Make a difference to the life of a child in care by becoming an independent visitor
More volunteers are needed for a befriending scheme supporting West Sussex children in care.
Independent Visitors are people who give up a little time to spend it with a child aged between eight and 17 who are cared for by West Sussex County Council.
The emphasis is very much on having fun and building an attachment, whether it is spending a couple of hours going for a walk a month or doing another fun activity together, it all makes a difference to a child.
WSCC is looking to recruit more Independent Visitors (IV) and is hosting online information sessions for people to find out more.
Gillian Weston is an IV for a ten-year-old girl who is fostered. Gillian said: “We have done all sorts together, we’ve been to many parks, Drusillas Park, Out of Bounds,
swimming. It’s about giving her some fun and some oneon-one time that she might not always get.
“Lockdown has been quite tricky thinking of new things we can do. I write to her and
send her surprise packages because she loves getting post. It’s about just listening more than giving advice and building a relationship so she has trust in me. It’s very much led by the child.”
Gillian describes the child she spends time with as ‘full of life’ and says she’s proud of the difference she’s been able to make.
She explained: “When I first knew her, she moved placements a lot and I could see the impact that had on her. In a way I was the one constant in her life. Now she’s with a brilliant foster family she’s blossomed as a person, it’s lovely to see.”
On being an IV, Gillian said: “It’s not a huge commitment, you’re encouraged to meet up once a month but you can see the difference it makes. They say every child is one important adult from success and it’s humbling to make such a difference.”
The young person is equally positive about her relationship with Gillian, adding: “Gillian is a kind lovely lady who has been there for me even though I have moved foster placements. Through lockdown Gillian sent me letters and gifts through the post which I loved and we had video calls, I can’t wait to see her in person again.”
Independent Visitors are provided with a training and support package so they feel confident about the role and West Sussex County Council always carefully matches each IV with each child.
Andrew Mcalley is another West Sussex Independent Visitor who has supported a teenage boy for the last four years.
He paused when his wife gave birth to twins and is expecting his third child soon. He enjoys it so much he still finds a few hours a month around a busy work and family life.
Andrew said: “We go out for food but he’s really active and mountain biking is our big thing, we like to find safe new routes to explore together. We’ve kept in lots of contact through lockdown but we can’t wait to get together again and go for pizza and a bike ride.”
To find out more visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/ independentvisitor or by email independent.visitors@ westsussex.gov.uk
Sign up to an information session on Friday April 23 at 11am at http:// ow.ly/3fdd30rczl2