Has anyone been an independent visitor?

[holtol]

I'm considering taking up some form of volunteer role for a few hours per month.

I don't have any specific skill like gardening or baking, but I am a caring person and I heard about people that are independent visitors to give time to children looked after who is there for them and not because they are paid to provide a service.

Has anyone done this before that can provide some insight?

Do you see them in their care environment or go for a walk? It's hard to do things without spending money so did you use your own funds?

How much time on average say per week did you give and was the visit with the same person or someone different each time?

Would you recommend it?

When I applied some years ago it was the NSPCC.

So I tried, and got sent back a very official form that looked like an actual job application. Very off-putting. I replied and said I was looking for more of a volunteer role; they haven't answered yet.

The recruitment journey for an IV role can seem a little more involved than some other volunteer roles, it's likely they sent you the correct form. Some organisations are also better than others at shaping the volunteer journey.

The IV role means meeting with a vulnerable young person 1:1 out in the community, driving them around, being their confidant, picking up on safeguarding issues, as well as the fun part of course. As a result the recruitment process screens people quite thoroughly to make sure that the volunteer is right for the role.

The expectation is that you match with the young person hopefully until they turn 18, so a long term commitment. That's really important for these young people as they have so many people coming in and out of their lives, their IV is the constant throughout their journey in care.

@Advent0range
The role of IV, whilst voluntary, is a very serious role as @afromom sets out.

I'm a foster carer and was waiting a long time for my foster child to get an IV. He never got one.
Its a role that requires commitment and an understanding of trauma and the impact of abuse and neglect. My young man was very demanding and ran rings round most people.
You would get training if you were accepte but you need to understand the level of responsibility that comes with it and the commitment it requires. This is about vulnerable young people's lives so a thorough recruitment processes is absolutely right and necessary.
It's also a very rewarding role and we need more people to take it up.

Yes, I can understand the need for a robust process.

This is the link I was sent

https://nyas.current-vacancies.com/Jobs/Advert/3039815?cid=1837&t=SelfEmployed-Independent-Visitor-

That does indeed look like an application for an employed role. I have never come across paid IV roles. It looks from the description they are looking for paid IVs to take on some of the harder to match children. A good step forward for those children who may not have been matched easily in the past. It's such a valuable role.
Apologies for misunderstanding your post. Good luck in your application I hope they get back to you soon!

@Advent0range

That looks like a very different role to what most people on this thread are talking about, it's seeking professionals experienced in the field.
There will be less onerous IV roles
Don't give up !

Yes I was an IV for a number of years. I loved it, it’s hard to stick to the budget especially in the winter months when it’s cold and wet. The team were really supportive and had ideas / deals in our local area.

My child has a hard time but we created a good relationship, every 2 weeks comes round fast and I struggled for ideas each time. I always wanted to make it special but she just liked spending time with me 1-1.

Ok thanks for clarifying!
I will keep looking, perhaps via the NSPCC.

Did you stay on touch with her.

Approach your local council's fostering team and they should be able to point you in the right direction.

I'm one and have been for nearly 10 years!

(Have named changed but longterm mumsnetter)

I volunteer through Leeds council and it's a once a month commitment. Lots of other IVs have kids etc although I don't and it was partly not having children that encouraged me to do it (ie having a bit of time to spare and doing fun things I wouldn't ordinarily get to do).

It's honestly one of the best things I've ever done. I still see my young person even though they're 18 now as in Leeds the scheme continues until they're 21.

I did it for years, we used to go to the cinema, that was our thing. Hot dogs, pick and mix, film. We had a great time.

We had a couple of days of training - safeguarding, what to do with disclosures etc.

It was brilliant, I'd recommend it!

@holtol
@Run4it2
@Inthesnug

resurrecting the thread in the hope of also raising the profile of IVs and how important they are.
As this thread was a big factor in me becoming an IV - thank you.

I’ve been matched, have had several outings with my YP and we are gradually getting to know each other.
for the first time last week I had feedback from a carer that the YP had enjoyed the contact.

How long do you roughly spend per visit and presumably it’s once per month.

What happens when they reach 18 - does it come to an end or would the funding continue?

I have never heard of this before. Are there any age restrictions for IVs as I will need to have retired I think before I can find time to do this.

@holtolin my area it is roughly once a month.
in most areas it comes to an end at 18 years (21 in some places)
if the IV and Young Person want to, they can remain in contact but this is an informal agreement as they are adults at this point.

I volunteer for homestart, I’ve only recently started but I’m really enjoying it. It’s 2 hours a week with younger children but this independent visitor role sounds great too. Not sure I can squish anything else in though.

@RaininSummer
no upper age limit that I am aware of, I am mid fifties and heading towards partial retirement and ‘empty nest’
you just need to be fit and active enough to supervise the YP.

@G1ngerbread that sounds great too. Thanks for adding to the thread it’s good for people to be aware of volunteering opportunities

Please do - NYAS offer training and support - I recently did the l3 Advocacy training

I work with care experienced teenagers- IV’s are so impactful and valued

@holtolsorry didn’t respond re length of visit.
Mine are around 3 hours. I’d say that was fairly typical. But it depends on the activity.

@ghostyslovesheets
one thing that really made me think is that some young people who are looked after only have adults in their life that are paid to care for them. I feel there is something meaningful (maybe not at the time but in the future) of realising an IV gave their time to make a difference.

(that’s not a criticism of those who have paid employment and work with looked after children)

Also a long standing IV can be a constant trusted adult - SW’s and care staff change all the time and SW’s etc have obligations that can conflict with a child’s wishes and feelings

the independence is really important