What is an independent visitor?
An Independent Visitor is someone aged 19 or over who spends time with a young person in care and befriends them. What you do with your young person can be flexible and vary depending on the people. From having a drink in a café to grabbing some food, going for a walk or watching a theatre show, your sessions can be as creative as you are.
You will be matched with a young person based on mutual hobbies, interests or if the young person requests someone specific (for example, a good listener, someone who is sporty). This is designed so there are less barriers for your young person.
You do not need a background in working with children and young people to be an Independent Visitor but knowledge and experience might benefit you.
Due to the nature of this work, we are unable to involve volunteers who are currently elected councillors or work within social care.
Roles of an independent visitor
- Meeting your young person a minimum of once a month for a minimum of one year
- Listening and talking to them without judgement
- Supporting them throughout life’s struggles and journey
- Reporting Safeguarding concerns appropriately
- Encourage, praise and empower your young person
- Organising meetings with young person directly or via parents/carers.
Benefits of the service
- A chance to give back
- A chance to support someone who has had a troubled background
- An element to add onto a CV
- Be a positive role model
- Pass on helpful life advice when appropriate.
How this role differs from mentoring or advocacy
This role looks similar to mentoring and/or advocacy, but there are differences.
Mentoring is usually goal orientated. Advocacy mainly focuses on ensuring people’s rights are respected.
Independent Visitors can have some overlap in mentoring and advocacy, but it is generally speaking a little bit more informal and flexible. If the young person just wants someone to talk to, this is fine. But if they want to work on specific skills and learn specific information, this can also be supported.
Become an independent visitor
Wigan Youth Zone are actively running this provision.
As part of becoming an Independent Visitor you will receive a free Wigan Youth Zone DBS check and receive full training. You will also be supported by the Independent Visitor Lead, all the way through.
For more information, to apply to be an Independent Visitor or to refer a young person, visit Independent Visitor Service (external link).