A charity is looking for people in Northumberland to help make a difference to the lives of children and young people in care.

Nepacs, looking for volunteers to become independent visitors, is hosting an open event on April 30, 2024, from 6pm to 7pm at Acomb Village Hall, Millersfield, Acomb, Hexham.

Independent visitors provide support to children 'looked after' by the local authority, working to nurture their interests and self-esteem.

More than a dozen children are currently waiting to be matched with an independent volunteer.

The volunteers - who must be 18 or older - meet with the young person once a month, engaging in mutually enjoyable activities like bike rides and watching football.

Angela Donaghy, Nepacs independent visitors coordinator, said: "Each relationship between an independent visitor volunteer and a young person is a unique and important one."

All volunteers receive full training and on-going support from the Nepacs team.

"Please come along to our event and hear first hand from some of our independent visitor volunteers about their experience," said Ms Donaghy.

Interested parties can find more information by emailing IV@nepacs.co.uk.