THE National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS) Devon is urgently recruiting volunteer visitors to help children in care.

The 1989 Children Act states that councils must appoint volunteers to “visit, befriend and advise” children in care if it is in the child’s interest. According to recent research by children’s charity Barnardos, only 3 per cent of children in care were matched with a mentor.

Now, NYAS Devon wants to match as many new independent visitors with children in care across Mid Devon.

Simon Heyes, volunteer coordinator for NYAS in Devon said: “We are short of volunteers to befriend vulnerable children who are in care.

“The role is about enabling the child to get the most out of life and might include activities such as going to a park, swimming, ice-staking, go-karting, watching a film, and it even include a trip to watch the Exeter chiefs or Exeter City football club.”

Volunteers need no formal qualifications, just a genuine and active interest in the welfare of children and young people. NYAS provides training and support from other experienced staff.

Annelise Widdowson, an independent visitor for the charity, urged others to apply.

She said: “I really enjoy making a difference to a child’s life.

“You get matched with a child who is in care and meet up with them once a month. I have built a trusting relationship with the child I have been matched with.

“We have great fun together and I feel it is a very special and privileged volunteering role.”

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer independent visitor should contact Simon Heyes on 07767168481 or simon.heyes@nyas.net.