In June 2026, the Independent Visitor team celebrated hitting 100 volunteers.
The in-house scheme supports young people in care across the county by pairing them with a trusted adult for a few hours each month. Together, they do simple activities (such as going to the park, cinema or restaurant), whilst the Independent Visitor supports, advises and advocates on the young person's behalf.
Sally, an NHS worker and the scheme’s longest-serving Independent Visitor, shares her reflections on this milestone and her hopes for the scheme’s future.
What is the role of an Independent Visitor?
Independent Visitors are constant adults in a young person's life where change has been more of a common feature than consistency. There is a big difference between young people in care and their peers who are not in care, and the scheme goes some way to redress that imbalance.
Our volunteers are extremely diverse in their practical skills, areas of knowledge, lived experiences and languages spoken, meaning young people are matched with someone who suits them.
We’re there to have some fun, lend an ear, advocate for the young people when needed and most of all - have some fun! Ha, did I mention that already!?
Fun and play have a part in everyone's lives. The young people, some of whom may have quite transient friendships due to moves, really benefit from an adult who is there just for them to enjoy their interests with.
What a rewarding way to have a go at a few new things as an adult too!
What is the scheme’s main objective?
Change is unsettling for us all, and while it can be part of being in care, I’m a firm believer that it should be mitigated where possible. The scheme is a great way to ensure there's a familiar, friendly face there at every point of change, every move or every new beginning and all the points in between.
Importantly, this is noticed by the young people.
What does the Independent Visitor scheme means to young people in care?
A young woman I visited some time ago said one day; "I've just realised, you've been everywhere with me.".
This meant a lot because it wasn’t just a casual observation. I had been the one person to be in their life during each of their living circumstances - from a residential setting to semi-independent living, and then right through to independence.
I've subsequently had the privilege of following another young person through a similar journey, watching them grow and benefit enormously from the scheme.
What are your hopes for the scheme’s future?
I hope we continue to grow in number, because every new volunteer joining our team is a new "you've been everywhere with me"!
I know we will continue to be incredibly well supported by Fiona (Independent Visitor Coordinator) and Denise (Independent Visitor Support Worker) at the helm, and as a team we will continue to support each other and share great ideas for activities to suggest to our young people in fun and laughter.
I'd love the role to be known about more widely. Personally, I think we need the role to regularly feature on a TV soap, but maybe that's just me giving a window into how I spend my downtime!
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.