Independent Visitor - Volunteer Opportunity

Southwark Council; City Of London; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local community organization in London seeks compassionate volunteers to become Independent Visitors for young people in care. In this role, you'll provide support and friendship through monthly activities, creating lasting memories. Commitment for at least two years is required, and all travel expenses will be covered. Join us to make a meaningful difference today!

Benefits

Travel and activity expenses covered

Full initial training

Ongoing support and supervision

Qualifications

• No previous experience needed, just the right values.
• Must commit to visiting once a month for at least two years.
• Willingness to complete training and safeguarding checks.

Responsibilities

• Meet your young person once a month for activities.
• Suggest age-appropriate outings based on their interests.
• Keep in touch between visits with a call or message.

Skills

Friendly and approachable

Patient

Good listener

Empathetic

Committed

Job description

Overview

This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.

Be a hero to a young person in care!

Are you looking for a meaningful, long-term volunteering role where you can make a positive difference in a young person's life?

If yes, we have the perfect opportunity for you!

We're seeking compassionate, reliable adults to become Independent Visitors - volunteer mentors and trusted friends to children and young people in care.

What is an Independent Visitor?

An Independent Visitor (IV) is a volunteer befriender and mentor who visits a young person in care once a month, usually on weekends, to enjoy fun, supportive activities together. As an IV, you\'ll be a consistent, caring adult outside their professional network - someone who chooses to be there, just for them.

This is a long-term role, and we ask volunteers to commit to at least two years to help build a strong, stable relationship.

We\'re especially keen to hear from volunteers based in or near London and Kent, where many of our young people live.

Why it matters

Young people in care often face instability and frequent change. Having a consistent adult who listens, encourages and simply spends time with them can be life changing.

"My IV is the one person who\'s always there for me. They make me feel like I matter." Young Person in Care.

What You\'ll Be Doing

Who can volunteer?

You don\'t need previous experience - just the right values and commitment. We\'re looking for caring people who are:

• Friendly and approachable
• Patient, empathetic and consistent
• A good listener
• Committed to visiting once a month for at least two years
• Willing to complete training and safeguarding checks

We particularly welcome applications from male volunteers and individuals from Black, Asian and other underrepresented communities.

What will you be doing?

As an Independent Visitor, you\'ll:

• Meet your young person once a month for activities like going to the cinema, bowling, exploring parks or just having a chat
• Suggest age-appropriate outings based on their interests
• Keep in touch between visits with a weekly call or message (if they\'d like)
• Occasionally join in on group events
• Create meaningful, lasting memories

Please note that all travel and activity expenses will be covered.

Training & ongoing support

Before you start, we\'ll provide:

• Full initial training
• Ongoing support and one-to-one supervision
• Access to additional training through Southwark\'s volunteer resources

Contact information

• For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Sav D\'Souza via email at [e-mail]

Recruitment timeline

• Applications reviewed on an ongoing basis.
• Interviews: To be confirmed.

The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Ready to make a difference?

If you\'re looking for a rewarding, long-term volunteering opportunity where you can support a young person one to one and help them thrive, we\'d love to receive an application from you today!