An appeal has been made for people to spare a few hours a month to take part in fun activities with Leicestershire children in care
Playing football in the park, going bowling or visiting the cinema are just some of the activities in which independent visitors are involved.
The county council is encouraging more people to volunteer and make a big difference to a child in care’s life by spending time with them outside their foster or residential home.
Information on becoming an independent visitor was available as part of a fostering and volunteering pop-up information event at Oadby Library last week, with virtual events being held every three weeks.
Leicestershire resident, Greg Walker, volunteered as an independent visitor after his wife saw an advert in a fostering magazine.
He said: “I missed being an active dad with my own children having grown up and left home. I particularly missed all the busy weekends and activities, such as visiting water parks, theme parks, and cinema visits.
“As an Independent visitor, it’s great to bring pleasure and enjoyment to another young person. I’m more active now, losing a little weight in the process and being able to claim costs back in line with the scheme.”
The independent visitors scheme is a brilliant initiative which gives young people in care some respite and an opportunity to develop a relationship with an adult who is there for them and to listen, support and encourage them during their time in care, and often beyond this time.
We encourage people who have time to get involved and volunteer as independent visitors can make a real difference in young person’s life.
Person:Councillor Deborah Taylor, cabinet member for children and families
To find out more contact the Fostering Recruitment team on 0116 305 0505 or by using the enquiry form, there's more info on events and details on independent visitors.