Mentoring
At The Island, we match young people like you with a friendly adult mentor, someone who’s there to support you, listen, and spend time doing things you enjoy.
Watch our film made by young people who’ve had mentoring at The Island, their voices, their journeys, and the impact of having a mentor by their side.
A mentor is a kind, trained volunteer who meets with you once a week. They’re there just for you, to listen, support you, and spend time doing things you enjoy.
They’re not a teacher or a parent. They’re someone who cares, understands, and wants to help you feel more confident, happier, and more like yourself.
Your mentor is someone you can talk to, have fun with, and trust. Whether you want to chat, play games, go for a walk, or try something new, your mentor is there to support you in a way that works for you.
Your time with your mentor is all about you, what you enjoy, what helps you feel good, and what makes you feel more confident.
You and your mentor can spend time together doing things you enjoy, like:
Once someone refers you to The Island, a member of our team will come and meet you at home. It’s a chance for us to get to know you and understand what kind of support might help. This is also a chance for you to understand more about mentoring and make a choice about whether you want to try it out.
If we think mentoring could be a good fit, we’ll carefully match you with a volunteer mentor, someone we think you’ll get along with and have things in common with.
After you’re introduced, you’ll meet your mentor once a week for at least 6 months. You’ll spend time together doing things you enjoy, chatting, playing games, or trying new activities.
After your first few sessions, we'll check in to see how you're finding it, and whether you're enjoying time with your mentor. The process is 100% lead by you and your experience, so if mentoring isn't working, we will keeping supporting you until it feels right for you.
It’s all about helping you feel more confident, supported, and like the best version of you.
What can I do with a mentor?
The sessions are led by you, so you can do whatever you feel like!
You can do activities like putt golf, bowling or trampolining, or maybe you prefer to go to cafes and craft!
We will give you an activity guide when you first meet your mentor to give you some ideas about what you may want to do.
Is it like school or counselling?
No! It’s not school and its not therapy.
Mentoring is just someone who listens, cares and is there to do fun activities with you.
You can talk to your mentor about whatever is on your mind, including school, friends, feelings or just everyday stuff.
Will my mentor tell other people what we talk about?
What you talk about with your mentor is confidential and private.
They will only tell someone what you have talked about if they are worried about your safety.
We have a duty to keep you safe.
What if I feel nervous?
It is totally ok to feel nervous!
Lots of young people when they first meet their mentor feel nervous.
We will help you feel comfortable and make sure you’re matched with someone who is kind and understanding.
How long will it last?
You will meet your mentor once a week for at least 6-months.
It may be longer then 6-months because of holidays and sickness.
Can I choose my mentor?
The Island will choose a mentor that we think you will get along with.
We will get to know you and potential mentors. We will match you with someone who likes the same things as you.
What if I don't want to talk?
That’s ok!
You might not always want to talk if you don't want to.
You can just hang out with your mentor, do something fun, or take your time.
Your mentor will be ready to listen when you are ready to talk.
Will I meet my mentor alone?
Your mentor will pick you up from your home, take you out somewhere in York and then drop you back off at your home after your session.
You will have your session in safe places that you feel happy to attend, like parks, cafes or bowling.
The sessions are led by you, so you wont be made to do anything you don't want to do.
What if I can not make my session one week?
We understand that sometimes you may not be able to make a session because you are away, unwell or have other plans.
That is ok, but make sure your parent or carer lets the mentor know in good time.
What if I have questions or worries?
You can always talk to someone at The Island team.
We are here to help and make sure everything goes smoothly.
You can call us 01904 628449 or email us at enquiries@theislandyork.org
I didn't have one favourite activity, I just loved everything that we did together because it gave me a chance to get out of my house. I really trusted my mentor if I needed to talk about something too.
Former Mentee