Job Description

Barnardo's is committed to providing 'Better Outcomes for More Children'. Our children's services volunteers help the charity to deliver essential services in local communities, providing support to over 300,000 children, young people and their families. This role provides a great opportunity to join our fantastic children's services and help make a real difference. Our Independent Visitors provide a vital support to young people who are in care. They develop a long-term friendship with a young person and share fun and motivational experiences together. As an Independent Visitor you will help young people develop new interests, skills and hobbies or go on outings such as to the cinema, bowling or just a walk in the park. Each volunteer is carefully matched with a child or young person in their local area who shares similar interests. Independent Visitors are outside the care system and provide young people with continuity, which is something not always possible with changing carers and social workers. We are therefore looking for people from all ages, backgrounds and walks of life to commit a minimum of 18 months (preferably longer) to working with a young person in this role. We are seeking volunteers who have experience supporting children with additional needs, for example children who are non-verbal, or who have autism.

Could you give time to support a young person in care, being their constant supporter as things change around them, meeting with them regularly, building an enduring and trusted relationship?

Tasks: Enabling a care experience child or young person, to have contact with someone independent of Social Services.


Visiting, advising and befriending a care experienced child or young person placed in residential care or a foster home on a regular basis.



Building an enduring trusting relationship over time by being a positive role model and participating in a range of activities with the child or young person to develop their emotional wellbeing, skills and interests.



Supporting young people preparing to leave care to build the skills and confidence to live independently.



Supporting health activities to foster better emotional health and wellbeing.



Adhering to Barnardo's policies and procedures at all times, including Barnardo's: Safeguarding; Equality, Diversity and Inclusion; Health & Safety; Data Protection; Confidentiality; Recording policies and procedures.



Participating fully in training and supervision.



Volunteering within Barnardo's Values and Behaviours



Skills: Reliable, punctual and trustworthy.


Approachable and welcoming.



Friendly and enthusiastic with a sense of fun.



The ability to act as a positive role model.



Passion, enthusiasm, compassion, understanding and having an open minded approach.



Preferably being a full driving licence holder with access to a car.



Benefits: Full induction and training.


Other training opportunities relevant to the volunteer role.



Regular supervision and support.



Out of pocket expenses agreed in advance.



Access to the Barnardo's internal vacancy listing.



Our volunteers tell us about lots of other benefits of volunteering including; experience of working with children, young people and families; experience for your CV; supporting your local community; meeting new people; increasing self-confidence; feeling like you are making a difference; improving your health and wellbeing; and a chance to contribute to a worthwhile children's charity.



Disclaimer: We look to recruit a diverse range of volunteers. If your skills don't fit the role exactly, please do not let this put you off as we are able to be flexible with most of our roles. If you are unable to apply online through the link on this page, please contact the Barnardo's Volunteering Team on volunteering@barnardos.org.uk or call us on 0208 498 7320