Independent Visitors Scheme

Independent Visitors (IV) scheme is a volunteer befriending scheme for children in care & those who’ve recently left care. They support young people age 6-25 years old, and it is part of the Children’s Involvement Team (CIT).

If you are in care or have been in care, then you have a right to have an Independent Visitor if you would like one.

The Independent Visitor Scheme

They are here to help you make a new friend.  It’s completely up to you if you would like to be a part of the scheme.  It’s up to you if you join and you can choose to leave at any time.

An Independent Visitor (IV) is:

• Someone to have fun with, talk to and offer you extra support if you want it
• A volunteer… They spend time with you because they want to
• Separate from everyone else in your life – they won’t know anything about your past and will only know what you choose to tell them
• Someone who will have similar interests to you and who enjoys doing the same activities you like

The Independent Visitor scheme will:

• Try and find you a trusted adult friend who you can spend time with
• Will check in with you to make sure you’re happy with the friendship
• Will pay for you to go out and have fun

What will I do with my Independent Visitor?

• You choose. This can be anything from going for a hot drink and a chat, the cinema, bowling, going for walk, playing a sport, board games, going to see animals, or going to a gig – whatever it is you like to do
• You have £30 to spend each month on your activity

If you would like to be part of the scheme, speak to your social worker, your PA or your carer.  They can contact Independent Visitors by email E: [email protected] or if they would like a chat they can phone T: 0114 228 8522.

If you are in the care of the local authority or you are a care leaver, you have a right to be a part of the scheme if you wish to (it is completely optional).  To be part of the scheme you can speak to your social worker, PA, keyworker, carer, or any adult who works with you.  If you are over 18 you can refer yourself.

Interested in Volunteering as an Independent Visitor?

It’s helpful if you have some knowledge and practical experience of involvement with children and young people but no formal qualifications are needed and full training is given.

An independent visitor is an adult who meets with a child or young person who is in care, or who has recently left care, to do a fun activity together. This helps the young person to do what they enjoy and provides them with a positive adult role model. The consistent friendship helps the young person to build self-esteem, confidence and resilience.

If you are interested in volunteering as an Independent Visitor you can find more information on the Sheffield City Council website.