Volunteer Befriender for Children/Young People in Care
OFFERED BY:
The Children's SocietyLocation(s): Aspley, Basford, Berridge, Bestwood, Bilborough, Bulwell, Bulwell Forest, Castle, Clifton East, Clifton West, Dales, Hyson Green and Arboretum, Leen Valley, Lenton and Wollaton East, Mapperley, Meadows, Radford, Sherwood, St Ann's, Wollaton West, Outside of Nottingham City
Address where volunteering takes place: Castle Cavendish Works Dorking Road Radford Nottingham NG7 5PNHow many places are on offer?
Purpose of Role:
For many children and young people living in foster care can be unsettling. You can make a difference by volunteering as an Independent Visitor (IV). A Volunteer Independent Visitor acts as a positive role model. They meet with a child or young person once a month to offer support and encouragement. This is achieved by accessing fun activities in their local community together, this could be going out for some food, visiting the cinemas or a game of bowling.
It makes a real difference to a young person to know they have someone who has chosen to be there for them. And in return, you will gain valuable experience, skills and a sense of achievement. As well as you will receive ongoing training, supervision and support.
We have a number of young people waiting to be matched with an Independent Visitor across Nottingham and also Nottinghamshire.
It makes a real difference to a young person to know they have someone who has chosen to be there for them. And in return, you will gain valuable experience, skills and a sense of achievement. As well as you will receive ongoing training, supervision and support.
We have a number of young people waiting to be matched with an Independent Visitor across Nottingham and also Nottinghamshire.
ROLE DESCRIPTION:
The key activities of the role will include:
• Meet on a one-to-one basis with a child or young person you are matched with, establishing a relationship of trust and support.
• To visit the child/young person on a monthly basis, making suitable arrangements with their carer and to be reliable in keeping those arrangements.
• To remain independent of the local authority and to promote the child/young person’s developmental, social, emotional, religious and cultural needs.
• To undertake activities agreed with the child/young person which are suitable for his/her age, aptitude and ability.
• To be available to undertake training and 1:1 supervision on an agreed basis.
• To report to the service coordinator any concerns about the child’s/young person’s welfare.
• To complete and return a contact form after each visit and keep accurate records of any reasonable expenses incurred, ensuring activities remain within agreed expenses.
• Meet on a one-to-one basis with a child or young person you are matched with, establishing a relationship of trust and support.
• To visit the child/young person on a monthly basis, making suitable arrangements with their carer and to be reliable in keeping those arrangements.
• To remain independent of the local authority and to promote the child/young person’s developmental, social, emotional, religious and cultural needs.
• To undertake activities agreed with the child/young person which are suitable for his/her age, aptitude and ability.
• To be available to undertake training and 1:1 supervision on an agreed basis.
• To report to the service coordinator any concerns about the child’s/young person’s welfare.
• To complete and return a contact form after each visit and keep accurate records of any reasonable expenses incurred, ensuring activities remain within agreed expenses.
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
• Honest and trustworthy
• A good listener
• Responsive, understanding, and patient
• Friendly, approachable, and at ease in engaging with children and young people
• Reliable and dedicated in your role - the young people we support may have been let down by others
• Open minded, non-judgemental, and respectful of the backgrounds and circumstances of others.
• Willing to travel to where the child or young person you are matched with is based
No formal qualifications are not required as full training and support will be provided.
• A good listener
• Responsive, understanding, and patient
• Friendly, approachable, and at ease in engaging with children and young people
• Reliable and dedicated in your role - the young people we support may have been let down by others
• Open minded, non-judgemental, and respectful of the backgrounds and circumstances of others.
• Willing to travel to where the child or young person you are matched with is based
No formal qualifications are not required as full training and support will be provided.
WHEN REQUIRED:
This grid shows when you can volunteer for this opportunity.
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | |||||||
| Afternoon | |||||||
| Evening |
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Are there age restrictions for this opportunity? Yes
Age Restrictions:
18 +
Are there gender restrictions for this opportunity? No
Gender restrictions:
Is the opportunity accessible to disabled people? Yes
Disability restrictions:
How long before volunteer can expect a response?
1 week
How long to complete training and recruitment?
2 months - online training and via teams
Volunteer Expenses offered? Yes
Induction and Training offered? Yes
Support and Supervision offered? Yes
Has a risk assessment been carried out? Yes
DBS Disclosure required? Yes