Volunteer opportunity: Independent Visitor (Volunteering with looked after children in Plymouth)

A rewarding volunteering opportunity is available with Barnardo’s, supporting children and young people in care across the Plymouth area.

Barnardo’s delivers vital services to over 300,000 children, young people, and families each year, with volunteers playing a key role in making this possible.

Independent Visitor

Independent Visitors provide consistent support to young people in care by building a long-term, trusted friendship.

This involves spending regular time together taking part in simple, enjoyable activities such as going for a walk, visiting the cinema, or trying new hobbies. The role offers stability and support to young people who may experience change in other areas of their lives.

Each volunteer is carefully matched with a child or young person in their local area who shares similar interests.

Positive Connector

A Positive Connector is a volunteer befriender who supports a looked-after child or young person by building a strong, positive relationship over time. This role focuses on consistency, trust, and making a meaningful difference through regular contact.

Time is spent getting to know a young person, taking part in enjoyable activities, and creating a safe and supportive space where they feel valued and listened to. Activities can be simple but meaningful, such as going for a walk, playing sports, visiting the cinema, or trying something new together.

This is a responsible and rewarding role, requiring individuals who are dependable, patient, and able to act as positive adult role models. Regular commitment is important, with visits typically taking place once a month (or more if possible) for around 2–4 hours.

A minimum commitment of 12 months is expected to help build a stable and lasting relationship, although many matches continue for longer. Opportunities take place across Plymouth, usually after school, in the evenings, or at weekends.

What you will be doing

• Enabling a care-experienced child or young person to have contact with someone independent of Social Services

• Visiting and befriending a young person in residential care or foster care on a regular basis

• Building a trusting relationship while taking part in activities that support wellbeing, skills, and interests

• Supporting young people as they prepare for independence

• Promoting emotional health and wellbeing

• Following Barnardo’s policies, including safeguarding, equality, health and safety, confidentiality, and data protection

• Taking part in training and regular supervision

Skills and qualities

• Reliable, punctual, and trustworthy

• Friendly, approachable, and welcoming

• Enthusiastic, with a sense of fun

• Able to act as a positive role model

• Compassionate, patient, and open-minded

• Driving licence and access to a car preferred (not essential)

What’s in it for you

• Full induction and ongoing training

• Regular support and supervision

• Reimbursement of agreed expenses

• Valuable experience for your CV

• Opportunities to meet new people and support the local community

• Increased confidence and wellbeing

• The chance to make a real difference to a young person’s life

Interested in making a difference? Follow the link here to find out more and apply.