Independent visitor scheme
About this service
Wiltshire Independent Visitor Scheme was first established in 2000. Based within 'Voice', the Children's Rights Service, it is funded by Wiltshire Council, but run at 'arms length' from other County Council services.
The 1989 Children Act states that all Local Authorities have a duty to provide Independent Visitors (I.V's) for those young people who are in care and who have little or no contact from their parents or family. Independent Visitors are adult volunteers who provide independent, one to one support to looked after young people.
Young people who are in care often experience a lot of disruption in their lives. An Independent Visitor is someone who can be a consistent figure in their lives, when there is no-one in their family who is able to take this role. An Independent Visitor is there to befriend a young person, offering them consistency, support, advice and encouragement throughout the time they are in care and often beyond this time. All those participating in the scheme take part on a voluntary basis.
The Independent Visitor Scheme aims to contribute to the welfare of looked after young people by 'visiting, advising and befriending' them and in doing so:
- Promoting their individual needs;
- Encouraging them to exercise their right to participate in decisions taken about them;
- Supporting their care plan (unless there is clear evidence to act differently).
Obtaining an Independent Visitor (I.V.)
If you are a looked after young person who has little or no contact from your family, then you may like to be matched up with an Independent Visitor.
Our volunteer visitors are all different to each other, which means you can tell us the sort of person you would like to be linked up with, and we will try and find the right person for you to have as your I.V.
If you are interested in the scheme and would like to know more, please contact the Independent Visitor Manager on: 01225 781202 or email iv@ypvoice.co.uk or speak to your carer or social worker.
Becoming an Independent Visitor
Volunteers should be over 21 years of age, and be able to make a long-term commitment to meet with a young person for a couple of hours once or twice a month. No formal qualifications are required, although potential volunteers should:
- Be able to listen to, communicate with and enjoy the company of young people;
- Be open-minded and non-judgemental and committed;
- Have patience, common sense, flexibility (and a sense of humour!);
- Be committed, reliable and able to work within the scheme guidelines.
All volunteers are recruited subject to Criminal Records Bureau clearance and other checks, and are offered relevant training, which must be completed before being matched with a young person.
As an Independent Visitor you will become part of a committed team of volunteers, who have the opportunity to meet up together at social, support and training events. You will also have:
- The opportunity to develop new skills and experience, which could lead to career development;
- Mileage and agreed out of pocket expenses;
- Training, supervision and ongoing support;
- The satisfaction of making a significant contribution to the lives of looked after young people.
Please click here to receive a volunteer application form. Alternatively if you wish to enquire about the referral process, please contact us.
Contact Details
Email: iv@ypvoice.co.uk
Telephone: 01373 859485
Fax: 01373 827706
Postal Address:
"Voice"
Westbury Youth Development Centre
Eden Vale Road
Westbury
Wiltshire BA13 3NY
Last updated: 21 April 2009