Volunteers urged to befriend young people in care to help change lives

VOLUNTEERS ARE being encouraged to come forward to support young people in care in a Yorkshire city.

Sheffield Council chiefs are looking for volunteers to befriend and visit youngsters as part of the authority’s independent visitor scheme.

The volunteers will be asked to go out once a month with a young person to participate in engaging activities in an effort to help build a positive and consistent relationship.

Sheffield Council’s director of children and families, Carly Speechley, said the authority’s officers would like to hear from anybody who is aged 21 and over who could dedicate some of their time to helping youngsters and provide a positive bond with them.

She added: “We are looking for fun, reliable and enthusiastic volunteers who have a genuine interest in making a difference to the lives of Sheffield young people in care.

“Providing young people with consistent, positive adult child relationship is so important for our young people.

“This relationship can involve anything from playing football in the park to seeing the latest films or new things the young person wants to do.”

A council spokesman said that there are a series of opportunities for volunteering which will involve learning courses for children, helping pregnant women or organising sporting events.

More details are available by emailing angela.taylor@sheffield. gov.uk or calling 0114 228 8522.