asphaleia delivers the Independent Visiting (IV) service for the London Borough of Bromley. It is a befriending service for young people in care and it is something that they are entitled to according to the Children's Act 1989, should they wish to have one.
What is an Independent Visitor?
An Independent Visitor (IV) is an adult who has volunteered to support and spend time with a young person in care. They are an extra person who is there just for that young person, with no connection to social services, care services or education.
Their main job is to listen, encourage and support.
What does an Independent Visitor do?
The IV will meet with their young person on a monthly basis and take them out on outings that are called visits. An IV can also support the young person at meetings with their social worker/carer, if the young person would like that. They may do other things like helping to learn new skills to help young people make the most of life.
What happens on a visit?
You can choose from a range of fun activities. Here are some examples of activities done on IV visits:
Bowling
Going out for lunch
Help with homework in a library or cafe
Going for a bike ride at the local park
Trampolining
Visiting a museum or art gallery
How can I get an IV?
Ask your social worker or carer! It may take a bit of time but this will all be explained when the Coordinator visits to find out more about you and your interests so as to match you with the right person.
How can I be an IV?
If you live in London and are over 21, we'd like to chat to you about whether you could volunteer as an IV for the Bromley service.
Please contact us for an application pack or to find out more.