Independent Visitor (Plymouth Advocacy Service)

Barnardo’s is committed to providing ‘Better Outcomes for More Children’. Our children’s services volunteers help the charity to deliver essential services in local communities, providing support to over 300,000 children, young people and their families. This role provides a great opportunity to join our fantastic children’s services and help make a real difference.

Barnardo’s Plymouth Independent Visitor and Advocacy Service is commissioned by Plymouth City Council to provide Independent Visitor’s for children and young people who are looked after by the local authority. Independent Visitor’s provide a long-term supportive relationship to looked after children and young people; to befriend, do activities and advise.

Visiting a child or young person on a regular basis, as agreed, for a minimum of 1.5 hours (not including travelling time) to promote the health, well-being and best interests of the child or young person as outlined in their personal plan.

A minimum commitment of 18 months is required in order to offer continuity of support, as the best results are seen when a Volunteer can commit to a reasonably long period in this role, with sufficient availability during after school hours and weekends. Ability to drive and willingness to travel within reasonable distance from home area is essential for this role.

Volunteers are required to attend induction and role specific training, which is currently planned for the following dates: 20th Sept, a date w/c 27th Sept, 1st Oct, 5th Oct & 12th Oct. After the training, a final interview will be individually arranged.

We welcome applications from both men and women. Foreign language and disability skills are always advantageous. As this role will involve unsupervised contact with children, young people and potentially young vulnerable adults, we will require an enhanced criminal record check.