Volunteers needed to work with young people in care in the Sunderland area – here’s how you could help
Nepacs is a charity in the north of England, which helps young people affected by adverse situations in their lives to have a more positive future.
The sad truth is that there are some youngsters in our area being looked after in care, and may have missed out on doing things they love.
One of the things Nepacs does is match Independent Visitor Volunteers to those young people, ensuring children and teenagers have the opportunity to share their interests with another adult. The charity has information on young people who would like an Independent Visitor and are waiting to be matched with a volunteer adult, who can befriend them and give them support through shared interests.
How does it work?
The volunteers bring energy, warmth and friendship, and offer reassurance in the most challenging of circumstances.
Most of the youngsters supported are aged between eight and 18. Many find themselves in care, without an adult to share their hobbies and interests or fully support them in their goals. They might be a young child wanting to play football, go rock pooling, have a day at the beach or be taken to the park. They may wish to explore outdoors by train or bus, be taken to different places like the fairground or swimming, try sports like cycling, paddle boarding, surfing, football or horse-riding. Or they may need conversation, someone to talk to or go for a meal with, or someone to help with life skills like using public transport, budgeting, decision-making or living independently.
It might be a child who loves history desperate for a trip to Tynemouth Castle or a Sunderland fan who dreams of seeing a live match – and you could help make that happen.
There are 12 young people waiting for an Independent Visitor volunteer in the Sunderland area. Once Nepacs has recruited volunteers they match them to a young person based on their interests, and whether the young person has specified a male or female volunteer.
How much time do I need to give?
It depends how much time you have but the minimum is usually one visit per month lasting at least a couple of hours. Volunteers are asked to commit for at least a year in order to develop a stable relationship with the young person they are matched with.
Budget and travel expenses can be paid too, so if money is a concern don’t let that put you off volunteering.
Do I need experience?
You don’t need to be an expert or have worked with young people before. Once you volunteer Nepacs will discuss everything with you and will carry out background checks including DBS checks. After that, training will be given before you are matched with a young person and the age range covered is children and teenagers between eight and 18.
What some of the young people said about having an Independent Visitor
‘Improve communication skills, help to express myself and share thoughts’
‘If you have the same interests it is very good, it is hard to find people with same interests and time, and I would really recommend the service to others’
What some of the Independent Visitor volunteers said
‘There are young people who have no one in their lives that they can claim as their own, such as a relative or family member and an IV can provide (in my opinion) quality one on one time that can help towards a young person not feeling so isolated.’
Find out more
Visit the website to find out more about NEPACS and click on this page to find out more about volunteering to become an independent visitor.