Supporting Children in Care and Care Leavers

We are looking for fun, reliable and enthusiastic volunteers from all different cultures, backgrounds and experiences who have a genuine interest in making a difference to the lives of Sheffield's children and young people. Independent Visitors is a befriending scheme for children and young people in care and care leavers. As an Independent Visitor you will meet your young person once a month to go out and do fun activities together and offer a helpful, positive and consistent relationship. This one to one relationship can involve anything from football in the park, seeing the latest films or trying new things that the young person wants to do. Most importantly we hope that you will enjoy each other’s company and have some fun together. Key tasks: • Meet once a month (minimum) with the young person you are matched with • Accompany the young person to access hobbies and interests • Offer and provide emotional and practical support to the young person where appropriate • Complete brief logs of each visit and maintain expense records • Commit to the role for a minimum of two years How long will I spend with a child? You should be able to commit to at least one session, once a month. Each session will last a different length of time depending on what you are doing together. How long do you want me to volunteer for? You will be asked to make a commitment to volunteering as an Independent Visitor for a minimum of two years. However, many IVs and young people develop a strong friendship that can last beyond the young person reaching adulthood. How old could the child be that I am matched with? Children will be aged between 6-25 years. You will have the opportunity to state a preference if you wish to volunteer with a particular age group. What activities would we be doing? This is up to the child and their interests. We aim to match volunteers with a child that you have things in common with so this could be going shopping, playing football, baking etc. During training we will inspire you as to what activities you could do; we aim to find activities that are free to do. Will it be the same child I see every time? Once matched you will continue to volunteer with the same child until either one of you wants to end the relationship. Do I need experience? Some knowledge and practical experience of involvement with children and young people would be helpful. However, no formal qualifications are needed and full training is given. Will I need any training? Before becoming a volunteer you will have two days of training, covering everything you will need to be successful in your role. You will be asked to complete a DBS check and you will undergo a short interview after your training.

Sheffield

Skills / qualities / experience desirable: • Be able to develop positive relationships with children and young people • Be committed to the safety and well-being of children and young people • Be able to offer friendship and advice on a long-term basis • Be able to help the child or young person express their views, wishes and feelings • Be able to show patience and a sense of humour • Be reliable and consistent in the support offered

Improving confidence and self esteem Providing a trusting adult in their life Provides new opportunities Friendship Reducing loneliness Having fun

Making a real difference to the child or young person you are matched with Having fun Friendship Gain experience with children and young people

Minimum of 2 years. Relationships often last a lot longer

1 session per month

Full Training Over two days

All expenses are covered There is a budget for activity costs

Yes