‘When you see a smile on the young person’s face, it’s special’ — independent visitor Don on his voluntary role
A retired policer officer who loves sport has spoken about the “feel-good factor” he gets from his voluntary role supporting children and young people in care.
Don, 67, volunteers with VoiceAbility as an independent visitor — a role for adults who are able to offer long-term support to a child or young person in their local area.
Independent visitors are there to listen to young people’s needs and worries, enjoy fun activities together, and build a lasting relationship they can count on — even if where they live or who is looking after them changes.
Don, who has 2 children and 4 grandchildren, spoke to us about how he got into it — and what the independent visitor role is like.
What attracted you to the independent visitor (IV) role?
I retired about 10 years ago now and I was looking for something to do in the voluntary sector using my skills as an ex-police officer, where I did a lot of work in youth and community areas.
I saw the IV role and went for it, with the idea that I was going to use my skills and experience. But it’s become much more than that.
Tell us about your role as an independent visitor — what does it involve?
It’s about working closely with looked after children and spending some quality time with them once a month.
I am visiting with a lad who, like me, enjoys sport and outdoor activities, and we have a lot of fun together.
I met him when he was 7, that was 10 years ago. We would go to farms to see animals, play racquet sports, football, bike rides, bowling, swimming and now golf and tennis.
He has had a difficult start in life and has been with a number of foster carers. One of the biggest things is continuity and reliability. My role involves 1 visit a month, and I arrange a time that suits everyone.
The lad appreciates the consistency and looks forward to our time together. His confidence has grown, he has found out things that he is good at, and we are able to talk through some issues.
It is like a big buddy scenario, I can talk to him from a different angle — not as a parent, but as a mentor.
Some young people might find it difficult to chat, but when you do activities with young people, they express themselves and things come out. It is a relaxed and comfortable environment.
Being with a young person you have got to give them choices. I am there to guide and make suggestions, but the decision is theirs.
It is important that the lad enjoys our get-togethers. I look forward to it, the lad looks forward to it too.
It is about consistency and building self-worth and confidence, to give time to try and explore new experiences, giving him the opportunity to find something he enjoys and is good at.
What is the most rewarding thing about the role?
Every kid should have a fair start in life. So, when you see someone has been through challenging times, if I can do something to address that in any small manner to have a positive impact on their development, confidence, and emotions, then that is a great feeling.
What has been the biggest challenge?
Nothing really comes to mind, but I think come the winter it is a bit harder to do things. In the winter you are paying a lot of money to do an activity, so you have to be wise and clever about how to keep within the expenses structure.
But that is a nice problem and normally you can do an activity and bring your own lunches, for example.
What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering?
Everybody has an experience, a journey and things to share, and something good to give. This role is suitable for adults of all ages and backgrounds. The important thing is that you have the time to give, are dependable and see the role as offering support and mentorship.
There is nothing to worry about. If there is an issue, the back-up has been incredible. You have an emergency number and people are there to give advice and help.
You will get more back than you give, and the feel-good factor is excellent. When you see a smile on the young person’s face, it is special. Anybody can do it, just go for it.
Volunteering with VoiceAbility
At VoiceAbility there are a wide range of volunteering roles across both England and Scotland.
Could you be a volunteer? Find out more below or email us at volunteering@voiceability.org. You can also call 0300 303 1660.