Corporate Parenting - How to get involved

For volunteers  

Befrienders (also known as Independent Visitors) make a massive difference in a child’s life.

• There are some children in care who don’t have safe and trusted adults in their lives that are not in a 'paid role' to be there to provide support. 
• Having volunteers and role models who are from their local communities can make a massive difference to their well-being and feelings of self-worth.
• The government recognises the importance of this and it is statutory requirement for every local authority to offer this service to our children and young people.  

To Befriend a child in care we need volunteers who: 

• Can take a child out, build a relationship and have fun!
• Be a consistent person in a child’s life, building trust and self-esteem. 
• Can help to develop new experiences and interests for children.  
• Volunteer and not a paid professional.  

To be an Befriender you will need to: 

• Be 18 years or over. 
• Be able, once a month, to take a child out.
• Make a commitment of 12+ months.  
• Complete a safer recruitment process – DBS, references and checks. 
• Not be working for the Trust in a social care role. 

Please note: No social care experience necessary. 

When you become a Befriender you will get: 

• Trust-approved training and an induction programme. 
• Trust lifestyle rewards and discounts (e.g. shopping and cinema ticket discounts). 
• Support and guidance. 
• Access to a peer network. 
• Access to wider Trust events and support. 
• To become part of the Trust family 

How to apply to become a Befriender? 

Click here to apply to become a Befriender (this is a separate website containing a registration form).