The Isle of Wight has been announced as the next location to benefit from an award-winning, free mentoring programme for 16-and 17-year-olds who are experiencing disadvantage.
Goal 17, a national provider of youth mentoring services, has announced its expansion into the area and that they intend to make dozens of free places available via local youth organisation and school referrals up until March 2025.
Adults from across the Isle of Wight and South Coast are also invited to join the programme as volunteer mentors, enjoying networking and training opportunities, as well as an unforgettable experience working with a local young person.
Brian Hammersley a current mentor on the programme, said:
“We want to shine a light on the incredible potential these young people have and show them that there’s a community behind them, cheering them on. Mentorship is more than just guidance – it’s about giving someone the confidence to dream big and the tools to achieve those dreams.”
On the programme, young people are matched one-to-one with a fully trained adult mentor and they work together across a six-session structured programme, identifying and delivering a specific community-focused goal which can include organising a local event, volunteering, or launching an awareness campaign.
Recognising the distinct challenges for young people on the island, Joe Redston, Isle of Wight-based business said:
“I’ve worked with Goal 17 since they started and have seen first hand the effect their mentoring programmes can have. With a third of children growing up in poverty on the Isle of Wight, the need for this kind of mentoring has never been higher. Having the support and guidance of a mentor can make a massive difference to the confidence, perspectives and trajectory of a young person – you really can change someone’s life.
Article continues below this advertisement “This is a brilliant opportunity for the Island and Islanders, so I’d urge everyone to consider being a part of this amazing programme!”
The free programme is sponsored by the National Citizen Service (NCS) and is designed to create a multi-generational experience that empowers both young people and their mentors.
Anyone who is interested in learning about volunteering a couple of hours a month as a mentor or any organisation or school who would like to access free mentoring support for the young people, they work with can find out more information and register on the project website, www.goal17/global/ncs
