Council scheme seeks role models for children

This is part of the council’s Independent Visitors Scheme , where volunteers meet with a child once a month to help them with social development but also to have fun.

This could be something as simple as taking them bowling after school or to the cinema at the weekend.

Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services, Coun Megan Swift, said: “An Independent Visitor is an adult volunteer who, in the short term, provides time and space for a child to try new experiences and develop different skills.”

Most people can volunteer as no formal qualifications are required to volunteer but experience and contact with children and young people is necessary.

As it is a long term opportunity volunteers are asked to be able to support a child or young person for at least 12 months.

The scheme is seeking adults aged 21 or over who get on well with children, have lots of patience and enthusiasm and can communicate well with young people.

Coun Swift, said: “We’re looking for patient and caring adult volunteers who can spare a few hours a month to be role models for children in care.

“By dedicating a few hours each month, you will spend quality time, one to one, with a child in care and become a positive role model for them.”

Training will be provided, and will start in September this year.

Volunteers need an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, and the council will cover the cost of this.

For anyone interested in giving their time to help a young person, there will be information sessions held in August and full training starts in September.

For more information visit www.calderdale.gov.uk/independent-visitor, email [email protected] or call the team on 01422 288251.