PEOPLE are being asked to provide valuable support to young people living in care through a volunteer scheme.

The Wiltshire Independent Visitor Scheme is looking for volunteer adults who communicate well with young people, understand their issues and interests and have some regular time to spare.

Volunteers meet up with young people approximately once every three weeks to spend quality time with them undertaking various activities such as sport, going to the cinema or simply chatting in cafes.

They are matched according to their interests, personalities and preferences, with training and ongoing support provided. Since the start of the scheme 75 young people have received support.

Laura Mayes, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for children’s services, said: “Young people in care often experience a lot of disruption in their lives and this scheme provides them with much needed consistency, support and encouragement at an important time in their lives.”

For more information people should contact the scheme manager, Sheila Lupton, on 07733 303124 or Sarvjit Gill on 01225 713926. l Further information can also be found at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/independentvisitorscheme.