Charity calls for volunteers to join service supporting children in care

This Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June), Coram Voice is highlighting the positive role its volunteers play in befriending and supporting children and young people in care in Lincolnshire. The charity is calling for more people across the county to come forward as volunteers for this vital service known as ‘Independent Visiting’.

Coram Voice works in partnership with Lincolnshire County Council, and other local authorities across the UK to provide an Independent Visiting service for children aged between 8 and 18. Independent Visitors become a long-lasting friend to a child or young person within local authority care.  They take part in activities including bowling, the cinema and sports with the young person, helping them to build their confidence and self-esteem. By sharing a hobby, sport or interest, they can make a real difference to a young person’s life.

Volunteers are also there to listen to any issues or concerns the young person wants to discuss, and give their support in times where a young person might be feeling upset or lost, with full training and support provided by Coram Voice. Coram Voice volunteers enjoy building a lasting friendship and the children benefit greatly from a consistent, fun relationship with someone outside the care system.

Lynne*, a current Independent Visitor for Coram Voice in Lincolnshire said: “The activities we undertake have helped the young person I support to develop his self-confidence and most importantly to have lots of fun! A relationship is not developed overnight but big steps forward are made with every outing. I’ll never forget the time he said to me he’d had the ‘best day ever!’ To know you’re making a difference, no matter how big or small to the young person’s life is a wonderful thing.”

Volunteers contribute their time, passion and skills to the charity’s work and make a huge difference to young people in care. Coram Voice would love more people in Lincolnshire to join them. To find out more, please email kim.scott@coramvoice.org.uk or visit https://coramvoice.org.uk/professional-zone/news/join-us-volunteer-befriend-children-care-lincolnshire.