Sally, an NHS worker, is the longest-serving Independent Visitor in the scheme. Today, she is marking 11 years since the start of her voluntary position by sharing her experience - and why she believe you should give it a chance too.
I was in my late 30s when I started volunteering as an Independent Visitor. I discussed it with my son first, and he said he thought it was a ‘very nice thing to do’ - 11 years later, as a young adult, he still does.
I work 30 hours a week in a job where I’ve acquired lots of skills that are transferable to the role of Independent Visitor, even though I’d never worked with children or young people. Lots of life experiences give you skills you can transfer to this role. Give it a go, I bet you’ll love it!
Why did you decide to become an Independent Visitor?
When my role at work changed slightly 11 years ago, I felt like I had more energy and a little more time to give to something worthwhile, like a volunteer role. I happened to be looking at a fostering leaflet in the local Co-op when I found some information about the Independent Visiting role on the back page.
I was pleasantly surprised that the role is flexible, and I can work out times to suit me and the young person together. It was a really good fit with a busy lifestyle. I wanted to help make a difference for young people in care and this seemed like the perfect way to do that, even when I have a busy life.
What do you like about the role?
Over the last 11 years, I’ve been matched with two young people - each for many years, from teens into early adulthood. I love that I can build a meaningful, friendly relationship with a young person and see the same young person each month to really make a connection.
We do fun things together and I’ve tried new things myself whilst encouraging them to do the same. We support each other to safely try new things and manage how we feel about this. Trying new activities and sharing interests has helped us both experience new things. Painting pumpkins has become a bit of an annual tradition for me and my young person, even if they are far more creative and artistic than me! We try to always find things to laugh and smile about, and enjoy friendly banter - this has seemed to help my young person see it’s OK to laugh at ourselves from time to time.
I’ve learnt a lot about things I didn’t know a thing about beforehand, I’ve been played music I might not personally choose, and had my nails painted and decorated in ways I didn’t know the terms for 11 years ago. Mostly, though, I’ve learnt a fair bit about what it’s like to be a young person in care from two brave and smart young people I feel privileged to have met and spent quality time with.
Would you recommend it to other people?
I would definitely recommend having a look at the role to anyone with a few hours a month to spare. Lots of different people make great Independent Visitors, so I would say why not have a think about what you could offer? You don’t need any qualifications or special skills but a friendly, warm approach and enjoying spending time with young people are really all it takes.
As a team of Independent Visitors, we’re incredibly well supported by the team [at Leicestershire County Council], whose role it is to manage the scheme and help us with anything we need. We also meet up with other Independent Visitors at events across the year so we can share ideas and tips for trips out and exciting activities, so we’re never really on our own.
Person:Sally, Independent Visitor
If you are interested in learning more about the Independent Visitor scheme, you can visit our website, or contact the Fostering Team by emailing fostering@leics.gov.uk or calling 0116 305 0505.