Volunteer to be an Independent Visitor or Advocate for children in Somerset

Would you like to make a positive difference in 2024? 

There’s a famous quote from Rev Sydney Smith “It is the greatest of all mistakes to do nothing because you can only do a little.  Do what you can.”

From as little as a couple of hours a fortnight and less than a week’s quality training, you could be making purposeful contact with a young person and make a positive difference for them through outings, conversations, activities and more…

Route1 have two volunteering opportunities: Independent Visitor and Advocate.

Independent Visitors are volunteers who befriend and spend time with a child or young person who is in the care of the Local Authority. We will match your interests and skill set with a young person who will best suit your support. You and the young person have the freedom to decide what you do, how you do it, to build a meaningful friendship.

One young person with an Independent Visitor said: “Things I get from my IV relationship… is space from the world, where I can have an open and honest conversation with, at first a stranger, that becomes a friend. I would be happy to say it is a really good experience!”

An Advocate is an independent person who can offer one-to-one support to children and young people to have their voice heard when meetings are taking place concerning their wellbeing. It’s the role of the Advocate to speak up for the young person, make them aware of their rights, listen to them and represent their views, wishes and feelings.

The Chair of a Child Protection Conference said “I am always amazed by the calibre of the volunteers and how generous they are with their time.” Why not join our bank of advocates?

Your volunteering can be arranged to suit your availability. Your life experience will be highly valued, and you will be trained and supported in developing key skills.