Independent visitor service

Allies in Southwark

We provide independent visitors for looked after children. We call them 'allies'. We do this in partnership with community service volunteers.

Looked after children are children whose care and upbringing is arranged by a local authority because their own family cannot look after them. They may be in foster care or accommodated in a children's home.

Who needs an ally?

Young people in the care of their local authority often lose regular contact with family and friends. They may feel lonely and isolated because there is no one to take a special interest in their welfare and progress.

Every child needs someone who will advise and support them and be there just for them.

Who makes a good ally?

An ally is no ordinary volunteer! You need exceptional staying power; the demands are considerable but the rewards can be immense. Allies are people of all ages from 18 up and from all walks of life.

To become an ally you must be committed and reliable and prepared to accept a young person as he or she is.

You must be able to understand the difficulties faced by looked after children and have the ability to nurture a trusting and respectful relationship with a vulnerable young person.

What does an ally do?

• Visits the young person regularly - at least two hours a month
• Befriends the young person building up a relationship based on trust and mutual respect
• Acts as a positive role model encouraging young people to develop the skills they will need to live independently when they leave the care system
• Helps the young person to express their views where it matters so that they can take an active role in plans for their future
• Boots the young person's sense of self esteem and self confidence, and provides them with opportunities to pursue different activities and interests.

The ally's most important tasks are to give respect, attention and encouragement and to act as a good example to a looked after child. An ally is not a source of treats.

How much time does it take?

Allies usually meet up with their young person for a few hours each month for at least a year but the frequency of visits needs to fit in with the young person's circumstances. 

Some volunteers meet up with their young person over many years and provide a very special source of friendship and support. We also ask allies to attend support group meetings every four to six weeks. Here they can meet up with other volunteers and exchange ideas and concerns.

What support do allies receive?

• Initial training
• Individual support from the allies project co-ordinator
• Regular group support from other allies
• Opportunities for further training if required
• Reimbursement of travel and other out of pocket expenses

How can I get involved?

If you are interested in becoming an ally, contact allies in Southwark. If it seems right for you, you will be invited to an interview and then, if appropriate, to a training programme. 

Checks are made with the Criminal Records Bureau and with our records. All this can take some time so if you want to be an ally you may need to be patient but the wait can be well worthwhile.