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Independent Visitors

An Independent Visitor is a trusted adult volunteer who can spend time with you, get to know you and support you. They usually meet with you fortnightly for the first three months and then once a month after that. 

They are independent from your social worker and other professionals involved in your life. Their role is to build a positive, long-term relationship with you and give you another trusted adult to talk to. 

Any young person in care aged 8 to 17 years old has the right to request an Independent Visitor. If you have an Independent Visitor already when you turn 17, they can stay with you until you are 21 years old. 

You decide what you would like to do together. This could include:

  • Going for a walk or having a chat.
  • Trying a new activity.
  • Playing sport.
  • Visiting new places.
  • Learning a new skill.
  • Celebrating important milestones and achievements.
  • Simply spending time together doing something you enjoy. 

Many young people value having an Independent Visitor because they are there just for you. They can provide encouragement, be someone consistent in your life, help build your confidence, and support you to achieve your goals.

If you would like an Independent Visitor you can ask your social worker who can then put in a referral in that starts the whole process. You can also ask for one directly by emailing the central email address: candfvolunteers@hants.gov.uk.

When a referral is received, we'll bring you information about people that we think might match up to what you would like, then you can pick the person you think will suit you best.

Once you have picked your Independent Visitor, we'll help you meet them and then they will continue to visit with you (about once a month) to take part in activities that you decide on or just to spend time with you - it's entirely up to you!

Our aim is that they will be a consistent, trusted adult in your life that is there for you no matter what else changes.

If you would like an Independent Visitor you can ask your social worker who can then put in a referral in that starts the whole process. You can also ask for one directly by emailing the central email address: candfvolunteers@hants.gov.uk.

When a referral is received, we'll bring you information about people that we think might match up to what you would like, then you can pick the person you think will suit you best.

Once you have picked your Independent Visitor, we'll help you meet them and then they will continue to visit with you (about once a month) to take part in activities that you decide on or just to spend time with you - it's entirely up to you!

Our aim is that they will be a consistent, trusted adult in your life that is there for you no matter what else changes.

An Independent Visitor can become an important and trusted adult in your life. For some young people, the relationship lasts for many years and continues long after they leave care. In the video below, a young person shares their experience of being matched with an Independent Visitor as a child and how that relationship has continued into adulthood. It is a powerful example of how one supportive adult can make a lasting difference.

 

An Independent Visitor can become an important and trusted adult in your life. For some young people, the relationship lasts for many years and continues long after they leave care. In the video below, a young person shares their experience of being matched with an Independent Visitor as a child and how that relationship has continued into adulthood. It is a powerful example of how one supportive adult can make a lasting difference.