Strengthening support for cared for children with new Independent Visitors

Trafford’s Children’s Rights service was delighted to welcome five new volunteers to their dedicated team of Independent Visitors at a special event in Sale.

Independent Visitors are volunteers who commit to spending one to two days per month with a child or young person in care, building friendships and becoming an adult that they can trust and who is consistent in their life. 

Independent Visitors can be any age, do not need to have worked with children before and can come from any ethnic background or walk of life, although they cannot be current Trafford Council employees. Current and previous Independent Visitors in Trafford have included teachers, social workers, an accountant, school nurse, mechanic and a wellbeing coach. While their backgrounds are diverse, all share a genuine interest in young people and the ability to listen, engage and build meaningful relationships with humour and kindness.

Once Independent Visitors have been recruited, they receive thorough training and are matched with young people based on shared interests, character and experience. They then typically devote one or two days per month to getting to know their young person and spending quality time with them.

Karina Carter, Trafford’s Executive Member for Babies, Children and Young People said: “We are very grateful to our new volunteers who have put themselves forward to become Independent Visitors in Trafford. This is such a key role, giving children and young people who have often had rocky starts in life an additional trusted adult to turn to for advice, guidance and friendship.

“Independent Visitors receive comprehensive training before they meet their children or young people, and we continue to support them as they progress. We would love to hear from any Trafford residents who think this could be a role for them. It’s a wonderful way to make a difference to a child who really needs it, as well as being incredibly rewarding for the person volunteering their time and care.”

Debra McCallion, who has now been an Independent Visitor for over seven years, described the experience: “Initially I visited an 11 year old boy, who is now a young man of 18. I also started visiting a young woman and her new baby (a bonus indeed!) and have been working with them for nearly three years now.”

“I volunteered because I felt I could perhaps play a mentoring role in a young person's life and be a friendly face who visited with no agenda other than to go out and enjoy ourselves. I think very positively and passionately about young people and in a world that is already tough before you add the challenges of care, I thought I might add something small that was uplifting and hopeful for them.

“The experience has been nothing short of exceptional! I was asked to pick up the child and just go out and have fun. So, the visits were chosen with this in mind and it has broadened my entire life experience and added fun into my life as a result. I have enjoyed the playful side of bowling, ice-skating, trampolining and more. I have been pushed out of my comfort zone and together we have both loved the experience and each other's company. 

“The difference to me and the young people is difficult to put into words. I hope they feel that I am a solid, trustworthy, reliable and constant presence in their lives. Ready for the fun but ready to help with anything and to be alongside them whenever needed. With my young man, he moved foster placements so many times that I quickly did become the most constant presence in his life, which I valued highly.

“I take great pleasure in all the visits and particularly love brunch with my young woman as we catch up on our news and put the world to rights! I am in her life in a way that feels totally fulfilling and rewarding and I feel completely privileged to know her and be in her life in such a wonderful way.”

For more details about becoming an Independent Visitor in Trafford, or to refer a child or young person to the service, please contact:  childrens.rights@trafford.gov.uk.

Find out more about Independent Visitors here: Become an Independent Visitor | National IV Network