Independent Visitors are adults who offer support to children and young people who are living with a foster family or in residential care.
They are separate from social services, all other agencies, and are there just for the young person.
Independent Visitors are volunteers who offer confidential support to a young person they have been specifically matched with on a long-term basis. The aim of the role is about providing one to one time and space for a young person to -
- talk
- feel listened to
- feel valued
- have some fun
You'll meet with your young person on a long-term basis or for as long as they want an Independent Visitor. Our young people are aged between 6 to 18 years old.
You will decide with your young person what to do, but activities could include -
- going to the cinema
- bowling
- playing football
- going to a restaurant
- riding a bike
- walking in a park
We will aim to match you with a child you share common interests with.
Children waiting to be paired
We have a number of young people waiting to be matched with an Independent Visitor, the names have been changed.
Joe aged 8 lives near Kingswood in a very busy household. He would ideally like a male volunteer to take him out to do fun activities together.
Maise aged 12 lives with her brother in a foster placement in East Hull. She would like someone to talk about how she feels living away from her birth family.
Archie aged 9 lives in a residential placement in Hull. He has autism and feels very left out as everyone else in the home has an Independent Visitor. Archie loves going to the park and swimming.
Matilda aged 13 lives in West Hull and is looking for a new Independent Visitor to take her out for a regular chat over a milkshake. Matilda is very chatty and loves fashion.
Jamie aged 16 lives near the Humber Bridge. He is looking for someone to play football with and help him overcome his shyness.
Emme aged 11 lives in East Hull and was the main caregiver for her two younger siblings who have since been adopted. Emme has seen a lot of domestic violence in her life and just needs to learn how to be a child again and have fun. She also needs the chance to build up a long-lasting positive relationship with someone she trusts, so she can talk about her feelings.