Independent Visitor

We are looking for people from a variety of backgrounds to become Independent Visitors. An Independent Visitor is a volunteer who spends quality time with a child or young person in care for a few hours every couple of weeks.

Many children in care are teenagers so we are particularly looking for people who are interested in working with this age group. No formal qualifications are required - just a genuine commitment to children and young people. If you are over 18 and are interested, we'd like to hear from you.

We are particularly keen to recruit more male Independent Visitors as well as Independent Visitors who live in or would be prepared to travel to West Sussex and other areas outside of Brighton so that we can provide a service to the young people living in placements outside of Brighton and Hove.

Independent Visitors do not take on a parenting role, they are there to provide a sense of 'normal' life to a young person who is living in a children's home or who has moved among numerous foster placements.

Independent Visitors are not like parents, social workers, or carers - that is why they are called 'independent'. They are ordinary people, like you, who volunteer their time because they like children and young people.

Volunteers will receive training. Once through the recruitment process, volunteers are carefully matched with young people. We consider hobbies and interests, racial and cultural backgrounds, and preferences regarding age and gender of both the child and the volunteer. When a match is made, there is a trial period of five or six visits before a definite commitment to is made.

Once established in the role, volunteers are provided with opportunities for individual and group support, as well as further training and social events. This role is unpaid, but volunteers can recover expenses, including transport and some money for activities.

Our next in person training day will be on Saturday 8 February 2025. 

Skills

No formal qualifications are required - just a genuine commitment to children and young people. If you are over 18 and are interested, we'd like to hear from you.

It is desirable that you have some experience of children and young people either personally, professionally or through voluntary work.

Benefits

Benefits of the opportunity:

• Gain skills through experience and training to add to your CV.
• Meet new people and work as part of a dedicated Independent Visiting team.
• Make a real difference to the life of a child or young person who is in care.

Practical Considerations

Practical considerations

Our office is off the Lewes Road, Brighton, about 5 mins away from the main bus route which is serviced by the 49, 23, 24, 25, 28, and 29 buses. We are also about 20 minutes walk from Moulsecoomb train station.

The South Hub building can be accessed by foot from the Lewes Road, up through Hodshrove Lane, which will take you past on your right hand side Moulsecoomb Primary School and Moulsecoomb North Hub Building.

Moulsecoomb South is the next entrance on the right.The Moulsecoomb South Hub Building is located at the end of the car park and is directly next door to Moulsecoomb Children's Centre.

When do I need to be available?

Details	Our next training session will begin in April 2025.

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Where does this role take place?

Register your Interest