What is an Independent Visitor?

Independent visitors are volunteers who befriend and support children and young people who are looked after and have little or no contact with their parents or families.
Independent visitors do not work for Social Services.

All children looked after should, by law, be offered the chance to have an independent visitor. 
Independent Visitors are there to provide you with support and encouragement. They will listen to what you have to say and be there to help you sort out any worries or problems. 

They can help you tell Social Services about anything you are unhappy about and try to get it sorted if that is what you want.
In some cases Independent Visitor are able to share a hobby, sport interest, help with school or college work and go on outings, like the cinema, park, bowling and having fun together!

Reconstruct currently provides an Independent Visitors scheme for all young people who are looked after by Merton.

If you want an independent visitor, please talk to your social worker or give the Listening to Children Officer a call.