A Volunteer Befriender is a positive role model for a child or young person living either in a foster home or residential home. F or many children and young people living in foster care can be unsettling but having someone there just for them to take them to the cinema, bowling, bike riding or for hot chocolate and cake can make all the difference. You can make that difference! We are looking for fun, reliable, and enthusiastic volunteers from all different cultures, backgrounds and experiences who have a genuine interest in making a difference in the lives of children and young people. If you are passionate about wanting to help young people, you have 2 - 4 hours to spare once a month and are ready to commit to a minimum of a 2-year volunteering commitment, this role could be perfect for you! You’ll meet with a child or young person who is in care, to do a fun activity together. You’ll help the young person to do what they enjoy and provide them with a positive adult role model. The consistent friendship helps the young person to build self-esteem, confidence, and resilience. You'll meet with your young person once a month on a long-term basis or for as long as they want an Independent Visitor. Our young people are aged between 6 to 18 years old. We will aim to match you with a child you share common interests with and together, you will decide what activities to do, such as going to a restaurant, an animal sanctuary or walking in the park. You do not need experience of working with children and young people, just an interest in their development and welfare. Full training and support is provided. The Application As the young people are usually in school during the daytime, Volunteering mainly happens at weekends and after school hours or during school holidays To ensure stability for the child or young person, the role requires a commitment of at least 2 years with one visit per month To help us get to know more about you, completing the Personal Statement section on the application form as fully as possible will help us with the shortlisting process See our videos below to find out more: Independent Visitor 'Our Legal Right' Animation - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgnlThOEDVc Our values are to be compassionate, open and bold. If this sounds like you we’d love to hear from you so click apply. Mandy Giles (Derby Childrens Rights - Adv & IV) | mandy.giles@cgl.org.uk | 07389712369 Please note that we require you to be 18 years of age or older to be considered for this volunteering role. This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at an enhanced level.