The Island has been dedicated to supporting children and young people aged 8 to 18 through tailored mentoring services for two decades. Over the years, we have provided life-changing support to over 3,000 young people, supporting them to build confidence, resilience, and brighter futures.
At The Island, we believe that every young person deserves a positive role model. Our mentoring comes in many forms - from short-term one-to-one support, to long-term mentoring relationships and group programmes. Each is designed to meet the unique needs of the individual, helping them to thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. Read more about our history.
As the world changes, so do the challenges faced by young people. That’s why we remain committed to evolving our services and adapting to meet those ever-changing needs - growing with our community and for our community.
Our vision is that all young people in York, aged 8-18 years, will feel safe and confident to embrace their own future and become the best version of themselves.
The City of York Children & Young People Plan 2024-2027 reports:
44% of young people are unhappy with their life!
31% of young people say worry stops them from doing things!
17% of young people say they do not have one adult they can talk to about their worries - that is over 3500 children in York!
Laurence serves as the Chair of Trustees at The Island and alongside his time spent in his leadership role, he has personally mentored three young people through the charity.
With his most recent mentoring relationship coming to a close, we caught up with Laurence to hear more about what he loves about being a volunteer mentor at The Island.
When Lynn was first signposted to The Island, she wasn't entirely sure what to expect. However, over time, it became clear that what their son received went far beyond anything that she could have imagined.
“All we want is for our child to be happy, and my son always now comes back from sessions with his mentor happier”
Mentoring is one of the most rewarding ways to make a real difference in a young person’s life. You don’t need special qualifications - just the willingness to listen, support, and show up. Our volunteers create brighter futures, one conversation at a time.
Our work relies on donations, big and small. Every penny raised goes towards making a lasting impact and building brighter futures. Many of the young people we work with face complex challenges - your donation will ensure they’re not facing them alone.
Collaboration allows us to share resources, expand our reach, and deliver more effective, joined-up services. Whether you’re a charity seeking aligned impact or a business committed to social responsibility, your involvement can transform lives.