Wilts Council seeks volunteer visitors for young people in care.

‘Voice’, the Wiltshire children’s rights service, is looking for

committed and enthusiastic people to become independent visitors. These

volunteers would spare a few hours each month to befriend young people

living in foster or residential care.

The Wiltshire Council-run Independent Visitor Scheme provides visitors

for young people in care who have little or no

contact from their parents. This gives them the opportunity to meet up

regularly with someone who is independent, and there just for them.

Visitors get to know young people initially through spending time with

them chatting or sharing in their interests, and continue to offer them

support and encouragement throughout the time they are in care.

Volunteers should be over 21, and able to make a long-term

commitment to meet with a young person for a couple of hours

approximately twice a month.

No formal qualifications are required, although enthusiasm, a sense of

humour and an ability to listen and relate to young people are all important. .

Volunteers are recruited subject to Criminal Records Bureau

clearance and other checks, and offered relevant training, which

must be completed before being matched with a young person.

Independent Visitor Scheme manager Sheila Lupton said: “Young people in

care often experience a lot of disruption. An

independent visitor can be a consistent figure and

someone they can talk to who is outside the care system.

“While all applications are considered on their individual merit, we

would particularly encourage applications from ethnic minority groups,

younger volunteers, and male volunteers, as these groups are currently

under represented in our pool of volunteers.”

Anyone interested in becoming an independent visitor should contact ‘Voice’ on  01373 859485  or by e-mail on iv@ypvoice.co.uk.