The Island N1

2009/10 has been an extremely exciting
time for The Island N1, a charity providing a
mentoring service to vulnerable 8-13 year-olds in York. A year ago, 18 young people were receiving support from volunteer mentors. Today, the number has reached 35, 11 of whom are disabled young people. Week by week, referrals continue to be made by a wide range of agencies and individuals – The Island's aim is to meet this need.

Activities form the backdrop to weekly mentoring sessions, offering young people 'islands of space and time' away from their problems where they can feel safe in talking about their feelings, fears and aspirations, and in developing new skills and interests. Responding to feedback from mentors and mentees, The Island has organised group cookery sessions using the Food Technology facilities at a local school, and has also acquired a city-centre allotment plot. By fusing these two ventures together, mentees will have the enriching opportunity of cooking using produce they have grown themselves. Additionally, The Island has run group excursions to the Stephen Joseph Theatre, and to The Deep Submarium in Hull – both valuable cultural and educational experiences for the young people.

For more information, please contact The Island on 01904 628449, or e-mail theislandn1@btinternet.com   

Alternatively, visit www.theislandn1.org.uk