Appeal for volunteers to spend time with children in care

A father playing with a football with his three children on a grass area while on a staycation in Northumberland. The father is holding the football while being tackled and chased by his children.
-Credit: (Image: iStock)


Volunteers are being sought to spend time with children and young people in care. Leicestershire County Council is looking for “independent visitors” to spend a few hours a month engaging in “fun, simple activities” with the young people.

The authority said the activities could be a walk in the park, a trip to the cinema or eating at a restaurant, and were an “important part of supporting vulnerable young people”. The council said that more volunteers were needed to “ensure that the support is available for all young people which not only offers consistency and fun, but allows them connections with a responsible adult outside of their immediate circle of foster carers, social workers and teachers”.

Volunteers will go through a “thorough application process to assess their suitability”. Leicestershire resident Neil began volunteering as an independent visitor more than a year ago. He said he “really enjoyed” the experience.

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Neil pictured in a blue Nike top
Neil signed up to be an independent visitor -Credit:Leicestershire County Council

He said: “The broad range of experiences we do has let me and my young person get to know each other quite well, an experience I’ve really enjoyed. I was worried that we wouldn’t click but I needn’t have.

“When you spend time with a young person, you can easily find common ground. The application process was painless and took about three months. There was nothing too intrusive and it was quite relaxed.”

Whilst independent visitors volunteer their time, pre-agreed expenses can be reimbursed for days out and activities, the county council said. Councillor Deborah Taylor, cabinet member for children and families, said: “Our Independent Visitor scheme is an excellent programme that offers our young people in care the opportunity to form a meaningful bond with a responsible adult.

“We see great results from this scheme as young people can form a supportive and positive friendship with someone ready to listen and support whilst they’re in care. If you have just a few hours a month that you can spare and are keen to make a true and lasting impact on one of our looked after young people, I’d encourage you to get in touch with our team.”

Anyone interested in becoming an independent visitor can find out more on the council’s website, or by calling 0116 305 0505.

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