2 June 2025

Volunteer visitors changing lives of children in care

Monday 2 June marks the start of Volunteers’ Week, a week dedicated to celebrating all the wonderful people in our city who donate their time to support their communities.

Whether it’s looking after our green spaces and environment, leading healthwalks, befriending those who would otherwise be extremely isolated, watching over grazing livestock, representing tenant groups or supporting charities and hospitals, volunteers bring enormous benefits to the city.

This year we are highlighting the incredible work of our Independent Visitors and the difference they make to the lives of children in care.

Independent Visitors are volunteers who spend quality time with a child or young person in care for a few hours every couple of weeks.

Greg Bortkiewicz, who’s been an Independent Visitor for a boy in care for more than 3 years, has shared his volunteering journey in a video.

Become an Independent Visitor

We're looking for people from a variety of backgrounds to become Independent Visitors and provide support and friendship to children in care.

No formal qualifications are required – just a genuine commitment to children and young people.

One of our young people in care shared their views of the scheme: “Independent Visitors are basically adults who can guide you in a friendly and supportive way.

“It’s a person you can be with to feel safe, vent, be happy, just have a cuppa, go for a walk, do an activity you enjoy with them, which I think is fantastic.”

If you're over 18 and are interested, we’d like to hear from you.

Learn more about becoming an Independent Visitor on our website.

Celebrating our volunteers

Mayor of Brighton & Hove, Councillor Amanda Grimshaw, will be joining the celebrations of our city’s volunteers throughout the week.

On Tuesday 3 June she will assist in presenting awards to volunteers at the Royal Sussex County Hospital.

She will also meet the volunteers at BHT Sussex, the local housing association and homeless charity, at a celebratory reception on Thursday 5 June.

A city that cares

Councillor Emma Daniel, Cabinet member for Children, Families and Youth Services, said: “Donating your time to connect with others is a brilliant way to contribute to the life of the city. As a volunteer myself, I can truly say that I have made the strongest friendships I have thanks to volunteering.

“I’m very proud that Brighton & Hove continues to demonstrate that it’s a city full of people passionate about the wellbeing of others and their surroundings, and I’d like to thank every volunteer who stepped up to make a positive difference for their community.

“Our Independent Visitors are integral to providing lasting connections, as well as examples of healthy and supportive relationships for children who would otherwise have grown up without this opportunity.

“Many people would like to make a difference in a child’s life but aren’t in the right circumstances to foster. This role demonstrates that there is a place for everyone in helping shape a better future for children who have experienced hardship and struggles.

“I encourage everyone to look into volunteering, not just to help address the needs of their community, but also to nurture their own wellbeing by stretching their horizons, finding new purpose, making a new friend, spending time outdoors or gaining a new skill or experience.”