York St John champions local mentoring charity The Island

The Island, a York-based charity established in 2007, offers one-to-one and school-based mentoring for children aged between 8-13 years and children with disabilities aged up to 18 years.

York St John University is committed to ensuring the long-term sustainability, growth and development of The Island’s important work in making a difference to the lives of vulnerable children in the York area. The networking event, titled: Serving Children and the Community through Voluntary Mentoring Relationships, will provide a valuable insight into the impact of mentoring from distinguished speakers, including Anne-Wafula Strike MBE, Paralympian, author and disability advocate and Professor Bob Garvey, international authority on mentoring.

The conference, which is free to delegates from across the region, will be opened by the Vice-Chancellor of York St John University Professor Karen Stanton, who said:

“The Island’s mission and purpose very much chimes with York St John’s values which seek to be inclusive, innovative and transformative and are deeply rooted within the communities we serve. I hope this conference will highlight the impact of mentoring relationships and undivided attention as the ‘islands of time and space’ that many young people need to increase their confidence and self-esteem and move forward in their lives”.

The Island has a waiting list of children who would benefit from mentors who have the ability to listen, and who feel they can develop a positive rapport with children and young people in an honest, challenging and non-judgemental way. All prospective volunteer mentors receive training, support and supervision and all necessary safeguarding checks are carried out.

If you would like more information about The Island or on becoming a mentor, please visit The Island website or call 01904 628449.