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Over the last 19 years, we are proud to have supported more than 3,000 young people across the city through mentoring and a wide range of youth programmes.

As the charity enters a new period in our history, we welcome a new charity leader.

The Island has long been a pillar of York’s youth community, standing alongside thousands of young people during periods of hardship or challenges in their life.

Through our services of trusted, relationship‑based support, The Island has worked with children and young people from across York to navigate a wide range of social, emotional, educational, and developmental challenges that they have faced, helping them to build their confidence and foster a sense of belonging in their city. 

With gratitude and a heartfelt thank you to the young people, volunteers, staff, and partners who helped to pave the way, The Island can celebrate 19 years of continued dedication to over 3,000 children and young people in York. Now, we enter our next chapter with pride and excitement for its future.

After a year serving as The Islands Interim CEO, Paul Devlin will be returning to The Island’s Board of Trustees to resume his role as Trustee and Treasurer. This follows a strategic decision in 2025/2026 to refocus the charity’s direction on to community‑based mentoring and youth‑led services, ensuring The Island can always continue to meet the needs of children and young people in the everchanging climate. 

Paul shares “The Island has been through a period of significant change over the last year, and is now in a position where it can look forward to supporting as many of York’s children and young people as possible. With that in mind, The Island is delighted to announce the appointment of Chloe Deyes as the new Charity Manager”

Chloe will be responsible for leading the charities operations, partnerships, and the continued implementation of our quality youth services.

Chloe has worked at The Island for the past year as a Mentor Supervisor, bringing extensive experience from both the local and national youth sector. Her background includes managing the Information and Support Service at national disabled children’s charity Family Fund, alongside working as a Freelance Consultant in youth services, specialising in child poverty, participation, employability, and inclusive practice. Chloe holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Counselling from York St John University and a Master’s degree in Applied Human Rights from the University of York. She also serves as Vice Chair of York CVS, helping to strengthen connections across the city’s voluntary and community sector.

Chloe shares "Children and young people today may face many challenges and barriers to achieving what success looks like for them - it is our responsibility as a city to create environments where these children and young people can truly flourish and achieve their goals.  

All children and young people should feel able to ask for help and in return receive the support they requested, whether that comes through services that create a sense of belonging in their community, feeling heard by a trusted adult in a mentoring relationship, or simply feeling happiness whilst sharing a laugh over a kickabout in a youth group.

Youth work and youth services play a vital role in reducing hardship and bringing joy into young people’s lives. While the challenges of delivering youth services and support exist, the rewards are profound for the young people we work alongside.

I am honoured to be appointed into the role of Charity Manager to lead The Island into this new phrase of our history, and importantly to continue working with all of our dedicated Staff, Volunteers and Trustees, who consistently demonstrate resilience and a passion to their work, which in turn brings joy, value, and a sense of opportunity to children and young people across York"

As The Island steps into this exciting new chapter, the charity looks forward to building on its strong foundations and continuing to champion the voices, needs, and futures of the children and young people it is privileged to support. 

If you’re inspired to join us on this journey, there are many ways to take part, either as a volunteer, donor, partner, or collaborator. To explore more, contact us on enquiries@theislandyork.org.