About this role
Young people who are in care and live in foster care or residential children’s homes sometimes don’t see their families or may only have occasional visits. It can help to have a person separate from their Social Worker or carer to visit them, take them out on an activity and get to know them.
Your role is to meet the young person on a monthly basis, listen to what they have to say, offer advice and support when needed and have fun. You might help them speak up for themselves and put over their views about their care and plans. The time you spend together is their special time.
You need to have a good sense of humour and the commitment to be there for a young person who will grow to depend on your time together on a long-term basis.
Visits take place with a young person once a month for around 3-4 hours. Visits usually take place at weekends so flexibility and reliability is essential in for this role.
- ALTHOUGH THIS IS A VOLUNTEER ROLE WE WILL PAY MILEAGE COSTS AND ALSO A SMALL BUDGET EACH MONTH IS AVAILABLE TO COVER YOUR ACTIVITY EXPENSES WHILE OUT WITH YOUR YOUNG PERSON.
Requirements
- Access to a vehicle
- Driving license
- References needed
- Willing to take a DBS Check
- Age restrictions
-Applicants need to be 21 years old +
-Able to relate to children and young people and able to focus on their needs.
-Able to form positive working relationships with other people involved with the child or young person and to understand their roles and responsibilities.
-Able to work on your own initiative, but also to know when to ask others for advice or support.
-Able to drive and own a car.
-Able to write basic records.
-Have knowledge of issues relevant to children and young people. Ideally you may have a good understanding of those who are looked after or leaving care.
-Able to respond to any safeguarding issues that may arise.
-Some experience of being around children or young people, in a professional, personal or voluntary capacity.
-Self-awareness and a desire to improve your understanding of the needs of Looked After Children.
Location
Location Charles Street, Leicester LE1 1HL, UK