Could you make a positive difference to the life of a child or young person who is in care?
At our Cheshire West and Chester Children’s Rights service, we support young people who are Cared for (in foster care or residential care) by Cheshire West and Cheshire Local Authority.
We’re looking for friendly and reliable people who can offer a few hours per month to support a young person as a volunteer Independent Visitor.
As an Independent Visitor, you will work to build a trusting relationship with the young person, take them out on planned activities, provide appropriate support with guidance from the service, and most importantly help them to have fun! Whilst most children are based in Cheshire West and Cheshire, some are based in Merseyside and Wales so we welcome applicants from those areas too.
This would be an excellent opportunity for a well organised and empathetic person to gain experience in a leading children’s charity, whilst making a real difference to the life of a young person. You’ll receive all the training and support you need from our friendly team.
We hope you can join us!
Key information
- Start Date: 17th September 2026
- End Date: 30th November 2026
- Volunteer: Monthly
- Tasks: To be effective in this role, you will need to be able to commit to supporting a young person for 2 years, meeting at least once per month for 3-4 hours. This helps provide the consistency and stability that cared for children and young people need to build trusting and meaningful relationships.
The key activities of the role will include:
Building a positive, trusting and supportive relationship with a cared for child or young person.
Meeting regularly with your matched young person and being reliable in keeping agreed arrangements
Taking part in activities based on the young person's interests, such as walks, sports, hobbies, trips out or community activities.
Encouraging confidence, independence and positive wellbeing through shared experiences and conversation
Attending training, supervision and support sessions provided by The Children's Society.
Supporting the young person's social, emotional, cultural and developmental needs
Listening to the young person's views, wishes and experiences and helping them feel heard and valued.
Communicating any safeguarding concerns with the Volunteer Co-ordinator or relevant agency (children’s social care, police) as appropriate.
Submitting contact notes after each contact / visit with the young person and attending agreed supervision sessions as part of your role (this refers to one-to-one meetings with the Volunteer Coordinator and sometimes group sessions with other volunteers). - Training: A full induction into your role and introduction to The Children’s Society
On-going support and guidance from your volunteer manager, including one-to-one supervision
All necessary training for your role - you will also have access to a broad range of online learning modules and courses
Recognition of your commitment and achievements
A reference once you have been involved with us for a period of time
Reimbursement of reasonable expenses as agreed with your volunteer manager - Requirements: Own vehicle required, Willing to travel by public transport or find own way to volunteering location
- Interests: Children, Young people
- Activities: Befriending
- DBS Check: Yes
- Are Volunteer Expenses Reimbursed?: Yes
The key activities of the role will include:
Building a positive, trusting and supportive relationship with a cared for child or young person.
Meeting regularly with your matched young person and being reliable in keeping agreed arrangements
Taking part in activities based on the young person's interests, such as walks, sports, hobbies, trips out or community activities.
Encouraging confidence, independence and positive wellbeing through shared experiences and conversation
Attending training, supervision and support sessions provided by The Children's Society.
Supporting the young person's social, emotional, cultural and developmental needs
Listening to the young person's views, wishes and experiences and helping them feel heard and valued.
Communicating any safeguarding concerns with the Volunteer Co-ordinator or relevant agency (children’s social care, police) as appropriate.
Submitting contact notes after each contact / visit with the young person and attending agreed supervision sessions as part of your role (this refers to one-to-one meetings with the Volunteer Coordinator and sometimes group sessions with other volunteers).
On-going support and guidance from your volunteer manager, including one-to-one supervision
All necessary training for your role - you will also have access to a broad range of online learning modules and courses
Recognition of your commitment and achievements
A reference once you have been involved with us for a period of time
Reimbursement of reasonable expenses as agreed with your volunteer manager