Independent Visitor (Wirral Advocacy & Independent Visitor 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.

Our Independent Visitors provide a vital support to young people who are in the care of Wirral Local Authority. They develop a long-term friendship with a young person and share fun and motivational experiences together. As an Independent Visitor you will help young people develop new interests, skills and hobbies or go on outings such as to the cinema, bowling or just a walk in the park. Each volunteer is carefully matched with a child or young person in their local area who shares similar interests.

As all contact takes place outside school and college hours, Independent Visitors need to be available to volunteer in late afternoons, evenings or at weekends. In addition, some children and young people may live outside the Wirral area during their time in care and Independent Visitors can be asked to travel. However, driving is not essential for the role and out-of-pocket expenses will be provided.

Many of the children and young people we support have experienced trauma, struggle to build relationships and have additional behavioural and emotional needs. Volunteers will receive training to introduce them to these issues, how they can play a role in keeping children and young people safe, and the positive outcomes their support can bring. A member of staff will also support Independent Visitors through the volunteer journey and provide on-going support.

Independent Visitors are outside the care system and provide young people with continuity, which is something not always possible with changing carers and social workers. We are therefore looking for people from all ages, backgrounds and walks of life to commit a minimum of 18 months (preferably longer) to working with a young person in this role.