Independent Visitor

What is the Role?
An Independent Visitor is an adult volunteer who provides support and friendship to a young person in care. This involves establishing a long term supportive relationship where the young person will have the opportunity to develop their interests, learn new skills and build their self-esteem.

You do not need any special qualifications, but we are looking for dedicated people of all ages who are comfortable with befriending and being a good role model for a child or young person who may have experienced difficult times during their childhood. We ask that you are able to commit to a few hours once per month for a minimum of 2 years.

This is a worthwhile opportunity where you will make a positive difference to the life of a vulnerable young person, become part of a leading national children's charity, gain valuable experience, meet new people and have fun!

The Process
An interview and selection process including an enhanced DBS check, references and a digital risk assessment are required for this role. Please have a look at the role description above, which explains more about the skills needed for this role and the activities involved.

We have an interactive training package to provide you with the knowledge and skills to fulfil your role safely. The training will include safeguarding and compliance, the role of an independent visitor and induction to NYAS policies and processes.

What skills do I need?

You do not need any special qualifications, but we are looking for dedicated people of all ages who are comfortable with befriending and being a good role model for a child or young person who may have experienced difficult times during their childhood. We ask that you are able to commit to a few hours once per month for a minimum of 2 years.

About National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS)

NYAS offer an extensive range of support services for children, young people and adults in vulnerable situations across England and Wales. Alongside our core issue-based advocacy service, we offer a selection of additional support services. This includes our mental health advocacy support offering, Independent Visitors as well as NYAS Legal Services. At NYAS, we pride ourselves on being a values-driven organisation. Every decision we make across our organisation is informed by our mission and values statement. As a non-profit organisation, our mission and values are the driving force behind everything that we do. At NYAS, we listen to what children and young people want. We care about what they say, and we empower them to have their voices heard, especially when other people are making decisions about their future. As part of our mission, we ensure that the wishes and feelings of care-experienced young people are expressed and acted upon. The aim of this is to improve their situation, and to help them build a better future. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds to meet the needs of our children and young people. Volunteering at NYAS is an incredibly rewarding and valuable experience.

When do I need to be available?

	Morning	Afternoon	Evening
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Details

The IV will arrange times and dates with the young person. We ask that the IV has one face to face visit with the young person once per month.