Family support charity appeals for volunteers

A long-standing family support charity is calling for volunteers.

Nepacs – formerly the North East Prison After Care Society – is looking for people with a few hours to spare each month to give up time to support local children and young people who are living in care.

The charity’s Independent Visitor Service is a befriendingschemeforeightto17-yearolds,designedtoofferchildren the chance to build a trusted friendship with someone outside their day-to-day life.

Each volunteer meets up with the young person once a month, over a period of time, doing things they enjoy together, such as going for a bike ride, watching sport or having a chat.

Angela Donaghy, from the Nepacs independent visitor service, said: “Our adult volunteers provide support and friendship to a child or young person being looked after by the local authority.

"This involves establishing a long term supportive relationship where the young person will have the opportunity to develop their interests, learn new skills and build their selfesteem.”

The charity is looking to recruit volunteers who are in local authority care in South Tyneside, Sunderland, County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, and Northumberland.

Amanda Lacey, chief executive of Nepacs added: “We are delighted to be awarded the contract to provide volunteer independent visitor services in six local authority areas of the region.

"Our independent visitor volunteers visit and befriend a child or young person living in care, and may be the one constant adult they have in their life.”

Formoredetails, go to www.nepacs.co.uk or email IV@nepacs.co.uk