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Read MoreBefriending and supporting young people in care in St Helens. Listening to, guiding and advising as well as trying new activities and spending quality time together.
An Independent Visitor is a volunteer who befriends a young person in care. It is an increasingly vital and valuable role that can make a positive difference to a child’s life. It is reported that Independent Visitors can encourage children to take more productive paths in life.
There are currently a record number of children living in care, with 90 children coming into care every day. In the UK, we have over 80,000 children and young people living in care homes and foster homes.
Often being part of the ‘care system,’ children can feel isolated and lonely, up to that point they may not have had many positive role models in their life. They may see Social Workers and other professionals on a day-to-day basis but may feel as though they have no one to personally support and listen to them.
An Independent Visitor can sometimes be the only person who is not paid to be there for them. They are called ‘Independent Visitors’ because they are truly independent from Children’s Social Care.’
Our Independent Visitors in St Helens befriend and support young people by:
This kind of friendship cannot be provided by professional services and is something that is highly important in a young person’s life.
Children who feel they have someone who is genuinely looking out for their best interests feel they can communicate more openly and effectively, and are more likely to be open about issues that are affecting them.
Ultimately, an Independent Visitor can make the child feel safe and supported.