Youth Befriender - Independent Visitor Scheme

Youth Befriender – Independent Visitor Scheme – Newtownards

Location:

Newtownards, BT23, UK

Hours:

Flexible – hours based on your availability and other factors.

Independent Visitors is a volunteer‑led befriending and support service for young people with care experience in Belfast and the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trusts. It supports those who have infrequent or poor‑quality contact with a parent or guardian, are experiencing isolation, or face a significant transition in their lives.

Each young person is matched with a volunteer for up to one year, with the possibility of extension that will be formally reviewed with their social worker.

• Meet and befriend a young person aged up to 21 years who is looked after by Health & Social Services Trusts.
• Act as a positive adult influence, aiding their personal and social development through regular meetings and encouraging involvement in agreed shared activities.
• Keep brief records of visits with young people and report to the Project Worker.
• Provide regular feedback to the Senior Practitioner, prioritising safeguarding matters.
• Occasionally attend group activity days.
• Operate as an IV/IR volunteer in line with Niacro’s policies.
• Visit agreed public locations such as parks, sports centres and appropriate entertainment venues on a one‑to‑one basis.
• Commit to a maximum of 2‑3 hours once a fortnight, depending on the needs and wishes of the children/young people on the project.
• Attend training, group supervision and any other scheduled required events as they arise.
• Work with the young people to develop their agency and act as an advocate and positive influence in their lives.
• Attend “Looked After Children” (LAC) review meetings at various locations, if requested by the young person.
• Volunteers will be reimbursed for out‑of‑pocket expenses incurred during their voluntary work.

• Adaptability
• Advice & Guidance
• Advocacy
• Child Welfare
• Childcare
• Children's Support
• Communication Skills
• Community Development
• Mentoring
• Problem Solving
• Resilience
• Time Management
• Youth Services