Independent visitors
Independent visitors (Buddies) are volunteers who give up some of their time to spend with children and young people to do something fun together
Need a buddy?
- Are you interested in meeting up with someone who is there just for you?
- Are you aged 6 to 17 and in currently in care?
- Would you like to spend time with someone who’s there to listen, have fun, and build a trusted relationship?
Then you a buddy might be just for you!
A buddy is someone who meets with you once a month to do fun activities that you choose. Buddies get training and support, but they’re not part of children’s social care. They’re there because they want to spend time with you.
Together, you might:
Once you’re matched with a buddy, you can keep meeting up – even after you leave care.
How to get a buddy?
If you’re interested, you can:
- Speak to your social worker, independent reviewing officer, or carer
- Ask for a buddy yourself by submitting a request a buddy form
If you’d like to talk to someone first, you or your carer can email [email protected].
Become a Buddy
Make a lasting difference in a child or young person’s life – just one day a month!
Buddies are caring, committed volunteers who offer friendship and support to children and young people in our care. Independent from children’s social care, Buddies act as positive adult role models, visiting once a month to:
Children in our care deserve to have a consistent, trusted and caring adult in their lives to socialise with. Someone separate from children’s social care who can offer friendship, stability and a listening ear.
What you’ll get as a buddy
As a buddy, you will:
- Receive full training and development
- Regular check-ins and networking meetings
- An activity allowance and mileage reimbursement
- Rewarding feeling helping change a child or young person’s life
We ask volunteers to commit to at least 18 months, but many buddies stay involved much longer!
With this opportunity to connect with children and young people, you’ll go through a safe recruitment process, including an enhanced DBS check before being matched.
Interested in being a Buddy?
We’d love to hear from you! You can contact us by emailing [email protected].