Celebrate Volunteers: A Photography Project with Action for Children
Giving Young People a Voice Through Photography
This project was designed to give looked after children and young people the chance to celebrate their relationship with their Independent Visitors (IVs) while also gaining hands-on experience with professional photography equipment.
This project arose out of my work with Landmark Worldwide in London, when I was coaching on the Self Expression and Leadership Programme early in 2017. The major feature of this programme is getting out into the community to make a difference, to make something happen, and the project I developed was to let the young people and children with Independent Visitors in Dorset create a photographic portrait of their IV and express the value they find in the relationship.
Learning Professional Photography Skills
So having sought the co-operation of each young person, and their IV, I met up with them and just talked them through the concept of a portrait photograph – what kind of image did they want to create?
Each young person explored lenses, camera settings, and composition, getting the chance to handle professional-grade gear—often for the very first time. Many were amazed at the difference from using just a smartphone.
Head and shoulders, half body, whole person, whole figure in the landscape? Location and background? Which lens to use, and film speeds, apertures, shutter speeds – briefly and simply and without blinding them with all the techie detail, while they got the chance to handle professional grade camera kit. They were all amazed by the size and the weight of the kit I use every day! And the final image choice was made by the young person too.
Sharing Stories and Building Confidence
As part of the sessions, we spoke with the young people about their IV relationships in a safe, private way. Their words revealed just how much value and trust they place in these volunteers. If you click the “i” when you are looking at the photographs, you can see what the young person said about their IV.
Recognition Beyond the Project
Two participants went on to selected to attend a photography workshop with Nikon and the then Duchess of Cambridge, an incredible opportunity that highlighted their talent and enthusiasm. And as a result of that I was invited to a Royal Garden Party, which was then much delayed by Covid.
What’s an Independent Visitor?
Independent Visitors are volunteers who spend time with looked after children, offering friendship, support, and a trusted relationship outside of the care system. Every relationship is unique and develops naturally—much like friendships we all value in our own lives.
The IV is kind of a favourite uncle or auntie, and fulfils a different role from the plethora of other adults who appear in the life of a looked after young person. A different role, and a very unique role, for though there might be certain things an IV needs to know about their matched young person, things important for safeguarding perhaps, the IV is pretty much the only adult who will not have seen the case file that goes with the young person. Each relationship is unique, and special and for this reason an IV is usually only matched with one young person at a time.
And so the relationship that they develop is organic and natural, and begins without any preconceptions by the IV, and is much more like the relationships that the rest of us just take for granted – our friends know as much or as little about us as we choose to tell them, and so it is with an IV and their match.
How to Become an Independent Visitor
If you’d like to find out more about becoming an Independent Visitor (IV), there are several ways to get involved. Local authorities and organisations like Action for Children provide guidance and support for anyone interested in volunteering. IVs spend quality time with looked after children, offering friendship, encouragement, and a trusted presence in their lives. Even a small commitment can make a huge difference, and training is provided to ensure volunteers feel confident and supported every step of the way
Why Volunteering Matters
Independent Visitors play a vital role, giving young people the chance to simply be themselves—whether that means talking, going out for activities, or just enjoying a day together.
Personally, I found being an Independent Visitor an immensely rewarding experience, bringing children, young people and new experiences into my life. One young man I was matched with remains in my life to this day, and I still find it staggering that through the eight years I was his IV, I was one of the most constant adults in his life.
Polly Bateman
26 Sep 2017Such a worthwhile way to spend your time. I love this idea and as soon as we settle down in one area I would like to do the same, so thank you for all the information. Great photographs too!