Introduction
Portsmouth Independent Visitors believes in children regardless of their circumstances, gender, race, disability, or behaviour.
Our purpose is to help provide a positive influence in the lives of vulnerable children and young people, supporting them and bringing out the best in them. We do this because we believe that every young person deserves the best start in life and the chance to fulfil their potential.
An IV is a volunteer that provides a long-term supportive relationship to a young person (aged between 5 and 18 years) who is cared for by the local authority. IVs can be the most consistent person in the lives of some young people in care and this can be of tremendous benefit to them. The IV service hopes to provide young people with a long term and consistent adult who can be a stable mentor, role model and friend. It can be a truly rewarding experience for you and for the young person you are matched with. IVs are also independent of statutory bodies and social services.
Key activities:
Monthly outings or activities are planned at mutually convenient times – these can be a walk, cinema, cycling, bowling, a meal, a visit to a museum, a variety of safe community activities.
Our aim is to provide an opportunity for meaningful interaction between the young person and their volunteer; someone who can be a great role model, safe to talk to and build a professional friendship with. If you would like to see more information about the volunteering role, please click the link below.
https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/services/health-and-care/children-and-families/independent-visitor-service/
Skills
What skills do I need?
Attitude/skills/knowledge required: - Volunteers must be aged over 18, they do need to be genuine, trustworthy, caring and active. Be reliable and committed to the service long term, have an interest in the welfare of children and young people with good listening and communication skills.
Long term commitment: - IV matches generally last for a number of years, and therefore this role will require a long–term and significant on-going commitment.
All volunteers will also be required to show a commitment to all aspects of the service, our confidentiality policies and procedures and our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Policies.
Training, support and commitment: - Following successful interview, references and enhanced DBS checks are completed, we provide all volunteers with the training relevant for the role; training includes Safeguarding, Professional Boundaries, Equality & Diversity, Confidentiality, GDPR and Health & Safety and service specific training.
Supervision - Bi-monthly Group Support sessions are provided in addition to 1-2-1 Catch Up sessions with the IV Coordinator.
Recruitment/Training process: - Each successful applicant will be invited to interview References taken up and clearance required at Enhanced DBS level Invitation to training will be offered for successful applicants. Training includes - e-learning modules followed by 2-day classroom training. Final assessment as to suitability as an IV will be the final stage of the process to become a successful IV.
Location This opportunity is available Countywide
Details
- Minimum time commitment
2 years - Not suitable for under 18's
- Will require a criminal record check (DBS)
- Will require references
When can I volunteer?
Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Morning | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Afternoon | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Evening | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Availability Details
The role is not limited to weekends, but due to the fact that the children are of school age, weekends are the most popular and convenient times to take the children out and possibly after school. During school holidays there is obviously more scope of days that are convenient both for the Independent Visitor and the child.
Location
This opportunity is available Countywide.
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