# Independent Visitor - Volunteer Opportunity (Kent and Croydon)

**Company**: Southwark Council
**Location**: London Borough of Southwark
**Work arrangement**: onsite
**Category**: Social Care

**Apply**: https://www.jobsgopublic.com/job/independent-visitor-volunteer-opportunity-kent-and-croydon-37145?utm_source=yubhub.co&utm_medium=jobs_feed&utm_campaign=apply
**Canonical**: https://yubhub.co/jobs/job_c6fff2cb-3dc

## Description

Be a hero to a young person in care!

Are you looking for a meaningful, long-term volunteering role where you can make a positive difference in a young person's life?

If yes, we have the perfect opportunity for you!

We're seeking compassionate, reliable adults to become Independent Visitors - volunteer mentors and trusted friends to children and young people in care.

**What is an Independent Visitor?**

An Independent Visitor (IV) is a volunteer befriender and mentor who visits a young person in care once a month, usually on weekends, to enjoy fun, supportive activities together. As an IV, you'll be a consistent, caring adult outside their professional network - someone who chooses to be there, just for them.

This is a long-term role, and we ask volunteers to commit to **at least two years** to help build a strong, stable relationship.

We're especially keen to hear from volunteers based in or near **London, Croydon and Kent**, where many of our young people live.

**Why it matters**

Young people in care often face instability and frequent change. Having a consistent adult who listens, encourages and simply spends time with them can be life changing.

**Who can volunteer?**

You don't need previous experience - just the right values and commitment. We're looking for caring people who are:

- Friendly and approachable

- Patient, empathetic and consistent

- A good listener

- Committed to visiting once a month for at least two years

- Willing to complete training and safeguarding checks

**We particularly welcome applications from male volunteers and individuals from Black, Asian and other underrepresented communities.**

**What will you be doing?**

As an Independent Visitor, you'll:

- Meet your young person once a month for activities like going to the cinema, bowling, exploring parks or just having a chat

- Suggest age-appropriate outings based on their interests

- Keep in touch between visits with a weekly call or message (if they'd like)

- Occasionally join in on group events

- Create meaningful, lasting memories

**Please note that all travel and activity expenses will be covered.**

**Training & ongoing support**

Before you start, we'll provide:

- Full initial training

- Ongoing support and one-to-one supervision

- Access to additional training through Southwark's volunteer resources

**Contact information**

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Sav D'Souza via email at Sav.D'Souza@southwark.gov.uk

**Recruitment timeline**

Applications reviewed on an **ongoing basis**. Interviews: To be confirmed.

## Skills

### Required
- friendly and approachable
- patient and empathetic
- good listening skills
- commitment to visiting once a month for at least two years
- willingness to complete training and safeguarding checks

### Nice to have
- male volunteers
- individuals from Black, Asian and other underrepresented communities

---

Source: [Apply at jobsgopublic.com](https://www.jobsgopublic.com/job/independent-visitor-volunteer-opportunity-kent-and-croydon-37145?utm_source=yubhub.co&utm_medium=jobs_feed&utm_campaign=apply)