Independent Visitors Project - Hull

A man and a child at a skatepark

We are always on the lookout for new volunteers. For many children and young people living in foster care can be unsettling. Having someone there just for them can make all the difference. That someone could be you.  

An Independent Visitor is an adult who meets with a child or young person who is in 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.  

Become an independent visitor

An independent visitor is an adult who meets with a child or young person who is in 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. Consistent friendship helps the young person to build self-esteem, confidence, and resilience.

We are looking for fun, reliable, and enthusiastic volunteers from all different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences who have a genuine interest in making a difference in the lives of children and young people.

What an independent visitor does

You'll meet with your young person once a month on a long-term basis or for as long as they want an Independent Visitor. Our young people are aged between 6 to 18 years old. You can say if you want to volunteer with a particular age group. 

You will decide with your young person what to do, but activities could include going to the cinema, bowling, playing football, going to a restaurant, riding a bike, or walking in a park.  We will aim to match you with a child you share common interests with. 

As an Independent Visitor, your responsibilities are: 

  • meet once a month with the young person you are matched with 
  • support the young person with their hobbies and interests 
  • offer and provide emotional and practical support to the young person when appropriate 
  • complete brief feedback after each visit 
  • commit to the role for a minimum of 3 years 

What you'll need

You do not need experience working with children and young people, just an interest in their development and welfare. Full training and support are provided. Anyone over the age of 18 is welcome to apply.  

All volunteers will be expected to undergo an enhanced DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service), provide two references, and complete the training package prior to starting as an Independent Visitor. 

We will support you with: 

  • Ongoing training that will ensure you are appropriately equipped 
  • Support and supervision throughout 
  • Monthly contact either by phone or email 
  • Review the relationship with you on a regular basis and collect feedback from the young person, their carer, and relevant professionals involved in their life 
  • Pay all agreed expenses to cover the cost of activities, travel, and a gift allowance for the young person’s birthday and religious celebrations 
  • Access to out-of-office hours support for anything urgent 
  • Optional social gatherings along with other Independent Visitors 

How to become a volunteer

If you're interested in becoming an Independent Visitor, you can find the vacancy details (opens in a new window) on our volunteer recruitment site. To find out more about the role and how to apply email [email protected]  or call/text us on 07702617629. 

We have a number of young people waiting to be matched with an Independent Visitor: 

  • Jack (8) lives near Kingswood in a very busy household. He would ideally like a male volunteer to take him out to do fun activities together.   
  • Molly (12) lives with her brother in a foster placement in East Hull. She would like someone to talk about how she feels living away from her birth family.  
  • Archie (9) lives in a residential placement in Hull. He has autism and feels very left out as everyone else in the home has an Independent Visitor. Archie loves going to the park and swimming.   
  • Identical twins George and Mason (9) live in Boston. They are both looking for an individual volunteer to help develop their independence and try new things in their local area. 
  • Josie (13) lives in West Hull and is looking for a new independent Visitor to take her out for a regular chat over a milkshake. Josie is very chatty and loves fashion. 
  • Jamie (16) lives near the Humber Bridge with relatives. He is looking for someone to play football with and help him overcome his shyness.   
  • Emme (11) lives in East Hull and was the main caregiver for her two younger siblings who have since been adopted. Emme has seen a lot of domestic violence in her life and just needs to learn how to be a child again and have fun. She also needs the chance to build up a long-lasting positive relationship with someone she trusts, so she can talk about her feelings.