Children in Wiltshire care system being made to feel ‘valued and special’
The Independent Visitor Scheme has reached 70 volunteers
70 independent visitors are helping provide consistency and stability to the lives of children in care across Wiltshire.
The Independent Visitor scheme (IVS), run by Wiltshire Council, matches a young person with a volunteer based on their needs and interests. The volunteers are from outside the care system and offer consistent, long-term support.
Volunteers visit their young person once every few weeks.
The scheme has recently marked it’s 70th match and that volunteer is Jane Smith, who says she wants to “help just one child to feel valued and special.”
Jane added that helping others positively impacts her own life and had considered fostering but had been unable to do so. The IVS opened the door for her to help.
“I knew it was a way in which I could support a child in care. On my wall at home I have a postcard that says: ‘Be who you were created to be and you will set the World on Fire.’ It reflects my passion to see children thrive and reach their full potential.”
Other Independent Visitors include Andy Thompson and Debbie Cambray-Smith, who have shared their experiences.
Andy himself was raised in the Wiltshire care system and was intrigued to see how things had changed. Having worked with his young person for eight years, he says he takes the opportunity to spoil him a little bit, by attending sports events.
“After nearly 10 years together I’ve really enjoyed the occasions we spend together, and I hope my young person gets as much from his time with me,” Andy said.
Debbie said the role of an Independent Visitor is ‘so important’, adding: “I have been matched for six years now and have been privileged to be able to watch my young person grow and develop into the beautiful, charming, and kind young lady she is today.”
The role provides young people a voice of calm, reassurance, and encouragement, while also facilitating fun activities and a place to speak safely.
Cllr Laura Mayes, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “I am so pleased we have 70 Independent Visitors that are making an incredible difference to our young people’s lives. That’s 70 stories of adults taking time to be a reassuring and constant support for young people in care, or who have experienced care, and providing a positive impact in their lives.