If you would like to join our team and become a volunteer youth mentor, visit our mentoring pages now.
The Island is a charity in York providing islands of space and time for children and young people, aged 8-18 years; building confidence, self-esteem and unlocking potential through positive mentoring relationships and unique programmes.
Mentoring comes in all shapes and sizes and our aim is to grow, evolve and most importantly adapt to the ever changing needs of children and young people.
Trusted Relationships Change Lives - A consistent, caring adult mentor provides emotional stability, trust, and belonging - all vital for young people facing adversity.
Reduces Risk of Crime & Harmful Behaviour - Early mentoring helps prevent risky behaviour, such as substance misuse or involvement in crime, by providing guidance and positive alternatives.
Boosts Mental Health & Confidence - Mentored young people report feeling more confident, less isolated, and better equipped to manage stress and emotions.
Improves School Engagement & Aspirations - Mentoring keeps young people connected to learning, reducing absenteeism and increasing educational ambition and attainment.
Prepares Young People for a Better Future - Mentoring builds life skills, resilience, and hope - creating stronger pathways into employment, training, and adulthood.
Children and young people are at the heart of everything we do. Our one to one mentoring and group based programmes are specifically designed to support emotional wellbeing, build resilience, skills and confidence to thrive in school, relationships, and life.
Parents and carers provide children and young people with their foundation for growth, confidence, and well-being. We work in partnership with families to support their young person as they navigate the challenges of an ever-changing world.
Trusted adults have a powerful, lasting impact on a young person’s life. Mentors offer something unique - a listening ear, focused attention and the steady presence of a respected friend. Mentors help young people to feel heard, valued, and understood.
I like The Island because you get to have a lot of fun with your mentor and it helped me to stop getting angry.
Former mentee
The Island makes sure nobody is alone when they need help.
Former mentee