Hear from one of our Independent Visitors - Mercy

Are you passionate about supporting children and young people in care to live fulfilled lives? Do you have a couple of hours a month to offer to a child or young person? If this is you, why not inquire about the Independent Visitor (IV) role.  

Let me tell you my story. 

I knew about the Independent Visitor role through my previous role as a social worker. When I changed jobs and was no longer working directly with children and young people in care, I decided to pursue the IV role.  

I approached my manager and discussed my thoughts. My manager supported this and encouraged me to research IV services. I made enquires and everything just fell into place from there. 

I was relieved and reassured to find like-minded people during my induction as an IV. I met different people from different backgrounds; a lawyer, a teacher, and IT expert, a businessperson, healthcare assistant etc., all volunteering a few hours a month to do activities with a child/young person. 

As an IV, you are an important person in a child's life as you get to build a lasting relationship the child can count on many years to come. This is because you continue to be in the child/young person's life even when all other statutory or professional relationships end.  Apart from unforeseen or unavoidable personal circumstances in the IV's life, it will mainly be the child or young person who decides the end of the relationship. This is very important to them due to their significant involvement in the decision making.  

I am now an IV in Norfolk and my young person and I have had some fantastic times together so far. I dedicate one day a month to do activities of their interest. I started with one Saturday a month but have been flexible and adaptable depending on the activity, so I have done a Sunday and also a weekday during school holidays (when I have been free). I am allocated a set amount of money per month to be spent with my young person, and I also get mileage cost and any reasonable expenses reimbursed. We have been to the cinema, watched Norwich City football match, been part of 'race for life', out for a meal, etc. It's been great fun.  

My young person also values the fact that we are both from a black African background and amongst other things we can share knowledge and experience around hair care and skin care. It is also really important for her that I can help celebrate her achievements as well as supporting her in her worries and validating her experiences, knowing that I will not be disappearing out of her life due to a change in my job or because she has turned 18 or 25. 

I know not many people have heard about Independent Visitor, so I am pleased to be a voice to encourage people to sign up to be a volunteer. You can make a positive impact in a child/young person's life by being an Independent Visitor. Please enquire today.  

Thank you.