This Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June), Coram Voice is highlighting the important role its volunteers play in befriending and supporting children and young people in care in London. The charity is calling for more people across the capital to come forward as volunteers for this vital service known as ‘Independent Visiting’.
Coram Voice works in partnership with local authorities in London, including Southwark, Hillingdon and Waltham Forest, to provide an Independent Visiting service for children aged between 8 and 18. Independent Visitors become a long-lasting friend to a child or young person within local authority care. They take part in activities including bowling, the cinema, picnics, and sports, with the young person, helping them to build their confidence and self-esteem. By sharing a hobby, sport or interest, they can make a real difference to a young person’s life.
Volunteers are also there to listen to any issues or concerns the young person wants to discuss, and give their support in times where a young person might be feeling upset or lost, with full training and support provided by Coram Voice. Coram Voice volunteers enjoy building a lasting friendship and the children benefit greatly from a consistent, fun relationship with someone outside the care system.
Debbie*, an Independent Visitor for Coram Voice said: “Being an Independent Visitor is so rewarding, and you get to do new things that you probably wouldn’t have done before. You can help them through their ups and downs and support them to come out the other side feeling proud of themselves.”
Volunteers contribute their time, passion and skills to the charity’s work and make a huge difference to young people in care. Coram Voice would love more people in London to join them.
To find out more, please email [email protected] or visit https://coramvoice.org.uk/professional-zone/working-voice/independent-visitors-london-and-south-east.
