Become a member
Holiday Club
Donate now

100% of young people in care are entitled to an independent vistor. Only 3.3% have one.

At Wigan Youth Zone, we believe every young person deserves someone they can rely on.

An Independent Visitor is a consistent, trustworthy adult who volunteers to spend time with a young person in care. They’re not part of the system. They’re not paid. And that’s what makes their presence so powerful.

These visits might involve something as simple as a walk in the park, a game of bowling, a trip to the cinema or pottery painting. It’s not about the activity – it’s about the connection.

Are you in care?
Refer a young person
BECOME A VOLUNTEER
IndVis_What

What is an Independent Visitor?

An Independent Visitor (IV) is a volunteer that invests roughly 1 hour every month with a young person who is looked after or in care. An IV aims to be a long-term support network for a young person by befriending them. A minimum commitment of one year is needed to become an IV. An IV isn’t a counsellor or therapist, just a person who wants to be there for a young person.

An IV can be anyone aged 19+ and young people can be referred up to the age of 18. A young person and IV will be matched together based on similar hobbies/interests.

A session with a young person can look different depending on the people – generally speaking, an IV will have a chat and do an activity with the young person (grab a drink/food, go for a walk, play pool, etc).

Every IV will get a DBS and full training, along with continuous support from the IV Lead, Tim. IVs are able to get reimbursement from activities up to a specific amount.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an IV to make a difference, and you don’t have to have a background in children’s/youth work to be effective in an IV role.

Benefits for young people include:

  • Having confidential conversations with someone who chooses to be there
  • Validation
  • Encouragement
  • Someone showing loyalty to them
  • Fun!

Benefits for Independent Visitors include:

  • Making a difference
  • Being a positive role model
  • Supporting a vulnerable young person
  • Something to add to a CV

                      

"An Independent Visitor is helpful because if I didn't have one, I'd be stuck at home bored".
Young Person in care

Meet Tim

Tim is our Independent Visitor Service Lead, he has worked with young people for over 12 years from all across England – Bristol, Devon, Bournemouth, Oldham, Rochdale and Wigan. He takes great satisfaction in supporting young people and giving them opportunities to succeed and develop. Tim is a strong believer in empowering young people to be the best version of themselves. He became a Youth Worker because he knows what it’s like to struggle as a teenager. The Independent Visitor Service Lead Role will aim to support and empower young people in care specifically and Tim’s fully committed to do whatever he can to provide something positive for them.
 

For any questions or more information, please email Tim at timothy.harris@wiganyouthzone.org or call 01942 612061e5593d

"There is a real shortage of IVs and some young people wait a very long time to be matched, so last year I said I would be willing to be matched with another young person. She was 11 and has changed so much in a year. She has really blossomed and become much more confident. She is still shy, but she is willing to give things a try. Taking her to the theatre for the first time and seeing how much she loved it, made me so happy. She really looks forward to our days out and I do too."
Independent Visitor

Are you are young person in care?

If you are a young person and would like an IV, please talk to Tim (timothy.harris@wiganyouthzone.org) or your Carer/Foster Carer/Social Worker/Parent.

If you are interested in referring a young person for an IV please visit the 'Refer a young person' section to open the referral form.

Application