children’s homes sometimes don’t see their families or may only have occasional visits. It can help to have a person separate from their Social Worker or carer to visit them, take them out on an activity and get to know them.

Your role is to meet the young person on a monthly basis, listen to what they have to say, offer advice and support when needed and have fun. You might help them speak up for themselves and put over their views about their care and plans. The time you spend together is their special time.

You need to have experience of being around children or young people, in a personal, professional or voluntary capacity. You will also need a good sense of humour and the commitment to be there on a consistent basis for a young person who will grow to depend on your time together on a long-term basis. Although this is a volunteering role we are able to cover your mileage costs for the visit and provide you with a small budget to cover your monthly activity with your young person.

You need to be:

• Able to evidence the skills and experience you have with children and young people.

• Over 21 years old.

• Able to drive and have your own car.

• Flexible to visit at a weekend on a monthly basis.

- IF YOU ALREADY VOLUNTEER WITH LEICESTER CITY COUNCIL, PLEASE APPLY FOR THIS ROLE USING A DIFFERENT EMAIL ADDRESS AS YOU WILL NEED TO HAVE A SEPARATE ACCOUNT FOR YOUR INDEPENDENT VISITOR ROLE