Wiltshire Council’s independent visitor scheme is looking for volunteers to help children in care.
Research shows that many children in care would like to be offered the support of an independent adult in their lives. Independent visitors are volunteers who can spend quality time with a child or young person in care, listen to their day-to-day concerns and take a special interest in their lives.
To be considered for this valuable and rewarding role, volunteers need to have regular time to spare, and the ability to communicate well with young people and to share in their interests.
Laura Mayes, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for children said, “Independent visitors can make a huge difference to the lives of children in care, but we need more volunteers.
“Everyone is welcome to come forward to volunteer for this rewarding role, and we are particularly keen to broaden the range of volunteers available to match with young people.
“Men are particularly encouraged to come forward to become independent visitors for boys in care, as we know what an important contribution a positive male role model can make.
“We are also looking for volunteers who have experience of supporting young people with more specific needs or disabilities, or those who may be willing to travel further afield than Wiltshire.”
A young person who has benefitted from the scheme said, “Kind people are the best; when people smile it makes your day!”
To find out more about this great opportunity and make a difference to a young person’s life, please contact the scheme manager, Sheila Lupton sheila.lupton@wiltshire .gov.uk
For more information please visit: www.wilt shire.gov.uk/children-young-people-independent -visitor-scheme
